Sweet Treat Tuesday

You can have your chips and dips. I'll take my sweet treat any day over a

salty selection. With Valentine's Day approaching, let's explore the forbidden

world of sweet treats and ultimate desserts. They just might be the key to

his (or my) heart! Here, five faves.

Martha Stewart's Chocolate Cake Baked Alaska. Martha 

gives this classic dessert (and my fave) a modern makeover. This

party perfect preparation makes nine mini cakes that are sure to

impress your dinner guests.  Oh and don't fret.  If you don't have 

a kitchen torch, you can brown the meringue in the oven. 

Get the recipe here.

Magnolia Bakery's Banana Pudding! I was first introduced

to this old school sensation by Meg, my NYC daughter. The taste

is really beyond description.  Orgasmic comes to mind.  It's

fluffy and light, sweet and sensual, with beautiful bites

of vanilla wafers and banana slices. The pudding is packed in 

a pint size container.  Our family rarely can wait to dish out this

treat....we just grab the spoons and dig in.  If you are lucky enough

to live in Chicago, NYC or L.A.  you can visit Magnolia Bakery.  If not,

they do ship nationwide.  

Magnolia Bakery

Portillo's Famous Chocolate Cake.  

So this image isn't exactly picture perfect, but it shows exactly

the ooey, gooey freshness of this decadent chocolate cake.  Ask

any Chicagoan what is their favorite cake, and most hands point to

Portillo's.  Best yet, you don't have to have a hot dog to get this

chocolate confection.  Just order by phone and pick up through the 

drive in window. It's worth the trip. Get the recipe here

Warm Drunken Donuts at David Burke Townhouse New York.

Well, this image does not do this special treat justice. I'll have to 

say it with words.  Think warm mouth sized bites of fresh homemade

mini donuts, served on a ferris wheel of sinful delights! Along with the

impressive presentation comes three little DIY bottles filled with milk 

chocolate baileys, strawberry daiquiri and salted caramel, that you inject yourself. Really.  This was the most fun my taste buds had in a very  

long time.  Oh, and the rest of the menu and ambiance is just as

terrific as this treat was.  Yummmmmmmm......

Grandma Hier's Carrot Cake by Paula Dean.  This cake is a winner

in our household.  First of all, the cake is giant...with three lush layers...

each frosted with a rich cream cheese frosting.  I thought my sainted

Mother made a mean carrot cake, but this one beats all. It's beyond!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

I think I will go work out now.  I think I gained five pounds from

writing this post!