Piatto di Caramelle per Dolci... Candy Cake Plate...

My new favorite way to serve a cake or cookies has to be this " Peppermint  Cake Plate".  It's easy to make,  and makes for a really great presentation... I will definitely be making this often,  and plan on using green and brown mints and other types of candies to reflect a holiday or theme...

 To make the Candy Cake Plate.... Unwrap 60 peppermint candies.  Arrange in a 10" circle on parchment paper lined baking sheet,  close together, almost touching.  Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 9 minutes. Let cool... I plan on making small ones  for serving individual desserts  on as well...

Buon Anno ...Fare la Pasta con Mamma... Happy New Year ... Making Pasta with Mom...

Love making Fresh Pasta... doing it with Mom makes it special... At  almost 92, she still has the  touch... We had a lot of fun making Orecchiette and Corzetti.  A great day together...

Torta di Crepe alla Fragola e Balsamico... Strawberry Balsamic Crepe Cake...

 Layers and layers of very thin Crepes,  Strawberry Balsamic Jam,  and  Vanilla Pastry Cream,  dusted  with Powdered Sugar,  and a sweet Balsamic Reduction infused with Strawberry... delicate and delicous...

Buon Natale... Merry Christmas...

Rosso e Bianco per Natale... Red and White for Christmas...

It's hard to choose a favorite color combination for Christmas Decorations... but,  there is just something about Red and White ( and green) for classic Christmas Color...

Torta al Cioccolato e Nutella per il Compleanno di Jim... Chocolate Nutella Birthday Cake for Jim...

Chocolate Cake... Jim's favorite...  Nutella Filling and Dark Chocolate Ganache poured over the top makes it delicious.... Sugared Roses and Rosemary make it beautiful...

Tristezza... Sadness...

Feeling such sadness for the many families affected by the horrible , tragic event that took place in Connecticut yesterday.  As a mother,  I can't begin to imagine the heartache ...