By Ari, on December 26th, 2012%
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook two weeks ago. I’ve tried to find the words to convey my utter sadness for the families involved, but selfishly every time I think about it, my eyes glaze over and I suddenly find myself wiping away tears. Maybe it’s because I’m a new mom, maybe it’s too incomprehensible to imagine, but to know that so many children’s lives were taken — and for what? — well, it’s heartbreaking.
When words fail us, when nothing can bring back the people we’ve lost, sometimes a small act of kindness such as bringing a loved one food can show that they’re not alone.
These cookies are a labor of love; they require patience, something I generally lack. But if you’re looking to bring a little joy to someone, bake these cookies. Bring them a big plate, fresh out of the oven. And don’t forget a tall glass of milk.
To everyone affected by the shooting, my heart goes out to you. May you have the strength to move forward and live your lives. If not for yourself, then for the children whose lives were taken.
Continue reading NY Times’ Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies
By Ari, on July 10th, 2012%
You had to see this coming.
No?
Blending a piece of pie with ice cream isn’t the obvious way to use up leftovers?
Continue reading Blueberry Pie Milkshakes
By Ari, on July 9th, 2012%
There is not one single thing I’d change about this pie.
It’s perfect.
In fact, next time — and there will be many ‘next times’ — I’ll probably double the recipe. Or triple it. I seriously want to eat this every day for the rest of my life. And it’s not like all that pie would be bad for me… I’d be eating lots of fresh blueberries which are, of course, naturally good for you!
Run to the market, grab a few pints of blueberries, and make. this. pie.
Continue reading A Perfect Blueberry Pie
By Ari, on May 21st, 2012%
There is possibly only bad thing I can say about these muffins: they’re in the kitchen and I’m strewn across the couch in the living room.
That means we’re separated by at least 20 feet, and that’s too much.
Blueberry muffins. Is there anything more delightful? I mean let’s be honest: muffins, in general, make cake an acceptable form of breakfast. I’m down with that. And these muffins? Well, they’re pretty delish. Soft and moist with bright flavors from the lemon zest, they’re just flat out yummy.
There are probably as many muffin recipes as there are food blogs out there. I’m not saying this is the best blueberry muffin recipe bar none (I’ve only ever tried a few), but it’s certainly the best I’ve come across so far. They’re not loaded with stick after stick of butter (sorry, butter lovers), but that’s part of what I love about them. I’m used to muffins being completely indulgent and over the top. I can safely keep these muffins around the house, munch on them throughout the week, and know that I haven’t completely sabotaged myself.
So there you have it: a blueberry muffin recipe that is husband-tested and doggy-approved.
Continue reading Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Sugar
By Ari, on March 14th, 2012%
Today is our 9 year anniversary. Or it was, before we got married. I guess we should stop celebrating in March, but old habits die hard. Besides, it’s Pi Day (the 3.14 kind… but I still like to honor the day via baked goods)! Not that I need a reason to bake a pie (or a tart, in this case), but celebrating our love seems like as good a reason as any to bake.
Happy un-anniversary, John! We’re just an old married couple now with a kid on the way. I couldn’t ask for anything else.
I wish I could say that this was easy to make. A piece of cake (a piece of tart?). But no. This dough was out to get me. Anything that could possibly go wrong did.
Alright, drama queen. Calm down. I mean, it doesn’t look awful, but believe me when I say that this was a challenge.
It’s shocking that I’ve been able to master things like challah and croissants, but a little dessert can throw me off balance. If you’re a baker (and by “baker” I mean anyone who is generally more successful at baking than me… or a pastry chef), congratulations! This is the dessert for you! Continue reading Strawberry Cream Cheese Tart
By Ari, on March 6th, 2012%
I like to bake. It evokes happiness and warmth and aromas that make the whole house smell amazing. I’m not saying I’m the best baker ever, but give me a recipe that’s foolproof and I’ll bring it to life.
When I came across this banana bread on a fellow blogger’s site, well, I knew I had to have it. The very idea of mixing bananas and peanut butter with more peanut butter was enough to send me running to the kitchen to bake at 9 pm.
Sometimes you just can’t wait till morning.
It’s hard to imagine improving upon a classic (banana bread = delish), but I’m telling you the addition of mini Reese’s peanut butter cups is killer.
And killer is good.
Besides, all that peanut butter and bread is really just a vessel to get at the fruit, and everyone knows fruit is a necessary component to healthy eating. Am I right?!
Continue reading Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
By Ari, on March 1st, 2012%
Not going to lie, I’ve spent the last hour playing around on The Home Depot website looking at this amazing tool: http://homeinspiration.homedepot.com/main.html
Basically, it allows you to play with paint without actually playing with paint. It’s the perfect way to bring inspiration into a new home. I’m in love! So in love that I almost didn’t post about these cookies, which is kind of crazy, because these cookies are kind of outrageously good.
 Continue reading Red Velvet Chocolate Chunk Cookies
By Ari, on February 21st, 2012%
Pistachio. Ice cream.
You heard me. Continue reading Pistachio Ice Cream
By Ari, on February 2nd, 2012%
I realize this has nothing to do with the big game that’s taking place this weekend… but I made vanilla extract!
It’s not much to be proud of, really. It took me all of 30 seconds to throw together.
Combine sliced vanilla beans and plain vodka in a container. Store in a warm place and give the bottle a shake daily. In two months (or thereabouts), you’ll have the most intense vanilla extract ever.
Here it is on day 1:
Two months later:
A little darker, a lot more intense, and ready to contribute to many baked goods here at Tasty Retreat!
And the best part? Whenever you run low, just top off the bottle with more vodka. I can’t believe I had never made this before.
Not bad for a 30 second recipe, eh? Well, 30 seconds plus two months.
Continue reading Homemade Vanilla Extract
By Ari, on December 29th, 2011%
Also known as “seven layer cookies.”
Or “Italian-American cookies that don’t actually exist in Italy.” (Trust me, we looked.)
Let’s review: as I’ve said before, baking is not my forte. All the measuring and preciseness just does not suit me (…unless we’re talking about the to die for rosemary shortbread, which is easy peasy and perhaps the greatest invention of life — please go make some immediately). But I’ve always loved a good challenge.
A few weeks ago, John brought home a box of these lil’ cuties. Per our usual self-restraint, we quickly ate them all. I knew I wanted to try making them at home, but was just waiting for a recipe to fall into my lap.
Ask and ye shall receive. Just last week, Heather Homemade posted this very recipe! Basically, the cookie gods wanted me to bake. And who am I to disregard such indirect orders?
So what the heck are rainbow cookies anyway? Other than delicious, I would describe these as almond-cake cookies coated in a thin layer of chocolate.
Alright, fingers crossed. Let’s do this.
Continue reading Rainbow Cookies
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