Saturday. Sept. 28th, 2013

Chocolate Pumpkin Mini Bundt Cakes

I’ve been loving the cool mornings and intermittent sunshine...leggings, sweaters, sippin’ on some hot tea & baking in a nice cool house are definitely perks to this season!  I LOVE it!! So I figured I should continue on with my pumpkin obsession..I'm so terrible!  A chocolate pumpkin recipe  has been on my list for the longest time now-I finally bumped it up.  I've made my share of pumpkin recipes this fall season so far (here, here & here!). So yummy!! I thought that this one is great-the cake is quite rich, moist & the pumpkin is subtle with the chocolate flavor.  They are definitely a match made in heaven!!! 

Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013

Pumpkin Doughnuts

As I’ve mentioned before, it’s definitely fall here.  Well, almost.  The mornings have been cool but the days are super warm!  This is seriously the best season.  We’ve lucked out..so farJ

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Raw Cashew Dreamcake

This past weekend seemed to revolve around food.  Too. Much. Cooking. & Baking.  Just kidding-I loved it!!  We went to the farmers market and received fresh baby potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, snap peas & beets…all from my parent’s garden!  I can’t believe they don’t charge me-I am seriously one lucky girl.  In return, we took them out for lunch & made Sunday dinner for them (local beef ribs & potato salad!) so I think we made it up to them!  Of course, I had to make pie for dessert, plus cookies & bars….yum!

Monday, May 20, 2013

Balsamic Strawberry Shortcakes

 

One of my favorite desserts growing up was this one.  You can’t go wrong with fresh strawberries, dream whip & a spongy-type shortcake.  My mom served this dessert quite often, especially around spring & summertime when there is an abundance of strawberries.  We never got sick of it-loved it even more with each time she made it.

Friday, Jan. 25, 2013

Lemon Meringue Pie

It amazes me how quickly time flies by.  I can’t believe my dad is already turning 70 today!  It’s a little bit of a shocker; I think I’m still in disbelief.  I think we need to slow time down.  It seems like it was only few years ago that he showed us how to fish (and spent the majority of time untangling one of our lines), numerous camping trips, arguing about ridiculous curfews, teaching 3 daughters how to drive (I couldn’t imagine anything being more stressful than that!), going to our graduations, and, most recently, attending my sister’s wedding.  We have teased him about his old-age endless times and how my Uncle Bob coined the phrase “Elder-siting” just for him.  But, no matter how old one is, it all comes down to how you act & feel.  And I think my dad’s doing pretty good for his age-he’s constantly learning and pushing himself to do everything he wants to do.  He’s even got himself connected with Facebook and Skype! Scary-I know! 

Sunday, Dec. 23rd, 2012

Chocolate Crinkles

This is the last of the holiday treats, I swearJ.  Well; I suppose with Christmas fast approaching, it’ll have to be the last one (unless I post some after!).  I am so happy that Marlina is here and that I get to spend some much-needed time with her.  So much planned, so little time!

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

Cranberry Hazelnut Fudge

Fudge is one of the many treats that I save for the holiday season.  Reason one: I couldn’t eat fudge all year round. Which leads me to my second point, it’s too good and never lasts long (and this one doesn’t take too long to make)!  I’ve made this fudge several times over the past holiday seasons and it is always a big hit with others.  It would be perfect for on a holiday platter.  Or just by itself!

Friday, Dec. 7, 2012

Peppermint Mocha Cake

I realize I’ve gone a little drink-crazy this week.  I just felt that I needed to share the cran-raspberry juice and chai tea with everyone ASAP.  I’ve also wanted to share this cake with you, but figured I would save the best for last.  It is inspired by the famously known Peppermint Mochas from Starbucks.  I tried this drink over a week ago and immediately thought: Oh man, I need to make this into a cake.  Now, that’s something that doesn’t happen often so I knew I had to follow though.  I had super good feelings about this cake and had planned what I would do with it over the course of the week.

Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012

Cranberry Bread Pudding

About 5 years ago, Gavin’s mom, Ellen introduced me to bread pudding.  I fell in love with it immediately and highly anticipated the Christmas season just so I could eat it.  Of course, by the time dessert came along, I was already full but forced myself to continue just so I could have it.  This would always result in a stomachache (the 'on-the-floor-in-the-fetal-position' kind).  I never learned from this mistake, so I *hope* to do better this year!

Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012

Creamy Caramel Sauce

I have never been a fan of caramel sauce.  I kind of thought I was weird.  Until one day I decided to make my own, and my opinion changed.  I can’t believe the difference from the store-bought ones!  I love the creamy smooth taste it has and subtle hint of vanilla.  I find caramel sauce perfect for a sweet craving-such as dipping fruit in it and smothering the top of ice cream.  The possibilities are endless!

Wednesday, Sept 19, 2012

Pumpkin Latte Coffee Cake

Happy Wednesday!

The week is half-over.  Thank goodness.  I can’t wait for the weekend!  I’m pretty excited-it will be really busy but fun.  I am hoping to make some goodies for my friend’s bachelorette party, go out for a birthday dinner, work on some homework and of course-baking!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Nanaimo Bars

The Nanaimo Bar.  Quite possibly one of the most ingenious treats to date, if you ask me.  When I was younger, Marlina used to make these all the time-and they never lasted long.  Studded with a chocolate graham crumb and coconut layer, a creamy vanilla centre and topped with a dark chocolate ganache, these bars are simply to die for.  Yep, they truly are.  I found it impossible to have them stored away in my fridge.  Gavin shared the same sentiments.  I am starting to crave them just thinking about them….

