Cookies for Funeral Reception

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Funeral receptions have a dessert table for guests to choose from following a meal or small appetizers.

Cookies are one of the desserts included in the dessert table available at a celebration of life.

You can make simple cookies such as sugar cookies, shortbread cookies, or thumbprint cookies to include in your array of desserts.

For more of an upscale reception, you can choose to include tuile cookies, macarons, biscotti, or chocolate covered cookies.

Cookie ideas for Funeral Reception

Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are soft and buttery cookies that can be decorated with buttercream or royal icing on top of them.

You can pipe designs on top of them such as flowers, hearts, or writing to commemorate a loved one.

You can write on top of royal icing using an edible marker , or simply write using icing.

  • “always in our hearts”
  • “forever in our memory”
  • “in loving memory”
sugar cookie ideas for Funeral Reception

Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint cookies are buttery shortbread cookies with the center filled with a sweet jam.

Thumbprint cookies can be filled with strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam for a sweet finish to a buttery cookie.

Thumbprint cookies are small and simple, yet striking on a dessert table. If you’re having children at the service these will be a favorite for them.

Thumbprint cookies will also be a favorite for seniors, because they were popular when they were children.

Macarons

Macarons are chewy and melt in your mouth cookies.

Macarons are small cookies filled with buttercream, jam, ganache, custard, or curd.

macaron Cookie ideas for Funeral Reception

Macarons can be filled with fruit flavors, dessert flavors, tea and coffee flavors.

They can be shaped into hearts for a celebration of life to show the love and appreciation of the loved one that has since passed.

macaron cookies for celebration of life

You can decorate them with flowers, hearts, or have special writing on top of them to commemorate a loved one.

macaron cookie ideas for celebration of life

Macarons can displayed as a macaron tower, or simply laid flat on a plate.

macaron shape ideas for celebration of life reception

Biscotti

Biscotti is a dry, crunchy, and hard cookie that is usually flavored with almonds.

Biscotti is a lovely cookie to serve at a celebration of life reception that takes place in the early afternoon since it goes well with tea or coffee.

biscotti Cookies for Funeral Reception

Shortbread

Shortbread is a buttery cookie that you can shape into a heart for a celebration of life reception.

You can shape shortbread cookies simply using a cookie cutter.

Shortbread cookies are simple and small cookies that go well with other desserts for a funeral reception.

Shortbread cookies aren’t too sweet to overwhelm guests, and can be made small enough to be eaten in about 2 bites.

shortbread Cookies for Funeral Reception

Tuile Cookies

Tuile cookies are sweet and crunchy cookies you can shape into cones, logs, or simply flat.

You can dip tuile cookies in chocolate, or leave them how they are.

Tuile cookies can be decorated with chocolate and sprinkles or drizzle them with caramel sauce for a specialty dessert.

Tuile cookies are more of an upscale cookie to serve at a celebration of life reception.

tuile Cookies for celebration of life reception

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a favorite for many. It can be a familiar cookie on a difficult day.

Chocolate chip cookies are sweet, gooey and chocolatey which can be the little pick me up people need on a trying day.

Chocolate Covered Cookies

Chocolate covered cookies are a specialty cookie you can make for a funeral reception.

Cookies are dipped into a deep bowl of chocolate and then placed on a silicone mold to harden. They can be placed in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.

You can decorate chocolate covered cookies with writing in white chocolate to commemorate a loved one.

chocolate covered cookies for funeral reception

Funeral Food Platters

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Funeral receptions have an array of food platters available for guests to choose what’s best for themselves in that moment.

Some people can fine it quite difficult to eat, and may need some time until they’re ready to have something to eat.

It’s best to have a few different foods available for guests including sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, and dessert.

Funeral food platters are typically individually portioned so each item is on the small size.

Sandwiches are cut into 3-4 portions, and desserts are served in miniature form.

Select an appropriate menu for a funeral reception based on the time of day you’ll be serving your food platters.

Sandwiches

Sandwiches for funeral reception are small tea sandwiches that are served cold, following a funeral ceremony.

Preparing sandwiches for funeral reception should be done in the morning of the day of the funeral, so that they can stay as fresh as possible. The bread will become soggy if sandwiches are prepared the day before.

