Good dessert to bring as a guest

[Anonymous]

How is this thread nine pages long? 😂

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is why I’d never ask a guest to bring dessert!

What about it offends you?

Nothing about it offends me. Just realizing that my idea of a good dessert is much different than most people’s here, so I’d be happier making or procuring it myself. And then I’d know that it would make sense with the rest of the meal and probably exceed expectations.

NP. Most people here are suggesting things that will appeal to children, because that’s what the OP was asking for. I’ll save the gourmet desserts for a dinner party with other adults; brownies are just fine for a potluck with kids.

Actually the ask was for things that would appeal to *both* children and adults (and the event wasn’t described as a potluck). FWIW, my initial response was seasonal fruit crisp or citrus cake with berries. Not gourmet but different/more festive than brownies or cookies which, you’re right, are default choices for school potlucks.

Thank you. Too bad so many people see a statement like this and just laser focus on the "children" part.

It sounds like OP’s choice was well-received, so I guess she chose a good option for both adults and kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have terrific recipes for brownies and bloodies, so I usually bring one of those.

Rice Krispie treats are also great, but I add extra butter.

I am in search of and haven't found a great blondie recipe. If you're willing to share, I would really appreciate it!

NP but I love these: https://smittenkitchen.com/2006/11/blondies/

I'm the PP who originally mentioned blondies, and I use this one: https://www.thekitchn.com/brown-butter-blondies-22955961

They're divine. A little work to brown the butter properly, but it's so worth it. I underbake them a tad, too.

Funny, the 2 recipes are nearly identical including the browned butter. The main difference is the Kitchn recipe uses baking powder and the SK recipe does not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is why I’d never ask a guest to bring dessert!

What about it offends you?

Nothing about it offends me. Just realizing that my idea of a good dessert is much different than most people’s here, so I’d be happier making or procuring it myself. And then I’d know that it would make sense with the rest of the meal and probably exceed expectations.

NP. Most people here are suggesting things that will appeal to children, because that’s what the OP was asking for. I’ll save the gourmet desserts for a dinner party with other adults; brownies are just fine for a potluck with kids.

Actually the ask was for things that would appeal to *both* children and adults (and the event wasn’t described as a potluck). FWIW, my initial response was seasonal fruit crisp or citrus cake with berries. Not gourmet but different/more festive than brownies or cookies which, you’re right, are default choices for school potlucks.

Thank you. Too bad so many people see a statement like this and just laser focus on the "children" part.

It sounds like OP’s choice was well-received, so I guess she chose a good option for both adults and kids.

I wasn’t being critical of OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How is this thread nine pages long? 😂

I think it’s because it turned into a discussion of hospitality and feeding kids (vs adults vs kids and adults) rather than simply responses to a recipe request.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have terrific recipes for brownies and bloodies, so I usually bring one of those.

Rice Krispie treats are also great, but I add extra butter.

I am in search of and haven't found a great blondie recipe. If you're willing to share, I would really appreciate it!

NP but I love these: https://smittenkitchen.com/2006/11/blondies/

I'm the PP who originally mentioned blondies, and I use this one: https://www.thekitchn.com/brown-butter-blondies-22955961

They're divine. A little work to brown the butter properly, but it's so worth it. I underbake them a tad, too.

Funny, the 2 recipes are nearly identical including the browned butter. The main difference is the Kitchn recipe uses baking powder and the SK recipe does not.

That's hilarious! Seems like a good sign with SK and the Kitchn agree

-Kitchn recipe PP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is why I’d never ask a guest to bring dessert!

What about it offends you?

Nothing about it offends me. Just realizing that my idea of a good dessert is much different than most people’s here, so I’d be happier making or procuring it myself. And then I’d know that it would make sense with the rest of the meal and probably exceed expectations.

NP. Most people here are suggesting things that will appeal to children, because that’s what the OP was asking for. I’ll save the gourmet desserts for a dinner party with other adults; brownies are just fine for a potluck with kids.

