Viennese crescent cookies
Another of my mother’s “famous” Christmas cookies. These are melt-in-your mouth delicious because they are rather delicate. I love the flavor of almonds with the...
Christmas tree pressed cookies
The Christmas season begins when my mother makes her “famous” Christmas cookies. As our family has grown, her quantities have increased and she freezes the cookies as they are prepared...
Peppermint meringues
I love making meringues and these are ideal for the holiday season. The little mouthfuls of sugar, egg white and a hint of peppermint are delicious and perfect for after...
vanilla coconut panna cotta with persimmons, oranges and pomegranates
I developed this recipe for an Indian dinner where I thought a creamy dessert with some type of coconut base would balance the spiciness of...
Pumpkin roulade with mascarpone and chocolate chip cream
I have been making this recipe for years, first finding the idea from Ina Garten’s cookbook, Back to Basics. I have adapted slightly with the use of a bit of...
Pumpkin bread with cinnamon crumble topping
When the weather begins to cool down, and the leaves are changing color, I start to crave anything pumpkin. Pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin cupcakes, pumpkin...
Apple crisp bars
I was asked to bring a dessert to a friend’s house and she requested something with fruit. I normally make Pavlova but given it was apple season, I hunted for...
Portuguese Pastéis de Nata
These creamy little custard tarts can be eaten in two bites should you choose, but they are best slowly savored. A quintessential Portuguese sweet, I was determined to make them...
chocolate fudge brownies with white chocolate chips
Delicious fudge-y brownies with the just the right amount of white chocolate chips.
A Pavlova topped with Cream and Fresh Fruit
I was introduced to this recipe at a friend's house by her 11-year old son! He made the dessert and finished it off table side for the adult guest. How...
A tale of three summer fruits in pastry
Stone fruit is in its glory at the end of the summer….along with fresh figs. When I see these fruits in the market my mind races with recipe ideas. Making...
luscious lemon olive oil ice cream
Lemon ice cream...it does not curdle, and it does not disappoint.
Sliced oranges with cinnamon
I was first served this for dessert at a restaurant in Portugal. At the time to me it was pure genius. So simple and bringing two delicious flavors together in...
Oh my, lemon & basil sorbet
When lemons are ripe in California, my friends know I love using them and send me dozens straight from their gardens – my sister Joanna’s from Sonoma, my friend Bernadette’s...
The perfect, classic chocolate layer cake
To end a meal with any type of chocolate creation – whether a cake, a mousse or some other treat – is heavenly. This chocolate...
torta caprese – chocolate almond tart with orange whipped cream
What I love about a Torta Caprese, is that like so many Italian desserts, it is not too sweet, and the consistency of the cake is not overly dense or...
a trio of mini desserts – ode to the sweet tooth
A super simple dessert that requires just a bit of imagination and some small size portions! I think of this dessert for all those cooks who hate to bake… and...
the best ever key lime pie
Ahhhh….key lime pie is creamy and tart and creamy and delicious, and the recipe is a real showstopper. Making the pie could not be more...
apple of my pie – caramel apple pie
The first time I made this caramel apple pie was for an Easter lunch with my then boyfriend, and now husband, and his family. I was so nervous that when...
tres leches cake
Three milk cake, or Pastel de Tres Leches, is one of the most common cakes in Latin American. Similar to mole, the cake recipe differs slightly by country and also...
rich vanilla bean ice cream (with pistachios)
For this recipe you need an ice cream maker and must follow the directions for how to use the machine. I love making ice cream. ...
butterscotch pot de creme
I’ll admit this recipe sounds complicated and rather fancy but despite the French sounding name, these “puddings” are relatively simple to make and delightful to taste. Your biggest challenge for...
let it crumble crumb coffee cake
Who doesn’t love crumb cake? Maybe it is a little old fashioned but that’s what makes it even more wonderful and heartwarming. The crumbly sugar, butter and cinnamon crust baked...
matcha cake with buttercream icing
I love the color and texture of this cake. The recipe is straight from Real Simple without any modifications because it is perfect.
bright burst meyer lemon tart
I love baking but given the chemistry in the process, I rarely change a recipe I find. Yes, I may add or change a spice, but the measurements and types...
tiramisu di Alessandra
My very good friend Alessandra is from Padua, Italy and a fantastic cook. Actually, both she and her husband, Luigi, are incredible hosts. An invitation to dinner from them is...
all american chocolate chip cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are almost like vanilla ice cream, maybe considered a bit bland, not very creative and somewhat ordinary. But not only do I...
meringues with fresh cream and seasonal fruit
Meringues are always a crowd pleaser for adults and children alike. Meringues can be made with relative ease though many people feel they are complex
