Astor Bake Shop Serving Macarons

Image by Astor Bake Shop

I know I just wrote about Jewish-style macaroons, but now it's time to transition to the French version, which only sounds similar but is spelled differently, looks worlds apart and couldn't be more varied in taste.  You may remember me taking a recent food tour in Manhattan, centered around Macarons, which was super fun, but made me wish we had these delicious little pastries in Astoria too.  Well now we do, and the place that carries them won't come as a surprise, which is the Astor Bake Shop.  

Recently showcasing the new flavors you see above, which are the blueberry, raspberry and dulce de leche, they look absolutely delightful and in true Astor Bake Shop fashion, are impeccably constructed.  In terms of cost and packaging, you can buy them individually for $2.25 each or get a little arrangement of 4 for $9.75.  If you come in today even, they have beautifully wrapped boxes, which are especially made for Easter, so you can grab some for your gathering at home or wherever you happen to be going.  Enjoy!

Astor Bake Shop - 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria NY 11102
N/Q Train to Astoria Blvd

718.606.8439

www.astor-bakeshop.com 

The Holidays Are Coming - Don't Forget About the Chocolate Swirl

With Passover and Easter right around the corner, I wanted to send you off with ideas for some delicious treats for the kiddies or for any adults with a proper sweet tooth. 

You may remember me mentioning The Chocolate Swirl before, an awesome e-business that's based right in Astoria and headed up by baker, Lisa Bracigliano.  Lisa's baking talent is clear and pronounced and in my opinion shines out through her baked creations, especially her multi-flavored cake pops.  They make awesome little gifts for your loved ones, but also make nice favors for special occassions.  I recently purchased a bulk order for my in-laws' 40th Anniversary party and they came out great. Lisa even attached little "40 years" tags on each individually wrapped treat.  Just take a look above at how cute they looked next to each seating arrangement.

Images by The Chocolate Swirl

If you're looking for something more festive for Easter, Lisa is all prepared with her Bunny brownie pops, which are adorable for kids as well as these neat little pretzel nests.  Good news is that she's offering 10% off any purchase over $40 with the discount code: BUNNY2012.  Hope you get to use it, and please tell 'em who sent ya.  Enjoy!

The Chocolate Swirl

The Chocolate Swirl - Fun, Local Treats for Easter

Image by thechocolateswirl.com

Here's another heads-up for Easter, Passover or any holiday or non-holiday of your liking.  This one comes from one of my favorite Astoria-based businesses, The Chocolate Swirl, which produces homemade truffles, brownie pops, cakes, cupcakes and other confections.  I adore this company for their thoughtful and creative presentation (they're not afraid of color and texture) and the decadent, rich and delicious flavor of their products.  My ultimate favorite of theirs is the red velvet brownie pop (the moistest cake pop I've had to date) closely followed by the s'mores brownie pop, which is slightly more indulgent.

But for holiday themed sweets, check out their Spring collection, which includes:

Bunny Brownie Pops (they're super cute and would make a great gift for kids)
Springtime Easter Cupcakes
Chocolate Pretzel Nests (pictured above - a clever little treat worthy of a conversation starter)
Truffle Topiary (for Mother's Day)
Double Decker Brownies
Brownie Pop Flower Pot and more...

Intrigued?  You can check out The Chocolate Swirl in person at Astoria Market on May 1st or you can learn about their goodies online.  Enjoy and don't forget to lick your fingers.

The Chocolate Swirl