Take Your Coffee Anywhere with New Special K Caramel Latte Pastry Crisps

by Jennifer SwartvagherAugust 3, 2020

Do you find yourself craving a cup of coffee and a snack sometime between breakfast and lunch? Now you can have both all in one 100 calorie package. New Special K Caramel Latte Pastry Crisps lets you treat yourself with a delicious guilt-free lift.

Bring your favorite coffeehouse flavors with you on the go with you. Launching just in time for National Coffee Month, these flavorful bars are crafted with the flavors of decadent caramel and a hint of espresso. Each two-pastry pack contains as much caffeine as a half cup of coffee and are only 100 calories per serving.

“These new Crisps bring the essence of your local coffee shop wherever you are,” said Courtney Bentley brand manager for Special K. “With this innovative indulgence you can enjoy anywhere, you can satisfy your caffeine craving with as much caffeine as half a cup of coffee. When our customers need a delicious, guilt-free boost, the Caramel Latte Pastry Crisps deliver.”

Special K Caramel Latte Pastry Crisps are now available in grocery stores nationwide and retail for $3.49.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Special K

Panera Bread Launches First-Ever Unlimited Coffee Subscription Service

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Panera Extends Sign Up for Free Unlimited Coffee

by Jennifer SwartvagherJuly 12, 2020

You had us at free coffee! Due to overwhelming demand and now with 700K subscribers, the sign up for Panera’s free unlimited premium coffee promo has been extended to Mon., Jul. 13. Anyone signed up for MyPanera+Coffee subscription will enjoy free, unlimited premium hot coffee, hot tea and iced coffee until Labor Day.

Guests can get any size, any flavor once every two hours with unlimited refills in the bakery-cafe. That means you can enjoy your favorite beverage every time you pick up a bagel, sandwich or pastry at your local Panera. Panera’s drip and iced coffee offering include two coffee blends, Light Roast and Dark Roast. Both coffee blends are available, along with Decaf and Hazelnut, as part of the coffee subscription program.

“We asked America if they wanted it, and the answer was a resounding YES—so we’re excited to kick off a summer of free, unlimited premium coffee for our guests through Labor Day,” said Eduardo Luz, Chief Brand & Concept Officer for Panera Bread. “This is our way of sharing the famous Panera Warmth in a new way, as we may be all celebrating summer a little differently this year.”

This past March Panera launched the MyPanera+ unlimited coffee subscription.

Guests can order coffee nationwide in Panera bakery-cafes, on Panera’s e-commerce site, and via the Panera app (delivery restrictions apply). If you’re on-the-go or just not quite ready to come in, you can order your coffee via Panera Curbside and contactless Delivery, as Panera continues to take extraordinary steps to serve our communities safely.

The subscription is regularly available for $8.99/month plus tax, and Panera will pause the renewal payments for current subscribers through Labor Day, so that everyone can enjoy a summer of free, unlimited premium coffee.

For more information, or to sign up for the unlimited coffee subscription, visit www.panerabread.com/mypaneracoffee, download the Panera app or visit www.PaneraBread.com.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Panera

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Nestle Toll House Challenges Fans to “Remix the Original”

by Jennifer SwartvagherMay 15, 2020

On National Chocolate Chip Day (May 15) Nestle Toll House is challenging chocolate chip lovers to “Remix the Original.” This contest invites bakers (or pro-level eaters) to share their most creative recipe concepts using Nestle Toll House morsels on Instagram.

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🚨 Contest alert: Calling all kitchen creatives! It’s time to Remix the Original. We are searching for the most original way to use our Nestle Toll House Morsels. One grand prize winner will have their idea made into a recipe on VeryBestBaking.com and receive a baker’s package including a year’s supply of Nestle Toll House Morsels! To enter, follow the instructions below. 💛 1. Follow @nestletollhouse on Instagram 2. Comment on this post with your original morsel recipe idea with a brief description and ingredients needed. All entry comments must begin with “My contest entry:” 3. Tag a friend 💛 Limit to one entry per person, entries must be contained in a single comment. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C), 18 and older. Entries must be received by 11:59pm ET on 5/20/20. For Official Rules, including how to enter and judging criteria, see our IG highlight or go to this link: https://bit.ly/3cqaUcp

A post shared by Nestle Toll House (@nestletollhouse) on May 15, 2020 at 7:00am PDT

Nothing is off limits, as long as the recipe is made with Nestle Toll House morsels.

The eight most creative (and tasty) submissions will face off in a tournament, and then fans will vote to decide who takes the grand prize!

