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Category: Desserts & Fruit

Nutter Butter Pie

Nutter Butter Pie

Nutter Butter Pie

 

1 pint heavy whipping cream

2 T. s. powdered sugar

1 tsp. cream of tartar

16 oz. peanut butter

16 oz. cream cheese frosting

1 nine-inch pie shell, par-baked

4 T. s. chopped chocolate

Nutter Butter cookies for garnish and snacking

 

Whip cream, powdered sugar, and cream of tartar to stiff peaks. Set aside. In another bowl, combine peanut butter and cream cheese frosting until incorporated. Fold in whipped cream mix. Fill pie shell. Sprinkle chocolate and crumble some of the cookies over top and garnish with whole cookies. Refrigerate until chilled. When ready to serve, slice and plate, and let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Strawberry-Lemon Bars

Strawberry-Lemon Bars

Strawberry-Lemon Bars

 

¾ cup butter, softened to room temperature

½ cup confectioners’ sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

¼ tsp. salt

 

1 cup fresh lemon juice

3 T. lemon zest

¾ cup chopped fresh strawberries

1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

6 large eggs

 

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. salt

 

Confectioners’ sugar

Chopped strawberries

Pinch of sugar

Fresh mint leaves

 

Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray the bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch pan lightly with cooking spray. Take a sheet of parchment paper longer than the pan and press it lengthwise onto the bottom. Crumpling the paper and smoothing it out before fitting it into the pan can help. There should be enough parchment hanging over the edges to easily lift the dessert from the pan. Make the crust: Using a stand mixer or a medium bowl and a hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add flour and salt, and mix just until the dough comes together. Scoop the mixture into the pan and gently press it into an even layer. (A little flour on your fingers helps.) Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, just until it turns golden brown. Set the crust aside to cool. Reduce oven to 300°F. Make the filling: Combine lemon juice, zest, strawberries, and sugar in a blender and blend until smooth. Add an egg, blend until smooth, then repeat with each egg, making sure each is incorporated before you add the next. Add flour, baking powder, and salt, and blend until smooth. Pour the filling onto the shortbread crust and bake for about 40 minutes or until the center of the filling is set. Cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. To serve: Use the parchment to lift the dessert onto a cutting board. Using a sharp knife (and a ruler if you really want to be precise), cut into 12 or 24 squares and arrange the bars on a platter. Dust with confectioners’ sugar. Toss chopped berries in a small amount of sugar. Garnish each bar with chopped berries and mint leaves.

Ostara Cakes

Ostara Cakes

Ostara Cakes

 

¾ Cup All-Purpose Flour

¾ Tsp Baking Soda

A Dash of Salt

One Egg

1/3 Cup Sugar

3 T. Honey

Zest and Juice of One Lemon (Juice should be about ¼ cup)

6 T. Unsalted Butter

¼ Cup Milk

1 T. Rosemary

¼ Cup Powdered Sugar (give or take a few T.).

 

Preheat your oven to 350 F and oil/butter three ramekins. Set aside. Whisk together honey, lemon zest, sugar, and butter (melted). Once combined, crack and whisk in the egg, followed by the ¼ Cup of milk and half your lemon juice. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the rosemary.  Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and pour your wet mixture into the center. Gently fold to combine. Equally divide the batter among the ramekins. Before placing in the oven, hold your hands above the ramekins and recite the following: I imbue these cakes with the energy of new beginnings. May I grow and flourish. May I nurture nature as it has nurtured me. Place the cakes in the oven for 20 minutes at 350 F. While the cakes bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and the remaining lemon juice. This will be your glaze.  Once the cakes have baked through, remove them from the ramekins and coat in the glaze as well as a drizzle of honey.

Blueberry Buttermilk Pie

Blueberry Buttermilk Pie

Blueberry Buttermilk Pie

 

1 cup blueberries, frozen and thawed

Pie shell

4 T. butter, softened

1/2 cup buttermilk

3/4 tsp. vanilla

3 large eggs

1/2 cup flour

1/8 tsp. salt

2 cups sugar

 

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Pour blueberries into the prepared pie shell. Then, combine butter, buttermilk, vanilla, and eggs in a stand mixer or by hand until the butter is broken into nickel-sized chunks. Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a separate bowl, and then add to the wet ingredients. Stir the mixture and pour it over the blueberries. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Spruce Shortbread

Spruce Shortbread

Spruce Shortbread

 

The trick to making shortbread is processing the dough just long enough so that it can be rolled out but still appears a little crumbly in the bowl. If you process the dough until it forms a ball or sticks together in the processor, the cookies will spread out on the baking sheet and their texture will suffer.

 

1/4 cup fresh spruce tips

1/4 cup sugar

1 cup flour

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

 

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Process the spruce tips and sugar until the spruce tips are finely chopped. Add the flour and process in bursts to mix well, being sure to scrape out any sugar or spruce tips trapped in the corners of the food processor bowl. Cut the butter into 1/2” chunks, add to the processor bowl, and process until the butter is evenly distributed and the dough holds together when pinched. Dump the dough onto parchment paper and form into an evenly thick rectangle. Roll out with a lightly floured rolling pin until the rectangle is 6”x 8”. Using a straight edge as a guide, cut the rectangle into 1” crosswise strips and then in half lengthwise to form 16 1”x 3” cookies. Prick each cookie 5 times with the tines of a fork. Carefully place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 23 – 26 minutes, or until the cookies are set and just starting to turn golden (not browned). Let cookies cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.

Mulberry Honey Cake

Mulberry Honey Cake

Mulberry Honey Cake

 

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 stick (4 T. ) unsalted butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 T.  honey

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 large egg

1/2 cup well-shaken buttermilk

1 cup fresh mulberries, stems removed*

1 1/2 T.  sugar

 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan. (You can use a normal cake pan, but it comes out of a springform more easily.) Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Beat butter and 1/2 cup sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add honey and vanilla, then egg and beat well after each addition. At low speed, mix in flour mixture in 3 batches, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour, and mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Scatter berries evenly over top and sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 T.  sugar. Bake until cake is golden and a wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in pan at least 10 minutes, then remove from the pan. (If you’re using a springform pan, you can let it cool all the way in the pan.) * Mulberries have a short little skinny stem that’s hard to remove without mashing the fruit. It’s too tough to leave on and it doesn’t just pull out like a raspberry; you have to kinda pinch it off with your fingernails. It’s rather a pain in the ass to pinch off all those little stems. This cake is worth it the trouble.

