Vanilla Lemon Pear Tiara Cake

I can’t remember at what point in my life I simply accepted the fact that I am a princess, in just about every way. There’s no use denying it. It simply is, and I’ll wear my tiara (some days it’s a full-on crown) proudly. And, on other days, I’ll fill my tiara cake pan with…

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Double Dark Chocolate Chile Strawberry Glazed Cake

I had another one of those days…“Ashley, what are you baking? More bread?”“Nope. Cake. Chocolate cake.”“Why?”“Why not?”“Who is it for?”“Whoever. I think I’ll deliver it to Valerie tomorrow.” And that was that.I dreamt about ways to incorporate a little spice into the chocolate cake, subtly, but to still overwhelm the senses with deep, dark chocolate….

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Mexican Spice Rubbed Orange Roasted Chicken

It’s been quite some time since I roasted an entire chicken at home in the oven. I’m not sure why it simply doesn’t occur to me more often to fix such a feast, as the process is incredibly easy, amazingly delicious, and basically feeds a farm.In any case, I did it again.And, this time, I…

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Apple Bourbon Pecan Pie

I’ve never had a great relationship with Pecan Pie. We all have our “things” in life, some more profound and bizarre than others. But, sometimes we need to face those fears, particularly when we have the added comfort of apples and bourbon šŸ˜‰ Thus, I tackled a terror, and worked to create a bigger, better…

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Vanilla Layer Cake

Cake. Vanilla Cake. Layers upon layers of vanilla cake, with vanilla buttercream frosting. Then, topped with fresh strawberries and a hint of dark chocolate. How can you say no to that? You can’t really. Thus, we have Ā Vanilla Layer Cake, baked especially for a birthday celebration, and topped with adornments, just because. Vanilla Layer Cake…

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Winter Squash Poblano Coconut Soup

A few weeks ago I laughed myself silly watching a friend’s Instagram loop, singing (in a highly “island accent) “Put the Lime in the Coconut.”His rendition was actually MUCH better than this one and was quite inspiring – so inspiring, in fact, that I was moved to create a bit of a lime and coconut…

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Maple Balsamic Braised Beets, Bison, & Polenta

Do you have your plans for Valentine’s Day dinner yet? I honestly believe that going out to eat for Valentine’s Day is highly over-rated. Unfortunately, this seemingly celebratory date of romance is actually a true day of marital celebration for us – not unfortunately, but you know what I mean. Restaurants are crowded, with set…

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Lemon Tarragon Shortbread Cookies

Ask and you shall receive. That’s all I have to say.This one is for you, my dear friend Tony. I hope these Lemon Tarragon Shortbread Cookies survived the journey from Colorado to NYC!Thank you for making me feel special. Lemon Tarragon Shortbread Cookies 1 cup all-purpose flour1/2 cup powdered sugarĀ +Ā 2-4Ā Tbs.Ā forĀ dusting1/4 tsp. sea salt1/4 tsp. baking…

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Honey Lemon Chamomile Cheesecake

I think it turned out okay. In fact, I’m certain it turned out MORE than okay – magical, to say the least. Curious minds doubted the flavor combination, but I must say apprehension has completely departed the kitchen and the dessert table this time: Honey Lemon Chamomile Cheesecake. It seems to0 good to be true…but,…

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Bison Balsamic Meatballs & Scented Rosemary Mashers

Slightly reminiscent of my Venison Meatballs from years ago, this version of Bison Balsamic Meatballs & Scented Rosemary Mashers is even better! It’s not just the bison that makes the meal so good, or the aroma of fresh rosemary wafting through the kitchen in every way. Nope. It’s the homemade tomato sauce. That’s it! It…

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