Zesty Mini Lemon Cakes

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Easy & Moist Small Lemon Cake Recipe (6-Inch) with Homemade Lemon Buttercream Indulge in the bright, refreshing flavors of this delightful Small Lemon Cake. This 6-inch lemon cake recipe is designed to be baked from scratch, perfect for two or a small gathering, and is exquisitely topped with our homemade lemon buttercream frosting. Get ready … Read more

Sweet and Spicy Raspberry Jalapeno Jam No Pectin

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Homemade Raspberry Jalapeno Jam: A Sweet, Spicy, No-Pectin Delight Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary experience with this Raspberry Jalapeno Jam recipe! While the combination of sweet raspberries, tangy rhubarb, and spicy jalapeños might sound unconventional, this small-batch jam is an absolute revelation. What’s even better? You don’t need any added pectin to achieve … Read more

Smothered Pork Chops in Creamy Mushroom Gravy

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Easy Skillet Pork Chops with Homemade Mushroom Gravy: Your New Go-To Dinner Prepare to fall in love with pork chops all over again! This easy pork chop recipe features perfectly seared, juicy pork chops smothered in a rich, homemade mushroom gravy made entirely from scratch – no canned soup insight. It’s the ultimate comfort food, … Read more

Petite Baked Alaska

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S’mores Baked Alaska For Two: A Mini Dessert Delight with Chocolate Ice Cream and Marshmallow Meringue

Imagine the perfect blend of textures and temperatures: the warm, toasted crispness of marshmallow meringue giving way to a core of still-cold, rich chocolate ice cream, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. This is the magic of our Mini S’mores Baked Alaska for Two, a decadent treat that offers a delightful contrast in every bite. It’s a dessert that perfectly embodies both indulgence and a touch of whimsy, ideal for sharing with someone special or savoring all by yourself.

Delicious S'mores Baked Alaska For Two with chocolate ice cream and toasted marshmallow meringue, ready to be served in a ramekin.

Now that I’m mostly settled into my new apartment, I think it’s time to fill you in on more than just dessert. While this S’mores Baked Alaska For Two might seem like a simple sweet escape, it actually holds a deeper connection to a significant personal transition. If you’ve been following my journey on social media, you might have noticed a subtle shift – I’ve moved back to Pittsburgh, the city where I grew up, a move I even briefly mentioned in a previous post.

I strategically scheduled a few posts during my move to ensure my absence wasn’t too noticeable, but I bet now you’re curious about the details. How did this major life change come about, and what does it have to do with these adorable, miniature S’mores Baked Alaskas? Well, I actually made this recipe a few weeks before my move, using up some chocolate ice cream and egg whites I had on hand. The idea had been simmering ever since I crafted a s’mores pie for my birthday, and I knew I wanted to revisit those iconic flavors in a new, exciting way. The result? A perfectly scaled-down version featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, luscious chocolate ice cream, and fluffy marshmallow meringue, all baked to perfection in two small ramekins.

Whether you choose to share these delightful mini baked Alaskas with a loved one or keep both for a double dose of personal indulgence, that delicious decision is entirely up to you. But first, let me share a bit more about the journey that led me to this new beginning.

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Zesty Strawberry Lemonade Dream

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Indulge in Homemade Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Treat Summer is a season defined by sunshine, long days, and the simple pleasure of cool, refreshing treats. When the temperatures soar, what’s your go-to indulgence? For many, it’s an ice-cold glass of lemonade – that perfect balance of sweet and tart that instantly … Read more

Perfectly Portioned Mini Cheesecakes

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Easy Small Batch Mini Cheesecakes: Your Perfect Muffin Pan Recipe Guide There’s something irresistibly charming about mini cheesecakes. These individual delights offer all the rich, creamy goodness of a classic cheesecake but in a perfectly portioned, easy-to-handle size. Ideal for intimate gatherings, a dessert for two, or simply a sweet treat when a full-sized cheesecake … Read more

Holiday Eggnog Cookie Cups

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Indulge in Holiday Cheer: Easy Eggnog Filled Sugar Cookie Cups from Scratch

The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the irresistible urge to bake. If you’re searching for a show-stopping yet surprisingly easy Christmas cookie recipe that’s made entirely from scratch, look no further than these delightful Eggnog Filled Sugar Cookie Cups. Forget about pre-made cookie dough; this recipe proves that homemade is not only superior in taste but also incredibly straightforward to whip up. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these charming, eggnog-infused treats!


Eggnog Filled Sugar Cookie Cups from scratch

Please note: I was compensated by Safest Choice Eggs for this festive recipe. As always, your readership and support of the brands I partner with are deeply appreciated, as they enable me to continue bringing you more delicious recipes and holiday inspiration.

Embracing the Flavors of the Season: Why Eggnog Reigns Supreme

For many of us, December ushers in a specific trifecta of beloved holiday flavors: the warm spice of gingerbread, the refreshing zing of peppermint, and the rich, creamy comfort of eggnog. While I might occasionally crave a peppermint mocha outside of the holiday season, gingerbread and eggnog hold a special place reserved exclusively for November and December. It’s not just a social convention; my taste buds genuinely yearn for these distinctive seasonal tastes only when the air gets crisp and the holidays draw near. Attempt to offer me eggnog in January, and my body simply says, “Nope, not interested.”

This strong seasonal preference means I make it my mission to #eggnogallthethings before December 31st! To fully embrace eggnog season and maximize its enjoyment, I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Davidson’s Safest Choice Pasteurized Eggs for their exciting Dozen Days of Nog Event. More on that wonderful celebration in a moment, but first, a crucial question: are you an eggnog lover?

