Desserts
Who remembers Ambrosia Salad? That pastel swirl of citrus, coconut, and marshmallows that looked more like dessert than a side dish—but somehow always landed on the buffet line next to the coleslaw? Inspired by those childhood memories, I’ve transformed those iconic flavors into Ambrosia Cupcakes—a tender, elegant dessert that captures the magic of the classic “marshmallow…
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Lakeside Lime Mousse is one of the easiest and most refreshing no-bake summer desserts you’ll ever make. Cool, creamy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor, it’s my go-to treat during the hottest months at the lake. This mousse comes together in minutes and feels elegant with garnishes like white chocolate shavings, lime zest, and buttery…
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This heirloom walnut torte with espresso and mocha buttercream is the kind of cake that makes you pause mid-bite — not because it’s flashy, but because every layer feels like a quiet little masterpiece. The sponge is light and airy thanks to whipped egg whites, while finely ground walnuts add a cozy Old World richness. There’s a…
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There are some recipes that carry more than just flavor — they carry memory, comfort, and love. This Hungarian chocolate rum torte, known as Kati Tészta, is one of those timeless treasures. It’s a traditional Hungarian layered pastry made with tender dough, filled with a luxurious chocolate cherry rum filling, and topped with a rich chocolate…
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This scrumptious Hungarian Marzipan Mocha Cake is steeped in culture and history and above all, is the perfect blend of flavors. It’s a tender sponge filled with creamy homemade almond marzipan, layered with crunchy toasted almond slices and enrobed in a velvety, rich chocolate mocha frosting. In addition, it’s an easy-to-make indulgent experience that elevates…
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This delightful Hungarian apricot ruffled tart recipe is a true family treasure, discovered tucked away in a file of old recipes belonging to my husband’s grandmother from Budapest. Lovingly typed in Hungarian, it offers a special glimpse into the past, making every bite deeply meaningful. Known as “Borzás Kati” in Hungarian-which roughly translates to “shaggy…
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Raspberry Pastry Cream is a velvety, vibrant filling that can elevate almost anything. Whether you’re using it to fill cream puffs, eclairs, cakes or cupcakes, or just serving it in a dish with fresh berries and whipped cream, it’s the perfect embodiment of spring in a bite. My personal favorite way to enjoy it is…
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These tender Raspberry Coconut Cakes are inspired by a beloved childhood treat from our family bakery, Sugar & Spice, where we called them Lafayettes. I haven’t tasted them in years, but the memory of their irresistible flavor-coconut, vanilla, and bright raspberry-stayed with me, sparking a desire to recreate and gently elevate the version I remember.…
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Some recipes just have a way of making you feel like you’re home, and for my husband Doug, Lillian’s Grasshopper Pie is one of those. Every time his family visited his grandparents in northern Michigan, they’d be greeted by this vibrant green, velvety pie with a crisp deep chocolate crust. The filling is light, airy,…
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This Merry Cranberry Citrus Curd tastes as bright and tangy as it looks, packed with the perfect mix of tart cranberries, sweet orange juice and zest, and a touch of fresh ginger. Its refreshing and vibrant flavor elevates so many desserts and instantly feels like the holidays. As a long time lover of citrus curds,…
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