Sweet And Crumby

Baking, a Love Story

Monthly Archives: March 2011


by 42 Comments

April Fool’s Faux Fries and A Chocolate Chipped, Orange Zested Pound Cake Ticket to Crazy Place

I can’t do anything normal, the obvious way, the “exactly according to the recipe” way.  Sometimes it works for me and sometimes it doesn’t.  Today it worked; really, really worked.

Let’s start at the beginning, shall we?  I am a fool for April Fool’s Day. We celebrate big time over here and we even have had an April Fool’s Day birthday party since my daughter, Zoie,  was born in early April (Sorry Grace, I believe you were the one who had the first piece of the mashed potato frosted meatloaf birthday “cake”). Continue reading →


by 38 Comments

Balsamic Dark Cherry Sauce Over Fallen Chocolate Cake

Have you ever…

Fallen crazily in love?

Fallen down, way down, with no glimpse of the sky?

Fallen, literally, into a mud puddle, or down a flight of stairs or simply between the cracks?…

Continue reading →


by 25 Comments

Cinnamon Rolls from the Kitchen of a Mother Hen

My husband’s fondest kitchen memory is of eating piping hot, sticky cinnamon rolls straight from the oven of a friend’s mom.  At Mrs. Brooks’ house, growing teens—some who lived there and many who did not—would stand expectantly around the kitchen with their car greased hands and garage battle wounds and would stuff their mouths full while enjoying the great smells, tastes  and companionship coming from her kitchen.

Continue reading →


by 29 Comments

I Plead the Fifth—Cornmeal Strawberry Muffins

I have a confession to make…I am not great with surprises big or small.   This includes gifts for others as well as gifts for myself.  When I find a gift for someone that I just know is the perfect thing, I want to tell them immediately, not wait until the big day.

Continue reading →


by 23 Comments

A Bowl of Comfort From Me to You—Banana Cream Pie Pudding

There are a lot of reasons I need comfort food at the moment, but at the very top of the list is the number of people still missing in Japan.  The live footage has been unforgettable, imprinted on my brain and inside my heart. If you would like to help the relief efforts in Japan: Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 or click this link to donate online.

Continue reading →


by 35 Comments

My Love Affair with Cardamom—Rose Water Infused Pistachio Cardamom Cookies

Baking with savory herbs is a new fascination of mine.  I have recently been baking with rosemary, thyme and now cardamom. These cardamom cookies are delicate and soft with just a tiny crunch factor. Chopped pistachios studded throughout the cookie with a hint of rosewater, although indeterminable if you did not know, make this cookie bloom with flavor.

Continue reading →


by 42 Comments

Coconut Cream-Filled Cupcakes with Matcha Frosting

I wish I could send you one of these nice little mini coconut, cream-filled cupcakes with Matcha frosting.  They are soft, with a tender crumb, have a mild dreamy coconut flavor and the rich, smooth frosting is perfectly offset by earthy green tea.

Continue reading →


by 51 Comments

Thin Mint Obsessed? To. Die. For. Chocolate Mint Cupcakes

If you like Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies, then you have come to the right place. Or if you are simply a fan of the deepest, richest, chocolate cupcake with creamy mint frosting, then you are also in the right place.  On the other hand, if chocolate just does not rock your world, please feel free to move on.  I will contemplate whether you are allowed to return.  Kidding…just kidding.

Continue reading →