Happiness does not come automatically. It is not a gift that good fortune bestows upon us and a reversal of fortune takes back. It depends on us alone.One does not become happy overnight, but with patient labor, day after day. Happiness is constructed, and that requires effort and time. In order to become happy, we… Read More
Chocolate-Hazelnut Cake
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! This cake is loaded with chocolate! This chocolate cake has often been the climax of many special evening meals I’ve shared with family and friends. It’s lusciously coated with two layers of a decadent ganache and topped with a mountain of semisweet chocolate curls! To take you to the dreamy land of chocolate-hazelnut bliss, the cake… Read More
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
Walnut Cookies
As tasty as they are beautiful, these little cookies were made using a walnut mold. Their shape provides a hint at what’s sandwiched inside. My friend B. made these lovely cookies for a play date I recently hosted. They would make a beautiful addition to your table during the holidays, but why wait? As tomorrow is officially… Read More
Chocolat
Chocolate symbolizes, as does no other food, luxury, comfort, sensuality, gratification, and love. —Karl Petzke It’s time to celebrate! September 13th is International Chocolate Day. One of the world’s most beloved foods, chocolate has been enjoyed in many different forms for thousands of years. I once read, if we could take a bite of love, it… 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