Giant Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

Dear Readers:

First, I want to say that I am sorry for not posting on a regular basis this year. It has been an emotionally filled roller coaster year. For every single great moment that has occurred this year there has been an equally devastating one to match it. On bright side, as I type this post I can feel the shift of sadness leaving my life and love coming towards me.

In June, I graduated from school (magna cum laude). Then in late August, I took a job that I was unsure of, but I am thoroughly enjoying it. I have met the most wonderful people at work ...F & J. And lastly, I learned a life lesson (the hard way). I learned, that some people are cruel, mean, and vindictive. I learned that I cannot "love away" their meanness no matter how hard I try to. There is a lot more to tell, but I want to focus on the positive and wonderful things in my life.

And speaking of amazing things, these cookies are just that. Who could turn down a giant, buttery, chewy, cookie packed full cranberries, coconut, nuts, chocolate and good for you oatmeal? Not I.

Also, here are some FYI tips. I used a 4 ounce scooper and only placed 6 cookies per pan. I then placed the pans with dough in the fridge to chill for 15 minutes before baking. I do this to ensure that they don't over-spread. Add an extra minute or two to the baking time. These are really giant cookies. One cookie per person is more than enough.

Print Recipe: Giant Cranberry...

Banana Bundt Cake

As you may have already guessed by reading this blog; is that I love to bake. Yet, I never share the really simple recipes that my family and friends love.

For example, this bundt cake is utterly moist and full of banana flavor. It will last forever in the fridge without drying out. I love it warm with a glass of soy milk or cold with a cup of hot coffee.

Despite how much I heart bundt cakes, I have only posted one bundt cake recipe so far. Shame on me. Especially since they always bring a smile to my face.

Every single time I bake a bundt cake I think about my mom and a particular scene from "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". My mom loves-loves bundt cakes. To her a bundt cake is "real cake". No fancy icings to hide a bland, dry, and over priced cake. I guess you can say, bundt cakes are the "salt of the earth" cakes.

For me, bundt cake recipes are reliable, honestly delicious, large enough to share and show kindness with a slice. Just like my mom's love.

Print Recipe: Banana Bundt Cake
One Year Ago:Fruit Financiers

Banana Cake with Praline Filling and White Chocolate Ganache

It's that time again where The Cake Slice bakers are baking up layers and layers of cake from Sky High:Irresistible Triple Layer Cakes by Alsia Huntsman and Peter Wynne.

I wanted to rename this post ...the cake that should had never been baked!

The cake itself was a breeze to put together. It baked up beautifully. The batter was splendid. The couple of crumbs of cake I snagged were heavenly. Next, I had to make candied pecans.

I managed to make them without the need of burn lotions or a fire extinguisher. Super awesome!

Then I had to make a white chocolate ganache. The first time it "curdled" and no matter how long I whipped it never came together. Attempt number two, yielded a whipped cream with shards of white chocolate mixed in. This is where I started to lose my mojo.

For the third attempt, I decided to heat all the cream and then pour it over the chocolate. I whisked the ganache until it was smooth and glossy. When the ganache cooled I whipped it up. And it came together like a dream. Oh, wait I forgot to add vanilla! I hurry over to the cabinet and grab caramel extract! DOH!

Hence the beige icing. I dip a spoon into the ganache and surprisingly it's quite delish. So, I go about icing my cake and adding decorative pecans on top. I look at my little cake and say "...awe your cute!".

I immediately call my friend Izzie and ask her if she and her husband would like to have coffee and dessert with me. She says yes! I turn around and assemble the cake box I bought earlier in the week. I then grab the cake and proceed to walk it over to the box when I hear ...splat!

That was my mojo saying "...peace out Gigi! And by the way, your cake is on the floor." Yes, the cake fell to its death on the floor ...face down.

If you would like to know what all components of this cake tasted like together then head on over to The Cake Slice. Where you'll find dozens and dozens of beautifully baked up triple layer cakes.

Print: Banana Cake with Praline Filling and White Chocolate Ganache
One Year Ago: Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting