Ritz-Carlton guests get their just desserts

I am always in the mood for dessert. So when the Ritz-Carlton, Westchester launched “Classic Desserts Redefined” the first week of February in its cozy lounge, I was ready, willing and able to sign on. There is nothing better than sampling a piece of Valrhona double fudge chocolate cake while devouring a chocolate brownie vanilla ice cream sundae in lavish Ritz style.

Nestled around the fireplace, I had the pleasure of tasting the entire dessert menu. As a result, I nominated myself the Queen of Groundhogs the week of Feb. 1. Despite the extra calories, it was a soothing and sublime experience.

“Winter is a time when we reconnect with our roots and take solace in comfort foods,” said Executive Chef James Dangler. “Classic Desserts Redefined offers these traditional pleasures with a more current twist.”

Still, no matter which way you whisk your whisk, trying to redefine 13 popular, classic desserts is a daunting mission ”“ even for a group of award-winning pastry chefs from The Ritz-Carlton Hotels and Resorts from around the U.S.

“We challenged our talented chefs to retain the memorable flavors of these classic desserts, while adding some new touches to enhance the presentation,” explained George McNeill, vice president, culinary and corporate chef for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. “We believe this new menu will prove irresistible to any guest with a sweet tooth.”

With spring arriving, other dessert options include spicy carrot cake with roasted Myers”™s Rum pineapples, Ritz-Carlton Naples key lime pie, decadent strawberry shortcake layered with marinated strawberries and whipped cream, and a unique looking fresh fruit tart.

If you have worked up a thirst after tasting the crème brulee and trio cookies dessert, order a glass of sparkling St. Germain elderflower liqueur and champagne or a mouth-watering cup of almond chocolate coffee, accented with Disaronno Amaretto, Baileys and Godiva.

As the song goes, “If you”™re blue and you don”™t know where to go to, why don”™t you go where fashion sits, puttin”™ on the Ritz!”
Note: Each guest will receive a gift from the Ritz-Carlton, Westchester ”“ a guest recipe booklet. Signed by Ritz-Carlton Executive Chef James Dangler, this booklet contains instructions for preparing these classic desserts as well as other Ritz-Carlton favorites.
For information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com.

Nancy Dacey of Ridgefield, Conn., has more than 22 years of experience working in the food service industry. In Dishing It Out, she offers information and suggestions on an array of food-related topics. Reach her at nancyjdacey@msn.com.