This grown up hot chocolate gets a kick of orange flavor from Cointreau and orange zest. It reminds me of those Terry’s chocolate oranges that are popular as stocking stuffers. Read more…
Desserts
Valentine’s Day Cake Balls
These strawberry cake balls can be made with any cake flavor you choose, and the decorating possibilities are endless—try mini conversation hearts, heart-shaped sprinkles, red or pink candy coating instead of white chocolate. Read more…
Dorie Greenspan’s World Peace Cookies
These cookies were the brainchild of the Parisian pastry chef Pierre Hermé, made famous by Dorie Greenspan in her book, Baking: From My Home to Yours, and given their current name by Dorie’s neighbor, Richard Gold, who is convinced that a daily dose of these cookies is all that is needed to ensure planetary peace and happiness. I […] Read more…
Mini Derby Pie
Invented in 1950 in Prospect, Kentucky, Derby Pie is also known as “Pegasus Pie” and “May Day Pie” because the original creator, the Kern Family, has sued to protect its trademark “Derby Pie” name 25 times—including Bon Appetit who tried to claim the term is generic. Well, whatever it’s called, it’s a delicious staple at my Derby Party every […] Read more…
White Chocolate Cherry Cookies
My friend, Shannon (doctor by day, pastry chef by night), bakes these festive White Chocolate Cherry cookies every holiday season. Now that I live a million miles away from Shannon and her delightful desserts, I felt like this was the year to add them to my own baking playlist. These amazing treats are based on […] Read more…
Nectarine Caprese Salad
This versatile fruit salad made with nectarines, blueberries and mozzarella, is perfect for lunch, as complement to dinner, or as a party dish. The sweet nectarines are perfectly balanced by the creamy mozzarella, making this a refreshing fruit salad with substance. Read more…
Blueberry Fool
The dessert is great for the person who doesn’t like cake—I know, I know, but these people do exist in my life, and I’m still friends with them—and it’s also a light, refreshing summertime treat that can be made with any seasonal berry. Try it with raspberry, blackberry, marionberry, etc. and let me know what […] Read more…
John Besh’s Fruit Crumble
This fruit crumble is a favorite go-to of mine, especially during berry season—I like to use raspberries, blueberries, or peaches—and it’s easy to toss everything into one baking dish for a party, or divide into individual ramekins for a quick weeknight treat. You can even assemble it in advance and bake when ready. Read more…
S’mores Whoopie Pies
I really love bite-side food. Maybe that’s why I love spanish tapas and why I like to make a bunch of appetizers when I entertain. I also love bite-size dessert, so these mini whoopie pies fit right into my bite-size food obsession. Read more…
Pumpkin Pie
My new favorite thing to do in the fall is visit the pumpkin patch because, well, it’s decorative gourd season. And, then I go over to my friend’s house and we make homemade pumpkin pie! Read more…
Starbucks Cake Balls
These Starbucks® cake balls are super fun to make and eat, plus they have a little caffeine kick to them! What’s your favorite cake ball flavor or theme? Let me know by leaving a comment below. Read more…
Easy Chocolate Lava Cake
This nearly-flourless chocolate cake is so rich and decedent. And, it can be mixed up quickly in one large measuring glass. No one will know just how easy it is when you wow them with the presentation—just invert the finished cake onto a plate and serve with a scoop of ice cream and garnish with a few berries. […] Read more…
Carrot Cake
Carrot Cake is my hubby’s favorite, so I make him a birthday cake every year…ok, some years I get lazy and buy one, but it’s never as good as the homemade version. Read more…
Pate Brisee
My friend, Christine, introduced me to this recipe. She said, just google Pate Brisee and Betty White. Uh, hello, you had me at Betty White! This is super easy to make, so just pour yourself a hot toddy and get baking. Read more…
Target Cake Balls
The Target Team at POP gathered to recapped the great work from 2013 and eat, drink and be merry. To spread the holiday cheer, I decided to make cake balls for my new agency friends. And since my work-life revolves around Target, I loved the idea of adorning these tasty treats with the iconic Target […] Read more…