Monthly Archives

October 2015

Desserts

Black and White (and Orange) Cupcakes:
Vanilla Bean Cupcakes with Spiced Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Sometimes I am just in a cupcake kind of mood. It was a spur of the moment thing that I decided to make these — I realized that a friend has a birthday tomorrow (on Halloween) so it was an impromptu thing. I didn’t have much in the house, but I did jazz up the flavors in these otherwise rather “black and white” cupcakes: vanilla bean paste in the cupcakes themselves and both cinnamon and chili powder in the chocolate frosting.
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30. October 2015
Desserts

Maple and Brown Sugar Apple Pie “To Feed A Crowd”

It’s not often that I have to serve pie to 30 people. I think that happens maybe once ever few years, actually. But tonight is an occasion that I need to present some of my goodies in front of a large group of people. I thought about just making cookies or brownies, but then I thought that a pie would be more impressive. Also, I thought that this might give people occasion to see a recipe that will work for Thanksgiving, if you are serving a whole lot of people. You will need a rimmed half-sheet pan, but I think that most home bakers will have that. Maple extract adds a lot to this recipe; my flat smells absolutely wonderful because of the boost of the maple syrup flavor.
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28. October 2015
Desserts, Sweet Snacks

Mini Pies in Jam Jar Lids

Here is one for all you arts and craftsy minded people out there: making mini-pies in jam jar lids. They are the perfect size, are oven safe and if you buy the pretty colored ones, are even great for presenting the little pies. The bottoms come off the Mason-jar style, so it’s also super easy to pop the pie out for those 1-2 bites. In theory, they are reusable, but because they are so cheap, who cares if one or two go missing!
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24. October 2015
Cookies

Espresso Dark Chocolate Coconut Cookies

These might be my new favorite chocolate chip cookies. I know, I know, I likely said that at the last batch of chocolate chip style cookies that I made, but these add in two of my other favorite flavors: espresso and coconut. And they are the perfect thing on this chilly and blustery Friday afternoon. Time for some hot chocolate to go with them too!
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23. October 2015