Category Archives: Dessert

Daring Bakers: One Bostini Cream Pie & Two Forks, Please




The Daring Bakers strike again! Our hostess for this month’s challenge was Mary over at Alpine Berry and she chose the Bostini Cream Pie. The original recipe is from Donna Scala & Kurtis Baguley of Bistro Don Giovanni in the Napa Valley as well as Scala’s Bistro in San Francisco. By the way, the mashed potatoes at Scala’s have even more butter in them than the Bostini!

Long story short, I put this challenge off until the very last moment – today! I just was not that inspired, maybe it was because I am not a big fan of the Boston Cream Pie and this was all to similar. Then I thought about it … my man is from Boston, the Red Sox’s will probably win the series and I should just challenge myself regardless if I like Boston Cream Pie or not. So, I seized the bull by the horns and did it! The recipe is very straight-forward and simple. I think I was done within two hours. My custard came out really nice – even though it did not set in the molds; but, I did anticipate this, so I saved some just in case. My cake had a spring to its step and the blood orange juice/zest I used was divine. You can not go wrong with dark bittersweet chocolate and butter for a glaze!

As I mentioned I was suspect on the custard in the mold and I am glad I went with my gut …. it did not work. So, I spooned the leftover custard on a plate and went from there! The outcome, we both really enjoyed it! The creamy vanilla custard was fantastic with the orange cake and a bit of chocolate. Would I make it again, Yes; but, for company who do not have a heart condition – something like 1000 calories a serving!

She put de lime in de coconut …

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I love cupcakes for many reasons: they are super cute, easier on the diet, they seem to always make people smile and maybe, probably a little, because my grandfather use to call me cupcake. Anyhow, it became my thing a few years ago after scoring the recipe from Magnolia Bakery, to make cupcakes for those I love (who do not live near us)on their birthdays and to send off a surprise package!

Anyhow, once I saw that Laurie of the Quirky Cupcake was hosting an event I had to participate. I made a Coconut Cupcake which was frosted with a Lime Cream Cheese Frosting. Before frosting them, I did lightly brush the tops with more of the Lime simple syrup.

The lime is suspect in these. You only expect coconut and then you bite into it and WOW, you are suddenly on a white sandy beach sipping a tropical drink!

Daring Bakers: Milk Chocolate & Caramel Tart



This is not the usually dinner that we serve around Chez but instead it is my second challenge with the Fabu DBs. This particular event was hosted by Veronica & Patricia and it was for a Milk Chocolate and Caramel Tart.

Now, I am not a baker by any means. I can whip up a mean multi-course dinner but when it comes to baking I am usually a flop; therefore, I was pretty darn excited when I was invited to become part of this group. I loved their inspiration and I needed the challenge to get me away from the norm. This was my second challenge & in all honesty, I was scared. Much to my surprise, it was fun and easy! Here are my exact words to the group once I finished it …

“Perfect! I finished my challenge yesterday & I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was! Served it to L. and a guest for dessert. I was doubting it big time, for a few reasons: I don’t usually make tarts, I felt the caramel filling was some what suspect, my milk chocolate topping disappointed me (maybe my cream had to high of a fat content? even though my melted chocolate was cooled down, it started melting the whipped cream)and I tried it twice, finally had to use the last batch. I put it in the fridge to cool while we had dinner and I thought for sure I was going to hate it. I told L. and W. to be really honest, that they would not hurt my feelings – L. said he would had preferred Dark (we both love dark), but that it was very good and W. said it was f—– great (sorry for the profanity, but those were his words and he is somewhat reserved)! My thoughts: it looked awesome even though the cream topping was not that pretty and I loved the caramel filling and the crust: but, would had preferred a darker chocolate!”

Take a risk and challenge yourself. Enjoy!

Cookies and Cream Ice Cream


Ice Cream? Why you will! This is the best ice cream we have made all year – not kidding! Let’s get churning …..

Roasted Peach Ice Cream


I love roasted banana ice cream so I took some peaches I had, roasted them with a little brown sugar and fresh lavender and then added to a basic vanilla ice cream – wonderful!!

Daring Bakers: Mirror Mirror on the Cake??




I was very honored to be asked to participate with the Daring Bakers! Not only because I find all of the Bakers incredibly talented; I was also looking forward to the challenge!

My first was definitely a challenge. We were asked to make a Strawberry Mirror Cake. Honestly, I have never attempted something as difficult since I was about 15 and I tried to make Floating Islands. While my Mirror Cake did not come out the prettiest, hence, why I wrapped a brown ribbon around it, it did taste wonderful and the smell of fresh baked cake and very fresh strawberries made our home smell wonderful all weekend!

Mixed Berry Ice Cream


We went to Webb Ranch to pick berries …. logan berries, blackberries, raspberries, boysenberries – tons of fun and tons of berries! Made homemade ice cream with some of them. Used David Lebovitz basic Vanilla recipe & then swirled some mixed berries that I had crushed and let sit for awhile, into the soft ice cream during the last couple minutes in the ice cream freezer! YUMMY!

Mascarpone Cheese Ice Cream


I was very excited to par-take in the July Monthly Mingle & we had a great time trying out some new flavors! Came up with this one using bits and pieces of a bunch of different recipes & my own touch as well! It was Delicious!!

Mascarpone Cheese Ice Cream with fresh blueberries.

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