These beauties always pop into my mind as I wait for the first snow of the year to fall. They’re sweet and crisp, crunchy and buttery, with just the right amount of orange and cardamom. And they are EASY. My friends like to say, “Oh, maybe for you that’s easy! Mine wouldn’t look like that.” But I swear to sweet baby carrots, these are the most straightforward sugar cookies you are ever going to meet. And because no snowflake is alike, variations and “mistakes” just make them more charming.
Continue reading “Orange-Cardamom Snowflake Cookies”
Despite my own personal views, apparently cupcakes are not the solution to every problem. Sometimes you need to bake something for a brunch, for a potluck, or for a weekend treat and for some reason cupcakes just won’t work. Sigh. You don’t have to like it, but you do have to have a go-to, delicious, and simple recipe that will still get rave reviews. This is it. Plus, they have fruit in their name, so I’m thinking they’re probably very healthy. 
This week I’ll be posting three of my best frosting recipes, a basic frosting for every occasion. Today’s topic: Rich Chocolate Buttercream made with cocoa powder. Some recipes call for melted chocolate. But melting chocolate just adds more bowls to wash and more steps. This recipe is insanely delicious and is finished in minutes. Super chocolatey, super rich. The almond extract and hint of salt put it over the top. It is my most-requested frosting, hands down. 
This week I’ll be posting three of my best frosting recipes, a basic frosting for every occasion. Today’s topic: the Best Fluffy Vanilla Buttercream. 