The winning entry will receive a prize box from Nestle Toll House with a year’s supply of morsels, baking gadgets and major bragging rights. The winning concept will also be developed into a recipe by the Nestle Toll House Head Pastry Chef and featured on the Nestle Toll House website.

The contest will be open for submission starting at 10:00 a.m. ET on National Chocolate Chip Day, May 15, 2020 and will remain open until May 20, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Nestle

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A Visit to the World’s Largest Starbucks. . . with Kids

by Amy BizzarriJanuary 28, 2020

It’s the biggest Starbucks in the world, located smack dab in the middle of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, in the 35,000-square-foot former Crate and Barrel building. If you love coffee, you’ll want to pay your respects here, at Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago, a mecca of all things coffee, from coffee beans to coffee-infused cocktails. Even if your kids don’t yet appreciate a good cuppa Joe, they’ll love watching as coffee beans are sorted, roasted and then brewed via fancy, fiery contraptions. Settle in and enjoy an afternoon coffee date with your littles as they indulge in the wide range of over-the-top pastries.

photo: Starbucks via Yelp

Follow the coffee beans
As soon as you enter, expect to be overcome by the heady scent of coffee. Kids can watch as coffee beans are roasted, cooled and distributed throughout the roastery via a 56-foot tall, bronze-colored metal cask that extends from the top to the bottom floor. Ask your kids if they can hear the rainfall-like sound of the coffee beans as they journey through the cask.

photo: Starbucks via Yelp

The first floor is where you’ll find the quickest and most convenient coffee and pastry to-go bar. Take your pick from an assortment of Princi Bakery pastries, all artisanally-made with top-notch ingredients.

photo: Richelle T. via Yelp

While the pastry menu will change with the seasons, kids who want to give coffee flavors a try will want to sample the classic Tiramisu, layered coffee-soaked, house-baked ladyfinger cookies sandwiched with mascarpone cream. Princi is also known for its cornetti, an Italian take on the croissant, filled with a variety of jams and creams. At the full bean scooping bar, you can take home Starbucks coffee beans.

photo: Starbucks via Yelp

Travel up to the second floor along the cool curved escalator—the first in the midwest!—to the Princi bakery. Everything is baked here, then delivered by a fascinating conveyor belt to the first and third floors. The second floor’s menu extends beyond pastries to Princi’s Italian-inspired breakfast and lunch sandwiches, pizzas and salads.

Seating is available throughout the roastery; highchairs are plentiful.

photo: Samantha S. via Yelp

Coffee nerds unite!
The third floor is a coffee nerds dream, but even kids will enjoy watching moka brewed via seven different brewing methods, including the flame-powered siphon method brewing system. Parents will want to give a coffee flight a try here; kids will like the hot cocoa with extra whipped cream. (Warning: if your kids enjoy the fancy, fruity teas available at other Starbucks locations, they won’t find them here at the coffee-focused Roastery).

photo: Starbucks via Yelp

On the fourth floor, the bar, Arriviamo, serves not just coffee but also wine, beer, and signature cocktails. A fifth floor, rooftop terrace will open in the spring.

photo: Mural by Eulojio Ortega

It’s all in the details
Starbucks commissioned Chicago artist Eulojio Ortega to create a progressive mural that depicts the process that gets the beans into our venti-sized cups—including its planting, selection and processing. Take the stairs from the 1^st to the 4^th floor to watch the story unfold as Starbucks, with the help of Ortega, pays tribute to the dedicated farmers that keep us all caffeinated.

Look for the specially designed “Chicago” wall using Starbucks Reserve coffee cards. Each Starbucks Reserve coffee has its own unique card which is an original piece of art created by in-house designers and writers. You’ll find cards that represent Starbucks’ global Roasteries, including Milan, Shanghai, Tokyo, Seattle and New York.

photo: Araceli C. via Yelp

Referred to as the “clackerboard” because of the sound it makes when in motion, the large board on the first floor alerts vistors to what’s brewing that day and any special events.

photo: Kenny C. via Yelp

Plan a visit during off-hours
Lines here have been known to stretch out for more than three blocks and the massive space reached its 1,000-person capacity just 20 minutes after opening in November 2019. The rush starts late-morning, and the space can stay busy until close. Weekdays, early mornings, is the quietest time. The Starbucks Roastery Reserve Chicago is open 7 a.m.-11 p.m., seven days a week.

Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago
646 Michigan Ave.
Mag Mile
312-283-7100
Online: starbucksreserve.com

—Amy Bizzarri

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Pop Into These Local Bakeries for an Old School Treat

by Ayren Jackson-CannadyDecember 23, 2019

Looking for a taste of nostalgia? Bakeries across the D.C. metro area are reinventing the classic pop tart by churning out freshly made versions in flavors that you’d probably never find in a boxed toaster pastry (hello, apple rosemary!). Give kiddo (and yourself) a morning pick-me-up at one of these bakeries that sell homemade pop tarts that are just as good as—if not better than—the ones from the supermarket.

Northside Social
Just a hop, skip, and jump away from the Arlington campus of George Mason University, this coffee shop is a go-to study hub for college students during the pm hours. Swing by with your bambino early, when there’s plenty of seating and the uber-popular Nutella pop tarts ($2.25) are still aplenty. Your little one can team his with hot chocolate or milk (they have whole, nonfat, and organic soy), while you nosh on yours between sips of French press coffee.

3211 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA
703-45-0145
Online: northsidesocialarlington.com

Ted’s Bulletin
Some places have pancakes. Others have cronuts. But homemade pop tarts are the breakfast (er, anytime of the day) treat du jour at this vintage-inspired restaurant. Come for a celebration breakfast (which is served all day, snatch), and substitute a pop tart—in flavors like Blueberry Cheesecake, Peanut Butter Bacon, and Toasted Coconut—for toast with any meal for $1.59. Baked fresh daily, if you come early enough kids can watch the pastry chef top still-warm tarts off with frosting and sprinkles.

505 8^th St., SE, Capitol Hill
202-544-8337

1818 14^th St., NW
202-265-8337

11948 Market St., Reston, VA
703-956-9510

Online: tedsbulletin.com

Sticky Fingers

This bakery specializes in vegan fare. Their cupcakes are world renowned—their vegan, but you’d never know it—and their pop tarts (they call them “Hand Tarts”)are just as delish. Their flavors—from apple cinnamon walnut to chocolate raspberry change regularly, depending on what’s in season. To keep these tarts ($3.50/each) on the vegan scale and healthy, they’re dairy, egg, and cholesterol free, and they’re made with non-hydrogenated oils and evaporated cane juice.

1370 Park Rd., NW
202-299-9700
Online: stickyfingersbakery.com

Spring Mill Bread Co.
The pop tarts are made fresh daily at this flagship bakery in Bethesda (there are also locations in Capitol Hill and Gaithersburg), and the smell alone, when they are baking, is enough to bring an ear-to-ear smile to your face. It will be hard, but try not to get distracted by all of the other breads and sweets on display. Spring Mill’s pop tarts ($2.95/each) come in traditional flavors and they’re big enough to split between two small kids.

4961 Elm St., Bethesda, MD
301-654-7970
Online: springmillbread.com

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Photos courtesy of Curbside Cafe via Facebook, Ted’s Bulletin via Facebook, Sticky Fingers, Spring Mill via Facebook

Hersheypark’s Chocolatetown Expansion Is Set to Open in 2020

by Erica LoopOctober 7, 2019

Calling all chocolate fans—Hersheypark is growing! Hershey’s Chocolatetown is coming in 2020 and according to the park’s website, it’s “The most transformative expansion in Hersheypark history.”

So what can you expect from this transformative expansion? Chocolatetown will include everything from new rides to tasty treats.

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A post shared by Hersheypark Amusement Park (@hersheypark)

Older kiddos, teens and, of course, grown-ups can get an adrenaline rush on the park’s newest coaster, Candymonium. The attraction is Hersheypark’s 15th ride, as well as the tallest, fastest and longest, roller coaster.

Along with the chocolate-themed thrill ride, guests can check out the five new dining options and plenty of retail shops. The Chocolatier, a full-service restaurant and bar, is the highlight of the park’s new eateries. View past and present pieces from the park’s ride collection, nab an adult beverage from the Carrousel-themed bar or indulge in the signature Hersheypark dessert menu.

If you’re in a dessert-only mode, The Sweeterie features 50 plus confections crafted by Chef Cher Harris, The Pastry Queen of the World, and Milton’s Ice Cream Parlor has 12 rotating flavors of house-made chilly goodness.

The new attractions and eating options open just in time for the summer 2020 season. Visit the Hersheypark website here for details on season passes.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Hersheypark via YouTube

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Fall’s Coming to Panera & It Tastes Like Cinnamon Spice

by Erica LoopAugust 7, 2019

The summer sun’s still shining, but you’ve got fall on the brain. Luckily, Panera does too!

