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.
Continue Reading

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!
Continue Reading

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!
Continue Reading

Breakfast/Brunch

Apple Blackberry Harvest Muffins, with Cinnamon Oatmeal Streusel

These muffins just scream “Autumn!” to me. Apples are self explanatory, but blackberries — the last of the seasonal berries — are always an early fall thing for me too (ok, it isn’t “early” fall anymore, but nevertheless). I also think they are a completely underused berry in the food world (I’ve even had people tell me that they are poisonous … errr, whatever). They are a little tart, but if you don’t like overly sweet breakfasts, then they are lovely addition to these muffins. Apple Blackberry Muffins … it’s what for breakfast.
Continue Reading