Sweet Vacations
Ideas for Vacationers with a Sweet Tooth
Food has a wonderful way of becoming intertwined with memory; tastes, smells and textures become easily bound to happy moments and warm recollections – especially within the context of an enriching vacation. Around a nondescript Paris street corner or tucked away in a New England Farmers’ market could be a delectable treat worthy of becoming your newest culinary obsession, inspiring you to continue your world travels if only for the chance to once again taste the exotic flavor of a lucky discovery.
Chocolate
You’re no stranger to indulging in a rich and sinful break from reality by unwrapping a chocolate bar and letting the mood-boosting medicine work its magic. Each corner of the world has its own bars, boxes and bites to offer however, so keep your eyes open as you peruse the grocery stores and specialty shops of your destination of choice because you never know what treasures you may unearth. From Lake Champlain chocolates made in Vermont to Amano Artisan chocolates, which are made in Salt Lake City but rely upon French and Italian secrets, the United States has many top notch labels to choose from. Belgium, Switzerland, France and Central America won’t let you down with their best chocolate concoctions, either, so the bottom line is to taste as many as you can in search of the ultimate chocolate experience. Some sites for further information include www.dagobachocolate.com, www.lakechamplainchocolates.com, and www.amanochocolate.com.
Macaroons
You’ll feel like Marie Antoinette reincarnated as you devour a brightly colored and fantastically sweet traditional French favorite. With crisp outer edges and two chewy cookies sandwiching a creamy center, it’s quite possible that you’ll develop a macaroon (or macaron, as they’re properly called) habit during your European travels. Many French patisseries create macaroons in a number of flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, coffee and pistachio, but a special place known as Lauduree is considered by many to be the real deal. Sample a few and see for yourself which makes you feel the most like royalty…
For more information, go to www.lauduree.com, www.baybread.com, or www.lartistepatisserie.com.
Tea
Wine connoisseurs aren’t the only people who should get to dissect the subtleties of a carefully cultivated brew. Tea is often just as complex as anything produced in the Loire or Napa Valleys, and if you’re a person who appreciates this you should have no trouble incorporating plenty of sipping and steeping into your travels. Prim affairs in London, casual afternoon refreshments on the porch of a Southern Mansion or a guided tour through an impressive plantation in Darjeeling, India will all offer a different take on your favorite beverage. One thing remains consistent, however, this is a comforting ritual wherever you may be, and taking a few leaves home with you is the best way to recapture the good vibes once you’ve returned home to your own kitchen.
Some tea sites for your review include www.alicesteacup.com, www.floatingleaves.com, and www.brownshotel.com
Cupcakes
Not just a treat for a child’s birthday party, cupcakes are the ultimate comfort food and they’re making a comeback. Most major cities have been catering to a sophisticated clientele for a few years now by turning out perfectly crafted indulgences of the highest order, so while you’re out there on the road keep your eyes open for cute little cupcake stand or corner bakery that could give you new respect for this easily undervalued treat. Traditional favorites like double chocolate, carrot cake and red velvet plus creative new additions to the universal cupcake menu (chai latte frosting, green tea infusions, tiramisu cupcakes…) will certainly add a stylish sugar buzz to your next vacation.
Go to www.heycupcakeaustin.com, www.buttercupbakeshop.com, and www.crumbsanddoilies.co.uk for additional information.