Dessert is a course that typically comes at the end of a dinner, usually consisting of sweet food but sometimes of a strongly-flavored one, such as some cheeses. The word comes from the Old French desservir, "to clear the table."

The word dessert is most commonly used in Ireland, U.S., Canada, Australia (and in France), while sweet, pudding or afters would be more typical in the UK and some other Commonwealth countries for this course. According to Debrett's, pudding is the proper term, dessert is only to be used if the course consists of fruit, and sweet is colloquial.

Dessert as a standard part of a Western meal is a relatively recent development. Before the 19th-century rise of the middle class, and the mechanization of the sugar industry, sweets were a privilege of the aristocracy, or a rare holiday treat. As sugar became cheaper and more readily available, the development and popularity of desserts spread accordingly.

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L.A. Times - Food & Dining

The story behind Philippe's and its famous French dip
Sun, 05 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700
The Los Angeles landmark will celebrate its centennial Monday with dignitaries, the founder's grandson and slashed prices. Philippe's, home of the French dip sandwich, turns 100 this year, and for much of the last century local historians and foodies have been arguing over one question: How was the dish created?
A movable feast day
Wed, 19 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800
As the end of Ramadam -- Islam's holiest month -- is celebrated around the world, this week's Encore recipe from 2005 takes a look at other festive dishes that are traditional to the Muslim table. Tomorrow night is the beginning of Eid al-Adha, the Muslim holiday corresponding to the final day of the Mecca pilgrimage. Non-Muslims are probably more familiar with Eid al-Fitr, which ends the Ramadan fast, but Eid al-Adha -- the Feast of the Sacrifice -- is actually the more important celebration. It's also known as the Great Feast (Eid al-Kabir).
Home beer brewing calls to a new generation -- and to women
Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Clubs, websites and blogs are springing up as enthusiasts experiment with new brews and share what they've learned along the way. IT'S ONE of the many home brew competitions that take place around the country each year. There's the panel of certified judges, the international entrants in 28 categories of beer and mead -- and there's the hops-filled afternoon of sipping and scribbling until a winner is crowned.

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