Colombian Pastries at Columbus

Posted by Mary Luz Mejia Jan 2, 2008

If you love the now ubiquitous Dulce de Leche (aka Cajeta in Mexico, or Arequipe in Colombia), then there are some sweet treats awaiting your discovery amongst the Colombian baked goods repertoire.

I met with Toronto Star Food Editor Jennifer Bain and her delightful Zimbabwean friend last Sunday for a round of baked and deep-fried treats along with a hot chocolate and a hot Milo at Columbus Bakery on Dufferin. Jennifer is working on a piece about Colombian pastries and the shops that sell them throughout the Greater Toronto Area- so it was with great delight that she asked to meet with me this gray Sunday morning to chew over a few food memories.

One of my favourites has to do with the consumption of three treats - the first is a Colombian buñuelo (not to be confused with the Mexican dessert by the same name) - deep fried cheese balls that combine the salty/sweet flavour profile Colombians love so well and that pairs perfectly with a good cup of hot chocolate. The second is the flaky and fabulous Pastel de Gloria- puff pastry filled with Arequipe and built to win over dessert lovers anywhere. The third is the #1 favourite- the Oblea- a sweet wafer (that looks like a giant Holy host) that's layered with arequipe of course and topped with another oblea wafer. Happiness in every bite!

Columbus also offers wonderful empanadas (deep fried and with a crunchy cornmeal crust, not baked the way the Chileans prefer their version), pan de queso, pan de yuca and papas rellenas for some authentic Colombian flavour. The best part of the day? Seeing Jennifer's pal's eyes light up when she bit into a Pastel de Gloria and declare, "Oh No! Now I'll really be craving these from now on." Job done!