Dessert spoon

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Dessert spoon

A dessert spoon is a type of spoon used primarily for eating desserts. It is typically larger than a teaspoon but smaller than a tablespoon. The dessert spoon is a common piece of cutlery in many cultures and is often included in a standard place setting.

Design and Usage

The dessert spoon is designed to be the perfect size for enjoying a variety of desserts, such as ice cream, pudding, custard, and fruit salad. It usually has a capacity of about 10 milliliters, which is slightly more than a teaspoon but less than a tablespoon. The bowl of the dessert spoon is oval-shaped, making it suitable for scooping and eating soft or semi-solid foods.

Materials

Dessert spoons can be made from various materials, including stainless steel, silver, and plastic. High-quality dessert spoons are often made from stainless steel or silver, which are durable and resistant to corrosion. Plastic dessert spoons are commonly used for casual dining or outdoor events.

History

The use of specialized spoons for different courses of a meal dates back to the Victorian era, when elaborate place settings and formal dining etiquette were highly valued. The dessert spoon became a standard part of the place setting during this time, reflecting the importance of dessert in a formal meal.

Place Setting

In a formal place setting, the dessert spoon is typically placed above the dinner plate, parallel to the edge of the table. It may also be placed to the right of the plate, alongside the dessert fork. The placement of the dessert spoon can vary depending on the specific dining customs and traditions of a region.

Related Utensils

• Teaspoon: Smaller than a dessert spoon, used for stirring tea or coffee and eating small desserts.
• Tablespoon: Larger than a dessert spoon, used for serving and eating larger portions of food.
• Soup spoon: A spoon with a round bowl, used for eating soup.

See Also

• Cutlery
• Place setting
• Victorian era
• Dining etiquette