Showing posts with label Dessert. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dessert. Show all posts

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Pistachio Torte

 
Pistachio Torte
Adapted from Chez Panisse Desserts by Lindsey Shere
This is a version of a recipe that has been in the repertoire of the Chez Panisse pastry kitchen for decades. It was developed in the tradition of European torten, a family of cakes based on ground nuts and containing little flour or other fat. This cake may be prepared ahead and kept at room temperature for a few hours, but it is best served the day it is made.

Ingredients
Cake
11/2 cups pistachios, shelled
1/4 cup cake flour
7 egg whites
6 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar, granulated
Pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon orange rind, finely grated
1 teaspoon orange flower water
Topping
1 cup shelled pistachios
6 tablespoons apricot jam, heated and strained
1/4 teaspoon orange flower water
Pinch of salt
Citrus Compote
2 oranges
6 –7 kumquats
A few drops of orange flower water
Vanilla whipped cream, not too stiff

Directions:
For the nicest possible green color in the finished cake, blanching the pistachios, or removing their inner dark-colored seed coat, is a necessary step. Bring a small pot of water to a boil and add a handful of nuts at a time. Once water returns to a boil, remove nuts with a slotted spoon and rub off seed coat. Dry nuts on a towel, then transfer to a baking sheet and toast in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes; don't let them brown. Prepare nuts for both the cake (1 1/2 cups) and the topping (1 cup) at the same time.

Butter a 9-inch springform pan; line bottom with a circle of parchment; butter the parchment and dredge with flour, tapping the pan to shake out excess.

Heat the oven to 325°F.

Using a food processor, grind 1 1/2 cups of prepared nuts with flour to a fine meal. In a small bowl, beat egg yolks with half of the sugar until thick and lightened in color. In a large bowl, beat egg whites with salt and cream of tartar into stiff peaks; slowly beat in remaining sugar until they hold stiff peaks again.

Drizzle egg yolk mixture into the bowl with egg whites; grate orange rind over yolk mixture; and drizzle in the orange flower water. 

Sprinkle in 1/4 of pistachio-flour mixture and partially fold everything together. Add another 1/4 of nut mixture and partially fold in; continue until all the nuts are used and the batter is just uniform. Gently scrape batter into prepared pan. 
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until cake is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove pan and cool completely on a rack.
Topping, 
Chop 1 cup of nuts carefully into about 1/8-inch chunks. Stir orange flower water and salt into the warm jam and paint the top and sides of the cooled cake. Pat chopped pistachios into the jam in an even layer.
Citrus Compote, 
Finely grate the zest of one orange into a bowl. Using a small, sharp knife, peel the oranges and release the sections from their membranes into the bowl with the zest, squeezing all juice from the membranes. 
Trim stem ends of kumquats, and slice thinly, discarding seeds as you go. Stir kumquats and a very few drops of orange flower water into the oranges.
Serve slices of cake with a spoonful of the citrus compote on the side and a dollop of softly whipped cream on top.

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Rose Farm Lemon Cake

Rose Farm lemon cake recipe using lemons picked from their citrus trees is baked fresh the night before for guests in a rose shaped bundt pan.
Ingredients:
Cake Mix
3 cups flour, sifted
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons fresh grated lemon rind zest, packed
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Lemon Glaze Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh grated lemon rind, packed
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions:
Cream 1 cup of butter until light and fluffy. Slowly add 2 cups 
sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy. Blend in 3 eggs, 
one at a time.

Sift together 3 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 
teaspoon of salt. Add the flour mixture alternately with 1 cup buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beating after each addition.

Mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh grated lemon rind and 2 tablespoon 
fresh lemon juice. Pour batter into greased and floured bundt pan.

Bake in preheated 325 degree oven for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

To prepare the glaze, blend together 2 tablespoons butter, softened with 1 cup powdered sugar and lemon zest.  Add up to 2 tablespoons lemon juice stirring to desired consistency.  

