Dessert Darling

Chocolate Cake at Oliver Cafe in Beverly Hills

The other day my girlfriends and I met at Oliver Cafe, the lounge adjacent to the $25-million Sports Club LA. You know, the one where Posh Spice works out in full make-up (and high heels, did I hear someone say?!?).

While the indoor/outdoor space isn't that large, the bright and airy venue boasts a comprehensive menu with delicious options, including a spa section that's guaranteed to satisfy the most health conscientious Beverly Hills housewife. With such attention paid to veggie-steaming and calorie-counting, I doubted that they'd have a satisfactory dessert menu.

This is where I was wrong, aside from some awful sounding low-fat Tiramisu that's made with Splenda (bleh), they had delectable options including red velvet, carrot, and chocolate cakes. Mmm, chocolate cake it was!

This selection completely captivated all three of us with it's perfect consistency, cool fudgy icing, and strip of chocolate sauce on top for good measure. Unlike the dry and terrible chocolate cakes that I've had lately, this slice of heaven had a rich and full bodied flavor, enhanced by a kick of amaretto liquor. Mmm, an easy 5-cherries!

For more information on Oliver Cafe, click here. 

 

Macaroon and Red Velvet Cake at Lemonade in Beverly Hills

Today I had lunch at the most darling spot called Lemonade, on Beverly in West Hollywood.  The array of delectable foods and desserts had me so giddy that I literally clapped and squealed to my friend "I'm so excited!"  This typical burst of DD-enthusiasm elicited a sideways glance from a painfully waif yet towering model. Hmm.  Whatever- Yummy Food!

For dessert I ordered this gigantic, pistachio flavored macaroon, and a slice of red velvet cake. 

Pistachio Macaroon

The gigantic macaroon was the size of my full palm and probably consisted of about four and a half normal macaroons in one.  When you bite into to it, a thin shell gives way to a soft chewy cookie that's almost cake-like due to the sheer volume.  Then your teeth continue to sink into the softest, gooiest, and most delightful ganache filling that's sweet with a dynamic hint of lemon.  I Love this rendition of the trendy Macaroon!

Red Velvet Cake

I also swooned over the delicious red velvet cake which was layered in a veil of coconut flakes.  The cake itself was super moist with mild flavors, and while the icing alone could have used a slight kick, the coconut shavings perfectly enhanced the flavor with it's sweet and distinct taste.  If you like coconut, you'll love this red velvet cake. If not, this is not the red velvet for you. 

Large Macaroons

Red Velvet Cake

 sorry for the blury pic here :-P

For more information on Lemonade and their other locations, click here. 

 

 

Vanilla Gelato from Ciao Bella Gelato

 While Angelinos are experiencing totally bizarre, grey and drizzly days, the rest of the country is heating up and looking like Gelato time to me!  And really, rain or shine, I love me some gelato.  

Gelato differs from ice-cream in that it's made with a greater proportion of milk to cream, which yields a softer, more flavorful, and often times, less fattening experience than ice-cream (although,the amount of air whipped into ice-cream can make a difference too).  You really can't go wrong with Gelato, and for scorching weather, it's a slightly more refreshing option than it's heavier sibling, ice-cream.

I recently bought a pint of the award winning Ciao Bella Tahitian Vanilla gelato.  It had little black vanilla bean specks that immediately enchanted me. A few spoonfuls in and I completely peaced out. I simply relaxed into a calm daze, with eyes half closed,  and reveled in the wonder that is great vanilla gelato.. ((Happy Sigh)).  I recommend letting your pint sit out a bit to achieve the perfectly soft consistency that you see in Gelaterias across Italy.  

A strong 5 Cherries for Ciao Bella Gelato- Bravo! 

For more info on Cia Bella Gelato, click here. 

 

Deluscious Cookies

 I'd heard legendary things about Deluscious Cookies and now I know why: it's thanks to a little mound called "Chocolate Decadence," or the "Crack Cookie," as my girlfriends nicknamed it tonight. A slightly crispy, powdered-sugar shell gives way to a soft center that's fudgy-cakey-melted truffle-crumbly cookie all on in one!  Truly, there isn't a single word that can describe this thing other than "insane." 

In addition to the "Chocolate Decadence," we enjoyed oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, and sugar cookies, which yielded varying responses. Some loved the sugar cookie while other's preferred the oatmeal raisin. We all agreed that the chocolate chip cookie was a bit too similar to the ones we make at home, and well, when you pay over 3 bucks for a cookie, you want it to be pretty spectacular.

