The region’s first Brazilian bakery

Bianca Batalha’s bakery started life as BB Gateaux but with her business partner selling her share back to Bianca, the time was ripe for a name change and Blanca was born.

“With BB Gateaux, most people always thought this was a place for children’s birthday cakes. I wanted to get away from that misconception”, says Bianca.

Her shop at 395 Alexandre-Taché Blvd. is a must-stop destination either on your trip to or from Aylmer.

She offers a variety of sweet and savoury treats including the frozen Brazilian staple pao de quiejo. This is an addictive cheese bread made with cassava flour and ideal for anyone on a gluten-free diet. Pop them in the oven for 30 minutes and you’ve got a delicious and unique crowd pleaser for your next dinner party.

But the sweet treat seen as a Brazilian classic are the Brigadeiros, little dulce de leche truffles with a variety of flavourings. Intense and rich they’re perfect with an unsweetened tea or your favourite sipping brandy. Her Cake in a Jar is an equally unctuous dessert and is best shared.

Blanca is also an official supplier of Cheesecake Factory desserts.

If you’re not traveling out to Gatineau, you can find Bianca’s Brigadeiros at Mario’s Food Centre on McArthur Ave. They do sell out quickly so it’s best to call ahead.

The good news for Ottawans is that Bianca is opening a second shop in Kanata and hopes to have it up and running this year.