Have you hit holiday burn out yet? December is busy enough without having to add more to your list of to-dos, which is why we are recommending you consider outsourcing your holiday baking this year.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make that family recipe everyone is really looking forward to, but we think it would be a good time to take some of the load off and plan other alternatives for your dessert table, work gathering or cookie exchange. Instead, turn to one of these delicious bakeries and food shops in Ottawa that not only offer tasty treats for the season, but clean up the mess after too. From traditional shortbread to inventive sweet treats, get ready to place your order.
Epicuria
Photo credit: Corinna Horton
On St. Laurent Boulevard in Ottawa’s East End, you’ll find exquisite eats at Epicuria. You can grab entire meals to feed your family and their quiches are not to be missed, but the baked goods like shortbread cookies and mini tarts are exactly what you’ll want on your holiday dessert table. If you are looking for a Buche de Noel, you can order one here too.
Red Apron
While you can grab traditional baked goods (like shortbread) at Red Apron, we love the twist they have for holiday treats. Pick up some Christmas pudding or gourmet caramel popcorn for something sweet and salty that will please large and small crowds.
Thyme and Again
Maybe it’s time to think outside of the cookie jar; they aren’t the only dessert that can be served during the holidays. That’s why we are thinking that you’ll love the Thyme and Again gingerbread cake or eggnog sqaures. Both would be a decadent way to finish your meal.
The Black Walnut Cafe
If pie is your family’s preference for dessert, look no further than The Black Walnut Bakery in Cumberland. You may need to order ahead of time to ensure you aren’t disappointed, but we know you will love the taste of their crumbly crust and delicious pie filling. Grab some date squares and butter tarts while you are in the cafe too.
Quelque-Chose
If you love to celebrate the season with a decorated Christmas tree, why not enjoy a macaron tree too? At Quelque Chose in Westboro, you can choose one of their popular macaron flavours like pistachio, or a seasonal option like peppermint and chocolate. Order them in boxes, or create a tree-shaped from macarons for an even more impressive style. We think these would be the perfect hostess gift to bring to your next gathering.
Take Another Bite
In Manotick and at their new Nepean location, you’ll find the delightful Take Another Bite. Their offerings will bring your holiday dessert table to a whole other level. From spice cakes to sandwich cookies, we know you’ll be the hostess with the mostess thanks to them.
Maverick’s Donuts
How about a festive donut instead? Can we make that a new thing? Maverick’s Donuts (on Bank Street) can custom create holiday donuts and will have them to grab and go at their store (when they are available! We know these fly off the shelves) If you are serving Christmas Eve brunch, or are in charge of the holiday coffee break at work, these will be crowd-pleasers.
Givopoly
If you are worried about when you’ll have time to pick up your treats, Givopoly’s delivery service is here to help. You get to choose from a selection of goodies on their website and they’ll deliver them to your home or work. We love the thought of not only outsourcing our baking but also the pick-up and delivery too!
Art-is-in Bakery
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If bread pudding with cranberries and caramel sauce sounds divine to you, look no further than Art-is-in Bakery to place an order for the holidays. You can also find Tourtieres, holiday bread and treats like hot chocolate mix and more. Visit their website for more information about how to place your order or to find out their holiday hours and stop in to stock up.
Life of Pie
When you see the selection of two-dozen cookies that you can order from Life of Pie, you’ll wonder why you haven’t outsourced your holiday cookie requirements to them before. Select classics like shortbread or ginger cookies or try something that might be new-to-you like the eggnog snickerdoodles or holiday biscotti.
Strawberry Blonde Bakery
We love having options that are vegan, gluten-free and nut-free which is one reason why Strawberry Blonde Bakery is on our list this year for holiday goodies. The other reason is that everything is so delicious. Order your Nanaimo Bars, Yule Log, Christmas cookies or butter tarts by December 17th for pick up the week leading to Christmas. You can also stop by their shop (at one of their two locations; Westboro and Kanata) to see what they have available.
Three Tarts Bakeshop
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On Bank Street, stop by Three Tarts Bakeshop for a selection of gorgeous and delicious holiday cookies, squares, pies, cakes and more. Their signature white chocolate, cranberry and toasted pistachio tart has us drooling, and we think your guests will feel the same. Reserve for your Christmas get together by December 15th!
Cafe Latte Cino
In Orleans, you’ll discover the popular Cafe Latte Cino, the gathering place for many who live in the area. But they also offer plenty of delicious baked goods and at this time of year you can order for your holiday work party, family gathering or just because you deserve a treat. Ask about their selection of squares, cakes, and you won’t want to miss their coconut cream pie!
Tagged under: bakeries,Christmas,desserts,holiday baking,ottawa,The Red Apron,Givopoly,christmas cookies,Maverick's Donut Company,Epicuria,Thyme and Again,The Black Walnut Cafe,Quelque-Chose,Take Another Bite
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