You can pick 3-4 different types of sandwiches so you’ll have a variety for guests to choose from.

It’s best to prepare 1 sandwich per person attending.

sandwich platter for funeral reception

Each sandwich you prepare can be cut into 4 triangles, 3 rectangles, or 2 circles so they are individually portioned and small in size.

Therefore, guests can pick and choose a few different types of sandwiches to enjoy.

Sandwiches can be prepared on sour dough, French bread, croissants, pumpernickel, multigrain, whole wheat, rye, or white bread.

  • ham and cheese
  • cucumber and cream cheese
  • roast beef and horseradish
  • veggie
  • egg salad
  • chicken salad
  • smoked salmon

Fruit

Fruit platters are a welcomed addition to a the array of food available at a funeral reception.

Fruit is a sweet, refreshing food guests can enjoy along with their dessert.

Fruit trays can be made with a variety of choices including:

  • strawberries
  • grapes
  • watermelon
  • cantaloupe
  • pineapple
  • kiwi slices
  • blueberries
  • raspberries

You can also make up fruit cups or bowls with a selection of fruit choices.

fruit platter for celebration of life

Vegetables

Vegetable platters are typically served along with the “mains” at a funeral reception. If you’re having sandwiches or finger food, a vegetable platter can be included on this table.

Vegetable platters can be prepared with an assortment of vegetables and dipping sauces including:

  • carrot sticks
  • celery sticks
  • cherry tomatoes
  • cucumber slices
  • broccoli
  • cauliflower
  • snap peas
  • red peppers
  • hummus
  • ranch dip

Desserts

Funeral receptions typically have a desserts table full of miniature sized desserts for guests to choose from.

It’s best to plan for an array of desserts, 4-5 different types to give a variety of choices to guests.

Each person will likely have 2-4 desserts, therefore you can adjust your numbers accordingly when making your mini desserts.

  • nanaimo bars
  • brownies
  • cheesecake squares
  • sugar cookies
  • macarons
  • shortbread cookies
  • scones
  • cupcakes
  • lemon bars
  • tarts
dessert platter for funeral reception

Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards are made with a variety of meats, cheeses, condiments, and crackers.

Meats are rolled or fanned out to create a textured look to the charcuterie board.

Soft and hard cheeses can be paired with meats, mustard, pickles, honey, or spreads (jelly’s, jam), layered on top of crostini’s, crackers, or slices of baguette.

You can include extra foods like grapes, arugula, hummus, dried fruits, and nuts for a complete charcuterie board for a funeral reception.

charcuterie platter for funeral reception

Pinwheels

Pinwheels are small circular appetizers that have savory fillings inside of them.

Pinwheels are made by using a tortilla, and spreading the filling over the tortilla in a thin layer.

The pinwheel is made by rolling up the tortilla, and then slicing it into 1/2-3/4″ rounds.

pinwheel food ideas for funeral reception

Meat Balls

Meat balls are a bite sized appetizer that are packed full of savory flavor and sweet sauce.

Sweet and Tangy Asian meat balls are covered in teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.

Garnish the meat balls with fresh parsley and sesame seeds.

You can place a toothpick into each meat ball for an easy serving finger food appetizer.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a savory appetizer to serve, and are a good sized portion for guests.

Deviled eggs are made by boiling eggs until they are hard boiled, and then letting them cool down until you’re able to cut them in half.

The center portion of the egg is scooped out, and placed in a bowl. The cooked egg yolk is mixed together with mayo, diced dill pickles, mustard, pepper and paprika.

The filling is piped back into the white portion of the egg, and garnished with a bit more paprika.

Crostini’s

You can serve crostini’s with a variety of toppings so guests can pick and choose their favorites to try.

Crostini’s can be topped with:

  • cheese and prosciutto with arugula and balsamic reduction
  • fresh pesto mixed with diced tomatoes, topped with grated parmesan cheese
  • ricotta, sliced pears or apples, walnuts, drizzled with honey
  • mashed avocado topped with grilled garlic shrimp
  • watermelon bruschetta topped with balsamic reduction
  • goat cheese, apricot preserves, sprinkled with pistachios and mint leaves
  • garlic and dill cream cheese, slices of cucumber and radishes, topped with smoked salmon
crostini platter for celebration of life reception

Desserts for Funeral Reception

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Funeral receptions typically have a dessert table full of miniature sized desserts for guests to choose from.