But why dwell on such details when we have a Golden Cherry in our mist?!  Congrats to Deluscious on your amazing creation!

For more info on how to order Deluscious cookies online, click here. 

the Chocolate Decadance

 
  

Milkshakes at Swingers Diner

 

 I find nothing more soothing and delightful than a fantastic vanilla milkshake.  I don't drink them often (since they sit like a 10 lb bowling ball in my stomach for eight hours later), but when I do, I want them to whisk me away to a heavenly place.

The other day my guy and I strolled up to Swingers Diner on Beverly Blvd for a lovely weekend brunch.  Before I even had a chance to see the breakfast menu though, Tyler insisted that I get a milkshake.  Since he doesn't have a sweet-tooth, I found this suggestion oddly intriguing, and really, who am I to say No to encouragement like that?!  

What Tyler knew, that I didn't, was that Swingers makes the best milkshakes!  I first ordered the Peanut Butter Banana shake and realized a few sips in that I was actually craving vanilla.  The PB-Banana shake was a bit strong on the Peanut Butter for me, but was still a solid 4 cherry sipper nonetheless.  

I then ordered the vanilla and ohmygoodess it was Delicious!  Not too thick, not too thin, and clearly made by humans mixing fresh ingredients (versus a fast-food machine).  If I could have this shake every week, I would.  

To see my thoughts on Swinger's cupcakes, click here, or for more info on Swingers Diner, click here. :-9

 

Buttermilk Donut at Tasty Donuts

You might recall from this previous post that my friend B-side Ben found the buttermilk donut from Tasty Donuts to be, quite possibly, the "best donut in Los Angeles." Wow, that was a bold statement and required a joint venture follow-up.

Ben came over with donuts in hand, yet panic on his face.  Apparently, Tasty Donuts was out of the original Buttermilk donut, but they did have the same version, rolled in cinnamon sugar crumbs. No problemo Ben, your Dessert Darling can still detect if these donuts are winners or not, crumbs and all!

Mmmmm, I completely see where Ben was coming from!  The FLAVOR, the buttermilk FLAVOR is the secret ingredient to success here.  The slightly sour and creamy ingredient helps balance the intense sweetness that's intrinsic in a donut. It's such a soothing, sweet, and buttery taste, that you can't help but continue monching on the thing, no matter how large or dense it is!

Which leads me to, Yes, these are large and dense donuts, but the glaze seeps through, keeping them joyfully moist and delightful for every bite.  Your best plan is to share with a friend!

For more info on Tasty Donuts, click here. 

 

 

Paulette Macarons

 Perfection! These haute couture macarons come in a wide variety of unique and mouth watering flavors like violet cassis, rose, sweet wedding almond, and caramel, to name a few. Not only do these french cookies delight with their rainbow array of colors and delicious varying flavors, but also, they melt in your mouth the way a good macaron should.  The final mark of an extraordinary cookie? My fiance, who never eats sweets, couldn't keep his hands off them.  Furthermore, he insisted that we have these macarons at our wedding. Ha! Paulette Macaroons it is!  

I'm tempted to award the Golden Cherry to Paulette, but I think it's little premature for that.  For now, 5 enthusiast cherries! 

For more info on Paulette  Macaroons, click here. 

 Photo from thepetitepig.typepad.com 

Dark Chocolate "UnBAR": Sweet Riot

I eat chocolate everyday, but purely for health reasons, I swear! I actually grew up being much more of a Gummy Bear girl than I was a Snicker's or Hershey's fan. If I did eat chocolate, it was a big slab of Lindt Lindor white chocolate. So why the switch to dark? For the antioxidants, of course! ;)

Sweet Riot's UnBar is the perfect fix with its antioxidant packed chocolate that's made joyfully crunchy with real cacao pieces. I discovered the unBar, of all places, on a Virgin America flight, which truly has the best goodies to order from your seat. The unBAR is delicious, flavorful, and fights free radicals to keep my skin youthful and glowing- HA!

For more info on Sweet Riot and their tasty chocolate options, click here. 

 

 

Triple Layer Chocolate Mousse Cake at Coral Tree Cafe

Woo Woo! Golden Cherry alert! 

As uncommon as it is, I've actually had a few a triple layer chocolate mousse cakes in my day.  None, however, have Tickled-me-Delighted the way this gorgeous creation from Coral Tree Cafe at the Century City Mall did.  WoooooWeeee, my friend and I swooned over this light but flavorful cake that tasted unique with its varying textures.   A thin, but rich, chocolate coating encased a smooth chocolate mouse, which floated above a light layer of foamy, vanilla cream. Finally, a sturdy foundation of chocolate cake kept everything in line from the bottom.

