The Baker's Dozen

continued

Weighing in at less than half the price ($1.50 each), glazed little cake truffles gleam in the display case at Cake Nouveau at 1924 Packard. Chocolate and vanilla are always offered, Tiffany told me from behind the counter, with sprinkle colors changing to suit the seasons. A half-dozen more flavors are available on any given day: Aztec hot chocolate was my favorite, with cayenne and cinnamon spiking the heavy-textured compressed cake. (Full-size cupcakes are available on weekends.) Tiffany told me to take a seat on the purple couch, "because it feels good." I sunk into its overstuffed cushions. Martha Stewart Living magazines on the coffee table rose to eye level. I breathed deep of the cake-baking scents I had noticed upon walking in. You'll want to do what Tiffany says ...

For a touch of veggie in your sweets, head to the Farmer's Market on Saturday and check out Sherry Toney's homemade pecan sweet potato pie--a snackable mini version, laced with aromatic nutmeg and allspice, is just $5. Total yum.