Obsessions: The Cider Mill’s Apple Caramel Pie
Posted: November 30, 2011 Filed under: Dessert, How-To, Obsessions, Snacks, The Smart Cookie Cook, Vegetarian | Tags: Apple Pie, baking, Christmas, dessert, Fall, holiday, pie, Thanksgiving, winter 8 Comments »
The thing about apple pie is that it has been done before (a million different times and a million different ways). Such apple exploitation leads to a general lack of enthusiasm about this dessert, which is rather sad considering it’s an American classic. I’ll be the first to admit that fruit pies in general aren’t my favorite dessert. Don’t get me wrong; I can get down with a slice of pie. It’s just not top on my coveted desserts list.
However, I’m not going to say that all apple pies are boring, because that just wouldn’t be true. When you have a good apple pie, it reminds you why it became a classic American dessert in the first place. You understand why it appears at the end of every holiday meal and why every baker embarks on the noble quest to acquire the ultimate apple pie recipe. When apple pie is good, it’s really good. It just has to be done right.
What is the pinnacle of apple pie in my humble (pie) opinion?
The Clinton Cider Mill’s Apple Caramel Pie.
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Magic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Posted: November 22, 2011 Filed under: Cookies, Dessert, Holiday, Snacks, The Smart Cookie Cook, Vegetarian | Tags: baking, chocolate chip cookies, cookies, dessert, Fall, pumpkin, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, snacks, Thanksgiving 7 Comments »
I must confess: I’m not a huge fan of any packaged box/mix/dough when it comes to cooking and baking. This is because, 99.9% of the time, homemade is better (and it’s usually cheaper too). As I have expressed to you little cookies before, my philosophy is this: if you’re going to make something, you should make it right & do it homemade. However, there are minor exceptions (Pumpkin Poke Cake, for example). It doesn’t happen often, but on occasions I find reason to use some sort of store-bought item.
These Magic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies perfectly prove this point.
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Sweet & Simple: 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Rice Pudding
Posted: November 16, 2011 Filed under: Dessert, Healthy, Snacks, Sweet & Simple, The Smart Cookie Cook | Tags: cinnamon, dessert, easy, Fall, food, healthy, low calorie, low fat, pudding, pumpkin, rice pudding, simple, snack 12 Comments »
Contrary to what some people may think, having a food website does not mean you cook and bake elaborate eats every single day. In fact, with life constantly forging ahead at full-speed, I usually wind up eating quick and simple things more than I do the fancy and indulgent. This is especially the case when it comes to dessert. I rarely have time to make a fancy dessert, so I find myself getting creative. If you want a delicious dessert to curb your craving for something sweet at the end of your day but don’t have time to bake, then you’ll have to work with the time you’ve got.
That, my little cookies, is where this 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Rice Pudding comes in. You need only 2 things to whip it up: pumpkin butter & a rice pudding snack pack. Stir it up and eat up! And, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can add a dollop of whipped cream.
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Pumpkin Tiramisu
Posted: November 4, 2011 Filed under: Dessert, Holiday, Italian, The Smart Cookie Cook, Vegetarian | Tags: dessert, Fall, food, lady fingers, pastry, pumpkin, tiramisu, white chocolate 18 Comments »
Tiramisu is an elegant dessert loved by all. With layers of light, luscious cream, cakey, espresso-soaked lady fingers, and a touch of chocolate, what’s not to enjoy? Tiramisu is creamy, fluffy, and cloud-like. It evokes a feeling of indulgence and luxury. Presenting this layered beauty for dessert is sure to impress any dinner guest. Plus, it’s not an offensive dessert. It doesn’t involve any ingredients that people typically dislike. Therefore, you can always count on it to be a crowd-pleaser.
Like any delicious dessert, it’s always fun to play around and see what tantalizing twists you can create. This light and heavenly Pumpkin Tiramisu resulted from my love for two things: pumpkin and, of course, tiramisu. When the thought occurred to me to combine the two, it was one of those moments where you hit yourself on the head and ask, “Why didn’t I think of that before?”
It just makes so much sense! Any food that can fuse together two delicious entities into one super-dish is sure to be a winner, and this Pumpkin Tiramisu is no exception. There was some question in my mind as to how pumpkin would taste with espresso. This problem was easily resolved. Instead of soaking the lady fingers in espresso, you soak them in delicious apple cider! Not only are these flavors incredible together and completely ideal for Fall, but it also ensures that eaters of all ages will enjoy this dessert. Kids don’t always love coffee. But apple cider? Now that’s a different story.
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Obsessions: Last Call for Pumpkin Pie Blizzard
Posted: October 31, 2011 Filed under: Dessert, Holiday, Ice Cream, Obsessions, The Smart Cookie Cook | Tags: Blizzards, Dairy Queen, dessert, Fall, Halloween, Ice cream, pumpkin, pumpkin pie 3 Comments »
Any loyal little cookie will know that I have an obsession with Dairy Queen. A love affair, if you will. It’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember and nothing in this world gives me quite as much pleasure as a cool, creamy Blizzard. However, you also may know that I currently live nowhere near a DQ. Everyday is a struggle, especially when faced with commercials on TV broadcasting the latest Blizzard treat if for no other reason than to further drive the knife into my heart. My sister, who resides only a few minutes away from a Dairy Queen, likes to send me pictures on her phone whenever she stops in for a treat. She is heartless.
When October first began, a bittersweet excitement fell over me. You see, October means one thing in the world of Blizzard Fans: the return of the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard. I love all Blizzards. I’ve never had one that wasn’t delicious, and there are many that vie for the top spot in my heart. French Silk Pie, classic Oreo, Cotton Candy…they’re all heavenly. But alas, there is one that stands above the rest, if only by a thin margin. And that, my little cookies, is the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard.
It literally tastes like they shoved a whole pumpkin pie into their creamy custard and blended it up.
Or, perhaps they created a Blizzard Morphing Machine that takes any food then converts all of its flavors and characteristics into creamy Blizzard form.
