How to fake a homemade dessert for a party?

Question

Ok, I am not trying to be deceitful (well, not too much). I have my husband's holiday party to attend Saturday and all the women are expected to bake a great dessert. I have cancer and I have kept it hidden from all but our closest family and friends, but I don't have the energy to bake like I used to. Any tips on how to take a store bought or bakery cake or dessert and make it look not "too perfect" or any other ideas? Please, no sarcasm. This may sound old fashioned, but it is a military event and it is a stupid tradition at this party. Thanks.

Answer 1

I know it's not exactly what you were asking, but how about a non-baked desert like a tiramisu? It's a bit exotic, a bit creamy, very decadent and satisfying and best of all, as it needs chilling you can even do it in batches and take a rest if you get tired.

I made this recipe last New Year and guests really loved it. I decorate with grated milk chocolate.

I hope you get to enjoy the party too at the end of the day. Happy Christmas.

http://www.circlecity.co.uk/kitchen/recipes/italian_tiramisu.php

Answer 2

Buy a bakery cake and decorate it yourself. Or find someone who makes cakes at home to sell. Some people do this as a way to raise money for church or charity, and if you just ask some neighbors, you can probably find one. Or get a sympathetic family member to bake something for you. That way you can be completely up front about it: "My mother's so much better at baking than I am that I just had to let you sample something of hers!"

Or here's a slightly different suggestion: Buy a crumb piecrust and fill it with some special flavor of ice cream--like eggnog or peppermint for the season. Soften the ice cream just enough to fit it into the crust and then freeze it again until you're ready to leave for the party. Very easy!

Answer 3

You know, it is hard to make all of these things at home. And, if you're not a great cook, or don't enjoy it, it's no fun. Don't feel bad about baking it.

I'd put it on a plate from home, for starters, and do the saranwrap thing. Based on what it is, you can put cut fresh fruit on the side, maybe some florals, something to dress that plate up. If you can't do the home plate, you can buy a nice "throw-away" type plate at the grocery store and still dress it up with chocolates and odds/ends. You can also buy a sponge cake and make eggnog or make hot chocolate to bring with. It still has the home touch if you make one element.

Answer 4

I'm an Air Force wife - I know just what you're talking about!

Go with Triffle!
Take a white cake or angel food cake and cut it up - dump half into a pretty bowl. (Walmart sells a great triffle bowl - the bowl with an attached stand - makes a very pretty presentation)
Add vanilla pudding (pre made in those little tubs - takes two)
Add a fruit - cherry pie filling/strawberry pie filling....
Layer remaining cut up cake -more pudding (two more) - more fruit - top with cool whip and cut up or grate a hershey bar - let it sit for a good two hours before serving.
Gorgeous! Tastes good too.

Answer 5

Select a bakery cake that looks reasonable for a home cook. If you visit the bakery ahead of time, you could even select a cake and ask them to make you a version without extra decoration on top. Stick to a high end bakery which will use all "real" ingredients rather than commercial shortcuts.

Pick up a box of raspberries and maybe a few sprigs of mint. Make your own decorations with berries surrounded by a couple of mint leaves.

Actually, bakeries are used to custom orders. Just drop by and ask for their suggestions. Tell them you want it to look like you made it and explain why (or not). I'm sure they can accommodate you.

If you don't already own a cake tray with a lid, pick one up. The box will be a dead givaway.

Answer 6

I'd say go to a gourmet food store like Whole Foods or Balduccis (if you have one in your area) and get a dessert tray from them. Although they are upscale, they usually have more concern about the quality of the product and most things look homemade. Its worth a try!

Answer 7

Here is a good recipe..very easy..simple and it is a cheat on a more complicated recipe: Kalachy (fruit topped cookies). You can make these any reasonable size (canning jar lid size or smaller).

Dough: 2 Cups Bisquick 1 Cup Sour Cream

Mix together. Roll out on floured surface. Cut into circles (stars or whatever). Place on UN-GREASED baking sheet. Gently press center causing small dent. Spoon filling on top and bake at 350 degrees for about 7 minutes (or pale golden brown on bottoms and tops. Remove from oven and place on waxed paper. Sprinkle with sifted powdered sugar.

Use cherry pie filling, lemon pie filling, almond, prune, blueberry fillings. This goes fast and easy.... and ask a friend to help too... these are pretty and delicious... your friend will thank you for letting you help! I do this every year by myself or with others.

Answer 8

Sorry to hear you have cancer but respect your wishes to play it down and keeping it private. Anyway, not sure if you're based in the UK. If you are and you are near to Morrisons, they do several very large sponges which you could add cream and fresh fruit to. They also look and taste homemade. Failing that, how about buying a pastry or sponge flan case and fill it yourself with gelatine and fresh fruit. No cooking (apart from melting the gelatine), quick and easy and doesn't cost too much either. Good luck!

Answer 9

Buy frozen pie crust, a pie tin, and canned pie filling. All you have to do is assemble and bake - and it's truly homemade.

If no time (or energy) for that, then just buy a pie. It's impossible to tell a store or bakery pie from home made.

Answer 10

Buy some cupcakes at the bakery, then tint a can of vanilla frosting with a few drops of green food coloring.

Frost the cupcakes and dust them lightly with Christmas sprinkles. Arrange them in a circle on a pretty plate or platter, then scatter some small Christmas ornaments around them. Add a big red bow, and voila!

Instant edible Christmas wreath, and you can honestly say you made it yourself! :)

PS. I hope you recover quickly and easily. Sending good thoughts your way.