A surprising dessert recommendation for pairing with barbecue ribs comes from Rich Parente of Clock Tower Grill in Brewster, New York. While traditional Southern options like pecan pie and peach cobbler are popular choices, Parente suggests something unexpected: a “cup o’ dirt” dessert.
Rather than the conventional sweets, Parente opts for individual cups filled with chocolate pudding, topped with crushed Oreos, and garnished with gummy worms. He explains that this playful combination evokes summertime nostalgia and provides a delightful textural contrast after enjoying tender ribs and soft side dishes.
For those interested in a larger presentation, Parente recommends creating a full dirt cake in a 13 x 9-inch pan. This involves layering crushed cookies, pudding, and whipped topping, and offers opportunities for creativity with additional toppings like gummy insects or themed decorations such as mini gardening tools.
Alternatively, for a more sophisticated twist, Parente suggests a dirt trifle. This version maintains the pudding and cookie crumb layers but introduces fresh fruit like bananas, raspberries, or strawberries. The dessert is assembled in a clear serving bowl, omitting the gummy worms for a lighter finish with perhaps a dusting of cookie crumbs or a layer of whipped cream.
Parente’s inventive dessert choices highlight the appeal of texture and contrast in culinary pairings, offering both whimsical and elegant options to conclude a barbecue meal.
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