It’s best to plan for an array of desserts, 4-5 different types to give a variety of choices to guests.

Each person will likely have 2-4 desserts, therefore you can adjust your numbers accordingly when making your mini desserts.

Dessert ideas for Funeral Reception

Brownies

Brownies are full of chocolate, and chewy goodness.

It’s best if you cut them into small squares so they are individually portioned to be eaten in 1-2 bites.

Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are soft and buttery cookies.

Sugar cookies can be decorated with buttercream or royal icing on top of them.

You can decorate them with flowers, hearts, or writing to commemorate a loved one.

You can write on top of royal icing using an edible marker , or simply write using icing.

  • “always in our hearts”
  • “forever in our memory”
  • “in loving memory”
sugar cookies for Funeral Reception

Lemon Bars

Lemon bars are citrusy and tart bars with a buttery shortbread crust on the bottom.

Lemon bars are lightly dusted with powdered sugar.

Cut them into 1-2″ squares for your dessert table.

lemon bars for funeral reception

Mini Cupcakes

Mini cupcakes are a delicious mini version of a cupcake that gives people 1 bite of cake with icing.

Instead of having a large cake for a celebration of life, it’s easier for serving purposes to have cupcakes or mini cupcakes for guests.

cupcakes for funeral reception

Tarts

You can serve tarts, or tartlets for guests so that they are bite sized, or small enough to be eaten in a couple of bites.

Tarts have a buttery crust that melt in your mouth, and are filled with lemon cream, chocolate ganache, and more for a sweet treat for your guests!

tarts for funeral reception

Mousse Cups

Mousse cups are a light, creamy dessert.

You can make chocolate mousse (milk, dark, white) or a fruity mousse like raspberry.

Mousse can be piped into small glass containers for a dessert table.

You can decorate your mini mousse cups by adding white chocolate scrolls, whipped cream, or a couple of fresh raspberries for a beautiful finish to the dessert.

Loaves

You can make a full sized loaf, and cut them into smaller pieces so people can take a small pieces of loaf as a dessert.

You can cut them so they can fit into a cupcake liner, or arrange them lying spaced out.

Mini loaves are a good option to have for people that don’t exactly want a cupcake, it offers them a variety to choose from.

loaf ideas for funeral reception

Macarons

Macarons are chewy and melt in your mouth cookies.

Macarons are small cookies filled with buttercream, jam, ganache, custard, or curd.

Macarons can be filled with fruit flavors, dessert flavors, tea and coffee flavors.

heart macarons for celebration of life

They can be shaped into hearts for a celebration of life, or have special writing on top of them to commemorate a loved one.

Macarons can displayed as a macaron tower, or simply laid flat on a plate.

macaron display for funeral reception

Mini Cheesecakes

Mini cheesecakes are a creamy and rich dessert. They need to be served with a fork for guests to enjoy them.

There are a variety of flavors you can make that work well for a dessert table including:

cheesecake dessert ideas for celebration of life

Mini Scones

Mini scones are a buttery dessert with a sweet glaze on top of them.

They can be made so that they are about 2 bites in size.

Scones go well with tea for a funeral reception that takes place in the afternoon.

scones for celebration of life

Biscotti

Biscotti is a dry, crunchy, and hard cookie that is usually flavored with almonds.

Biscotti is a lovely cookie to serve at a celebration of life reception that takes place in the early afternoon since it goes well with tea or coffee.

biscotti for celebration of life reception

Shortbread

Shortbread is a buttery cookie that you can shape into a heart for a celebration of life reception.

You can shape shortbread cookies simply using a cookie cutter.

shortbread cookies for celebration of life reception

Vol au Vent

Vol au vent is a dessert made with puff pastry, and has creamy fillings inside of them.

Custard, curd, ganache, jam, and more can fill the center of a freshly baked vol au vent.

Vol au vent is best served on a plate with a fork for guests to enjoy.

dessert ideas for celebration of life reception

Tuile Cookies

Tuile cookies are crunchy cookies you can shape into cones, logs, or simply flat.

