Some of us love having friends and family over for the holidays.
Some of us are so grateful that others want to do it.
For the latter, read on for three great options that satisfy three mantras: small stores, local stores, and “never go empty-handed.”
For the former, enjoy the sweet spoils at dessert time. Sit back, take a break from hosting, and enjoy a snack. I hope someone gets up and cleans while you’re at it. Have a great vacation!
blue amphora
The service at this great Turkish cafe, which was covered in detail by the Orlando Sentinel during the summer, is excellent. But if you just want to bring something special to the table this season, the baklava here will do a great job of impressing hosts and guests.
This Turkish variety differs somewhat from its better-known Greek cousin, getting its moisture from simple syrup rather than honey, and getting its explosive buttery flavor from ghee.
And what about the taste? no way.
Packed to order in beautiful boxes, you can choose from walnuts, tahini, pistachios, and for chocolate and hazelnut addicts, Nutella. Choose one or two or combine them.
If for some reason you want to add a little more to the mix, Blue Amphora’s Dubal Chocolate Baklava is on-trend in a larger format. The good thing is that unlike many other iterations, this one isn’t too sweet.
Rather than overpowering the pistachio element with chocolate, the bakery here uses cocoa powder to bring out the chocolate flavor, which beautifully balances the rich nuttiness of the homemade pistachio cream.
If this holiday party is for lunch or brunch, you can also choose one or more of the delicious pastries made by Blue Amphora.
But these beautiful boxes of two-bite baklava give the neatest and sweetest impression.
More information: 1461 N. Goldenrod Road in Orlando, 941-307-0873; BlueAmphora.com
D’Amico & Sons Italian Market and Bakery
Oviedo’s gastronomic credentials increased significantly when this authentic Italian market opened here a few years ago. Since then, fans have driven here from all over the world and even from outside the metro for the full range of Boots-imported goodies, as well as pastry selections that are half homemade and half drawn from New York’s finest bakeries.
One side of the giant case is lined with cakes (whole or sliced), cannoli, and lobster tails filled with cream, fruit, and chocolate to rival flavorful seafood. You can also purchase cannoli cream by the container and create your own fun dessert called “chip and dip.”
Meanwhile, it’s home to some of the Empire State’s best Italian desserts. From pinnoli and pistachio to gooey and delicious Sicilian cuchidati, from black and white to rainbow, from macarons to (not Italian, but still delicious) macarons, you’ll find all the hits here.
Choose your own adventure and bring a charming white ‘Mystery Bakery Box’ to your party, or opt for a larger, hand-picked tray to make your hosts feel ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ the moment they open the door.
You can also buy a bottle of Sangiovese or Lambrusco to share.
Buon Natale — and Mangia!
More information: 1170 Oviedo Mall Blvd. Oviedo, 407-542-0783; damicoandsonsmarket.com
Aubon Chocolatier
Gaze into a case of Aubon Chocolatier and your pupils will dilate with delicious possibilities. Here, the brilliant bakery behind Light on the Sugar has branched out, turning out some of the city’s shiniest, most beautiful bonbons.
The only thing that exceeds the range of colors and designs of these homemade pop treats is the range of flavors.
On a recent visit during Halloween, the beautiful holiday design was put to good effect, with a mix of adorable candies and fall flavors in a spooky and cute theme. We loved pumpkin and s’mores and cinnamon toast crunch, so we’re hoping for a similar seasonal feel for December.
Lots of classics, but also flavors like matcha yuzu, croissant, and ube coconut. We also offer boxes of various sizes so your guests can curate the perfect party mix for their friends and family to enjoy with coffee, tea, wine and more.
There’s more than just bonbons, so feel free to peruse the selection and try a flavor of tea, lemonade, or cocoa or latte (hot or iced) that you never wanted until you saw it on the menu.
More information: Located in East End Market, 3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando. instagram.com/obchocolatier
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