Dandy Desserts

During my vacation last week, I had the idea to blog about five of the best desserts I have ever had in a restaurant (homemade desserts don’t count here).  So, without further adieu…

Kentucky Oatmeal Spice Cake, Horseradish Grill – Atlanta, GA – This cake is served warm and topped with homemade caramel ice cream.  A few years ago, I was able to dig up the recipe. I gave it to my wife’s grandmother, who makes it for my birthday each year.  I substitute Dulce de Leche ice cream for caramel, and it’s AMAZING!!

Chocolate Chip Cannoli, Mike’s Pastry – Boston, MA – You truly have not had amazing cannoli until you have been to Mike’s on the North End of Boston. Located along the Freedom Trail, this place is covered up with customers all day long – for good reason. I just looked at their web site, and my mouth is watering. Holy Cannoli!

Shark Fin Pie, Mitchell’s Fish Market – Multiple Locations – I could not believe how huge this slice of pie was when it came out (see photo).  Our family of four couldn’t eat all of it.  And, that was a shame because it was incredible!  As you may have guessed, it’s shaped like a shark fin – and is made of butter fudge ice cream, honey roasted peanuts, a thick layer of peanut butter, and a plentiful Oreo cookie crust – drizzled in caramel and chocolate. And, even better: it only cost $6.50.

Fried Twinkie Sundae, Twisted Burger – Orlando, FL – This is one of the best places we’ve ever been!  The appetizers and burgers were terrific, and we just HAD to try the Fried Twinkie Sundae before we left.  They took two Twinkies, deep-fried them, then topped them with homemade vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and a cherry. It’s as good as it sounds.

Apple Walnut Crunch, Rafferty’s – Multiple Locations – I had to round out this list with one of my all-time favorites.  This dessert is comprised of warm fresh baked apples with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg covered with a crunchy crust – topped with French vanilla ice cream and mixed nuts. The cinnamon-nutmeg crust is what seals the deal here – it’s unbelievably good, and the vanilla ice cream just enhances it even more.  You gotta try this – you’ll see exactly what I am talking about.

Honorable Mention:

Donuts, Thomas Donut & Snack Shop – Panama City Beach, FL – I almost forgot about this one.  But, when you taste one of their donuts, you will understand why I had to mention it.  I drove 20 minutes, then waited in line for another 30 minutes last week at 7:30 a.m. to get some donuts here.  Any, boy was it worth it!  Peaches and cream-filled donuts, Key Lime donuts, Red Velvet Cake donuts, white cream-filled, chocolate cream-filled, blueberry, raspberry, coconut, cinnamon bun, orange cake glazed, the list goes on and on.  The BEST donuts EVER – not even a close second place in existence.