The eatery recently announced four fall menu additions, including two cinnamon spice coffee drinks and starting Sep. 9 you can score a Cinnamon Spice Cold Brew or Cinnamon Spice Latte. If you’re more of a pastry person, Panera’s fall foodie finds include Apple Pie Thumbprint Cookies and Cinnamon Apple Scones.

Panera Bread’s Cinnamon-Filled Fall Menu Is Here For All The PSL Haters https://t.co/cAF8XRWa6y

— Delish (@Delish) August 6, 2019

What can you expect from the autumn awesomeness at Panera? The Cinnamon Spice Cold Brew is (as the name implies) cold brew coffee. The fall beverage also includes half and half and cinnamon syrup. As the mercury drops, your hot coffee dreams can come true with the Cinnamon Spice Latte.

Along with an apple pie-flavored thumbprint cookie you can also get a scone that’s filled with apples and cinnamon and topped with cinnamon crunch and salted caramel icing.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr

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Best Donuts in NYC

by Jesseca StensonJuly 1, 2019

Donut lovers, rejoice! If you’ve been wondering where you can get your hands on hot, fresh, perfect donuts, we have the answer. We’ve researched the best donuts in NYC, from vegan donuts to gourmet donuts to out of this world flavors, and everything in between. There’s something for every palate! So grab a coffee or glass of milk and get ready to visit one (or more) of these best donut shops in NYC.

Photo: Sheri Wetherell via flickr

The Doughnut Project

Sweet H. via Yelp

Throw everything you know about donuts out the window. These yeasty, flawlessly fluffy delights will have you in awe. Home of the world famous Everything Doughnut, the doughnut that is topped with the same seeds from an everything bagel and drizzled with a sweet cream cheese glaze, The Doughnut Project makes it point to experiment with all kinds of wondrous flavors. Flavors like Olive Oil and Black Pepper (The Bronx), or beet glaze dipped donut filled with ricotta whipped cream. Get yours before they sell out (which they do).

912 7th Ave.
New York, NY 10019
646-756-4232
The Doughnut Project website: thedoughnutproject.com
The Doughnut Project hours: Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. (or until sold out), Sat.-Sun., 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (or until sold out)
Cost of a doughnut at The Doughnut Project: $2.50 - $4.25

The Doughnut Plant

Bex Walton

The pioneer in gourmet donuts, The Doughnut Plant started in 1994, and they haven’t looked back since. Everything is made in house from scratch, including all glazes and jams. They created the original Crème Brûlée donut, as well as the revolutionary idea of making their jelly donuts square – so you get jelly with every bite. And don’t miss their small batch roasted coffee! With additional locations in Brooklyn, Queens, Chelsea, and Grand Central Terminal, you’re never too far from your own Doughnut Plant dessert.

379 Grand St.
New York, NY 10012
212-505-3700, ext. 379
The Doughnut Plant website: doughnutplant.com
The Doughnut Plant hours: Sun. – Thurs., 6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fri. – Sat., 6: 30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost of a doughnut at The Doughnut Plant: $3 - $4.75

Dun-Well Doughnuts

Helen Alfvegren via flickr

Can’t decide on what flavor donut you’re in the mood for? No problem, Dun-Well Doughnuts have 200 rotating flavors, like peanut butter and jelly, blueberry French toast, lemon raspberry, and vanilla chip, just to name a few. Oh and guess what? Dun–Well Doughnuts is entirely vegan. They have another location in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, too.

102 St. Marks St.
New York, NY 10009
646-998-5492
Dun-Well Doughnuts website: dunwelldoughnuts.com
Dun-Well Doughnuts hours: Sun. – Thurs., 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., Fri. – Sat., 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Cost of a doughnut at Dun-Well Doughnuts: $1.50 - $2.75

Dough

Krista via flickr

Dough’s yeast donut flavors are inspired by Latin American culture and tradition, like dulce de leche with almonds, hibiscus, and passion fruit, for example. But they also have other fun flavors like cheesecake, Nutella, and salted chocolate caramel. Plus, you can watch how the donuts are made while making your decision on which ones to have. (Bet you can’t choose just one!)

448 Lafayette Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11205
347-533-7544
Dough website: doughdoughnuts.com
Dough hours: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost of a doughnut at Dough: $2 - $4.25

The Donut Pub

Rudi Riet

This vintage coffee shop is known for their wall of tasty treats, including cookies, pastries, and of course, donuts (especially their croissant donuts). Choose from flavors like s’mores, chocolate caramel, or maple-glazed bacon. For those with nut allergies, these are for you, too. The Donut Pub is peanut- and tree-nut free.

