PRESTON HOLLOW’S PASTRY ACE

KRISTEN MASSAD SPECIALIZES IN ALL THINGS SWEET

By ELISSA CHUDWIN / Photos by KATHY TRAN

PRESTON HOLLOW’S KRISTEN MASSAD might deserve credit for bringing the macaron craze to Dallas when she opened Tart Bakery on Lovers Lane in 2004.

The quaint shop, with vibrant green walls and an array of French-inspired desserts, quickly earned neighbors’ admiration before gourmet cupcakes and macarons were a common delight.

“No one knew what French macarons were,” Massad says. “They’d ask, ‘Is that a hamburger? Are those colorful hamburgers?’ ”

Thanks to Massad’s focus on quality ingredients and classic flavors, Tart quickly grew into a neighborhood hotspot. The long hours were exhausting, especially while raising young children, so Massad sold the bakery in 2013. But her sweet life wouldn’t end there.

The mother of three now devotes her time to developing recipes for restaurants, styling food products and blogging, all while launching Joy + Oliver. The small batch confection company sells homemade caramels, flavors such as sea salt, chocolate swirl, mocha swirl, marshmallow swirl and peppermint, on Etsy.

“I knew I could do what I’m doing now and open something later,” she says.

Massad perfected her craft at the French Culinary Institute in New York City before returning to Dallas’ rising restaurant scene. A stint at The Mansion Restaurant’s pastry department solidified her interest in the sweet side of the business.

“It’s definitely a science,” she says. “It’s more exact.”

That dedication to precision may be genetic, because even her 5- and 7-year-old daughters have a knack for baking. The oldest sibling already mastered banana bread and cinnamon sugar doughnuts, and breakfast items happen to be Massad’s favorites.

“I love desserts,” she laughs. “When am I going to get sick of it? I want to know.”

HOLIDAY PARTIES are in full swing, and finding the perfect cocktail is part of many people’s seemingly endless to-do list. In case you’re scrambling for drink ideas, we have the recipe for Nazca Kitchen’s seasonal spritzer.

Nazca Spritzer

3 ounces ruby port

1 teaspoon agave

Sprig of mint, torn

Muddled orange, strawberries and cherries

2 ounces Topo Chico

Combine ruby port, agave and mint with muddled fruit.

Stir.

Top with Topo Chico.

Christmas Day (Monday, December 25th)

MEXICAN

• Monday garbage and recycling collections will take place on Tuesday the 26th.

• Tuesday garbage and recycling collections will take place on Wednesday the 27th.

• CLOSED: McCommas Bluff Landfill, City transfer stations, Administration office

Voted by Advocate Readers as Best Date Night in Lake Highlands

Come Enjoy Our Resort Style Big Brunch Buffet Every Sunday from 10AM-2PM.

New Year's Day (Monday, January 1st)

• Monday garbage and recycling collections will take place on Tuesday the 2nd.

• Tuesday garbage and recycling collections will take place on Wednesday the 3rd.

• CLOSED: McCommas Bluff Landfill, City transfer stations, Administration office For

MEXICAN GRILL

Voted by Advocate Readers as Best Date Night in Lake Highlands

Come Enjoy Our Resort Style Big Brunch Buffet Every Sunday from 10AM-2PM.