Triple-Chocolate Mousse Cake

Put “eat chocolate” at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you’ll get one thing done. — Anonymous For the Thanksgiving holiday I contemplated making one of several different kinds of fabulous desserts—a pumpkin cheesecake, a cranberry and walnut tart, a pecan praline pie, and a fruit galette.… Read More

Pumpkin Bars

Moist and soft, pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are a great way to welcome the fall. One of my all time favorite pumpkin recipes is pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting. For nearly 15 years, every fall I have been making pumpkin bars to rave reviews. As the official start of fall begins tomorrow,… Read More

Raspberry Tart

Made with pasta frolla (short-crust pastry), this Italian tart is as beautiful as it is delicious, whether topped with uniform raspberries or a mix of any fresh berries in season. Buon appetito! For the crust ¾ cup (6oz/185 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 egg, lightly beaten 1/3 cup (3 oz/90 g) granulated sugar… Read More

Almond Praline Cake with Mascarpone Frosting and Chocolate Bark

A party without cake is just a meeting.  —Julia Child There’s a special place in the lexicon of decadent birthday cakes for layer cakes made with exotic and rich accoutrements like a dense chocolate ganache and mascarpone frosting.  So, when I had to make a birthday cake this weekend I aimed for nothing less than… Read More

Bastille Day

Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité National motto of France July 14th was La Fête Nationale for France.  Also known as Bastille Day, this national holiday celebrates France’s freedom from monarchial rule and coincides with the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, a large French jail that was a symbol of the King’s power. Very similar to… Read More