I know people that eat dessert regularly after a meal … and there’s nothing wrong with that. I’m not a big dessert person myself however, much preferring something salty or savory. But once in a while, I’ll get a sweet tooth and need something to satisfy it.
Over the past year, I had five different desserts that were perfectly stellar, that I’d have again in a minute. I highly recommend all five of these. And with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, I’m sure that any of these would score points with your sweetheart if you surprised them with it.
There’s no way I can rank them, so I’ll just tell you about them in the chronological order that I experienced them.
Last spring, I was headed out of town for a community journalism symposium at the University of Texas in Austin and stopped at Wunsche Bros. Cafe & Saloon in Old Town Spring for lunch. This place has long been a favorite and I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve ever eaten there. I’d always heard of their chocolate whiskey cake, their famous chocolate and Texas pecan ‘bourbon-kicked’ cake finished with a whiskey infused salted caramel sauce but had never tried it. I gave in that day and ordered a piece and it did not disappoint. The only drawback is the pieces are huge … so this one makes a perfect one to share with your love.
Later last spring on a visit to Stella’s, I couldn’t take my eyes off the tray of tiramisu in the display case and ordered a slice. It was delightful … so light and creamy and flavorful … just the perfect end to a meal.
Upon retiring from their respective fields, our friends Donna and Adrian bought a food truck last year. Under the name Glammas Tasty Treats, they go from place to place selling cereal-infused ice cream. I tried it last summer and was absolutely hooked. There are so many choices. I selected a medium vanilla ice cream infused with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and topped with a chocolate and caramel drizzle. Oh. My. Gosh. This may be the best treat I had all summer. How can something so simple be so good?!
One morning last fall, my publisher surprised me with a delicious chocolate croissant from Stella’s and it was a sweet and special way to start the day. The flaky, buttery goodness studded with bits of creamy chocolate inspired some of my best work that day.
Last November, we attended the City of Livingston’s lighting ceremony. Held on the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week, it’s an annual event our family traditionally attends to kick off the holiday season. All was well until I stepped in a hole, took a tumble and fell flat on my face … in front of hundreds of people. Needing a little spoiling, we found ourselves at Katie’s Cafe & Bakery where I indulged in a piece of their whiskey cake. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, candied pecans and a caramel drizzle, it was just the tonic I needed to soothe my wounded pride. In fact, had we not been in public, I would have licked my plate. Seriously.
I truly encourage you to try some of these desserts, whether for Valentine’s Day or just the next time your sweet tooth strikes. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Where are they?
Wunsche Bros. Cafe & Saloon is located at 103 Midway St. in Spring.
Stella’s is located at 2305 US Hwy. 190 West in Livingston.
Call 936-433-0342 to find out where Glammas Tasty Treats will be next, or follow them on Facebook.
Katie’s Cafe & Bakery is located at 508 N. Washington Ave. in Livingston.
