Thoughts on a cocktail and dessert for a middle-eastern menu? Or the rest of the menu?

[Anonymous]

Current menu:
Apps: zucchini fritters, homemade hummus and pita, possibly small lamb kofte, yogurt sauce for kofte and fritters
*Also weighing a borek or meat-filled dolmas instead of the kofte. Thoughts?

Dinner: Turkish beef (typically lamb) stew over eggplant puree, shepherd's salad, possibly a very small serving of red lentil soup to start and/or grilled fish skewers as an additional side/main

The menu is mostly Turkish, but I don't love most of the traditional desserts so I was thinking of dark chocolate pots de creme...just simple. Perhaps I can pick up some nice baklava somewhere for an additional dessert.

I'm at a loss for a creative cocktail. There's raki...my guests like everything from vodka, rum, sparkling, to tequila. Ideas?

[Anonymous]

Adding that there are no dietary restrictions!

[Anonymous]

I would do a nice dessert wine, personally. No ideas for desserts sorry!

[Anonymous]

I just wish I were on your guest list, OP. It all sounds so delicious!

[Anonymous]

Maybe a mint-flavored cocktail, mimicking the hot mint tea that is so commonly served in Middle Eastern countries? Turkish delight for dessert? Or something flavored with rosewater?

[Anonymous]

Baklava or something rose water flavored (for cocktail or dessert). Or dates dipped in nuts.

[Anonymous]

There are Mediterranean and Spanish style simple cakes that would work for dessert. Like an olive oil cake, or semolina cake, or even an almond torte. This is a favorite from Ottolenghi, but I usually skip the chocolate icing and keep it simple:
https://ottolenghi.co.uk/recipes/clementine-almond-syrup-cake

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe a mint-flavored cocktail, mimicking the hot mint tea that is so commonly served in Middle Eastern countries? Turkish delight for dessert? Or something flavored with rosewater?

What about mojitos? I know they’re not middle eastern but the mint/lime mimics some of the traditional flavors of middle eastern cuisine. Plus it’s easy to batch so you can make it in a pitcher, and it will look pretty with all the fruit and fresh herbs!

[Anonymous]

Good suggestions on the dessert wine and minty or rosewater cocktails. That clementine chocolate-iced cake looks like a good possibility. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Pre-COVID I used to get baklava assortments and other sweets from Yekta market in Rockville. I haven’t been in a while, but they used to have a large selection. I’m not Middle-Eastern myself, so I don’t have much basis for comparison, but I always enjoyed them and they were well received as my donation to parties (that had no connection to the Middle-East).

[Anonymous]

Something pomegranate flavored for the cocktail.

And I am voting dolmas because they are one of my very favorite foods, not that you asked.

[Anonymous]

Sutlac / rice pudding for dessert!

Cocktail...something involving pomegranate and a clear liquor (vodka?)

[Anonymous]

I am Middle Eastern.. a nice dessert that’s easy to make is Mahalabia - a milk pudding, usually with a fruit topping and pistachios. If you order one, Knafeh can be a great option.. and actually, Trader Joe’s has a frozen one that is pretty decent (make sure to make the syrup though). Places that can do a Knafeh for you- Gourmet Basket in McLean, I think the Cake Room in Adams Morgan also might still do them. If you order from Gourmet Basket, Atayef is also excellent (fried pancakes with sweet cream or cheese inside with the syrup on top).

As for cocktails- rose water is a major ingredient in many middle eastern cocktails and desserts.. in Lebanon for example, rose water lemonade with fresh mint is a staple .. you can do that and spike it, or just google cocktails with rose water.

[Anonymous]

I didn't think of a pomegranate drink! Great suggestion. Appreciate all the suggestions on where to buy Middle Eastern sweets. Super helpful!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am Middle Eastern.. a nice dessert that’s easy to make is Mahalabia - a milk pudding, usually with a fruit topping and pistachios. If you order one, Knafeh can be a great option.. and actually, Trader Joe’s has a frozen one that is pretty decent (make sure to make the syrup though). Places that can do a Knafeh for you- Gourmet Basket in McLean, I think the Cake Room in Adams Morgan also might still do them. If you order from Gourmet Basket, Atayef is also excellent (fried pancakes with sweet cream or cheese inside with the syrup on top).

As for cocktails- rose water is a major ingredient in many middle eastern cocktails and desserts.. in Lebanon for example, rose water lemonade with fresh mint is a staple .. you can do that and spike it, or just google cocktails with rose water.

Thank you! Wonderful suggestions, including where to purchase. Kunefe is one of desserts I do enjoy along with baklava.