This week, I'm recipe testing grasshopper bars from the "Baked Explorations" cookbook for an event (more on that in another post). It's one that requires some patience, but the result — a gooey brownie topped with creamy mint buttercream and chocolate glaze — is the perfect sweet reward.
Macaron Cafe
These tiny French cookies have become somewhat of a guilty pleasure at my house ever since I introduced them to the family during the holidays. So when a friend gave us this box from Macaron Cafe, everyone was excited to dig in. They're not the best we've had — a tad too chewy and light on flavor — and my favorite remains the Earl Grey from Macaron Parlour. (the boyfriend, on the other hand, still craves the Cherry Cordial from Dana's Bakery, a Valentine's Day special that's sadly no longer available.)
Of course, most people turn to the king of macarons — Ladurée — for their fix, but there's something about buying from and getting to know Christina and Simon (the adorable couple behind Macaron Parlour), and Dana (a photo editor-turned-baker), that makes their not-so-typical macs extra addictive.
Macaron Cafe, 625 Madison Ave. at E. 58th St. (212) 486-2470.
CO-OP Food & Drink
CO-OP Food & Drink
It's not often that a room leaves me speechless, but this sunlit event space in the back of CO-OP Food & Drink did just that last weekend. I was there for a friend's bridal shower and though the room — with its scaling wall of portraits and wood accents — didn't quite scream "Under the Sea" (the theme of the day), it certainly was a gorgeous place to throw a party.
CO-OP Food & Drink, 107 Rivington St. between Essex and Ludlow Sts. (212) 796-8040.
Chocolate Lava Cake
Winding down this gorgeous weekend with the molten lava cake from Joy the Baker's cookbook. It may sound incredibly fancy, but this cake only took a handful of ingredients and less than half an hour to make. Easy, chocolatey and oh-so-indulgent.
Du Jour Bakery
I first met TJ and Vera, the lovely husband-and-wife owners of Du Jour Bakery, while covering their opening last fall. I knew from the moment I stepped into the airy Park Slope shop, it'd be the kind of place where people would linger. I did just that earlier this week with a set of buttery Linzer cookies. If only I had time to stay longer.
Du Jour Bakery, 365 Fifth Ave. between Fifth and Sixth Sts., Brooklyn (347-227-8953)