Or sifted powdered sugar sprinkled atop cooled cake. also is very pretty.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Roasted Hazelnut Creme Brûlée

                                                  
Roasted Hazelnut Crème Brulée
This recipe is finished with a classic bronzed sugar topping. Crack it open joyfully at the table to reveal the luxurious custard below. Combining the chocolate spread with warmed cream adds a caramelized sugar and toasted hazelnut flavor. 
* Create the topping with an Air Fryer. Set the temp at 400*F with a careful eye.
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup double cream
3/4 cup whole milk
5 medium free range egg yolks
1/4 cup caster sugar, plus 2 tbsp for topping
1/3 cup Nutella Spread
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 300*F. Heat the cream and milk together in a saucepan until almost boiling. Remove from the heat and set aside for 10 minutes. 

Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks and 1/4 cup sugar together, then mix in the Nutella spread until combined. Gradually whisk in the cream and milk mixture, then pour into 3 oz small ramekins. 

Place the ramekins into a roasting tin and pour enough cold water into the tray to come two-thirds of the way up their sides. Carefully put the roasting tin in the oven and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until just set with a little wobble, then leave in the turned-off oven with the door ajar to cool for 2 hours and set.

Preheat the broiler to high. Put the ramekins onto a baking tray, then sprinkle 1 tsp caster sugar in an even layer over each brulée. Broil – or use a blowtorch – until the sugar melts and caramelized to a golden brown colour, 2-4 minutes. Leave to cool until the sugar has set, then serve immediately.  Or use your Air Fryer at 400*F. with a watchful eye.


Monday, June 1, 2026

Almond Croissant Blondies

                                          

Almond Croissant Blondies

This almond croissant blondies recipe combines the buttery,
chewy blondie bar experience with the almond croissant flavors.
Ingredients:
Blondies
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup lt. brown sugar packed
1 large egg at room temp
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup almond flour
1/2 cup sliced almond
Powdered sugar for dusting
Frangipane
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon orange zest optional but helps elevate the croissant 
   blondies
2/3 cup almond flour
pinch of salt
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350*F.  Line an 8X8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Frangipane,
Cream the butter and white sugar together. 

Mix in the egg yolk and orange zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract together.

Fold the almond flour and salt until a paste forms.  Set aside.

Blondies:
In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and brown sugar until well combined.  Add the egg and vanilla extract.  Mix until smooth.

Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and almond flour, and stir just until smooth.  Do not over mix.

Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan.  Top with the frangipane then swirl with a wooden skewer.  Top with sliced almonds.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly firm.  Allow the blondies to cool in pan before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing into 16  2"x 2" squares. 












Monday, April 20, 2026

Key Lime Pie

Key Lime Pie
This classic key lime pie recipe follows the traditional technique of not baking the filling. The acidity in the lime juice cooks the eggs as the fillings chill. Pasteurized egg yolks are best for this recipe, but if fresh eggs are used bake the pie at 325ºF (160ºC) for 30 minutes to set the eggs.
Ingredients:
Crust
3 cups (750 mL) chocolate cookie crumbs 
1 cup (250 mL) sweetened coconut 
½ tsp (2 mL) fine salt 
¾ cup (175 mL) unsalted butter
Filling
Two 300 mL tins condensed milk 
12 pasteurized egg yolks 
1½ cups (375 mL) fresh lime juice 
4½ tsp (22 mL) lime zest
Candied Lime Slices
2 limes 
1 cup (250 mL) sugar 
1 cup (250 mL) water 
Sugar for sprinkling
Directions:
Crust, preheat oven to 375ºF (190ºC).

Combine chocolate cookie crumbs, coconut and salt. Stir in melted butter and blend to an even, crumbly texture. Press crust into an ungreased 9-inch (23-cm) springform pan. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes, until coconut browns. Allow to cool.

Filling, whisk together all ingredients until smooth and pour into baked pie shell. Chill for at least 4 hours before slicing.

Candied Lime Slices; slice limes into thin rounds Blanch first in a pot of boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water, bring up to a simmer and add lime slices. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until white pith of limes looks translucent. Drain and spread out on a cooling rack over a baking tray to dry for about an hour. Coat limes with sugar and store in an airtight container, layered between parchment or plastic until ready to use.