Vanilla Lemon Swirl Bars

Vanilla Lemon Swirl Bars

Vanilla Lemon Swirl Bars

 

10 ounces white chocolate chopped (or chips) and divided

6 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into cubes

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

1 cup all-purpose flour sifted

1/2 cup lemon curd homemade or store-bought

 

Preheat your oven to 350℉. Coat the bottom and sides of an 8×8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper so that you have overhang on two sides, about 8 by 14 inches. Melt the butter and 8 ounces of white chocolate in the microwave or using a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Once melted, take the bowl away from the heat (if you used the stovetop method) and stir in the sugar and salt. Whisk in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract and paste. Gently fold in the flour and when you have just a little bit left of the flour still unincorporated, add the remaining 2 ounces white chocolate. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan. Distribute the lemon curd in about 5 or 6 equal portions with a spoon over the batter and swirl using a fork to partially incorporate into the batter. Bake for 25-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Set the baking pan on a cooling rack and let the cake cool completely then lift the entire block out using the parchment paper and divide into small squares. This cake is better the next day. If you have time, refrigerate the cake overnight and serve it at room temperature the next day.

Strawberry Shortcake with Lemon-Pepper Syrup

Strawberry Shortcake with Lemon-Pepper Syrup

Strawberry Shortcake with Lemon-Pepper Syrup

 

2 T. unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the pan

2 quarts strawberries (about 2 lbs.)

2 T. plus 330 grams sugar (about 1 3/4 cups)

1 lemon, zested

155 grams all-purpose flour (about 1 1/4 cups)

1 1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

2 large eggs

1 large egg white

1/3 cup whole milk (warmed)

2 tsp. plus 1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/8 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper

2 cups heavy whipping cream

 

Heat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter, line the bottom with parchment and grease the parchment. Cut off the tops of the strawberries and thinly slice half of them, leaving remaining berries whole. Mix sliced strawberries with the 2 T. of sugar and half the lemon zest. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip eggs and egg white on high speed until frothy, about 30 seconds. Gradually pour in the 230 grams (1 1/4 cups) of granulated sugar and whip on high speed until the mixture is a pale yellow and has thickened enough to mound onto itself when beater is lifted, 1 to 3 minutes (note: in my experience, the mixture didn’t really “mound,” but after whipping it this long, it seemed fine once it was baked). Using a rubber spatula, gently fold flour mixture into egg mixture. Fold in milk, 2 tsp. vanilla and 2 T. melted butter until completely combined. Gently pour batter into prepared pan and bake until golden brown and firm to the touch, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes in pan. Invert cake onto a cooling rack and peel off parchment. Let cool completely. While the cake bakes, heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add remaining 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water and pepper and whisk together. Simmer until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture reduces by half, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in remaining lemon zest. (Note: don’t do this step too far in advance as the mixture tends to easily recrystallize). Whip heavy cream with 1 tsp. vanilla until soft peaks form. (Note: I considered making the whipped cream in my ISI cream whipper, but decided it might not have enough body to hold up the cake). Using a serrated knife (like a bread knife), horizontally slice cake in half. Generously brush each cut side with lemon-pepper syrup. Transfer the bottom half to a cake plate, cut side up, and spoon sliced strawberries and any juices over it. Spread half the whipped cream over sliced strawberries and gently place the other cake half on top. Spread remaining whipped cream over top and sides of cake (or mound it all on the top). Position whole berries all over the top of the whipped cream.

Lemon Icebox Cake

Lemon Icebox Cake

Lemon Icebox Cake

 

8 oz cream cheese room temperature

6.8 oz box instant lemon pudding

½ cup lemon juice

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 ½ cups half n half

8 oz cool whip

60 Lorna Doone shortbread cookies

Raspberries blueberries, strawberries optional

 

Using a hand mixer beat the softened cream cheese until creamy.  Add in the pudding, lemon juice, and vanilla and mix until combined.  Add in ½ of the half n half and beat until mixed then add in the rest and beat until mixed. Using a spatula or wooden spoon fold in the cool whip until mixed. Spread 1/4 of the mixture on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Place 24 cookies on top of the mixture, gently spread 1/2 of the remaining pudding mixture over the top, and spread with a spatula. Add another layer of cookies followed by the remaining mixture. Crumble the remaining cookies on top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or refrigerate overnight. Serve with fresh berries on top!

Amish Drop Sugar Cookies

Amish Drop Sugar Cookies

Amish Drop Sugar Cookies

 

3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 cup salted butter, at room temperature

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup full fat sour cream, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¾ teaspoon almond extract

Sparkling sugar, for topping

 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Set aside.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.  In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the sugar and butter until creamy and smooth. Add the eggs; mix until completely combined. Add the sour cream; mix until combined. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract; mix until combined. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoons, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or just until the cookies are starting to brown around the edges. Cool on wire racks

Rhubarb Applesauce

Rhubarb Applesauce

Rhubarb Applesauce

 

5 lbs Granny Smith apples, peeled cored and quartered

1 ½ lbs trimmed rhubarb, sliced into 2 inch pieces

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

lemon juice, if needed

 

Put everything in a large Dutch oven or stainless steel pot and give it a good stir. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, stirring often. Turn the heat down and let the mixture boil for about 20-25 minutes, stirring often. You want the fruit to break down and soften. Let cool for several minutes before proceeding. Working in 2 or 3 batches (depending on the size of your processor or blender) blend the mixture until smooth. I find a food processor works best for this. The sauce won’t have any lumps, but will retain some texture. Note: Use caution when pureeing hot foods. Taste your applesauce and add a bit of fresh lemon juice if you think it needs it. Transfer the applesauce to your storage jars and allow to cool completely before capping and refrigerating. Your homemade rhubarb applesauce will last about a week. Freeze for longer storage.

