• Recipes,  Something Sweet

    Rachael Ray’s Chocolate “Pots de Creme” Cups with Whipped Cream

    One of my favorite desserts my grandmother makes me is Rachael Ray’s Chocolate Cups with Whipped Cream. This recipe is so easy, yet totally elegant and delicious at the same time. The chocolate custard is served in demitasse cups and topped with a dollop of whipped cream and sprig of fresh mint, making it a beautiful presentation to serve at a lunch or dinner party – or for an anytime treat! This is a no-bake recipe and contains ingredients you almost always have in your kitchen. The rich chocolate is accented by the addition of hazelnut liquer (I use Frangelico). If you are watching your calories, feel free to substitute the “real” whipped cream with no-fat Cool Whip or Reddi-Whip (just as satisfying!)

  • Recipes,  Something Sweet

    Paula Deen’s Magical Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

    Today I decided to make Paula Deen’s famous “Magical Peanut Butter Cookies.” Although Ms. Deen is known for her deliciously rich, butter and cream-filled, over-the-top creations, one of her most popular recipes (703 likes on facebook!) is actually good for you! What makes these cookies so magical is the fact that they are flourless, sugar-free, gluten-free, low-carb and absolutely scrumptious all at the same time. With only 4 simple ingredients that you almost always have on hand in your pantry, this recipe is a fabulous addition to your cookie repertoire and something all peanut-butter lovers will go crazy for. Pssst, don’t tell them they are sugar-free and flourless – they’ll never know! 😉

    I modified mine slightly by making them bite-sized instead of regular-sized cookies. Keep reading for the recipe!

  • NYC,  Recipes,  Something Sweet

    Jacques Torres’ Secret Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

    Chocoholics from near and far have been flocking to Jacques Torres’ renowned chocolate shops in Manhattan’s TriBeCa and Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhoods for years — and for good reason. The French chocolatier gained famed while serving as the revered Pastry Chef at NYC’s Le Cirque restaurant and has been featured on numerous TV shows including PBS and the Food Network. Torres serves as a master chef and dean of pastry arts at the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan, where he teaches.

  • Recipes,  Something Sweet

    Low-Sugar and Whole Wheat Zucchini Muffins with Pecans

    I just finished a batch of healthy and delicious whole wheat zucchini muffins. I found this recipe on one of my favorite cooking blogs, Kalyn’s Kitchen, and I just had to try it out for myself! Because it calls for Splenda and agave in place of regular sugar, these muffins are low-sugar and perfect for those who are watching their carbs, but refuse to sacrifice flavor. The addition of chopped pecans makes for a hearty and crunchy texture. Perfect for breakfast or a snack anytime of day. Enjoy!!

  • Most Popular,  Recipes,  Something Sweet

    To Die For Blueberry Muffins

    Everyone loves blueberry muffins. I am thrilled to share a recipe I received from my grandmother’s dear friend and neighbor for the most fluffy and moist blueberry muffins ever. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or an anytime-of-day pick me-up, these easy-to-make muffins are the only recipe you’ll ever need. Bursting with blueberries, light, tender, and boasting a perfectly crunchy cinnamon and sugar top and moist inside, these muffins have the perfect amount of sweetness and rise beautifully. I highly recommend using paper liners in your muffin pan so you don’t lose any precious blueberries in the pan. Check out my recipe below. Enjoy!!

  • Recipes,  Something Sweet

    Traditional Italian Easter Pie

    My favorite dessert for the Easter holiday has always been Italian Easter Pie. An Italian tradition, Easter Pie is made by mixing cooked rice with fresh ricotta, eggs, sugar and toasted pine nuts and wrapping the mixture in layers of crispy, buttery phyllo. Orange zest is added to take the ricotta and rice mixture to the next level. The pie browns beautifully in the oven and comes out with a golden brown top and sides.

  • Recipes,  Something Sweet

    Chic (Creme) Brulee French Toast

    In honor of the Chic Brûlée, I had to blog about Crème Brûlée French Toast – a rich and satisfying dessert-like indulgence. My favorite recipe is from Gourmet Magazine and is so easy to prepare! The french toast can be prepared the night before and baked in the oven the next morning.

  • Recipes,  Something Sweet

    Soft Anise Biscotti

    You will love this recipe for an unexpected twist on traditional biscotti. Instead of a crunchy, crumbly cookie, these biscotti are soft, spongy, cake-like and light as a feather! Have one in the morning with your coffee and you’ll be hooked. Read more for my recipe…

  • Recipes,  Something Sweet

    Creamy (and healthy) Blueberry Banana Smoothie

    I just got back from the gym and made my favorite post-workout snack…. a Blueberry Banana Smoothie. This smoothie is not only delicious and satisfying, but it is good for you too. I know you are thinking anything creamy is not healthy, but trust me on this one. The secret? Adding lowfat cottage cheese. It creates the smoothest and creamiest smoothie you’ve ever had. Perfect for a snack or healthy dessert. Check out recipe below and enjoy!

  • Recipes,  Something Sweet

    Outrageous Hot Fudge Sauce

    I am thrilled to share a recipe for Outrageous Hot Fudge Sauce. It is a dead-ringer for the famous hot fudge served at Brigham’s Ice Cream Parlour in Boston, MA. A New England tradition, Brigham’s is known for its velvety, rich hot fudge smothered on top of homemade ice cream.