How lucky was I to get this assignment? Sample holiday desserts and side dishes in the heat of the summer - sign me up!

Since our household is a little hard to please with one husband who doesn't count a meal without meat; one boy who won't eat meat; one boy who will eat anything as long as there's volume and then me, who wants every meal to be an experience different from the day before, you never know how mealtime will go. Leilas Bakery's pies and sides made absolutely everyone happy, full, and coming back for leftovers! (A rare occasion around here.)

Who needs the turkey when you've got these sides? The Mushroom au Gratin Potatoes were thinly sliced and adequately coated in a delicious (but not soupy) combination of intensely flavorful cheeses with just a hint of the mushrooms you would expect from the finest of French cuisine. The cheese didn't overpower you but left you craving each next bite. 

Then there's the predictable vegetables. Let's face it, aren't they just there so you can pretend this is a healthy meal? And the last thing you want to give up any real estate on your plate to... not these! Leila Bakery's Roasted Veggies had the perfect char for seasoning and confirmed that healthy eating is not only bright and colorful but can also be loaded with flavor.

Then, the part I wait for all year long, the course that defines the occasion, the crowning glory of any holiday meal - the stuffing. And without it, is it a holiday? Leila Bakery's Cornbread Stuffing did not disappoint. It was full of holiday herbs and just a sweetness from the cornbread. Has the tryptophan kicked in yet?

Last, but certainly not the least, dessert. If you can make room for another bite, these were worth saving up for. Whoever said the crust makes the pie was never more on target after tasting Leila Bakery's amazing Apple Pie. The deepest and gooiest I've ever tasted. Melt in your mouth deliciousness. There was also a Mascarpone and Marsala with Honey Roasted Figs Tartlet on top that looked too pretty to eat and had the perfect consistency and combination of flavors. 

Finally, the best French cuisine meets Texas with their one-of-a-kind Pecan Pie. Admittedly not a Texan by birth, I've never understood the pecan pie. Let's say, I've been educated! This gorgeous thing had the most and most beautiful pecans nestled in a bed of creamy sweetness. I get it people! Brown sugar goodness that is worth blowing the diet over. And over again!

Leila Bakery is such a quaint little cafe. It's got personality, just like East Dallas. And hidden deep in the heart of Lakewood with a character that speaks to the soul - peaceful, warm, and inviting. A look at the daily menu left me rushing back the next day for a light and flavorful piece of quiche that matches Leila Bakery's charm to perfection. Thank you, Kelly, Leila Bakery's owner, for an abrupt return to the fall and all the flavors that make us crave the cooler season. Wishing you all good eating!