Jessica's Dinner Party

Archive for the 'dessert' Category

Tiramisu Black Forest Cake

Even since it has been made known that I love to bake I have been getting a few birthday cake requests. I am by no means a professional (yet!) and my skills quite limited that I was shocked that someone would ask me to perform such a task! However, I felt very flattered and was most of all excited to have the opportunity to play-ette the role of “baker” to a “client.” I had so much fun planning and researching recipes that I think I probably enjoyed making the cake more than everyone who ended up eating it.

January 26 2010 | cake and chocolate & sweets and dessert and thoughts | 12 Comments »

Vanilla Hazelnut Pound Cake

I knew home baking was starting to become popular in Korea, but I had no idea it had become such a big trend. I realized this when I went to a bookstore last week and found dozens and dozens of books devoted to the art of baking. Everything from cutesy cupcake books to healthy vegan alternatives, I was really surprised and delighted to find such a large variety. I was tempted to buy a few of them, but I decided to fight my book glutton instinct and just buy one.

December 07 2009 | cake and dessert and recipe and thoughts | 10 Comments »

Pumpkin Cheesecake Crumble Pie

I’m doing another retake. First it was the potatoes, gratin to mashed, and now it’s the pumpkin, from caramel pie to cheesecake. It’s repetitive, I know. I also admit, for a toddler blog, I have quite a few pumpkin recipes (here, here, here, and here). But, what can I say I’m a raging pumpkin-a-holic.

I’m working on cutting back. After all, this isn’t “Jessica’s Pumpkin Party” (although, it has a nice alliteration ring to it!). In the meantime, before I decide to lay low on the orange stuff I have to tell you about this amazing pumpkin cheesecake crumble. The taste and texture is similar to a New York style cheesecake, but immersed in pumpkin goodness. The original recipe was for making cheesecake squares with sour cream topping. I simplified mine and made it into a pie, left the sour cream out, and served it with crumbles of the leftover crust. The crumble tastes like evil granola: full of nutty, whole grain flavors that mask the fatty, buttery, white flour reality.

November 25 2009 | dessert and pies and tarts | 4 Comments »

Caramel Pumpkin Pie Tart

Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie is like Christmas without cookies. I look forward to eating it every year but am always disappointed by what I make. I didn’t grow up eating pumpkin pie, so I distinctly remember the first time I had it. I fell in love with the creamy texture and buttery, shortbread crust. The pumpkin flavors were strong enough with just the right amount of sweetness.

November 22 2009 | dessert and pies and tarts | 4 Comments »

Sweet Potato Cupcakes

Hypothetically, the best thing about Thanksgiving is the amount of choices you have when it comes to your plate. Yams or potatoes? Cranberry sauce or gravy? Cake or pie? However, does anyone ever choose one over the other? I sure don’t. I pile my plate with full servings of everything and finish it clean. Then, when my pants are unbuttoned and I place my hands on the six month food baby I’ve created in my stomach, I start to think, maybe I should’ve cut back. That’s why you have to bake all your desserts in the mini. It’s faster, cuter, and you feel less guilty if you decide to sample all of the desserts.