You can dip cookies in chocolate, and fill them with mousse, or drizzle them with caramel sauce for a specialty dessert.

tuile cookies for celebration of life reception

Sandwich Ideas for Funeral Reception

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Sandwiches are one of the most popular choices of foods you can prepare for a funeral reception.

Sandwiches are served cold, following a funeral ceremony.

Preparing sandwiches for funeral reception should be done in the morning of the day of the funeral, so that they can stay as fresh as possible. The bread will become soggy if sandwiches are prepared the day before.

You can pick 3-4 different types of sandwiches so you’ll have a variety for guests to choose from.

It’s best to prepare 1 sandwich per person attending.

Each sandwich you prepare can be cut into 4 triangles, 3 rectangles, or 2 circles so they are individually portioned and small in size.

Therefore, guests can pick and choose a few different types of sandwiches to enjoy.

Sandwiches can be prepared on sour dough, French bread, croissants, pumpernickel, multigrain, whole wheat, rye, or white bread.

Sandwich Ideas for Funeral Reception

Ham and Cheese

Ham and cheese sandwiches are creamy sandwiches with a hint of tart mustard.

You can make ham and cheese sandwiches by spreading mayo on one slice of bread, and whole grain mustard on the other slice of bread.

Layer Swiss cheese, and black forest ham on top of the whole grain mustard.

You can add sprouts, arugula, or slices of pickles to the sandwich if desired. Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread.

You can cut the sandwiches into triangles, rectangles, or circles for more of a tea sandwich if you like.

You can also make ham and cheese sandwiches for a funeral reception in a croissant as well.

  • Swiss cheese
  • black forest ham
  • sprouts
  • arugula
  • pickle slices
  • whole grain mustard
  • mayo
ham and cheese Sandwich for Funeral Reception

Cucumber and Cream Cheese

Cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches are refreshing sandwiches with a hint of dill and cream cheese.

Softened cream cheese is beat together using a hand mixer with mayo, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, chives, onion powder, salt and pepper.

Each side of bread is coated in herbed cream cheese, and then slices of cucumber are placed on top.

The sandwich is closed with the other side of bread, and then you can cut the sandwich diagonally to make 4 triangle sandwiches.

Place a toothpick center of the sandwiches to hold it together.

  • herbed cream cheese
  • cucumber slices
cucumber Sandwich for Funeral Reception

Veggie

Cold veggie sandwiches are juicy and creamy sandwiches you can make with a variety of vegetables, cheeses, and sauces.

Cold Veggie Sandwiches:

  • pesto mozzarella: zucchini slices, red pepper, red onions, tomatoes, mozzarella, arugula, pesto
  • Havarti and cucumber: cucumber slices, tomato slices, spinach, red onions, green pepper, Havarti cheese
  • apple and brie: apple slices, brie cheese, fig jam, garlic mayo, spinach, basil leaves
  • Jalapeno Havarti and Sundried Tomato: jalapeno Havarti cheese, sundried tomatoes, dill pickle slices, sprouts, avocado slices, red onions, garlic mayo or chipotle mayo
  • Mediterranean: feta, tomato slices, lettuce, red onions, feta, cucumber slices, tzatziki sauce
  • Hummus and Avocado: hummus, avocado slices, sprouts, lettuce, tomato slices, cucumber slices, red onions
  • Swiss and Pickles: Swiss cheese, pickle slices, lettuce, red onions, garlic mayo, whole grain mustard
veggie Sandwich ideas for Funeral Reception

Egg Salad

Egg salad sandwiches are filling tea sandwiches with a lovely creamy egg filling.

Eggs are hard boiled, cooled, and shelled. Hard boiled eggs can be cut into small cubes and then placed in a bowl.

Eggs are mixed together with a bit of mayo, mustard (whole grain or Dijon), salt and pepper to make the filling.

Cut the bread using a cookie cutter into circles if desired, or into rectangles or triangles.

Spread filling on one side of bread, then top with the other piece of bread.

Place a toothpick in the center of the sandwich to hold it together. Garnish with a sprig of parsley.

  • hardboiled eggs
  • mayo
  • whole grain mustard or Dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper

Chicken Salad

Chicken salad sandwiches are creamy herbed chicken sandwiches with a nutty finish.

