Strawberry Lime Pâte de Fruit

There are two primary reasons I wanted to make this recipe for you dear readers: 1. Pâte de Fruit is THE most intense burst of mouthwatering fruit jelly you will ever have, and 2. I love saying the name “Pâte de Fruit!” As you may have already deduced, this is a French delicacy and the term is pronounced “pat de fwee.” Come on, say it with me, pat-de-fwee. It’s seriously fun to say and you’ll find that it will stick in your head much like the jelly will stick to your fingers!

posted in Bakes, Candy, Recipes, Seasonal, Sugars on January 31, 2026 Read more →

Rosemary Lemon Financiers (Petite French Almond Cakes)

Sweet. Savory. Seasonal. These are three of my favorite themes when it comes to pastry and these beguiling little almond cakes epitomize this trio in the most delectably charming way imaginable. This diminutive delight is a lightly sweetened buttery almond cake, scented with a hint of fresh rosemary, brightened by freshly grated lemon zest and crowned with a sun ripen blackberry picked at its peak.

posted in Bakes, Cake, Recipes, Seasonal on January 13, 2026 Read more →

Halloween Dessert Bar

Our family loves Halloween. The kids are especially fond of the trick or treat bit, and for me, it is the perfect excuse to bake up treats for a dessert bar for family and friends to enjoy. Check this one out and maybe you will be inspired to whip up a Halloween treat of your own!

posted in Bakes, Cake, Candy, Custard, Fun!, LOB Kids, Meringue, Recipes, Seasonal on October 23, 2025 Read more →

Pumpkin Chinese Five Spice Layer Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Confession time: I am extremely type A and tend to be a perfectionist, especially when it comes to my baking. My family has stood wide-eyed, mouths gaping in horror as they watch me toss out a perfectly good bake with the slightest of imperfections that others would probably not have noticed. So for me to share a picture of a test recipe is huge! BUT I’m so excited about this one that I had to get it to you immediately.

posted in Bakes, Cake, Recipes, Seasonal on October 14, 2025 Read more →

Rhubarb Tangerine Frangipane Tart

I have a secret to share: I have never had rhubarb and the extent of my rhubarb experience has been limited to the jingle on A Prairie Home Companion… “Bepob-a-rebop rhubarb pie.” I am fully aware that mastery of a NPR radio show jingle does not make one an expert on rhubarb. So when I was met with a kaleidoscope of stunning pink, red and green hues on perfect seasonal stalks of fresh rhubarb, I knew it was about time that I discovered rhubarb and baked into something beautiful. The pâte sucrée tart shell layered with tangerine macerated rhubarb that is nestled in luscious frangipane with an equally delicious history, was the manifestation of this inspiration.