Cranberry Orange Scones

I always have thought of scones as a not-so-savory biscuit. They should be light and flaky with plentiful layers just like a biscuit but also have a touch of sweetness. Going to afternoon tea and getting scones with jam and clotted cream, delish!

For that person you know who doesn't have the biggest sweet tooth and isn't the biggest dessert person, scones are an excellent treat for them because they only have a hint of sweetness. These make a great homemade gift, with an extra personal touch

Any type of fruit, nut, candy or chocolate can be thrown in to make a unique scone recipe of your own and the person you are gifting with these delicious little pastries will be ever so thankful.

Mini Lattice Cherry Pies

Summer is upon us, and that means its pie season. The best fruit pies are always made in the summer with fresh, ripe, in-season fruit. However, this post doesn't have that. This post is about the cutest little mini cherry pies I made yesterday, with pre-made pie filling ::gasp::. While this normally goes against every fiber of my culinary being, I took home some cherry pie filling that was used in class when we scratch-made Danishes last week, and I had been dying to practice a lattice-topped pie so I went with it. At first I was a little apprehensive about doing a lattice top and kept thinking how am I supposed to weave the dough under and over without making such a mess with the filling? Well, thats not the case at all- you'll see.

 For a store-bought pie filling, it was actually very good. Sweet and tart with bright red juicy cherries. I did make the pie crust and this was such an easy, busy weeknight dessert to create. I do not own mini pie dishes, so I swapped them for mini tart shells. These unconventionally wonderful tartlet pans gave the pie crust a pretty fluted design and they popped out so easily, making them almost hand-held. I think I'm going to always make individual pies in these from now on.

Just a side note- I did buy a beautiful box of peaches at Trader Joes recently, which are almost ripe and I will be making a peach pie with it very soon.

"Apple Pie" Spiced Applesauce

Sometimes the simplest things to make are the ones I would never think of trying to make homemade. Applesauce for instance, up until it a few days ago it never crossed my mind to try and make it at home. I mean, its as simple as simmering apples in a blend of sugar, water and whatever spices you like- pretty easy. 

I was terribly sick last week and Josh had surgery (everythings ok!), we both needed something cold and refreshing for our sore throats so why not make applesauce? It's moderately healthy and oh-so yummy!

I also played around with spices a little bit and instead of doing a traditional apple sauce, I thought it would be fun to make it taste like apple pie. A little cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, & vanilla and all I was missing was the crust.

Happy Halloweenie!

Halloween weekend just passed and Roxy threw a little party, so of course I was in charge of baking goodies for everyone. I decided to keep it simple and make classic chocolate and vanilla cupcakes.  Chocolate and vanilla can be pretty plain and boring sometimes, but if you follow a really great recipe they can be quite scrumptious.

Halloween was never my favorite holiday, but instead it always marked that time of year directly following it that makes me so happy. I love "the holidays", and in my life they include Thanksgiving and Hannukah, and New Years Eve. Halloween is always a fun holiday, especially because it lends so much creativity to numerous baked goods. I played it safe, but it was really my first time baking for a halloween party so I didn't want to stray too far out of my comfort zone.

I am super excited however for the next couple months and all the warm sugary treats I will be baking, not just at home but also in culinary school. I start the Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie and Baking Program this coming Monday!!

Recipes and pictures, after the jump!
Enjoy<3

"Sugarred Donut" Muffins

I have wanted to make these ever since I saw this recipe, they just looked SO cute and good. I mean, who doesn't love sugary donut holes, especially ones that are not fried and healthier not as bad for you :)

These baked mini muffins are pretty darn good just by themselves, but so amazing with a variety of sugary coatings. I also really like this recipe because it can be used as a basic vanilla cupcake batter.

First timer!!

Last night was Rosh HaShana, which is the Jewish new year. It is now the year 5771 according to the Jewish calendar.  My family celebrates with a big dinner so I was in charge of the cooking and baking.

The Menu:
-round challah, which is customary for the new year instead of a braided one.
-gefilte fish with sliced carrots (yuck, i've never been a fan)
-romaine salad with a homemade vinaigrette
-herb-roasted Chicken
-roasted carrots and baby red bliss potatoes

Dessert: 
-sweet noodle kugel
-rugelach

-chocolate babka
-& of course apples and honey!

I was only able to take picture of the rugelach on my cell as i was taking them. In the future I promise to remember to use my digital camera. Recipes & pictures after the jump!