Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

keepthetips t1_izlrq6i wrote

Hello and welcome to r/LifeProTips!

Please help us decide if this post is a good fit for the subreddit by up or downvoting this comment.

If you think that this is great advice to improve your life, please upvote. If you think this doesn't help you in any way, please downvote. If you don't care, leave it for the others to decide.

1

tvieno t1_izltg0q wrote

Better yet, pre cut the whole dish.

860

arkobsessed OP t1_izltp36 wrote

Replying to tvieno (#897,087)

That's great too! But there's something about that empty space that makes people think that someone has already started to enjoy it, and that makes it more enticing.

444

Vaenessa t1_izlud39 wrote

That would put me off. I would be wondering if it was left overs. Also I am not bothered about starting a new pudding

7

ouyin2000 t1_izlwgiv wrote

Just place it down and then cut yourself a piece of it in front of people.

139

Extreme_Today_984 t1_izlzc1o wrote

Also, that way you make sure you get a slice. My dad used to be in charge of cooking at the BBQ. He'd make a feast for all of our extended family and everyone would eat it all, leaving my dad without a plate. That's until he wised up and made a plate for himself first lol

256

beigemom t1_izm6ppt wrote

I do this, esp. if I bring a layered/frosted cake so people can see what flavor cake it is. (Plus it looks prettier presented that way).

935

jdith123 t1_izmati3 wrote

Plus you have to do a little quality control

1,576

Opalescent_Topaz t1_izmbxmn wrote

This doesn't appear to be an issue with my family and friends as far as desserts. Lol.

Now getting someone to start the buffet line... That's a whole weird thing, so I do it.

1

JCPRuckus t1_izmgqub wrote

I can't think of anything more off-putting than a dessert being unveiled with a piece missing. On the other hand, you're there. Just cut the first slice yourself when it's time for dessert.

17

FrankieSaysRelax311 t1_izmjecp wrote

My family would think I needed a snack on the way to the event, and had the audacity to cut it first lmfao

14

rncookiemaker t1_izmknog wrote

Replying to Whatwillwebe (#897,575)

Long ago, I was preschool aged and my Mom made a cake from scratch with scratch frosting. She let me work with her on the decorations. It was delicious looking. We took the cake to school and then went to a school presentation that my older brother was in. When we were sitting down, I noticed Mom didn't have the cake!

She then told me she made the cake to donate it to a bake sale at the school. I was greatly disappointed, because I thought for sure that we would eat the cake. I saw a family leaving with "my" cake, and I was making stern eye contact with them.

I think of that cake whenever I see gold dragees.

63

smolvan t1_izmlzzc wrote

Sometimes people are hesitant to even take precut dessert like brownies if no one else has taken any yet. I like taking the first one and seeing the rest follow suit.

45

AngloCanuck t1_izmmhtc wrote

Also you get to have 2 slices. How would they know….

1

Brilliant_Buns t1_izmnpbl wrote

Wow, no. I strongly disagree with this sentiment. If you brought something for a party, bring all of it or don't bring it at all. I have second-hand embarrassment from this post.

3

kdubstep t1_izmob2m wrote

I’ll be that guy.

1

fusionsofwonder t1_izmrauu wrote

Bring a beautiful dessert, stand next to it, and glare at anyone who thinks about cutting it. Establish dominance.

93

HerdTurtler t1_izmtx6o wrote

I’ll still fuck up your beautiful creation when I try to cut my own slice. Just start cutting and hand me the first slice.

1

coren77 t1_izmuukp wrote

I not only cut out a piece for myself, I also precut into 3ish giant triangles so those knife-challenged mofos don't make stupidly-shaped cake pieces (it gives them a middle point to aim for) !

1

chickenlittle53 t1_izmv2qq wrote

I don't know what events you attend, but this has almost never been the case for me or any event I attend. Outside of maybe a wedding for obvious reasons (which you don't want to just slice a piece off the wedding cake) I go to events that's never been an issue.

