#familyfavorites

Heirloom walnut torte with espresso and mocha buttercream, topped with a fresh purple and yellow pansy.

How to Make this Heirloom Walnut Torte with Espresso-Mocha Cream

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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Raspberry Pastry Cream

Raspberry Pastry Cream and Cake Filling

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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Raspberry Coconut Lafayettes

These delightful Raspberry Coconut Lafayette Cakes were a beloved staple of my childhood, created by our family bakery, Sugar & Spice. I haven’t tasted them in years, but the memory of their irresistible flavors stayed with me, sparking a desire to recreate them-and even elevate the taste I remember. The cake itself is moist and…

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Lillian's Grasshopper Pie recipe cut slice on a plate and full pie in the background with a blue napkin.

Lillian’s Grasshopper Pie

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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