Marvelous desserts not made by you
When giving driving directions, my mother has been known to use ice cream shops and bakeries as landmarks, so it's no surprise that my family's Thanksgiving dinner isn't complete without a table full of desserts. I'm talking pies, cakes, cookies, the works!
In addition to being an excellent baker, my mother is also an expert at seeking out great local bakeries, which has become second nature to me. With Thanksgiving around the corner, I'd like to give a little insight into where the best desserts can be found. Whether you're the host or hostess trying to save time or a guest responsible for bringing dessert, you can move away from the oven, pass the grocery store, and head down the road to a few of my favorite bakeries.
For three years, Jamie and Kate Campos, owners of The Flaky Pastry in Chelmsford (11 Central Square, 978-250-4004), have been perfecting family recipes and satisfying taste buds. While the charming bakery can easily be missed on your first drive by, you won't want to pass up what's inside.
On my most recent trip there, I ordered a piece of pumpkin cake and took a slice of carrot cake home. The pumpkin cake (the bakery's most popular Thanksgiving treat) was moist, the sweet cream cheese frosting was tasty, and I was sad to see it end. The carrot cake had perfect density, tasted fresh and flavorful, and was topped with frosting similar to the pumpkin cake's.
Last Thanksgiving, Kate led the baking of 200 pumpkin cakes and 800 pies. The Flaky Pastry's pumpkin cake serves 10 to 15 and sells for $17. The apple, pecan, pumpkin, and razzleberry pies sell for $10 and serve eight to 10. The last day to place an order for Thanksgiving is next Sunday .
If any of your Thanksgiving guests are on a diet or have diabetes, high cholesterol, or celiac disease, you might think it's best to skip dessert. But Chatila's Bakery in Salem, N.H. (254 North Broadway, 603-898-5459) can help.
Chatila's is a diet-friendly bakery in a modest shopping plaza. All items are sugar free, reduced fat, and cholesterol free.
Dessert items for Thanksgiving include 9-inch apple and pumpkin pies ($8.75) that taste sweet and moist and are also dairy free. Pies can also be purchased frozen and baked at home. The New York-style cheesecakes, which are gluten free, serve eight and are available for $15.50 to $17.50 in a variety of flavors, including pumpkin.
While the flavor of Chatila's baked goods is different because of the use of a sugar substitute and other adjustments, the items are an excellent alternative for those with dietary concerns.
Mohamad Chatila started the bakery in 1988 with his diabetic mother in mind.
Today Chatila's employs 40 people and ships its specialties to retail stores across the country. Orders for Thanksgiving must be placed by Friday.
If you're looking to impress the in-laws this Thanksgiving, gourmet cakes from Frederick's Pastries in Amherst, N.H. (109 Route 101A, 603-882-7725) are sure to do the trick. While they don't bake the typical Thanksgiving pies, Frederick's has turned cake baking into an art form.
Specialties include a Dutch apple torte, pumpkin torte, and my personal favorite, pumpkin cheesecake, which consists of a layer of New York-style cheesecake topped with a layer of the pumpkin torte and thick whipped cream. It's like two delicious desserts baked as one.
Frederick Lozier, who found his way around the kitchen while in the Army, started Frederick's Pastries 25 years ago.
Now retired, Lozier still visits the busy shop to greet customers while his daughter, Sue Lozier Robert, runs the business with her husband, David.
While the cakes are pricey ($24 to $32), you won't be disappointed, nor will you have leftovers. Each hearty, beautifully designed cake serves about 12 people, and orders will be accepted until Nov. 21.
With The Flaky Pastry, Chatila's Bakery, and Frederick's Pastries providing delectable desserts for Thanksgiving, you can feel confident in finding the best postdinner indulgence, using the oven solely to cook the turkey.
NICOLE DiNOIA 
