dessert

Cocoa Krispy Treat Nests

March 24, 2021 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

How can you not smile when you see these nests? We used to make all kinds of “themed” Rice Krispy treats when I was growing up and they’re still so nostalgic to me. Plus, Cocoa Krispy treats are one of my dad’s favorites so we were (and still are!) always finding excuses to make them.

This would be such a fun project to do with kids. I love making them now, but think they’ll be even more special when I can make them with Guy next Easter. But something tells me he’ll be more focused on eating than helping…

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Cinnamon Sugar Sour Cream Coffee Cake

February 16, 2021 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

Is there anything more comforting or nostalgic than cinnamon and sugar? My mom used to make a version of this coffee cake when I was growing up and the taste and smell take me back to my childhood. I love it!

The sour cream makes the cake incredibly moist and tender. Plus it helps keep the cake moist for a couple days, so it’s the perfect thing to make a head of time for a brunch or holiday. Or to eat warm out of the oven on a snowy Tuesday because, why not?!

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Salted Brown Sugar Blondies

January 20, 2021 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

I know this is a controversial statement, but I like blondies better than chocolate chip cookies. Don’t get me wrong, I love chocolate chip cookies, but there’s just something about a blondie. The texture, the deeper flavor, I could go on and on!

I love them so much that they were the first thing I ever baked for my husband. We’ve been together for over 6 years so that must say something, right?

It’s my go to baked good to take to friends, family, and bake on a Friday night when we want something special. I hope you love them as much as we do!

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Fudge Cookies with Peppermint Buttercream and Crushed Candy Canes

December 9, 2020 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

Do you have something that just tastes like Christmas to you? These cookies are that to me. That’s probably because 1. my mom and I have been making them for as long as I can remember and 2. I only make them at Christmas. So I guess you could say these are a signature Christmas cookie?

The fudge cookie is a recipe my aunt gave my mom over 30 years ago and is truly unique. The texture is a cross between a brownie and fudge (hence fudge cookie!). I’ve never seen another recipe like it. They are great on their own, but the peppermint buttercream makes them so festive and special. I hope you love them as much as we do!

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Mom’s Almond Cake

December 2, 2020 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

This is hand’s down one of my mom’s best recipes. It’s stood the test of time – mom got the recipe out of the Columbus Dispatch’s Wednesday cooking section years ago and with a few tweaks it has remained a favorite.

It’s so simple, but that’s the beauty of the cake. In fact calling it a cake is a bit of a stretch. Is it a cake? Yes. But not in the traditional cake covered in buttercream and sprinkles that were used to. Instead it’s a sophisticated cake that’s just as perfect with coffee for breakfast as it is with ice cream for dessert. I made it for Rich’s birthday this year and we enjoyed it both ways.

What makes this cake even more appealing? It’s quick, takes minimal ingredients most of which you likely have on hand, and is just as good the next day as it is straight out of the oven. If that doesn’t convince you to make it, I’m not sure what will. Enjoy!

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Classic Brownies with flaky sea salt

September 10, 2020 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

Is there anything better than a warm brownie fresh out of the oven? I really don’t think so. My mom used to bake brownies from scratch when I was growing up when everyone else’s mom made them from a boxed mix. Are those boxed ones good? Sure, but they’re nothing like homemade. I always wanted to say to those boxed mix moms, you know making brownies from scratch isn’t that hard. Good thing I was a shy kid, something tells me those editorial comments wouldn’t have gone over well…

Always in search of the best brownie, I’ve made dozens of different recipes over the years and I think I’ve finally found it!

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S’mores Ice Cream Pie

July 30, 2020 by Gretchen Blazer Thompson

This recipe is summer in a bowl. Rich and I were outside one night making s’mores and it occurred to me, why are we sitting over a fire on a hot summer evening? Couldn’t I recreate the delicious combination that is a s’more in ice cream form? And just like that the idea for this dessert was born.

It’s also the best kind of summer dessert because it uses a lot of store bought ingredients and can be made a few days ahead of time. Perfect for those summer cookouts where you don’t want to spend the whole day in the kitchen!

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