Jessica's Dinner Party

Doughnut Plant

Please welcome guest writer Michelle who is a fellow foodie, phenomenal writer, and my one and only sister. She is JDP’s special correspondent to the New York food scene!

New York is a gastronomical hub of deliciousness mixed with obnoxiously trendy restaurants serving mediocre food. A challenge of mine this year is not to pigeon-hole myself by visiting the same familiar eateries I know, and instead, to seek out hidden, or in this case, not-so-hidden gems.

Doughnut Plant is somewhat of a celebrity with glowing reviews by self-proclaimed doughnut fanatics on Yelp. Plus, it was not only “challenged” by Bobby Flay on Throwdown, but Doughnut Plant won. So, this past weekend, I trekked down to the Lower East Side to check out this local favorite.

March 04 2010 | Bakeries and Restaurants and New York and Thoughts | 2 Comments »

Strawberry Tart with Pastry Cream

Finally, the last of the birthday pie desserts is this strawberry tart. It is probably my favorite amongst the three (pumpkin-pecan and peanut butter mousse). The flavors are simple, clean, and familiar but in a surprising and dazzling way. Contrary to what it seems, it’s a no fuss dessert. The tart shell and pastry cream can be made ahead of time, then assembled a few hours before eating. It’s great for dinner parties and casual family dinners. I’ve made this tart a few times since the birthday party and it’s been a hit with everyone.

February 23 2010 | Dessert and Fruit and Pies and Tarts and Recipe and Thoughts | 4 Comments »

Sweet Potato Cupcakes

Hypothetically, the best thing about Thanksgiving is the amount of choices you have when it comes to your plate. Yams or potatoes? Cranberry sauce or gravy? Cake or pie? However, does anyone ever choose one over the other? I sure don’t. I pile my plate with full servings of everything and finish it clean. Then, when my pants are unbuttoned and I place my hands on the six month food baby I’ve created in my stomach, I start to think, maybe I should’ve cut back. That’s why you have to bake all your desserts in the mini. It’s faster, cuter, and you feel less guilty if you decide to sample all of the desserts.

November 17 2009 | Cake and Dessert and Recipe and Thoughts | 7 Comments »

The Chocolate Room

Valentine’s Day is not for another few months but thoughts of love and cupid filled my head when I went to the Chocolate Room in Park Slope. It’s a very cozy but not crammed spot in Brooklyn and feels like the perfect date spot. Too bad I didn’t go with a boyfriend, a lover, or a secret crush, because it would have been very romantic, a piece of dark, chocolate cake and spoons knocking together. But! I went with a very, very wonderful friend and had a fabulous time. So, I guess a boy wasn’t very necessary at all!

I like chocolate, but wouldn’t say I’m a chocoholic. However, for the Chocolate Room I might convert. Each dish had just the right amount of sweetness and cocoa intensity. There was sophistication but also homey, comfort as well. When we sat down we were welcomed with a little taster of a dark chocolate sorbet. I like to say that I like dark chocolate, but secretly I prefer milk. The sorbet was exceptional though, refreshing with just enough of cocoa aftertaste. It made you yearn for me.

September 25 2009 | Bakeries and Restaurants and Dining out and New York and Thoughts | 5 Comments »

Cantaloupe Granita

I’ve kind of been obsessed with cantaloupe lately. I eat it during breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday and still don’t get tired of it! I think it’s the most perfect out of all the melons. It’s sweet, but not as piercingly sweet as honeydew. It’s refreshing and juicy in a more substantial way than watermelon. And it’s just has a very calming quality to it. It’s pleasant and soothing like dawn during summertime.