Malasadas

It's the dog days of summer, and if you're stuck at home (like me) daydreaming about the perfect vacation spot, I have just the tropical treat to snap you out of it and transport you (at least temporarily) to paradise. These fried dough treats, called malasadas, are native to Portugal, but are a specialty on the islands of Hawaii. They're great simply rolled in some cinnamon sugar, or for a tasty surprise you can pump them full of all sorts of fillings - custard, guava, or chocolate. But today, I'm going with my favorite, a coconut filling called haupia that's pure creamy, coconutty goodness!

Birthday Cake

This year, for my birthday treat, I decided to combine two of my loves: chocolate and hazelnut. The result? A delicious chocolate hazelnut frosting cake that still has my mouth watering. Hazelnut's not your thing, no worries. Simply substitute your favorite nut butter for the homemade hazelnut butter (yes you heard me right, I'll be showing you how to make a simple, yet scrumptious hazelnut butter!), or, just substitute the hazelnuts for your go-to nut and still make your own nut butter. Those of you up to the challenge, will be rewarded with a more flavorful frosting! 

Lemon Bars

Scrambling for a a last-minute Fourth of July dessert or summer picnic recipe? No fear, I have the perfect tangy, sweet, and refreshing treat: lemon bars! After all, the saying goes, "When life gives you lemons, make lemon bars", right...? Well, it should, because these babies are absolutely delicious and quick to whip up for any summer gathering.