Honey Caramel Sauce

Honey Caramel Sauce

Honey Caramel Sauce

 

1 cup honey, I used orange blossom honey

4 Tbsp salted butter, room temperature, cut in pieces

1/2 cup cream, best if not cold

splash of vanilla, optional

 

Put the 1 cup honey in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil gently for 2-3 minutes. Water will evaporate and the honey will darken slightly and begin to caramelize. Remove from the heat and whisk in the 4 Tbsp salted butter. Be careful, the mixture is hot and can sputter. When the butter has melted, add the 1/2 cup cream and stir to combine. Put the pan back on the heat and let cook for a bit more until it reaches 220F on an instant read thermometer. Add the splash of vanilla at this point, if using. Pour into a jar or jars and let cool, undisturbed, at room temperature. When the honey caramel has cooled, cap and refrigerate it until chilled. It will thicken further as it chills. Use your honey caramel within a week.

Winter Citrus Lemon Cake

Winter Citrus Lemon Cake

Winter Citrus Lemon Cake

 

3 cup Almond Flour

¾ cup Arrowroot Flour

¾ tsp Baking Soda

¾ tsp Baking Powder

¼ tsp salt

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp cardamom

1 tsp lemon zest

¾ cup Coconut Sugar

3 T. lemon juice

3 T. Blood Orange juice

¾ cup olive Oil

3 eggs

¼ cup applesauce

2 tsp vanilla extract

Icing

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine all ingredients together in a medium bowl and stir until well combined. Spray a 9 inch cake pan with oil spray and line with parchment paper. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, until lightly browned on top. For icing you can buy a vanilla frosting from simple mills or miss jones (as pictured) or just do the citrus icing:  1 cup powdered sugar + 3 T. lemon or blood orange juice

 

French Chocolate Cake

French Chocolate Cake

French Chocolate Cake

 

½ cup granulated white sugar, divided

4 ounce bittersweet chocolate baking bar

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

¾ cup unsalted butter, cubed

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

5 large eggs, at room temperature, separated

¼ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

dash of salt

2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

 

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 9-inch springform cake pan with parchment paper and spray the paper and the sides of the pan generously with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside 3 tablespoons of the granulated sugar. Break the chocolate into pieces and place them in a large, heavy-bottomed pan along with the cubed butter and remaining sugar. Cook over LOW to MEDIUM-LOW heat until the chocolate and butter have melted, and the sugar has dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla, and leave the mixture to cool slightly. While chocolate mixture is cooling, beat the egg whites in a large bowl with an electric mixer until foamy. Add the salt and beat until the mixture becomes puffy and white and you can see peaks when you pull the beaters out. Sprinkle reserved sugar over egg whites, and beat until stiff and glossy. Set aside. Beat the egg yolks into the slightly cooled chocolate mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the flour just until combined. Beat ⅓ of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, then carefully fold in the remaining whites with a spoon or rubber spatula. Carefully pour the batter into the prepared pan, and tap the pan gently to release any air bubbles. Place the pan on a baking sheet. Bake for about 35 minutes to 45 minutes, until well risen and the center feels almost set, but not completely. If the cake appears to rise unevenly, rotate after 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, set the pan on a wire cooling rack, and remove the sides only. Do not attempt to remove the cake from the base before it’s completely cooled as this cake is very fragile. Sprinkle the completely cooled cake with confectioners’ sugar. Remove from base, carefully peel off parchment paper and move to a serving platter.

Holiday Lollipops

Holiday Lollipops

Holiday Lollipops

 

2 C. sugar

2/3 C. light corn syrup

2 tsp. flavored extract, such as mint or vanilla (optional; See Kelly’s Notes)

Assorted sprinkles or candy

Lollipop sticks

 

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat baking mats. Fill a large bowl with ice water and set it aside. Combine the sugar, corn syrup and ¼ C. water in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Attach the candy thermometer to the interior of the saucepan. Increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mix to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Using a small pastry brush dipped in water, wash down the sides of the saucepan to prevent crystals from forming. Boil the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes until it reaches 310°F (hard-crack stage) on the candy thermometer. Immediately transfer the saucepan to the bowl of ice water, carefully submerging the sides but ensuring no water seeps into it. Swirl the pan for 10 to 15 seconds to help the mixture cool then remove the saucepan from the bowl of ice water. If you’re using an extract, carefully swirl it into the mixture immediately after you remove the saucepan from the ice bath. Working quickly, pour the syrup onto the baking sheets to form circles that are 2 to 3 inches in diameter. (Space the lollipops 3 to 4 inches apart to guarantee they don’t run into each other.) Immediately press in the lollipop sticks and sprinkle the lollipops with your sprinkles or candy, lightly pressing the garnishes into the syrup. Let cool completely until fully hardened then carefully peel the lollipops off the baking sheet.  Notes: Opt for an extract that is clear in color in order to maintain the crystal clear color of the lollipops.  It’s much easier to cleanly pour the syrup onto the baking sheet if you use a saucepan with a pour spot.  Work quickly as soon as you remove the syrup from the stove, as it’ll harden very quickly. If the syrup gets too hard, re-warm it over medium heat until it softens slightly.

