Simply delightful

Published 9:05 am Friday, September 16, 2011

A sweet treat always puts the finishing touch on any delicious meal, so why not end it with a delectable dessert that is easy as pie to prepare, requires no baking and little cooking?

From sinfully rich to light and refreshing, incredible desserts can be prepared without heating up the kitchen.

Nancy Guillotte gets as much pleasure from creating new and scrumptious desserts as her friends and family do from eating them.

The New Iberia resident believes any good meal should end with a little something sweet, whether it is a show stopping dessert or one that is simple, light and refreshing.

“It is easy to get a sugar fix without heating up the kitchen and still have a dessert that will have guests taking a second look, as well as asking for seconds,” said Guillotte.

“I’m always on the lookout for new dessert recipes that don’t require any baking time, but still look like you’ve worked in the kitchen for hours to prepare.”

Guillotte said one of her favorite dessert recipes is “Over the Top Strawberries.”

Stuffed with a luscious cream cheese and fruit mixture, all dressed up in chocolate and nuts, the strawberries are turned into a scrumptious dessert that requires no cooking or baking,” she said as she carefully dipped each plump berry in chocolate.

“Half the fun of making these stuffed strawberries is sharing them with friends and family. I’ll probably bring some of these over to my friends at the bank,” she said.

Guillotte said she is always looking for a way to improve a recipe.

“When someone mentioned chocolate dipped strawberries, I started thinking the berries would be better filled with something. Then I decided to add the nuts and then I thought that would even better if the pecans were toasted. It is all about being creative and adapting a recipe to your own taste,” she said.

Rena Clay, a regular contributor to The Daily Iberian/Cajun Sugar Co-op Cajun/Creole Cookbook, said she often turns to a no-bake dessert when she is short on time.

One of Clay’s favorites is the “Tiramisu Bowl.” A small amont of brewed coffee, semi-sweet chocolate, pudding and fresh raspberries provides a unique taste that will satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.

“You can satisfy your sweet tooth without heating up the kitchen. The tiramisu can be made into a really elegant dessert by placing it in layers in a trifle bowl and garnishing the top. The recipe calls for brewed coffee at this gives it a distinct taste. It’s always nice to have a dessert recipe on hand that is easy to make and you don’t have to turn the oven on to heat up the kitchen,” she said.

“I often make Pina Colada Tarts using the pre-baked mini graham crusts tins. They can be garnished with limes, cherries, shredded coconut and nuts. Guests will think you’ve been in the kitchen all day preparing this wonderful dessert.”