My friend loved this cake so much she pondered making it her wedding cake!  Congratulations to The Coral Tree Cafe! You just earned yourself a Golden Cherry :)

For more info on The Coral Tree Cafe, click here. 

 

 

Acai Mango Sorbet from Belizza

Belizza! Love this Acai Mango sorbet! I'm not normally a sorbet girl. I find it a bit shocking with with it's icy cold temps and disproportionate ratio of high sugar to low fat.  I need some cream and substance in there to balance it out!

In this instance though, Acai is a creamy super fruit that's packed with both antioxidants and yumminess.  Not only is Acai supposed to give you great energy and glowing skin, but also, it's the hangover cure of choice in Brazil.  Voila!  

Finally, the sweet mango is the perfect mate to the mild acai for a rockin' summer, low cal treat.  :)

For more info on Belizza's Acai sorbets, click here. 

 

Fried Ricotta Fritters at Dominick's Restaurant

The other night I had a delicious dinner at Dominick's, with even better company, and 3 lovely desserts to end things sweetly.  

Our favorite offering was the Ricotta Fritters with a side of Blackberry Compote and Creme Fresh whipped. Mmmm, these heavenly fried ricotta balls were warm and generously rolled in sugar.  The berry compote and whipped cream gave us delightful options to play with as we relished each delicious bite. 5 Cherries for the Fritters!

To see my thoughts on the Chocolate Panna Cotta and Banana Cream Pie, tune in tomorrow!

For more info Dominick's restaurant in west Hollywood, click here. 

 

Red Velvet Cupcake from Cheesecake Factory

WOW. This was a Delicious cupcake.  I purchased my Cheesecake Factory cupcake at a Starbucks of all places, and had relatively low expectations.  But mmmm, this little red velvet cupcake pulled all the punches. Fresh, rich, fluffy, moist, great flavor, great ratios... overall, just a Really great cupcake! I definitely recommend :)

Caramelitas from Paula LeDuc Fine Catering

I just came home to the most amazing amazingness awaiting me in a Fed-Ex box.  I opened the lovely package from Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, one of the companies I interviewed for my wedding, and discovered her home-made "Caramelitas."  

Caramelitas, if you were wondering, are described as "oatmeal and brown sugar crust topped with almonds, chocolate chips, and caramel." In short.. Heaven.  

Since I inhaled almost every single bar already, I must award these treats the Golden Cherry. Woo, Paula LeDuc Catering.. you are now in the lead! (Anyone else care to challenge? Ha ;)

For more information on Paula LeDuc Fine Catering in N.Cal, click here. 

Kozy Shack Pudding

Pudding is definitely the wimpy younger sister to its greater sibling ice-cream. That said, pudding can be a soothing delight, especially when it's quality stuff. 

Kozy Shack does pudding best.  With all natural ingredients, they dominate in every arena, covering rice, tapioca, flan, chocolate, and even soy and sugar-free options.  I especially enjoy getting the single serving sizes to help with portion control. 

Mmmm, 5 Cherries to Kozy Shack for all around excellence! 

For more info on Kozy Shack, click here. 

Brownies from Dancing Deer Baking Company

Love free samples at Whole Foods! Without them, I'm not sure I would have discovered these beyond-delicious, all natural, Peanut Butter Brownies by the Dancing Deer Baking Company!  These dark fudge brownies lay beneath a drizzle of peanut butter and have roasted, salted peanuts mixed throughout the batter to give it the perfect sweet-and-salty combo that makes the best treats addictive and crave-worthy. Mmmmmmmm, an easy 5 Cherries!~~

For more info on the Dancing Deer Baking Co., click here.  

 
 

Haagen-Dazs Five

I'm not sure we needed this study to reveal that eating ice-cream indeed makes us happier, but there we have it, scientific Proof!  Perhaps this is why I'm always smiling. I used to eat ice-cream everyday of my life (though, I've since switched to chocolate.. for the antioxidants, of course ;).

There really isn't such a thing as bad ice-cream to me. By virtue of being ice-cream, you're already my favorite dessert.  That said, there's no denying the varying degrees of quality out there and I think we all know Haagen-Dazs ranks top notch.  

By law, a company is allowed to whip 50% air into their ice-cream. Haagen-Dazs, however, whips very little air into their rich product, which results in a more concentrated and dense experience.  Sometimes I crave this decadence while other times I yearn for a lighter, fluffier affair.  

