Category: Baking

Spice Cake with Caramel Swiss Buttercream

Once upon a time I was intimidated by the prospect of making caramel from scratch.  A pot of boiling hot sugar can induce fear in even the most accomplished of cooks and bakers.  I can’t recall my first successful caramel … Continue reading




Black Cocoa Cupcakes with Raspberry Chambord Buttercream…and a Giveaway

Black Cocoa Cupcakes with Raspberry Chambord Buttercream Recipe

In this post from September, I shared with all of you about my journey through treatment and recovery from breast cancer.  That journey humbled me and changed me in ways I will be forever grateful.  I rarely sweat the small … Continue reading




Apple and Maple Syrup Pie

It doesn’t take much to make this city girl happy.  The crackling sound of fallen leaves beneath my boots.  A carpet of red, green and golden orbs beneath trees whose limbs are releasing their precious fruit to my care.  Air … Continue reading




Spiced and Spiked Chocolate Pumpkin Cake

Chocolate Pumpkin Cake with Spiced and Spiked Whipped Cream Recipe

I’m pretending it feels like Autumn around here even though the temperatures are rising instead of falling. I’ve lost patience waiting for cooler weather so I’ve been making lots of big hearty meals and tummy warming soups in spite of … Continue reading




Fig Jam, Pear and Pistachio Coffeecake and Baking in a Toaster Oven

Do you know how frustrating it can be when baking is your passion and you don’t have an oven?  VERY!!!  Two weeks ago, just as I was rolling out the pastry for Howie’s birthday pie, my oven ‘short circuited’.  Literally. … Continue reading