Christmas products: Desserts

Mulled Wine and Champagne-flavoured sorbets​

New Forest Ice Cream has developed three new flavours for Christmas or New Year's Eve party menus. Champagne and Mulled Wine-flavoured sorbets will both be available throughout December and could be included on the menu as an amuse bouche. Apple Strudel flavour ice cream, with a hint of cinnamon and sultana, will also be available, adding a twist to traditional festive flavours. Christina Veal, director at New Forest Ice Cream, said: “We wanted to highlight that ice cream and sorbets are just as important during the festive season as they are throughout the summer. With our festive and celebratory ice cream and sorbets, I believe they will offer that important point of difference for caterers.”

Frozen tårta​

Swedish baker Almondy has launched a frozen tårta (Swedish for cake), for the festive season. Available in 12 pre-cut slices, the cake defrosts in minutes, saving caterers valuable time. The cake comprises an almond base layered with cream and a variety of toppings such as Toblerone or Daim bar chunks. Seasonal winter fruits and berries such as cranberries, figs and pomegranates can also be used to top the cakes for a festive feel. Andrew Ely, managing director of Almondy UK, said: “It’s perfect for Christmas catering, which is often the busiest time of the year. You can simply remove a slice from the frozen cake, leave it a few minutes to defrost and serve.”

After-late Chocolate Mint Cake and Sherry Trifle​

Aulds Delicious Desserts has released a range of Christmas desserts aimed at restaurants, hotels and pubs. Aulds Festive Cheescake is made with mincemeat, infused with orange crumb and cinnamon. The Gin and Lime Cheesecake is based on a classic gin and tonic, combining spicy ginger biscuit crumb with gin and lime flavoured topping. The After Late Chocolate Mint Cake, made with chocolate fudge cake and mint-flavoured mousse, and the Sherry Trifle, combining sherry-soaked sponge with raspberry jam, are also perfectly suited for a festive menu. The desserts are pre-cut into 14 portions, with the exception of the Sherry Trifle which is un-portioned.

Festive cheesecakes​

The English Cheesecake Company, which has been making cheesecakes for over 20 years and offers a range of 200 different cheesecakes, is launching a range of Christmas-themed cheesecakes in time for festive menus. Among the themed cheesecakes are Brandy Snap, Cool Cranberry and Lime, and Dundee Fruitcake. The cheesecakes are all handmade with a homemade look. They are delivered frozen and are pre-portioned and interleaved, so there is no wastage. Each cake offers 12 portions.