If anything you would it maybe had a point for the opposite reason. Events I go to you need to cut a piece out so that you actually have a chance to get a slice period. If you had said do so to ensure you get a piece of your own dessert then I would have agreed, but I see no issues with folks wanting dessert in my kind of events.

1

chickenlittle53 t1_izmvc8p wrote

Replying to ouyin2000 (#897,187)

Just bring me I guess. I don't get the whole scare factor. The only time I ever hesitate is time for everyone to eat period. Once it's time to eat then I see no issue diving into whatever food is out there to be eaten obviously. Few obvious exceptions would be a wedding cake or bday cake, but those are exceptions and obvious.

2

MonsieurEff t1_izmvgze wrote

Or just cut it when it's time to serve and put a piece on your plate and/or on others? Jesus christ I swear these LPTs are getting more and more stupid.

2

chickenlittle53 t1_izmvqhy wrote

Replying to Bulky_Researcher226 (#897,370)

I disagree. Where are yall going where folks are scared to eat food at an event designed to do so? Is that pie? Oh no much rather look than eat even though clearly it's there to be eaten and everyone is eating.

If anything if you're going to take a slice do so because you want gurantee you get a slice not because "oh no people are scared to eat food at a food event." Otherwise it's actually considered rude in many folk's households to show up with an incomplete dish you've eaten off of.

8

chickenlittle53 t1_izmwct2 wrote

Replying to Vaenessa (#897,115)

I'm with you. OP must go to weird events or hang out with odd people. No event I've ever gone to had this issue if it wasn't a wedding or birthday party for obvious reasons. The food is obviously there to be eaten and folks are already cutting into dishes ao it makes no logical sense to be scared to cut into a dish especially by the time dessert rolls around. You have literally already cut into so much shirt by that point what's the point of being scared to do the very thing folks are there for in the first place? There isn't a point.

In my family especially it is actually considered rude to do that shit. Kids and elderly eat first and often get their plates made for em even and you shouldn't show up with dishes eaten off there. If anything, if you actually serve good food (maybe OP is going to events that don't perhaps?) you have the opposite problem where you better hurry tf up and get it while it is still there. Folks definitely don't tend to have an issue diving in when it's good.

I can't imagine going to an event and folks are just spending hours staring at the dessert or some shit when every dish has been touched. Sounds like a made up issue or something.

1

Sitcom_kid t1_izmxdn9 wrote

And if you bring donuts to work, cut them in half

1

__pringles__ t1_izmy2t3 wrote

This is actually a gamechanger. I had been to a group dinner recently, and there was a pizza on the table. NO ONE WANTED TO BE THE ONE TO TAKE THE FIRST SLICE! But when I took one triangle out, others jumped in right away. It’s incredible how these oblivious psychological tricks work!

6

thearcher_1212 t1_izmyjo9 wrote

its also way easuer to cut if a piece has already been taken out

1

JCPRuckus t1_izn0yr6 wrote

Replying to Lampshader (#898,749)

>>I can't think of anything more off-putting than a dessert being unveiled with a piece missing.

>You must have a terribly dull imagination

You must not understand obvious hyperbole.

−1

maxmouze t1_izn25ct wrote

Or do what I do. Bake a dessert for a function but then just eat it all yourself and tell everyone you don't bake.

1

IReplyWithLebowski t1_izn3tg9 wrote

Or don’t, if you want a higher likelihood of bringing your dessert home.

1

labadimp t1_izn7fmj wrote

On a similar note, if there is ever a single piece of something left, sitting out in front of people, cut that fucker in half. Nobody wants to be the guy who eats the last piece, but if it magically turns into 2 pieces then, in my experience, someone will eat one piece and then someone else wont feel as bad and it eventually all gets eaten.

1

__Boner__dome t1_izn9e5q wrote

At pot-luck dinners, A friend started cutting brownies into bite sized pieces instead what would be considered a “square”. So much more was consumed.

