Quick Berry Trifle

OK maybe it's not a trifle. But it's quick. And it's got berries and whipped cream.

The best part? The spongecake. Yes, it was from a storebought package. But it was toasted in butter in a skillet before topping it with the macerated berries (a little sugar and a basil leaf, let sit for 2 hours) and the whipped cream.

I don't do dessert too often, but this was delicious.

Bacon Pretzel Caramels

Not just bacon pretzel caramels. Bacon pistachio pretzel caramels with Newcastle. Or, little pillows of chewy decadence.

I used this recipe from Lisa at Lisa is Cooking, substituting pistachios for the cashews, and adding crumbled bacon. Because, as everyone knows, bacon makes everything better.

First lay down the pretzels and nuts (and bacon!) in a dish lined with greased foil. Don't skip the grease part, it's completely necessary.

Next pour the cooked sugar mixed with cream and Newcastle (or any other ale you like) on top, and chuck it in the refrigerator until completely chilled.

Then cut into small pieces...

And wrap in wax paper or parchment paper.

Yes, boiling sugar is kind of scary. And it's a freaking mess to clean up afterward. But it's definitely worth it.

Sweet, salty, creamy, chewy, crunchy. And bacon.

Super Sesame Cookies

I found this recipe for Super Sesame Cookies over at Eating Out Loud, and just had to make them. One, I had everything I needed, and two, they sounded like my kind of cookie. Sesame seeds and tahini in a cookie? Yes, please.

So, here they are.





















Delicious? Yes. Nutty, only slightly sweet, crunchy-chewy. Definitely a good cookie.

Tiramisu

Doesn't it look delicious?














I can't take credit for it. My good friend Drita made it.

Good bye, Drita, and good luck in your new home. We'll all miss you.

Best Peach Cobbler Ever

About 4 years ago, I was searching for a peach cobbler recipe online, and found this one at Allrecipes. You see, I have a peach tree. With way too many peaches. That like to go from rock hard to much in about 3 days.

















Ever since I found this recipe (minus the one year that my peaches totally sucked), my household and my workplace have been subjected to numerous cobblers during late May / early June.

Make it. You'll like it.

Chocolate-Covered Caramelized Matzoh Crunch

Go out and buy yourself some matzoh crackers. Like, right now. This recipe from David Lebovitz (still one of my favorite people) is amazing.

















Yeah, there's boiling butter and sugar. But it's really not that scary. The baking part is easy, just make sure you set a timer, and check it from time to time, because you may have to lower the heat if it starts burning.

And the sea salt on top? Don't freak out about salt on dessert. There's something magical that happens when you have the crunchy salt on top of the buttery sugary chocolatey crackers.

Next time I make it, I might add some toasted coconut to the top, along with the almonds and sea salt. Or replace the almonds with hazelnuts. Or add some flavored extract to the butter/sugar mix. Lots of experimenting to do, and I'm sure it will all be delicious.