The craving for something sweet seemed to be in full-fledged action...

...as I strolled through the heart of Placerville and discovered the one-of-a-kind dessert shop, Claudia Marie. Decorated with passion and love for the art of baking, the entire shop is filled with unique sweets. An all-inclusive dessert shop, each cookie, truffle, cupcake and scoop of ice cream is homemade with some of the healthiest and tastiest ingredients. The California Cookie was my ultimate favorite, the trademark item at the shop, and the perfect mate to my choice of the loose-leaf Hula High Tea, a chocolate coconut black tea. The cookie’s secret recipe combined lavish flavors of nuts, seeds, chocolates and many different fruits and vegetables—so much so that each batch, cookie and bite are always different. The tasteful cookie was a combination of health and whimsy with just-enough sweetness to create the perfect complement to any drink. But the best part was the guiltless indulgence, as the owner assured me each item had a healthy twist. With all of the talent in one small shop, I was thrilled to learn Claudia makes cakes for all occasions, desserts for tea parties or truffles for chocolate pairing events. Claudia Marie, 451 Main Street, Suite 5, Placerville. 916-601-8202, claudiamariedesign.com.