Sweet Tart: A Bakery Crush on Three Tarts, NYC

Right now we really, really need to talk about how much I adore Three Tarts, a little gift and confectionery shop in NYC's Chelsea neighborhood.

Now, you know it's got to be special to stand out, especially in such a star-studded neighborhood which is also home to the Chelsea Market, Billy's Bakery, and La Bergamote.

What sets Three Tarts apart is that it's not completely a bakery--it's more a gift/treasure store that happens to have a lovely little bakery case. And the tiny sweets are indeed big-time treats. Why don't I tell you about some of the treats I've enjoyed there?

How about...a homemade marshmallow? SpyMom and I have sampled the raspberry ones, and let me tell you that I'm not even a big marshmallow fan, but these are evidence that when something is executed well enough, it can make you a believer.

Of course, if you like your marshmallows a little more tricked-out, you might enjoy something like the reverse s'more, a chocolate-covered marshmallow and graham cracker confection (pictured top). Le yum!

If marshmallows aren't your thing though, you might like what they call a "yumball". You probably already like it based on the name, but it gets even better when you bite into it: these are basically fancy cake truffles, small but intensely flavorful and decadent. My favorite? The Vanilla-Lemon, "Vanilla and lemon cake mixed with cream of coconut and Malibu rum, rolled in white chocolate and shredded coconut". Oh, yes.

Another treat worth noting? The cookies. I picked up an "Annie" cookie last time I visited, and this meltaway-type cookie was redolent of butter, beautifully crumbly, and made me regret not having bought a second one.

Happiest of all, even if you're not in NYC, Three Tarts does ship their goodies--you can shop online here. But seriously--next time you're in the city, you must visit, because it really is such a happy and sweet shop!

Sweet on You: Pumpkin Truffles by Sweet On Chocolate in Syracuse

Lucky Danny: He said “See ya” and went off to live the dream by going on tour with his band Speaker Speaker. However, he’s redeemed himself (somewhat) by spying out some excellent sweets on the road. While we will be publishing a full update of what he ate on tour upon his return in November, one find was simply too good to wait: Pumpkin Truffles by Sweet On Chocolate in Syracuse, New York.

Sweet On Chocolate has been making handmade chocolates since 1993, and features a wide variety of hand-dipped chocolates, hand-made truffles, and novelties such as dipped potato chips. While they say the latter is one of their bestsellers, at the moment of truth, Danny went for the pumpkin truffle, perhaps owing to the chill in the October air (or perhaps an employee’s suggestion). The choice was a good one: the dark chocolate shell broke open perfectly, and the consistency of the filling was a soft cascade of chocolatey-pumpkiny-carmelly goodness; an ideal mixture of sweet and savory, and deeply satisfying.

Kind of like Halloween candy all grown up.

Cakespy Note: Although it is not advertised, Sweet On Chocolate will ship orders pretty much nationwide via UPS; however, they will not ship during the warmer months or to warmer climates.

Available at Sweet On Chocolate, 208 Walton Street, Syracuse; online at sweetonchocolate.com (splash page only). To inquire about having chocolates shipped, call (315) 478-0811.