Dash of Red

Dear Chase:

I know it has been a long time since I have posting anything on our blog so I thought what a better way to get back into the baking groove then with my all time favorite "Red Velvet Cupcakes". Each one is layered with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting and topped off with crunchy cakes crumbs to add another layer of drama to these little red devil like cakes. What I like most about red velvet cake is the mild chocolate flavor and the moist and tender crumb you get by using buttermilk, oil instead of butter, sour cream and a few dashes of red food coloring. I know the red food coloring might not be the best thing for you but when you add the vinegar into the batter, it does take away the bitterness of the dye. I have made these cupcakes for so many occasions from birthday parties, gifting or even just a simple treat for myself. They are so easy to make and always a crowd pleaser!!!

Making a Come Back!

Dear Chase:

It has been quite some time since I have had the time, energy and creative mind set to bake let along blog about it. As I have been trying to tell you for the past few months, mommy is pregnant with a little baby brother for you ;) How exciting Chase- you are going to be a BIG BROTHER and a good one at that. Not only do I lack energy lately, I have also lacked inspiration to make something yummy enough to talk about. I will admit that I did bake a couple a delicious cookie platters for parties but coming up with a new dessert and testing recipes in my test kitchen has been far from my to do list. But with the New Year upon us, I have begun to think about all the fabulous desserts I can make for the many upcoming occasions. If only you enjoyed sweet things as much as me but I am working on that everyday. I have been itching to make another blueberry or apple pie, pumpkin cheesecake and my all time favorite- chocolate wafer icebox cake. Stayed tuned Chase to see what mommy comes up with next.....  xoxo

Dear Chase:

A cookie a day makes the blues go away or at least that is what I would like to think...ha! I think cookies are the most universally liked sweet treat that kids and adults can both agree on but the best flavor is still up to the each cookie monster from within. I mean there are so many kinds to choose from.....from sugar to peanut butter to oatmeal raisin to chocolate chip, not to mention snicker doodles to shortbread to the unforgettable raisin pecan cookies I use to have as a child. The list is endless and so is the creativity you can bring to each cookie. The cookie you see above is a shortbread based cookie with a fruity raspberry jam in the middle and rolled in sugar for that extra sweet crunch. The classic shortbread cookie is a combination of flour, butter, sugar and salt and all of the flavor comes from the butter so I always use a organic, high quality butter...it does make all the different. But instead of cutting them into a particular shape, I decided to roll them into balls, dust them with some sugar and placing a thin thin layer of raspberry jam to give it a tart but sweet finish. I served these for your Birthday brunch and they were a huge hit.

The next cookie on my plate will be another jam filled cookie but this one will be rolled in walnuts and baked to perfection.. until next time.

Chase Year Two

Dear Chase:

Happy Birthday to you- Happy Birthday to you- Happy Birthday dear Chasers...Happy Birthday to you!!!

So, I am entering this blog  the week of your birthday and I'm so happy that we were able to celebrate your special day with close family and friends this past weekend. Your dad and I decided to do something a bit different than a party in the park or a recreational center ..we decided to host a day time event, brunch at our house. We had games (that weren't played), prizes, a memorable video of your first two years, a lot of food, presents, joy and laughter. All in all.. I think it was a magical day for everyone, especially me. You see, your birthday isn't just about food, fun and presents, it is the day that most precious and important person came into my life and I am a happier and more complete person. Chase, I love  you more than I can ever express and I certainly do try to show you in every way that I know how. Sometimes, it is with a hug, a thousand kisses a day or being able to cook for you. I cherish ever minute of it and I can't imagine my life without you. So-Happy Birthday to my little man, always remember how much mommy loves you.

Dear Chase:

There are so many trends out there and new things to try but I would say the newest trend is -COCONUTS! Everything from coconut milk, coconut water to coconut desserts. I know I have been making my coconut cream pies for several occasions but this time I wanted to make the classic and super easy to make-coconut macaroons. You know me.. I like to eat my calories versus drinking them so if I have any form of a coconut- it will have to be the ingredient of some decadent or even simple treat. I would consider these cookies a simple but satisfying cookie that can be stored for up to a week.

I like my coconut macaroons with a chewy, dense texture so these fit the bill, perfectly :)

Mini Morsels

Dear Chase:

What you see in the picture above is a large platter full of mini New York style cheesecakes and mini Key Lime pies that I made for a family/friends gathering tonight. You will be busy playing with all your cousins to notice mommy eating her fair share of these beautiful and tasty treats, ha! Every time we have a gathering, I am usually the one that makes the dessert but I have to say that it does get hard to find the perfect dessert that everybody will love For this particular event, I decided to make mini versions of my favorite desserts-creamy cheesecakes and a tart and sweet key lime pie.

Banana Cream Pie

Dear Chase:

Nothing makes me smile more than a big slice of homemade banana cream pie or in this case a"tart". These pies can have either a pastry or a graham cracker crust and their toppings could be whipped cream or a soft and creamy meringue. Forget what you think you know about banana cream pie and learn how to make this super easy recipe. To make a delicious Banana Cream Pie you need to make everything from scratch from the tender pastry crust, vanilla infused pastry cream, perfectly ripe bananas to the fresh whipped cream to bring it all together.

I will post my easy to make recipe shortly....stay tuned.