For some Fourth of July means fireworks. For me it means barking. No rather, first fireworks, then barking. Unlike some dogs, my two little Miniature Pinschers are not afraid at all–no, they fully participate. My house is very festive on this day of the year. My little Ciel and Sarah tell off every firework pop that goes off. Then lie down on the couch triumphantly. Until another goes off. So sometimes on the Fourth I like to take them to the dog park or somewhere with a big back yard where they can run so that they will be too tired to bark, then I look for festive party treats.

It seems that the best restaurants and venues are always word of mouth. A friend of my husband’s who is gluten intolerant told him about Ms. Michelle’s Urban Gourmet in Bayport (NY). My love affair with chocolate mousse cake and peanut butter cups began. I don’t care if you’re gluten-free or not, this is an awesome bakery. Their flourless chocolate mousse cake is divine. It melts away upon tasting, but does not have an oily or heavy residue, most likely because the bakery is dedicated to quality organic ingredients. Their peanut butter cups are peanut butter mousse inside a chocolate shell with berry syrup on the bottom. And recently, they had chocolate strawberry shortcakes with a delicate whipped cream. The consistency of the chocolate shortcake was the lightest I ever tasted.

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