I'm awarding 5 cherries to Haagen-Dazs new FIVE line, not only for their years in excellence, but also, for creating a product that has five, simple, and natural ingredients.  I love being able to pronounce everything that I put into my body! 

 

Yogurtland

                    

If you're anything like me, you went through a MASSIVE frozen yogurt phase (also known known as Fro-yo). In fact, one of my daily highlights in school was discovering what new flavors the cafeteria was serving.. Ha!  

I've since discarded the soft stuff in exchange for real ice-cream.  However, there is one frozen yogurt joint that still makes my eyes sparkle.  This magical haven is Yogurtland, a fro-yo chain that not only has the most delicious frozen yogurt EVER, but also features 16 flavors at a time that you get to self-serve, as well as an incredible array of toppings that (wait for it.. ) you get to SELF SERVE!  (How much do we love self-serving? We love it.. a lot)

With fat and sugar-free options for yogurt and healthy fruit and nut toppings avail, you can make this stop as "healthy" or as naughty as you like (But! if you're like me.. you walk out with 8 different flavors packed in a cup, standing at a foot tall. Heh heh,  what can I say, I'm the Dessert Darling!).

Yogurtland wins the coveted Golden Cherry for best frozen yogurt stop, hands down!

For more info on Yogurtland and a location near you, click here.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries at the Monterey Plaza Hotel

Fresh off the tail of our engagement, my man and I, (eh hem) or should I say, my Fiance and I drove down to Monterey to celebrate Feb 14th at the gorgeous Monterey Plaza Hotel where chocolate covered strawberries and champagne awaited us in our room.

Might I digress, for a moment to declare. OHMYGAWD, the Monterey Plaza Hotel is one of the most luxurious, romantic, and special places I've ever snuck away to. It jets out over the ocean where the waves are so dramatic and the air so fresh, that one feels swept away in a romance novel.  Plus, the food is UHmazing there. Amazing.

 

Anyway, chocolate covered strawberries awaited us in our room and I have to say.. I'm not usually a choc-strawberry girl.  In general, I don't think fruit has a role in my desserts.  Unless it's banana.. otherwise, fruit is too zingy and healthy to be much fun. That said, these chocolate-covered strawberries were totally delicious. Even my guy agreed, and he never likes sweets (I know, crazy).

The strawberries were sweet and ripe and enveloped in a particularly delicious chocolate shell. Together, chocolate and strawberry danced in my mouth before their champagne bath.

I guess you'd have to stay a the Monterey Plaza Hotel in order to try these delectable treats... but really, would that be so bad?  A 5-cherry experience all around!

For more info on the Monterey Plaza Hotel, click here.

 

 

To see some photos, click below

Cupcakes at Frosted Cupcakery

Mmmmmm, Nothing more fun than driving by a new cupcake shop, freshly opened to the public!  

Frosted Cupcakery is a darling corner shop off of the heavily trafficked Highland Blvd in Hollywood.  The displayed cupcakes look stylish and delicious and they don't disappoint once they melt in your mouth. Yes, these cupcakes melt in your mouth.  Perfect cake, perfect icing.. a first rate cupcake all around!   My only hesitation was that the strawberry was slightly zingy for my tastes. That said, it was made with fresh strawberries in both the cake and icing (Love that!) and was the server's favorite, so to each her own.

For more info on Frosted Cupcakery and other locations, click here. 

K Chocolatier Chocolates

K Chocolatier offers unique, often times dark chocolates that get me giddy for a few reasons.  

1) The stores have oodles of free samples that I can't keep my hands off of.  Since we all know free samples have no calories, a stop into a K Chocaltier shop is nothing short of delightful.  

2) They're unusually expensive chocolates that come in the most gorgeous boxes, adorned with realistic paper roses. My guy made me swoon on our first Valentine's Day by purchasing from this upscale shop. I knew immediately that he had made a significant purchase (Yay! He must really Like me!) and I still have the box for keepsakes.  

3) Vodka Balls, need I say more?

Finally, it should be mentioned that Diane Kron of K Chocolatier, the same lady who sits behind the cash register, used to make her famous truffles (with a family recipe from Europe) for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.  Now, if that's not fancy, I don't know what is.~   

 

  

 

 For more info on K Chocolatier, click here. 

 

XOXO

Flourless Chocolate Cake at Whole Foods

My friend's been trying to get me to try the flourless chocolate cake from Whole Foods forever, but it always looked so uneventful and boring that I couldn't bring myself to buy it.  She finally brought it to book club and the verdict was unanimous.. Completely and utterly delicious.

