December 17, 2015

Spiced Ginger Bundt Cake with Caramel Brandy Sauce ~ #BundtBakers





It is a great feeling to be baking once again, especially with the talented bakers in the #BundtBakers group. A bundt cake is one of my favorite cakes to make, whether it be plain or decorated, and they always seem to keep so well.  A little whipped cream, ice cream, or vanilla custard served on the side never hurts either. There are so many fantastic bundt cake pans out there that it is easy to become a collector of them.  The pan I used in this recipe, the Chiffon Bundt Cake Pan, has special meaning to me.  It was sent to me by two special friends to lift my spirits during a difficult time.  I had no idea it was being sent to me until the box arrived at my door. For this reason it will always be my favorite bundt pan.

December 15, 2015

Peppermint Kahlua Chocolate-Dipped Biscotti ~ #CreativeCookieExchange




I am excited to be baking again with the #CreativeCookieExchange bakers. During my absence I followed along in the background and saw all the wonderful cookie creations everyone was baking, and now I am ready to join in the fun once again. It truly is amazing how much you can miss something, especially when you have talked yourself into believing you don't need to do it any more.

December 01, 2015

Christmas Morning Crown ~ #Twelve Loaves





I had truly forgotten how wonderful dough can feel in your hands.  Soft little pillows of goodness, so light to the touch, with the promise of the deliciousness to come.

It has been quite a while since I have participated in Twelve Loaves, but the group has remained in my thoughts and I missed the camaraderie and encouragement that all the wonderful bakers in the group provide.  At the last moment I decided that I needed to bake - because it is what makes me happy - so I had to quickly find something that fits this month's theme.