Does more really need to be said beyond “pretzel croissant”? I mean, really. This is ridiculous. French pastry revamped to represent new digs in New York City. Butter, flour, and salt (and some sesame seeds) deftly put together to yield one of the best things you could ever put in your mouth. Usually, I pass on croissants because I’m not a fan of the crispy-flaky outer texture. But with this beauty, I’m all about  being covered in flaky shards to get to the soft, chewy middle. I’m not quite sure why they use sesame seeds instead of rock salt, but it tastes good all the same. Oh, and don’t think because there’s no rock salt, the “pretzel” adjective is incorrect. It’s plenty salty. From the butter in the dough, maybe? Who cares, it’s not like I’m going to bother attempting this at home. Salty treats like this require moderation, as they leave you sad and slightly crazed when there’s nothing left on the plate. Water on the side is always helpful, but as a pastry, a strong coffee partner is always appropriate. Did I mention that you’ll often find them served still warm? And not “warm” like from street pretzel vendors (ahem, reheated from frozen).

This is a must-add to your list of NYC food adventures. Bringing friends would be a good idea, as I’ve heard that City Bakery’s hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies, and baker’s muffins are also fantastic. When you go, don’t mind me in the corner with my coffee and half-eaten croissant, flakes on my face, chest, and lap—I’m in heaven.

City Bakery
3 West 18th St, New York

Image courtesy of willowbirdbaking.com

Happy new year! We hope your holidays were full of edible indulgences and that the turn to 2012 and everyone else’s diet resolution talk doesn’t mean you’ve sworn off butter completely. The internet is a great source for all things foodie, and we’re constantly bookmarking, starring, and emailing intriguing recipes, food porn, and inspiration. Here’s a selection of clippings we think are worth checking out.

Cooking blogs have been awash with edible cookie dough recipes that are turned into things such as truffles (no eggs make them safe to eat). Using the dough as a base for a bar covered in pretzels and sitting atop a brown butter crust sounds like the leader of the pack to me.

But if you are trying to be a bit more mindful of your calories this new year, a look to Southeast Asia can help you add a lot of flavour without adding anything heavy. This Vietnamese-inspired shrimp and quinoa salad is sure to make your doctor proud of you.

And while burgers aren’t diet food, nixing cheese, substituting turkey and again, looking to Asia for bold flavours makes these ones very appealing. Plus, the jacked-up mayo will do a fine job of helping you forget the absence of a fat slice of cheddar.

Savoury scones should be a welcome addition to any brunch table, but take a particular look at this recipe, which includes Melissa Clark’s method for quick caramelized onions.

But if you have sworn off butter, this spicy lemon date spread may come in handy if you’ve got some bread (and cheese…).

Image courtesy of southbrooklynpost.com

The internet is a great source for all things foodie, and we’re constantly bookmarking, starring, and emailing intriguing recipes, food porn, and inspiration. Here’s a selection of clippings we think are worth checking out.

Salty honey pie. You had me at salt.

More salty-sweet goodness: chocolate chip bars with a pretzel crust.

When I think of wild rice, I think of casseroles with mushy broccoli that seemed to be on everyone’s table years ago. Bad broccoli memories aside, this casserole brings on waves of nostalgia and seems perfect for a cold winter’s night.

I always thought those miniature pasta shapes were for soup only. Turns out you can make the ultimate bowl of comfort pasta with them as well.

The food of Andrew Carmellini’s that I tried at The Dutch in NYC was pretty outstanding. Thus, I’m sure these biscuits with honey butter are indeed some of the best you’ll ever try.