This fudgy "cake" is so dense, cool, thick, and rich, that it's almost like spooning away at a gigantic truffle. It's not for the faint of heart...enjoy with friends or brace yourself for a long work-out the next day! 

Chocolaterie Wanders Chocolates

Ooh la la, I just discovered Chocolatiere Wanders from the Washington D.C. area, and aren't they the sophisticated little chocolate treats! These hand-made European styled chocolates truly melt in your mouth with their delicate shells and manageably petit sizes.  

These elegant chocolates would go brilliantly with fine wine, pearls, and a classy Chanel suit. (Forget that I'm wearing a bathrobe now.. and yet, they still taste amazing).  

For more info on Chocolaterie Wanders, confections that surely play a role in persuading our DC politicians, click here. 

 

 

ChoclatiQue Chocolates

As the Millionaire Matchmaker, Patti Stanger, says: "Chocolate will warm a girl's heart and warm a guy's bed." Yes, I really did just quote Patti Stanger... it won't happen again.

Well nothing could be more true for these heavenly morsels made by ChoclatiQue.  After trying back-to-back boxes of chocolates this week that have ranged from average to typically delightful, this box came out of left field, surprising me with sinfully gooey centers, colorful designs, and exotic flavors (Madagascar Vanilla Cola, anyone?)

ChocolatiQue chocolates are truly a unique and must-try experience!!!

For more info on ChoclatiQue, click here :)

 

 

Trader Joes Macarons

If I didn't already have a crush on Trader Joe's, I just developed a balls out love affair. Um, have you seen the Macarons "a la parisienne" in the freezer section??!  

First of all, the freezer section. This is genius for two reasons: 1- fun! Cool frozen cream inside a cookie varies up the consistency if you're too impatient to let them de-thaw (like moi) and 2- They're fresh! these cookies are made with real ingredients.. not packed with preservatives to give them a shelf life of 3 eons.

I've had many a macaron in my day and simply put, these are the creme de la creme~

Gianna's Sugar Cookies

MMMMMMMmmmmmmMMMMMMMMMmmmmmMMMMMMMMMM~~

Gianna's makes THE best iced sugar cookies.  Handmade with natural, organic ingredients, each bite is a dip into sweet, buttery, and childlike joy.  

Don't let the fact that you can find these delectable treats in a grocery store fool you into thinking that they're ordinary cookies.  They are actually superior to any gifted cookie basket I've ever experienced.  

For more info on Gianna's, click here and check out all the other delicious treats that you can order online! Mmmm~

 
 
 

Carrot Cake Cupcake at The Farm

I debated long and hard about awarding the Golden Cherry to this carrot cake cupcake.  It's such a prestigious honor (heh ;). I can't just dole it out willy-nilly to any absurdly delicious treat that I consume.

That said, I've tasted my share of carrot cakes and the cupcake from The Farm of Beverly Hills (with now two other locations in LA) has consistently made me melt into a puddle of joy.  It's truly a phenomenal cup of carrot cake.  With chunky walnut bits, shaved carrots, what looks to be shaved zucchini bits, delicious spices and the perfect cream-cheese frosting, I can't not give this treat the ultimate rating.  

Don't let the sad little carrot design on the icing fool you, this is a Golden Cherry treasure!

For more info on The Farm, click . 

 

 

Chocolates at Compartes

These chocolates are absolutely Fantastic!  In the darling little Brentwood shop, Compartes,  you can see the chocolate handlers make each morsel of joy with passion and care.  

In addition to exotic flavors like "Honey+ Peanut Butter + Sea Salt" and "Spicy Chili Pepper," these chocolates are beautifully painted with playful designs and can even be customized for you!

Because the outer, chocolate shell layer is a little thick, these chocolates don't have quite the melt-in-your-mouth quality of a full 5-Cherry rated chocolate, but I shall still file Compartes in the 5-Cherry section because it is worthy of the extra eyeballs.  

These chocolates would make lovely gifts for anyone!

For more info on Compartes, click here. 

Mocha Cake at The Prolific Oven

This weekend I flew north for my older brother's birthday and was very disappointed to see a mocha cake. MOCHA? Boo.  This did not look or sound fun to me.  I was hoping for an array of colorful cupcakes, or something with irresistible frosting. Mocha just sounded bitter and boring.

