This time of year, if a recipe doesn’t call for apples, I probably won’t bake it. It could be the most decadent, chocolaty goodness and I wouldn’t even bat an eye if there are no apples to be found on the ingredient list. You wouldn’t know by reading my blog, but I’ve actually done a fair amount of baking this fall. I made an apple crisp twice, but somehow failed to photograph it both times, so I guess I’ll just have to make it again .

(more…)

Believe it or not, I’m still alive and baking! Although I took a long hiatus from the blog this summer, I did not abandon my oven. These cupcakes were by far the baking highlight of my summer and I am so excited to share them with you.

(more…)

So, I’m going to retract my previous statement about not being much of a “bar” person, because this is the second bar recipes that I am obsessed with. My mom shared this recipe with me, and believe it or not, it’s just a McCormick recipe. Just a shameless ploy to get people to buy more of their cinnamon, but these bars are so good, I’m guessing it’s working. As you can see by the picture, these bars are meant for flavor, not beauty. The gooey caramel seeps out the sides the moment you cut into them, but honestly, would you have it any other way?

(more…)

No dessert says “summertime” like Key Lime pie. It’s light and refreshing, and very easy to make. This recipe was derived from a Midwest Living recipe my mom used to make, with alterations inspired by the Key Lime Pie served at one of my favorite restaurants in St. Pete Beach, Florida called, Snappers. Snappers takes an unconventional approach to Key Lime pie, substituting the traditional graham cracker crust with an Oreo cookie crumb crust. Furthermore, the addition of the raspberry coulis adds a bit of sweetness to this otherwise very tart dessert.

(more…)

Who knew gluten free could taste this good? All this time I’ve been avoiding gluten free cupcakes because I was afraid of the dry, crumbly mess that I thought would ensue. Turns out, you can make moist, flavorful gluten free cupcakes, and the substitutions aren’t even that crazy!

(more…)

Over the past couple weeks I’ve been gradually collecting the tools and researching recipes and tips to make my own fondant. Finally, last weekend I worked up the courage to make a batch of it. I don’t know what I was so nervous about because it really couldn’t be any easier! It is a little time consuming, but it opens up the doors for so many more decorating options. Oh yeah, and I made some cupcakes to go with that fondant…

(more…)

Disclaimer: I did not make this cake.

This cake has taunted me from the freezer for an entire year, but a week ago today we celebrated our first wedding anniversary and put an end to the torment. We ordered our wedding cake from a local bakery called, Cakescapes. Jen, the owner and baker did an outstanding job on our cake and it turned out just as delicious as it was beautiful. And I’m happy to say the anniversary cake did not disappoint, even after spending a year in the freezer.

(more…)

The turtle cheesecake was a favorite in my house growing up. My mother typically brought dessert to family functions. I always knew to have a big piece whenever she brought turtle cheesecake because there probably wouldn’t be any leftovers. And what’s not to love? Chocolate, pecans and caramel on top of rich vanilla cheesecake…sorry, I get excited.

(more…)

See, I told you I would find another recipe featuring brown butter! This recipe is based on a recipe out of Midwest Living, which I proceeded to change ever so slightly. The original recipe called for dried cherries instead of blueberries. I’m sure that would have been just as delicious, but I happened to have an enormous container of blueberries in my fridge at the time, so I went that rout instead.

(more…)

So, remember when I told you how much I love tiramisu? Well that was not a joke. I really am obsessed, so this tiramisu recipe in cupcake formation is pretty ideal. The cake is light and soaks up the espresso flavor very nicely, and the mascarpone-based frosting is just a pillow of fluffy goodness.

(more…)