Sweet Memories

For the longest time, I've wanted to make "oreos" at home.  I finally got around to it and used the Chocolate Salt & Pepper Sandwich Cookie recipe from the Baked Explorations: Classic American Desserts Reinvented cookbook.  I did however take a few liberties with the filling recipe.

Chocolate Cream Sandwich Cookies [03.08.2011]

These cookies really hit the spot.  Everyone who tried them fell in love at first bite.  For me, it was the saltiness, the slight kick from the pepper and of course the nostalgia factor.  These cookies hit a serious soft spot - a part of Americana packed in a little cookie.  As much as I love dainty, beautiful and elaborate desserts, sometimes you just need a little something sweet that comes close to home.

Strawberry Thyme!

I've been recently craving scones, so why not make my own?  Instead of some of the typical flavors and dried fruits, I opted for something a little more fresh and both a little sweet and a little savory.  Needless to say, with spring slowly sneaking up on us, I'm starting to see more and more berries at the market - a plethora of fresh fruits and produce are just around the corner for pastrypixels to play with!  Strawberry Thyme it is! 

Strawberry & Thyme Scones [03.07.2011]

I used a typical scone recipe with the addition of small diced strawberries and about 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves.  The scones came out flaky and with the addition of coarse sugar on top, there was a nice little crunch.

YUM!

A Long Time In the Making...

Actually, more like a long time in the waiting.  I was cleaning out my freezer, when I came across random components of "incomplete desserts."  Among the items were a Lychee Mousse and Rhubarb Consomme.  I threw the two together with a few pieces of fresh Lychee.  

Lychee Mousse and Rhubarb Consomme [01.30.2011]

 

Sometimes I just want to take pictures and I'm not in the mood to do any baking - this was was the perfect opportunity!  The lychee flavor went very well with the tartness of the rhubarb.  I also love the color of rhubarb - it is so vibrant and I love the way it makes this picture pop.  

Here are some older rhubarb pictures that I've never shared....please enjoy.

Rhubarb [07.10.2010]

 

Rhubarb Consomme w/ Meringue Sticks [07.22.2010]