Carrot cake, I have found, is an intensely personal taste. There are those on the side of nuts, and those against. The pineapple people and the anti-pineapple people. The cream cheese frosting advocates and the buttercream brigade. I am not ambivalent in my preferences, but not nearly as persnickety as some. I like carrot cake that is moist and full of flavor, with carrots at … [Read more...] about Carrot Coconut Cake
Sweets
Confetti King Cake Squares
A few years ago, I was working on some Mardi Gras recipes and happened to have arrayed around my kitchen all manner of purple, green and gold decorative sprinkles, confettis, sugars and what-not when By chance I talked to a friend who was making a “funfetti” cake for her daughters’ birthday party. And standing there, looking at a cake shop worth of themed décor, I couldn’t help … [Read more...] about Confetti King Cake Squares
Bourbon Chocolate Decadence
It is the sweet chocolate time of year. We’ve been pretty good (mostly) so far with those New Year’s resolutions and are ready for a reward. Decadent chocolate desserts are just the thing. And nothing says I love you like home-cooked food, so February is the perfect time to whip up a special meal for your love, your family, or your closest friends. And I say go overboard on … [Read more...] about Bourbon Chocolate Decadence
Chocolate and Chestnut Terrine
I adore chestnuts and when they start to turn up in the shops around the holidays, I go a little nuts (pun intended!) and stock up. What I mean here are the ready peeled and cooked version, sold vacuum packed or in jars. They are so easy to use and so very wintery and festive. I use them in lots of savory recipes, like this lovely Roasted Chestnut Bisque or a hearty Pasta … [Read more...] about Chocolate and Chestnut Terrine
Nutella Cake with Chocolate Ganache
I cut out a recipe from a magazine ages ago that has become a real emergency staple for me – Nutella Cookies. It is literally a jar of Nutella, a cup of flour and an egg beaten together, rolled into balls and rolled in granulated sugar. It’s the perfect last minute recipe because its easy to have those ingredients always on hand. I send them to my nieces at college in care … [Read more...] about Nutella Cake with Chocolate Ganache
