Baking · Desserts · Food and Drink

Not “Doren” – Banana Cream Pie

My dad is the best in the world. You only think yours is, because you didn't have mine. I love him and he's amazing. We had a special time together as a family tonight to celebrate my dad's birthday. Instead of cake, I made him his favorite - Banana Cream Pie. I was going to… Continue reading Not “Doren” – Banana Cream Pie

Baking · Desserts · Family

“Jessicas” – Meringue Mushrooms

Ok, I know - the title of this post made you go "WHAT?!". I'll totally admit that I never would have tried this recipe on a title only description. A unique set of circumstances led me to make these - and I'm really glad I did. Today I made some banana cream pies and as… Continue reading “Jessicas” – Meringue Mushrooms

Baking · Desserts · Family

Coming Soon – Doren

It's been a few days since I've posted anything...but never fear. More deliciousness is coming. I've been enjoying some family time over the Thanksgiving weekend and prepping for my dad's birthday dinner tomorrow. I'm making Chicken Kiev, Gourmet Red Mashed Potatoes and a delightful Pear and Feta Salad (with homemade dressing...sooooo good!). For dessert, my… Continue reading Coming Soon – Doren

Baking · Desserts

Pumpkin Cheesecake

I know pumpkin pie is traditional for Thanksgiving, but every year I make this divine pumpkin cheesecake instead for our intimate family dinner. By "intimate", I mean we only invite my mom's immediate family, and their immediate families. Which comes to between 40 and 50 people. This year I believe the magic number is 45.… Continue reading Pumpkin Cheesecake

Desserts

Decadent Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate truffles are a total indulgence. Rich, smooth and luscious. These truffles take some time, but are totally worth it. Especially since one batch makes dozens and dozens of truffles that you can customize however you like. My kids helped me with these. And by "helped", I mean that they hovered around the bowl until… Continue reading Decadent Chocolate Truffles

Baking · Cookies · Muffins

Pumpkin Spice Muffin Tops

I first made this recipe when my daughter was two years old. She had a severe dairy allergy, which was horrible in a lot of ways, but it killed me that she couldn't bake with Mommy or eat any of the stuff I made. I took this recipe and altered it, using rice milk and… Continue reading Pumpkin Spice Muffin Tops

Baking · Desserts

Raspberry Coulis

Made this quick and delicious raspberry coulis to serve with "Patrick" - Flourless Double Chocolate Truffle. Depending on how tart your berries are, you may need to add more sugar, to taste. I like mine with a hint of pucker since I'm usually serving it with something really rich. Make sure once it's boiling, you… Continue reading Raspberry Coulis

Baking · Cookies · Desserts · Family

“Zacharies” – Super Peanutty Peanut Butter Cookies

It is a well documented fact that my husband (Zachary) is not a fan of sweet things. Cookies, cakes, fudge, candy - none of it tempts him. It drives me crazy. However, even his lack of a sweet tooth cannot resist my peanut butter cookies. Probably because they are so nutty and awesome, rather than… Continue reading “Zacharies” – Super Peanutty Peanut Butter Cookies

Baking · Desserts

“Colleen” Pumpkin Eggnog Bread Pudding

My friend Colleen sent me the link to this recipe - and upon first sight I couldn't wait to make it. So, I'm naming it after her. Today, I just did the recipe as it was listed in the original article in the Seattle Times Food & Wine section - except that I coated my… Continue reading “Colleen” Pumpkin Eggnog Bread Pudding

Baking · Cookies · Desserts

Emilys

Yesterday I made an amazing discovery. I love people and I love food. Well, I already knew those things, but here's the discovery. I bake because I enjoy it, but more because I love the people in my life and want them to have delicious things. I've made a decision. Someday, when I have my… Continue reading Emilys