Meyer Lemon-Lavender Pound Cake

I was perusing through one of my favorite baking blogs - Desserts for Breakfast - and I came across this beautiful dessert. I had no intention of adding new items to my baking agenda, but I just couldn't resist.  Anything with Lavender will immediately climb to the top of my list. It's one of my …

Message from your Pregnant Baker

I’ve been getting quite a few comments from readers about how 'challenged' they feel when it comes to baking.  That got me thinking about one very important message I wanted to share with all of you: if I’m able to bake with my incredibly scattered pregnant brain, then you most certainly can too! All you …

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake (family recipe)

This is a family recipe I uncovered while digging through some of my favorite recipes and reminiscing about my childhood treats. I was on the phone with one of my sisters talking about the different desserts we baked and ate while growing up, and she reminded me of this amazing pineapple upside-down cake one of …

Bella’s Picks: Best Desserts in NYC (Part I)

When I'm in the mood for dessert, I want something that is worth every single calorie. There is nothing more satisfying than taking a bite out of an indulgent sweet that transports you to straight to dessert heaven. In my attempt to share some of my most memorable experiences with you, I started to compile …

Chocolate Walnut Banana Bread

I was originally going to make a basic Banana Walnut Bread that I love, but then my cravings kicked in and chocolate chips started sounding like THE best idea ever. Having no control over my hunger these days, I had to give in and make a slight tweak to this recipe to satisfy my pregnancy needs. …

Caramel Corn Flakes Truffles (family recipe)

My first disclaimer about this recipe is that the name in the headline is completely made up. This fun treat is a family recipe that one of my older sisters concocted when I was very young and still living in Ecuador. It was our favorite and most requested treat at home. In Spanish, these are called …

Joe’s Stone Crab Key Lime Pie

Joe's Stone Crab is one of my favorite places on earth.  They are most famously known for their mouth-watering jumbo claws they sell from October 15 - May 15 at their outpost in Miami, Florida, but look outside of their stone crab selection and their menu is full of yummy treats. From their creamy seafood …

Common Baking Mishaps

While you wait for my next baking treat (check the baking countdown on the bottom right!), I thought I'd share some of the most common baking mishaps that can turn your beautiful desserts into sweet messes.  I know some of the items on this list sound incredibly basic and a bit ridiculous, but I'll have …

Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Cookie Sandwiches)

This is another one of those Latin American treats I miss from back home.  It's essentially a shortbread-like sandwich cookie filled with one of my favorite things in the world - Dulce de Leche. It's practically impossible to go wrong with this baby. In fact, it's practically impossible to go wrong with ANYTHING you slather …

Tres Leches (family recipe!)

Tres Leches is one of those beautiful things everyone should try at least once in their lifetime (or once a week if you ask my husband). It’s delicate, balanced and flavorful. Every bite of this juicy sponge bursts in your mouth, then melts away leaving rich, buttery flavors of creaminess and sweetness on your palate. …

Coconut Flan

Flan.  One of those traditional Latin American desserts I grew up with. This one in particular is one of the easiest and yummiest flan recipes I've made. It's also fool proof and consistently good time after [baking] time. The coconut milk and toasted coconut give the ordinary flan an interesting twist without overshadowing any of …

Tres Leches Cupcakes with Dulce de Leche Buttercream Frosting

Originally from Ecuador, I grew up eating tres leches for every special and not so special occasion throughout my childhood.  It truly is one of the best inventions in the culinary world and I have yet to try something as decadent and perfectly [overly] sweet as this traditional Latin American dessert. (In fact, stay tuned …