Sweet Reviews: Cousin John's Bakery

Only one block away from my apartment in Park Slope is the biggest danger I have encountered since moving here: Cousin John's Bakery. The narrow storefront on 7th Avenue is easy to miss, but once you discover the yummy goodness inside it will be hard to walk past. Better yet, the treats are priced to move.

The huge fruit tarts feature a thick buttery base topped with layered  peaches, apricots or pears. At $4 each, they make a great dessert for two.

I'm also a fan of the cookies ($1 each). Cousin John's has a new selection everyday and the staff are happy to tell you all about them.

But my favorite goody and in my opinion, the best deal, is the apple coffee cake. You get a big square for $2 dollars and the texture is perfect- the apples are not overcooked and the crumbly topping adds a luxurious sweetness.

There are plenty of tables to sit and enjoy your purchases and the kitchen is open so you can watch the bakers work their magic. I hope you'll join me for some coffee and cake at Cousin John's soon!

Cousin John's Bakery 

70 7th Avenue  Brooklyn, NY 11217 (718) 622-7333

Sweet Reviews: Chozen

This is the first in a series of reviews focusing on local sweet makers. 

I discovered this frozen treat just in time for warm summer nights in need of dessert. Three New Yorkers got together to create Chozen, a Kosher, all natural ice cream inspired by traditional Jewish baked goods.  Chozen features enticing flavors including Coconut Macaroon and Apples and Honey. You can find them in Whole Foods, Zabars, and these other local outlets. 

Matzoh Crunch is the first Chozen ice cream I tried, and it was a great start. The vanilla base is rich but not eggy. Crumbles of matzoh covered with toffee and chocolate is mixed throughout. The matzoh was still crunchy and the toffee was rich and buttery. Here is what it looks like.

Be careful once you start eating this- it is hard to stop!