Tag Archives: dessert

Lemon and Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding with Blueberry Compote

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Danguole| 12 Comments

I swear, sometimes I can’t handle the excellence that is this time of year (I’ll be saying the same thing again in six months–mark my words).  The daylight, the jacketless afternoon walks to the coffee shop, the daffodils and tulips everywhere, and the impulse buys of mint-green shorts at Target (I REGRET NOTHING).  So good.

Now, the downside to this time of year (well, this time of every odd-numbered year) for me is that I’m working a lot.  By “a lot,” I mean 80 hours a week, sometimes.  I try not to talk about it too much, just as I try not to talk about the weather, for the same reason: it’s boring.  ”You’re busy?  Oh really?   FASCINATING.”

But, I wanted to give you a heads up.  In case you wondered why I’m not posting as much–because if you like this thing enough to wonder, I owe you an explanation, and probably dessert.

Such as…  Comforting dessert.  Creamy and somewhat rich, but zingy and fruity at the same time–because I like you THAT much.  True facts.

Read more →

→ 12 Comments

Posted in Dessert, fruit, Spring, Vegetarian, Winter

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Pistachio-Chocolate Tart with Potato Chip Crust

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Danguole| 9 Comments

Okay–I know this isn’t pink.  It’s also not heart-shaped.  But romantic?  Perfect for your Valentine’s Day?  Yes and yes!  Hear me out.

First of all, chocolate.  Deep and dark and luscious.  This tart is practically a giant truffle, shaped like a pizza.  If you’re not into that, I can’t help you.

Second of all, a tart crust made from potato chips–say what?  To me, there’s quite a bit of romance in the strange, offbeat, the path less traveled, etc.  If you want a bit of novelty with your dessert, or if you want to put potato chips and pistachios in something just because you’re a quirky goose like that, this is a winner.

Also, salted desserts are all the rage, you heard? Highbrow/lowbrow is also a thing.  Sometimes it’s okay to try and be just a little trendy…  I’ll admit: trends can be delicious, too.

In short, whether you make this for chocolate lovers, kooks or food hipsters, you will have fans old and new.  There’s a good chance that your Valentine (or the person you’d like to be your Valentine… wink, nudge) is one of the above.  So let’s make magic things happen together!  (1) Make tart, (2) be adored, (3) invite me to the wedding/50th anniversary if that’s how you roll.

Read more →

→ 9 Comments

Posted in Baking, Dessert, Entertaining, Holidays

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pumpkin Layer Cake with Espresso Italian Meringue Buttercream

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Danguole| 4 Comments

So, my sister turned 31 last week!  Apropos of totally nothing, she still has the glowy, perfectly poreless skin of a newborn.  In other related news, I’ve come to suspect that I also may be part vampire.  Sadly, it seems that all I have inherited from that side of the fam is that I’m averse to sunlight (and probably wooden stakes, but who isn’t?). 

The sister seems to prefer pumpkin spice lattes to virgin blood, though.  BORING, but also a whole lot better-tasting, right?

Let me tell you…  If you are fond of someone who enjoys a good pumpkin latte, this is THE cake for such a person’s special occasions.   Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations.  Retirements, housewarmings, baby showers. Getting paroled.  Whatever, you get the picture.

Pumpkin and espresso may seem like an odd combo at first, but this only works to your advantage.  Once you remind everyone of pumpkin lattes, Clever Points…  You will get them.

Read more →

→ 4 Comments

Posted in Baking, Cake, Dessert, Entertaining, Fall, Vegetarian

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Mexican Hot Chocolate Brownies

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Danguole| 7 Comments

So, I had to wait to tell you about these.  For the past few days, anything that would have come out of my mouth/keyboard would’ve been whiny, whiny, whiny, with an extra side of grumble pie.  Which is understandable in the case of a massive ear infection (ruptured ear drum and all), and you would understand because you’re awesome, but that’s just not what This Space is for, you know?  Let’s talk about delicious things now.

Specifically, what I have here are brownies–perfectly fudgy brownies, topped with that glossy, crunchy…  Shell.  Or whatever that is.  That top layer is magic.  What really makes these special, though, is a kick of spice.  Warm, fragrant cinnamon, cloves and cayenne, all up in your palate.  Because honestly, it’s hot and you don’t want a Mexican mocha right now, right?

Read more →

→ 7 Comments

Posted in Baking, Brownies, Mexican

Tagged , , , ,