Bissau Cookie at Rubyzaar Baked

The Bissau Cookie by Rubyzaar Baked incorporates roasted peanut butter, sun-dried bananas and dark chocolate chunks. Rubyzaar claims that this specific cookie is a "taste of West Africa" but I can't speak to that. I can say, however, that my personal dream of peanut butter, banana and chocolate baked into a cookie materialized in front of my eyes at a Rubyzaar Baked stand. Unfortunately, none of the flavors really sang and they sort of disappeared into each other and a ton of butter, the greasy feel of which really filled my mouth in a regrettable manner. The texture was also sort of dull.

Rubyzaar seems to offer their cookies during the holiday season only, so note that your time to ingest this cookie has a limit. I got mine at the 16th Annual Union Square Holiday Market.

http://shop.rubyzaar.com/

Stuffed Artisan Cannolis

I love cannolis. Not the kind carelessly fried with whipped cream inside, but the kind made with love and real ricotta filling. Maybe it's because half of my mother's family descended of Southern Italy or maybe it's just because they taste good, but I can't walk through Little Italy without lusting after a cannoli.

I heard about Stuffed Artisan Cannolis and thought that the multitude of flavors sounded fun. I tried the Pistachio, Peanut Butter and Birthday Cake varieties. They were indeed novel and I appreciated that, but unfortunately I am unable to say that I loved any of them. The Pistachio wasn't very pistachio-y and the Peanut Butter failed to impress as well. The Birthday Cake was probably my favorite of the three and it came with cute little sprinkles peppered over the filling. 

But they were adorable and attractive, and that counts for something. Side note: their online flavor list includes tantalizing options like Limoncello, Lemongrass, Curry Chocolate and Thai Iced Tea. I did not try them therefore I am unable to vouch for them, but they sure sound innovative. They also have an Eggnog and a Pannetone for the upcoming Holidays. 'Tis the Season!

Stuffed Artisan Cannolis. 176 Stanton Street, New York, NY 10002.

http://www.stuffedcannoli.com/