19

Die231 t1_iznb74u wrote

People don’t? I would be thrilled to be the first one to butcher any goodies available but someone always beat me to it

1

BigBrown609 t1_iznfqo9 wrote

And after you eat that piece, stop cutting more pieces off to eat! Lol

1

Infectious_Burn t1_iznhlsi wrote

Replying to fxckfxckgames (#898,366)

You need to take a slice out, then put it next to the rest of the stuff if it’s a cake for example, or on top in the case of something like a brownie. Then there’s a gap, but also a pre-cut piece just begging to be taken.

19

varignet t1_iznhrp6 wrote

You clearly haven’t met me

1

Siolful t1_iznkaox wrote

I just always take the first slice in front of everyone so they feel comfortable doing the same.

1

Karefree2 t1_iznoebw wrote

I’ll take it a step further and suggest bringing bite-sized desserts (that can be picked up individually and consumed without silverware or a plate) rather than one large item.

9

Rocko9999 t1_iznol21 wrote

Used day old dessert, come and get it!

1

AlreadyOlder t1_iznpvqm wrote

This is good advice - thanks!

I also discovered that when serving brownies, cut them into pieces that are about 1” X 1”.

I used to cut them into 3X3” pieces and there would always be leftovers. When I cut them smaller, they all disappeared.

IMO people would think, “oh, I don’t want that many calories,” but with the small pieces they’re more likely to think, “oh, they’re so small I’ll have just one more.” 😉👍🏼

1

HouseHopeful7029 t1_iznup3c wrote

Plus, the first slice often often comes out deformed.

4

mommadragon72 t1_iznw8mk wrote

Replying to rncookiemaker (#898,212)

When we make a dish, esp a dessert to take somewhere I always make two and leave one at home. That way the family that helped make it, smelled it cooking and/ or cleaned up the kitchen also get to enjoy it

10

rncookiemaker t1_izny7gl wrote

Replying to mommadragon72 (#900,117)

Yes, I understand this. I frequently do the same for our house. I have a rotation of specialty meals and treats, and goodness gracious, there is mayhem and revolution if I don't have some for the home team. :)

4

Marine__0311 t1_iznycvp wrote

I don't know what planet OP lives on, but that has never been an issue ever, in the five plus decades I've been alive.

12

RedditUsingBot t1_izo06rv wrote

Better LPT: Just stay home and eat it yourself.

1

pantala32 t1_izo0egd wrote

Or, if you're from Minnesota, just put it out and nobody will take the last piece.

6

arkobsessed OP t1_izo0qkf wrote

Replying to pantala32 (#900,357)

They're so polite to save it for someone who wants it though! That's funny. My son has an aunt who lives there, I'll have to have him ask her about that! Thanks for sharing.

2

Kuromeru t1_izo2cm8 wrote

Yeah, then eat it. You slaved to make that dessert. You deserve some too.

1

mmeeplechase t1_izo2pg5 wrote

This only works if you want people to eat it! Sometimes getting to being a whole, untouched cake back home with you is the goal 😅

3

buyinguselessshit t1_izo2we6 wrote

thought you meant function as in "static void ...( ) { }"

2

_hazydays_ t1_izo4d8s wrote

Plus you get the first slice before anyone else has had a poke

1

lizzardmuzic t1_izo5fsg wrote

Applies to cookies, too. Just take a bite out of one of them and put it back.

5

axesOfFutility t1_izo6and wrote

I'm the official cake-cutter, the dessert-slicer, the party-beginner for my team. Nobody gave me that position, I took it when I saw the amount of time people waste at such events just wanting to be polite.

3

ShowMeTheTrees t1_izo7b74 wrote

In fact, make nice slices. People tend to mangle pretty desserts at these things.

2

ForQ2 t1_izo880n wrote

Replying to fxckfxckgames (#898,366)

Surprised I had to scroll so far to find this. 9 times out of 10, the host is going to think you brought something that practically nobody touched at a different party.

