Mocha Black-Bottom Cupcakes

Posted on September 17, 2013 • 6 comments

Where had Black-Bottom Cupcakes been my whole life? Up until five years ago, I had never heard of these little cheese filled cakes. How’s is that possible! I grew up in a baking family and I have read more cook books and food publications than I can count. There’s just no good explanation. Nevertheless, I’m glad they finally found me. The combination of a dark chocolate cupcake together with a cheesecake center is a marriage made in heaven. So, to whomever came up with this little darling, I thank you from the bottom of my little baker’s heart. Continue reading →

Posted under Baking, Brownies, Cheesecake, Cupcakes, Desserts, Nut Free

Ingredients brown sugar, cocoa, cream cheese, espresso powder, sour cream

Pumpkin Latte Muffins with Espresso Glaze

Posted on September 14, 2013 • 19 comments

My oven and I are involved in a deep and intimate relationship. Each morning it greets me, loyal and patient, waiting in the kitchen for me to decide if we are going to spend time together. I want to. My other obligations prevent us from being together each and every day. Although the desire to spend time with Oven is always strong, the inspiration for how we will spend our time together is sometimes slow in coming. I have lists of recipes I want to share with O; struggling to overcome inertia we end up just sitting around the kitchen together not doing much of anything. We were having one of those day earlier this week. I decided a little time apart would be best for both of us so I headed out to my local coffee shop for a little head clearing and my daily latte. Continue reading →

Posted under Baking, Breakfast, Muffins, Nut Free, Pastries

Ingredients cinnamon, espresso, pepita seeds, pumplin

Blueberry, White Chocolate, and Almond Oatmeal Cookies

Posted on September 8, 2013 • 7 comments

I am going to get right to the point of this post. Today’s weather is the perfect specimen of a warm fall day. The sun is shining and there is a light breeze in the air. So often the weekend turns into days filled with chores. H and I frequently use the weekend to do those jobs that only his big burly arms and my ~~neurotic~~ specific instructions can accomplish together. But not today. Yes, the toilet seat needs replacing, and there is that painting that needs to be hung, but I’m getting us out of the house. A bike ride along the beach perhaps, or maybe some “junk” shopping. Anyway, the point is, today’s post is short and sweet so that I can enjoy this beautiful day with my loving, hard-working husband. Continue reading →

Posted under Baking, Cookies, Desserts

Ingredients almonds, dried blueberries, oatmeal, white chocolate

Flourless Apple Cake with Cinnamon Frosting

Posted on September 3, 2013 • 11 comments

Another year and another apple cake to celebrate the Jewish New Year holiday of Rosh Hashanah. It seems nearly impossible that another year has come and gone. Sometimes I see the days of my life as pages flying from a calendar just like in old movies when the director wanted to depict the passing of time. The reality is, time moves at the same rate as it always has. The only hope in creating the illusion that time is slowing down is by living in the moment of each and every day, which we would all probably agree is easier said than done, most of the time. Endless commitments, obligations, and lists to be checked off have us racing from sun up until sundown. Continue reading →

Posted under Baking, Cakes, Desserts, Flourless, Holiday Baking

Ingredients apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, coconut, eggs, walnuts

Peach, Nectarine and Bourbon Fools

Posted on August 30, 2013 • 7 comments

I am struggling to release summer and welcome back fall. I want to eek out every last drop of the time remaining in August. After Labor Day I will have to face the fact that autumn has arrived. Don’t get me wrong, fall is a favorite season of mine with all its chilly nights, turning leaves, apples and pumpkins. However, the pace of life picks up and a succession of holidays begins that keep me busy until after the New Year is over. And I love all those holidays, but I also love long and warm summer days, stone fruits, tomatoes ripe from the vine, and sunsets at the beach. Life just moves at a slower pace during the summer. Continue reading →

Posted under Desserts, No-Bake, Quick and Easy

Ingredients bourbon, nectarines, peaches, whipping cream, yogurt