YeeeHa! If there’s something I love more than the desserts, it’s got to be skiing. I mean, what on earth is greater than riding a flying chair in sparkling, pristine nature,only to then whiz down a mountain at full speed ahead?! And on top of that, it burns calories too?! MAGIC (my husband’s word of the year, btw). So yea, I went skiing over President’s weekend and consumed more calories than all the NFL football teams combined (watch out scale!). One lovely lunch stop we made was at the Ritz Carlton. The pasta there was freaking DIVINE. But we’re here to discuss desserts. SO, without further ado, this Apple Huckleberry Crisp with Maldon Caramel Ice Cream and Persimmon Wafer was pretty awesome. The Caramel ice cream was too salty, but when combined with the sweet crisp and a voracious appetite, it didn’t stand a chance. I licked the plate clean (literally).

The Chocolate Mousse with raspberry sauce was also well executed, but not anything extraordinary.

While I’m totally wiped out from an adventure packed February, I can’t wait to make my way back to the mountains again! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow~

For more info on the Ritz-Carlton in Northstar, Lake Tahoe, click here.

The cake donuts were ok, but what tickled me more was this tray of lovely options.

Which up close, each dessert (minus the cake pops) looked like this:

The S’mores Bar was insanely delicious, sweet, and buttery. Hands down, it was the winner. That said, the unassuming Chocolate Torte bar there had a surprising layer of peanut butter inside that made me giddy.

And see that head honcho in the tall director’s chair?

Yep- that’s just my buddy Matt Groening hanging with my friend and me. We go waaaaaay back (to 40 secs before this photo was taken).

Of course, my night wouldn’t be complete without dancing with the Simpsons themselves!

DOH! I ate too many desserts that night. Like, at least two of everything (mediocre donuts included).  Awe well, it was an awesome night and well worth it. CONGRATS to everyone at FOX and The Simpsons for such tremendous success throughout the years! I remember when my family gathered around the TV for the very first episode together. It was an event for us that I’ll never forget!

The Ingredients:

Always buy Organic when you can:

• 1 cup creamy Peanut Butter
• 1 cup Palm Sugar or Brown Sugar (or half and half)
• 1 small Banana, well mushed
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• dash of Vanilla
• 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips

How to Make Them:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
• Mix all of the ingredients, minus the chocolate chips
• Blend well, making sure that the banana is well mushed up
• Add the chocolate chips, then stir
• Use a spoon to scoop out the balls onto a buttered pan (not Vegan, but makes ‘em tasty)
• Press the balls flat, or or else they won’t fully bake and the’ll be shaped like balls
• Bake for 12 minutes.
• Remove from oven and let cool

Enjoy!!!

1. um, CHOCOLATE
2. Ice Cream
3. Pudding
4. Macarons
5. Meringue
6. Pavalova
7. Flourless Chocolate Cake
8. Souffles
9. Divinity
10. Fudge
11. Bananas Foster
12. Milkshakes
13. Sorbet
14. Italian Almond Cookies
15. Raw desserts
16. Caramels
17. Candy Apples
18. Chocolate fondue
19. Custard
20. Peanut Butter Cookies

What is GLUTEN?

Gluten is a substance in grains, especially wheat, that is responsible for the elastic texture of dough. It basically acts like.. a GLUE. So when you mix flour, water, and salt to make play-dough? Well that sticky-gummy like substance is what gluten also does in your insides when you consume it.

What is Celiac’s Disease?

Celiac’s is a digestive disease that wreaks havoc on the lining of the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of nutrients. People with Celiac’s Disease cannot tolerate Gluten (source).

Why the Increase in Gluten Allergies?

Turns out that yet again, GMOs are to blame (what are GMOs? See video here). In the case of wheat, it was genetically modified with the promise of feeding millions of starving people world wide. The result? There are now “30% more obese than undernourished in the world.”  (source)

Genetically Modified Wheat 

The wheat in our food today is drastically different from the wheat our grandparents or even parents had growing up. According to Dr. Mark Hyman’s fascinating article here, some facts about the wheat of today:

1. It contains a Super Starch – amylopectin A that is super fattening.
2. It contains a form of Super Gluten that is super-inflammatory.
3. It contains forms of a Super Drug that is super-addictive and makes you crave and eat more.

Crickies! What’s a DD to do?!

I know, you’re totally scratching your head right now, wondering WTF you can do and eat that’s still delicious and doesn’t tear up your intestines and make you sick and fat, right?! Or something like that. Fear not- you CAN take action.

1. Eat Organic
2. Eat Gluten Free- I shall be on the look out for fantastic GF dessert options! Stay tuned
3. Eat Raw desserts (always Gluten Free)
4. Sign this petition to ask the FDA to label foods with GMOs

Eat yummy, stay healthy!  Together, we’ll learn how.

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

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.

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.

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.

xo

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!