Category Archives: Sweets

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

Posted on July 25, 2017 by

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 Booze, Pies, Tarts, Tortes & Cheesecakes, Sweets | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Dragon Fruit Sherbet with Lemongrass and Strawberry

Posted on May 31, 2017 by

It was easy to become fascinated with dragon fruit once it caught my eye. Its vibrant magenta skin, draping green tails, and playful nickname were just the beginning. When I sliced into one, the sight of the inside reminded me … Continue reading →

Posted in Baking with Herbs, Sweets, Traditional with a Twist | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Green Artichoke Cake

Posted on April 9, 2017 by

I started daydreaming of artichoke-laden desserts around the same time that I discovered Pablo Neruda’s fabulous poem Ode to the Artichoke: “…For the final act, we reveal its deliciousness, plucking it leaf by leaf, and devour the peaceable dough that … Continue reading →

Posted in Baking with Veggies, Cakes & Cupcakes, Sweets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Chocolate Teacakes with Raspberry and Lavender

Posted on March 4, 2017 by

Over time, I’ve found that lavender and chocolate can form a mouthwatering marriage, where the decadence of each is somehow mellowed and complemented at once. The depth of chocolate is met with unexpected earthy tones, often with crisp bits of … Continue reading →

Posted in Baking with Flowers, Cakes & Cupcakes, Sweets | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Pecan Brown Sugar Cookies: A Nod to the King Cake

Posted on January 31, 2017 by

A few Februaries ago, we received an unusual delivery at the office: a giant, ring-shaped cake opulently decorated with both icing and colored sugar (yellow, green, and purple). On the side, there were a few strands of Mardi Gras beads … Continue reading →

Posted in Baking with Booze, Baking with Tea & Coffee, Cookies & Bars, Sweets, Traditional with a Twist | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Rustic Almond Apple Cake with sherry and rosemary

Posted on December 4, 2016 by

At a Spanish restaurant not long ago, the most delicious dessert (of the many I tried) was surprisingly simple: creamy vanilla ice cream with sherry poured over the top. The sherry was so fragrant, caramely and warming, I knew it … Continue reading →

Posted in Baking with Booze, Baking with Herbs, Cakes & Cupcakes, Sweets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Passion Fruit Bites

Posted on October 22, 2016 by

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