Coconut Custard Macaroons

The Perfect Macaroon

I looooove coconut macaroons. I never really understood the french macaron craze, but I am all over traditional coconut macaroons. These moist cookies are usually made with sweetened shredded coconut, egg whites, vanilla and sometimes sweetened condensed milk. I love the originals but wanted to come up with something a bit richer and more custard-like and less sweet. And more chew while we’re at it! After some tinkering and sampling and tinkering again I’ve managed to make Coconut Custard Macaroons that are crisp and carmelized on the outside and moist and rich on the inside. Not too sweet with just a hint of spice and salt. Great texture and not too dense. Heaven! I passed these out to some school moms at our mother-daughter pajama night last weekend and the baking enthusiasts raved about these.

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Pumpkin Pie with Chocolate Ganache

This super sexy fall pie is half pumpkin pie and half chocolate ganache tart. Graham cracker crust, spicy pumpkin filling, and rich chocolate ganache, all topped with real chocolate leaves. This pumpkin pie with chocolate ganache is “the one.”

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Banana Nut Bread Caramels

banana nut bread caramels

One of the best things about my new BFF caramel is that the flavor possibilities are so wide open.  Think of any dessert, candy or drink you like and then google that with the word “caramel” and you’ll see what I mean. Continue reading “Banana Nut Bread Caramels”

Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels

Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels

I have known how to make caramels for three days and still feel like I just invented fire.  The Salted Mezcal Caramels were a hit with the adults, but the kids didn’t really like them so I told Weezy I’d make some for her friends that were plain vanilla and she could decorate them.  They ended up with so many sprinkles on them that I had to vacuum my kitchen counter when I cleaned up. Continue reading “Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels”

Salted Mezcal Caramels

Salted Mezcal Caramels
Does your mixologist have a waxed mustache?  Suspenders?  Do they make their own artisan bitters?  Then there’s a pretty good chance you have had mezcal.   Mezcal is a smoked tequila that all the cool kids are drinking.  After a particularly tough day a few weeks ago I was having a pity-party and texted a friend #sendmezcal.  A few days later the FedEx guy rings my doorbell and hands me a box.  Inside was a bottle of Sombra mezcal!  I have the best and most literal friends. Continue reading “Salted Mezcal Caramels”