I’ve talked a good bit about all the great things available at the new Whole Foods location out on Bowman, but there’s something (or rather several somethings) that you can find there that need some special attention: Cheesecakes from Little Rock’s New Cheesecake Company. If you haven’t had a chance to try these delicious little (hormone-free!) cheesecakes, remedy that situation immediately with a mouthful of creamy, smooth deliciousness.
I was lucky enough to sit down with New Cheesecake Company owner Mary Jo Sikkema recently, and the reason her products are so tasty was immediately apparent: She is passionate about creating amazing products using the highest quality ingredients possible, in a variety of flavors that are sure to please any palate. These aren’t the sad frozen cheesecakes with fake-tasting cherries on top you’re used to; these cheesecakes are more of an experience than a dessert.
Here’s a brief rundown of the flavors I got to sample:
Turtle: Take vanilla cheesecake and drizzle it with handmade chocolate and caramel, then top with toasted pecans. The result is this decadent cheesecake. The slight tartness of the base is tempered and elevated by the sweetness of the toppings and the richness of the nuts. One of my favorite varieties.
Strawberry-Lemon: Probably my favorite of all the cheesecakes I tried, this sweet/tart creation is just perfection in every bite. Swirls of delicious strawberry flavor marble the lemony cake, making every bite a pleasure. A definite A+ dessert.
Amaretto: A very different variety of cheesecake. Amaretto is a wonderful flavor, but it’s easy to overdo it — this cheesecake gets it just right. The almond slices on top were a wonderful touch, too.
Chocolate: I’m usually not a fan of chocolate cheesecake, but this one was fantastic. The crunchy chocolate crust gave way to a deep, smooth texture and rich chocolate flavor. A definite must-get for chocoholics.
Bottom line? Get your some of this cheesecake into your face ASAP. In addition to Whole Foods, the desserts can be special ordered in a variety of flavors and sizes through the company’s website, or by emailing info@newcheesecakeco.com or calling 501-766-5267. Gluten-free options are also available, and having had the gluten-free cheesecake, I have to say it’s one of the best GF products around.