Category Archives: Pies, Tarts, Tortes & Cheesecakes

Strawberry Rum Pie Redux — with vanilla bean, custard & cream

A few years back I created a strawberry cream pie that quickly became a favorite in my circle. A fresh, custardy celebration of vanilla, rum and stewed seasonal berries, the summery dessert has become a common craving and repeated request. … Continue reading

Posted in Baking with Spirits, Pies, Tarts, Tortes & Cheesecakes, Sweets | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Passion Fruit Bites

I was still daydreaming of the scrumptious passion fruit cheesecake I’d savored on a magical vacation, when I received an unexpected message from a friendly fellow foodie recently: “Hey girl, I have passion fruits with your name on them… Interested?” … Continue reading

Posted in Pies, Tarts, Tortes & Cheesecakes, Sweets, Traditional with a Twist | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Pumpkin Pomegranate Cheesecake with a Curious Crust

As corny as it sounds, I recently wished a friend “a pomegranate week: healthy, vibrant, sweet!” While I’ve long hoped to celebrate their qualities in the form of a new dessert, the pomegranate harvest comes along and I find myself … Continue reading

Posted in Baking with Veggies, Pies, Tarts, Tortes & Cheesecakes, Sweets, Traditional with a Twist | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Mandarin Persimmon Pie with Pecan Gingersnap Crust

As the days of the year shorten and darken, some of the brightest fruit comes into season. With a burst of vibrant color and juicy succulence, both mandarin oranges and persimmons can quench a longing for sweetness, literally and figuratively. … Continue reading

Posted in Pies, Tarts, Tortes & Cheesecakes, Sweets, Traditional with a Twist | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Fresh Fig Torte: Frosted, Spiced, Divine

I have a friend who is so enamored with fresh figs, I’d even call it an obsession.  When we walked past a woman carrying a basket of figs recently, my friend talked about it for a week. “I wonder where … Continue reading

Posted in Cakes & Cupcakes, Pies, Tarts, Tortes & Cheesecakes, Sweets, Traditional with a Twist | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments