Grissa’s Latin Pastries and Alfajores Served at Cacao in Kitsilano

Lately I’ve been obsessed with Alfajores and I’ve tried a couple that are totally worth reporting on. I went by Cacao a couple weeks back for the Friday Latin Bakery Pop-Up where Chef Jefferson Alvarez introduced me to Grissa, of Grissa’s Sugar, who had a few delightful Latin baked goods to try, including Alfajores. Grissa is from Venezuela, where she learned to bake; you’ll find that throughout Latin American there are wide differences in the crafting of Alfajores.

Her Alfajores are the biggest I’ve seen, I had to cut mine into quarters and share, but that’s not a bad thing at all. They’re filled with Dulce de Leche, that she makes herself, of course, and are buttery and delicate, I love the way the crunchy cookie contrasts with the caramel inside.

I also tried the  Pan de jamón, which is a bread stuffed with raisins, olives and ham, which sounded like such an odd combination, but the ingredients completely come together in this delicious treat that is often reserved for the holidays. I think I’d like this available more frequently though!

Grissa also bakes, Golfeados, Venezuelan Sticky Buns, another delight, which are served with a Latin cheese traditionally, another combination I was surprised to see work so well.

Grissa’s Sugar is popping up Friday’s from 11am to 3pm at Cacao (1898 W 1st Ave Vancouver, BC) and at Farmers Markets around Vancouver.