South End baked goods - recommendations from Ryan to you!

My New Year’s resolution: stop working out until March and eat whatever I want. Oh, and refrain from whining and complaining if (actually not if, but when) I gain a pound or two. In fact, embrace the pound or two! It is the winter after all – extra pounds will keep me warm (or so I tell myself).

And let me tell you, actually enjoying every bite of my favorite yummies has been absolutely liberating! I recommend giving yourself a week or two (or a few months) to pause your calorie fretting and cut yourself some slack. ‘Cause there are so many treats that must be tried. I’ve found a few in the South End that I’d love to share with you.

Chocolate Mousse from Stella
I actually visit Stella’s bar just to savor their chocolate mousse, which is topped with small pieces of almond biscotti. Creamily scrumptious and served in a martini glass for extra enjoyment.

Banana Bread from Flour
Always just sweet enough to be called dessert and just doughy enough to be rationalized as breakfast. Save the top for last—it’s got that almost-undercooked stickiness to it that leaves a delicious taste in your mouth for hours. Oh, and yes you can buy a whole loaf, thanks for asking!

My all-time favorite: Harriet Cupcake from The South End Buttery (pictured to the left and below)
First of all, let me just say that any bakery with the word “buttery” in the name has my mouth watering even before I taste the goodies. And this cupcake makes good on my initial eagerness. Basically, it’s a mini carrot cake—minus theFirst of all, let me just say that any bakery with the word “buttery” in the name has raisins (thank goodness… not a fan of raisins). The cake itself is moist and delicious, with grated carrot strips and spices to enrich the taste, but the true magic lies in the homemade cream cheese frosting. It’s just so thick and whipped and smooth, placed atop the actual cake like a crown.  If you like carrot cake, this cupcake will provide you with the perfect morsel of carrot-cream-cheese perfection.

A South End neighbor Andrew sent in his suggestion: Morning Glory Muffin from Appleton Bakery
Made with brown sugar, cranberries, raisins, carrot, pineapple, wheat flour. Yummy and fibrous!

Got any baked goodies to share? I’m on my delectable food diet for another two months; so let me know what I should be savoring!

Comments

[Faux Wood Blinds Gal]

We all need to cut-loose and treat our souls to what ever cheap thrills that makes us smile. Great post, great pixs...keep up the great work:-)

[Kate]

Hey Ryan-

Great post & I love your resolution to enjoy life and love yourself, as-is! I have a couple recommendations for foodies alike and fellow South Enders. I am more of a savory dessert person, so I am a huge fan of the cheese plate at the Butcher Shop on Tremont St. But, to all the sweet tooth folks out there, I saw someone eating the Smashed Almond Bark at Rocca and it looked quite tasty (http://roccaboston.com/menus/dinner-desserts.php). I do second the cupcakes at The Buttery as well, my go-to for gifting friends and coworkers.

Cheers,
Kate

[RyanB]

Thanks Gals!

I actually have a Harriet cupcake sittin in the fridge waiting for me... makes my ENTIRE day.

And that almond bark dessert sounds delicious. I'll be sure to check it out next time I visit Rocca.