Confection 2009

Outstanding Confection 2009: Dufflet Small Indulgences Caramel Crackle Almond + Pistachio

Pastry chef Dufflet Rosenberg, known as the “Queen of Cakes” in Toronto, Canada, launched Dufflet Pastries in 1975, creating treats that melded fine European traditions with a modern approach. Today, the company has three retail locations. In 2004, Rosenberg launched the Dufflet Small Indulgences line. It consists of grab-and-go desserts (premium frozen cakes, tarts and brownies) and specialty gourmet shelf-stable confections, including this year’s sofi™ Gold Award winner. (Only the specialty gourmet line is available in the U.S.)

“We already had a Chocolate Crackle product and we knew we wanted to do something that didn’t rely on chocolate,” notes Rosenberg. “We wanted something with caramel. It took us a couple of years to get the Caramel Crackle Almond + Pistachio just right. The flavor is crunchy and nutty with a Florentine wafer texture and a taste of caramel and sea salt. You have to be careful with the recipe because the caramel has to stand on its own,” she adds.

The products are manufactured in Toronto using all-natural ingredients and no preservatives or artificial colors. “We are straightforward and upfront about what we do,” explains Rosenberg. “Everything looks as good as it tastes.” Suggested retail price: $9.99/5.3-ounce. dufflet.com.–S. Segrest