Desserts | Simple By Cindy

Pear Tarts with Honey and Cinnamon

Jan. 21
2021

During this pandemic, and especially during the lockdown, a lot of people decided to adopt or foster a dog. I think this is an amazing idea, because dogs really are a person’s best friend. I should know– I’ve had a few, and I would love nothing more than to tell you why you should get one too.

Dogs are one of the most common domestic animals in the world. This is because they are so sweet, expressive, and friendly. They are always there for you when you need them, and they will always take the love you give to them and return it back tenfold.

Dogs give you a reason to get outside and walk. They need this for their health and it will make you healthier as well. Walking a dog daily gets both your heart rates up and helps you de-stress. According to Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, walking your dog 20 minutes a day can help reduce your risk of heart disease. How convenient is that?

They are always happy. Dogs get excited when they see a treat, their favorite toy, or their favorite person. Their happiness is infectious and it is always good to have someone happy to see you when you get home (especially if you have teenage children, lol).

They make you laugh. Dogs can be downright hilarious. Whether they sleep in funny positions, roll off the couch, scarf down some people food, or insist they sit on your lap no matter what, you’re sure to get a belly laugh. It gives us pleasure to see them enjoying running after a ball or just dashing around your house for no reason.

They are very intelligent. Of all the pets out there, dogs can be some of the smartest. They have a very good understanding of things that other animals do not. This makes it easy for them to understand you and your feelings because of their keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing.

Some breeds make excellent watchdogs. They innately know when something bad is coming your way. Their barking will stop potential burglars and are very good at alerting you to something that is going on that is odd or suspicious. With proper training, a guard dog could be a huge asset to your family.

No matter what, you will have an incredible bond with your dog. These magical, euphoric feels that emerge that are not just in your imagination. Locking eyes with your furry friend and watching him gaze back at you so lovingly increases the release of oxytocin, which is our “feel good drug.”

If you rescued a dog, I would love to hear from you! How did you find your pet? What was their situation like before? Did you adopt a puppy or adult dog? What’s your favorite thing about them?

On to the recipe for today.

These tarts are so delicious. They have very few ingredients and are so easy to make. The honey and sugar really brings out the sweetness of the pears as they bake. They are housed in a light and fluffy pastry, which combines beautifully with the fruit. There is pure deliciousness in every bite, and although you didn’t have to work so hard to make them, they taste as if you have been baking all day. What a win! Though it sounds strange, don’t skimp on the salt in this recipe, it really brightens the entire taste of these yummy tarts.

Just a few notes, I used pears for these tarts, although there are several different fruits you can choose to use, including plums, apricots, and peaches. I also used more like 4 tablespoons of honey, because I really wanted the pears coated completely– so delicious!

This recipe is my own and will make six personal tarts for people who will enjoy this fancy looking dessert.

Ingredients for Pear Tarts with Honey:

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
1 pound pears (or any fruit of your choice) cut into ½” wedges
¼ cup sugar
2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons of ground nutmeg
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoon honey
Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)

Preheat oven to 425°.

Cut pastry into six or eight 4” squares, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and prick all over with a fork.

Top with plums, leaving a ½” border.

Mix the cinnamon and nutmeg together in a bowl.

Sprinkle with sugar and honey; season with the cinnamon and nutmeg and a few grinds of pepper.

Bake tarts, rotating pan halfway through, until edges of pastry are puffed and golden brown, 25–30 minutes.

Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with salt just before serving.

You can also try sprinkling on a little goat cheese to boost the flavor too!

It’s that simple!

Mazel

Peanut Butter and Jelly Linzer Cookies

Jan. 14
2021

Do you ever get the urge to indulge in a perfect cookie and a tall glass of milk, or a cup of coffee or tea? I think we all do. For some, the taste is nostalgic. For others, it’s just plain delicious.

The portable size makes cookies perfect to bring anywhere you go. Have you ever brought home a piece of cake or some other dessert from a restaurant just to have it crushed and unappetizing? With a cookie, it is so easy to pack them in a baggie, and you are good to go. For your lunch, or your children’s lunches, cookies make a delicious, well portioned treat. If you make them just the right size, you’ll be satisfied by the whole thing too!

They are so versatile you can enjoy them for breakfast, a snack or dessert. One of the best things about them is that there are so many varieties and choices. There is the classic chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, the ever-popular sugar cookie, or newer gourmet macarons. They also come in all shapes and sizes, patterns and colors. You can always find ones that make you smile– and it’s sure to be delicious. There are cookies that have logos, happy faces, holiday themes, or customized with your name. They are relatively easy to make. All you need is ingredients you probably have in your pantry such as sugar, flour, butter and eggs. You can make them fat-free, gluten-free or dairy-free. There is a cookie for everyone.