But MY oh MY was I proved wrong!!! This cake from The Prolific Oven was absolutely Fantastic.  The icing was a cream-cheese base that had the addictive effect of the best carrot cake frostings around.  Furthermore, the sides of the cake were dusted with chocolate-toffee pebbles that lent a multi-layered effect with the consistency and flavors. Finally, the chocolate cake itself that laid patiently beneath this supreme icing with it's fancy flowers and dusted chocolate pebbles, was moist and delicious. MMmmmm. Here's to a great year ahead CJ! 

For more info on The Prolific Oven in N. Cal, click here. 

Sides dusted with Chocolate-Toffee pebbles (below)

 

Sugar Cookies from Cookies by Design

You have not seen giddy until you've witnessed me receive a bouquet of Cookies by Design. These gigantic displays are the most amazing assemblies of colorfully iced sugar cookies on sticks.  Not only are the frosted cookies themselves delicious, but we all know everything is better on a stick.  

These impressive bouquets are my go-to gift to congratulate friends on their newborns, engagements, wish happy birthday or holidays, or thank someone for something special. In short, I use Cookies by Design for any opportunity I get.  At least if I'm not getting them, it makes me happy to know that someone else is. :)

For more info on Cookies by Design, click here. 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice-Cream Sandwich at The Duck Club

Fresh, Fresh, Fresh, Fresh, FRESH.

Words normally designated for fruits and vegetables, I know, but WOW, what a difference fresh and quality ingredients make!  

Two home-made chocolate-chip cookies bursting with warm buttery brown sugar, envelope premium vanilla ice-cream and rests beneath a cloud of whipped cream made from scratch only moments before delivery. In fact, the whipped cream was so cool and fresh (that word again) that it almost rivaled the premium ice-cream!

The Stanford Park Hotel has always been my favorite place to visit, thanks to the complimentary tea and home-made chookies they put out for guests every night, but my recent experience at The Duck Club restaurant has solidified this establishment as truly the best in the SF Bay Area.

For more info on the Duck Club restaurant at Stanford (there're 4 across the Bay), click here.

 

 

Francie's Magic Cookies

~!!~MAGICAL~~!!~

Francie's Magic Cookies are insanely delicious. I mean, the kind of cookie you dream about days after the experience, craving, desiring more of those buttery, sweet, chewy, but sometimes crunchy, heavenly bites of magic!  

With fresh and delicious ingredients, Francie mindfully hand-bakes each batch with love.  There're 7 different cookie flavors that each correspond to an intention and chakra (yes, we're clearly in LA folks). But, you are what you believe, and You can allow the magic. ;)

There's :

White Chocolate for Englightenment

Cinnamon Toast for Intuition

Butterscotch for Communication

Coconut for Love

Toffee Granola for Empowerment

Chocolate Chunk for Sex

Peanut Butter for Abundance

 

These large cookies are perfect for brightening a friend's day, stocking stuffers, adorning the top of presents, or treating yourself to a little magic... Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!~~

 

For more info on Francie's Magic Cookies, click here. 

 

 

 

 

Pumpkin Cheese Tart and Chocolate Bark at Goodie Bag

Oh Goodie Goodie!!  I've not only found the tastiest, most amazing homemade creations (yes, creations), but also, I've found a party planning/dessert catering company that stands for all things delicious, fun, and magical... values that rank high on DD's list.

Goodie Bag event planning was developed by Arielle Adelman to bring the simple joys and fun back into life, and indeedy it has with me.  I brought the Pumpkin Cheese Tart with Ginger Streusel and Gingersnap Crust (whew that's a mouthful!),  Chocolate Ginger Bark and these other crazy dessert balls with chocolate, caramel, and pretzels to my book-club.  The girls were in absolute awe of the dessert tray and demolished every treat before the night was over. 

If you're in Los Angeles and looking for fun, festive, and creative desserts that pack a joyful punch, or are needing to plan an event (anything ranging from b-day parties to client meetings), you must check out Goodie Bag!

For more info on Goodie Bag, click here. 

 

Dessert Tray with Punpkin Cheese Tarts, Streusel, & Chocolate Bark

 

 

 

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake at Jack in the Box

Ok, first of all, I do NOT condone fast food, that said.. Lordy Lord, Jack 'n the Box makes a Killer milkshake.  Truly, it brings all the boys to the yard.

While most of the country may be wrapped in winter coats, it is HOT in LA, and the poster for Pumpkin Pie Milkshake lured me in to the unlikely dessert stop.  

~(Heavenly Sigh)~ This tasty shake hints flavors of vanilla, egg, pumpkin spice, butter, and even scotch (a la butterscotch), blended seamlessly into a smooth creamy cup of indulgent joy.  

