All posts filed under: cakes and desserts

Food: In Search Of Olive Oil and Lemon Cake

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I had a recipe a decade ago that I seem to have misplaced. It was a simple cake, baked in one round pan and no frosting. I mean who really needs frosting? Not Europeans and not me, especially if the cake is the best of flavors combined. A few days ago, while in an assembly belt style restaurant, where you pass by a dozen dishes and pick and choose what your eyes think your stomach can handle, and end up ordering too much – sort of place. But it was organic, freshly made variety of proteins, and side dishes, and very creative salads which changes using seasonal veggies and fruits. So, I queued up, and with my eyes opened wide, and my mouth-watering, ordered more than I needed to and by the time I reached the cash register, I noticed a lemon cake made with olive oil and I pointed to the very slice I wanted – making the person behind the counter laugh at my reaction of pure joy. The cake was good enough, …

Food: Butternut Squash Cake And A Cup of Coffee

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When I work from home, I opt for a slice of something baked from scratch with my cup of coffee. More so,during the winter months. And this gluten-free cake will be baked tonight for my Friday work from home ritual. Ingredients 350 g of butternut squash peeled and cubed 180 g of fruity extra virgin olive oil 3 free-range eggs 180 g of cane sugar 150 g of gluten-free flour mix * 100 g of almond flour 15 g of baking powder 1 teaspoon of grated nutmeg 1 teaspoon of orange powder or orange zest 100 g of shelled pistachios coarsely chopped Ingredients to decorate the cake 4 tablespoons of apricot jam 1 tablespoon of water 100 g of shelled pistachios coarsely chopped {More} For how to convert grams to ounces and more go here

Food: Marble Pound Cake

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When I was a child, there was a tradition established where relatives – mostly the women – visit one another on a particular date each month. The date was determined based on a symbolic event for that certain family – such as a birthday or a wedding date.  The hostess would bake a cake or two or make brioche and other wonderful baked goods, fresh lemonade in the summer and cinnamon spiced tea in the winter and sometimes even ice cream or jello would be added – for the kids that behaved during the visit. I don’t recall behaving until the cake and ice cream was served and then I had to glance over to my mother to make sure I was entitled to getting my share. So in light of traditions, and hosting a tea party or Sunday brunch or even a simple get-together just because, I share with you this wonderful old-world, easy marble cake recipe, just like the ones my mother and aunts made – right  here: Ingredients 3 eggs about 210 g 210 g of cane …

Food: Sunday Morning Apple Cider Doughnuts

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I needed to make sweets for this morning’s breakfast for a houseful of guests who are getting ready to leave after a special occasion get-together on Saturday. This recipe for spiced apple cider doughnuts popped up and although I am watching what I eat, I figure indulging one day is not going to kill me or set me back –  unless I scuff down 8 of these beauties. 🙂 .  And yes, a dozen softly boiled eggs and non-GMO bacon is always available in case, I chicken out of having a doughnut. Oh who am I kidding. I am not chickening out of anything. Doughnut or bust I say. INGREDIENTS 3 cups apple cider 1 stick cinnamon 6 tablespoons salted butter 1/4 cup real maple syrup 1/2 cup apple butter 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 eggs 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon  high heat natural oil, for frying (such as vegetable oil) {more}

Just A Cake – You Might Say

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I stay away from desserts as much as possible – but when one click leads you to a healthy baking recipe such as this gorgeous take on a cake, you share, you bake, and you indulge: INGREDIENTS: For the cake: 2 cups blanched almond flour ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ½ tsp baking soda ½ tsp Himalayan pink salt 2 eggs 2/3 cup maple syrup 1/3 cup water 1 Tbsp vanilla For the vegan chocolate ganache: 4 oz unsweetened baking chocolate 4 Tbsp coconut oil 4 Tbsp maple syrup ½ cup almond butter ¼ cup almond milk or coconut milk {more}

Food: Lemon Cake The Healthy Way

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Whether you’re aim is to be gluten free, have embraced the Paleo or Keto lifestyle or welcome vegan, this recipe for lemon cake is one to keep handy for when craving sweets: RECIPE ¼ cup coconut flour ¼ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt ¼ teaspoon baking soda ¼ cup coconut oil ¼ cup maple syrup 3 tablespoons psyllium husk + 6 tablespoons water 1 lemon, zested and juiced 1 tablespoon poppy seeds {more}

Cake In Gold For Special Occasions

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The recipe for this amazing golden coconut-raspberry cake is pretty interesting and one I am challenging myself to make – just because. Although it is a wonderful variation for those planning a wedding or a bridal shower: RECIPE Vanilla coconut batter 200g grated coconut 100g coconut flour (you can also substitute it with rice flour) 125g rice flour (white rice flour, if available) 160g butter 200g sugar 6 eggs (size L) 4 tsp organic baking powder 1 tsp ground vanilla (or you can use some vanilla extract) 1 pinch of salt 240ml milk Raspberry Cream Filling 200g raspberry-(vanilla-)jam 400g heavy cream 4 tsp sugar Buttercream Icing 300g butter, soft 500g icing sugar 2 tbsp rose water Edible Decoration edible gold dust (also you need a compatible brush for the gold dust) edible gold leaf (we took 4 pieces) Additional Decoration flowers (roses, eycalyptus, thistels…depending on personal favorites and season) sparklers {For full recipe go here}

Food: Cupcakes for All Special Occasions

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Easter, bridal showers, mother’s day, baby showers, mother’s day and even a graduation celebration for anyone with a whimsical style – these cupcakes are the coolest. INGREDIENTS 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup canola oil 1/2 cup buttermilk 2 large eggs 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup light brown sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup grated carrots MASCARPONE FROSTING 8 ounces mascarpone or cream cheese, softened 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, softened 2-3 cups powdered sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries, ground until a fine powder {more}

Must Have Apple Not-so-Pie For Thanksgiving or Just Anytime

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If I am to order dessert, believe it or not I opt for apple tart everywhere I go. And the best ones are the ones I buy ready made at Trader Joe. But for Thanksgiving this year, I decided to make something from scratch – So for dessert number two,  I am going with his recipe: INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon, plus 2 teaspoons, unsalted butter 2 cups sugar 1 tablespoon light corn syrup 1 tablespoon water 8 large (3 to 4 pounds) firm, tart apples, peeled 1/2 (17-ounce) package puff pastry sheets Flour {more}

So You’re Incharge of Bringing Dessert or That Appetizer For Thanksgiving

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Some of us are fortunate enough to get invited to that wonderful relative’s house for Thanksgiving or even a group of friends if you happen to be far away from family. The only upside or down, is having to bring either a dessert or an appetizer to contribute to one of the most important meals in the U.S. – Thanksgiving dinner. Here’s a list of suggestion for the chef and not-so-much on how to proceed: If baking is not your thing – then consider ordering a ready made dessert from here And if you’re curious as to what I am planning to surprise my family with for dessert this year –