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Earl Grey Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream

My name is Marlina, and I have a confession – I am a tea addict.  I have dozens of tea in my pantry, ranging from my personal essentials of plain green tea and peppermint tea, to the more adventurous flavors of walnut, mint chocolate, ice cream cake, blue berry jam, root beer float, and finally, my favorite, earl grey.  When my friend had posted this recipe on pintrest, I knew I had to try it – and I did within the hour.  I thought to myself, What a grand idea!  What better than to combine your favorite flavors into a cupcake?

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

One of the best things about summer (and hooray! We are actually getting one this year!) is the bountiful harvest of my parents garden.  I really wish that I had started one, however it's been so crazy here these last few months so I have high hopes for starting one next year!  In the meantime, my fridge is stocked with large amounts of lettuce, radishes, rhubarb, and garlic scapes.  Sometimes I feel like a rabbit, and simply overwhelmed with the amount we have to eat. But it's forcing me to eat well and locally-and for that I am grateful :).

Wednesday, July 18, 2012-Guest Post

Peaches & Cream Ice Cream with Salted Pecans (A Guest Post by Courtney of The Fig Tree Blog)

Good morning everyone! I am super excited for today's post-my friend Courtney from The Fig Tree is featuring on the blog today, and I'm featuring on hers! Courtney is a super talented photographer/baker/cook/writer and she's such a supportive and wonderful friend. I love that we have so much in common and as she mentions bellow, we babble back and forth often-it leads to some great reads! *hehe* Now, let me introduce you to the one, the only, the amazing Courtney!

Hello! My name is Courtney and I'm the writer + photographer behind the blog The Fig Tree. It's a blog that celebrates the best in vegetarian cuisine focusing on whole, natural foods. However, as I also have a terrible sweet tooth, I like to post yummy desserts every so often too! Cookies....cookies are my weakness! Ice cream is a close second. Mmmmm...

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Better Than Sex Cupcakes

Excuse me while I tantalize you again.  However, I do have an excuse for today's post!  These cupcakes were made with my sister Charlee's birthday in mind, even though we don't share the same postal code.  She will have to come up and get them!  Hahaha....seriously.  Char-I will have to bake for you when you come up next!  Her birthday was over the weekend, and it sounds like she was spoiled rotten.  Her amazing fiancé planned a lovely day in Victoria Orca whale watching......pretty sweet if you ask me.  It sounded like a lot of fun, I was slightly jealous.  As for me,  we went to our local farmers market (my first time this year) and of course, garage sailing!  We also took Panu, our Blue Canoe out for the first time in 2 years.  It was great, I can't wait to go again next weekend:)

Friday, June 01, 2012

Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls

Holy Crap it's June! We are halfway through the year...Scary!

Here I go again.  Another post about cinnamon + sugar.  How could I resist?  I’m a cinnamon-sugar junkie, and I have yet to post about a real cinnamon bun.  Well guys, I am getting close-trust me!  I will, I promise….hopefully soon.  Be patient!  J  So today I am sharing with you the next best thing: a biscuit cinnamon roll.  This blew my mind when I first saw it.  I mean, who would have thought of this??  Not me for sure!  I am sure glad to have found this recipe, as now I have a quick fix to my cinnamon bun cravings…wait.  On second thought-I am unsure if this is a good thing or not!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Black Forest Cake

I always get so giddy and excited when someone asks me to make a cake.  Then I obsess over it until its finally complete.  I enjoy the challenge, but I dream, sleep and think about cake all day.  The only relief I feel is when the cake is eaten and enjoyed by everyone!  I love making cakes but seem to be a little of a perfectionist when it comes to it.  Is anyone else this way??  I hope I'm not the only one!  Luckily,  I was told what kind of cake to make, so all I had to do was research  which method/recipe sounded the best to make.  No big deal, right?  Wrong!  It was only for Gavin's dads birthday...I like to make a big deal out of birthday cakes.  And Black Forest is his favorite kind of cake.  Oh boy.  Challenge...Accepted!!  I had to be overly organized and prepared otherwise this was going to fail-the only time I had to make this was after working two 12 hour shifts.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Strawberry Lemonade Loaf

Before I even thought about blog writing, I was baking way too many sweets (something that hasn't changed).  Cupcakes, in specific.  Though I still love them, I like trying to experimenting baking them in different forms to see their versatility.....also, so that I don't feel bad for eating so many cupcakes in one sitting.  I made this recipe what it for what it seems like a gazillion times, and I love it.  You can tell I'm slightly obsessed with lemons too!  But I think we already knew that :).

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Cookies

Let me be kind and give you the heads up.  These cookies are seriously addicting.  You may want to turn back.  If you are still here, then you're welcome.  It may seem silly to make a big deal out of cookies, but it is rare that I come across a cookie recipe I just love.  You see, I am very picky about them.  I've only come across one other recipe for chocolate chip cookies (I have yet to share with you) that makes me want to 'veg' on the couch and eat the whole batch.  This is why my thighs hate me and I grudgingly had to take up running.  I kid, I kid-I love running.  Most times:).  But these cookies do not help my goal to eat less sweets!