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Something Sweet at Mah-Ze-Dahr

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If you know me, you know that I always have to have a little something sweet throughout the day - sweet tooth alert! The streets of NYC are filled with endless options, but my go-to is Mah-Ze-Dahr. I’m personally inspired by Chef Umber who started her career in finance and ended up combining her love of food and the business world to create her bakery. From familiar classics like croissants and pain au chocolat, to the more unfamiliar like guava crumb bars and brioche donuts with vanilla custard filling, there’s something for everyone! 

Fun fact: I lived in Paris, France for 6 months during college and these pastries truly rival the ones I (frequently) consumed there. My telltale signs of a well made croissant and pain au chocolat are a crispy, crackly exterior - the kind where you’ll be covered in crumbs by the end, and a soft, chewy, and moist interior. Check and check! Specifically talking about pain au chocolat, I’m looking for bits of chocolate in every bite but NOT looking to be overwhelmed by sweetness, and Mah-Ze-Dahr hits the spot with the perfect, balanced bite. Eating these pastries always transports me back to Paris and I love how their food can do that!

Let your sweet tooth take the lead!

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Now, for something a little off the beaten path, I highly recommend trying either (or both)  their guava crumb bars or brioche donuts. Crumb bars are one of my weaknesses - crumbly, jammy, and oh so buttery. Mah-Ze-Dahr’s stood out to me with their addition of the slightly sweet, yet tangy guava filling with a peanut butter scented crumble. Adult PB&J!!! For their brioche donuts, you are presented with a soft and pillowy donut (for real, you could sleep on this thing!) that’s filled with the most unctuous vanilla bean custard. I’ll give you a moment to process… 

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I’m a big fan of brioche dough because it yields a super light and fluffy product making it the perfect vehicle for all the delicious fillings. The best filling though? Their house made, silky vanilla bean custard made with fragrant, whole vanilla bean pods. Using whole vanilla beans adds a floral and fruity aroma that’s just irresistible. Surprisingly, the donut isn’t too sweet, making it the perfect accompaniment to your morning, afternoon, or evening coffee!

Run, don’t walk to Mah-Ze-Dahr and let your sweet tooth take the lead!