Chicken salad sandwiches are made by mixing together mayo, sour cream, parsley, green onions, tarragon, fresh dill weed, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder and salt and pepper.

Cubed chicken, raisins, and toasted sliced almonds are mixed into sour cream mixture to full coat the chicken to made the chicken salad base.

Chicken salad is spread onto the bread in a thick layer, along with a few cucumber slices.

Another slice of bread is placed on top, and a toothpick is placed into the center of the sandwich to hold it together.

  • chicken
  • cucumber
  • raisins
  • toasted sliced almonds
  • mayo
  • sour cream
  • parsley
  • green onions
  • tarragon
  • fresh dill weed
  • fresh lemon juice
  • garlic powder
  • salt and pepper
chicken salad Sandwich for Funeral Reception

Tuna Salad

Tuna salad sandwiches are a favorite sandwich for many with its creamy and crunchy texture.

Tuna salad sandwiches are made by mixing together mayo, Dijon mustard, green relish, fresh lemon juice and pepper.

Add drained tuna and chopped celery to the mayo base and mix well.

Spread tuna salad on top of one slice and bread, and add the other piece of bread on top.

Tuna salad sandwiches are ready to serve.

  • drained tuna
  • mayo
  • Dijon mustard
  • green relish
  • lemon juice
  • pepper
  • chopped celery

Strawberry, Basil and Cream Cheese

Strawberry sandwiches have a light fruity flavor to them with a bit of earthy tones from the basil leaves.

Strawberry sandwiches are typically made on white bread.

Strawberry jam is spread over one slice of bread, and softened cream cheese is spread on the other side.

Strawberry slices are layered on top of the cream cheese slice of bread, along with a few fresh basil leaves.

The other slice of bread is placed on top, and is ready to serve.

You can use a cookie cutter to cut a heart out of one slice of bread, and have a strawberry poking through the window for an extra special treat for guests.

  • strawberry slices
  • basil leaves
  • cream cheese
  • strawberry jam
strawberry Sandwich for Funeral Reception

Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon, and Capers

Smoked salmon sandwiches are creamy with a hint of smoke flavor with invigorating salmon.

Softened cream cheese is mixed together with minced garlic and fresh dill weed.

Assemble the sandwich by spreading a thin layer of herbed cream cheese on one slice of bread, and top with smoked salmon, red onions, alfalfa sprouts, fresh dill weed, capers, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Add the other slice of bread on top, and place a toothpick in the center to hold it together.

  • smoked salmon
  • alfalfa sprouts
  • red onions
  • fresh dill weed
  • capers
  • herbed cream cheese
  • salt and pepper
smoked salmon Sandwich for Funeral Reception

Horseradish and Roast Beef

Horseradish and roast beef sandwiches have a little bit of a bite to them, with creamy finish.

Roast beef sandwiches are made by spreading a thin layer of mayo on one side of the bread, and horseradish on the other slice of bread.

Cold thinly sliced roast beef placed on top of the horseradish, along with Swiss cheese, watercress, and tomato slices.

Place the other piece of bread on top and a toothpick in the center of the sandwich to hold it together.

  • Swiss cheese
  • roast beef
  • horseradish
  • mayo
  • watercress
  • tomato slices
roast beef Sandwich for Funeral Reception

Finger Food for Funeral Reception

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You can make a variety of finger food appetizer platters for a funeral reception.

Tea sandwiches, fruit and vegetable platters are welcomed choices for guests attending a celebration of life.

Finger foods can be kept small, and be individually portioned for guests to pick and choose what they would like to have.

Tea Sandwiches

Tea sandwiches are small sandwiches that are usually served with tea for a funeral reception.

Tea sandwiches are cut into rectangles or circles to give them a unique shape.

You can serve different types of sandwiches to accommodate for your guests such as:

  • ham and cheese
  • cucumber and cream cheese
  • egg salad
  • chicken salad
  • tuna salad
  • strawberry, basil and cream cheese
  • horseradish and roast beef
Finger Food for Funeral Reception

BLT Egg Sliders

BLT egg sliders are finger food appetizers that look like miniature burgers.

BLT egg sliders are made by cooking hard boiled eggs and then cutting them in half to create the “buns”.

