Discovering new cuisines in new countries is one of the pleasures of travel. Biting into a freshly made macaron on the Champs-Élysées makes it so much more delicious. For your final course, pass on the cheese plate and sink your teeth into these classic treats in their country of origin.
France: Chocolate mousse, made the French way (with eggs, no cream), is denser and richer and truly out of this world. C’est magnifique!
New Orleans: Beignet, a deep-fried square doughnut piled high with icing sugar, is best served with strong coffee and eaten in an outdoor café in the French Quarter. Extra napkins, please.
Mexico: Pastel de Tres Leches, or three milk cake, is a dense sponge cake steeped in evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. It’s decadent, yet light and airy, too.
Portugal: Pastel de nata– the sweet creamy custard nestled in a tart of scorched puff pastry and dusted with cinnamon is one of Portugal’s great gifts to the world.
Jamaica: Rum cake – more than one bottle of booze is used to bake this dark, luscious fruitcake. Then once it’s out of the oven, more rum is poured on top for good measure.
Southern Italy: Zeppole – the deep-fried, bite-sized doughnuts can be savory or sweet. Dough that’s twisted into small shapes is best eaten hot, but also try zeppole filled with pastry cream and chocolate.
England: Eton Mess – dip your silver spoon into a gorgeous mix of crisp meringue, fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Enjoy with a strong cuppa.
Quebec: Tarte au sucre, or sugar pie, is a French-Canadian classic. A thickened maple syrup filling on a flaky pie crust is a sweet way to welcome spring.
Vacation calories never count, right? Let’s plan a trip to your favorite treat.
