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St. Martin is known as the gourmet capital of the Caribbean, mastering courses from breakfast to dessert and everything in between. But the focus here, is on the best course of every meal: dessert.
Calling all those with a sweet tooth, this one is for you. We’ve included an authentic dessert recipe, created in St. Martin, and some of the best restaurants to visit for dessert, while on the island.
The French influence is very apparent in St. Martin, particularly in its cuisine. While visiting you can take a stroll around the island and find bakeries with an assortment of fresh pastries waiting for you to enjoy, just like you would find on the streets of Paris.
Except, while in St. Martin, you get to also experience the friendly charm of island life and look out at the idyllic backdrop of the turquoise sea and neighbouring islands. So, grab a ‘pain au chocolat’ and head to the shoreline for a laidback stroll.
Here are some recommendations for dessert:
Au Temps des Fleurs Chocolats
If you’re craving something sweet, stop by this small shop that sells flowers and specialty chocolates. You’ll be sure to find an abundance of choices to fill your chocolate craving here!
L’Express by Bacchus
This next recommendation specializes in homemade pastries and bakery products and is so popular there are two locations on the small island. One is located in Hope Estate and the other in downtown Marigot; you are sure to run into one while on the island. L’Express specializes in so many tasty treats, it is hard to choose just one! They combine Caribbean flavours with classic French pastries, making it perfect for your next “gourmet break.”
La Sucriere
This bakery is located in Marigot and is the perfect place to stop in, relax and enjoy some French pastries. It has a great patio with a view of the lagoon to sit at while you dive into an assortment of desserts! Be sure to visit this bakery for an experience as authentic as one you would find in France.
Good Morning Café
This restaurant has a large breakfast menu but also specializes in desserts and fresh homemade pastries. It is located in Orient Bay and has received an abundance of enthusiastic reviews. Whether you are in the mood for a tart, éclair, a crepe or something else, this place has you covered. The café also features a great terrace for you to sit at and indulge in your sweet tooth!
Or you can try out this authentic St. Martin recipe for a taste of island sweetness from the comfort of your own home:
Sweet Potato Pudding
Sweet potatoes were one of the main crops of the Tainos. When Christopher Columbus came to the West Indies, he found it on the islands and brought back samples to Spain.
Ingredients:
2 cups, grated sweet potato
1 cup grated pumpkin
1 cup tannia or white yam
1 ½ cups brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
4 cups water
½ cup melted shortening
2 cups flour
Method:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Mix all the ingredients together, except for the shortening. Stir until well blended. Add the melted shortening and stir again. Bake in a well-greased baking dish for 1 ½ hours. The cake can be served hot or cold, topped with whipped cream or ice cream. The perfect indulgence!
