Biscotti x 2

On my days off, I like making my own coffee instead of buying a latte from Starbucks.  Sorry but $4 for a mocha latte is a little steep (even though it's delicious).  One of the things I like with my coffee is something sweet and biscotti are the perfect side kick.

I was a little intimidated at first since these cookies are supposed to be baked twice hence the name biscotti.  Would they burn? Would they turn out rock hard and practically inedible?  I thought of everything until finally, I just went with it. I made a batch of Mocha Almond biscotti the first time and Cinnamon Raisin walnut biscotti the second time.  I am happy to report that both batches turned out PERFECT! They were crunchy and slightly chewy in the center and packed a huge punch of flavor.  I also cut them relatively small so they were the perfect portion and a good excuse to have two instead of one.  Check out the pic below!

xo,

Daniella :)

Banana Chocolate Pecan Muffins

Brunch is one of my favorite meals during the weekends and I love making things that don't require me to think much before my mandatory cup of coffee.  Muffins are my go to because they are kind of the dessert at the end of the savory part of my brunch menu which usually involves sausage gravy and biscuits.  I also like that there isn't much clean up afterwards :)

These muffins were perfectly banana-y, chocolate-y, pecan-y, and yummy-y! Check out the pic below!

Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!

xo,

Daniella :)

Strawberry Chocolate Pie

What do you do with a ton of strawberries? Make a pie.  How do you make it better? Add chocolate and a crunchy, buttery, graham cracker crust. YUM!

I only love the summer because there is such an amazing selection of fresh berries and exotic fruits.  I tend to buy so much knowing I won't be able to finish them but I somehow always find a way to add them to a dessert. Check out the pic below!

xo,

Daniella :)

Mom is turning 5?

For my mom's 5th birthday this year (a true lady doesn't reveal her age), I wanted to make something easy that would stand up to the heat.  I knew making a buttercream or creamcheese frosting would melt easily so I thought to use my new bundt pan from William Sonoma! I immediately fell in love with the unique and modern design while browsing their site.  

I made a dark chocolate toasted pecan bundt cake and frosted it with some dark chocolate ganache.  My mom loves chocolate, like me and pecans so I knew it would be a hit.  Frosting this cake was probably the hardest part considering the design but it was so worth the effort. I knew my mom wouldn't mind the homey touch.  

Here's to another 5th birthday mom! Love you!

xo,

Daniella :)

Magic Bars

Magic bars.  Doesn't the name say enough?  They are the perfect little snack that has something for everyone. I used some unsweetened shredded coconut, almonds, walnuts and semi sweet/milk chocolate chips for my blend. I sprinkled it on top of a crushed Goya Maria cookie crust (so much better than graham crackers) and a whole can of condensed milk.  After they baked, I cut them into bite size squares so I wouldn't feel so guilty having a few.  Check out the pic below!

xo,

Daniella :)

Cherry Almond Cake

I can't believe it's been nearly a month since I last posted!  The summer has been pretty brutal for baking since my apartment gets so warm.  It doesn't mean I haven't bake, I just try to avoid it if I can.  I'm totally counting down to fall!

I made this cake for my grandma's birthday last month. I find that the key with grandma's or older people in general is that they prefer simple flavors.  I went with a cherry almond cake that resembled more of a coffee cake in texture.  It was light, crunchy, sweet and tart which makes it a great for the summer.  Check out the pic below courtesy of my cellphone!

xo,

Daniella :)

Musical Cupcakes

My mom's friend wanted to throw a party for her son and his friends after their music recital.  What better way to celebrate than to have some yummy dessert.

She asked me to make vanilla and chocolate cupcakes and decorate them with musical notes.  I used some Wilton candy melts and made white and dark chocolate notes to top each cupcake.  To give them a little more shine, I brushed some pearl dust to make them stand out.  They turned out so cute! Check out the pics below!

xo,

Daniella :)