Chile-Lime Pineapple with Cardamom-Lime Ice Cream

Chile-Lime Pineapple with Cardamom-Lime Ice Cream

Chile-Lime Pineapple with Cardamom-Lime Ice Cream

 

1 cup sugar

½ cup water

¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

2 large pasteurized egg whites

¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

1 cup low-fat buttermilk

½ cup heavy cream

⅓ cup fresh lime juice (about 3 limes)

1 teaspoon grated lime rind

 

2 cups boiling water, divided

2 tablespoons (1-inch) julienne-cut lime rind

½ cup sugar

½ cup water

¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)

1 hot red or green chile, seeded and minced

1 large pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 8 (1/2-inch) slices

 

To prepare ice cream, combine first 3 ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Stir to dissolve sugar; cook 3 minutes. While sugar syrup cooks, place egg whites in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar; beat at high speed until stiff peaks form. Gradually pour hot sugar syrup in a thin stream over egg whites, beating at high speed until mixture is glossy and stiff (about 5 minutes). Combine buttermilk, cream, 1/3 cup juice, and 1 teaspoon rind, stirring with a whisk; gently fold into egg white mixture. Spoon into a freezer-safe bowl; cover and freeze 8 hours or overnight. To prepare pineapple, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tablespoons rind in a small bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Drain. Repeat procedure with remaining 1 cup boiling water and rind. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Cook 3 minutes or until slightly thick (do not stir). Remove from heat; stir in 2 tablespoons rind, 1/4 cup juice, and chile. Cool completely. Place pineapple slices on a platter. Pour chile-lime syrup over pineapple; cover and chill at least 30 minutes. Serve pineapple and syrup with the ice cream.

Portuguese Bolinhos de Laranja “Little Orange Cakes”

Portuguese Bolinhos de Laranja “Little Orange Cakes”

Portuguese Bolinhos de Laranja “Little Orange Cakes”

 

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

grated zest of 2 oranges

4 eggs

1 1/4 cup sugar

1 cup fresh orange juice

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla

Sanding sugar

 

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease 2 muffin pans. In a bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt and orange zest. In a separate bowl combine eggs and sugar and beat with an electric mixer for 3 minutes or until the eggs are pale yellow and fall in ribbons. Stir in orange juice, butter and vanilla until well combined. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. The mixture will froth a little. Pour the batter into the muffin cups filling them 3/4 of the way up. Bake for 13-14 minutes or until the edges start to brown. Sprinkle the top of each cake with some sanding sugar and return pans to the oven. Turn the oven off and leave them in there for 2 minutes. Allow the pans to cool 5 minutes then run a knife around the edge of each cake and gently unmold. Let the cakes cool completely.

Cranberry Chess Pie

Cranberry Chess Pie

Cranberry Chess Pie

 

Single pie crust

1 1/4 C. granulated sugar
1/2 C. (1 stick) unsalted butter
Zest of 1 orange
3 large eggs
7 T. all-purpose flour
1 T. cornmeal
Pinch kosher salt
1 C. buttermilk
1 T. vanilla paste (can substitute vanilla extract)
2 C. fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped

Prepare single pie crust. Chill dough at least one hour before rolling and fitting into a greased and floured 9-inch pie pan. Let chill for 15 more minutes in the fridge. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine sugar and butter. Zest the orange into the bowl and cream together the ingredients until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, and salt. In a separate small bowl or pitcher, stir together the buttermilk and vanilla paste. Add 1/3 of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix just until combined. With the stand mixer set to low, add half of the buttermilk mixture and mix to combine. Add another 1/3 of the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Add the rest of the buttermilk mixture, mixing to combine, and then the final third of the dry ingredients. Mix until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate any unmixed ingredients and gently fold in the cranberries. Pour the batter into the prepared pie shell, smoothing the filling with a rubber spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes, rotating 180 degrees half-way through. The pie is done when the top is golden brown and slightly puffed. Cool to room temperature. Serve pie at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Soul Cakes (for All Souls Day)

Soul Cakes (for All Souls Day)

Soul Cakes (for All Souls Day)

175g butter (6ozs)

175g caster sugar (6ozs)

3 egg yolks

450g plain flour (1lb)

2 tsp. mixed spice

100g currrants (4 ozs)

a little milk to mix

 

These little cakes are a cross between a biscuit and a scone and are traditionally made for All Soul’s Day, which is on the 2nd of November. Packed with currants and mixed spice, these lovely little cakes are delicious with an afternoon cuppa.

 

Pre-heat oven to 180C/375F/Gas mark 5.  Cream the butter and sugar together and then beat in the egg yolks, one at a time. Sift the flour into another bowl with the mixed spice and then add them to the butter, sugar and egg yolk mixture. Stir in the currants and add enough milk to make a soft dough, similar to scones. Roll the dough out and cut out little cakes with a biscuit cutter. Mark each cake with a cross and then place them on a greased and/or lined baking sheet. Bake the cakes for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack and the store in an airtight tin for up to 5 days.

Baba Yaga’s Wild Spice Honey Cookies

Baba Yaga’s Wild Spice Honey Cookies

Baba Yaga’s Wild Spice Honey Cookies

 

​¾ cup spice-infused honey

½ cup butter

1½ cups rye flour

1½ cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup spiced sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 egg

2 egg yolks

 

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the butter and honey together and stir just until they’re combined. Set aside. ​In a bowl, whisk together eggs and spiced sugar. Add the honey-butter mixture. Then, add the flour and salt. Using your hands, mix together until it holds its shape. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 1-2 hours and up to 24 hours. ​When ready to bake, allow the dough to warm up. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 of an inch, and use extra flour if too wet. Cut out your desired cookie shapes and stamp as you wish. ​Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges start browning just a little. Cool on a wire rack before glazing.

 

Butter Rum Spiced Glaze

 

2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 tbsp wild spice sugar

1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and warm

1 tbsp dark rum (or lemon juice)

1 tsp warm water

Pinch salt

​

​Prepare the glaze while the cookies are still in the oven, it needs to be brushed on while they are still warm. Sift the icing sugar and wild spice into a bowl. Add melted butter, rum (or lemon juice) and water and mix with a spoon until smooth. The glaze will thicken slightly if it sits around, so stir through a little more warm water if you need to – it should be the consistency of runny honey.  Remove the cookies from the oven, leave to rest for 5 minutes, then brush or dab the glaze all over with a pastry brush. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Biscuits will keep for up to five days in an airtight container.

