Christmas Cheesecake Squares

These squares start with a graham cracker crust, followed by a thick cheesecake layer, and then a simple layer of chocolate ganache on top. As this treat has only a few ingredients, the quality of each is key. No slacking off and getting store brand graham crackers, eggs from caged chickens, or Hershey's chocolate.

Pumpkin and Spice Layer Cake

My highschool friend Rachel and I made this cake for her boyfriend's surprise 30th birthday party. One layer is flavored with fresh pumpkin, the other is a spice cake. Frosted with a molasses butter cream and garnished with toasted walnuts.

Apple Pie

One of the best things about fall. Apple pie made from freshly picked apples: Cortland, Granny Smith, and... a third apple that I can't remember (maybe Empire).
Piece o' pie.

Almond butter cookies

S-shaped almond butter cookies, studded with almond slivers, in a glass cookie jar. Brought these with me when I went to visit my great Aunt Lee and Uncle Mike in Providence.

Cherry Pie

Nothing like a pie made from real cherries with a lattice crust to jazz up a party (note confetti in the background, which went into the pinata...)

Lemon cheesecake

My coworker, Amanda, turned 25 today. No one in my office ever mentions when their birthdays are. I miss the ritual in my former labs to always acknowledge everyone's birthday, and use it as an excuse to bake something new. Happily, I stumbled upon Amanda's birthdate on Facebook, and promptly decided to whip up this cheesecake for her. Of course, shortly after suggestion to everyone that we take a little sugar break mid-afternoon, a delivery from a North End bakery comes through the door-- 24 cupcakes, courtesy of Amanda's mom. So by the time mid-afternoon came around, we were already plenty full of sugar. Next time, I'll make a coffeecake. That is, if I can ever find out when the next person's birthday is.

Falling Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sauce

This is a 'falling' cake because it's pulled from the oven before the center has a chance to get firm. The raspberry sauce is a simple mixture of fresh raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. It gets boiled just until the sugar melts, and then spooned over the plated cake. The result is an unspeakable melty chocolatey raspberry deliciousness. Thanks to the Olives Dessert Table Cookbook for this yummy creation.

Oatmeal Currant Cookies

The recipe for these came from a terrific cookbook called The New Best Recipe, which explains how the writers/bakers arrived at the final recipe, through much experimentation and trial and error. This cookie came out nice and plump, unlike many oatmeal cookies, which bake into a wide, flat oily disk. Usually made with raisins, the currants made for a nice size within the cookie. Chopped almonds would have also made a nice addition. Next time.

Easter Carrot Cupcakes

Frosted with molasses cream cheese icing and topped with toasted sweetened coconut. They turned out more muffin-y than cupcake-y, but you can't go wrong with carrots for Easter.

St. Joseph's Day Zeppole

My grandmother used to make these for my Dad (Joseph) on St. Joseph's Day (March 19th) every year. I carry on the tradition. These are cream puffs filled with almond custard.