By a Pro: Freeze-Dried Candy | Unusual Dessert Table Food Ideas

the idea

Put an original spin on a candy buffet by swapping well-known store-bought candies for these freeze-dried candy versions

freeze-dried Starburst fruit chews candy

the how

Decide how you plan to use / serve; as bite-size treats or a garnish (see Matt’s Tip below)
Choose individual bags by candy type, e.g Skittles, Lemonheads, M&M’s etc
Alternatively, choose selection packs with smaller bags of a range of different candies

the why

This Idea

Original; guests are often impressed by, and grateful for, something new or different
Entertaining; quirky and unexpected treats are fun for guests
Surprising; unexpected treats ensure your dessert table feels fresh and exciting
Experiential; tasting strange, unconventional, or adventurous treats / flavor combinations creates a memorable experience for party guests
Unusual; whether they love it or hate it, they certainly won’t be bored by it
Creative; adds a creative twist to a familiar / everyday treats
Wow-factor; lends a fun, exciting, and innovative feel to your dessert table
Discovery; allows guests to keep discovering new and notable elements as party unfolds
Talking point; guests will discuss and share, which creates buzz and atmosphere
Memorable; guests remember creative, unusual, or unexpected elements
Different; a less common dessert table treat to impress guests
Bestseller; an idea that’s proved popular with many of my site’s visitors

the why

variety of dessert table treats

Feeding v Entertaining; special event party food should have two objectives:
Feeding; 70% should be crowd-pleasing, familiar, and palatable ‘safe’ options intended to leave guests feeling well-fed
Entertaining; 30% should be to treat your guests, surprise them, indulge them, impress them, share experiences with them, and even help them discover new things
Unusual; 10% of that 30% should be quirky, unfamiliar, adventurous, fun treats that get people talking
Visual; 10% of that 30% should be visually arresting treats that contribute to presentation and add wow factor
Favorite things; 10% of that 30% should be treats that reflect your own personality and taste

freeze-dried pink strawberry salt walter taffy

ADVICE FROM A PRO

Matt’s tip

“For quirky and unusual treats, that lots of party guests will likely want to try, I’d recommend serving them in a way that helps controls portion size.

If you just put these out in a bowl, guest are likely to scoop up a handful, and there might not be enough to go around.

One way to do this is to serve a few freeze-dried candies on individual tasting spoons (see my post here) or novelty mini treat containers, trays, and stands (see my post here).

Alternatively, use as a garnish or topping for cupcakes or desserts served in disposable shooter glasses (see here), dessert cups (see here), mini mugs (see here), or martini glasses (see here).

Be sure to check out my other post about freeze-dried ice cream.”