Sweet Treats in New York City

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I’m taking a brief break from the kitchen for a few days while I attend The International Association of Culinary Professionals 2012 Conference in NYC. I know you might be thinking that the conference is just a ruse and that I would go to great lengths to find any reason to visit Jael, and you would be right. However, I would have attended this conference regardless of where it took place. The the icing on the cake is that this year the conference takes place in the Big Apple and that puts me within hugging distance of my Girl. Continue reading →


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Chocolate Noisette Layer Cake for Passover

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"Fluffy goodness surrounding a chocolate nutty cake"
Lately I have been thinking quite a bit about the meaning behind the word “tradition”.  I am a fanatic, a stickler, somewhat of a maniac about tradition.  I find comfort just knowing that whatever life is bringing my way, however rushed or crazy the days may get, not far down the road there will be a holiday or special occasion to celebrate.  A day where the mundane falls by the wayside and for a precious few hours our attention is focused on keeping that space “holy”.  Traditions bring order and predictability to our lives.  They elevate the ordinary – reminding us of where we have been and offering a promise of a future yet to come.

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Posted under Cakes, Passover
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Carrot Cake Cheese Cake and the Cheesecake Factory

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"Carrot Cake Cheesecake" There is an ear to ear smile on my face these days.  You see, Jayz decided to spend her spring break at home here in CA with her Mom and Dad.  The anticipation and preparation began days ahead of her arrival.   (It actually began the minute she told me she was coming home.)  I made ready her room with cut flowers and  marketed for all her favorite foods.  I cleared my schedule allowing for mother/daughter time – shopping, crafting, baking, – or doing nothing at all other than relishing our time together before we once again find ourselves on different coasts.  Such joy that girl brings me.  ♥ Continue reading →


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Blueberry Raspberry Scones

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"Flakey, buttery scone oozing with blueberry and raspberry fruitiness."
I’m the early riser in the family.  Our house is sparsely populated these days.  With J away at school, that only leaves me, H, and our furry friend -both of them preferring to snooze in on Sunday mornings.  I on the other hand, don’t like to waste those quiet, peaceful, early morning hours as the sun is rising and the day is coming into its own.  Those hours are my favorite for baking.  Especially on Sundays, I like to pop out of bed, sneak off to the kitchen, and prepare something special for us to have with our morning coffee. Continue reading →


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Cream Filled Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies and a Do-Si-Do Memory

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"Crunchy, nutty peanut butter cookies sandwiching a creamy peanut butter filling."
It’s that time again.  Every year around February/March there is that knock at the door from those sweet little neighbor girls.  “Would you like to buy some cookies?”  Silly question.  Of course I would like to buy some cookies.  I think we all know who and what I am talking about but just for clarification – it’s Girl Scout cookie time.  Curiously, no little solicitors knocked on my door this year.  Panic set in!  What would I do without my yearly fix of GSC?  Fortunately for me, current day sales tactics include more than just door to door sales.  It seems every corner you turn there are squads of girls with those beaming smiles and badge filled vests pleading in that “how can you resist me” voice.  Well, the answer is – I can’t! Continue reading →


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