The bottom half of the “buns” need to have a little bit of the bottom of the egg cut off so it can sit flat on a serving plate.

Add a little salt, pepper, and your favorite sauce (ketchup, mustard, mayo, hot sauce, horseradish) to the bottom half of the egg.

Assemble the egg sliders by placing a strip of freshly cooked bacon, a slice of tomato to fit right inside the slider, and a piece of lettuce.

Top the slider with the other half of the egg to make the sliders complete.

Garnish the egg sliders by adding a little more pepper and sesame seeds.

Place a toothpick through the egg slider to make sure it stays together.

You can make these ahead of time, and place them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them.

appetizer ideas for Funeral Reception

Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards are made with a variety of meats, cheeses, condiments, and crackers.

Meats are rolled or fanned out to create a textured look to the charcuterie board.

Soft and hard cheeses can be paired with meats, mustard, pickles, honey, or spreads (jelly’s, jam), layered on top of crostini’s, crackers, or slices of baguette.

You can include extra foods like grapes, arugula, hummus, dried fruits, and nuts for a complete charcuterie board for a funeral reception.

appetizer charcuterie for funeral reception

Pinwheels

Pinwheels are small circular appetizers that have savory fillings inside of them.

Pinwheels are made by using a tortilla, and spreading the filling over the tortilla in a thin layer.

The pinwheel is made by rolling up the tortilla, and then slicing it into 1/2-3/4″ rounds.

Stuffed Celery

Stuffed celery are creamy and savory fillings that are spooned inside the well of a celery stick.

You can prepare the celery sticks to be about 2-3″ in length as an easy finger food appetizer for a funeral reception.

Stuffed celery is prepared with either Greek yogurt or creamy cheese, and then filled with a variety of spices and herbs.

vegetable appetizer ideas for Funeral Reception

Meat Balls

Meat balls are a bite sized appetizer that are packed full of savory flavor and sweet sauce.

Sweet and Tangy Asian meat balls are covered in teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.

Garnish the meat balls with fresh parsley and sesame seeds.

You can place a toothpick into each meat ball for an easy serving finger food appetizer.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a savory appetizer to serve, and are a good sized portion for guests.

Deviled eggs are made by boiling eggs until they are hard boiled, and then letting them cool down until you’re able to cut them in half.

The center portion of the egg is scooped out, and placed in a bowl. The cooked egg yolk is mixed together with mayo, diced dill pickles, mustard, pepper and paprika.

The filling is piped back into the white portion of the egg, and garnished with a bit more paprika.

Crostini’s

You can serve crostini’s with a variety of toppings so guests can pick and choose their favorites to try.

Crostini’s can be topped with:

  • cheese and prosciutto with arugula and balsamic reduction
  • fresh pesto mixed with diced tomatoes, topped with grated parmesan cheese
  • ricotta, sliced pears or apples, walnuts, drizzled with honey
  • mashed avocado topped with grilled garlic shrimp
  • watermelon bruschetta topped with balsamic reduction
  • goat cheese, apricot preserves, sprinkled with pistachios and mint leaves
  • garlic and dill cream cheese, slices of cucumber and radishes, topped with smoked salmon

Sushi

Sushi is individually portioned, therefore guests can fill up their own plates with their choice of sushi rolls.

You can serve a few different types of sushi for your guests such as:

  • vegetable rolls
  • avocado rolls
  • cucumber rolls
  • California rolls
finger food ideas for funeral reception

Cookies

Cookies for a funeral reception should be kept quite small.

Many people feel overwhelmed celebrating the life of their loved one, therefore they don’t want too much of anything.

A little treat, that’s small enough to enjoy in a couple bites is the best choice for preparing cookies for a funeral reception.

You can make cookies that are shaped into hearts for celebrating the life of a loved one that you’ll carry in your heart forever.

A heart shaped cookie can be decorated with writing if you like with a few sayings if desired:

  • In our hearts and memories forever
  • Your wings were ready, but our hearts were not
  • In loving memory
  • Always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts
  • A life that touches others goes on forever
  • Gone but never forgotten
cookies for funeral reception

8 Celebration of Life Cake Ideas and Sayings

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Celebrating the life of a loved one is never easy.

