Be Present

Not good-bye, see you later! After careful consideration, I’ve decided to step back from the fantastic foodie world. I need/want to be the best possible {mentally & physically} for special occasions throughout my small family including my son’s wedding next year : )

I started the blog as fun, a healthy outlet & for my L🍪V E of baking! Contemplated revising my blog to healthy alternatives however, the time spent on social media could be used to focus & better myself.

You’re all creative & inspiring! I’m so incredibly grateful for your support 😊 Our world is full of amazing dishes & desserts 🧁 I even revisited old baking challenges i.e., French pastries 😁 and met wonderful people near & far.

I temporarily deactivated from IG — this note was added to my IG story 2 days ago. Have a great weekend & stay safe!!

Be Present! Take Care of Yourself! Stay Awesome ~ Amy

*images are not mine*

Chocolate Mousse Cake

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! It’s National Dessert Day ~ layers of chocolate cake, mousse & topped with chocolate ganache : )

Do you love chocolate? I wanted to dive straight into the Ganache & mousse bowl 😁 Both can be prepared ahead of time — it’s tempting to sneak a few spoonfuls 😉

The first bite is amazing. Rich, decadent and pure indulgence! Layers of chocolatey goodness that want to be shared. I mistakenly relied on my memory to purchase dark cocoa powder prior to baking 🙄 The cake should be darker.

If you love dessert as much as I do …indulge… it is National Dessert Day 😉 I hope you have an awesome & safe day! ❤️💃🍫 #sweettooth

Recipe by Sally’s Baking Addiction {Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake} Please click the link below for the full recipe

https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/dark-chocolate-mousse-cake/#tasty-recipes-72931

Broccoli Cheddar Spaghetti Squash

Getting squashed! Creamy cheesy broccoli baked inside a gorgeous roasted squash : )

I absolutely love cheddar broccoli — this is great idea for lunch or dinner. SO delicious + a fun presentation 😃 Sauté garlic & shallots while the squash is roasting. It smells fantastic!!

Anyone else dislike cutting squash? It’s tough!! Come on muscles 💪 or perhaps my knives need to be sharpened 😆 I hope you have a nice evening, stay safe & thank you for following 🧡🍂😃 #broccolicheddarlove

Recipe by How Sweet Eats

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 spaghetti squash, cut in half with seeds scraped out
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups grated white cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs

https://www.howsweeteats.com/2020/09/broccoli-cheddar-spaghetti-squash/#wprm-recipe-container-68242

Pecan Streusel Pumpkin Bread

Perfect Fall treat! Warm sweet spices packed with pumpkin flavor : )

The color! The flavors! A scrumptious bread idea for pumpkin spice lovers. The pecan streusel is amazing 💃 I was planning to share one loaf {recipe makes 2} then a brilliant idea popped in mind … 2 mini loafs. Yes!! I filled one regular loaf pan & 2 minis. I love sharing sweet treats + the smiles!

An easy Fall in love recipe that will fill your home with a delicious aroma. Perfect with a hot cup of coffee {definitely me} or hot tea! Have an awesome day & thank you for following 🧡🍂

Recipe by The Little Holly That Could {Butter Pecan Streusel Pumpkin Bread}

Ingredients:

3 cups of flour

1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder

1 teaspoon of baking soda

2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 cup of flavorless oil

1 cup of sugar

1 cup of brown sugar

4 eggs

1 can of pumpkin

Streusel Topping:

1/2 cup of brown sugar

1/2 cup of flour

1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice

Half a stick of butter, melted

1/2 cup of chopped pecans

Note: I added 1/2 TSP nutmeg and an extra 1/2 TSP of pumpkin pie spice

Mummy Berry Hand Pies

Mummy-licious! A scrumptiously sweet & simple idea for kids & adults : )

Halloween pies with blackberry jam, silly edible eyes & golden pastry crust. They may not be perfect mummies but they’re super delicious 👀🧡

These adorable pies are easy to make with just a few ingredients. Choose your favorite jam/preserves! I chose an easy recipe so I could enjoy the gorgeous, sunny weekend pumpkin and apple picking 🙂 Anyone else love visiting the Pumpkin Patch?

Add a scoop of ice cream on top and enjoy! Have an awesome day, stay safe & thank you for following 🧡👀🖤

Recipe by Alida Ryder, Simply Delicious Food

Ingredients

  • 500 g ready-made puff pastry sheetsthawed
  • 1 cup berry preserves/jam
  • 1 egg beaten
  • googly eyes for decorating

https://simply-delicious-food.com/halloween-mummy-berry-hand-pies/

Googly eyes purchased at Target

Breakfast Charcuterie

Breakfast goals! Mini pumpkin shaped pancakes, baked french toast sticks, fresh fruit & my semi-candy corn waffle resemblance 😉☀️

Where are my breakfast & brunch lovers? Inspired by the Food Network to make candy corn waffles. The color dyed batter is spooned separately into the waffle iron to create the cute candy corn appearance ….I forgot to purchase white chocolate to dip the tops 😬 The delicious dunk-able French toast sticks are baked with cinnamon, vanilla & sugar. I made everything except the granola… it’s on my list though : )

A fun idea for weekend brunch or holiday gatherings! I hope you have a good & safe day. Thank you for following ☀️🧡🥞 #breakfastgoals

Baked French Toast Sticks by Cooking Classy

https://www.cookingclassy.com/baked-french-toast-sticks/

Candy Corn Waffles by Food Network

Perfect Whipped Cream by Add A Pinch

Mini Pumpkin Pancake/Waffle Maker from Crate and Barrel

S’mores Brownies

A classic with a twist! Fudgy rich brownies layered between graham crackers & toasted marshmallowy goodness : )

Who loves s’mores? This recipe jumped to the top of my baking list. Homemade brownies with a torched marshmallow meringue topping. Yes please!!

Get ready for gooey, sticky scrumptious treats that will quickly disappear! If you or someone you know loves s’mores, this is a must try. Have an awesome day & stay safe 🧡 #smoresplease

Recipe by Mike Bakes NYC

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

  • 4½ graham cracker sheets
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Domino® Golden Sugar
  • ⅓ cup cocoa powder
  • ¼ tsp coarse sea salt
  • ¼ tsp baking powder
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Marshmallow Meringue Topping:

  • 2 large egg whites
  • ½ cup Domino® Golden Sugar
  • ¼ tsp cream of tartar
  • ½ tsp vanilla bean paste

https://mikebakesnyc.com/smores-brownies/

Butternut Squash Curry

Ultra delicious!! Thai-inspired creamy, spicy & so cozy. The sweet butternut squash pairs perfectly with spicy flavors : )

Who likes spicy foods? The red curry paste adds a kick combined with freshly chopped shallots, garlic & minced ginger. My love for curry began a few years ago when a colleague cooked & shared a Thai-inspired dish. I absolutely loved it!!

This recipe is simple + vegan friendly!! Served with a side of basmati rice. I hope you have an awesome & safe weekend 🧡🍂 #falldinneridea

Recipe by Chelsea’s Messy Apron

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 large shallot, diced (~1/3 cup)
  • 3 cloves minced garlic (~1 and 1/2 teaspoons)
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced ginger(from a 1 and 1/2 inch piece)
  • 1 butternut squash, diced (~4 and 1/2 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 3 tablespoons red curry paste Note 1
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons yellow curry powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 3/4 cup Pacific Foods’ Organic Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
  • 1 can (15 ounces) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) good quality fire-roasted diced (or crushed) tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1-2 teaspoons white sugar, optional
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • Serve with: cooked basmati rice, crushed cashews/peanuts/pistachios, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/butternut-squash-curry/

Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Hello Fall! The ultimate Autumn dessert — graham cracker crust, creamy pumpkin cheesecake flavors topped with salted caramel : )

One of my absolute favorite Fall desserts! Creamy, luscious and the first bite is the best. If you like pumpkin pie or cheesecake, this Fall dessert is perfect!!

Helpful tip: allow cheesecake to sit at room temperature for 1 hr, you’ll get that perfect creamy delicious texture. Happy 1st day of Fall 🧡🍂

Recipe by The Loopy Whisk

For crushed cookie crust:

  • 1 3/4 cup (200 g) gingernut cookie crumbs (gluten free if necessary, you can also use graham crackers, Biscoff biscuits or other cookies of choice)
  • 2/3 stick (80 g) unsalted butter, melted

For pumpkin cream cheese filling:

  • 15 3/4 oz (450 g) cream cheese (I used Philadelphia)
  • 1 1/2 cup (300 g) pumpkin puree
  • 3 medium eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/8 cup (225 g) light brown sugar
  • 4 tbsp (60 g) sour cream or yogurt
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • pinch of salt

For salted caramel sauce:

  • 3/4 cup (150 g) caster/superfine sugar
  • 1/2 stick (55 g) unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup + 1 1/2 tbsp (100 mL) double/heavy cream
  • pinch of salt

https://theloopywhisk.com/2019/09/20/salted-caramel-pumpkin-cheesecake-bars/#wprm-recipe-container-6983

Homemade Apple Pie

Fall baking goals : ) A classic – Spiced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg & brown sugar! The sweet aroma filled my home 🍏

A warm slice of pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the best! What is your favorite pie?

A few years ago, I baked a salted caramel apple pie — it tasted amazing however, definitely lacking in presentation. I googled videos, watched & learned. Self taught & still learning ☺️ If you’re a beginner Baker, please don’t feel discouraged! Read the instructions prior to starting, prepare/clean your work space, have the ingredients, recipe, baking tools & mixing bowls set out.

I hope you have an awesome day, stay safe & thank you for following 🙂 🧡🥧 #hereforthepie #fallishere

Apple pie filling by Dinner At The Zoo

Lattice-pie crust by Sally’s Baking Blog {video} *note: I cut wider pieces to create the design pictured above*