Mandel bread, also known as Mandelbrot, is a traditional twice-baked Jewish cookie similar to biscotti. Like biscotti, Mandel bread is crunchy, however, it’s made with more fat than biscotti, so the resulting cookie is a bit richer and less dry. These cookies were popular throughout the 19th century among Eastern European Jews, often consumed by […]

Inspired by my plum cake, this sweet cherry snacking cake is tender with a light crumb. And the best part, it’s also gluten-free. This simple cake features slightly sweet-slightly tart fresh summer cherries and makes the perfect sweet treat anytime. Enjoy for breakfast with a cup of coffee or on a warm summer evening with […]

You know what they say about ice cream; “I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream“. This tagline phase is cross-generational, eliciting childhood memories of hot summer days and that sought-after cone or scoop of ice cream that helped keep the heat at bay. That memorable line is actually from a popular novelty […]

Sundays are a time for cake in Germany. Many Germans enjoy cake with their afternoon coffee on this day. Although Germans do drink coffee during the work week, typically in the late afternoon, Sundays are different. Sundays, are a day of rest and even mowing your lawn is forbidden on this day. According to Ladenöffnungszeitengesetz […]

A cream pie, of any kind, is actually a variation of an old-fashioned custard pie. But to me, a banana cream pie is a culinary work of art.  It is a magical combination of creamy vanilla custard, bananas, and whipped cream all layered together. This dreamy filling is set in an irresistible coconut graham cracker […]

Most who read my blog already know I’m a cookie fanatic. These matcha-coconut tea cookies are my latest and when I say make, eat, and repeat, I’m not kidding around. These soft, pillowy matcha cookies are truly unforgettable. Matcha Matcha has been a traditional drink in Japan for over 800 years and used in tea […]

A shredded Brussels sprout and feta frittata may seem fancy and complicated, but the truth is, it’s not. It’s also the perfect dish for mom if breakfast in bed is on the menu for Mother’s Day. For those unfamiliar, a frittata is an Italian open-faced omelet, often made in a cast iron pan, featuring a […]

Red velvet cupcakes (or cakes) are traditionally red, crimson, or scarlet-colored colored cakes, with fluffy white ermine icing. And aside from my classic coconut layer cake, red velvet has become a recent obsession of my older son. The deep red hue of this popular flavor is visually striking and immediately draws attention. For my kid, […]

Almond butter buckeye balls are one of my latest obsessions. Buckeye balls are a beloved American confection that is easy to make and sure to please just about anyone. These delectable bite-sized balls have been around forever, but are typically made with a combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar, which creates a creamy, […]

Although I am not a die-hard chocolate fanatic, many I know are. This recipe is for them. Chocolate can make many wonderful things, pudding is one of them. Chocolate pudding was a childhood treat that sometimes appeared in my school lunch box. But the kind I ate was not the homemade kind, it came in […]

Not all cakes are created equal or considered beautiful, by modern-day standards. The fallen chocolate cake is the most well-known of all the “ugly” cakes. Despite that, I still find it remarkably intoxicating. The cake’s cracks are inviting and its uneven top is a curiosity. What lurks beneath that delicate sugary top layer is a […]

I can’t deny it, chocolate is a wonderful thing. And many of us crave rich chocolatey desserts or, at times, an eye-catching, cream cheese frosted red velvet cake. But the beauty and simplicity of a lemon pound cake can be just as wonderful. This lemon sour cream pound cake is one of my all-time favorite things. […]

I am all about a soft pillowy cookie, so it is no surprise that I had to make (and can’t seem to stop making), these frosted sugar cookie bars. With a dense, yet incredibly soft center and a fluffy whipped frosting, these bars are truly addictive. I decorated these bars to the max with pink […]

These beauties are my coconut dulce de leche cocadas and they are outrageously delicious. Cocadas are a traditional coconut candy or confectionery typically found in Latin America, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela as well as other areas in South America. If you are a coconut lover like I am, these are a must-make. Similar […]

Chia pudding has been an Instagram favorite for years now with no signs of slowing down, and I totally get why. The luster of the presentation is intoxicating. Beautiful works of art, served in overflowing, handmade earthenware, or in adorable petite glass jars, all highlighting those gorgeous gray chia seeds. Seriously, what’s not to love? […]