Wanted a simple dessert recipe to impress?

I am having a dinner party and am stuck for dessert recipes. I am after something simple, not to complicated to put together, that preferrably can be made in advance. But I really want something that will impress, something with a bit of 'Wow factor'. Can anyone help?

My secret weapon is trifle. When I take it to work, I don't include the alcohol, though. (we'd probably be happier if I left it in!!!)

Large bowl, preferably footed - or a trifle bowl

Prepare two batches of vanilla pudding

Thaw a big container of whipped topping (not fresh - it needs to have the gelatin in it to keep shape)

Bake or purchase a pound cake and cut into 1/2" slices

Seedless raspberry jam

Godiva liquor or Chambord

Seasonal fruit, washed, peeled, etc.

In a very small pot, warm the raspberry jam and add liquor to taste. (if you want the taste, but not the alcohol, let it simmer very slowly to evaporate the alcohol)

Brush each side of the slices of poundcake and make one layer in the bottom of the bowl.

Add a layer of pudding

Add a layer of fruit

Add a layer of whipped topping

Repeat until the bowl is full. Use remaining fruit to decorate top. Cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for a day or two for the flavors to meld.

Looks awesome and tastes even better.

This one is so easy and SO tasty no cooking required

get a large bowl

put a layer of ginger biscuits in soak in whiskey or brandy

cover with a layer of whipped double creme

repeat

repeat again

cool in refrigerator for a least 1 hour

serve

Ok here is one !

It is italian dessert called panacotta. I LOVE IT!!!!!

as it's a video so even not in english, you might easily understand. this site has got english videos but it seems they just started...

http://www.cookshow.com/player/viewer.php?id_video=60

Chocolate Dream pie

Instant chocolate puddling (add cold milk and whisk)

Chocolate pie shell

Cool whip (non dairy whipped topping)

Make chocolate puddling, put in pie shell and place cool whip on top. frig or freeze , the cut into slices

serve with chocolate springles on top

eclaire cake. Mmmmmm.... it is so simple and is a real crowd pleaser.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_33768,00.html

i think this will be good

rum raisin bread pudding.....served with vanilla ice cream...

soak raisins in your choice of rum...white or dark...don't use a spiced rum...

day old bread........i like challah, or white bread...don't cut the ends...they add texture....

add sugar, raisins (pour off excess alcohol). 3-4 eggs, 2 cans of evaporated milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, dot with butter or margarine..

pour into shallow baking dish and bake for one hour...cover during last 15 minutes....

for ice cream..use good quality vanilla, a pint should due, let soften, in another bowl, mix ice cream, 4 capfuls of rum, or rum extract, a pinch each of cinnamon and nutmeg...mix thoroughly and put back into original container...

re-freeze....

let pudding cool and serve warm in martini glasses...with the ice cream on the side of the glass, topped with a cinnamon stick................

enjoy...

Very simple Avocado dessert:

Ripe Avocados( 1 large will serve 4), a little milk and sugar.

Peal and mash avocado with a fork, add a bit of sugar to taste and a bit of milk to thin it out. Chill in fridge. Serve in small custard cups. It is very satisfying and healthy.

make a chocolate trifle!

you can make a big one or you can make them in clear individual bowls or even martini glasses!

layer the bottoof your bowl with brownies (either store bought gooey brownies or homemade!

then topa a layer of strawberries, other berries or even mangoes. then top with whipped cream. repeat the process until you reach the amount of layer you'd want.

Tiramisu. This recipe is VERY easy to make, but it looks quite spectacular!

http://www.gourmet-food-revolution.com/tiramisu-recipe.html

have a look at http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/food-recipes/

I saw the chef make a beaut torte using merange and chocolate, cream and fresh fruit, simple to make, can be made days before, that is the merange, so you only have to decorate before serving

this definately is a WOW

if you don't like this one look at allrecipies or bellaonline for a oldie, Bombe Alaska this definately is a WOW

have a great party

I'd go with a no bake pie it's easy,get pudding and a crust and while at the store read the pudding box to see all other ingrediants needed.