These little bread slices bring a fun new shape to slice-and-bake sugar cookies. There's no special equipment required to make them, and they are super simple to decorate! 

This week I wanted to make something a little bit lighthearted to amuse myself (and maybe you, too!). These tiny bread slice cookies were just the thing. I had developed a version of these years ago for The Etsy Journal in the form of Fairy Bread Cookies, but there are so many other ways they can be decorated. I decided to whip up a batch just for fun, and I'm so glad I did!

Ground sumac is the surprising magic ingredient in these rich chocolate brownies. It adds tang and enhances dark cocoa notes with new depth of flavor.  

If you had asked me two weeks ago what to do with ground sumac, I would have rattled off a list of savory recipes and handed you my favorite kofta kabob recipe. It held no place in my mind as an ingredient for sweet things, but I'm not sure why. One sniff of the crimson powder reveals notes of tart raspberry, red florals, something lemony; a host of opportunity for the sweet kitchen.

While I'm still exploring the possibilities of ground sumac in sweets, there's one place where it clearly belongs. Paired with dark chocolate, it punches up the flavor and brings forward hidden subtleties. You won't be able to identify the spice on its own in these brownies, but you'll know it's there by the intensity of the chocolate flavor. 

This classic French cake is made with layers of almond sponge, potent coffee syrup, French buttercream, and chocolate ganache. It's worthy of any special occasion.

Ah, Opera Cake. This coffee lover's dream-come-true is a six layer affair, stacked with three layers of almond sponge, soaked with espresso syrup and alternating layers of French buttercream and butter ganache. 

It has been described as 'elaborate' which is true. Its preparation calls for your time, patience, and a candy thermometer, but the end result is so worth the effort. It is one of my favorite cakes of all time, and it's certainly one to try if you're looking to hone your skills in patisserie. 

Breakfast is ready when you are with this make-ahead pan of lightly sweet baked oatmeal. Toppings can be endlessly varied to suit your morning cravings. 

I skip breakfast all too often, and most of the time my morning begins with a cup of coffee and whatever is closest to hand - a cookie or whatever sweet baked thing I've made the day before. This year I'm making an effort, or at least leaning into, a more nutritious way to start the day.

This baked oatmeal has been a real game-changer. I can make a pan on Monday and enjoy breakfast all week long, varying toppings along the way to change the flavor so it doesn't get boring. And oats are so filling and packed with good vitamins, minerals, and fiber - I'm not starving by lunchtime.

Made with mostly pantry staples, this chocolate cobbler comes together quickly for a warm and comforting dessert. Serve with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream.

Chocolate cobbler is one of those old-school recipes that has endured for decades because of its genius simplicity and seemingly magical transformation in the oven. It is also one of the most deliciously warm and comforting desserts you'll ever find. It's easy enough to throw together on a weeknight, but you'll want to make it for company. It's good any time of year, but it's especially good to tuck into on a cold winter's night.

These small bites are just the right size to satisfy sweet cravings, and they're made lighter with fat-free ingredients. A simple kitchen trick transforms crisp pizzelle cookies into cookie cups.

Many people use January to rethink their eating habits and reduce indulgences. I personally think that 2021 is not the year for reducing any small pleasures we can come by (so far). Here, dessert is - and will always be - on the menu.

However, the holidays brought many rich things to our plates in the form of stately layer cakes, decadent chocolate, and so much candy. A few lighter desserts are in order, I think. These small cheesecake cups are made with creamy fat-free yogurt and cream cheese, so they taste absolutely indulgent but won't weigh you down.