Actually the ask was for things that would appeal to *both* children and adults (and the event wasn’t described as a potluck). FWIW, my initial response was seasonal fruit crisp or citrus cake with berries. Not gourmet but different/more festive than brownies or cookies which, you’re right, are default choices for school potlucks.

DP and one of the brownies/blondies posters: I'll sometimes do a cake with fresh fruit in summer, especially if I've just gone berry picking. I love seasonal fruit crisps/crumbles, but they can be *so* messy when kids are involved. That's part of the consideration for me, too. A nice dense cake with fresh fruit may be a good compromise where kids are concerned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is why I’d never ask a guest to bring dessert!

What about it offends you?

Nothing about it offends me. Just realizing that my idea of a good dessert is much different than most people’s here, so I’d be happier making or procuring it myself. And then I’d know that it would make sense with the rest of the meal and probably exceed expectations.

NP. Most people here are suggesting things that will appeal to children, because that’s what the OP was asking for. I’ll save the gourmet desserts for a dinner party with other adults; brownies are just fine for a potluck with kids.

Actually the ask was for things that would appeal to *both* children and adults (and the event wasn’t described as a potluck). FWIW, my initial response was seasonal fruit crisp or citrus cake with berries. Not gourmet but different/more festive than brownies or cookies which, you’re right, are default choices for school potlucks.

DP and one of the brownies/blondies posters: I'll sometimes do a cake with fresh fruit in summer, especially if I've just gone berry picking. I love seasonal fruit crisps/crumbles, but they can be *so* messy when kids are involved. That's part of the consideration for me, too. A nice dense cake with fresh fruit may be a good compromise where kids are concerned.

Never had that problem wrt crisps (and have found brownie crumbs ground into the rug, lol)! But a lot of this comes down to how many kids, what’s the age range, are people sitting at a table while eating, mixed-age table vs age-segregated, indoors vs outdoors, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is why I’d never ask a guest to bring dessert!

What about it offends you?

Nothing about it offends me. Just realizing that my idea of a good dessert is much different than most people’s here, so I’d be happier making or procuring it myself. And then I’d know that it would make sense with the rest of the meal and probably exceed expectations.

NP. Most people here are suggesting things that will appeal to children, because that’s what the OP was asking for. I’ll save the gourmet desserts for a dinner party with other adults; brownies are just fine for a potluck with kids.

Actually the ask was for things that would appeal to *both* children and adults (and the event wasn’t described as a potluck). FWIW, my initial response was seasonal fruit crisp or citrus cake with berries. Not gourmet but different/more festive than brownies or cookies which, you’re right, are default choices for school potlucks.

DP and one of the brownies/blondies posters: I'll sometimes do a cake with fresh fruit in summer, especially if I've just gone berry picking. I love seasonal fruit crisps/crumbles, but they can be *so* messy when kids are involved. That's part of the consideration for me, too. A nice dense cake with fresh fruit may be a good compromise where kids are concerned.

Never had that problem wrt crisps (and have found brownie crumbs ground into the rug, lol)! But a lot of this comes down to how many kids, what’s the age range, are people sitting at a table while eating, mixed-age table vs age-segregated, indoors vs outdoors, etc.

Sure. But I hear kids and think at least elementary age or younger, and I don't trust them to sit at the table and neatly eat a blackberry crisp or something without at least some of it staining something. If the OP had said teens, it would be different. I think most people would consider a goopy (if delicious) berry dessert messier than a sturdy brownie or cookie.

But really, anyone who would turn their nose up at a homemade brownie or blondie or cookie or whatever isn't worth the time it takes to make those things. We invite friends over for meals to enjoy their company, not huff at their food choices ("exceed expectations"? really?). This event wasn't a meal for select foodies, FFS. You can pass on a given dessert and not act snooty about it.

