Did you know the word dessert comes from the French verb ‘desservir’, meaning to ‘clear the table’?
When dessert first appeared as part of our eating rituals, it was to allow the tables to be cleared for after-dinner activities – sweet meats and spiced wines were consumed standing up, away from the table.
Sugar was so important in medical practices of the past, that the saying ‘like an apothecary without sugar’ meant a state of utter desolation. Sugar was used for everything, from aiding digestion to preserving the body.
Whatever the reason, we all crave a sugar fix that only a sweet treat can fix; here are five of our fave places to indulge your senses and your palate:
Decadent Sweet Treats
Head to bustling café Glen Forrest Gourmet on Railway Parade to refuel and recharge for the day when discovering all Perth has to offer. Nestled in Glen Forrest, this popular local eatery serves up great, ethically sourced coffee roasted locally, along with brunch, lunch and sweet treats in a relaxed vibe of recycled timber floors, corrugated iron counters and cabinets overflowing with all manner of temptations.
Sweet tooths are in heaven over decadent offerings like spiced parsnip and carrot cake with ginger cream cheese icing, or indulgent Ferrero Rocher cheesecake; perhaps warm sticky date pudding served with butterscotch sauce and ice cream hits the mark, while gluten-free options may include orange and lemon cake.
Fudgy Gift Box Brownies
Find Australia’s fudgiest gift box brownies at The Sneaky Treat Co. on Bambra Road in Caulfield. This online store delivers hand-crafted brownies Australia-wide, made from real Lindt chocolate and gluten-free, making them the perfect sneaky treat for everyone no matter their dietary requirements.
Earn extra brownie points with clients, colleagues, family and friends with the option of personalised corporate branding along with personalised messages of your choice; think tempters such as dulce de leche with a smooth caramel twist that takes the rich, gooey brownie to a whole new dimension.
Start Your Day Sweetly
Discover homely café Oak Tree Café on Tamar Street in Launceston for a peaceful haven to catch up with family and friends over a brew and bite to eat. Located across from the main entrance of City Park, this spacious diner is light and bright with an abundance of natural light along with shelves packed with knick-knacks and vibrant artwork on the walls, making for the ideal spot to linger over a leisurely meal.
Brunch-goers seeking a sweet start to the day delve into French toast with berries, yoghurt and maple syrup; accompany your coffee with a piece of chocolate liquorice slice, or upside-down pear and ginger cake. Perhaps take the banana split route with ice cream, cream, wafer and caramel topping, or choose a treat from the cabinets filled with tempting cakes, slices and biscuits to take home for later.
Linger Over a Sweet Treat and Brew
While visiting Victoria’s Goldfields look to refuel and recharge at Parkview Bakery on Tuaggra Street in Maryborough. This rustic bakery and café welcomes locals and visitors with corrugated iron tubs bursting with greenery and a covered alfresco area ideal for lingering over a bite and a brew on balmy days; while indoors, cabinets overflow with all manner of temptations along with shelves groaning with products and gifts to take home.
Those looking to pair a sweet treat with their brew can delve into lemon mousse cake with a lemon curd centre, pistachio base and white chocolate glaze, or chocolate and orange cupcakes topped with a slice of orange; if you are looking for a savoury option chow down on gourmet pies such as corned beef and mustard.
Must-try Signature Vanilla Slice
Located in the heart of Euroa, Mawson’s Bakery Café on Binney Street West has been a beloved local institution for more than 30 years. This family-owned and operated bakery has been serving up delicious treats and warm hospitality since its inception believing no dish is better than its ingredients and the best ingredients are usually local, all served with a smile in warm and inviting surroundings.
Take your pick from cabinets overflowing with temptations including gourmet pies like smoky bacon, honey bourbon pulled pork and lamb and rosemary, or dip your spoon into a steaming bowl of potato and leek soup, with crusty bread. Sweet tooths salivate over treats such as a signature vanilla slice, carrot cake or chocolate éclair.