Wild Spiced Sugar

Wild Spiced Sugar

Wild Spiced Sugar

4 tablespoons Juniper berry, dried

5 tablespoons Fennel Seeds

3 tablespoons dried tart berries (dried completely to be ground into powder) or dried rind of half a lemon or orange – ground to a powder)

2 tablespoons dried Sumac berries (or just add the other half of the lemon/orange rind)

3 tablespoons dried Rose petals

½ tablespoon Lavender buds

2 tsp of dried Mint

pinch of dried Thyme

1 cup granulated sugar (or granulated monk sugar if you want a keto version).

Directions

 

Grind all herbs and berries to a fine powder in a mortar with a pestle or coffee grinder. Carefully sieve off large bits and then grind again. Again sieve off any large pieces. You should be left with a fine soft powder with no gritty bits!​  Mix ground spices with granulated sugar. Place in jar, cap and let sit overnight before using.

 

 

Wild Spice Infused Honey​

 

​Make another batch of the wild spice mixture per the previous recipe. Instead of adding sugar blend the spices into a cup of honey. Place the honey in a mason jar into the top of a double boiler and gently warm it off and on for 3-4 days. ​Just keep it on the lowest setting and remember to replenish the water. I keep it on all day and turn it off at night. ​The longer it warms the tastier – and more medicinal your honey. To pour off for use, simply heat the honey and sieve off the plant material.

Jelly Donut Cake

Jelly Donut Cake

Jelly Donut Cake

 

3 ½ cup all-purpose flour

2 pkgs. active dry yeast

1 cup milk

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup butter

½ tsp. salt

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

⅔ cup strawberry or cherry jelly or jam

 

Cream filling (recipe below)

 

Sifted powdered sugar

¼ cup strawberry or cherry jelly or jam (optional)

Cream Filling

½ cup milk

2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. vanilla

¼ cup butter, softened

¼ cup shortening

½ cup granulated sugar

¼ tsp. salt

 

In a medium bowl stir together 2 cups of the flour and the yeast; set aside. In a medium saucepan heat and stir milk, granulated sugar, butter, and salt just until warm (120°F to 130°F). Add milk mixture to flour mixture. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping the sides of the bowl constantly. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in remaining flour (dough will be very soft and sticky). Cover surface of dough with plastic wrap; chill for 2 to 24 hours. Generously butter a 9×2-inch deep heart-shaped or round cake pan. Using a buttered spatula, transfer dough to prepared pan and smooth to an even layer. Cover; let rise1 hour or until double in size. Preheat oven to 325°F. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove cake from pan; turn top-side up. Cool completely on wire rack. Using a long serrated knife, split cake in half horizontally; remove top. Place bottom layer, cut-side up, on a serving plate. Spread with jelly. Spoon Cream Filling over jelly; spread to edges. Place top layer of cake on filling, cut-side down. Dust cake with powdered sugar; decorate with jelly.  Cream Filling: In a small saucepan whisk together the milk and flour until no lumps remain. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 1 minute more (mixture will be thick). Stir in vanilla. Transfer to a small bowl; cover surface with plastic wrap and cool to room temperature.  In a medium mixing bowl beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the sugar and salt and beat for 1 to 2 minutes or until well-combined. Add the cooled milk mixture and beat until smooth.

Neapolitan Pops

Neapolitan Pops

Neapolitan Pops

 

15 chocolate sandwich cookies , such as Oreos

3 tablespoons butter , melted

1 pint chocolate ice cream

1 pint vanilla ice cream

1 pint strawberry ice cream

16 craft popsicle sticks

 

Using a food processor or a rolling pin and a large ziplock bag, crush chocolate cookies. (No need to remove filling from cookies before crushing). Stir in butter. Press cookie crumbs into a 8 or 9-inch square baking pan lined with parchment paper or foil with overhanging sides. Freeze for 10 minutes. Let chocolate ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften, then scoop on top of cookie crust and spread into an even layer. Freeze for 10 minutes. Let vanilla ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften, then scoop on top of chocolate ice cream and spread into an even layer. Freeze for 10 minutes. Let strawberry ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften, then scoop on top of vanilla ice cream and spread into an even layer. Press sticks straight down into the ice cream, all the way to the bottom, in even intervals. Freeze for at least 2 hours. Using the overhanging sides as handles, life ice cream out of pan. Dip a knife into hot water and wipe clean. Cut ice cream into 16 pops. You will need to re-heat knife often. Store in the freezer. To prevent freezer burn, tightly wrap and consume within a week.

Coffee-Glazed Apple Bacon Fritters

Coffee-Glazed Apple Bacon Fritters

Coffee-Glazed Apple Bacon Fritters

 

1 T. salted butter

3 tart apples, peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch chunks

12 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and cooled

11/4 cups all-purpose flour

11/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. fine sea salt

1/2 tsp. ground anise

1 large egg

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup sparkling apple juice

2 cups icing sugar

1/4 cup extra-strong coffee or espresso, cooled

Vegetable oil, for frying

 

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and let it cook until it is light golden. Add the apples and cook, turning frequently, until they just begin to soften and deepen in color, 7– 8 minutes. Do not let them cook all the way through— you want them soft but with a bit of crunch. Remove from the heat and transfer to a mixing bowl. Crumble the bacon into the apples, stir to combine, and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, sieve the flour with the baking powder, salt, and ground anise. Set it aside. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk the egg with the sugar until they turn a light golden color. Add the apples and bacon to the wet ingredients and mix to combine. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and, using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir slightly until just combined. Add the sparkling apple juice and give it all a final stir to combine. In another mixing bowl, whisk the icing sugar with the coffee to make a glaze. Set it aside. Place a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet. Line another baking sheet with paper towel. Add 3– 4 inches of vegetable oil to a Dutch oven over medium heat. Warm the oil to 350°F. Working quickly, use two tablespoons to scoop up some batter and carefully drop it into the oil. Cook three to four fritters at a time. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until deeply golden on one side. Flip over and cook the other side for another minute or two, until each side is evenly colored. Remove from the oil and let drain on the paper towel. While the fritters are still warm, dip them into the coffee glaze, let the excess drain off, and place on the wire rack to set. These will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To get them crispy again, preheat the oven to 350°F, place the fritters on a parchment-lined baking tray, and place in the oven for 10– 12 minutes.