203 W 14th St.
New York, NY 10011
646-398-7007
The Donut Pub website: donutpub.com
The Donut Pub hours: 24/7 (really – you can get your donut fix any time!)
Cost of a doughnut at The Donut Pub: $2.25 - $4.75

Comfortland

Carolina S. via Yelp

From the creative geniuses at Queens Comfort (don’t miss their brunches—they’re amazing), comes Comfortland, a bakery dedicated to sweet treats with a typical Queens Comfort twist. Offering flavors like Nutella Crème Brûlée, Hot Butter Crunch, and vegan donut options like blueberry cobbler, you won’t leave disappointed. They also offer breakfast options, if you’re looking for something to pair with your donuts.

40-09 30th Ave.
Astoria, NY 11103
Comfortland website: comfortlandny.com
Comfortland hours: Mon. – Fri., 7:30 a.m. – 6: 30 p.m., Sat. – Sun., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost of a doughnut at Comfortland: $2 - $4

The Cinnamon Snail

Christina P. via Yelp

With a rotating menu that includes over 30 kinds of kosher and vegan donuts, The Cinnamon Snail will delight your taste buds with flavors like apple caramel crumb cookie, cookie monster, vanilla bourbon Crème Brûlée, and more. Available from their food truck or their standing spot at The Pennsy Food Hall, plus you can even get your donuts (and other food) delivered locally.

2 Pennsylvania Plaza
New York, NY 10121
212-695-7454
The Cinnamon Snail website: cinnamonsnail.com
The Cinnamon Snail hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost of a doughnut at The Cinnamon Snail: $2.25 - $3.50

Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop

Jaclyn Warren via Yelp

This old-school bakery has been around for over sixty years, and for good reason. Locals love it, and tourists flock to it. Enjoy classics like honey dip, chocolate cake, or apple crumb, or try one of their special flavors. (One just might involve cannoli cream!)

727 Manhattan Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11222
718-389-3676
Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop website: peterpandonuts.com
Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop hours: Mon. – Fri., 4:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sat., 5 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sun., 5:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Cost of a doughnut at Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop: $1.10

Orwasher’s

Michael U via Yelp

This original New York bakery is all about breads. But lucky for everyone, they consider donuts “morning bread”. No frills, no crazy flavors, just pure goodness in the form of their jelly donuts, which are lightly dusted with sugar and only filled with jelly sourced from upstate NY farms. You can find these airy dreams at one of their three locations, and at many of the local farmers markets around the city, boroughs, Long Island, and Westchester.

308 E 78th St.
New York, NY 10075
212-288-6569
Orwasher’s website: orwashers.com
Orwasher’s hours: Mon. – Sat., 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Daily Provisions

Michael U via Yelp

Renowned Chef Danny Meyer, who also gave us Shake Shack and Gramercy Tavern, gives us his version of a neighborhood café in Daily Provisions. In addition to a curated breakfast and sandwich menu, they have gourmet donuts, specifically crullers. Devour flavors like maple, cinnamon, or blueberry, but make sure you don’t miss your order window. These donuts are so exclusive, you only have about thirty minutes per day to get your hands on one.

103 E 19th St.
New York, NY 10003
212-488-1505
Daily Provisions website: dailyprovisionsnyc.com
Daily Provisions hours: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., but pastries are only served from 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. daily
Cost of a doughnut at Daily Provisions: $3.50 - $4

Mah-Ze-Dahr

Mark M. via Yelp

When the light, buttery deliciousness of brioche melds with donuts, the result is pure bliss. Mah Ze Dahr takes donuts to another level with their brioche donut that has vanilla pastry cream inside, but wouldn’t be considered a “filled” donut. Then it’s rolled in vanilla sugar. And because this mouth-watering donut wouldn’t be enough by itself, they also give you the donut holes to go with.

28 Greenwich Ave.
New York, NY 10011
212-498-9810
Mah-Ze-Dahr website: mahzedahrbakery.com
Mah-Ze-Dahr hours: Mon. – Thurs., 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fri., 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sat., 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun., 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Cost of a doughnut at Mah-Ze-Dahr: $25 for 6

—– Jesseca Stenson

featured image: Peter Burka via flickr

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Where to See & Make Gingerbread Houses This Holiday Season

by Beth SheaDecember 7, 2018

‘Tis the season to decorate (and devour) gingerbread houses! We’re giving you the sweet deets on how to savor this holiday tradition at the best places to build and behold these festive abodes. From gingerbread house workshops to giant gingerbread displays, we’ve found 11 spots for you to get your sugar fix. Read on for the scoop.

photo: Cute Cakes

Cute Cakes: Christmas Gingerbread Cottage Building Workshop
This cute bakery and café provides all the required materials for budding gingerbread architects and designers. Plan a day with your kids and learn the best decorating tips! Their workshop consists of a 2-hour session and is suitable for both adults and kids. The first half hour of the workshop consists of guided instruction of your house. The next hour and a half you’ll get to visit the Festive Candy Buffet to create and personalize your masterpiece.

