joy of baking

When creating a beautiful buffet for your Oscars viewing party, don't skimp on dessert! The stars will be devouring shortbread and chocolate truffles at the Governors Ball, so take a cue from Sherry Yard — the event's pastry chef — and make your own variations. Cut classic, buttery shortbread into Oscar shaped cookies. Arrange store bought chocolate truffles on pretty plates next to chocolate caramel sandwich cookies. For the recipes to these bite sized decadent desserts, read more

Ever since I threw together the simple coconut macaroon and creme brulee ice cream sandwiches, I've been craving macaroons like a mad woman. With their crisp coconut outsides, and chewy soft centers, macaroons are my new favorite cookie. I've experimented with the original version, and now I want to give their chocolate covered cousin a taste.

Not only are these cookies a wonderful accompaniment to a mug of afternoon coffee, but they make cute Halloween gifts when packaged in clear plastic baggies and tied with bright orange ribbon. For the recipe please read more

The owner of my local strawberry stand recently let me know that their first batch of organic blueberries were just picked. I got so excited that I headed over yesterday to pick up both the juicy red strawberries and the pop in your mouth bright blueberries. Much can be done with the berries: they can be folded into batters or pureed into sauces, however I'm in the mood to enjoy them in their pure and original state. A big bowl of berries, whatever kind you have access to, makes for the perfect light and fresh ending to a heavier meal. Drizzle a little creme anglaise over the top and you are in for one decadently simple and divine dessert. Make it tonight and enjoy the sauce all week, read more

Having a wide assortment of snacks is a great idea for a bachelorette party not only because you have something to munch on while you mingle, gossip, and open gifts, but also so there are leftovers when you come back hungry and tired after a night of dancing and drinking. I'm planning Julie's bachelorette party (no I am not her maid of honor but who ever is should take a look at this week's party!) complete with a strip class and the usual ladies night out revelries. Some of the savory finger foods have meat and others are vegetarian friendly, but one that all the girls will be able to nibble on are the sweet bars I'll be making: a delicious chocolate caramel shortbread bar with three yummy melt in your mouth layers. Even if you aren't hosting a bachelorette party anytime soon, this is a great recipe to have in your repertoire so get reading now and read more

When I heard that today was the day famous prima ballerina Anna Pavlova, died in 1931 I thought it was high time I try and make the dessert that was named after her: the pavlova (wouldn't it just be so cool to have a dessert named after you?! The only thing better would be having a Marc Jacobs designed handbag named after you. I'll settle for either!). The history behind the dessert is full of conflict: both Australia and New Zealand claim they invented the meringue cake with fresh fruit garnish. It was named after the ballerina because she was performing in the area at the time of its initial creation. The outside of the cake is crisp meringue, the inside gooey marshmallow, and the top decadently covered with whipped cream and fresh fruit. To make the pavlova in honor of Pavlova, read more