Cookerati

I travel for the holidays sometimes, plus I work.  Finding time to make a dessert not always possible.  Traveling from my in-laws to my family makes it even more difficult to bring a dessert.  I make treats and small things, but it’s not easy.  Carousel Cakes and Graeter’s both deliver, and it stays frozen even if they leave it on the porch and it sits.  Carousel and Graeter’s both use dry ice to keep it frozen and they do an excellent job of packing it so it arrives in perfectly delicious holiday dessert ready condition.  You can even send these cakes and ice creams to friends and relatives for their birthdays and holidays that you won’t be able to attend or as a dorm treat for a college kid. 

Carousel Cakes – We tried the delicious red velvet holiday cake with the cream cheese frosting.  We didn’t eat the cake right away.  I stuck it in the freezer and then took it to dinner at my brother-in-laws so we could all share it. It was a very moist cake.  I thought it would dry out being in the freezer, but it didn’t.  The frosting was sweet and creamy.  I could not stay away from this wonderful dessert.  Oh, and the poinsettia was a crunchy edible sugar flower.

Carousel makes cakes, cupcakes, brownies, pies and other desserts.  They’re located in Nanuet, NY and if you’re around, they have free samples at the outlet on Fridays, plus . all of their pies and cakes are kosher.  They have had a presence on Home Shopping Network and Oprah.   Right now (I don’t know how much longer) Carousel Cakes has Cakes for a Cure and Politi Pies – to support your presidential choice.

Graeter’s French Pot Ice Cream – Earlier I mentioned my Mom and her search for fat-free ice cream.  However, every visit, she makes sure we plan a trip to Graeter’s.  She loves their ice cream and was disappointed one year when it was closed for repairs.  In spite of her requirements for sugar free fat free ice cream, she makes exceptions for Graeter’s Ice Cream.  She even has us make a trip to the store to pick up an Ice Cream cake for my husband’s birthday while she is visiting.  Good news Mom.  Graeter’s Delivers. They also have a gift pack that comes with a travel bag.

Graeter’s Ice Cream is made following the French Pot method.  It’s a method of preparing the ice cream by folding and making small batches.  One pint of Graeter’s Ice Cream weighs more than other brands nearly a full pound (don’t tell mom). That is why it takes me a few days to eat a pint – even though my husband finishes it in one sitting.  Graeter’s uses the freshest ingredients with none of the bad stuff.

There are so many wonderful flavors.  Our seasonal favorite pumpkin – that was sooo good. It was creamy and pumpkiny at the same time.  My every day favorite is Black Raspberry Chip. My mom loves Buckeye Blitz, peanut butter and chocolate.  My son’s favorite is Vanilla and Cookies and Cream, and my husband loves Butter Pecan.  Dorm Girl stopped by for a visit and took two pints back to college.  They fit perfectly into the dorm freezer with plenty of room to spare. We even brought some to have with our cake when we were visiting.

I think Carousel and Graeter’s are great desserts for the upcoming holidays .  You can order them ahead and have them ready or even send them to someone and they will arrive in perfect condition.