Cost: $30/person; $50/couple
When: Every Saturday, Dec. 1-22; 9-11 a.m.
Where: 3455 West Grand Ave., Escondido, CA
Online: cutecakes-sd.com

L’Auberge Del Mar: Make Your Own Gingerbread House
Start a new holiday tradition (or give one a new coat of frosting!). From colorful gumdrops and marshmallows and an amazing choice of holiday candy, come build a gingerbread house with your little elves. This event is brought to you by Mint Studio.

Cost: $35 per guest
When: Dec. 8, 10 a.m.
Where: L’Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA, 858-259-1515
Online: laubergedelmar.com

photo: Ritz Carlton

Park Hyatt Aviara: Gingerbread Classes
Join the fun at this family-centric celebration and learn to craft gingerbread houses with your crew in tow. For little ones we recommend a guardian to assist. Let the pastry team guide you through this fun class. Call or email Beth Almario for reservations, 760-603-6907 or beth.almario@hyatt.com

Cost: $60/person
When: Dec. 21, 22 & 23; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Where: 7100 Aviara Resort Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92011

Williams Sonoma: Gingerbread House Decorating
Sign-up for this super sweet class at your local Williams Sonoma. Big kids ages 8-10 years-old get to decorate their very own gingerbread house, then take it home to show everyone.

Cost: $30/kid (8-13 years old), call store to make a reservation
When: Dec. 1st, 10 a.m. at UTC; 11 a.m. at Fashion Valley
Where: UTC Williams Sonoma, 4575 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla, CA 92122, 858-824-9180; Fashion Valley Williams Sonoma, 4004 Friars Rd., San Diego, CA, 619-295-0510
Online: williams-sonoma.com/junior-chef

photo: Queenstown Public House

Queenstown Public House
This popular restaurant in Little Italy is literally transforming into a real life gingerbread house for the month of December! Check out the charming exterior, featuring frosting around the windows as well as chocolate kisses, lollipops, lights and candy canes. The interior is a dreamy Christmas wonderland that’s sure to bring out the holiday cheer in your kiddos. Kids who bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation from Nov. 23 through Dec. 21 will receive a gingerbread house kit to decorate on site or at home.

Queenstown is hosting a kid’s gingerbread decorating contest until Dec. 21. Kids will be able to submit a photo of their decorated house. One winner will be chosen for the grand prize of two tickets to LEGOLAND California who will be announced Dec. 26th. Specific contest rules will be posted on Queenstown’s website, queenstownpublichouse.com.

When: See specific event dates above
Where: 1557 Columbia St., San Diego, CA 92101, 619-546-0444
Online: queenstownpublichouse.com

Ritz-Carlton Laguna Beach: Gingerbread Extravaganza
The resort’s pastry team creates a spectacular gingerbread extravaganza fashioned out of an array of homemade gingerbread, colorful candy, sweet treats, baked goods and other delectable confections. View in the hotel lobby.

When: Nov. 18-Jan. 2
Where: One Ritz-Carlton Dr., Laguna Niguel, CA 92629
Online: ritzcarlton.com/holiday

photo: Montage

Gingerbread Decorating at Montage Laguna Beach
The entire family can show off their creativity during Montage’s gingerbread house decorating class led by the resort’s pastry team. Attendees will leave with their own gingerbread house, a Montage apron and cookie recipe to relive the magic in their kitchen at home. Beverages, hot chocolate, cider and light bites will be provided.

Cost: $55/adult; $45/kid; reservations are required by calling 949-715-6420.
When: Dec. 22nd, 1-3 p.m.
Where: 30801 Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Online: montagehotels.com/lagunabeach

The Resort at Pelican Hill: Children’s Gingerbread House Decorating
Hurry, as spots go fast for half-pints five years-old and up to decorate gingerbread houses with Pelican Hill’s Pastry Chef––a favorite holiday tradition. Kiddos are invited to enjoy lunch and create a gingerbread masterpiece to take home. Even more, tickets include complimentary valet parking.

