oaty peach cobbler
The oatmeal in this cobbler turns it into a less traditional version of a classic. I recommend adding a bit of basil to the peaches...
torta della nonna
How can you not love a tart named after a grandmother, “torta della nonna” or Grandmother’s tart?
easy winter dessert of oranges and persimmons
For an easy dessert in the winter it’s tough to find anything easier than this one. There are few good options for fruit in the winter but taking advantage of...
Panna cotta with fresh oranges & pistachios
Panna cotta, or "cooked cream" is an Italian style dessert that is super versatile.
lemon almond butter cake
This cake had me at lemon and almond but then add the word "butter" and you have a dream dessert.
raspberry crostata
Do you like a slightly crispy crust that is not too rich and not too thick? Here you go, this recipe is just right for...
Pumpkin cinnamon panna cotta
Pumpkin, oh pumpkin! Autumn is my favorite month and finding new ways to use pumpkin is always something to bring out the creativity.
orange lime olive oil cake
Any cake using olive oil rather than butter creates a dessert that feels more decadent.
Vanilla sheet cake with orange cream cheese frosting
Sheet cake is often thought of for a big party, birthday or otherwise. But why? It is really no different than a regular layer cake...
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 dusting of confectioner’s sugar with...
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...
vanilla coconut panna cotta with persimmons, oranges and pomegranates
The topping of persimmons, oranges, and pomegranates is best in late autumn and early winter when persimmons are in season.
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...
Apple crisp bars
Apples are good anytime of the year and this dessert is great anytime of the day- including as a morning treat. Given the crumble topping, you can think of it...
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...
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...
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...
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 cake recipe is just right...
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...
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,...
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...
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
