Classic Tarte Aux Fraises

Wedding planning is in full force and I am in complete heaven. However, aside from marrying Nathan, the wedding day is almost like a road block to the most exciting part: the honeymoon! A passion among many that Nathan and I share is traveling. Our days usually consist of at least one conversation about where we want to go, what we would do if we went there, and how we could make the trip happen. We are so fortunate to be heading to Europe the day after our wedding for a little over three weeks! We will start out in St. Tropez, France, head over to Paris, then Bruges, Belgium to Heidelberg, Germany, and finally England (we may squeeze Italy somewhere in there, too). Of course, with such an amazing trip less than two months away, my excitement is almost paralyzing! Today I decided it would be fun if I started baking and cooking dishes that represent the places we will soon be! What is more French than a classic tart?This tarte-aux-fraises is simply to die for, and a real crowd pleaser! I can’t wait to eat this on the shores of St. Tropez and along the Seine in wedded bliss!

Bittersweet Chocolate Tart

I think a rule of thumb when it comes to being a great hostess is always having something delicious on hand for unexpected visitors. Whether you have some good cheese and crackers, assorted olives, or even something sweet, you will be sure to impress your guests! I recently got the gorgeous Sweet Paris cookbook and came across this chocolate tart. The description reads, “I frequently make this sumptuous chocolate tart as my ‘wow’ factor dinner-party dessert. It’s relatively easy and nearly always elicits the desired amount of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from my guests.” This description had me sold. Let’s face it, we all love a little positive feedback, especially when the recipe is easy! This tart is undoubtedly beautiful, yet somehow tastes even better. The easy process was fun and I think it is something gorgeous to have on hand! I can imagine putting it on my counter on a fun cake platter, serving it to my friends, a little decadence is so fun and goes a long way! This will quickly be a new regular in my rotation of desserts!

Raspberry Donut Muffins with Vanilla Glaze

I imagine many of you are not as blessed with the weather right now as I am in southern California, today was a whopping 85˚. I truly feel for you guys in the blistering cold, I cannot imagine.

Raspberries and muffins are traditionally a summery delicacy not exactly what you picture yourself eating in January, in the freezing weather. However with this warm weather we are experiencing in SoCal, a light summery muffin sounded delightful. I decided to kick it up by giving my muffins a donut feel by adding vanilla glaze, and a light raspberry hue. So what do you say, whether your freezing off your heiny in Oklahoma or sweating with me in California make these with me! Why not brighten the mood with some sweet raspberry donut-ty muffins I am sure your loved ones will not be complaining, all 12 of mine were gone within an hour. Happy baking.

Linzer Christmas Cookies

Cookies are undoubtedly a major part of the Christmas season. I love that most families have their own cookie traditions they make each year, all unique and especially tasty to them. For my family, it has always been noel balls, also known as Mexican wedding cookies, or my Mom’s famous shortbread pink-pig cookies. I love both of these cookies and the taste and the sight of them instantly bring back the warm feelings of Christmas. I have always thought linzer cookies are especially beautiful. The jam filled center and powder sugar are so gorgeous, and rather impressive in both their flavor and looks! I made these and they were a hit! I plan on shifting these into the mix of our family’s tradition of Christmas cookies! What cookies or treats have become a tradition in your household around the holidays?

P.S I am selling these beauties! If you live in my area I will deliver them to your home, or I can ship them! Email me for more information!

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Oh my goodness, oh my goodness, oh my goodness! I can finally shout from the rooftops how excited I am that it is Christmas time! I am ready to fully dive into all activities Christmas. Roaring fires (even though it is 73˚ and sunny in California), getting hot chocolate, wandering through the mall for countless hours, buying totally unnecessary sweaters, watching all my favorite Christmas movies, and blasting Christmas music at all hours!! Yay! I watched Elf last night and I got unhealthily excited – heart attack level 931. This morning was no different; I turned on the fire (I am legit sweating because it’s hot outside), cranked up the Christmas tunes, pulled out my Santa mug and made peppermint cookies – YUM! Come on guys, get on this Christmas spirit train with me, were going full force!

Cinnamon Bread

I love baking with cinnamon, it is the gift that always gives. Not only does my house smell like heaven, but my tastebuds are giving me high fives along with my family members. This cinnamon bread is especially special because it is simple to make, and the outcome is beautiful! It is an impressive holiday gift or an amazing breakfast and lunch to keep for yourself. Enjoy!

The most mind blowing sticky buns of all time!

Thank goodness it is finally the season of big sweaters and dark colors, because this is about the most unhealthy thing you could possibly make. But, for your tastebuds, it is the best. These are  sort of like cinnamon rolls recipe, except these rolls are soaked in caramel and butter and sprinkled with cinnamon and apples – they’re caramel apple cinnamon rolls! This is perfect comfort food, a sweet treat to surprise a friend with, or just a way to make your family really, really happy. I promise, you will love these even if you are not a fan of caramel. Enjoy!

Perfect Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is my absolute favorite dessert. Pumpkin pie forever holds a place in my heart, because Nathan and I bonded over our undying love for this dessert early on in our relationship. It simply is an unbeatable dessert in my book. NO matter how many fancy and amazing recipes I find, nothing will beat this good old pie – just how my Mom makes it. Enjoy!

Farewell pie week! I am done posting only pie, I will post more in the future just not everyday.

Mom’s Simple but Special Blueberry Pie

As I said before, it’s pie season. Pies are so fun to make because you can decorate them in so many different ways, kind of like a blank canvas. For my blackberry-apple pie I posted earlier, I opted for a more rustic look, which Is a look that I absolutely love. However, I get so excited at all the different decorating options there are. I love the classic and traditional Lattice topper. It is beautiful and traditional, and did I mention SO easy? Since this look is classic, I decided to make my mom’s blueberry pie. It is so simple and amazing! Enjoy, friends.

The Perfect Pie Crust….AND Apple Blackberry Pie

It’s the season of making pies, and I know from experience that finding a trustworthy pie crust recipe that’s easy is often challenging. Here, I give you the simplest, easiest, flakiest, tastiest pie crust recipe around. It’s easy and delicious and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe will leave people praising your pies this whole holiday season. The best part is this recipe makes an extra piecrust, so you can freeze one and pull it out whenever you want to impress someone. Happy pie making! Oh yeah, I also included the delicious recipe for apple blackberry pie. I will do more posts very soon on fun ways to decorate the top of your pies. For this one I opted for a more rustic look! Enjoy!