Marshmallow Flower Cookies

Marshmallow Flower Cookies

Marshmallow Flower Cookies

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/235313149272997867/

 

6 marshmallows

6 hazelnuts

Ground cinnamon optional

 

Preheat oven to 250°F.  At a temperature below 225°F, marshmallows won’t puff up enough, resulting in less crispy cookies. If the temperature exceeds 250°F, a marshmallow tends to puff up too much, resulting in one giant disk of a marshmallow. Therefore, make sure your oven never goes above 250°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape: Give 4 crosswise cuts to each marshmallow, while keeping slices connected on one side. Shape into flowers. Lightly wet the scissors if the marshmallow sticks. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with sticky sides down. Stretch out the petals. Lightly wet your fingers to gently press down the flowers to flatten.

Bake: Check the internal temperature is 250°F but not above(between 225°F to 250°F). Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and place hazelnuts in the center of the marshmallows. Bake for another 45 minutes. Let cool completely, for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle some cinnamon powder if desired.

Snowcone Butterfly Pea Syrup

Snowcone Butterfly Pea Syrup

Snowcone Butterfly Pea Syrup

 

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

2 Tbsp butterfly pea flowers

2 tsp vanilla extract

 

Heat water and sugar on stove until it boils, then remove from heat and add butterfly pea flowers. Leave flowers infusing until cool, then filter out the flowers by pouring through a sieve. Add vanilla and store syrup in the fridge. Many people use squeeze bottles for dispensing the syrup, but a measuring cup with a pour spout works as well. The vanilla gives it a pleasant flavor, and you could use more or less, depending on how you like it. Pulverize 2 cups ice cubes in vitamix on high until pulverized, about 5 seconds

Plum Spice Cake

Plum Spice Cake

Plum Spice Cake

 

As needed butter and flour to coat pans; set aside until assemble

 

1 recipe of quick caramel sauce (see below) set aside until assembly

6 whole red flesh plums, skin on; stone removed and cut into sixth; set aside until assembly

 

3/4 cup light brown sugar

3 eggs, room temperature

1 cup all purpose flour

1 T. baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

1/2  tsp. ground cardamom

½ tsp. salt

6 ounce melted unsalted butter or olive oil may be substituted or used in combination

5 ounce half and half at room temperature

 

Quick Caramel Sauce for bottom of the pans: place 6 ounce butter, 1 ¼ cup brown sugar and 3 T. water in small sauce pan; cook just to dissolve sugar and place in bottom of greased and floured baking pans or tins; place fruit in caramel and batter on top of fruit; bake as directed above. To assemble pan: Brush 2 each, 8”cake pans or 1 12 cup muffin top pans with butter and then flour – shake off excess.  Place caramel syrup in the bottom of prepared pan before adding plums. Place 3 plums  in bottom of each muffin top pan on top of caramel; or arrange on top of caramel in 8″ layer pan. Place stone fruits in pattern with skin side up. To make the cake batter: Beat brown sugar and eggs together to a foamy consistency. Sift flour, baking powder, soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom and salt together and add these ingredients to egg mixture. Combine butter (and or olive oil) with cream and add to batter slowly till blended. Divide batter to cover fruit in muffin top tins; or 8″ pan. Bake at 350° F for approximately 20-25 (for muffin tops) to 25-30 minutes for layer pan; or until cakes spring back when touched. Cool only ten minutes and turn out onto cake rack to cool (fruit on top). Serve same day if possible. Serving suggestion: Whipped cream or with vanilla ice cream; add a nut brittle for crunch. Chef Notes: If you forget to take cakes out of pans after 10 minute rest and the cake sticks, carefully heat the bottom of the cake pan on low to warm caramel and it should come out. Other stone fruit, such as peaches and cherries, may be substituted or combined with the plums. In pear season, this becomes our Pear Upside Down Spice Cake!

Cardamom Pistachio Cookies

Cardamom Pistachio Cookies

Cardamom Pistachio Cookies

 

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled

1/2 cup superfine sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 egg yolks

2 cups flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cardamom seeds, crushed using a mortar and pestle

1/4 cup sparkling decorative sugar

1/4 cup chopped pistachio nuts

 

Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar and beat for one minute. Add the vanilla extract and egg yolks and beat an additional minute. Sift together the flour and salt. Spoon the flour mixture into the butter mixture and add the cardamom. Beat on low speed, then increase to medium and mix until the batter is combined. Spoon the dough into a cookie press and press out onto ungreased baking sheets. Or roll the dough into a log, wrap in parchment paper and chill for two hours before slicing into rounds and arranging evenly onto the cookie sheets. In a small bowl, combine the sparkling sugar and the pistachio nuts, then sprinkle some on each cookie. Bake just until the edges of the cookies start to turn a pale golden color, about 8 to 10 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet, then remove carefully to a wire rack. The cookies will firm up as they cool. When they are completely cool, store in an airtight container. They may be kept frozen up to two months.

Pumpkin Whipped Cream

Pumpkin Whipped Cream

Pumpkin Whipped Cream

 

1 cup heavy whipping cream, very cold

1/4-1/2 cup powdered sugar (to taste)

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 pinch salt

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

 

Chill a large mixing bowl and the beaters of an electric mixer in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. Pour the cold, heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl. Add the powdered sugar, pumpkin spice, vanilla, and salt and whip on medium speed until medium peaks form, about 1-3 minutes. Add the pumpkin puree and continue whipping until the mixture forms stiff peaks. Be careful not to over-whip. Taste and adjust sweetness and spices as desired. Use immediately as a topping for pies, cakes, hot drinks, or other fall desserts.

