So you’re planning to have a little shindig over the holidays. You’ve got all the usual suspects on the menu but you want something really memorable to set your dessert table apart. Rest assured, any one of these insta-worthy foods from Bergen County eateries will wow your guests. And you’ll all have a good night.
Antipasto Tree: Okay, you’re gonna need some savory before you go hard on all things sugary. And what’s better than antipasto to give all your guests a little something to love? How about a tree made of antipasto? Jeanette Donnarumma, a senior producer on the Rachael Ray show, made this tree for a segment on appetizer trees. Check out the layers of pepperoncini, olives, Italian meats, mozzarella and other deliciousness with a garlic knot base. We just can’t, you guys. She got so many compliments on her Instagram post that she’s decided to make a limited number of these babies for the holidays. Instagram message or email to order.
Giant Cannoli: Though the Palermo Bakery pre-sale has ended for their special holiday cakes and treats including their 3D Christmas Tree cake, gingerbread houses, cakes that look like wrapped gifts, Santa face cakes and wreath cakes, some cakes are still available in their retail locations while supplies last. Or, you might also be able to score one of their giant cannoli filled with, you guessed it, little cannoli. Visit website for locations. 201.641.1654
Popcorn Tower: Imagine your buffet table. Now imagine it with a giant tower of popcorn, drizzled with chocolate and festooned with candy and peanut brittle as the centerpiece. Wrapped and tied with a festive bow. Uncle Giuseppe's can make what you imagine a reality with their famous Popcorn Tower. And while you’re there picking it up, dip something in one of their always flowing chocolate fountains. We’re dying to try the chocolate dipped Magic Pop. 10 Triangle Plaza, Ramsey, 201.995.6800
Donut Tower: Um, this tower of deliciousness from Glaze Artisan Donuts will make everything else at your brunch table look small in comparison. But come to think of it, we’re not sure why you’d need to save it for brunch. In our world, any time is the right time for a donut! 358 River Road, New Milford, 201.483.8634
Christmas Cookie Cupcakes: In the past few years, Kara Kakes has become one of the most reliably creative (and delicious) bakeries in Bergen County. They up their game even further with their Christmas menu that includes the Christmas Cookie Box, a dozen assorted cupcakes gorgeously decorated and with cookies on top in flavors like Peppermint Cookie Dough, Snickerdoodle, Sugar Cookie, Gingerbread, Italian Sprinkle and Raspberry Linzer Tart. Pssst! There are also flavors for adults with the addition of boozy infusions. Flavors here are the Drunken Santa, Christmas Sangria, Cranberry Mimosa and Spiked Italian Sprinkle. Plus, they have holiday dessert bites and platters and packaged butter cookies. Pre-order for the holidays before December 19th because you, for sure, don’t want to miss out! 700 Franklin Avenue, Franklin Lakes, 201.485.8889
Buche de Noel: Here’s what you know about Sook – you’re ALWAYS going to love what you eat there. And their amazing Buche de Noel is no exception. You can choose either the Hillside Buche filled with dark chocolate mousse, caramel sauce, white mousse vanilla sponge or the Ridgewood Buche, dark chocolate mousse, chocolate sponge and a vanilla crème brulee filling, or you can get one of each because, holidays. These cakes come in sizes that feed from 4 to 10 people. We’ve also heard that they’ll whip up a croquembouche (cream puff tower drizzled with threads of hardened caramel). And while you’re there, grab some holiday chocolates for the road! 24 S. Broad Street, Ridgewood, 201.493.2500
Fruitcake: First of all, it's a cake that is soaked in booze. So, points for that. Second, it is beautiful. Decorated with glaceed cherries and marzipan, this cake is almost too pretty to eat. But eat it anyway. Because as we mentioned, cake. And booze. But if you just can't pull the trigger on the fruitcake, Balthazar Bakery has their usual array of mouthwatering french pastries including strudel, stollen, buche de noel and lemon gingerbread. 214 South Dean Street, Englewood. 201.503.9717
