Just desserts

If you live by the governor’s advice to eat dessert first, this weekend’s Gala Dessert Party was made for you. In addition to satisfying your sweet tooth, the event also benefits a good cause. The party will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the College Center Ballroom on the University College campus in Bangor. Tickets are $10 and benefit Spruce Run, which provides services for people affected by domestic violence. Area restaurants, bakeries and volunteers will provide decadent desserts, and prizes will be awarded throughout the night, including a “dessert-of-the-month club” for the rest of the year. For information or tickets, call 945-5102.

Global menu

Standard cafeteria fare will give way to worldly cuisine as the University of Maine’s Stodder Dining Commons holds its fourth annual International Festival today. The cooks at Stodder commons will team up with guest chefs and food distributors from around the state to prepare dishes from more than 25 countries. The celebration aims to emphasize diversity both at the university and around the state. In addition to serving up an eclectic menu, UM dining services also plans to enter the festival into the National College and University Food Service Association’s Loyal B. Horton Award Contest.

Smart cookies

If you’ve ever ducked your head into a bakery in New York City’s Little Italy or Boston’s North End, you know what a pizzelle is. The thin, wafflelike cookies with a slightly sweet, delicate anise flavor are linked to both Easter and Christmas celebrations. Now, thanks to the Pizzelle Pro by Chef’sChoice, you don’t have to drive four hours for a good pizzelle ? at Easter time or anytime. The Pizzelle Pro costs $49.95 and presses three cookies at a time. For information, call (800) 342-3255 or visit www.chefschoice.com.