Archive for Los Angeles, So. Cal

Top 3 Sexiest Chocolates for Valentine’s Day

By Dessert Darling · Comments (0)
Monday, February 13th, 2012

Last week I gave you a comprehensive Valentine’s guide for any and everyone in your life (post here). But if you really want to get down and dirty with aphrodisiacs, then allow me to share with you the Top 3 Sexiest Chocolates I know!

1. ChocolatiQue

With sinfully gooey centers, colorful designs, and exotic flavors like Madagascar Vanilla Cola, Rum Runner’s Raisin, and Burnt Caramel (full list here), these titillating chocolates will surely excite your sweetie with a sweet tooth. Note: avoid the “donut” chocolates. Those are no bueno.

2. Kee’s Chocolates in SoHo, NY

These refined truffles are made by hand with top secret recipes and exotic ingredients from around the world (Yuzu from Japan, Saffron from Spain, Sea Salt from France). Creative and sophisticated options like Balsamic, Cognac, Jasmine, and a Valentine favorite, Black Rose, will pleasure even the most discerning connoisseur.

3. K Chocolatier

K Chocolatier uses as little sugar as possible in their pure and luxurious chocolates. Their fudge like truffles with whipped centers were Jackie O’s favorites (pictured below), but the K Liquors (Vodka Shots, Tequlia Shots, and Scotch Hiballs) will surely intoxicate your lover the most.

Enjoy and have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

XOXO

 

 

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Cupcakes, Cookies & Pie, Oh, My! A Darling How-To Book

By Dessert Darling · Comments (0)
Monday, February 13th, 2012

If you’re a crafty baker, or want to be one, might I recommend this darling How-To book, Cupcakes, Cookies & Pie, Oh, My by the creators of Hello, Cupcake?! I just got this sweet book in the mail and am so psyched to add it to my growing collection of gorgeous, colorful, dessert books!

I mean, how adorable and creative are these high heeled cupcakes!?

This book also has a ton of boy-friendly dessert ideas, so it really covers the bases.

Thank you the team behind Cupcakes Cookies & Pie oh, My for my gorgeous copy of your book! I’m so delighted to have and share it. :)

For more info on Cupcakes Cookies & Pie, Oh, My!, click here.

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The Ultimate Gift Guide for Valentine’s Day

By Dessert Darling · Comments (3)
Friday, February 10th, 2012

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I have ALL your bases covered with this ULTIMATE Gift-Giving Guide! Have a sweet one :) xoxo

1. For Him:

Though it’s traditional for the lady to receive chocolates, our men need a little recognition too. John Kelly Chocolates makes the most delicious truffle fudge bites that quite literally melt in your mouth and send you to Heaven. John Kelly’s packaging is masculine and sleek, making it the perfect present to gift your guy.

2. For Her:

Gentleman, if you want to score some serious points with your lady this Valentine’s Day, invest in a gorgeous box of chocolates by K Chocolatier. Intoxicate her with the delicious vodka balls, or her delight her with the dark chocolate truffles that were once hand-made for Jackie O. When the chocolate’s all gone, the box with paper mache roses can be used for keepsakes for years to come.

3. For the Kids:

Teuscher Chocolates from Switzerland not only makes some of the most delectable chocolates, but also they boast the most whimsical and playful packaging. Treat your daughter to a small ladybug box, or your son to a lion box. But don’t forget to treat yourself to their famous, signature champagne truffles first! Totally divine.

4. For the Health Nut:

Not everyone is excited to sink their teeth into butter and sugar. Fear not, now health nuts can receive sweet love this Valentine’s day too with a box of Benchic Chocolates. These homemade, raw, organic, and vegan treats are made with only six simple ingredients that are all actually good for you! And the craziest part? The even taste extraordinary.

5.For Mom:

No one deserves a little TLC more than Mom. Honor her with these delicious and gorgeous gems of chocolates by Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolates.

6. For Dad:

Let Dad know he’ll always be your first Prince Charming with some exquisite chocolates from La Maison du Chocolate. These fine treats are shipped in daily from France and come in these sweet and masculine book boxes.

 

7. For Your Girlfriends:

Whether your friends are in relationships or not, show that they are loved with darling, cellophane-wrapped baggies of these delicious mini-cookies by Baking Betty’s. Each treat is baked from scratch and made to order. Their signature cookies sport soft and sweet marshmallows that make them effortlessly light and totally enjoyable!


8. For Your Guy Friends:

Yes, even your platonic guy friend or brother can partake in this holiday thanks to your thoughtfulness. Be their hero with a box of Cookies By Joey. These massive cookies are legendary for their extreme deliciousness. Indeed, they may be the best cookies he’ll ever have. Make sure he shares though or his friend status will be seriously jeopardized.

9. For the Office:

There’s something for everyone in a box for Fairtytale Brownies. These individually wrapped gourmet, Belgium brownies are soft, rich, and divine. With flavors like peanut butter, mint, walnut, toffee, and more, you’re sure to have a happy ending.

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Edelweiss Chocolates, in Beverly Hills for 69 years..!

By Dessert Darling · Comments (1)
Wednesday, February 8th, 2012


With Valentine’s day around the corner, ya best know what Chocolates you want to order from the universe…and which ones to avoid. (Sigh)That would be Edelweiss Chocolates in Beverly Hills. This small but packed confection shop has been around for 69 years and clearly, must be doing something right. However, I’m at a loss as to what that is. These chocolates are extremely sweet. I mean, powdered-sugar overload inside those truffles! I actually had to spit some bites out they so shocked my taste buds.

Edelweiss Chocolates are more like candy, in the vein of Milkyways and Reeces bars, than they are classy truffles. These treats have a lot of marshmallow options, which you don’t see in more refined chocolatiers. Indeed, Edelweiss Chocolates seem to be a hodge-podge, poor man’s take on See’s Candie’s, which was founded in 1921- A true LA landmark! Hmmm, if you’re on Canon, walk a few block’s south to Madam Chocolat, your sophisticated palette will be glad you did.

Edelweiss

P1010101

xo

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The BEST Cupcakes at 2012′s CUPCAKE CHALLENGE by Drink:Eat:Play

By Dessert Darling · Comments (0)
Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

So you’ve been waiting and the results are here! With 36 cupcakes, we have a ties in both in 1rst and 2nd place, so bare with me.

1rst place:

One of my Faaaavorite cupcakes at the challenge were these Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes by [Desi]gn Cakes and Cupcakes. Yep, you read that right: Buffalo Chicken. These cupcakes escalate the sweet & salty fad to whole new level with a sauce that is traditionally sweet, salty, and spicy. That added dimension of spice was well tempered though by thick, creamy, vanilla frosting. Overall, this was an exciting and delicious cupcake that was well executed on every level. Bravo [Desi]gn Cupcakes in Riverside!

1rst Place:

The other bakery in our tie is My Delight Cupcakery from Ontario, who made these scrumdilliumptious Red Velvet Raspberry Cheesecake Cupcakes. I normally don’t like fruit anywhere near my desserts, but this raspberry was so sweet and fresh, and blended in so harmoniously with this gorgeous cupcake, that it won me over. While the Buffalo Chicken cupcake might have beat this one by a hair, I’m escalating My Delight Cupcakery to 1rst place for two reasons. One: they use wholesome, organic ingredients, which is a BIG deal to me now that I know the truth about our food (see here). Two: My Delight was my favorite bakery last year, so they are consistently excellent.


2nd Place:

2nd  Place goes to Butter Sweet Minis on Larchmont for their Mint Chip Cupcake that had wonderful texture, consistency, and the perfect balance of flavors.

2nd Place:

Also in second place is Debiteful Cake Pop Shop from Chino for these sassy little Pastelitos Caliente, which is Spanish for “Awesome.” These cornbread based cupcakes had bacon, a hint of spicy (there’s that spice again!), and frosting that even featured cilantro. This sweet and savory combination could have been a total disaster, but Debiteful pulled it off brilliantly. Note: these were some of the last cupcakes that I had, so it’s possible that this savory option was just a very refreshing change of pace after 34 super sweet selections. That said, I loved them.


3rd Place: 

Even though I had this Buddafinga by Double “D” Cupcakes at a point where I could barely breath from so many samples, I still swooned over the wonderful combination of fresh ingredients and playful textures. The chocolate based cake featured homemade Caramel and had a Crunchy Peanut Butter Chocolate Buttercream. Got that? No need, just know it was delish.

4th Place:

Finally, 4th place goes to these playful Girl Scouts Somoa cupcakes by Cake Mama’s in Glendora. I loved everything about these fun and flavorful cupcakes except the slippery icing. If you’re an avid DD reader (and I hope that you are!), you know that I don’t like overly whipped, high sheen, oily frosting. Indeed, it disturbs me. A less glossy icing would have made these cupcakes a home run.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners!!! To stand out amongst 36 cupcake options is an incredible achievement. Your bakeries all rocked it!

Thank you Lynn Chen for taking such awesome photos for me!

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Cupcake Challenge 2012, a Vlog

By Dessert Darling · Comments (1)
Monday, February 6th, 2012

This weekend I stepped up to the plate to be a judge again at Eat:Drink:Play’s awesome annual Cupcake Challenge. I was a little anxious about the event since I recalled the severe sugar-shock from last year. Furthermore, I didn’t have any amazing cupcakes then to even make it worth the trauma!

However, this year I had an awesome partner-in-crime in Lynn Chen from The Actor’s Diet, and there were some incredible cupcakes to make it all worth the indulgence. See our video here!

 

 

Stay tuned for posts on the BEST and WORST cupcakes at Eat:Drink:Play’s 2012′s Cupcake Challenge! In the meantime, check out Lynn’s post on our evening here. :)

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Creme Brûlée, Chocolate Cake, and Adrienne Maloof

By Dessert Darling · Comments (0)
Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

This past weekend I had three sweet endings to an awesome night. It started with a shockingly affordable and delicious sushi dinner at Yatai on Sunset Blvd where we got this Creme Brûlée. The dish was quite shallow, which made for a high ratio of burnt sugar to custard. While everyone loves the crisp layer of browned sugar on top, I wanted a little more comforting custard to fill me up. Furthermore, the Creme Brûlée was served really warm, which I found off-putting.

Then we ended up at a friend’s birthday, which had an Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake made by Sweet Lady Jane. You may recall from this post here that I am not a fan of their cupcakes or dismissive behavior. Their cakes, however, have consistently scored better than average with a 3- cherry rating. While I enjoyed the French chocolate buttercream and Belgian chocolate ganache, the overall cake lacked an addictive umph that makes one go back for more.

Finally, and most thrilling yet, I got to meet Adrienne Maloof at the birthday party!!! If you watch the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, you know that despite her glitzy Vegas gear, Adrienne is the cool voice-of-reason who steers clear of drama, and has an endearing relationship with her husband, Paul. You guys, I am telling you- in real life she is ADORABLE. I mean, SO sweet, petite, and cute. Not to sound sycophantic here, but she kinda glows. And check her out striking that pose. I need to take notes!

Three Cherries for the desserts and Five for Adrienne Maloof!

For more info on Yatai, click here.

For more info on Sweet Lady Jane, click here.

For more info on Adrienne Maloof, click here!

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The BEST Caramels EVER by Le Bon Garcon

By Dessert Darling · Comments (2)
Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

Le Bon Garcon makes The BEST caramels that I have Ever had, hands down. Truly, I am swooning here. And I didn’t even think that I liked caramels that much (blame Kraft)! Alas, Le Bon Garcon uses all natural ingredients that are slowly hand stirred, resulting in a silky smooth treat that quite literally melts in your mouth. Unlike traditional caramels, like Kraft squares or Milk Duds, there is no awkward, sticky, chewiness to these dainty delights. My charming little box came with four flavors: a citrus Valentine’s addition called Caramour,  Mango-Passion Fruit and my two dreamy favorites, Salted, and Macadamia Nut. I meant to have “a” bite and I ate nearly all of them. Yikes! If you want to treat a special someone to something other than chocolate this Valentine’s day, do check out Le Bon Garcon’s Golden Cherry Caramels!

For more info on on Le Bon Garcon, click here.

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Shari’s Berries, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries for a Special Treat

By Dessert Darling · Comments (3)
Monday, January 30th, 2012

With Valentine’s day around the corner, I thought I’d try some chocolate dipped Shari’s Berries. These treats impressed me with their juicy, high quality strawberries and equally delicious chocolate coating. The stark white chocolate made me nervous at first, since chocolate that blanched can taste like toxic wax. However, this white chocolate was simply sweet and delicious. The only gripe from my book club friends was that Shari’s is a bit heavy-handed on the chocolate. They would have preferred a more delicate treatment. I for one, am never one to complain about too much chocolate, but if you’re looking for a healthy substitute to chocolate truffles, these berries are probably not it. Overall, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries are tricky treats to pull off well and Shari’s does an excellent job.

For more info on Shari’s Berries, click here.

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Famous Ice Cream Sandwiches at Diddy Riese – Major YUM

By Dessert Darling · Comments (1)
Thursday, January 26th, 2012

After indulging in the Pizookie at BJ’s in Westwood (post here) I sauntered across the street to try a famous Diddy Riese ice cream sandwich. Diddy Riese notoriously has a long line of UCLA students waiting for their buck fifty ice cream sandwich. As if that weren’t cheap enough for two delicious cookies encasing premium ice cream, a lone cookie itself is only 35 cents. Amazing.

I ordered an m&m cookie top with a White Chocolate cookie bottom and filled it with Butter Pecan ice cream. This sweet and buttery combination was Heaven. Mmmmmmmm- SO good! Ice cream sandwiches can be tricky to pull off: sometimes the ice cream freezes the cookie, thus neutralizing it of its flavor. Other times, all the  ice cream squirts out to the sides when you eat it, making it a messy and tricky ordeal. Somehow, Diddy Reise’s treats avoid these pitfalls, making them the quintisential ice cream sandwich. With superior ingredients, this cookie- ice cream delight clearly triumphs over the Pizookie across the street. While I grant Diddy Reise 5 cherries now, they will surely win the Golden Cherry by the end of the year! Delish!

My friend snapped this photo of me shooting the outside of Diddy Riese- there, you can see me in action. ;)

For more information on Diddy Riese, click here.

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