[ DINING ]
Decadent Desserts
FIND THE PERFECT SWEET TREAT TO COMPLETE YOUR HOLIDAY DINNER WITH THE HELP OF DONOVAN KOLANEK , NEWPORT BEACH COUNTRY CLUB ’ S PASTRY CHEF .
BY ASHLEY RYAN
A
holiday meal isn ’ t complete without a delicious dessert to cap the night off . But dishes like spiced fruitcake , gingerbread cookies , pumpkin pie , sugar plums and yule logs are played out . Instead , opt for something unique this season , courtesy of Newport Beach Country Club Pastry Chef Donovan Kolanek .
As a pastry chef , it ’ s no surprise that Kolanek is often delegated to bring dessert . As he ’ s often working at prime times during the holidays , he often celebrates after the fact , but one of his favorite treats to prepare for friends and family is croissant bread pudding with vanilla anglaise .
“ Bread pudding is a great way to use leftover bread from a holiday gathering ,” Kolanek notes . “ I ’ ve made bread pudding with challah bread , King ’ s Hawaiian rolls , [ even ] brioche burger buns — but my favorites are croiants . The flaky butteriness always makes a crowd-pleasing pudding . And you can mix in fruit or chocolate chips , too .”
Of course , he adds , the dish wouldn ’ t be complete without the vanilla anglaise . “ You must have a good sauce to drizzle on top ,” he says . “ I go with the classic crème anglaise , or custard sauce . It tastes like melted ice cream .”
Kolanek adds that the sauce can also be spiked with a shot or two if you have an adult crowd . Whether you choose whiskey , rum or your favorite liqueur , you ’ re sure to add something special to the flavor of your dessert with this addition .
Here , learn about everything you ’ ll need to make this dessert for your own family this holiday season .
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