I really love the incredibly vivid blue hue of these summery sweet treats. And even more so because it is totally natural, not food coloring needed. Reducing pureed blueberries concentrates both the sweet flavor and the color, creating these surprising and delicious bars. I love a healthy dose of speckled vanilla bean paste, though extract works as well, to complement the … [Read more...] about Blueberry Vanilla Bars
Sweets
Blueberry Ripple Pound Cake
You can’t really go wrong with a classic pound cake, especially when it has a special touch. And this ripple of fresh blueberries is all kinds of special. The cake is tender with this juicy pop of lemony berries swirled through. Not only is it delicious, but it is so pretty to look at – and makes for an impressive presentation with an easy preparation. Present this to your … [Read more...] about Blueberry Ripple Pound Cake
Spiced Carrot Cream Cheese Bars
Classic carrot cake and cream cheese icing all in one handy little bite is a fantastic spring and Easter recipe, and that’s what you get with these moist and flavorful bars. I’ve jazzed it up here with a little extra spice and brown butter. If I were the Easter Bunny (and who’s to say I am not?) I’d love a little basket of these special treats. Brown butter makes everything … [Read more...] about Spiced Carrot Cream Cheese Bars
Simple Moist Almond Cake
We are on the cusp of berry season, strawberries are just around the corner, then blueberries and blackberries are hitting the stands. We’ll get some raspberries around here, but not too many. And of course, there are the other fruits like peaches and plums just soon to make an appearance. All the hues from the fruit add so much color to the farmers market, coming out of the … [Read more...] about Simple Moist Almond Cake
Guinness Brownies
As Irish eyes start smilin’ at this time of year, I always seem to break out the Guinness for recipes in my kitchen. I’ll be perfectly honest, I don’t really like drinking Guinness straight up, but in cooking it adds a whole new depth and dimension to so many things. Sausage Coddle, Oatmeal Quick Bread, Bangers and Mash, Caramel Sauce. And that holds … [Read more...] about Guinness Brownies