While you’re at it, you can easily make an extra batch and bring them a friend. It will make their day, especially with the current situation. Give one to someone and you may make a new friend.

Even raw cookie dough is a special treat for some of us. It may remind us of helping our Mother or Grandmother make them. I know my own son is right behind me when I make cookies, eating the raw dough and licking the spoon clean. It is a comfort food that also satisfies our craving before the real treat is baked. Indulging in the soft gooey dough is easy, and fills us with pure happiness.

There is no dessert that comes in more flavors, textures, sizes and shapes. People are getting more creative in creating the world’s favorite treat. But can you eat just one? I know I can’t. Although everyone’s definition of the perfect cookie is different, one thing we can always agree to love cookies.

That said, this one cookie I think will please everybody. Linzer cookies are a traditional Austrian pastry, where two shortcake cookies are filled with a filling of your choice– you’ve probably seen them beautifully arranged in cafes. These cookies are even more special with the addition of peanut butter, giving them added flavor and texture. The two kinds of sugar make this sweet, but not too sweet– it is truly a perfect combination. The two cookies are then made into a sandwich with strawberry filling, making them heavenly and each bite is luscious and satisfying. If you don’t like strawberry jam, you can use any flavor you’d like! They are so easy to make, there is no reason not to.

This recipe is courtesy of Bake from Scratch and will make 18 finished sandwich cookies for people who will love this little piece of heaven.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter-and-Jelly Linzer Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ cup powdered sugar
½ cup strawberry jam

Preheat oven to 375°F with oven racks in the top third and bottom third of oven.

Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute.

Add egg yolk and vanilla, and beat on low speed just until incorporated.

Whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder, and gradually add to butter mixture, beating on low speed just until incorporated. (I found the batter to be very crumbly)

Place dough on a well-floured surface, and roll to 1/4-inch thickness.

Cut dough with a 2 1/2-inch round cutter.

Gently reroll scraps once, and repeat process with round cutter.

Place half of the dough rounds on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.

Using a 1-inch star-shaped cutter, cut out and remove dough star shapes from the center of the remaining half of dough rounds. (Reserve and bake dough star cutouts for later, if desired.)

Transfer dough rounds with star cutouts removed to lined baking sheets.

Bake cookies in preheated oven until cookies are set and beginning to brown, 12 to 13 minutes, switching pans top rack to bottom rack halfway through baking.

Transfer pans to wire racks, and cool cookies completely, about 30 minutes.

Sift powdered sugar over cookies with star cutouts.

Spread 1 1/2 teaspoons jam on 1 side of remaining cookies.

Place a star cutout cookie, powdered sugar side up, over each jam covered cookie, and gently press.

It’s that simple!

Applesauce Cake with Bourbon Raisins

Jan. 7
2021

According to the men who installed my countertops, I’m supposed to clean them with a product called Bar Keeper’s Friend. After doing a little research, I found that not only can it be used to clean countertops beautifully, but it can also be used on stainless steel and enamel pots. What good news that was! I had some grubby old pots that my mother gave me when I got married. I remember their bright copper bottoms, completely black after years of use. I never really used them anymore, but I kept them for their sentimental value. Rather than get rid of them, I finally decided to clean them with Bar Keeper’s Friend.

Wow! What amazing results! Not only did the black burns come off, the copper bottoms were completely clean. I didn’t even have to scrub that hard! You do have to firmly clean the pot by just continuing to scrub over the same spot several times before it comes off, but that’s a small price for a good-as-new pot. As I scrubbed, the copper slowly started to shine through, and soon enough those old pots looked brand new. If you have a cast-iron skillet, and are confused on how to clean it, Bar Keeper’s Friend is the way to go. This cleaner takes all the mystery out of cleaning old, varnished pots and pans, and cast iron skillets too!

I love to use my cast iron skillet to cook and bake. It distributes the heat evenly, and now, because of Bar Keeper’s Friend, they are easy to clean. Buy this product now. I think you will find yourself on a pot-cleaning binge simply to get all those old pans looking brand-spanking new again.

Keep the Bar Keeper’s Friend out, because you are going to want to clean the baking pan you use for this dessert. This dessert is just dreamy, and absolutely perfect for these long winter months. The applesauce ensures a nice, moist, fluffy finish. The raisins and pecans add a perfect blend of gooey goodness and a little crunch. The cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla are all the savory here, making you want just one more bite (but you know that you’ll have more later). The bourbon, when infused with the raisins, and the apples gives this treat a comforting sweetness. It adds a little more depth of flavor, so don’t skimp on it. The cream cheese frosting is the perfect home for this cake, infusing it with a little more bourbon and giving it more warmth and zing. This is the perfect delicacy for breakfast, snack, dessert, or anytime of the day for a little pick-me-up.

This recipe is courtesy of Ina Garten, in her new book, Modern Comfort Food, and will serve 8 people who will love to pick at this cake all through the day.

