Major confesh: I’m not a massive fan of chocolate. Yes, there are certain times when a piece of chocolate is necessary, but on the whole, I could do without it. Instead, I like sweets that aren’t overly sweet. That’s a big reason why I enjoy eating cream puffs: because they aren’t too sweet. They’re also light as…
Desserts
Arroz con Dulce (Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding)
Many cultures have a recipe for rice pudding that each bring a spoonful of comfort with every bite. The Puerto Rican (or Latin American) version is called Arroz con Dulce or Arroz con Leche. Arroz con Dulce is the preferred name for Puerto Ricans as arroz con leche is more of a breakfast treat there. Coconut and cinnamon play a significant role…
Coquito Cookies with Coquito Buttercream Frosting
I thought pillowy soft cookies made with coquito in the batter to celebrate National Coquito Day just made sense. What’s that? Didn’t you know it was National Coquito Day? Why, yes, Friend! December 21st is National Coquito Day. I thought everyone knew about this completely made-up holiday!! I’m going to pretend I knew about it all…
Mantecaditos (Almond-Flavored Butter Cookies)
Hector and I went back and forth over this Mantecaditos recipe. I prefer a buttery, bite-size cookie because that’s what I grew up eating. On the other hand, Hector is more about a bigger cookie, with no concern about the butter to flour ratio. I bring you the offspring of the beloved cookie of so many…
Sweet Potato Puree for Cooking and Baking
Holiday baking this year? I know you are, you little baker-Elf, you. I’m guessing that you probably need a few cans of sweet potato puree. If you’ve ever used canned sweet potatoes to make your puree, you most likely know how bland and tasteless it is. That poses a problem, my friend. We have a…
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
This post shows the power of peer pressure. On Saturday, I did an impromptu online cooking class showing folks how to make my Boozy Spiced Cranberry Sauce. I left with a Pumpkin Cheesecake class scheduled. Did I intend to host a pumpkin cheesecake-making class? No. Do I love my readers so much that I let…
Apple Streusel Cheesecake with Caramel Drizzle
The image speaks for itself, my friend. This Apple Streusel Cheesecake is a creamy, spiced cheesecake laced with applesauce. Because I’m always figuring out ways to pack more flavor into my recipes, I went ahead and did us all a favor by topping it with my apple pie filling. Then I figured, “Why not go…
Coquito Tres Leches (Coconut and Rum Tres Leches)
Recipes like this Coquito Tres Leches cake come from my boredom. Seriously! I lay in bed, thinking of my favorite things. Coquito? I love it because it’s so creamy and coconutty. Coquito is a rum and coconut cocktail laced with cinnamon. Throughout the holiday season, it is served in many Caribbean-Hispanic countries and the diaspora around the world. Tres leches is…
Pumpkin Caramel Sticky Buns with Pecans
Thank you Karo® Syrup for sponsoring this post. Celebrate sweet moments together with Karo®! My Pumpkin Caramel Sticky Buns deliver on their promise of sticky, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. These rolls have that familiar flavor (and aroma), which- let’s be honest- is the way to most of our hearts. With the…
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
I was going to name these cookies “Pillowy Clouds of Fall Goodness,” but that didn’t have the same umph. You have to possess a serious amount of confidence to say something is the softest ever. Between the light-as-air texture of these cookies and the bold, spiced flavors inside (and out) of them, I’m over here…
