Different people crave different things; some love salty junk food; others love stuffing their face with meat; hey, there are some people who actually hunger for veggies -- it's OK, we hate them too. The worst of the hankerings, however, is the desire for sweets.
Even though most of us already know about the highly addictive effects of sugar, there are times when saccharine desserts are just too hard to resist -- you might as well make sure it's worth the calories.
Since today is National Dessert Day and all, we figured we'd help you on your sweet-tooth-satiating mission.
We came up with a list of five places to sink your teeth into something sweet.
See also: Slideshow - Sugar Porn from South Florida
The cupcake craze may have faded away, leaving only the best to remain. At this Fort Lauderdale bakery, you'll find a wide array of baked goods like cupcakes, ranging from red velvet to Key lime coconut; cookies, such as classic chocolate chip and Snickerdoodle; cakes; and brownies. It's kind of like walking into a bake sale six days a week.
It's true: The French are known for having the best pastries. Here you'll find some of the world's best sweet treats, ranging from tarts to Napoleans to this spot's specialty, crepes -- they offer savory options too. With sugary fillings such as Nutella, strawberries and jam, and classic suzette with orange juice, brown sugar, and Gran-Marnier set afire, you're sure to find something to satisfy your sweet-tooth fancy.
Since 1956, this Dania shop has been churning out homemade ice cream by the kitchen sink -- seriously, its one of the restaurant's specialties. With more than 60 handmade flavors, the spot has one of the largest selections in all of South Florida as well as one of the most extensive collections of Americana memorabilia. It's the perfect place to grab a cone on the way back from the beach.
Though there are tons of French bakeries -- or at least a few -- scattered around South Florida, this Fort Lauderdale Belgian spot offers many of the same sugary selections with some divergent choices. While you can never go wrong with a buttery croissant or petit four, we suggest the entremet, either passion fruit or raspberry mousse, with a bit of crunch on the bottom; it's refreshing and decadent all at the same time.
If you've never tried this light and fluffy meringue-based dessert, you're in for a treat -- if you have, you're probably already addicted. At this Atlantic Avenue pastry shop, you'll find the pastries in every color and flavor you can imagine, from traditional pistachio and chocolate to exotic flavors like candied ginger and basil white chocolate. We're more than happy to scarf down a box of them all; however, if you're a macaron virgin, we'd say go for the traditional.
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