Top cake with candied lime slices and serve.  Serves 10 to 12

Monday, March 16, 2026

Banana Biscoff Pudding

Banana Biscoff Pudding
Popularized by New York City’s Magnolia Bakery, banana pudding traditionally encompasses layers of vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, whipped cream and vanilla wafers. In our decadent spin, we’ve made a banana pudding enriched with brown butter, swapped out wafers for Biscoff cookies and subbed in sour cream for whipped cream. If you prepare the pudding element in advance, the rest comes together in a snap.  Serves 6 
Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas, divided
1/4 cup (60 mL) unsalted butter
2 cups (500 mL) whole milk
3 egg yolks
1 egg
1/4 cup (60 mL) cornstarch
1/2 cup (125 mL) sugar
1 tbsp (15 mL) pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
3/4 cup (175 mL) heavy cream
1/4 cup (60 mL) full-fat sour cream
3 tbsp (45 mL) icing sugar
18 Biscoff cookies
Directions:
Peel and slice 1 banana into 1/2-inch- (1-cm-) thick coins. Heat
butter in a medium-size saucepan over medium heat. When melted,
add sliced banana. Cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon to
ensure nothing sticks, until caramelized and fragrant, about 7 minutes. Add milk and stir until hot—do not let boil. Remove from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth.

In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk yolks, egg, cornstarch,
sugar, vanilla and salt until smooth. Slowly stream 1/2 cup (125 mL) hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while vigorously whisking. Repeat with another 1/2 cup (125 mL) milk mixture, then whisk egg mixture into pot with remaining milk mixture.

Return pot to medium heat. Whisk gently but constantly until
mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency, 5 to 6 minutes. Pass
through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding any solids.

Place a piece of plastic wrap against surface of pudding. Cool 30
minutes then refrigerate until completely cool—about 3 hours, or up
to 3 days in advance.

When ready to serve, peel and slice remaining 2 bananas into 1/2-inch- (1-cm-) thick coins.

Place heavy cream, sour cream and icing sugar in bowl of a stand
mixer with whisk attachment. Beat on medium-high until stiff peaks
form, about 3 minutes.

Break cookies into 1/2-inch (1-cm) pieces, reserving any crumbs.

Place 2 tbsp (30 mL) pudding into six 8-oz parfait glasses, or other
glass of choice. Layer bananas, cookie pieces and cream mixture on
top, so you have two layers of each and saving six slices of banana to
garnish top along with cookie crumbs. Serve immediately or
refrigerate up to 1 hour in advance.    Serves 6

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Hot Fudge Rye Pudding.Cake

                               Hot Fudge Rye Pudding Cake                                                                                        For this magical cake, the sauce is poured over the batter before baking. In the oven, they switch places, creating moist chocolate cake floating in rich chocolate sauce. The maltiness of rye flour works well with chocolate, while the whisky brings its caramel sweetness.  Serves 8 to 10.

Ingredients:

Sauce
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (125 mL) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1 tsp (5 mL) fine sea salt
1 cup (250 mL) water
1/2 cup (125 mL) heavy cream
1/4 cup (60 mL) unsalted butter, diced
1/3 cup (80 mL) rye whisky

Cake
1 1/4 cups (310 mL) medium rye flour (see TIP) 
1/2 cup (125 mL) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder
1/2 tsp (2 mL) baking soda
1 tsp (5 mL) fine sea salt
1 cup (250 mL) 2% milk
1 tsp (5 mL) pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup (60 mL) rye whisky
1/2 cup (125 mL) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for greasing pan
3/4 cup (175 mL) sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature                                        
1 teaspoon (5ml) fine sea salt                                                         1 cup (250 mL) 2% milk                                                     1 tsp (5 mL) pure vanilla extract                                                   1/4 cup (60 mL) rye whisky                                                     1/2 cup (125 mL) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for greasing pan                                                                           3/4 cup (175 mL) sugar                                                         2 large eggs, at room temperature

Ice cream of choice to serve


Directions:

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Butter a metal 8-inch (20-cm) square baking dish.


For the sauce, combine sugar, cocoa and salt together in a medium-size pot. Whisk in water then heavy cream until smooth. Add butter and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, whisking often. Remove from heat and whisk in whisky. Set aside.


For the cake, whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium-size bowl until combined. Set aside. In another bowl, mix milk, vanilla and whisky. Set aside.


 In a stand mixer fitted with paddle, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes; stop and scrape down sides of bowl at least once. Reduce speed to low and add eggs one at a time. Gradually add half the flour mixture then slowly add half the milk mixture until just combined. Stop and scrape down bowl. Repeat with remaining flour and milk mixtures.


Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Place baking dish on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Carefully pour sauce over a large spoon over cake batter to help distribute it evenly.


Bake on middle rack until cake looks dry on top and bounces back to touch with sauce bubbling around edges, 35 to 40 minutes. Carefully remove from oven.


Cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Plate cake slice first then spoon sauce generously overtop. Serve with ice cream or Whisky Whipped Cream (recipe follows).  Serves 8 to 10
























Monday, November 17, 2025

Almond Streusel Cake

Almond Streusel Cake 
Transform a plain cake into an irresistible delight with a crumbly streusel topping. Makes 16 servings. 
Ingredients:
Streusel:
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup flour
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon orange zest
Cake:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups AP flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
 2/3 cup orange juice
Glaze
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons orange juice
Directions:
Preheat oven 350*F.  Grease a 9 or 10 inch tube pan.

To prepare the streusel,  in a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, nuts, and flour.  Stir in the butter and zest.

To prepare the cake, in a large mixer bowl, set the mixer on medium speed, beat together stage ands butter until fluffy.  Add eggs 1 at a time beating well after each addition.  Beat in zest and vanilla.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and baking soda.  

Reduce mixer speed to low.  Alternately beat flour mixture and orange juice into egg mixture, beginning and ending with flour.

Spoon half of the batter into prepared pan.  Sprinkle with  half of the streusel mixture.  Top with the remaining batter and streusel.

Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean 30 to 35 minutes.  Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool completely

To prepare the glaze, in a cup stir together the confectioners sugar and orange juice until smooth.

Turn the cake out on a serving plate, placing it right side out.  Drizzle with the glaze.

Note:  For a different streusel mixture, substitute chopped walnuts for the almonds.

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Apple Pie Bars With Cognac



Apple Pie Bars with Cognac
Skip pastry with these easy, rustic and perhaps superior apple pie bars.   The cooked down apples release their sugars into a mix of lemon juice and Cognac creating an elevated filling suited for celebrations rounded out with a crumbly topping.
Ingredients:
Cognac Kissed Apple Pie Filling
6 medium apples, a mix of tart and sweet, such as Gala and Granny Smith, about 907 g
2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour
1/3 cup (80 mL) granulated sugar
1/4 tsp (1 mL) fine sea salt
3/4 tsp (4 mL) cinnamon
4 tsp (20 mL) Cognac
1/2 tsp (2 mL) fresh lemon juice
Crumb Crust                      
1 large egg
1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
1/2 tsp (2 mL) almond extract
2 1/2 cups (625 mL) all-purpose flour
1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar
1/2 tsp (2 mL) fine sea salt
13 tbsp (195 mL) cold, unsalted butter, cubed and returned to fridge

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C) and line a 9 × 9-inch (23 x 23-cm) square baking pan with parchment paper.

To make crust, in a small bowl, whisk the egg, and vanilla and almond extracts to combine and set in the fridge to chill.

To the bowl of a food processor fitted with the S-blade, add the flour, sugar and salt and pulse to combine. Sprinkle the cold, cubed butter overtop, secure the lid, and pulse again until the butter is dispersed throughout and the largest piece is smaller than a pea.

Remove the egg mixture from the fridge and pour it overtop of the flour mixture. Pulse one last time to combine. The dough should hold together when squeezed.

Remove 13/4 cups (425 mL) of the crust mixture into a bowl and transfer to the refrigerator.

Press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, prick it with a fork and bake for 15 minutes. The edges will be lightly golden.

Meanwhile, prepare the apple pie filling. Peel, core and thinly slice apples. Place them in a large bowl and sprinkle with the flour, sugar, salt and cinnamon; toss to combine. In a small bowl, stir together the Cognac and lemon juice. Drizzle it over the apples and toss once more.

Spread the apples and the juices evenly overtop of the par-baked crust. Sprinkle with the reserved chilled crust mixture, breaking off bits so it resembles a crumble. Press down gently so crumble sticks lightly to the apples.

