It’s officially Fall, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it in southwest Florida. In spite of our high temps, I’m still moving ahead with my Fall traditions! One of them is this delicious, fresh apple spice cake. I love the smells that emanate from the kitchen when it’s in the oven — comforting and definitely…
Sweets & Desserts
Honolulu Date Squares – A Family Favorite
Since the weather has been getting a tad cooler in southwest Florida, I’ve been thinking about holiday desserts and Fall-inspired dishes. One of my favorite holiday desserts is a family favorite we simply called “date squares” and they were especially delicious when they came out of my grandmother’s kitchen. They have a gooey, sweet date…
Pear Crisp
I love pears — poached, chopped in a salad, or as a snack while the juice drips down your arm. I especially love them baked in a warm dessert with a little vanilla ice cream! We’re fortunate to have access to pears year-round, but they’re especially delicious this time of year. Pears are one of…
Homemade Applesauce
Mmmm. . .warm, sweet, cinnamony applesauce. It’s like love in a bowl. It’s one of my favorite things to make, especially when temps start getting cooler. Trust me, once you start making this stuff, you’ll never buy it again in the supermarket! It’s easy to make, you know exactly what’s in it, and it’s awesome….
Rosemary-Vanilla Poached Peaches
Today’s the last day in August, but I didn’t want to miss a chance to still celebrate National Peach Month! I LOVE fresh peaches and my first inclination was to make a peach pie – my favorite flavor – but I certainly could not have been trusted with a whole pie in the house. Instead,…
Lemon Ginger Icebox Cake
Icebox cakes, also known as refrigerator cakes, are simply layers of cookies and whipped cream (or pudding) that, when chilled, transform into a cake-like dessert that’s just heavenly. Basically, the crunchy cookies absorb the moisture of the filling, making them soft and deliciously flavorful. Truth be told, it’s hard not to go back for a second helping….
Blueberry Galette
A galette has to be one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make. It’s rustic, yet elegant. If you’re not familiar with it, “galette” is a French term for any free-form, flat, round cake or pastry. It’s sometimes used interchangeably with “crostata” (which is Italian for a baked tart or pie). It’s made with one…
Whoopie Pies
In New England, Whoopie Pies are a favorite treat and, as a kid, my brother and I got very excited when my mom made a batch. Who wouldn’t love moist, chocolate cake with a sweet, creamy filling? I’d take one of these over a plain old Devil Dog any day. Whoopie Pies originated from the Amish. Lore…