Check out These Peepers! Try a Houston Chef's Winning Food Network Dessert

Check out These Peepers! Try a Houston Chef's Winning Food Network Dessert

HOUSTON’S OWN RUCHIT Harneja, executive pastry chef of Musaafer, won this week’s episode of Spring Baking Championship on Food Network. And foodies have a chance to try his winning dessert at the Galleria restaurant, now through Easter Sunday!


Harneja’s playful creation is an innovative spin on a honey-glazed ham. He translates all the flavor profiles of the classic Easter dish — hickory smoke, honey, pineapple, cherry, cloves, and even the ham itself — into a sweet treat. The dessert highly impressed the professional judges on episode three, which aired March 20.

He used his experience with heterodox food pairing — a yin and yang theory in which two opposing ingredients are combined to create a harmonious dish — in the dessert. A surprising blend of hickory-smoked honey cake, pineapple-and-clove Peeps and cherry pâté de fruit is topped with a ham crumble (there’s a plant-based version available, too). “I enjoy pushing the boundaries to explore more interesting flavor combinations, and this dessert is no exception,” he says. Jaipur-born Harneja is known for interesting flavor combinations and presentations as seen in a few of his signature — eye-popping and beautiful — desserts at Musaafer.

Harneja and contestans on 'Spring Baking Championship'

Food
Chlorophyll Water, Special Spa Treatments, More: Tips for Mom Bods Emerging from Long Winter’s Nap

The author suggests Pilates as part of her plan for ‘mom bods’ to renew for spring.

AS WE SWAP out our warm comfy PJs for swimsuits, the thought of showing off our bodies can stir up all kinds of emotions, especially for us moms. Here are a few strategic steps to stride into the spring and summer months with confidence and feeling your best.

Keep Reading Show less

Gulf Red Snapper at The Annie

These CityBook partners are among the best eateries in the most deliciously diverse city.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

VACATION DREAMING? COME for the fashion and stay for the cocktails on the pool deck May 23 as Hotel ZaZa Memorial City toasts the summer travel season. Local travel brand Foreign Fare will showcase its newest colorways with must-have looks for summer to get you jet set ready.

Keep Reading Show less
Style