These chewy Chocolate Orange Macarons were inspired by candied orange rinds dipped in chocolate. Stiffly whipped egg whites, powdered sugar, almonds, and cocoa form perfect circles of chewy chocolate cookies that are naturally gluten-free. Then, sandwich two of these macarons with a chocolate-orange ganache that literally melts in your mouth. It is impossible to eat just one of these.
Tag Archives: gluten free
Updated GF Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Cake
It’s time to revisit this Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Cake to make this dessert easier and more foolproof. is not only gluten-free but perfect for Passover. I can’t even begin to guess how many of these Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Cakes we made at the bakery but I do remember having to glaze and cut 69 at one point for a banquet – 1104 pieces. It seemed like they would never end. For a brief moment, I almost gave up on chocolate.
Remember when the flourless chocolate cakes took everyone by storm? They were everywhere. The problem was most of them were dry, dry, dry and not worth the trouble. Just because something is flourless doesn’t make it good! However, this Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Cake is ultra-smooth and has a deep, intense chocolate taste without being bitter or overwhelming. Continue reading
Hot Peppered Pecans
Hot Peppered Pecans are perfect with the super bowl around the corner. I originally discovered these Hot Peppered Pecans when the St. Louis Art Museum wrote their cookbook, “Artists in the Kitchen”. Some of the testing was done in my bakery kitchen
These pecans are a standout. Heat Alert – they are hot!! So if you don’t favor a lot of heat, tone down all the pepper and the hot pepper sauce. Start with half and go from there.
If you’re going to a Super Bowl party these are a great hostess gift. Or if you’re hosting a Super Bowl Party these Hot Peppered Pecans make great gifts to send home with your guests. Choose little containers or put them cellophane bags and tie with decorative ribbons. They are also great on a cheese tray, crumbled in a salad or included in any recipe calling for pecans, including sweet ones. The kick they add to chocolate chip cookies is amazing. Add them to Cocoa Brownies for an unusual twist. As an added bonus they are gluten-free
Including baking, these Hot Peppered Pecans shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes. Continue reading
Exceptional Mother’s Day Cakes
President Woodrow Wilson certainly knew what he was doing in 1914 when he finally got congress to designate the second Sunday every May as Mother’s Day. A special day set aside to honor mothers certainly calls for desserts worthy of that honor.
I have selected six cakes that can be made in part or completely ahead. As I am not a proponent of naked cakes, each is easy to finish so you won’t be tied up fussing with frosting it.
A quick note about freezing the cake layers. Freeze them first, then wrap them completely in foil. This will keep from smooshing the sides or tops of the tender cakes.
I am posting this early to give you a chance to get one of these special Mother’s Days cakes underway to honor your mother, grandmother or yourself. Continue reading
Cocoa Fundamentals Natural vs. Dutched
One of my readers and I got into an interesting conversation about the fundamentals of cocoa. It dawned on me I don’t have a post about the difference between the dutched and non-dutched or natural cocoa. They can be confusing but understanding them will help.
In a single sentence, the difference between the two is the natural cocoa is acidic and the dutched cocoa isn’t. However, there is more to know than that. Because of the acid content or lack of it, which leavening is used makes all the difference. Continue reading