Ingredients for Applesauce Cake with Bourbon Raisins:

¾ cup golden raisins
2 tablespoons good bourbon, such as Maker’s Mark
10 tablespoons (1¼ sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus extra to grease the pan
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1¾ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for the pan
1½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1½ cups unsweetened applesauce, such as Mott’s
½ cup coarsely chopped pecans
Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows)
Whole pecans halves, for decorating

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Butter a 9 × 2-inch round cake pan, line with parchment paper, then butter and flour the pan.

Tap out the excess flour.

Combine the raisins and bourbon in a small bowl, cover, and microwave for 30 seconds.

Set aside for 15 minutes.

Place the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed for 3 minutes, until light and fluffy.

Scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula.

With the mixer on medium, add the vanilla and the eggs, one at a time, and mix until smooth.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

With the mixer on low, slowly add the flour mixture to the batter, mixing just until combined.

Stir in the applesauce.

Fold in the raisins (including the liquid) and chopped pecans with a rubber spatula and mix well.

Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top springs back when lightly touched and a cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Cool for 30 minutes, turn out onto a cooling rack, rounded side up, and cool completely.

For the Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting: (Frosts one 9-inch round cake)

6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 tablespoon good bourbon, such as Maker’s Mark
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ pound confectioners’ sugar, sifted (see note)

Place the cream cheese, butter, bourbon, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed until smooth.

With the mixer on low, slowly add the sugar and mix well.

Scrape down the sides and stir well with a rubber spatula.

Spread the Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting in just the top of the cake (I did frost the sides, because you know more frosting can only make it better!) and artfully place the pecan halves on top.

Serve at room temperature.

It’s that simple!

Peek-a-Boo!

Butter Pecan Bars

Dec. 28
2020

Growing up, my grandmother lived with us. My mom worked full time, so my grandmother was there for me when I got home from school, waiting with milk and cookies. I never realized how lucky I was until later on when she moved down to Florida. She was better off given the warm weather and more laid-back life there, but I missed her terribly.

Although we did not know it at that time, having my grandmother with us was a huge help to everyone in our family, especially my older brother. As I have told you before, we all had our own chores, and one of them was to keep our rooms clean. My brother was terrible about keeping his room clean, no matter how much grief my mother gave him. It was a constant battle. My mother was beside herself. She was very fastidious, and she liked her house to be clean as a whistle. While we hated her rules at that time, I found that when I had a family of my own, I had taken on a lot of my mother’s rules, and a clean house was a priority.

My grandmother hated the arguing that was caused by my brother’s lack of cleanliness. While my mom was working, my grandmother would slip into his room and clean it for him so he would not get into trouble. But there was so much more that she brought to our home than the added help.

She was always there for me with a big smile on her face and tremendous warmth and love in her heart. I think my favorite memories were the more mundane ones, like eating my cookies and milk and watching General Hospital with her every day. After she moved to Florida, I had all but forgotten I had watched the show with her every day coming home from elementary school. When I moved out to go to college, I suddenly started hearing about this soap opera that had two people, Luke and Laura, getting married. It was a huge deal and everyone on campus was skipping class to watch in the cafeteria. The day that I joined my friends to watch, I was astonished. After so many years had gone by, I realized that I was very much acquainted with all the characters on the TV screen. There was the cast of General Hospital, right in front of my eyes. More than anyone, I treasured watching them get married, because it brought me right back to my childhood, sitting with my grandma. It is the simple memories we cherish most, and this one made me miss my grandmother so much.

My grandmother basked in the warmth and energy of her grandchildren, and she happily spoiled us. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for us. I think it kept her feeling young and needed. Unlike parents, who tend to discipline you, grandparents want only to see you happy and content. When she left to move down to Florida, she lived alone, and I know she was very lonely. My siblings and I missed her very much. Our busy lives prevented us from going down to see her that much. Thankfully, she had my brother and sister-in-law in the same city, so they did get to see her. My parents had to bring her back up here to live in a nursing home, because she fell and broke her hip. She was devastated to be living in a home. To see her so sad broke our hearts. She passed away at age 95, not long after she moved to the nursing home. I often wish my parents had taken her back to live with them, but she needed so much care and it just wasn’t possible.

Especially during these crazy times, please make sure you are visiting and helping out an elderly person. They all have so many experiences to share and they would be so happy with some company. I wish I could turn time back to talk to my grandmother. There are so many questions I would ask her. I miss her smile and her fried chicken. I miss coming home to someone who is so happy to see me. I hope I become a grandmother soon, my heart is ready for some more unconditional love.

