Morningside holiday sweets and treats

The month of December may mean endless hours of paper-writing and final exam preparation, but with the holiday season in full swing, students have something to look forward to: festive treats making their way into Morningside’s shops.

Students who don’t yet have the time to spend hours baking in the kitchen (or have a kitchen, at that) can take comfort in several local bakeries and food markets that provide ready-made desserts.
D’Agastino Fresh Market carries full, medium-sized caramel apple walnut pies with a soft, thick crust. Though the apple-cinnamon filling may satisfy apple pie lovers, those expecting hints of walnut and caramel will be disappointed. This pie, selling for $6.99, is no bargain given its very standard taste.

Those looking for a nuttier pie can head to Milano Market and order a slice of Bourbon Pecan Pie for $3.75. This hearty pie is filled with a syrupy pecan mixture and topped with a layer of roasted pecans. The hint of bourbon also has a warming effect, making this the perfect choice for chilly winter nights.

For pie-lovers who prefer more subtle flavors, the small pumpkin tart at Silver Moon Bakery is an appropriate choice. The pecan at the pie’s center complements its light creamy pumpkin custard flavor, making this selection well worth its price of $5.75.

For just 50 cents per piece, students can also get cranberry-walnut rugelach, a popular Jewish treat, at Silver Moon. These flaky little rolled pastries are packed with the flavorful mixture of cranberry preserves, chopped walnuts, and a thin layer of brown sugar and cinnamon, making it difficult to leave with just one.

While pie tends to dominate Morningside bakeries, students still shouldn’t overlook the colorful assortment of Christmas-themed petit fours at the Garden of Eden Gourmet Market. These bite-sized sponge cakes are covered in chocolate fondant and filled with thin layers of buttercream, which simply melt in your mouth.

The petit fours also come in an assortment of flavors and take the varied shapes of presents, ornaments, snowmen, and even Santa Claus faces. At $2.89 a piece, and considering their size, they are certainly pricier than some alternatives, but are worth it for those who love creamy sweets.

When it comes to holiday desserts, not all selections in Morningside are created equal. However, students who are willing to search will find something to satisfy a sweet tooth and to keep them up during long nights spent in Butler.