This was inspired by the dessert we enjoyed at Verjus is Paris the night we ran into Ina and Jeffrey but we’ve turned the volume up for this not-too-sweet layered showstopper.
Dessert
Jane Veale’s Rhubarb Lady Finger Cake
This rhubarb ladyfinger cake is a nostalgic Charlotte Russe-style dessert layered with soft ladyfingers, whipped rhubarb cream, strawberry gelatin, glossy rhubarb glaze, and fresh strawberries. It is an easy make-ahead spring dessert with retro charm, tart-sweet flavor, and enough drama to feel party-worthy without complicated pastry work beautifully at home.
Black Sesame Paris-Brest: A Nutty Twist on the Classic French Pastry
Claire Saffitz’s Black Sesame Paris-Brest turns classic pâte à choux into a showstopping birthday dessert filled with nutty black sesame pastry cream and whipped cream. Homemade black tahini adds toasted, slightly bitter balance, while crisp choux and silky filling make this French pastry worth attempting, even when the ring misbehaves.
Hazelnut-Miso Puppy Chow Bars: A Twist on a Nostalgic Classic
These Hazelnut-Miso Puppy Chow Bars turn the classic muddy buddy snack into a crisp, sliceable dessert with a baked Chex crust, rich Nutella-miso ganache, and crunchy hazelnut topping. Sweet, salty, chocolatey, and nostalgic, they’re a grown-up twist on puppy chow that’s ideal for parties, holidays, and make-ahead desserts.
Two Classic Italian Cookie Recipes Worth Bookmarking
Two standout recipes from Domenica Marchetti’s Italian Cookies: melt-in-your-mouth Occhi di Bue (jam-filled shortbread dusted with powdered sugar) and nutty, buttery Frollini al Farro made with whole farro flour. Straightforward techniques, pantry-friendly ingredients, and authentic Italian flavor – ideal for home bakers exploring traditional Italian cookie recipes.
Carrot Cake Trifle: The Ultimate Easter Showstopper Dessert
This Easter-ready Carrot Cake Trifle layers cinnamon-spiced cake, roasted pecans, and a cloud of cream cheese whipped cream. What started as a save-the-day dessert has become a showstopping staple. With carrots, pineapple, and plenty of nostalgia, it’s rich, light, and guaranteed to be the star of your spring table.
Happy Pi(e) Day!!!!
This Chocolate Covered Raspberry Pie layers fresh raspberries, airy chocolate mousse, raspberry coulis, and stabilized whipped cream in a chocolate-brushed crust for extra protection. Made for Community Plate’s Pi(e) Day fundraiser — alongside a maple-honey pecan pie — and nearly impossible not to slice before donating.
Celebrating my Ina-versary with these epic Boston Cream Pie Donuts
To celebrate the anniversary of finishing all 1,300+ Ina Garten recipes, I made Matt Adlard’s Boston Cream Pie Donuts. Fluffy yeasted donuts are filled with brown sugar pastry cream and finished with dark chocolate glaze and flaky sea salt—an indulgent, bakery-style dessert that perfectly balances creamy, airy, and chocolatey.