Easter season is the perfect time for carrot cakes. But I will admit, I am a little too lazy to make beautiful layered version swathed in cream cheese frosting, decorated with icing or marzipan carrots. I tend to go for bundt or tube cakes, like these Carrot Ginger or Carrot Coconut version. My other cheat is these lovely bars packed with carrots then gently … [Read more...] about Spiced Carrot Cake Bars
Sweets
Lemon Lavender Curd Crumble Cake
There is no question this is an indulgent cake. But it is also thoroughly worth the indulgence. A butter rich dough filled with a simple lemon curd under a rubbly top studded with lavender. The original recipe for this which I cut from a magazine years ago is called Belgian Lemon Tea Cake, I don’t know why. This cake appears so simple and unassuming, but slice into it and there … [Read more...] about Lemon Lavender Curd Crumble Cake
Molasses Marble Cake
I love the idea of having a cake in the house to slice and serve as a snack or as a nice break with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon. This spiced loaf fits the bill perfectly, and it is attractive to boot. A simple buttermilk batter is swirled through with a really richly flavored molasses streak that makes this something special. Though I fantasize about afternoon tea … [Read more...] about Molasses Marble Cake
Tarte à la Bouille (Cajun Custard Pie)
Years ago at some restaurant in New Orleans, I honestly cannot remember where, I had a dessert of Tarte à la Bouillie . I ordered because I was intrigued by the name and that it was billed as a creole custard tart. I like to order anything that smacks of a local specialty. That one was fanicied up with fruit sauce and whipped cream and what not. It was lovely, … [Read more...] about Tarte à la Bouille (Cajun Custard Pie)
Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Bars
I actually love to cook on vacation. I love shopping at grocery stores and food markets in foreign climes. On my most recent trip to London, I was tasked with bringing dessert to a dinner party, and though the rented flat kitchen was spacious and very nice, it wasn’t particularly well equipped. No mixer, one baking pan, one mixing bowl. I wanted something that had a nice … [Read more...] about Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Bars