Apple Bacon Cobbler

Apple Bacon Cobbler

Apple Bacon Cobbler

 

4-5 Slices of bacon

¼ cup (1/2 stick) butter

6 cups of sliced apples (any variety you have on hand)

1 cup apple juice, apple cider or water

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp. fresh grated nutmeg

1-1/2 cup sugar (divided)

1-1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 T. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

1-1/2 cup Buttermilk (regular milk will work too)

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Choose a cake or lasagna pan that you want to serve your cobbler in. Place your bacon in this pan and throw it in the oven to start cooking while you do the next step. Mix together apples, juice, ½ cup sugar, cinnamon and spices in a pot. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat and cook for about 10 minutes. Add more liquid if needed, you want this a little on the soupy side. Check on the bacon and remove the pan when the bacon is done. Chop bacon into small pieces and throw it in the pot with the apples. Leave the bacon grease in the pan! Add ½ stick of butter to the pan and throw it back into the oven to melt. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup sugar, Bisquick and buttermilk (throw in a little extra cinnamon if you are feeling wild!) Now, we are ready for the assembly, which is really the important part. Remove the pan containing the bacon grease and butter from the oven. Pour the batter over the happy pork-fat mixture. Spoon the apple-bacon mixture gently over the batter and then pour any remaining batter over the top. The key is to let this cobbler mix together on its own for layers of salty-sweet goodness. Bake at 350 for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Blueberry Bannock Scone

Blueberry Bannock Scone

Blueberry Bannock Scone

 

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

1/2 cup wheat germ

1 T. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

5 T. sugar

5 1/3 (1/3 cup) T. unsalted butter, chilled

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 large eggs

1 cup blueberries

1 tsp. water

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Lightly sprinkle a 14-x-16-inch baking sheet with flour, or line with a Silpat, and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the flour, pecans, wheat germ, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and 2 T. of sugar. Cut the butter into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or fork until it has the consistency of small crumbs. In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk and one egg. Add to the flour mixture and stir until just moistened. The dough will be quite wet and sticky; work it as little as possible.

Divide the dough in half and shape one piece into a 9-inch circle on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the blueberries evenly over the circle and sprinkle with 1-2 T. of sugar. On a lightly floured piece of parchment paper, form a 9-inch circle with the remaining dough and gently slide it on top of the berries. With the backside of a knife, score the top in 8 wedges. Beat the remaining egg with the water and lightly brush the egg wash over the top of the scone. Sprinkle with the remaining T. of sugar.  Bake until the scone is golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. When cool, cut into wedges and serve.

Sheet Pan Sumac Roasted Strawberries with Greek Yogurt Creme

Sheet Pan Sumac Roasted Strawberries with Greek Yogurt Creme

 

Sheet Pan Sumac Roasted Strawberries with Greek Yogurt Creme

 

1 pound strawberries halved

½ cup water

2 T. sumac

1 cup fresh mint chopped with stems; divided

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3 ½ cups Greek yogurt

½ cup powdered sugar

1 lemon zested and juiced

¼ cup heavy cream

1 tsp. sea salt

 

Preheat oven to 425°.  Toss strawberries, water, sumac, half of the chopped mint and vanilla on a baking tray. Roast in oven 25 minutes. Mix yogurt, sugar, lemon zest, juice, cream and salt; let set in fridge for one hour. Spoon into glasses, cream then berries, repeat.

Freezer Dole Whip

Freezer Dole Whip

Freezer Dole Whip

 

1 cup room-temperature water

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

2 cups chilled pineapple juice

1 T. lime juice

 

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine water and sugar. Microwave 1 minute, stir, then microwave 1 more minute and stir to create a syrup. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Pour pineapple juice into ice cream machine and add ½ cup chilled syrup. Add lime juice. Follow ice cream machine instructions and run about 20 minutes. Serve immediately or transfer to a large plastic container, cover, and freeze overnight for a harder consistency.

Cookies and Cream Mickey Cupcakes

Cookies and Cream Mickey Cupcakes

Cookies and Cream Mickey Cupcakes

 

3 T. salted butter, softened

1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1⁄3 cups all-purpose flour

1⁄4 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. baking powder

3⁄4 cup cocoa powder

1⁄4 tsp. salt

1 cup whole milk

 

‌To make Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two standard muffin tins with cupcake liners and set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add butter and sugar. Using the flat beater attachment, cream together well. Add eggs and vanilla. While mixer is running, add flour, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt; continue mixing until well combined. Add milk slowly. ‌Scoop batter into prepared muffin tins, filling cups just above halfway.  ‌Bake 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely, about 1 hour, before frosting.

 

 

For Frosting

 

1⁄2 cup salted butter, softened

4 cups confectioners’ sugar

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 T. heavy cream

10 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed

48 mini chocolate sandwich cookies, whole

 

‌To make Frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add butter, confectioners’ sugar, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Using the flat beater attachment, whip until light and fluffy. Add crushed cookies and mix until combined. ‌Scoop frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Swirl a generous amount of frosting on each cupcake, creating a pointed mound. Stand a mini sandwich cookie upright on either side of pointed mount to create Mickey Mouse ears.

 

Frosting swirls are adorable, but if you prefer less frosting on your cupcakes, you can just use a knife to spread a thinner layer of frosting on top of the cupcakes—enough to push in the mouse ears.

Disneyland Churros

Disneyland Churros

Disneyland Churros

 

1 cup room-temperature water

3 T. plus

½ cup granulated sugar, divided

½ tsp. salt

3 T. plus 4 cups vegetable oil, divided

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

 

Line an ungreased baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add water, 3 T. sugar, salt, and 3 T. oil. Stir until mixture reaches a boil, about 4 minutes, then remove from heat. Add flour and stir until combined. Scoop dough into a large piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Let dough cool until you are able to hold the bag comfortably, about 10 minutes. Pipe dough into 6″ lines onto prepared baking sheet. Place sheet into freezer to set 1 hour. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, add remaining 4 cups oil. It should measure to a depth of about 3″. Heat until oil reaches 375°F. Line a large plate with paper towels and set aside. In a medium shallow bowl, combine remaining sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. Carefully slide one Churro into hot oil. Flip while frying until golden brown, about 2 minutes total. Remove from oil with tongs and place in bowl with sugar-cinnamon mixture. Turn to coat Churro thoroughly, and transfer to lined plate to cool. Repeat with remaining Churros.