You want to honor them with dignity and grace, and share all of your memories with family and friends.

Sometimes it can be hard to find the words to express how much they meant to you.

You can write heartfelt words as a tribute to their memory on their cake for their celebration of life.

In our hearts and memories forever

In our hearts and memories forever reminds us that we will carry their memory in our heart.

They are never forgotten.

We are changed for having met them, and making such a difference in our lives.

celebration of life cake saying

Celebrating the life of “name” “year of birth – year of death”

Celebrating the life of your loved one is remembering all of the happy times you spent together and being able to share some of the special stories about them.

You can even include a image from their childhood on their celebration of life cake as a special memento to remembering.

Your wings were ready, but our hearts were not. We miss you “name”

Your wings were ready, but our hearts were not is remembering that it’s always hard to say that final goodbye.

It’s coming to the realization that we might not have been able to say everything that we wanted to say to them.

This is the time to share with family and friends what you might have said if you had the chance.

Always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts. In Memory of “name”

Always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts is thinking back to all of the treasured lessons and reminiscing about past times that will go on in our hearts forever.

In loving memory “name”

In loving memory is recalling the life of loved one who meant so much to us. You are reminded of their incredible life that meant so much to so many.

in loving memory cake ideas

A life that touches others goes on forever. In loving memory of “name”

A life that touches others goes on forever is a special remembrance that we have become a better person for having known them and spent time with them. We have grown and will continue to grow with their memory in our hearts.

in loving memory cake  funeral cake saying

Gone but never forgotten

Gone but never forgotten is a reminder that we will carry them in our hearts forever.

Our memory of them will live on within us.

funeral cake ideas and sayings

In loving memory of “family members title (mom/dad/grandma/grandpa)”

In loving memory of our family member is giving them the title they earned.

They were such a big part of our life, and we need to remember them for their dedication to their family and being there for us when we needed them most.

Almond Toffee Rochers

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Jump to Recipe

Almond toffee rochers are made by combining toffee, toasted almonds, and melted chocolate.

The toffee pieces are made by making caramel and letting it solidify. The caramel is broken up into small toffee pieces which will fill the chocolate caramel nut clusters with crunch.

Slivered almonds are toasted to create the almond aroma for the almond rocher dessert. Toasted almonds have much more flavor to them.

You can use dark or milk chocolate for the almond toffee rochers, whichever you prefer.

Almond Toffee Rochers

What is a rocher

A rocher is a type of dessert that is made to be in 1 cluster. The cluster is formed using 1 scoop which forms it into a ball, then the ball is placed onto a mat for it to solidify. Rochers can be made of many different foods including chocolate, ice cream, etc.

What is a rocher

Almond Toffee Rochers

How to make chocolate caramel almond clusters from scratch
Prep Time30 minutes
Active Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Keyword: dessert
Yield: 24 rochers

Materials

  • 1/2 cup butter unsalted
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups slivered almonds toasted
  • 2 cups chocolate milk or dark

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • In a medium saucepan combine butter, sugar, water, and salt. Place your candy thermometer in the saucepan so the temperature of the ingredients can be constantly measured. Cook over medium heat until the caramel reaches 140 degrees C. Cook the caramel slowly, it takes about 30 minutes. Gradually mix the contents every couple of minutes. If you burn the caramel you need to start over. Once the caramel reaches a golden brown color it should be close to finishing and you can remove it from the heat source.
  • Add vanilla extract into the caramel and mix well. Pour the caramel onto the silicone baking mat or parchment paper and let it solidify and cool down. It should be ready in 30 min – 1 hour.
  • In the meantime, toast your almonds until they are golden brown. Toast them in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-12 minutes.
  • Melt your chocolate in the microwave in 30 second intervals. Mix in between each interval until it's completely melted.
  • Move your parchment paper/silicone mat with caramel to on top of a wooden cutting board once it has completely cooled. Place another silicone mat/parchment paper on top of the caramel. Break up the caramel into toffee pieces using a mallet. The pieces should be about 1-2 mm.
  • Add toasted almonds and toffee pieces to your melted chocolate. Mix well until the almonds and toffee are fully coated in chocolate.
  • Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  • Take a melon baller and scoop 1 rocher at a time. Place the rocher on the clean silicone baking mat. Repeat until all of the rochers are made.
    Almond Toffee Rochers
  • Place the rochers in the fridge to harden for about 30 mintes – 1 hour.
  • Store the almond toffee rochers at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
chocolate caramel nut clusters recipe
Almond Toffee Rochers

Eclair Custard Filling Recipe

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Eclair custard filling recipe is made with a vanilla bean infused into custard to create vanilla bean custard.