1

DrCatco t1_izoadqy wrote

If you want to follow this advice but don't feel comfortable doing so, here's a trick: when others see you cut a piece of your dessert first, tell them in a joking tone that it's a custom you inherited from your grandmother, who in turn inherited it from her grandmother: when you have been invited to a party and you bring a dessert of your own making, it is customary to consume a piece first in front of the host, to show that it has no poison in it whatsoever. Tell them that your grandmother knew it was ridiculous, but continued to do it as a family tradition (even though you knew she did it so she wouldn't be left without tasting her own dessert). Now you probably have something to start a conversation!

3

techtornado t1_izoaotu wrote

Replying to Marine__0311 (#900,245)

Agreed, I go for what I want, there’s no rule that can stop me from making the first slice of cake or the first scoop into banana pudding

I’m on a seafood diet, I see food… and eat it!

3

PM_M3_UR_NUD35 t1_izobeop wrote

This is fucking dumb.

If people are gonna go to an event where food is served and not eat food cause they can't handle the social interaction of portioning the food for themselves, they can fucking starve. Wtf is this shit.

1

TuesGirl t1_izoc3hi wrote

Same for a wheel of brie cheese! Works like a charm

2

muttmunchies t1_izoc4xz wrote

I must be a brute- a virgin dessert has never stopped me from diving in

1

Kent_Knifen t1_izog8g5 wrote

"HEY, who's the fatfuck that got into the dessert already?!"

1

PandaBeaarAmy t1_izoii9c wrote

Replying to joemc04 (#900,693)

Man. I was taught to be polite/generous and serve everyone else first. Used to love doing it because theres always more than enough, and it works very well when everyone else makes sure you also eat. Made the mistake of doing that for other kids at summer camp, every kid got served their first slice, grabbed second and THIRD slices, and by the time I got around to myself, there wasn't a first slice for me.

Went to the next meal, stood up, and instead of asking everyone else for their plates like I usually do, served myself up a huge plate and sat my ass down while everyone called me rude.

Naw bitch. Nowadays I'm making my plate first.

11

sir-lancelot_ t1_izojf0f wrote

I always do this. Not for this reason, but bc I gotta eat some myself to test it

1

mcphilclan t1_izolcwf wrote

LPT: When you bring a dessert to a function, make sure that you don’t pre-cut it or remove any slices. This way people are less likely to dig in and you’ll have more leftovers for yourself.

3

JewPhone_WhoDis t1_izoluh7 wrote

Just bring me to your party. I’ll cut into all the desserts that haven’t been cut yet.

1

Sufficient_Focus t1_izomnlw wrote

As a photographer that likes to take photos of things before they are ransacked this is extremely annoying.

−1

ProfessionalCraft3 t1_izoq4vo wrote

It’s an embarrassment to serve yourself first when you brought a dish to share with others. Basic etiquette.

0

Visco0825 t1_izoqibs wrote

Replying to brianundies (#898,227)

I don’t know. People see what people bring in and I would definitely judge someone if they brought something that already looks eaten. I would think “are they just bringing left overs from a night before?”

It’s better just to be the first one to take a slice after you put it out.

16

arkobsessed OP t1_izorhp3 wrote

Replying to Karefree2 (#901,199)

Good solution! I feel like my cupcakes come out less moist than a full-sized cake. Maybe I'm doing something wrong though. I've heard of people using sour cream to make cake more moist. Maybe I'll try that next time.

3

imwearingredsocks t1_izotm6w wrote

Replying to Visco0825 (#901,661)

My family always took the “do both” approach but like you said. Bring it all pristine and presentable. Then once it’s set out, someone without even asking just starts cutting a bunch of slices and putting a few on plates. Then after that, you’re free to cut if there aren’t any precut ones.

Never a problem with untouched desserts there. I also learned they won’t go for desserts unless it’s in tiny portions. Because “I’m on a diet but I want to try a little bit.” Ever since learning that lesson the hard way, I bake things bite sized.

