Chocolate-Filled Jack-O’-Lanterns

Chocolate-filled pumpkins

Chocolate and Cinnamon? Absolutely! The combination of chocolate and warm autumn spices make an irresistible bite...and a surprising sandwich cookie. When I gave a plate of these Chocolate-Filled Pumpkin Cookies to a friend, she expected my tried-and-true vanilla bean cookie filled with dark chocolate ganache. She was pleasantly surprised by the cinnamon-sugar coating and the pumpkin spices in the cookie itself and how well these flavors complemented the chocolate. In between bites, she mused on whether she would share a few with her family or keep them all for herself.

Dairy Free Chocolate Mousse Bars

Chocolate Mousse Bars

Dairy-Free Chocolate Mousse Bars are luscious treats that are so chocolatey and easy to make that there’s no reason not to have at least one every day! I really love to eat these mousse bars frozen and that’s how I serve them. The velvety mousse doesn't freeze hard and the crust provides a lovely crunch to make the perfect texture combination. That makes these bars a delicious frozen delicacy...and the perfect summer dessert.

Gluten-Free Wedding Cookies

GF Wedding Cookies

When my sister told me she was getting married again I was thrilled for her. Her husband had died several years ago and I knew she had been lonely. She and her new beau had originally planned to have an April wedding, but a little thing called a worldwide pandemic interfered with those plans. The date was finally set for August and I started planning what Wedding Cookies I would make for the occasion.

Lemon Cookies Two Ways

Lemon Pie Cookies

Lemon is one of my favorite summertime flavors. The bright, tangy taste makes me forget all about rainy days and cold weather. I’m a huge fan of lemon in most any form: lemon curd, lemon meringue pie (without the meringue), lemon bars (o-o-o-oh, that buttery crust), but unfortunately these lemon desserts are difficult to take along on a hike or to a picnic. Enter the Lemon Pie Cookie. It satisfies my desire for something lemony without the need for a spoon or fork.

Peanut Blossom Cookies

Peanut Blossom Cookies

My goddaughter loves Peanut Blossom Cookies. In fact, it’s her favorite cookie and I make them for her every year. I wondered if I could add a bit more flavor to this classic cookie and I found the solution in The Perfect Cookie from America’s Test Kitchen. The original recipe on the Hershey’s package of Kisses calls for shortening. While this ensures that the cookies don’t spread all over the baking sheet, shortening doesn’t bring a lot of flavor to the party....