The award-winning Pastry Chefs from The Ritz-Carlton Hotels and Resorts around the United States put on their toques and brought out their whisks to redefine thirteen favorite, classic desserts, from bread butter pudding to an All-American strawberry shortcake. The new menu of delicious desserts will debut at domestic Ritz-Carlton properties on January 22, 2010, along with a selection of hot beverages accented with liquors, and some sparkling Champagne cocktails.

“We challenged our chefs to retain the memorable flavors of these classic desserts, while adding some new touches to enhance the presentation”, explained George McNeill, Vice President, Culinary and Corporate Chef for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. “We believe this new menu will prove irresistible to any guest with a sweet tooth,” he predicted.

Among the classic dessert favorites which received a culinary makeover are Tarte Tatin, an “accidental” apple tart created back in 1898 when a chef mistakenly placed it in the oven upside down. The key lime pie recipe came from Pastry Chefs at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples who uses descendants of the fruit first brought to Florida by the Spaniards in the 1500’s.  Always popular Tiramisu means “pick me up” or “carry me up”, reflecting the recipe’s use of strong espresso and to the dessert’s light and airy texture. For those who think any dessert is made better with ice cream, the traditional sundae with caramel sauce is the perfect match with a decadent chocolate brownie.  Other classic desserts offered up for people to enjoy include: carrot cake, double fudge chocolate cake, molten chocolate cake, plum tart, crème brûlee, fresh fruit tart and bread and butter pudding.

Since no great dessert can truly be appreciated without an accompanying beverage, the Redefined Classic Desserts can be enjoyed with selections including Almond Chocolate Coffee, accented with DiSaronno Amaretto; a traditional Irish Coffee or VS Mocha Café, pairing Cognac, Godiva chocolate, and Kahlua. For a cooling cocktail, a Grand Mimosa and a rare blend of St. Germain and Champagne.

Beginning January 22, 2010, the Redefined Menu will be available at domestic Ritz-Carlton hotels.