[Anonymous]

Plain vanilla, nothing bundt cake.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:+1 to the Rice Krispies treats suggested earlier.

However, the salted brown butter version is a lot tastier, only a bit more work, and appeals to both kids & adults. Our friends *demanded* that we bring them to the pool for potlucks in the before-times.

https://smittenkitchen.com/2009/11/salted-brown-butter-crispy-treats/

I used to send these to preschool for birthdays and the teachers started asking me to make them. So good!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is why I’d never ask a guest to bring dessert!

What about it offends you?

Nothing about it offends me. Just realizing that my idea of a good dessert is much different than most people’s here, so I’d be happier making or procuring it myself. And then I’d know that it would make sense with the rest of the meal and probably exceed expectations.

NP. Most people here are suggesting things that will appeal to children, because that’s what the OP was asking for. I’ll save the gourmet desserts for a dinner party with other adults; brownies are just fine for a potluck with kids.

Actually the ask was for things that would appeal to *both* children and adults (and the event wasn’t described as a potluck). FWIW, my initial response was seasonal fruit crisp or citrus cake with berries. Not gourmet but different/more festive than brownies or cookies which, you’re right, are default choices for school potlucks.

DP and one of the brownies/blondies posters: I'll sometimes do a cake with fresh fruit in summer, especially if I've just gone berry picking. I love seasonal fruit crisps/crumbles, but they can be *so* messy when kids are involved. That's part of the consideration for me, too. A nice dense cake with fresh fruit may be a good compromise where kids are concerned.

Never had that problem wrt crisps (and have found brownie crumbs ground into the rug, lol)! But a lot of this comes down to how many kids, what’s the age range, are people sitting at a table while eating, mixed-age table vs age-segregated, indoors vs outdoors, etc.

Sure. But I hear kids and think at least elementary age or younger, and I don't trust them to sit at the table and neatly eat a blackberry crisp or something without at least some of it staining something. If the OP had said teens, it would be different. I think most people would consider a goopy (if delicious) berry dessert messier than a sturdy brownie or cookie.

But really, anyone who would turn their nose up at a homemade brownie or blondie or cookie or whatever isn't worth the time it takes to make those things. We invite friends over for meals to enjoy their company, not huff at their food choices ("exceed expectations"? really?). This event wasn't a meal for select foodies, FFS. You can pass on a given dessert and not act snooty about it.

OP here. I went the brownies because I happen to know this family that invited us loves them. It was just my family and theirs. The kids outnumbered adults. I added ganache as a nod to make it slightly more special but still appealing to the kids. When I go to a larger gathering with more adults than kids I will usually bring two desserts: one more sophisticated and one plain brownie or cookies for kids or anyone else

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Something that doesn’t require refrigerator space when you get there. So a layer cake, a pie, petit fours, etc. Not everyone has a mega fridge or a backup, and if there’s a party, it may be full already.

Yes to this. And nothing that requires too much effort or assembly. If I ask my mother to bring one dessert, she'll being three and at least one will require ice cream or heating/baking or putting on icing right before serving. All while I am trying to balance 10 other tasks in my kitchen. Just focus on easy to serve and you will be fine. I vote for a selection of bars--maybe one fruit and one non-fruit and one chocolate. I personally love these and they are so easy:

https://sugarspunrun.com/snickerdoodle-blondies/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have terrific recipes for brownies and bloodies, so I usually bring one of those.

Rice Krispie treats are also great, but I add extra butter.

I am in search of and haven't found a great blondie recipe. If you're willing to share, I would really appreciate it!

NP but I love these: https://smittenkitchen.com/2006/11/blondies/

I'm the PP who originally mentioned blondies, and I use this one: https://www.thekitchn.com/brown-butter-blondies-22955961

They're divine. A little work to brown the butter properly, but it's so worth it. I underbake them a tad, too.

Thank you both! I’m going to try them this weekend.

[Anonymous]

Depends who the audience is.

Kids/family/female fiends?