I thought I was one of those people who could take or leave dessert. I love and enjoy a great dinner, then, on the verge of feeling uncomfortable, the waiter suggested a classic and unique dessert that the restaurant is famous for.
That behavior became the norm and desserts are part of the meal only if they are truly “a bite.”
Dessert is the culmination, the end of an incredible dinner, it has become another important part of your dining experience. The term “Save room for dessert” has been heard more frequently in restaurants and homes lately.
Food.com and allrecipes.com had lists of the most popular desserts by state. I take these lists seriously and there are desserts on the list that I don’t agree with, especially after frequenting some of the great restaurants in each state.
Here are the results and my opinion on the most popular desserts in each state.
Delaware – Banana Pie and Peach Pie
It’s funny that the studio chose peach cobbler. I feel like I’m in Georgia when I’m in Delaware and I’ve had homemade peach cobbler in restaurants and at my friend’s house in Delaware. When trying to find the meaning of peach cobbler, I found nothing. The state’s climate, soil and availability of peaches doesn’t support the claim, but it’s there.
Photo by LuAnn Hunt on Unsplash
Photo by LuAnn Hunt on Unsplash
As for banana cake, I’ve had it once or twice at a Delaware restaurant and, once again, the meaning baffles me.
New York cheesecake
This is true! In good New York restaurants, cheesecake rules the roost. Most restaurants pride themselves on their cheesecake, with many claiming it to be “the best” in town.
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Photo via vaphotog
I laugh at it, but I order it to judge every restaurant I go to. The Plaza, Keens Steakhouse and Peter Luger’s serve the best I’ve ever had.
Pennsylvania – Whoopie Pies and Apple Dumplings
Whoopie pies are good and are found in some restaurants in Pennsylvania, especially near Philadelphia. For those of you who haven’t indulged in whoopie pies, imagine an oversized Oreo but made with chocolate cake and a creamy, fluffy white filling.
Apple dumpling is a fan favorite and is served hot and occasionally with vanilla ice cream. There’s no question that I prefer an apple dumpling to a whoopie pie.
New Jersey: Cannoli and Saltwater Caramel
Trust me, saltwater taffy isn’t even close to being on my list, and it’s safe to say that the study that named taffy as a dessert has never been to Jersey. Taffy is for the boardwalk, other than one or two “touristy” places to eat, I’ve never seen it on the menu.
Cannoli are a different story. It’s a staple like cheesecake is in New York. At the many Italian restaurants that grace our state, cannoli are always put to the test and compared to other restaurants. There is a lot of pride in that dessert.
Photo of Sangría Señorial on Unsplash
Photo of Sangría Señorial on Unsplash
Blueberry pie is the official dessert of New Jersey, but you can bet the cannoli trumps it.
Save room for dessert and enjoy the options we propose.
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Gallery credit: Stephen Lenz
The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of 101.5 New Jersey’s weekend host, Big Joe Henry. All opinions expressed are Big Joe’s own.
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