Dessert fork: what is it for and what does it look like (photo, description)

A dessert fork is a miniature cutlery used during formal meals. It is used when it is necessary to eat dessert carefully:

• a variety of pastries (cakes, pies, fruit pies);
• souffles and soft cheeses;
• small berries with seeds (grapes);
• Creamed cocktail salads;
• large fruits (watermelon, pineapple, melon).

These dishes are commonly eaten with a dessert fork, in some cases using it along with a knife. It is not as widely used as the dessert spoon, and is most often found at buffets.

It is easy to recognize this device - it is the shortest fork offered (length 17-18 cm). Usually it has 2 or 3 small prongs. It is considered an additional appliance in the table setting. The prices for dessert forks start at 10 euros apiece. It is more profitable to take a set.

Types of dessert fork

There are several kinds of dessert fork. They differ from each other in appearance and the way they are used:

• A fork. Its rightmost tine is longer and sharpened in a certain way. With its help it is convenient to cut cakes and pastries on the plate. This device is used only in cases where the guests are standing and holding the dishes with dessert in their hands. If the plate is placed on the table, you need to use it together with the dessert knife.
• The fruit fork has two pointed prongs. It is intended only for fruits and berries (fresh or canned). Do not use it for baking.
• The classic dessert fork with three short tines is suitable for any type of dessert consumed at the table.

How to use a dessert fork correctly

Using this cutlery is not difficult. There are a few basic rules:

1. Most often the dessert fork is used together with a knife. The knife is in the right hand and the dessert fork is in the left hand.
2. If the dessert knife has not been served, it is better to hold the fork with your right hand.
3. A small piece of dessert should be separated with the rib of a fork, then pricked on the tines and gently sent into your mouth.
4. When serving the table, the dessert fork is placed behind the main course (next to the dessert spoon). In this case, its handle must always point to the left.

There are a few subtleties when using a dessert fork. For example, such desserts are eaten with a fork only, without a dessert knife:

• Soft desserts served in creamers (souffles, cheeses);
• Salads of finely chopped fruit.

To eat grapes, you have to follow this procedure:

1. Cut each berry in half.
2. Remove the bones.
3. Stab with a fork and send it to your mouth.

Remember that berries without bones should be eaten without a fork.

Similarly, large chunks of pineapples or melons are transferred one at a time to their plate and peeled. Then cut into small pieces that can easily be poked with the tines of a dessert fork.