Roast chicken and roast turkey are leaner main courses that could stand up to a rich and full-flavored chocolate dessert. Suggestions include:
{ Chocolate Chip Cake with Chocolate Glaze }
{ Mocha Cream Roll }
{ Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake }


Roast beef, pork or lamb with accents of garlic, rosemary and more robust seasonings pair well with:
{ Angel Food Cake }
{ Old-Fashioned Jelly Roll }

A good grilled steak is about as All-American as it gets. It pairs well with an All-American dessert such as:
{ Rustic Apple Pie }
{ Chocolate Pecan Caramel Tart }

Hamburgers, another All-American favorite, hot dogs and hearty sandwiches go well with a simple dessert such as:
{ Fruit Cookie Pie }
{ Oatmeal Raisin Cookies }
{ Luscious Strawberry Shortcake }


Lighter fish dishes served with a light sauce can carry something with backbone such as:
{ Individual Baked Alaska }
{ Spice Chiffon Cake }

For fish dishes with a heavier egg-based sauce like Hollandaise, avoid egg-based desserts and go with something with texture such as:
{ Festive Lemon Ring Cake }
{ Pear Almond Tart }


Pasta dishes with robust notes of garlic, tomato and rich cream sauces or a full-flavored creamy entree like lasagna, need to be followed by something crisp and with texture like:
{ Dried Cherry Almond Biscotti }
{ Individual Fruit Meringues }

Pasta dishes with vegetables and lighter sauces could handle a heartier dessert like:
{ Mocha Chocolate Mousse }
{ Chocolate Walnut Soufflé Torte }


Hearty winter stews and soups featuring lentils, roots, tomatoes, garlic and mushrooms go well with:
{ Easy Apple Strudel }
{ No-Bake Lemon Lime Mousse Pie }

Lighter soups and salads can carry a more substantial finale such as:
{ Fresh Blueberry Pie }
{ Praline Cheesecake }
{ Banana Layer Cake }


Vegetarian dishes go well with a plate of sugar cookies and a fresh fruit dessert such as:
{ Peaches and Cream }
{ Strawberries with Brown Sugar }

Mexican dishes featuring chilies and spicy foods or Asian foods featuring lemon grass, wasabi, ginger, cilantro and lime, need something refreshing to cleanse the palate like:
{ Fresh Fruit Cup with Champagne Ice }
{ Sweet Strawberry Tart }