If you go to visit an elderly person or relative, this is the perfect treat to bring them. These bars are addicting. The base of the bar is made with shortbread cookie dough, which just by itself, is delicious. It is then topped with chocolate chips and a coconut pecan sauce that is a lot of gooey goodness. The chocolate melts over the top, and the sauce is thickened and caramelized. The pecans add crunchy deliciousness in every bite. The coconut browns up beautifully and gives these bars even more crunchy, sweet flavor. They are so easy to make, you can make quite a few bars and give them to the people you love as a special treat.

These bars are courtesy of Super Simple, by Tieghan Gerard and will serve 9 lucky people.

Ingredients for Butter Pecan Bars:

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) salted butter, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups roughly chopped pecans
1 1/2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.

Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease a 9-inch round pie plate with butter or cooking spray.

Make the dough:

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat 8 tablespoons of the butter 1/4 cup of the sugar, and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla together until smooth, about 1 minute.

Add the flour and 1 teaspoon of water and beat to combine well, 2 minutes more.

Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared baking dish.

Bake until the crust is golden, about 10 minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven, but leave the oven on.

Make the sauce:

In a medium saucepan, place the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, the cream, the remaining 1 cup of sugar, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of vanilla.

Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook, stirring often, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the pecans and the coconut.

Scatter the chocolate chips evenly over the crust.

Pour the pecan and coconut mixture over the chocolate and, using a spatula, gently spread to distribute evenly.

Bake until the top begins to brown and caramelize.

Allow the bars to col for about 20 minutes, then slice and serve at room temperature.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.

It’s that simple!

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Italian Ricotta Cookies

Dec. 21
2020

October, November, and December are my favorite months. They bring in the holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. For many people, Christmas is their favorite holiday of the year. I love Christmas too. There is a strong sense of community, both in smaller family units, and in towns and cities. People are just happy, nice and it seems to be the one holiday of the year when people come together. Though not everyone celebrates Christmas in a religious manner, everyone has a feeling that Christmas time is one of happiness and gratitude for those around you.

For some, Christmas is like an escape from reality. It is a day where you can be with the people you love and enjoy their company. It’s a chance to celebrate the small things in life, such as putting up lights with grandparents, decorating cookies with a sibling, or wearing pajamas all day. Traditional Christmas meanings going to mass, having a tree, and singing Christmas songs in praise of the baby Jesus. Parts of traditional Christmas still do exist for those who want them, but Christmas in America at large has definitely evolved. COVID-19 has really changed the way we celebrate this year. For most of us, the holiday will be small, with just a few family members present, though I expect many will come together online to wish each other well.

For many, this holiday is not always a happy one. Some of us have bad memories of Christmas, or no family to celebrate with. It can be a time of nostalgia, sadness, and loneliness. If you know someone who will be alone, try to cheer them up with a box of cookies, a nice dinner, or even just a phone call to let them know you care. Even a small gift would be deeply appreciated, I’m sure.

I personally love to hear Christmas music, watch Christmas movies, and drive around to look at the beautiful displays of lights everywhere. Many workplaces and groups of friends have a Secret Santa or white elephant swap, and bring in all sorts of food like cakes and cookies.

For at least one day, we can escape from all our worries, put them away for a time, and just be in the moment. No worries on Christmas, it is simply not allowed.

If you are planning to bake some cookies, then this is one recipe you just have to try. The cookies rise beautifully to these round puffs of delicious flavor in every bite. The ricotta cheese is the star of these cookies, making sure they are fluffy, light, and moist with zesty cheese flavor. There are savory hints of lemon and vanilla that combine beautifully with the ricotta. They are then topped with a lemon icing that makes these cookies even more delightful and beautiful. I decided to really dress them up to bring in little Christmas cheer. These cookies are a crowd-pleaser for sure. Make some extra and bring them to the office or a friend who would so deeply appreciate it. Your family is going to love these cookies. Make them now!

This recipe is courtesy of NYT cooking and will make 24 festive cookies for people you love. Merry Christmas!

Ingredients for Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies:

For the Cookies:

1 3/4 cups sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1-pound ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze:

1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons limoncello or fresh lemon juice
1-2 tablespoons milk

Make the Cookies:

Mix at low speed sugar, lemon zest, and butter until blended.

Increase speed to high; beat until light and fluffy.

At medium speed, beat in ricotta, vanilla, and eggs until well combined.

Reduce speed to low. Add flour, baking powder, and salt; beat until dough forms.

Drop dough by level tablespoons, about 2 inches apart, onto ungreased large cookie sheet. I just used parchment paper.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 12-15 minutes or until cookies are very lightly golden (cookies will be soft).

Remove cookies to wire rack to cool.

Make the Glaze:

In small bowl, stir powdered sugar, milk and limoncello until smooth.

Either dip cooled cookies into frosting and smooth with a knife, or just use the knife to spread icing on the cookies.

Finish with toping of choice; sprinkles, shaved chocolate, nuts or any flavoring.

It’s that simple!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas