Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Dear Carrot Cake,

How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways....

Your moist, luscious cake... Your creamy, decadent frosting... Your...

By now, you're probably thinking, "Really, Dawn?  A love letter to cake?!"  And if I hadn't baked and tasted it for myself many times over, I would be right there in the skeptic's seat along with you.  Just trust me when I tell you that my ode could never come close to being overrated.  It really is that good...and special.

As with most of my favorite recipes, I began baking this cake many years ago and sharing it among family and friends.  We all loved it, so I later added it to my catering menus.  And surprise! My clients also loved it.  The rest, as we say, is history. 

From holiday celebrations, to birthday affairs, to dinner parties, and good 'ole sweet tooth cravings, this Carrot Cake continues to hold its own in the sea of confectionery delights.

I gave it an honorable mention once here on the blog, as I shared highlights from a Thanksgiving Dinner.  Today I've finally come full circle to share a recipe, as well (and if you must know, I took so long because I vowed I would never give up my source for this unbelievable yumminess. And that's still not entirely untrue.) But because I'm a generous girl at heart :), I'm offering up a similar recipe to get your baking--and indulging--underway! 

Happy Eating!

Carrot Cake
(Recipe courtesy of Epicurious)
 
 

Summer's Best: Peach Cobbler

It's amazing to realize that we're a stone's throw from the end of Summer.  I love the Fall season and can't deny that I'm eagerly anticipating a respite from the heat and humidity that overhangs this time of the year.  However, there are some things about Summer that I will absolutely miss long after the air-conditioned days and al fresco nights are no more.  And the season's bounty is one of them.  In my (humble) opinion, one of the absolute best things about Summer is the vibrant, seasonal food that makes its mark on our culinary landscapes.

Stone fruit fits squarely into that mix, and my undisputed favorites remain peaches, plums, and nectarines.  Whether grilled, roasted, fresh, or transformed into other-worldly ice cream, crumbles, tarts, cobblers, jams, pies, and more, they count as little jewels of which I rarely get enough.  And yesterday afternoon was another example of unabashed indulgence.

Perfectly crisp, yet ripe, fragrant peaches made their way from the market, into my kitchen, into my oven, and finally into my mouth and tummy, for one satisfyingly good peach cobbler.

I plan to relish every delicious moment of the remaining weeks of Summer and invite you to join me--starting with this scrumptious cobbler, of course.

Happy Eating!

Tell me: What are some of your favorite Summer things, foods, and experiences?  Leave a comment below to share!

Peach Cobbler
Ingredients:
6 large peaches, peeled and cut into thin wedges
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the biscuit topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 stick cold, unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup boiling water

Method:
Cook peaches:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.  Toss peaches with sugar, lemon juice and cornstarch in a 2qt. non-reactive baking dish and bake in the middle of the oven for 10 minutes.

Making topping while peaches bake:

Stir together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.  Blend in butter with fingertips or a pastry blender until mixture resembles course meal.  Stir in water until just combined.

Remove peaches from oven and drop spoonfuls of topping over them. Bake in the middle of oven until topping is golden, about 25 minutes.  (Topping will spread as it bakes.)  Enjoy!
Recipe courtesy of Epicurious
  
  

And the Oscar Goes To...

Who doesn't love an occasion (big or small) to celebrate and nosh on delectable bites?  With the Oscars airing this weekend, many are taking their cues for yet another occasion to entertain and bring some fun into the kitchen. 

If you're planning your own fete, check out these "Oscar worthy" offerings that can add a delicious flair to your affair!

1. Smoked salmon dip, mini lobster rolls, and a whole lot of other goodness, are included in this list of 10 easy appetizers (Bon Appetit)

2. Toast to your favorite nominees with this fun mocktail (Martha Stewart)

3.  Enjoy a scrumptious dessert for a sweet finish (Epicurious)

Happy Eating!

*Photo Credit

In Season: The Best Way to Shop and Eat

There's something to be said for seasonal eats.  When it comes to the benefits, there are two major ones that will matter to everyone:  cost and taste.  Simply put, buying food in peak-season yields cheaper costs and ultimate flavor.

And it only makes sense.  To purchase tomatoes in the heart of winter is not the same experience as purchasing them during the summer months when the crop abounds.  Similarly, looking for a pumpkin in the heat of summer likely won't be your most satisfying, or tasty, experience.  So when the rubber meets the road, as we say in the South, you'll want to make sure you've covered your two main priorities:  good great food at the best prices.

If you're now thinking, "great, but where do I start?", I'm glad you asked.  I scoured this seasonal ingredient map on Epicurious.com which takes seasonal eating to the ultimate level by showing you what's in season in your state for each month of the year, along with recipes, tips and more.  I love it and plan on getting good use out of it as I shop and plan meals in the days to come.  I hope you'll also find it to be a great resource for the best in local, authentic, farm-to-table fare.

Happy (In Season) Eating!

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Summer Party Essentials

There's nothing quite like the Summer season to wake-up the host or hostess in us all.  The warmer weather beckons for casual gatherings al fresco, where delicious bites and cool, refreshing sips are par for the course. 

And let's not forget about that other all important staple for entertaining:  ambiance.  With the proper lighting, table settings, music and what-nots, you'll be all set to host an affair to remember and make memories that will endure long after the party has ended.


To help kick-off your soiree in style, we're sharing some favorite tips and resources on Summer Entertaining from Epicurious.  And once you've soaked up all the inspiration, entertaining will never look the same again.

So here's to all the delicious, beautiful, and fun delights that Summer brings--and to Happy Entertaining!

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