Strawberry Ganache Tart

Strawberry Ganache Tart

I’m kind of annoyed with dessert menus at restaurants.

First of all, they often just change seasonally, if at all. And when they do change, there are a couple of standbys that never shift. At any given time of year, you can be pretty sure that there will be crème brulee and molten chocolate cake on the menu, along with a fruit-based dessert (tart or crisp, usually) and an assortment of ice creams and sorbets.

Don’t get me wrong. I love all those things. But why can’t pastry chefs be allowed to really get creative? To have more fun? And, dare I suggest it, change the menu at least (gasp!) monthly? Would that be so terrible?

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Meyer Lemon Pie Bars

Meyer Lemon Pie Bars

This time of year, I need a little pick-me-up on a fairly regular basis. Whether it’s eating a truffle while I stare out at a snowy landscape, reading under a fuzzy blanket, or cuddling with any child of mine who is willing to let me squeeze them for a few minutes, it’s super important to relish the hibernating aspect of winter.

Every now and then, I also like to bake a summery dessert to raise the brightness in the kitchen. Nothing is more summery to me than citrus, especially anything yellow. So these Meyer lemon pie bars are perfect for cheering up the landscape!

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Pies In Review

Pies in Review

Tomorrow, Fudge Week begins! I’m teaming up with Gayle from Pumpkin n’ Spice to give you some fantastic fudge recipes. We’re so excited to share with you!

Before that starts, though, I wanted to make sure your holiday pie plans are all set. The week of Thanksgiving I shared four pie recipes with you, but there are so many more that I love. Here’s a review of my favorites!

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German Chocolate Pie

German Chocolate Pie

I thought I was done with pie. I really did, I promise! But that was before Friendsgiving happened.

Since this is the time of year that people usually count their blessings and express thanks, I have to think about the amazing teachers I work with. I don’t write about my job much here, but as many of you know, I’m a full-time, National Board certified high school English teacher. It’s a very intense job and my days are anything but relaxing, especially since my downtime is nonexistent with three small kids at home. But man, do I love it.

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Candy Cane Ganache Pie

Candy Cane Ganache Pie

Do you have a Thanksgiving food hangover? Can you take one more pie?

Sorry, but it’s still officially Pie Week here on Just About Baked. I see no reason to stop making pies. Why should I? As long as I’ve got breath in me, I will bake pies!

Don’t worry, this one is easy. And delicious. And holiday-esque. And gluten-free. And mint, which is highly rare on this blog. In case you missed it earlier, I’m not so fond of mint.

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Chocolate Pumpkin Pie

Chocolate Pumpkin Pie

Okay, this is my third pie of the week. Don’t worry, I’m not tired of it yet!

Ordinary pie flavors are great, don’t get me wrong. I love pumpkin pie and pecan pie, and I’ve never been able to resist a good key lime. But I really like being creative when I bake, so a lot of what I do goes a touch beyond the norm.

When I first saw this recipe, I knew I had to make it. I initially glimpsed it on Pinterest, the home of all that is good. I think it originated with Martha Stewart. Anyway, I made one or two small adjustments and here we go! Chocolate pumpkin pie.

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Chocolate Linzer Tart

Chocolate Linzer Tart

Welcome back to Thanksgiving Pie Week on Just About Baked! I’ve been having way too much fun with this, everyone. I’m getting my pastry chef alter ego out and dusting her off!

Today’s pie is really a tart, and I’m feeling rather European because it’s a Linzer tart. Translation: it’s got an almond base and there’s raspberry involved. I also worked in some dark chocolate for good measure. Can’t hurt, right?

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Cookie Crust Apple Pie

Cookie Crust Apple Pie

Welcome to pie week! Well, mostly pie week. I’m going to be presenting three pie recipes for you today, Monday and Wednesday, just in time for Thanksgiving!

And these will be appearing on our Thanksgiving table, too, thanks to the glory of the freezer. So if you need a visual for Thanksgiving this year, just picture me eating lots and lots of pie. I’m also planning on doing a pies-in-review special after the holiday!

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Turtle Pie

Turtle Pie

I have a cold. My youngest gave it to me by shoving her fingers in my mouth while she was snotting right and left. See, she never wants me quite so much as she does when she’s sick. Maybe she’s just more attached to Mommy when she’s not feeling well. Or maybe she thinks it’s really funny to get Mommy all sneezy and wheezy.

Diseases terrify me, mainly because my house is like a germ incubator. With three kids running around, we get no break between October and May in the sickness department. For the past few years, I’ve averaged 5 stomach viruses per school year. Colds are nothing in comparison.

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