While I normally have a deep fear and suspicion of fast food joints, I'd venture back into the fried food frenzy just to treat myself to this delicious milkshake.

 

 

Bountiful Desserts

We all know the Farmer's Market is great for fresh fruits and vegetables, but who knew I'd find the most amazing desserts amongst the rows of vegetation too?

Denise Assad of Bountiful Desserts has the most exciting stand with her array of freshly made treats that include her famous carrot cake (perfectly spiced), old-fashioned double chocolate layer cake (divine), Banana cream pie (so fresh you'd swear she has banana tree in her yard) and brownies so unbelievably out-of-this-world magnificent, that they earn the highest honor with the Golden Cherry (see below).  

When Denise lost her job as a designer, she used what money she had to sell her baked goods to the parents at her son's pre-school.  One year later, her desserts have become so popular that she now supports her child with the treats she makes from scratch, using her grandmother's tin recipe box.  What a sweet tale :) 

Chocolate-Caramel Brownie Puddle

 

OhmyGawd, this divine creation tangos with your tastebuds as it melts in your mouth. An outer shell of chocolate brownie envelopes a gooey, chewy, chunky center that's laced with a hint of salty-sweet caramel.  This caramel touch so enhances the experience, one learns cleary, it is the missing ingredient in other, more mundane cocoa bars. Not even my mom's brownies compare to this cosmic concoction (sorry Mom! Love you).

For more info on Bountiful Desserts click here. 

       

 

Rugelach from Suzanne's Sweets

Oh my.. I can't stop eating as I write...trust me, I keep trying to put them down, but every time my fingers touch the key pad my mouth goes "but wait! there's another one.. go on.. just one more bite!"

What's so delicious I can't focus on this entry? Good question!  I'm not really sure how to pronounce it myself, I'm ashamed to admit, but it's Rugelach, a traditional Jewish pastry.  Specifically, I'm enjoying Suzanne's "outrageously delicious Rugelach" from Suzanne's Sweets.

Rugelach, or the Rugel, as I shall hereby rename it for my fellow goyem, is a hearty treat with sweet fruit preserve and nut filling hand rolled into fresh layers of sour-cream dough. The rugel that continues to woo me happens to be completely dipped in a snug layer of delicious chocolate.  (Yes yes, I see and hear you dear chocolate ones, I'll get right back to you in a moment.)

I'd recommend this treat with your morning coffee or tea and find it especially suitable on chilly mornings when you want to cozy up to something special to start the day. Step aside bagel, the rugel has taken the stage!~

For more info on Suzanne's Sweets and her online store, click here.

Pudding at Healdsburg Bar & Grill

Delicious!!!  

I'm not normally Bread Pudding gal.  Quite simply, it's too... "carby" for me.  All that bland, oftentimes dry, bread in a bowl hardly stands a chance against ice-cream or other sweet endings on a menu.  That said, the a Vanilla Bean Bread Pudding with fresh strawberries at the Healdsburg Bar and Grill blew me away.

I only meant to eat a few bites since it was my brother's wedding weekend and I knew I was in for a long one of pure decadence.. but WOW.  The pudding was so warm, buttery, sweet, moist, and well, mushy, that I simply demolished it.  

The Chocolate Pot de Creme did not disappoint either.  

And while I'm at it, the Truffle-Oil french fries were irresistible too. ;)

For more info on the Healdsburg Bar & Grill, click here. 

Yummy Cupcakes

Watch out World! Your Dessert Darling just had THE best cupcake her teeth have ever sunk into! It was called "Happy Day" from Yummy Cupcakes bakery and Oh happy day it was! Actually, I've had a bit of a trying day, but that cupcake just turned everything around for me.

I walked into the darling bakery, a cool repose from the sweltering Burbank heat, and was immediately delighted by the colorful display of pastel cupcakes that had an elegant unity while still maintaining a freshly baked feel. Furthermore, the bakery boasts a little shop to the side that features items such as adorable cup-cake patterned aprons, baking mitts, chef hats, and the Jaqua line of bath and body fragrances (if you're not familiar, they smell Delish!) 

This place meant Business! I could only imagine what the cakes would taste like. I now had high expectations and anything sub-delightful would sorely disappoint. I purchased the Happy Day (how could I not with a name like that?) which was a vanilla cake baked with rainbow sprinkles, and vanilla buttercream frosting. My first bite transported me to a heavenly place which I still have yet to leave. 

