Over the past year, many of us have taken solace in the simple pleasures in life – like dessert. Our readers advise that the best dessert spot in the Valley is Ramone’s Ice Cream Parlor (503 Galloway St., Eau Claire), where a hand-made waffle cone filled with one of their 24 flavors is a transcendent experience. Just a few blocks away, Olson’s Ice Cream and Deli (80 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire) serves up scoops of homemade ice cream as well as decadent waffle creations. (And don’t forget about the original Olson’s, 611 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls). Rounding out the list – and our bellies – is The Nostalgic Bean (1403 Lynn Ave., Altoona), where you can bliss out with a selection of croissants, Madeleines, macarons, and other tasty pastries. –Tom Giffey