Bake for 15 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C)

10. Bake, rotating halfway through, for 50 minutes more, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are soft. Remove from oven and allow it to cool to room temperature before serving. Serve alone, or with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and a dusting of icing sugar. Leftover bars will keep in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Makes 16 bars

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Pecan, Date And Dried Cherry Bites

Pecan, Date and Dried Cherry Bites
Medjool dates and pecans form the base of these fudgy cubes, which are no-bake, healthy and delicious—a rare combination during the holidays. For the best possible texture, try to serve them fridge-cold.
Ingredients
14 oz (400 g) Medjool dates, about 20, pitted
1/2 cup (125 mL) dried cherries
1 1/4 cups (310 mL) chopped pecans, toasted, divided
1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon
1/4 tsp (1 mL) fine sea salt
2 tbsp (30 mL) chia seeds

Directions:
Line a 5 x 8-inch (12 x 20-cm) loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two opposite sides. Set aside.

Combine dates, cherries, 1 cup (250 mL) pecans, cinnamon and salt in a food processor and pulse until mixture is well combined and clumps together. Add chia and pulse until just combined. Scrape mixture into prepared pan, lay a piece of plastic wrap on top and press mixture into an even layer.

Finely chop remaining 1/4 cup (60 mL) pecans and sprinkle evenly overtop of date mixture, pressing down lightly to embed. 
Wrap pan in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight—block should feel very solid. 

Use parchment to pull mixture out of pan and place on a cutting board. Cut block into 32 bite-size pieces. 

Transfer to an airtight container, using parchment between layers to keep pieces from sticking together. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks. Makes 32 pieces


    Saturday, November 1, 2025

    Gluten-Free Holiday-Spiced Carrot Cakelets With Eggnog Frosting

    Gluten-Free Holiday-Spiced 
    Carrot Cakelets with Eggnog Frosting
    These moist, gluten-free mini carrot cakes get all the holiday feels from fragrant baking spices and a cream cheese frosting flavoured with rum and nutmeg. Don’t be tempted to skip the little bit of coconut flour, as it’s vital for getting the right texture. (You can buy just a little bit at most bulk food stores.)
    Ingredients:
    Cakelets
    1 1/2 cups (375 mL) superfine blanched almond flour
    1 tbsp (15 mL) coconut flour
    1 tsp (5 mL) fine sea salt
    1/2 tsp (2 mL) baking powder
    1/4 tsp (1 mL) baking soda
    1 tsp (5 mL) ground ginger
    1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cinnamon
    1/2 tsp (2 mL) freshly ground nutmeg
    1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) ground cloves
    1 cup (250 mL) finely shredded carrots
    3/4 cup (175 mL) packed dark brown sugar
    2 eggs
    1/4 cup (60 mL) canola oil
    1/3 cup (80 mL) chopped walnuts, toasted
    1/4 cup (60 mL) shredded unsweetened coconut
    Frosting
    1/2 cup (125 mL) Philadelphia-style cream cheese, at room
       temperature
    1/4 cup (60 mL) unsalted butter, at room temperature
    3 1/2 cups (875 mL) icing sugar
    1 tbsp (15 mL) dark rum or heavy cream
    1/2 tsp (2 mL) freshly grated nutmeg, plus more to garnish
    Pinch fine sea salt

    Directions: 
    For the cakelets, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).  Heavily grease a  
    12-cup muffin tin (or fill with parchment paper
    liners). You can add a circle of parchment to the base of each well
    as extra insurance, if you’re so inclined.

    Combine almond flour, coconut flour, salt, baking powder and
    soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves in a bowl and stir until
    uniform. Set aside.

    Place carrots on a paper towel–lined plate and top with another
    paper towel, pressing down to absorb any extra moisture.

    Combine brown sugar and eggs in a medium mixing bowl and
    beat on high with an electric mixer until pale and thick, about
    4 minutes. Working one at a time, add dry mixture, canola oil, carrots,
    walnuts and coconut, gently folding to incorporate.

    Divide batter between prepared wells. Bake until tops are nicely b
    rowned and feel slightly springy when touched, 18 to 20 minutes. 
    Cool for 5 minutes then run point of a thin knife around edges of each well and ease them out. Put cakelets top down on a wire rack to cool
    completely.

    For the frosting, combine cream cheese and butter in large mixing
    bowl and beat with an electric mixer until completely smooth. Add
    icing sugar and beat until combined. Add rum or cream, nutmeg and
    salt. Beat until fully incorporated. Pipe or spread icing onto cooled
    cakes and dust with a little fresh nutmeg.