Did you know that October is National Dessert Month? In honor of this delectable month, we thought that we’d share with you some of our favorite finds.
Go Local
If you love desserts, why limit yourself to one? Turn that sweet ending into your main course for a decadent night out. A few weeks ago, I experienced my first dessert dinner at 1500 Degrees at Eden Roc Renaissance. Pastry Chef, Sole Nizzero, spoiled us with five courses of sugary sweetness (and a few appetizers by Paula DaSilva added to the mix) — with every course arousing our senses. These weren’t your average desserts, as Sole adds a creative touch to everything that goes out of her kitchen. Think — Banana Cream Pie with Dulce de Leche Ice Cream and Milk Crumb served with a coconut rum batida; Olive Oil and Yogurt Panna Cotta with Tomato Jam; S’mores in a Jar with toasted marshmallow, smoked chocolate, peanut butter, graham cracker ice cream & a Sweet Potato Ice Cream Sandwich with Ginger Cookie, Pecan Dust and Toffee Caramel. Hungry yet? While these items will rotate on the menu — and the items that we had may or may not be on the menu at any given time — you can be assured that whatever you may choose (skipping dessert is not an option here), your senses will be delighted.
Go Chocolate
When it comes to chocolate, accept nothing less than the best — and the best is about to land on your doorstep. We were introduced to The Chicago Gourmet a few years ago, when we tested out a box of their Ugly Truffles. Still dreaming about the box of bite size goodness, we weren’t going to pass up on the opportunity to try their square assortment — and once they arrived, nothing would go to waste. Inside the box, we found an assortment of squares (Cuadrado Brownies, e=mc², Square One and Fair & Square) that melted in your mouth with each bite. Our favorite was the e=mc². This moist brownie melded together rich chocolate and espresso creating perfection in every bite. (www.cake-chicago.com)
Go for a Favorite
We were introduced to Daisy Cakes last year during the South Beach Wine & Food Festival — and have been obsessed ever since. This mother and daughter duo based in South Carolina hand sifts, bakes and frosts each cake. We tried their luscious Lemon cake, made with homemade lemon curd and hand-juiced lemons — and it was love at first bite. While we are still drooling over the lemon cake, this talented team carries an entire line of cakes including a Carrot Cake, Chocolate Caramel Cake, Coconut Cake — and they even have a cake of the month. (ilovedaisycakes.com; $48)