Cost: $95/person
When: Sunday, Dec. 19; 10 a.m.-noon
Where: 22701 South Pelican Hill Rd., Newport Beach, CA 92657
Online: pelicanhill.com/calendar/childrens-gingerbread-house-decorating

photo: Rancho Bernardo Inn

Rancho Bernardo Inn’s December Days & Nights
This super fun event is full of festivities. Ticket price includes one photo with Santa per family and one gingerbread cookie decorating per kiddo, caroling, storytelling, holiday train ride and treats including burgers, hot dogs, pizza, chicken fingers, desserts and seasonal adult beverages for an additional fee.

The tour de force of the event is the gigantic gingerbread house that your whole family will go gaga over. The cute casa is dripping in sweet treats and will no doubt inspire your little elves to try their hand at making their own edible masterpiece this season. Wondering what the magic recipe is for 1 life-size gingerbread house? Executive Pastry Chef Margaret Nolan Carvallo and her team construct this marvel by using a mind-boggling combination of the following:

1 Ton of Powdered Sugar
750 lbs. of Granulated Sugar
750 lbs. of Cake Flour
750 lbs. of Bread Flour
½ Ton of Brown Sugar
282 lbs. of Molasses
24 lbs. Baking Soda
20 lbs. of Cinnamon
12 lbs. of Vanilla Extract
4 lbs. of Ginger
2,160 Eggs

Note: The gingerbread house will be on display through Christmas. You don’t need tickets to view it unless you plan on visiting during the December Days & Nights event.

Cost: Advance purchase online: $25/person (adults & kids ages 3 and up); $30 day of entrance
When: Dec. 20-22, 5-8 p.m.
Where: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., Rancho Bernardo, CA
Online: ranchobernardoinn.com

Fashion Island Express Gingerbread Display
Fashion Island Hotel’s Pastry Chef Andy de la Cruz, recently seen on Food Network, and his helpers will present another movie-themed gingerbread spectacular presentation, Fashion Island Express, with the much loved The Polar Express as its inspiration. The last stop on this express trolley is of course Fashion Island Hotel with its coastal holiday flair and style – all decked out with gingerbread and lots of decorative sparkle. Santa will be arriving with toys, and beautiful gift boxes will be placed underneath lit-up, glowing palm trees.

When: Unveiled on Mon., Nov. 26
Where: Fashion Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA, 949-759-0808
Online: fashionislandhotel.com

Your Local San Diego Library
Don’t forget about your local library! Many branches will host low-key gingerbread house making workshops which offer a convenient way to introduce young kids to the festive craft. Best for children ages 3 and up to attend with an adult, these events require advance registration (read: they’re super popular!). Most ask you to please bring an unopened bag of candy per child attending to share with the entire group for decorating. Additionally, some workshops limit each family to one gingerbread house. Holiday bonus: most of the events are free of charge!

Click here: sandiego.gov/public-library to see if your local library branch is hosting a gingerbread house making event.

featured image: Cute Cakes

––Beth Shea & Nikki Walsh

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Iconic San Francisco Desserts You Need to Try at Least Once

by anitachuSeptember 18, 2018

Just like the Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars, there are desserts that make San Francisco uniquely special and memorable. It’s not surprising that such a food-loving city would have beloved local favorites; many of these sweet treats can only be found by making a visit to the city. Some of the desserts on our list have been part of San Francisco tradition for years, while others are recent newcomers eagerly embraced by foodies. Read on for the most iconic desserts of San Francisco.

Ghirardelli's Hot Fudge Sundae

Ghirardelli Hot Fudge by Lorraine P — Lorraine P via Yelp

When you imagine a classic ice cream sundae, you’re probably envisioning Ghirardelli’s famous sundae: vanilla ice cream, handmade hot fudge, tons of whipped cream and a cherry on top. Although there are several Ghirardelli stores around the city now, go to Ghirardelli Square for the full experience of eating an ice cream sundae in an old-fashioned ice cream parlor with gorgeous bay views just steps away.

900 N. Point St.
San Francisco, CA
415-775-5500
Online: ghirardellisq.com

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse Cruffin

CLOSED as of 8/2021

The two main goals when going to Mr. Holmes Bakehouse are 1) get there early enough to snag a cruffin before they sell out and 2) take a victory photo holding the cruffin in front of their “I got baked in San Francisco” sign. Their cruffin, a croissant baked in the form of muffin, is a flaky, sugary sweet delight. They start selling them at 9a.m. so your best bet is to arrive a little before then.

