When I host dinner parties, I love to serve desserts that impress my guests.  You know, the ones that get all the “oohs and aahs” when you present them.  Then the moment of awe is followed up with silence because everyone has their mouths full.   This torte meets both criteria perfectly by being both beautiful and delicious. This pear Bavarian torte is part shortbread, part cheesecake, part pear pie, and all addicting. Pear Bavarian Torte Recipe (About 12 servings) Ingredients for the Crust: 1/2 stick (equivalent to 1 stick) butter 1/3 cup white sugar 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup …

The race is on!  Thanksgiving is done (for those of you who just celebrated it) and it’s a mad dash to the finish line for the winter holidays.  However, I’d like to take this moment to slow down and marvel at what I enjoyed over Thanksgiving, like this awesome pumpkin pie. This pie is a classic pumpkin pie at its finest with all its glorious spices. Pumpkin Pie Recipe (10 inch pie, about 8 servings) Ingredients: 1 layer of pie crust (homemade or store-bought), uncooked 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 …

Blueberry pie is a classic and with blueberry season upon us I simply had to make it!   When partnered with vanilla ice cream (a must-have with a slice of blueberry pie), it melts and mixes with the blueberry goo from the pie. The result is a magical creamy purple substance that requires plate licking when you are done! Blueberry Pie Recipe (10 inch pie, serves 8) Ingredients: 1 layer of pie crust (homemade or store-bought), uncooked 3/4 cup white sugar 3 tablespoons cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 4 to 5 cups fresh blueberries Directions: Preheat the oven …