Contrary to what many people say, I found this cake to be pretty easy to make. Time-consuming, definitely. But hard? Not so much.

White Chocolate Toffee Bars. These are easy to make, make a bunch, and can be easily customized with toppings of your choice.

This month’s Cake Slice Bakers recipe was a perfect choice for November. Rich with Fall flavors like pumpkin, ginger, cinnamon and pecans, this is a creamy and very rich dessert, perfect for a Thanksgiving (or any other) celebration.

These were a huge hit at my office. One person thought they were too sweet, but pretty much everyone else raved. Not a single one came back home with me at the end of the day.

Thanks, Mel! You made me look like a star.

Apple Cake with Maple Frosting is a rustic, homestyle cake filled with chunks of apple, lovely fall spices and bits of crunchy walnuts.

An easy way to spice up simple shortbread cookies

My poor co-workers, so spoiled after 4 years of getting home baked goodies every month for staff meeting – last month, they got donuts from the local bakery with a “too hot to bake!” note stuck to the box. There were some sad faces around the office (I notice they still ate the donuts, though). But this month, I showed up with these Black Bottom Coconut Macaroons and suddenly everyone was happy again.

These babycakes are a bit like a little girl who’s grown up and is getting ready for her first prom – sweet, simple and soft, but all dressed up and looking glamorous!

Proof positive that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best! Dense, moist cake with a fresh, lemony flavor and aroma, plus a crisp sugar crust and delightful crackling top..

Why is pepperoni reserved only for pizza? It has so much to offer other dishes.

It’s got a lovely, spicy kick that adds lots of flavor, even when only a small amount is used. And, turkey pepperoni is just about as good as the real thing, so it can really liven up a healthy meal.

So my challenge to myself – could I make this recipe suitable for an everyday meal with easy to find ingredients and a healthier profile?

 
Yes. Yes, I could.

I recently signed up with the Barefoot Bloggers, just in time for their 1 year anniversary! This group tries out recipes by the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten, twice a month. I figured this would be a fun way to try some new recipes that I might not otherwise choose.
 
The first May recipe was chosen by Kate of Warm Olives and Cool Cocktails, and it’s one that’s right up my alley – Tuna Salad. Tuna Salad, you’re thinking? How boring! Not hardly.