By Debra Kirkham
Have you ever wondered why we have a spoon and a fork above the dessert plate? Have you ever pondered why we have dessert at the end of the meal and where it came from other than the kitchen? Well, we have a story for you. The colonists came up with the name dessert as every one deserted the table after the main course. Dessert then became a very enjoyable part of the meal as many would be inspired to stay through the meal just to have dessert and then to have cordials and listen to music. The dessert was created to bring more conversation, presence and continuity to the table where we gather together for celebration, encouragement, inspiration, comfort and yes, it was the enjoyable flavors that did the magic in making it happen…..apple pie, creme brûlée, chocolate cake, etc. YUM!
Dessert makes the meal last longer and the conversation blossom into cheer or taper into a pleasured silence with each delightful bite. If desired, we can also compliment the moment and the dessert with either a tea or cappuccino. Yes, adding dessert to the dining experience makes for spectacular events also in your home with pleasure. The proper way to eat most desserts is with a spoon and fork. The following are some tips:
- Slide the fork with your left hand and the spoon with the right hand to the side of the dessert plate ( the fork to the left of the plate, and the spoon to the right of the plate
- You may use both or only one of the utensils for your dessert depending on the ingredients. Sometimes you may need to use a knife.
- Hold your spoon and cut into the dessert with the fork; place your fork on the edge of your plate and then use your spoon to eat the dessert
FAQs
The proper way to eat most desserts is with a spoon and fork. The following are some tips: Slide the fork with your left hand and the spoon with the right hand to the side of the dessert plate ( the fork to the left of the plate, and the spoon to the right of the plate.
What is the etiquette for eating desserts? ›
Cutting and Eating
Cut your dessert into small, manageable pieces. Take small bites to savor the flavor and avoid talking with your mouth full. Eating slowly not only shows good manners but also allows you to enjoy the dessert more thoroughly.
Where do you put the dessert spoon and fork? ›
The dessert spoon is placed closest to the plate on the right, and the dessert fork, just to the left of the plate so that they are the last pieces of flatware employed while dining. This will allow you to savour your pudding!
Should dessert be eaten with a spoon? ›
When eating a soft dessert, use a spoon and use your fork for garnishes such as berries. Pie, cake, pastries; any dessert served with ice cream can be eaten with either or both a dessert fork and spoon.
What is the dessert spoon and fork used for? ›
The spoon first serves as a knife and the fork is used to steady the solid portion of the dessert. The spoon is then re-positioned in the right hand, holding in 'pencil' position. The fork becomes a 'mover' assisting in positioning both the cake and the ice cream on the spoon.
How to eat dessert properly? ›
You may use both or only one of the utensils for your dessert depending on the ingredients. Sometimes you may need to use a knife. Hold your spoon and cut into the dessert with the fork; place your fork on the edge of your plate and then use your spoon to eat the dessert.
Do you eat dessert first or last? ›
Does It Matter If You Eat Dessert First? From a nutrient absorption perspective, it does not matter whether you eat your dessert before or after your meal. Your body will absorb a similar amount of nutrients whether you eat dessert pre or post-meal.
How to eat cake etiquette? ›
She continued: 'If you are served a dry cake, such as a pound cake, you would tear it into small bitesize pieces with your fingers, and then neatly eat with your hands. 'A moist cake, for example, a cheesecake, you would use a fork and a spoon if required.
What is the difference between a dessert spoon and a regular spoon? ›
A dessert spoon is a spoon designed specifically for eating dessert and sometimes used for soup or cereals. Similar in size to a soup spoon (intermediate between a teaspoon and a tablespoon) but with an oval rather than round bowl, it typically has a capacity around twice that of a teaspoon.
Do you eat pudding with a spoon or fork? ›
Pudding is eaten with a small desert spoon. You will not eat your jello with a fork.
This means that using a dessert fork only is not sufficient as the liquid texture could drip through the fork. Instead, we should use a spoon for both cutting and eating, with the possible assistance from a fork to minimize the mess this dessert can create on a plate.
Which way do dessert spoons go? ›
Forks should be set to the left of the plate, with knives placed to the right, blade edges facing inwards Soup spoons should be placed on the right of the knives. 3. Place the dessert fork and dessert spoon above the plate, with the fork prongs facing right and the spoon bowl facing left.
What does a dessert fork look like? ›
Dessert Fork
Slightly smaller than the salad fork, it's also called a pastry fork or pie fork. This fork may have three or four tines, and the left tine will be larger than the others, with a flattened edge. This allows the user to hold a plate in the left hand and cut through pastry with the left edge.
Why do Americans use fork instead of spoon? ›
A number of traditional American meals use whole cuts of meat and potatoes, rather than it being cut into chunks or bite-sized pieces. As a result, the tendency of dining etiquette leans more toward the fork being preferred over the spoon.
Does it matter when you eat dessert? ›
Sweet treats, particularly in combination with a heavy meal, could lead to acid reflux, upset stomach and heartburn. Some people discover that sweets before bed energize them at the same time they're winding down for sleep.
Why do some people eat dessert first? ›
Ultimately, dessert before a meal makes me feel satisfied. Having dessert first is the same idea that people like to have breakfast foods at night. It is unconventional, but it is fun. It makes you feel in control of life and reminds you not to take things so seriously and how society has presented them to us.
Is it rude to bring dessert to a restaurant? ›
Most have no problem with this, but a few do. They may charge you a cutting and plating fee, which is fair. They provided plates, you take extra time at the table, it works out. Don't forget to tip your wait staff for the extra work.