You never want to turn up to a party empty-handed.
Here are eight delightful options that will wow both the host and the guests.
1. A CHOCOLATE STUMP FROM OLD SENG CHOONG
Stump cakes are all the rage this Christmas - with the cakes modelled after tree stumps, not logs.
There's nothing pretentious about Old Seng Choong's 1.2kg stump cake ($62). At first glance, it looks simple and wholesome, with an old-school feel.
Inside, a layer of boozy rum-soaked cake is sandwiched between moist chocolate devil's food cake spread with hazelnut buttercream. The cake is covered in a generous amount of chocolate ganache. Understated decadence.
WHERE: Old Seng Choong, 05-04 KA Foodlink, 171 Kampong Ampat
WHEN: Available until Christmas Day
INFO: Call 6282-0220 (between 9am and 5pm)Order online at www.oldsengchoong.com. Cakes can be collected in person or delivered for a fee. Early-bird details online.
2. GALETTE DE ROIS FROM BAKERZIN
WHERE: Bakerzin - eight outlets islandwide including Century Square, 2 Tampines Central 5, 01-19/22; United Square, 101 Thomson Road, 01-07/60; and Jurong Point, 63 Jurong West Central 2, 03-58/59. Collection is not available at its Gardens by The Bay and Nom Nom La outlets.
WHEN: Till Jan 2.
INFO: Order online at www.bakerzin.com or in person at various Bakerzin outlets islandwide. Last day for online orders is Dec 22, 2pm. Last day of delivery is Dec 31. Orders can be collected in person until Jan 2.
3. SUGEE CAKE FROM SUNSET RAILWAY CAFE
WHERE: Sunset Railway Cafe, 01-02 Clementi Arcade, 41 Sunset Way
WHEN: Till Chistmas Eve. Last day to place orders is Dec 20. Order at least three in advance.
INFO: Call 6463-0069. The cafe will be open for collections from Dec 22 to Christmas Eve. Thereafter, it will close for the year and reopen on Jan 3.
4. SOURDOUGH PIES FROM THE BREAD TABLE
WHERE: The Bread Table's outlets at 1010 Upper Serangoon Road; Block 46 Telok Blangah Drive, 01-85; and 383 Bukit Timah Road (latter two for collection only)
WHEN: Order three days in advance, last day of collection or delivery is Dec 30
INFO: Call 6282-3546 or go to thebreadtable.com
5. WHISKY PROFITEROLES CHOCOLATE TART FROM GOODWOOD PARK HOTEL
WHERE: The Deli, Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road
WHEN: Till Dec 26. Last day to place orders is Dec 19, noon.
INFO: Call 6730-1867 or 6730-1868 from 10am to 6pm daily; e-mai l festive@goodwoodparkhotel.com or go to festivepromotions.goodwoodparkhotel.com to order online. Orders must be placed at least three working days in advance.
6. CHOCOLATE CHRISTMAS TREE
It also has a range of delicate and elegant tarts which start at $38 for a large one.
WHERE: Tarte by Cheryl Koh, 1 Scotts Road, 01-12 Shaw Centre
WHEN: Till Dec 25, order two days in advance
INFO: Call 6235-3225 or e-mail tarte@lesamis.com.sg. Go to http://www.tarte.com.sg/
7. FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH HAZELNUT CREME AND BERRIES
This gluten-free chocolate cake ($68) is dense and rich, and perfect for this time of year. It is topped with lush hazelnut creme made with hazelnuts from Italy, and fresh berries. The Muslim-owned bakery and cafe uses organic unrefined sugar in its cakes and prides itself in using fresh wholesome ingredients.
WHERE: And All Things Delicious, 34 Arab Street
WHEN: Ongoing. Order at least three days in advance
INFO: Call 6291-4252. Orders can also be made online at http://shop.allthingsdelicious.sg
8. THE MERRY BOX OF GLUTEN-FREE MINCE PIES, FRUIT CAKE AND CHOCOLATE HILLS
Get an assortment of nine gluten-free Christmas treats ($36) which includes traditional English mince pies, fruit cake and rich Valrhona Guanaja dark chocolate cakes.
The mince pies are made with French butter and fruit soaked in aged brandy, while the fruit cake has been doused in dark Rum.
WHERE: Tiann's Bakery & Takeaway, 71 Seng Poh Road, 01-35
WHEN: Till Christmas Eve. Order at least three days in advance.
INFO: Call 6222 1369 or e-mail at hello@tianns.com.sg
