My third attempt at cooking cover to cover, this time it’s Claire Saffitz’s famous baking book, “Dessert Person.” This means more sweets and carbohydrates for the next few weeks. So far I have baked about six recipes since I got my copy. I love how detailed Claire’s instructions are. She has included an extensive list of recipes, featuring not only sweets but savory goods too. So far the ingredients list seems manageable for a Filipino pantry. I’m excited how this one will go!
Mascarpone Cake with Red Wine Prunes
The prunes here were soaked with red wine and made into jam. Half inspired by Marian Burros’ plum torte, the prunes are then nestled into a batter of mascarpone, eggs, flour, and butter. It surprised me how much it tasted like blueberry cheesecake. If I close my eyes and eat it, I wouldn’t know the difference.
Poppy Seed Almond Cake
Poppy seed is a unicorn here in Manila, so reading a recipe that calls for it sends me into panic. But, thanks to the advancement of Shopee technology, these hard-to-find ingredients are just one click away, and thus this almond cake came to be. It’s easy to make (apart from the procurement of poppy seeds) and the result is quite delicious. A sturdy house cake with LOTS of almond flavor and the poppy seeds remind me of sesame seeds and buchi (I love buchi). Great for breakfast and snacks and desserts!
Tomato Tart with Spices and Herby Feta
Surprised by how delicious and decadent this tart was. Love the feta+mayo+herb sauce sandwiched in between the flaky dough and the roasted tomatoes. It has the sour cream onion flavor that I’m obsessed with and paired with the tangy, sweet tomatoes…ahhh what a combination.
Speculoos Babka
A lot of first times here. First time to bake a babka and to eat a babka. I looked forward to making this bread because of the braiding of the dough, the cookie butter filling swirling in the dough, and the promise of a cinnamon experience. It looked a lot like cinnamon buns. I’m pretty impressed by the results—soft, pillowy bread, almost like cotton candy. I wish I didn’t skimp on the Biscoff filling. My bad!
Flourless Chocolate Wave Cake
Hands down one of the best flourless chocolate cakes I’ve ever made. The first one I made was from Cannelle et Vanille’s, first time I made it I was blown away. Second, third time not so much. I thought it was a fluke. Not until Claire’s version. Now I’m convinced it’s one of the best types of cake I’ve ever baked.
Soft and Crispy Focaccia
I have yet to make a good focaccia. I always end up with something too chewy and too crispy. I don’t think it’s the recipe’s fault, this one’s on me.
Almond Butter Banana Bread
This gave Chrissy Teigen’s coconut chocolate banana bread a run for its money. This version of banana bread is incredibly moist, thanks to the almond butter. Both are great recipes!
Feta Za’atar Bread with Charred Eggplant Dip
This flatbread has feta cheese fillings, but the charred eggplant dip is the winner of this recipe. It’s like hummus but better!
Gâteau Basque
I had a kick making this dessert. One too many components, all doable, it just takes time. The result? A milky, creamy pie with cherry filling that melts in your mouth. Delicious!
Pull Apart Sour Cream & Chives Roll
I love this recipe! If I had a bread soulmate, this is it. Sour cream and chives nestled in a soft buttery bread, heaven!
Oat and Pecan Brittle Cookies
This cookie takes a whole lot of effort. While I was in the weeds making it, I was thinking to myself this better be out of this world good or else what’s the point. Turns out, it tastes delicious, great even, but way too much effort.
sweets & sundries 