Next, I had the red velvet cake, which they claim is their most popular, along with the chocolate. While both were equally spectacular, my loyalties lingered on the Happy Day, so in comparison, I found the cream cheese frosting to be slightly salty next to the plain buttercream. 

 With flavors like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Brown Sugar Cinnamon,  Buttered Popcorn (!), and even a Vegan cupcake that looked tempting, I can't wait to go back to "Yummy Cupcakes" and try more! 

Ranging from $2.75-$3.50 a pop, these designer cakes are worth every penny for the divine experience. To impress and delight, I'd recommend these treats for any and every event. You must check out their extensive menu of unique flavors as well as the various size options for your party platters!

For more info on Yummy Cupcakes, click here. 

Happy Day (below)

A Delicious trio to try! (below)

Flourless Chocolate Cake at Cecconi's Restaurant

Hats off to Chef Porter of the fabulous Italian restaurant Cecconi's! Thanks to him I experienced an incredible trio of desserts at a friend's birthday last night.

Most exquisite of the the offerings was the:

Flourless Chocolate Cake, so cool and creamy my friend claimed, "It's smoother than George Clooney hitting on a cocktail waitress."

EGSactly. That's exactly how to describe this slab of deliciousness. Mmm, I swoon just thinking about it. If you need a chocolate fix, I urge you to visit this fine establishment. At $9 a slice, it doesn't come cheap, but for the George Clooney experience, it's well worth every penny.

Additionally, I enjoyed:

Summer Berries Pannacotta, lovely chilled, creamy custard with plump berries, and fresh mint garnish.

Peach Gelee (special of the night) This gelatinous delicacy was made with fresh peaches and Italian sparkling wine for an alcoholic kick that was tempered by home-made peach gelato.

Bravo!

For more info on Ceconni's, click here. 

    

Susie Cakes Cupcakes

Susie cupcakes taste like a birthday party in your mouth.   The frosting evokes childhood and has a certain, dare-I-say.. hint of store-bought flavor that comes in Betty Crocker tubs.  However, I know it's all made from scratch with the freshest and finest ingredients, so I don't question this twist of taste.  The pastel colors are fun and fanciful and each cake is adorned with just a tasteful amount of sprinkles to give it a delightful crunch in a few surprising bites.

But perhaps the most unique trait of the Susie cake is the hole they poke out the middle and fill up with extra icing, ensuring that almost every bite is frosted. Oh how special!

Now, if I'm to get picky here.. the cake itself might have leaned a bit on the dryer side. Overall, these cupcakes earn 5 cherries for the carefree sentiments of childhood that they evoke in addition to the fresh and delicious taste!!!

Click here for more info on Susie Cakes.

John Kelly Chocolates

MMMmmmmmmm

MMMMMMMMMMM

OHmyGod, YES!

Mmmmmmmmmm

This is how I can best describe John Kelly "chocolates." I put "chocolates" in quotations because to put these heavenly creations in the same category as Hersheys, Nestles, or any other run of the mill cocoa treat, would be like saying Meryl Streep and Lauren Conrad are both "actresses."

To be fair, John Kelly calls his treats "Truffle Fudge Bites."  How well put Mr. Kelly.  A thin layer of hard chocolate envelopes a mound of divine, melt in your mouth, flavorful, not quite truffle- not quite fudge, dreaminess that is so mind-blowing, it converts even the haters.  

The "Dark Chocolate with French Grey Sea Salt" has that sweet and salty combo that has made chocolate covered pretzels and chips so popular of late, and the "Chocolate with Walnuts" melted in my mouth like eating my mom's homemade brownie mix before it hit the oven.

Hats off to John Kelly.. I've never tasted chocolate so seductive as your's.  You put a spell on me~

Click here for more info on John Kelly Chocolates

Choco's Ice-Cream Bon Bons

Perfection.

These delicious treats taste way more fun and decadent than something you'd purchase from a grocery store. And yet, there they are in the frozen aisle of Whole Foods and Trader Joes (under the TJ label though).  

Mmmmm.

"Ice-cream Treats with a cookie crust, dipped in rich chocolate!" says the Choco Bon Bon website. Aw, but they don't specify that the chocolate layer is so good it could stand alone (unlike the waxy, thin shells on Dibbs and other ice-cream treats), or that the vanilla ice-cream is as luxurious as Haagen-Dazs, or that the cookie adds a unique dimension to the traditional bon bon, soaking up the ice-cream and delighting all around.  

Furthermore, these treats are 100% natural, and "only 60 calories per Bon Bon." Which is great if you can limit yourself to a few at time.  They are decadent enough that, for most people, that should be no problem.