The vanilla beans are extracted from the pod, and added to the custard to make the vanilla custard flavorful throughout.

The vanilla pod is cooked into the milk letting the vanilla juices infuse the milk with vanilla flavor. The vanilla pod is removed after a couple of minutes prior to making the custard.

If you don’t have any vanilla beans, you can substitute vanilla bean paste (1 tbsp), or vanilla extract (2 tsp).

It’s best to add vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract at the end of the cooking process when the custard is cooling down.

Éclair Custard Filling Recipe

What can eclairs be filled other than custard

  • diplomat cream (pastry cream with added whipped cream)
  • Chantilly cream (whipped cream base with flavors added to it)
  • mousse

If you want to fill your eclairs with something a little more fancy, try out our eclair filling ideas.

How do you fill eclairs with custard

You can fill eclairs 2 different ways.

Cutting the Eclair in half and Filling it

  1. Cut the freshly baked éclair in half lengthwise with a serrated knife.
  2. Fill a piping bag with custard fitted with a 1/2″ round tip.
  3. Pipe the custard in one smooth motion – filling the éclair about 1/2″ thick with custard. Another option is to pipe circles of custard for a little bit of a different look to the éclair.
  4. Dip the top of the éclair in the glaze.
  5. Serve.

How to Pipe Custard into Eclairs

  1. Fit a piping bag with a 1/2″ round tip.
  2. Fill the piping bag with custard.
  3. Holding the metal tip, pierce the bottom of the éclair 3 times – 1 at either end, and 1 in the middle. You should have 3 circles piercing the bottom of the éclair.
  4. Press your piping tip into the circles you made and fill the éclair until it starts oozing out.
  5. Fill the eclair in the same way in the other 2 holes.
  6. Wipe the bottom of the excess custard off of the eclair using a paper towel.
  7. Dip the top of the éclair in the glaze.
  8. Serve
eclair filling recipe custard

When should you fill eclairs

You should fill eclairs just before serving.

The eclairs themselves should be baked the same day that you fill and prepare them.

The longer the éclair sits with the filling, the more soggy the pastry will get.

If your eclairs have been sitting awhile, pop them in the oven for a couple of minutes to crisp them up before serving.

When should you fill éclairs

Eclair Custard Filling Recipe

How to make an eclair custard filling
Prep Time10 minutes
Active Time40 minutes
Chilling time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Keyword: dessert
Yield: 2 cups

Materials

  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 2/3 cup sugar granulated
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp butter unsalted
  • 2 cups milk

Instructions

  • Place milk in a medium saucepan on low-medium heat.
  • Cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Remove the vanilla beans and place them in the milk. Place the whole vanilla bean in the milk.
  • Let the milk just come to a simmer, not boiling. Turn off the heat source and remove the milk from the heat. Let the vanilla bean infuse flavor for 15 minutes.
  • In the meantime, separate your eggs. Place the egg yolks in a large heat proof bowl.
  • Add sugar and cornstarch to the egg yolks and mix together with a whisk.
  • Remove the vanilla bean from the saucepan. Slowly temper the eggs by adding a couple of tablespoons of the milk to the eggs at a time and vigorously whisking it until fully emulsified.
  • Continue adding the milk very slowly until fully combined. You do not want to cook the eggs.
  • Strain the mixture back into the saucepan and heat on medium heat.
  • Whisk the mixture frequently. Heat the mixture until the cornstarch has activated. It should be a few minutes. You will feel the mixture becoming thickened with your whisk.
  • Cook for 1 more minute after it has started to thicken.
  • Remove the eclair custard from the heat and add the butter. Whisk the butter has fully melted into the custard.
  • Let the custard cool until the pot can go in the fridge. Place a plastic wrap on top of the custard to prevent a film from forming.
  • Chill the eclair custard for 2 hours before using.