JUST DESSERTS

 HAPPY NATIONAL DESSERT DAY!

    In honor of National Dessert Day, I thought it would be fun to share some of my top three favorite desserts! Anyone who says they don't have a sweet tooth is lying to you because I'm sure everyone has a soft spot for at least one type of dessert. Whether it's chocolate cake, candy, or warm baked pastries, the world is filled with so many delicious sweets that would be a shame to not indulge in every now and then! Without further ado, here are my top three all-time favorite desserts to eat. Hopefully, if you haven't tried one yet and are curious to try themselves out, I've linked the recipes below so we can all spend this national holiday together in the kitchen with people we love and the food we love even more!

Number 3: Cheesecakes

     For my number three, I've chosen cheesecake, which I'm sure many people have tried at least once. Being in New Jersey, if you're a fan of The Cheese Cake Factory, this dessert is definitely on your list too. There's a certain lightness that comes to cheesecakes, and with all the different variations of flavors and drizzles, one can easily find love with cheesecake in some shape and form. However, if you're asking me, the classic plain cheesecake has my heart constantly. Sometimes if I'm feeling fancy, I'll add in a raspberry drizzle on top for that extra fruity flavor that I enjoy after a good dinner. 

    To my baking fanatics, baking cheesecake can be a little tricky for beginners, but with the holiday in the spotlight, I always go back to Sally's Baking Addiction time and time again for her cheesecake recipe. It's perfect for family occasions, a nice romantic date, or a friendly gathering! You can never go wrong with cheesecake. Even if you're lactose intolerant, like many other desserts, there's always an alternative dairy-free recipe to tackle too. When you look hard enough, there's room for desserts for everyone. 

Number 2: Boston Cream Donuts

 

      American runs on Dunkin and I run on Boston Cream donuts! The reason I chose Boston Cream donuts for my second-ranking dessert is because of how much I consume them. I know a few people reading this blog will fight with me with this since the cream filling inside a donut is quite unique versus the traditionally shaped donut with the small hole in the middle. However, in combination with a good iced coffee, my day seems more complete when I treat myself to a good sweet taste of the Boston-eccentric named dessert. 

        For those interested in baking this themselves, for the sake of the dessert holiday festivities, New York Times Cooking has a beautifully written recipe just for this type of dessert! And if the lengthy time and dedication it takes to create these little chocolate balls of deliciousness, my quick and all-time favorite alternative is to grab and go from Dunkin Donuts! And while I'm there, I always manage to get a couple more sweets there too. You can blame my sweet tooth, but you can't stop what the heart wants. 

Number 1: Macarons 

   

    Not to be mistaken by their closely related cousin, macaroons, I award macarons as my all-time number one dessert. Although the baking process is one of the most heart-breaking processes I've ever attempted, the dessert earns its french heritage through the eloquent and delectable aesthetic it is known for. A true Parisian dessert that has won the hearts of many worldwide, including myself. Macarons are by far the most favorite dessert on my taste palate, most likely due to the variety of countless flavors I have come across. No matter how many different flavors I try, I can never part from them. 

    Since macarons are more on the difficult spectrum of baking, especially due to the needed precision a baker must have in order to obtain the macaron's signature "feet" in between the cookies and the cream filling, I think that a beginner's recipe is the best for this holiday occasion. Famous cooking website, Tasty, known for its viral and easy cooking videos on the internet, has a macaron recipe that is sure to reach out to thousands of people. 

Happy Baking!

    Whether desserts are from restaurants or homemade, nothing beats the sensational satisfaction of enjoying a sweet treat. What are your favorite types of desserts? If you end up baking today for the holiday, best of luck, and always make sure to spread the love and share those sweet treats with a person you love! 

Happy National Desserts Day!