The Levain chocolate chip cookie: The choice of top pastry chefs

Over the years I have found that New Yorkers have strong opinions about their favorite chocolate chip cookie.  I think this is because our personal cookie style and texture preference is solidified during childhood.  As we age, the emotional connection remains.  And the easiest way to reconnect with your childhood is to experience your favorite cookie.  Or, it could just be people like butter, sugar and chocolate chips!

Recently, I asked some of the best pasty chefs (who aren’t listed on my restraining order), who bakes their favorite chocolate chip cookie?  I expected to get 20 diplomatic  answers of “well–it’s hard to say, ther’re all so good…”  But to my surprise, many  were willing to share their their opinions.  All of these chefs spent some time working in New York kitchens. (more…)

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Sweet invention: a history of dessert is an excellent and interesting read

New York based food writer Michael Krondl’s Sweet invention: a history of dessert is a fascinating tour of the history of the confectionary arts.  The book explores how sweets have mirrored social, technological and political revolutions throughout history.  Krondl also covers sweet makers from India, the Middle East, Italy, France, Vienna, and the United States and visits key confectioners around the globe.  The book takes the reader right up to the present with coverage of Parisian macarons. (more…)

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New York Food and Wine Festival - Sweet Event on September 29th, sponsored by Godiva

I can’t believe how many Dessert Buzz favorites are attending the “Sweet” event at the New York Food and Wine Festival (Tonight!).  It will be a truly awesome event this for any attendee, so grab your tickets asap since this event will sell out. EVENT IS SOLD OUT! Pastry chefs attending the event who have been featured on DessertBuzz  include  Francois Payard (interview) of Francois Chocolate Bar, Gustav Tzoc (interview) of Abe and Arthur’s, Andrea Jarosh of Donatella, Michelle Park of Kyotofu, Karen DeMasco of Locanda Verde, Catrine Oscarson of Mas, Ludovic Augendre and Florian Bellange of Mad Mac, Johnny Iuzzini of Jean Georges, Alison Kave of First Prize Pies and Ron Ben-Israel Cakes,  Details below.

Andrea Jarosh's Sfogliatella dessert from Donatella

Karen DeMasco Mini Rhubarb Pie

Mad-Mac's Macarons

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Bouchon, DB Bistro Moderne, Donatella, Doughnut Plant, First Prize Pies, Francois Payard Bakery (FPB), Gotham Bar and Grill, Kyotofu, Locanda Verde, Mas (farmhouse), Payard, Ron Ben-Israel Cakes, Uncategorized | 4 Comments »

Eclairs with passionfruit and raspberries with white chocolate American flags

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If you attended the 2nd annual Vicious and Victorious benefit for Autism Speaks then you knew how serious the guest bakers were.  The event raised over $400 for Autism Speaks in just a few short hours.  Congratulations to the winners.

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Francois Chocolate Bar Macaron with cocoa nibs

In my book, more than 7 or 8 distinct comments on one post makes for a true, viral sensation.  I would even call the reaction to my Financier post a genuine kerfuffle.  It’s interesting how much New Yorkers have to say about macarons.  They might just be the next cupcakes. (more…)

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Midtown cookie fiends rejoice!  The Dorie Greenspan pop-up cookie bar is back through February 11.  The location is the same, Mizu Salon, 505 Park Avenue between 59 and 60 Streets.  The hours are from 10am until they run out (of cookies).  See last year’s spread here. (more…)

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