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.

Brother's Birthday Cake

German chocolate cake. Actually, an inside out German chocolate cake. Because of the ridiculous layer of ganache coating the entire thing. Insanity. There was actually a lot left. Meanwhile, this cake was originally crafted in America, contrary to popular belief. It was named after a guy named Sam German, who created the mild dark chocolate baking bar that was used in the recipe.

Gingerbread House

Here it is as a work in progress: a gingerbread pyramid, decorated with gummy bears and mints and other candies.

Pumpkin Roll

Fresh pumpkin infused sponge cake baked in a sheet pan, spread with a sweet cream cheese filling, and rolled up tight. This came with me to my former boss Jeremy's annual practice Thanksgiving event.

Orange Chiffon Cake

This was prepared for my friend Scott's birthday. Fortunately, the meringue frosting stood up to the two hour drive down to New Haven!

Raspberry Blondies

Fresh raspberries, macademia nuts, and white chocolate chips made these a hit at my friend Rachel's late May backyard cookout.

Biscotti

Assorted biscotti made for the HBS charity auction that I went to with my coworker, Nedda. There was chocolate hazelnut with crystallized ginger, pistachio and cranberry with white chocolate, and classic almond and orange biscotti toscani.

Angelfood Strawberry Shortcake

At a lab dinner party hosted by Yaoda and Sohrab, this dessert made for a great do-it-yourself activity. Each guest cut their own piece and assembled the cream and strawberries on top. And then we had a photo contest for the most aesthetically pleasing assembly. I can't remember whose this was, but I don't think it was mine.