Need help/ideas

[Monica1020]

I'm not a professional but no one answered me in the non-pro area, so I'm posting this question here.

I've taken a one time job catering the dessert portion of a buffet for 100 people (holiday party for my friend's job). I'm thinking of choc chip cookies, press cookies (something wintery, not xmas), cheesecake bites, brownies, a bar cookie cut up, and truffles.
Do I need more of a variety and is 3-4 pieces per person enough?

I just found out and the party is next Thursday.

thanks in advance.

[pgr555]

That depends on several things: What is the rest of the menu? What are the demographics of the guests? What time of day?
pgr

[Monica1020]

100 guests; all adults-grade school teachers with board members; menu consists of pre-made sandwiches, mixed green salad and ceasar, and an assortment of italian meats and cheeses; starts at 5 PM. Its being catered by a very well known gourmet italian cheese shop/deli in Phila.

THANKS!!!

[Risque Cakes]

if it's all bite sized type of appetizer sized desserts, 3 to 4 pieces would be enough...it's about 1/4 pound per person or a little less.

1/4 pound pp sounds like a lot, but when you take those 3 to 4 bite sized pieces you'll see that it comes out to a lil less or just about 1/4 .

same as regular appetizers.

[UnCladChef]

In the past when I did buffets such as yours. I would normally have 3 dessert options set out on the buffet. Simple options such as bars, cookies, truffles, tend to go over well. However, people like to take more than 1 so I would recommend making a few extra, (I would always build that into the cost). 1 option was never enough, 2 options people would still be too picky to satisfy everyone, and with 3 options usually everyone was made happy.

Hope this helped!

[lentil]

Cover all the bases flavor-wise. Chocolate, nutty, lemon, creamy fruity, etc. You get the idea. A good selection artfully presented will be perfect.

I agree that 1/4lb is a good amount. I take a 3x3inch square and cut it into quarters diagonally, square quarters, or in 3 lengthwise fingers and serve them in muffin cups on stands or platters in varying heights.

How nice that you've been asked to do this! Have fun with it.

[Monica1020]

Thank you so much for your replies. I've decided to do lemon bars as well. I was thinking that I needed fruity.

I'm the baker that everyone comes to for desserts. I'm really excited about this opportunity. I know I won't make much but am doing it because I love to bake.

[Risque Cakes]

Originally Posted by Monica1020

Thank you so much for your replies. I've decided to do lemon bars as well. I was thinking that I needed fruity.

I'm the baker that everyone comes to for desserts. I'm really excited about this opportunity. I know I won't make much but am doing it because I love to bake.

WOW, what a great thing to hear!!! PASSION for what you do! Good luck with your desserts!

I wonder , since it's going to be catered by an Italian Deli...if there is a way to adapt a tiramisu..lol

Maybe ladyfingers with a little coffee flavored pastry cream spread on top and a swirl of Marscapone/cream cheese icing combo type thing, a mocha bean and cocoa dusting?

Maybe toasting the lady finger so that it actually becomes..."FINGER FOOD"and holds up?

[Monica1020]

I was thinking something very similar; trying to do a dessert with Italian written all over it, but....I only have til next Thurs and don't want to waste too much more time recipe testing.

Risque, I LOVE your sig quote, it made me laugh.

[GhettoRacingKid]

you could always do some merigue cookies, they are cheap and feasy to make.

[Risque Cakes]

Originally Posted by Monica1020

I was thinking something very similar; trying to do a dessert with Italian written all over it, but....I only have til next Thurs and don't want to waste too much more time recipe testing.

Risque, I LOVE your sig quote, it made me laugh.

lol, there are quick and easy ways to "cheat" the pastry cream...( not that ANYONE here would do it..lol..you can pm me if you'd like...)

[alongcame]

I am one for fresh foods. Personally speaking I would dive in for fresh fruits, but I am not one for pastries. Have you thought about adding some fresh fruits for the health conscious?

The rest sounds good

[KCZ]

An Italian-ish menu and no biscotti???

[Monica1020]

Thanks for all your replies. I really appreciate everyone who took the time to answer my questions and give me ideas.
I delivered the desserts and didn't stay for the party. My friend told me that it was a total success and everyone was happy. She said everything went over really well; one woman apparently very happily exclaimed "ohhhh, truffles!"
I ended up making pretty much exactly what I said in my original post: choc chip cookies, press cookies (used a flower shape with sanding sugar decorations), peanut butter bon-bons, bittersweet choc truffles, fruity-nutty cookie bar thing, two kinds of brownies (one salty peanut and one original), lemon squares and mini cheesecakes. It was fun!