1042 Larkin St.
San Francisco, CA
415-829-7700
Online: mrholmesbakehouse.com

Tartine Bakery's Banana Cream Tart

Pretty much anything at one of San Francisco’s most famous bakeries is guaranteed to be delicious. But the banana cream tart has a devoted fanbase for good reason: it’s a fancy take on classic banana cream pie with banana pastry cream over a chocolate and caramel filled tart shell. Try it once and you’ll be back again.

600 Guerrero St.
San Francisco, CA
415-487-2600
Online: tartinebakery.com

B. Patisserie's Kouign Amann

It’s a testament to chef Belinda Leong’s talents that she took a relatively unknown pastry called kouign amann and turned it into the hottest sweet in town. This supercharged cousin of the croissant is buttery, sugary addictiveness. B. Patisserie offers kouign amann every day and in special seasonal flavors throughout the year.

2821 California St.
San Francisco, CA
415-440-1700
Online: bpatisserie.com

20th Century Cafe's Russian Honey Cake

Russian Honey Cake by Julia Y — Julia Y via Yelp

The charming 20^th Century Café gives you a taste of Eastern European café culture, with an array of Austro-Hungarian classics like linzertorte, sachertorte, knishes and pirogies. What you’ll see most customers eating, though, is their signature Russian Honey Cake, a towering confection of delicate cake layers sandwiched with honey cream. It’s richer than it looks and utterly scrumptious.

198 Gough St.
San Francisco, CA
415-621-2380
Online: 20thcenturycafe.com

Bi-Rite Creamery's Ice Cream

Bi Rite Creamery by Shelley Z — Shelley Z via Yelp

Standing in the ever-present line at Bi-Rite Creamery and then triumphantly walking with your ice cream cone to nearby Dolores Park is a time-honored San Francisco ritual. It’s a fun dilemma to choose between the flavors of the day, but don’t forget to check out the popscicle and soft serve options too.

3692 18th St.
San Francisco, CA
415-626-5600
Online: biritecreamery.com

Dandelion Chocolate's S'more

Dandelion Smore by Lisa I — Lisa I via Yelp

Dandelion Chocolate’s beautiful, modern pastries are a perfect showcase for their bean-to-bar chocolate. Their s’more is a delicious example: a toasted-to-order marshmallow on a crisp graham cracker, with a dollop of chocolate ganache in the center. It’s an ideal accompaniment for their hot chocolate or coffee.

740 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA
415-349-0942
Online: dandelionchocolate.com

Golden Gate Bakery's Egg Custard Tarts

Egg Custard Tarts by Ann S — Ann S via Yelp

Temporarily closed as of 8/2021

Be warned: lines regularly form outside Golden Gate Bakery when a fresh batch of egg custard tarts is about to come out of the ovens. They are worth the wait. Golden Gate Bakery has perfected this traditional Hong Kong pastry of creamy, eggy, golden yellow custard in a flaky pastry shell. Check before going as they sometimes close unexpectedly for the day or for vacation.

1029 Grant Ave.
San Francisco, CA
415-781-2627
Online: goldengatebakery.com

Zanze's Cheesecake

Sam Zanze only sells one item in his shop and he’s been selling it for almost 40 years, which tells you all you need to know about how good his cheesecake is. Its very soft, almost soufflé like texture is its claim to fame. Your best bet is to call ahead to make sure they are open and to reserve a cheesecake for pickup—they’re that popular. Once you’ve tried it though, you’ll hope he never closes shop.

2405 Ocean Ave.
San Francisco, CA
415-334-2264

Bob's Donuts Giant Donut

A girl bites into a giant chocolate sprinkle donut — Ciara Lene G via Yelp

Donuts may be practically a dime a dozen in SF, but a donut bigger than your hand is a true rarity. A giant (almost 10″ across) donut covered in glaze and sprinkles may be your kid’s wildest sugar-filled dreams come true. Although Bob’s Donuts has a standing challenge to finish a giant donut in three minutes for immortalization in their Hall of Fame, it’s probably a more reasonable strategy to take the donut home and let the kids enjoy it slowly over the week.

1621 Polk St.
San Francisco, CA
415-776-3141
Online: Bobsdonutssf.com

—Anita Chu

featured photo courtesy Ghirardelli

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Iconic San Francisco Desserts You Need to Try at Least Once

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20th Century Cafe's Russian Honey Cake

Bi-Rite Creamery's Ice Cream

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Zanze's Cheesecake

Bob's Donuts Giant Donut

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