Three Desserts to Make Your Mouth Water (& a Little Lagniappe)
There’s no escaping it, New Orleans: we’re entering the dead heat of summer. At times like these, you should reward yourself for your dedication (after all, you’re still in town, aren’t you? Unless you’re not, in which case you’re probably somewhere cooler--at least in the temperature sense).
Back to that reward you so richly deserve. May we suggest dessert?
New Orleans offers a host of famous desserts: our state donut, the beignet, comes to mind, as well as Bananas Foster, bread pudding, and of course, the divinely simple snowball. Enjoy a virtual sampling of some of New Orleans Restaurant’s favorite post-main course indulgences, below.
Bananas Foster: Brennan’s is famous for this flashy New Orleans dessert, made with sliced bananas, sugar, butter, rum, and vanilla ice cream. In fact, it’s the most requested item on the menu! Try it for breakfast or dessert--Brennan’s isn’t picky. Or, make it yourself at home with the original Brennan’s recipe!
Peach Melba: For another variation on a fruity dessert (and let’s admit it: the fruit may just be a vehicle to deliver all of that tasty butter, sugar and ice cream), head over to Antoine’s for a menu favorite. Their Peach Melba offers candied peach slices, vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce, and chopped toasted almonds. You might think you’re full after “Dinner at Antoine’s”...trust us, you’re not too full for Peach Melba.
Bread Pudding: Find variations of this sticky-sweet treat throughout New Orleans, but make the trip to Andrea’s in Metairie for an Italian chef’s interpretation of this classic New Orleans dessert--served, of course, with hot rum sauce.
Beignets: You know Cafe du Monde, famous for their beignets--so mix it up and try Cafe Beignet’s version of Louisiana’s favorite pastry (on second thought, maybe it’s tied for first with king cake). Fried to a golden crunch and topped with confectioner’s sugar, beignets might not help you beat the heat, but they’ll certainly take your mind off it.
If you just want a quick fix to satisfy your sweet tooth and cool you down, you’re in luck, because New Orleans boasts a snowball stand on almost every corner. And roving snow-mobiles can also be spotted out and about, bringing icy treats to pedestrians all over town. Just don’t call it a snow cone.
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