My journey with eggnog took an interesting turn thanks to a former coworker who introduced me to a “sugar cookie eggnog” from the grocery store. It was essentially regular eggnog, but with its vanilla notes delightfully amplified. We both agreed it was far superior to plain eggnog. Inspired by how perfectly eggnog and sugar cookies complement each other, I set out to create these incredible Eggnog Filled Sugar Cookie Cups, crafted entirely from scratch.

The Joy of Baking From Scratch: Easier and More Rewarding Than You Think

As I explored cookie cup recipes, I was genuinely surprised by how many relied on pre-made cookie dough. While there’s absolutely no judgment if that’s your preferred method, for me, the process of making cookie dough at home is not only quicker and more cost-effective but also infinitely more rewarding. There’s a special satisfaction that comes from creating something truly homemade, especially during the holidays. Once you try this recipe, you’ll discover that baking delicious sugar cookie dough from scratch is incredibly simple, and you might never feel the need to buy pre-packaged dough again! This recipe is designed to be approachable for all skill levels, delivering a superior taste and texture that only homemade can offer.

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Small Batch 6-Inch Cake Recipes

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The Ultimate Guide to Delicious 6-Inch Cake Recipes: Perfect for Small Celebrations Are you searching for small cake recipes that are just right for two or a cozy gathering? This is your ultimate guide to baking delicious 6-inch cakes from scratch, ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Discover classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and … Read more

Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pie

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Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pie: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe with a Scratch Chocolate Crust

Experience a truly exceptional dessert with our Homemade German Chocolate Pecan Pie. This recipe beautifully marries the iconic flavors of German chocolate cake—rich chocolate, toasted coconut, and crunchy pecans—with the sweet, gooey indulgence of a classic pecan pie. The ultimate delight is sealed within a flaky, tender chocolate pie crust, made from scratch to elevate every bite.


A perfectly sliced piece of German Chocolate Pecan Pie, revealing its rich chocolate, coconut, and pecan layers, served on a vibrant teal plate.

As I revisit and update this cherished German Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe, originally crafted in 2014, I’m transported back to a week filled with unexpected twists and turns. It was a period of intense emotions, a true roller coaster of hope, excitement, and eventual redirection, much like the journey of perfecting any beloved recipe.

That particular week began with a surge of optimism. An incredible opportunity, something I had long aspired to, landed directly in my inbox. It felt like my big break, a chance to prove myself. My heart pounded with a mix of anticipation, excitement, and a touch of anxiety. I poured my everything into the work, delivering what I believed to be my best. The adrenaline was palpable after submission, a testament to my effort and pride.

Then came the response: rejection. It was a jarring blow, shaking my confidence. But after a moment to regroup, I was determined. I revised, reshot, and submitted again, only to face a second rejection. Failing not once, but twice, at something I desired more than anything, was undoubtedly disheartening. My self-belief was a bit fractured, yet a remarkable shift occurred later that same week.

Despite the setbacks in one area of my professional life, I realized I was thriving in another. It was a profound realization that allowed me, for the first time in what felt like forever, to genuinely say: “I love my job.” The multifaceted role of a recipe developer, a food photographer, and a full-time blogger finally clicked into place. This epiphany wasn’t instantaneous; it blossomed during a conversation with a friend about her own career satisfaction.

That’s when it truly hit me: even with all the ups and downs, the frustrations, the moments of loneliness, and yes, the failures, I hadn’t felt truly miserable since leaving my previous job. Frustrated? Absolutely. Lonely? At times. Failure? Indeed. But never miserable. This distinction reminded me of an insightful article a friend once shared about determining success, which suggests that the crucial question isn’t “what do you want to enjoy?” but rather “what pain are you willing to sustain?” Because in any path we choose, the pursuit of our desires inevitably comes with its share of struggles and challenges.

This philosophy resonates deeply with baking. Even after that initial professional rejection, my desire to succeed was strong enough that I was willing to endure the pain of trying again. The same applied to this German Chocolate Pecan Pie. My first attempt was, frankly, a failure. The inherent risk in recipe development is that you often don’t know if a concept will work until it’s too late. And it was definitely too late to salvage that first pie, though it remained edible enough for taste-testing. Fortunately, I quickly identified the culprit – too much liquid. With a simple adjustment, a second attempt, and a dose of perseverance, success was finally mine!

This particular German Chocolate Pecan Pie represents the best of both worlds. It ingeniously combines the beloved elements of a classic German chocolate cake – its rich, chocolatey foundation, crunchy pecans, and sweet coconut – with the signature gooey, custardy texture of a traditional pecan pie. It’s a harmonious fusion, much like how I created my popular Pecan Pie Cheesecake by bringing together two dessert titans. But the real game-changer here? The homemade chocolate pie crust. We’re not talking about a crushed cookie crust; this is a genuine, flaky, scratch-made chocolate pie dough that truly sets this dessert apart. It’s chocolate pecan pie taken to an entirely new level!

Given that pecan pie is a staple of autumnal celebrations, I brought this glorious creation to a friend’s Friendsgiving gathering. As fate would have it, her absolute favorite dessert is German chocolate cake, making this pie an instant sensation and a runaway hit. Whether you plan to serve this show-stopping German Chocolate Pecan Pie for Thanksgiving, Christmas, a special holiday dinner, or simply as an everyday indulgence, be warned: you’ll never want to skip dessert again!

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Thanksgiving Stuffed Cornish Hen for Two

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Stuffed Cornish Hen: The Perfect Small-Batch Thanksgiving Dinner for Two (or a Small Family!) Planning Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t always mean roasting a colossal turkey. For many, a smaller, more intimate celebration is the perfect way to enjoy the holiday without the stress of excessive leftovers or a massive cooking endeavor. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving for … Read more