Otaru Sweet House

Sweet potato doesn't seem to be a very popular ingredient for desserts. However, the soft, sweet, starchy tuber holds a special place in my heart be it savory or sweet.

Caramelized daigaku imo? Yes please!
Sweet potato fries? Why, sure! Pile them on!
Vanilla-scented sweet potato mash? Mmm..That sounds better than regular mashed potatoes!

To my delight, I discovered that the Otaru Sweet House at the Isetan Hokkaido Fair had not one but THREE sweet potato desserts!


Sweet Potato Pie

Caramelized sweet potato puree with a layer of custard in the middle. Carb-laden goodness!


Chocolate Sweet Potato Pudding

Sweet potato puree, pudding and dark chocolate drizzle. Sweet potato and chocolate may seem like a strange pairing but all I can say is..don't knock it till you've tried it.


Full Moon

Caramel cream, pudding and caramelized sweet potato puree. This reminds me of a caramel purin with sweet potato on top.


Otaru Sweet House
Isetan Hokkaido Fair
Isetan Scotts Supermarket
Basement 1
19-29 June

Isetan Tampines
Tampines Mall Atrium Level 1
3 - 12 July

Isetan Hokkaido Fair

Oh Isetan Hokkaido Fair..How I adore thee! Why do you only grace us with your presence once a year?


Matcha Gelato, Cream Dowa

I spied Black Sesame and PUMPKIN gelato in the display case yesterday but I was way too full from the cupcake I had at lunch so I made a trip down to Isetan earlier this afternoon to get my gelato fix. Alas, both flavors were SOLD OUT. I had to settle for Matcha which wasn't a bad choice. Definitely one of the better Matcha renditions I've tried. I just wanted to try a more unusual flavor.

Note to self: ALWAYS make space for dessert!


Butter Manju with CUSTARD, Hokayu

I read about this a few months ago and have been patiently waiting for the Hokkaido Fair just so I can try this. The custard is not too sweet but the texture is very thick and rich. One manju is more than enough for me!

I was very, very tempted by the fresh salted caramels but at almost $10 a box I decided that they were an unnecessary extravagance and ended up with some sweet potato goodies instead!


Isetan Hokkaido Fair
Isetan Scotts Supermarket
Basement 1
19-29 June

Isetan Tampines
Tampines Mall Atrium Level 1
3 - 12 July

Canelés

I had my first canelé back in 2007 in Los Angeles. I remember eyeing the small stack of fluted pastry with curiousity. La Brea Bakery made vanilla and chocolate versions and of course I had to try one of each.

The chewy caramelized crust revealed a moist, tender almost mochi-like center scented with vanilla and rum. Delicious!

My brother and I made a stop at Choupinette along Bukit Timah to pick up some Vanilla Eclairs (I'm not a fan of this) and I saw that they too had canelés.


Canelés


Canelé innards

They were just okay. The canelés tasted better warm but lacked vanilla flavor.

Does anyone know where I can find good canelés in Singapore?


Choupinette
607 Bukit Timah Road
#01-01

La Brea Bakery
624 South La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036