THE HOT FIVE

Last update: June 26, 2008 - 2:13 PM

THE HOT FIVE

Searching for sweets? Look no further.

BIRCHWOOD CAFE

The kind of baking that mothers used to do, pre-Betty Crocker: an assortment of fruit crisps and cobblers, bread puddings, layer cakes, cookies, bars and pies (including the one constant, a sweet-tart Key lime beauty), as well as jumbo cinnamon-raisin rolls, all very reasonably priced.

3311 E. 25th St., Mpls., 612-722-4474, birchwoodcafe.com

CONVENTION GRILL

Serious malt lovers know to head to 44th St. and France Av. S. to feed their obsession. The hot fudge sundae isn't too shabby, either.

3912 Sunnyside Rd., Edina, 952-920-6881

COSMOS

Pastry chef Khanh Tran is one of the state's top pastry practitioners, and her exacting, imaginative work is often as striking as the restaurant's gloriously contemporary dining room. Order the Chocolate Globe, a showstopping burst of cherry ice cream enrobed in a now-you-see-it-now-you-don't Valrhona orb.

601 1st Av. N., Mpls., 612-312-1168, cosmosrestaurant.com

PUMPHOUSE CREAMERY

Owner Barb Zapzalka is forever incorporating locally produced ingredients into her rich ice creams, and right now is a tasty time to stop by as she makes good use of juicy Minnesota-grown strawberries. Another recent inspiration: Rogue Chocolatier's made-in-Minneapolis chocolate bars.

4754 Chicago Av. S., Mpls., 612-825-2021, pumphouse-creamery.com

WILDE ROAST CAFE

Owners Tom DeGree and Dean Schlaak should consider changing the name of their cozy cafe/coffeehouse to Brownie Central, because the kitchen's moist, plus-size squares of chocolately goodness are probably the most decadent goodie in the Twin Cities to come out of a 9- by 13-inch pan, and certainly a fine way for any sugar hound to drop $2.95.

518 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls., 612-331-4544, wilderoastcafe.com

RICK NELSON