Roasted Apricots with Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Honey

Roasted Apricots with Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Honey

Roasted Apricots with Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Honey

 

4 ounces creamy goat cheese

2 T. honey, plus more for garnish

1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

8 apricots, halved and pitted

1 T. olive oil

4 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F.  In a small bowl, mix together the goat cheese, honey, and thyme until well combined. Place the goat cheese mixture in a pastry bag with piping tip, or a zip-top bag with one corner cut to pipe out the cheese. Reserve. Place the apricot halves on a baking sheet and brush them with olive oil. Bake the apricots in the oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the apricots are slightly soft but not falling apart. Remove the apricots from the oven and set them on a platter. Pipe a tsp. or two of goat cheese into the center of each apricot. Sprinkle with bacon pieces and then drizzle with additional honey. Serve immediately.

Strawberry & Honey Sorbet

Strawberry & Honey Sorbet

Strawberry & Honey Sorbet

With just four ingredients, you can have homemade sorbet. Here is a recipe that uses strawberries and honey, but once you master the technique (in other words, in about five minutes) you can start fooling around with other flavor combinations. One of our favorites is peach and maple. Just aim for about a pound of fruit, start slow with the sweetener, and taste the puree. And if you’re wondering about the vodka, it’s not an effort to slip in a shot of booze; it actually helps lower the freezing point of the sorbet, giving it a softer texture and preventing it from getting too hard.

 

1 pint (1 pound) strawberries, hulled and quartered

¼ cup honey

1 T. vodka, or flavored liqueur of choice, (optional)

¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1½ lemons)

Place the strawberries in a blender and puree until very smooth. Push the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove some of the seeds. Whisk in the honey, vodka (if you’re using it), and lemon juice. (You’ll want the puree to be on the sweet side, since freezing will dull the flavor.) Cover and chill the mixture. Once the strawberry puree is completely chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Return the sorbet to the freezer for a couple more hours so it can continue to firm up. The sorbet can be stored in a lidded container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Rhubarb Magic Custard Cake

Rhubarb Magic Custard Cake

Rhubarb Magic Custard Cake

 

2 Rhubarb Stalks, sliced into ¼” pieces

2 T. Sugar

⅓ cup Water

4 Large Eggs, separated

¾ cup sugar

1 T. Lemon Juice

1 tsp. Vanilla

1 stick(1/2 cup) Butter, melted

¾ cup All-purpose Flour

2 cups Whole Milk, lukewarm

Powdered Sugar, for dusting

 

Add the sliced rhubarb, 2 T. of sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring gently on occasion, until all the water is evaporated and rhubarb is soft. Remove from heat and set aside. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease an 8×8 baking pan. Place the egg whites in a mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer to stiff peaks. Set aside. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until creamy. Whisk in the lemon juice and vanilla. Whisk in the melted butter. Add the flour to the bowl and whisk in until fully combined. Add the milk to the batter, ½ cup at a time, whisking in well before adding in the next ½ cup. Note that the batter will be extremely runny. Fold the egg whites gently in the batter, just until there are no large lumps left. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan. Spoon the cooked rhubarb slices evenly over the top of the batter. The egg whites that remain on the top of the batter should be strong enough to support the fruit slices.

Bake for 40-60 minutes, or until the cake no longer jiggles when tapped. Bake time will vary depending on how hot your oven gets, so check the cake after 40 minutes.

Remove the cake from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes. Invert cake onto a cooling rack. Cake should fall right out of the pan, but if you are worried about sticking, run a knife around the edge of the cake before inverting. Place cake on a serving dish or cake stand and dust with powdered sugar right before serving.

Chocolate Magic Custard Cake

Chocolate Magic Custard Cake

Chocolate Magic Custard Cake

 

For the egg yolk mixture

4 egg yolks at room temperature (see note)

⅔ cup granulated white sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

½ cup / 1 stick salted butter, melted (see notes)

2 cups of milk at room temperature or lukewarm (see notes)

¾ cup cake or all-purpose flour (see notes if you prefer a gluten-free option)

⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

 

For the egg white mixture

4 egg whites

1 T. white granulated sugar

½ tsp. salt

 

Grease and line an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper. Leave an overhang of parchment paper making it easy to lift out the cake after baking Separate the eggs. Yolks in one bowl and whites in another. Add sugar and vanilla extract to the bowl with the yolks. Beat until the mixture turns pale and creamy (about 4 to 5 minutes). Pour in the cooled melted butter and mix for 1 minute on low speed. Sift in the flour and unsweetened cocoa powder. Beat or whisk to combine. Slowly pour in the milk while beating the mixture and until just combined. Set the bowl aside. Preheat the oven now to 325° F / 170°C (150°C if you are using a fan assisted oven). Rinse out and dry the whisk or beaters (if you were using for the yolk mixture). Beat the egg whites on medium speed for 1 minute. Then add in the 1 T. white granulated sugar and salt. Continue beating for about 4 minutes. When the beaters are lifted from the bowl, the whites should now form stiff peaks. Be careful not to overbeat the egg whites past this stage. Or the result will be curdled egg whites. Combine the egg yolk mixture with the egg white mixture. Use a spatula to transfer the beaten egg whites to the yolk mixture. Fold the beaten whites (½ of the mixture at a time) gently into the yolk mixture with a spatula. Don’t worry if you see a few specks of egg white on the surface. You don’t want to overbeat it. The mixture will look thin and quite runny even as you pour it into the baking pan. This is also perfectly normal.