Boo-tiful Treats for Halloween

The arrival of fall is an exciting time of year, as it marks the beginning of the holiday season and all its awaited cheer. While Mainlanders turn to crisp autumn breezes and colorful leaves to signal the new chapter, Islanders can take comfort in flavors of the season to truly get into the spirit, even as palm trees continue to rustle in the warm trade winds outside.

With Halloween right around the corner, pumpkin stands out as the ultimate festive ingredient to dive into. Patisserie La Palme D’or executive chef Akiko Kimura agrees, and that’s why she’s unveiling a number of spook-tacular creations at the dessert haven in Ala Moana Center.

“When there is a new seasonal ingredient such as pumpkin, I try to look for other ingredients that would make a good combination,” says Kimura. “I also try to think of the best way to make use of the ingredient, whether it be putting it into a pudding or cheesecake.”

Enter Pumpkin Cheesecake ($35 for a whole cake, $4.85 per slice). This exquisite low-gluten indulgence features enticing ingredients such as cream cheese, butter, pumpkin puree and more to create a fluffy, yet luxurious center. The crust delights with hints of hazelnut and almond flours, while cinnamon honey cream decorates the top of the cake.

“The texture is very light and the cinnamon does not overpower the taste of the pumpkin,” describes Kimura, who also notes that Pumpkin Cheesecakes may be brought to life with bewitching Halloween adornments.

Pumpkin Pudding ($3.75 per cup) is another must this season, as the gluten-free dessert is prepared with milk, cream, egg yolks, sugar and pumpkin puree. “The flavor is really simple, it tastes just like pumpkin custard,” adds Kimura.

In addition to perfectly sweet flavor combinations, La Palme’s use of fresh, non-GMO and chemical-free ingredients lends an amazing quality to the treats.

Kimura recommends calling as early as possible to place orders, and notes that customers may order whole cakes for next day pick up. Pumpkin Pudding and Pumpkin Cheesecake slices also will be available daily until Thanksgiving, and after Halloween they’ll fashion Thanksgiving decorations.

No tricks here, just fantastic treats for the season!

Patisserie La Palme D’Or

Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd.
941-6161
Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.