Sweet Détente Delivers Delectable Desserts

Robin Schwartz’s internationally designed and flavored desserts take “sophisticated sweet tooth” to an all-new level.

Schwartz, who grew up watching Julia Child shows, had a passion for baking. Always searching for new challenging recipes and ways to recreate them, she hatched Sweet Détente which brings the cultures of the world together, as she prepares exotic desserts from Australia, China, Italy, Russia, Lebanon, Sweden, and more.

Colorful pumpkin macaroons are for a special occasion.

Originally from New York City, Schwartz also lived in Europe before moving to Atlanta three years ago. She explained, “Détente means ‘a coming together of nations through agreement’ and the ‘sweet’ part is through dessert. So, it seemed like a perfect fit. Short and sweet! We started with eight desserts from seven different countries, each with various flavor varieties.”

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Robin Schwartz, originally from New York, also lived in Europe. She grew up watching Julia Child and determined that her own passion was baking.

Those original eight desserts — Argentinean Alfajores, Australian Lamingtons, English Bakewell Tarts, French Macaron, French Sablé, Italian Panforte, Lebanese Ma’amoul and Russian Kartoshka — have grown along with Brazilian Brigadeiros, American Divinity Fudge, Chinese Mooncakes, Italian Cream Cake, and Swedish Princess Cake.

Schwartz receives special requests like Danish Flodeboller which can be accommodated with advance notice. Her artisanal desserts are handmade from scratch with quality organic and natural ingredients made in small batches.

Argentinian Alfajores appeal to Hispanic tastes.

French Macarons, English Bakewell Tarts, and Australian Lamingtons are very popular, according to Schwartz. “They’re easily relatable, and everyone knows about French Macarons, and Brazilian Brigadeiros are also very popular. I didn’t realize when I moved to Georgia how strong the South American population was here. There’s something about these desserts that capture the imagination and the tastebuds. I’m known for my complex, fresh flavors (not artificial), balance, ‘mouthfeel,’ keeping the sugars lower and having the flavors linger on your tongue long after the dessert is gone.”

Orders come with explanations about the origin country and dessert history; for example, the English Bakewell Tart.

Another popular treat is the light and airy English Bakewell Tart or Bakewell Pudding, a delicate, buttery short-crust pastry lined with delicate fresh jam and filled with frangipane, an Italian almond custard. Schwartz gets feedback about how much customers love the flavors, textures, and balance in addition to the beauty of a perfect little mini pie. They come in flavors including the traditional cherry, raspberry, blueberry, lemon, and more.

Then there’s the Australian Lamington, in a cube shape as a genoise or sponge cake, filled with jam or curd then iced in an infused coconut cream, then rolled in desiccated coconut. Schwartz likes the lemon and coconut combination. She exclaimed, “Customers compare it to a summer day!”

French Macarons are tasty and stylish.

Their signature desserts are “Dove Cookies,” a French Sablé or shortbread. It’s prepared as plain or chocolate-dipped. They are dipped in high quality dark chocolate, or milk or white chocolate. For special orders, they are mounted on lollipop sticks and wrapped in cellophane tied with ribbon. Schwartz customizes shapes like grapes for wineries. The standard one dozen box: plain off stick ($30), chocolate dipped off stick ($36), plain on stick ($33), or chocolate dipped on stick ($42).

Sweet Détente’s logo is two doves extending an olive branch in a peace offering or “détente.” Schwartz is into branding and creating names, logos, and graphics that match her concepts. Sweet Détente offers dessert histories with each order as a marketing/conversation piece with a story about the dessert and its history. Also, Schwartz suggests wine pairings from a given region with dessert by region or flavor profile.

Italian Panforte featured with that country’s flag.

Schwartz addresses quality, “We use organic and natural ingredients and try to keep sugar down and use low-sugar ingredients. Salt minimally used. We have some gluten-free and nut-free options. Using ‘organic’ means higher prices, but it’s well worth it! Everything tastes fresh, not artificial. We use trusted suppliers for my ingredients and try to be consistent across my offerings. I’m known for my complex and balanced flavors.”

Desserts are synonymous with special occasions, weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, corporate events, wine festivals, events, and private parties. Sweet Détente works with caterers on the sweet part; for example, with charcuterie board companies whose main focus is the savory flank.

The Lebanese Ma’amoul is an exotic choice.

Schwartz said, “I try to use domestic products as much as possible. Some ingredients are unique to other countries and are imported. My goal is to be authentic while keeping in mind the American palate.”

Sweet Détente ships throughout the U.S. Orders detail which desserts ship best and if refrigeration is required. Sweet Détente is located at 6687 Bells Ferry Road – Suite E in Woodstock. For more information, contact 310-729-3723 or robin@sweetdetente.com or visit www.sweetdetente.com.