Carrot Cake with Pineapple Curd – Overthinking Classics

Carrot Cake with Pineapple Curd
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Easter is fast approaching, so it only made good sense to do an Overthinking Classics on the unofficial dessert of Easter – the carrot cake. I have no idea why carrot cake has anything to do with Easter. Growing up we were far more likely to indulge in a lemon meringue pie and carrot cake was more of a birthday thing. But I suppose I do have an idea. It probably has everything to do with the Easter bunny. In the video below I do dip into the origins of the cake but I don’t talk about the more fanciful trappings of Easter. I really should’ve because this holiday is strange. Stranger than a portly guy shoving himself down a chimney? I would still say yes. A bunny, a mammal, who leaves eggs is hella weird. But that’s not why we’re here, let’s talk cake.

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Irish Coffee Crème Brûlée

Irish Coffee Crème Brûlée
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Do you go to the pub on St. Patrick’s Day? I never do. I think of March 17th in much the same way I think about December 31st, a big letdown. There are usually overpriced drinks, mind-numbing lines, and far too many people. I love a night out on the town but I do feel like a better one waits for me on the 18th. So what do I do instead? Well, I hang at home with my cats, a decent Irish whiskey (Writer’s Tears tonight), and something sweet. And this year that something sweet is this Irish Coffee Crème Brûlée. I feel very secure in my decisions.

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French 75 Panna Cotta with Candied Kumquats

French 75 Panna Cotta with Candied Kumquats
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We are only a couple of days away from bidding adieu to 2021 and from where I’m sitting, that is a very good thing. Sure, I had some good times this year but being the eternal optimist that I am, I’m inclined to believe the best is yet to come. And although I was decidedly wrong about 2020 and 2021. I live in hope that I will be right eventually. Even a broken watch, right? So in the spirit of carefully hoping for better things, I present you with this exuberant French 75 Panna Cotta for two complete with a candied kumquat halo. This is my final dish of 2021 and the closing sweet note of my brief but, I like to think, very romantic New Year’s at-home date menu.

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Sufganiyot Croquembouche with Sour Cherry Cream

Sufganiyot Croquembouche with Sour Cherry Cream
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Every year, I pick a recipe that pushes me to my limits. Last year it was this Gingerbread Cake and this year it’s this Sufganiyot Croquembouche. I won’t sugar coat it (pun intended) this recipe isn’t a walk in the park. But I have to say if you’re looking for a confidence boost, dusting this beast with its final sprinkling of sugar does indeed make you feel like a boss. Make sure you clear your schedule if you decide to take this dessert on. Rushing through any step will likely end in disaster or result in caramel-related burns – speaking from experience. So now that I have intimidated you completely, let’s dig into this Sufganiyot Croquembouche.

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