Ahhhh, dessert.
In my world, you know it’s a special meal when there’s actually dessert. We don’t have it very often, especially dessert that’s prepared specifically for a meal, rather than just a cookie or something you happen to have in the house. (And, by the way, fruit is not a dessert.)
So what’s the debate? When the dessert happens.
In my family, we eat dessert well after the meal is finished — at least an hour after and sometimes 2 or 3 hours later, with coffee, of course. After napping, taking a walk, playing cards or a game. That way, we’re free to eat way too much for dinner before starting all over again with dessert.
In Mike’s family, dessert happens immediately. You eat your last bit of mashed potatoes, and then there’s cake, pie, ice cream — whatever — to contend with. More of a sigh than a yum. (Oh, and they’re not coffee people, so there’s that, too…)
To me, it’s just plain wrong. To Mike and my niece’s husband, waiting for dessert is just wrong.
I can see the cons of “our” way — frequently it seems you just got the dishes and leftovers all dealt with and put away and now it’s time to trot out more dishes, silverware, cups and make another mess with dessert. But the cons with the other way is that you don’t really even want dessert after you just ate a big meal. Hard to really savor it.
So, what’s your way?
This Thanksgiving, we’ll be waiting for apple-berry pie with cheddar crust and/or pumpkin pie at my sister’s house, much to Mike’s and my nephew’s chagrin. I hope your desserts are just as wonderful — whenever you eat them.
Pie…it fills the cracks of the heart. Go away, pain.
~ Kevin James (Mall Cop)
Writing by Ear 
mel said,
Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Just to weigh in on the health factor—it’s much better for your body to wait. The whole “stuffing with stuffing” thing is really hard on anybody, especially people with any glucose issues (like me). Waiting for your body to start working through all that stuff helps maintain more stable glucose levels in your bloodstream, which is a much more efficient way of burning fuel. Some dietitians even recommend eating 4–6 small meals a day instead of 3 biggies.
Last hint to all of WBE’s readers: try to include a steamed or fresh vegetable of some kind in your big meal. Not-cooked-to-death veggies have fiber, more vitamins/minerals, and will help balance the carb overload that often comes with Thanksgiving favorites. : )