Window Shopping: Bergdorf Goodman (Holiday Edition)

There is talent and then there is talent. This applies to the amazing team at Bergdorf Goodman that have created another series of magnificent holiday windows.  I was expecting to be taken aback by the scenes that they would create, but not completely blown away. If it wasn't for the loads of tourists (and now, Fifth Avenue is absolutely covered with them) I would have stared at each window for about an hour to carefully examine each detail in their 'Carnival of the Animals' theme and the gorgeous Marchesa, Naeem Khan and Alexander McQueen gowns that were featured in many of the windows. 

 

 

Places to Go: Baked and Saipua

(Baked Brooklyn)

(Many options for brownies)

 

 (So many cupcake options, it is hard to narrow down which one you want)

(Jars of biscotti)

(Jars of homemade marshmallows)

(A glamourous chandelier)

(I settled on the Sweet and Salty Brownie, an award winning treat and a coffee)

I first discovered Baked, while visiting friends in Charleston, SC - little did I know that this bake shop originates from Redhook, Brooklyn.  On a recent excursion to this section of my new (favorite) borough, I had to stop into Baked. This shop has grown in popularity, (I mean once you make Oprah's list of favorite things, you are pretty much set for life) with cookbooks and now their whoopee pie and brownie mixes that are sold at William Sonoma.  I love the orange and brown decor and the chandelier that finishes it all off.  The ambiance is definitely inviting - whether you choose to nibble on a unique cupcake confection or sip on hot chocolate topped with a homemade (chocolate) marshmallow, I promise you, your sweet tooth will not be let down.  

 While you are in the area...

(A lovely flower and soap shop)

I have lost count just how many times I have read about Saipua, a flower and soap shop in the heart of Redhook. So when I was recently in the area, I just had to check it out.  This shop is absolutely gorgeous.  The worn wooden walls create such a rustic feeling environment. The fragrant handmade soaps create an intoxicating aroma and the combination of the floral bouquets is just heavenly.   I definitely want to stop back and pick up a bouquet.  

Holiday Cookies and Candy

Cookies/Bars

(Chocolate dipped honeycomb)

(Candy cane sticks)

(Chewy ginger cookies)

(Cocoa shortbread cookies)

(Chocolate peppermint cookies)

It is that time of the year again when the baking frenzy can begin.  Almost every year since I can remember, the days leading up to Christmas have been filled with baking and this year will be no exception. I finally have my own kitchen to spend hours and hours in concocting delicious confections to share with friends and family.  

(Chewy molasses cookies)

(Sugar cookies)

(Chocolate snowballs)

(Pecan bars)

(Chocolate carmel cookie bars)

(Peppermint meringues)

(Chocolate macaroons with orange ganache)

(Whole wheat s'more cookies)

(Cream wafers)

(Chocolate peppermint brownies)

(Caramel hazelenut mini tartlets)

(Shortbread cookie)

(Chocolate Pistachio Cookies)

(Hazelnut Thumbprint)

(Sarah Bernhardt Cookies)

Candy

(Peanut butter cups)

(Penuche fudge)

(Chocolate truffles)

(Fleur de sel toffee)

(Peppermint patties)