I'm not sure what is a better description of these cookies... cookies, or cupcake tops (which reminds me of the Seinfeld episode about the Muffin Tops- it's a classic, you should watch it). These are soft, cakey circles of delicious pumpkiny goodness, and the brown butter icing tops them off perfectly. One batch makes a...
Baking
Salmon Baked in Foil with Tomatoes and Shallots
Traditionally, Italians cook fish al cartoccio, "in a bag", by using swordfish or sea bass wrapped in parchment paper. In Michigan, we've got plenty of salmon, so this recipe was a perfect addition to our repertoire. You could substitute canned diced tomatoes if you like, just drain them first. Salmon Baked In Foil with Tomatoes...
Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake with Buttermilk Icing
It's getting to be that time of the year... Pumpkin time! Our house smells like pumpkin most of the time from Labor Day until New Years. We love pumpkin pie, pumpkin doughnuts (I should share that recipe soon!), pumpkin cake, pumpkin candles, pumpkin waffles (a new favorite), pumpkin spiced lattes and anything else you can...
Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
I tried this recipe for the first time last weekend in an attempt to find a buttercream that I like nearly as much as my favorite Swiss Meringue Buttercream, but that I can whip up in a hurry. I found that if I beat it for a couple of extra minutes at the end, it...
Swiss Meringue Buttercream (Vanilla or Chocolate)
This is my go-to buttercream recipe. It takes some time, and lots of dishes, but it is worth it in the end if you ask me. The texture is perfectly smooth and light with no unpleasant grains of sugar remaining thanks to the fact that the sugar is dissolved in the egg whites. I like...
Triple Berry Bundt Cake
There has been a tremendous amount of baking going on in my life lately, and that is definitely not a complaint. In keeping with that theme, I am going to share some more of my favorite cake recipes from over the years, and some that I am trying for the first time. This triple berry...
Red Velvet Cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery
Red Velvet cake is my absolute favorite cake. Perfect for any occasion. Celebrating Hubby's new job, Sister moving to college, Brother-in-law completing a milestone accomplishment. These are a few of the reasons we have enjoyed red velvet cake recently. I had a chance to go to Magnolia Bakery a few weeks ago (in Chicago) and...
Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread & Cinnamon Honey Butter
The only times in life that I voluntarily eat raisins are in bagels, and cinnamon raisin bread. Don’t try sneaking them in with peanuts and m&m’s in trail mix either...I will waste precious eating-time picking them out. However, put them in a deliciously warm baked good and I’m on board. If only you could smell...
Quiche aux Champignons (Mushroom Quiche)
There's nothing like a Saturday morning brunch during a holiday weekend in northern Michigan. We very much enjoyed this quiche before a long day spent exploring little antique shops and walking around downtown Ludington this afternoon. The original recipe did not call for bacon, but we liked the added bit of saltiness that it brought...
Pâte Brisée (Shortcut Pastry, Pastry Dough, Pie Crust, Quiche Crust)
Pâte Brisée (Shortcut Pastry, Pastry Dough, Pie Crust, Quiche Crust) Credit: Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child, Simone Beck, and Louisette Bertholle You could make this dough using a food processor, but I find my results are better when I make this by hand, plus there are less dishes to wash and that...