Foods to Cleanse the Pallet

A palate cleanser is a food or beverage that calms the taste buds and sweeps intense flavors from the mouth and tongue. Long meals often benefit from a palate cleanser between the savory courses and the sweets; you may also need a palate cleanser after a piece of pizza that's heavy on the garlic. The best palate cleansers also cost the least, so don't hesitate to experiment to find what works best. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Crackers

Bland crackers and crisp breads work wonderfully for cleansing the palate after a pungent food. While unsalted saltines may suffice for more casual occasions, they won't do for more dressy events. For more formal times, try water or specialty crackers from a wine or gourmet shop.

Sorbet

Long heralded as a refreshing cleanser, fruit sorbet has a light taste that clears the tongue. Try basic flavors such as lemon, strawberry or mango, or go for something more exotic such as green tea or champagne. If you want to serve sorbet at a dinner party, look for creatively packaged desserts in their native fruit skins in your grocer's freezer section.

Bread

A thin slice of fresh, crusty bread can also cleanse your palate. Try to serve a more mellow variety rather than a pungent pumpernickel, or accommodate many tastes by providing choices in a basket. Warm the bread slightly and serve with honey or fruit butter for a really sweet treat.

Fresh Fruit

Guests always welcome a range of fresh fruit at table after a large meal. Mindy Kobrin of Celebrations.com recommends fresh figs, sliced pears, grape bundles and dried cranberries in the fall, while a summer hostess might set out melon, strawberries and peaches for her guests. Play tricks with the fruit; try using frozen strawberries or grapes as ice cubes in cocktails and drinks as a change of pace.

Milk

Spicy food lovers know that a simple sip of milk washes down hot oils and intense flavors better than water. Take a swig of milk after very sweet foods such as ice cream, cookies, cake or brownies. Serve milk chilled, at room temperature or with ice to provide a simple, unpretentious way to wipe strong flavors from your guests' mouths.