There is something so warm about gifting a loaf of bread.  For the holidays, we constantly have Pumpkin Bread batter in the mixer and loaves in the oven.  This recipe comes from a long time family friend, Ilsa from Bainbridge Island.  A gracious entertainer and wonderful cook, Ilsa’s recipe will yield enough for you and three for “them.”  This batter keeps well in the fridge, too.  If you are like me and want to take full advantage of your little ones “nap time”, mix up this

Pure Olivio olive oil and organic pumpkin puree are the secret to a dream like moist density in this fall spice cake. Topped with a to-die-for Maple Cream Cheese frosting and a little Heath Bar Crunch? Well yes, these are called Fall Heaven Cupcakes for a reason! Tip: I always substitute Pure Olive Oil when a recipe calls for canola or vegetable oil. Pure Olive Oil has a very mild flavor but is loaded with wonderful health benefits like Omega-3s. Also, it ensures an added lev

Autumn Macaron Trio: Pumpkin Pie with Maple Creme, Maple Sugar with Pumpkin Ganache, Cumin with Citrus and Anise Let’s face it, macarons are chic little buggers.  How can we even think of calories when something is this adorable and well dressed?  With a few basic tools and a little finesse, macarons are simple to execute.  Below is the my Basic Macaron Recipe.  The recipe provides a solid base structure to customize anyway you wish.  As foliage is near peak in Boston, I play

OK, no sooner did I get off the phone with my mother-in-law to confirm the dishes I will bring down for Thanksgiving this year (PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE at the top of the list!) did I find out that my 3 adorable nephews and niece are each making their own pie for the family.  Soooo cute-  how can I compete with that?!  So while their masterpieces will definitely earn oooo’s and ahhhhh’s around the table, we’ll pull this amazing twist on a holiday classic out after the bed time stor

Brave goes Barefoot and celebrates Fall with Ina Garten’s  Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Frosting and Toffee Crunch! Yields 10 Cupcakes Pumpkin Cupcakes 1 cup all purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp kosher salt 2 tsp Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pie Spice (or 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp nutmeg) 2 extra large eggs at room temperature 1 cup canned pumpkin puree 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1/2 cup vegetable oil Maple Frosting (r