Jessica's Dinner Party

Archive for the 'Recipe' Category

Strawberry Tart with Pastry Cream

Finally, the last of the birthday pie desserts is this strawberry tart. It is probably my favorite amongst the three (pumpkin-pecan and peanut butter mousse). The flavors are simple, clean, and familiar but in a surprising and dazzling way. Contrary to what it seems, it’s a no fuss dessert. The tart shell and pastry cream can be made ahead of time, then assembled a few hours before eating. It’s great for dinner parties and casual family dinners. I’ve made this tart a few times since the birthday party and it’s been a hit with everyone.

February 23 2010 | Dessert and Fruit and Pies and Tarts and Recipe and Thoughts | 4 Comments »

Peanut Butter Mousse Tortes

The second dessert I made for the pie birthday party was Dorie’s peanut butter torte. I loved the simplicity of the flavors which took me back to the candy bars I’d sneak up to my room as a kid. I’ve always been a fan of peanuts and chocolate, so this dessert especially hit a note with me. Especially in the mini, these really feel like an upscale, softer version of a Reese’s Pieces.

February 14 2010 | Dessert and Pies and Tarts and Recipe and Thoughts | 5 Comments »

Birthday Pies: Dorie’s Twofer Pie

It just so happened that one week after the Tiramisu Black Forest Cake, I got another birthday sweet request. This time instead of cake I was asked to make mini pies. The birthday boy was more of a pie person and the party was going to be held at a Wii game room, so it seemed smart to make everything easily accessible. To be honest, this was the first time that I made pie with a real crust. Not that graham cracker/oreo crumble crust business, but the real deal with pâte brisée. I’ve always been intimidated by pâte brisée that I think I avoided any and all recipes that called for a flaky pie crust. However, instead of feeling fright, I was surprisingly happy to stand up to the challenge. It was sort of refreshing not coming up with any more excuses. ”Easy as pie,” people say, there must be some truth to that!

January 31 2010 | Dessert and Pies and Tarts and Recipe and Thoughts | 4 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 »

Lavender Shortbread Cookies

It’s cookie season right now, which means smells of chocolate and peppermint or green and red sprinkles should be filling the kitchen counters. Instead, I decided to make the most spring inspired cookie in the book. Maybe my head skipped Christmas and I fast forwarded to Easter. These purple dotted shortbread took me to warmer days and sunny skies, where the smell of grass is fresh and pastel hued flowers have just started to bloom.