Jan 2015

The Year in Delicious: Top 10 Sweets of 2014

The Year in Delicious: Top 10 Sweets of 2014

While doughnuts dominated 2013’s Year in Delicious, 2014 featured more diversity. Ever the equal opportunity sweets seeker, I set aside plenty of gastro real estate for everything under the sugary sun from puddings to pies to pastries and cake! Without further ado, here are the 10 best sweets that I ate this year…

Leonard's Bakery - Kaimuki - Honolulu

Malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery in Honolulu, Hawaii

Whether served simply with a dusting of sugar or fancily with a coconut custard filling, the Portuguese doughnuts at Leonard’s were a treat for the senses.  Mmm…deep-fried paradise.

B. Patisserie - San Francisco

Kouign Amann from b.Patisserie in San Francisco, California

Beneath the unbeatably flaky layers of laminated dough, a gorgeous sugar-tinged and buttery center was revealed. A spectacular creation by pastry goddess Belinda Leong. We’re not worthy.

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon – Las Vegas (MGM Grand)

Seasonal Cherry Dessert from L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas, Nevada

The dreamiest, creamiest vanilla soft serve studded with juicy cherries and accompanied by a chocolate peanut butter sable. This seasonal dessert provided a fantastic finish to Joël Robuchon’s summer tasting menu.

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory - Waterbury, Vermont

Peanut Butter Fudge Core from Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory in Waterbury, Vermont

I’m no stranger to getting up close and personal with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, but digging into one fresh off the conveyor belt… now that was a first. Pre-frozen ice cream…a splendidly decadent dream.

20th Century Cafe - San Francisco

Krasinski Torte from 20th Century Cafe in San Francisco, California

Also known as Russian honey cake, the krasinski torte was comprised of ten delightfully fluffy layers of caramelized honey mousse and genoise cake. I loved how the honey’s distinct flavor was front and center with each bite. Ahhh…

Fishing with Dynamite - Manhattan Beach

Key Lime Pie from Fishing with Dynamite in Manhattan Beach, California

With its crumbly house-made graham cracker crust, tart kaffir lime filling, and torched meringue peaks, Chef David Lefevre ‘s key lime pie was beautifully balanced and perfect from top to bottom.

Huckleberry Cookbook Brunch with Zoe Nathan Loeb

Beignets from Chef Zoe Nathan (at the Huckleberry cookbook brunch) in Santa Monica, California

When Chef Zoe Nathan invites you into her home for brunch, the only acceptable answer is: “Yes, please.” In celebration of the release of her gorgeous cookbook, Huckleberry, Chef Zoe treated a few lucky food writers to an incredible spread of homemade delights, including these light and golden beignets. I could’ve eaten the whole batch. Easy.

Flour + Water - San Francisco

Chocolate Budino from Flour+Water in San Francisco, California

While the wait for a table at Flour+Water wasn’t pretty, the dessert certainly was. The dense, rich, not-too-sweet pudding paired gorgeously with whipped espresso cream, while the salty shards kept our spoons coming back for more.

Dr. Vernon Chaplin

Cherry Pie from Good Girl Dinette in Highland Park, California

Every Fourth of July, Chef Diep Tran whips up beautiful pies made with her signature buttery crust and summer’s sweetest bounty. The Astronomer and I reserved one stuffed to the brim with K&K Ranch cherries and polished it off in a matter of days. This Good Girl’s got a way with pie.

Ted's Bakery - Haleiwa - North Shore

Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie from Ted’s Bakery in Haleiwa, Hawaii

After spending all day in the hot Hawaiian sun, diving into a slice of Ted’s Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie was something kinda wonderful. Comprised of layers of smooth dark chocolate custard cream, creamy coconut pudding, and whipped topping, the pie had a cooling sweetness that hit the spot like you wouldn’t believe.

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BONUS! June Q. Chaplin, born November 17, the sweetest, most delicious treat of 2014. Squee!

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7 thoughts on “The Year in Delicious: Top 10 Sweets of 2014

  1. Here are The Astronomer’s Top 10 (edible) sweets from 2014:

    – Rhubarb with Meringue and Lemon Anglaise at Commissary
    – Cherry Pie from Good Girl Dinette
    – Black Sesame Donuts at Longman & Eagle, Chicago
    – Meyer Lemon Tart at Longman & Eagle, Chicago
    – Key Lime Pie at Fishing with Dynamite
    – Raspberry Glazed Doughnut at Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts, Charleston
    – Sourdough Fritters at Five50 Pizza Bar, Las Vegas
    – La Framboise (raspberry puree and yuzu ice cream in a white chocolate sphere) at L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Las Vegas
    – Apple Tart Tatin at Heritage Steak, Las Vegas
    – Sage Panna Cotta at Republique

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