The Wafel Whisperer: Pumpkin Marshmallow Spekuloos Cupcakes

I’ve had these cupcakes in my head for many months, and (happy joy!) it was finally time to realize the dream. They are the perfect flavor combination for Thanksgiving and the entire holiday season, as they evoke the warmth and coziness of this chilly and festive time of year. No doubt you’ve had, or at […]

Baked Sunday Mornings: Baked Cheese Grits

So. Grits have just revolutionized my dinner repertoire. How have I lived until now?? Honestly, I had no intention of making this recipe. I have never made grits, eaten grits, or purchased grits, and it’s possible that I’ve never even seen prepared grits. My cooking preferences run along the lines of healthy, fresh dishes with […]

Fall Fiesta: Cinnamon Cupcakes with Chocolate-Chile Buttercream

I’ve made no secret of the fact that cupcakes bring an unprecedented and slightly alarming level of delight to my life. And really, I’m okay with that. So far on this fledgling lil’ blog, I have featured only chocolate-based cupcakes, because, well… many of my favorite recipes are made of chocolate, smothered in chocolate, studded […]

Baked Sunday Mornings: Caramel Coconut Cluster Bars

Move over, Girl Scout Cookies– you’ve got competition. During my summer visit to BAKED in Brooklyn, I discovered the glory that is Caramel Coconut Cluster Bars. Among the treasure trove of treats that I brought home was this amazing little gem, an homage to the classic Samoa cookie: a layer of gooey, coconut-laced caramel crowning […]

Crystal Clear: Lessons in Sugar Science (aka Making Candy at Baking Arts)

Ah, sugar… We meet again. I have posted several recipes chronicling my love-hate relationship with sugar; it is one of the most difficult ingredients to work with, in my experience as a home baker without a chemistry background. (Sorry, high school Chemistry was a distant, painful memory. Also, I don’t recall that we ever made […]

Sweet Victory: Obama Cupcakes

My heart is overflowing with joy, pride, and relief as I watch the 2012 election coverage this evening. Without getting too political here, I am so happy that our nation chose to be on the right side of history today. In celebration, I am posting a photo from the historic 2008 election that I was […]

Baked Sunday Mornings: Buttermilk Pie

Pie dough and I have never really gotten along… until now. I have tried a number of pie crust recipes over the years, and they generally come out tough, soggy, flimsy, burnt, or otherwise unappealing. Oh, and my crusts almost always shrink (usually unevenly) in the pie dish. It ain’t pretty. In fact, I rarely make […]

Good News & Bad News: Baseball & a Hurricane Named Sandy

It’s been quite a wild week on both coasts! I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and have been a faithful Giants fan since I was ten years old. The elation of winning the World Series in 2010 for the first time since the team moved to SF in 1958 was such an amazing […]