divian l conner: December 2015

Holiday Cakes: Cakes to Make This Season

9:59 PM

Everyone knows that Christmas and the holidays means pumpkin everything or sweet potato and pecan pies. At least here in the South. But this season, why not try something different? Something sure to calm the palettes down after a hearty dinner. Serve with coffee, hot chocolate or tea and sit around the tree or in the family room talking about all the things you are thankful for.

Death By Chocolate and Peanut Butter Ice Cream Brownie Cake

~tip: add a bit of pomegranate seeds for festive color and extra crunch and taste.

Easy Banana Pudding Cake

A southern staple, add some sliced strawberries.

Toffee Popcorn and Chocolate Ganache Cake

Pineapple Upside Down Ice Cream Cake

I'll be back in a few days with some fabulous recipes featuring Greek Gods Yogurt. Oh my, yes.

Holiday Recap: Pies

12:03 AM

The holidays are here and it is all about desserts. I have finally finalized my Christmas menu (going a wee bit English traditional) and will be making an apple pie for the first time.

When it comes to making pies, I love pretty pies. Yes, I want them to no only taste good but look good too. I like that taking a little bit more time shows my family they are worth it. After all it does not happen all the time. Holidays are special because of the extra effort.

I saw a post by Sweet Paul about leaf pie crusts. It had me smitten. So gorgeous, I had to try. Nope, I am no professional baker but I think they turned out pretty good. I used premade pie crust to cut out my design and add to my pies. Of course, you can make your own, but this was a great time saver for me.

I made peach pie, blackberry, and buttermilk pies. Everyone loved them.

When it comes to your pie, be creative. Everyone loves a good pie.

Take a fork and draw designs on your top crust. Use a spoon and press semi circles around the crust. Braid the crust and be patient. Oh how braiding can make you cry. Don't worry if it breaks. Keep rolling it out and trying again.