14

Krilesh t1_izotzcr wrote

put a few bucks in tip jar before the store opens. in motion stays in motion

3

thetransportedman t1_izovgdf wrote

Did you get this from my advice on yesterday’s post of r/confessions lol

1

noitstoolate t1_izowf46 wrote

Replying to Anonynominous (#901,606)

Hahahaha, so funny you say that. I was just thinking finally a LPT that isn't either ridiculous or obvious. I have definitely walked by the desert table a few times waiting for someone else to take the first piece. I will eventually just do it myself and that seems to happen pretty dang often. Maybe that's just confirmation bias or whatever but this idea is novel, simple, and helpful. Great Life Pro Tip in my opinion.

2

signofgray t1_izoxqrs wrote

This is a great tip. I always hate being the first one to eat something at a party. And when it comes to desserts, there’s a certain pressure about cutting it “correctly”

2

ValeC3010 t1_izp1611 wrote

You come from r/confessions?

1

Muhshuggah t1_izp4wah wrote

That's only a pro tip if you want to share your tasty dessert

4

burnerman0 t1_izp5n3x wrote

Replying to Heavy_Drinker (#900,475)

Had a friend bring a store bought dutch chocolate cake over for Friendsgiving with about 10 people one year. He cut the first piece at a reasonable size, everyone else followed suit, and by the time everyone got theirs about half the cake was left. By that time the friend had finished his piece, politely asked if anyone else wanted anymore (meanwhile we're all two bites in to ours), and after everyone said no, he pulls the cake container in front of him and then proceeds to eat the entire second half of the cake in about the time it took for me to eat my one slice!

170

TwoPesetas t1_izpesaq wrote

Always take the first slice AND the last slice. No one wants the be responsible for either.

2

maruffin t1_izpgr53 wrote

This is so true. My coconut cake sat untouched at a party one time. Everyone kept saying how delicious it looked. Well, I cut myself a slice and low and behold, the cake was gone in 15 minutes.

4

PandaBeaarAmy t1_izpnzsj wrote

Replying to SlideWhistler (#902,710)

Savages. It was the rule, but they definitely enjoyed their thirds. They thought I served myself first "like normal people".

And as a child the same age as the other campers at the table (or younger!) I couldn't exactly tell them off or enforce the rule.

1

Tazlima t1_izprvk6 wrote

Replying to Heavy_Drinker (#900,475)

Lol depends on the crowd, too.

I used to perform with a group of older women and had the opposite experience. Half the group was perpetually dieting (or "dieting") and nobody wanted to look greedy by taking a larger portion.

Bring in two dozen donuts? Nobody would touch them.

Cut those same donuts into quarters? They'd be gone in ten minutes.

30

Majikkani_Hand t1_izpxx9w wrote

Replying to arkobsessed (#900,226)

If it's pie, you can't get under it easily, because pie servers are really best shaped to scoop in from the side. If it's cake, you can't just topple it over onto the plate because there's more cake in the way.

3

HelluvaGai t1_izq2o4t wrote

LPT: when bridging a dessert to a function don’t cut a small slice off before you put it out.

This way people are less inclined to take your dessert and you can have the whole thing for yourself

1

Redjet4 t1_izq8mvw wrote

Honestly, who doesn’t cut items beforehand when serving many guests.

1

rinzler83 t1_izqkd3z wrote

Replying to __pringles__ (#898,659)

This always happened when I was in grade school while taking a test. Once you finish, you bring it up to the teacher. What was so stupid is nobody wanted to be the first to get up and bring it. Finally when one person did, every one else dude too

1

Beazore t1_iztwv0l wrote

Replying to arkobsessed (#901,719)

I used sour cream instead of milk in an apple crumble cake recently for lack of any other options, and I'm NEVER GOING BACK TO MILK. The cake was softer, less dry, and stayed that way for far longer than when I had used milk. I've read that you can also put a little bit of lemon juice into the liquid you're adding, and that the acidity is what matters. Also self-rising flour! Lower gluten content means softer cake, often times.

2