Retro desserts satisfy nostalgic cravings

Many of today’s desserts revisit the classics, whether they are traditional Southern desserts, childhood favorites or reinterpretations of comfort food. The following recipes demonstrate an appealing variety of sweet endings for a meal.

For a flavor of the South, try the Peanut Butter Dream Bars from Chef Dana Linden of Montego Bay, Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The recipe won the dessert category of the Southern Peanut Growers 2013 Chefs’ Recipe Contest. North Carolina native and barbecue and grilling expert Elizabeth Karmel created a recipe for Sweet Potato Bourbon Pie that gets a boost from the flavors of bourbon and ginger whipped cream.

Customers who want to relive the deliciousness of childhood might enjoy the Popcorn and a Movie dessert created by Mat Clouser of Swift’s Attic in Austin.  The recipe features popcorn ice cream and a house-made candy bar. BRC Gastropub in Houston offers the Burnt Marshmallow Milkshake, and Susan Molzan of Petite Sweets in Houston shares a recipe for Chocolate Pretzel Whoopie Pies.

New twists on classics include the Baked Alaska California-Style with avocado filling, and the Pistachio Chocolate Tart with Caramel Mascarpone & Ganache from pastry chef Lauren Mitterer of Wild Flour Pastry in Charleston, SC.

Tropical fruit flavors come through in the Mango Coconut Dessert Risotto from chef Francis Ang of Fifth Floor in San Francisco, while the Avocado Ricotta Pound Cake takes on a new richness. You’ll also want to check out the Lemon Curd Tart recipe from chef Dana Herbert of Desserts by Dana in New Castle, DE. He was the Season 1 winner of TLC’s Cake Boss: The Next Great Baker.   

Recipes:

• Mango Coconut Dessert Risotto
• Peanut Butter Dream Bar
• Fluffy Sweet Potato Bourbon Pie with Whipped Cream and Toasted Pecans
• Avocado Ricotta Pound Cake
• Pistachio Chocolate Tart with Caramel Mascarpone & Ganache
• Lemon Curd Tart
• Burnt Marshmallow Milkshake
• Baked Alaska California-Style
• Popcorn and a Movie
• Chocolate Pretzel Whoopie Pies