Birthday Dessert Surprises

I am SO spoiled
I was treated to various desserts upon turning 24 years old; the first from Saela on my actual birthday:
A month or two ago, we had discussed French Macarons (not to be confused with the chocolate covered coconut macaroon), debating where the best place to get them was. She surprised me with a box of six varied macarons (pistachio, caramel fudge, passion fruit, cassis coconut, strawberry and something else i can't remember) from Madeleine's on my birthday and I relished in them with pure delight. They are light, but chewy and just one of the most perfect little desserts on Earth. Plus they package their pastries in a really cute box.

My second surprise came from Tom. He found a place called Financier and got me two different mini chocolate cakes; a chocolate caramel mousse and a chocolate fudge-like cake with hazelnut creme (?) in the center (pictured). The latter was so smooth. Unlike regular cake, I savored each bite making sure nothing was left on the fork. I wanted to save this to share, but it was impossible to not eat the entire dessert.

This gift was threefold... it was an apology for "forgetting" my birthday, but a birthday gift nonetheless, and it was also a nice pick-me-up at 1am... which is when I was stuck in the edit room working.

I love my friends.




I call the stack of macarons a "big mac"... har har

Doughnut Plant

Everything you knew about doughnuts before this post was a lie, unless of course, you have had a delectable yeast doughnut from the Doughnut Plant. I know there are some pretty loyal Krispy Kreme fans out there, or dare I say, Dunkin Donuts, but these little beauts are just about the best and worst thing you could down with a cup of joe or tea. I haven't looked at the nutritional facts, and I want to keep it that way.
It all started on one Halloween day, 2008, when 2 large white boxes of doughnuts were brought into the office by Tim, a very generous coworker who would change my life forever.




The wonderful thing about the coconut creme is that the filling isn't very sweet at all. In fact it's very light and very reminiscent of the filling in a Beard Papa cream puff. The con to this donut is that it is nearly impossible to eat one on the street without making a huge mess. I tried to rip off a piece but they are so tender and chewy and glaze got all over my hands and face. I'm sure I looked pretty ridiculous (and maybe homeless) carrying around my huge backpacker backpack, balancing a totebag all while scoffing down a donut.

I really don't want to overhype these because I would feel awful if you trekked in the deep dark depths of the lower east side/chinatown for nothing. I actually walked about 15 minutes from the Canal St Station (The Essex/Delancey is closer) to get them for a bus ride up to New Paltz last Thursday. However, I am confident that you will find at least one doughnut here to your liking. I personally like the coconut creme and jelly-filled square (both pictured). Also, the plain glazed (Stephen's doughnut of choice) is just as satisfying.

One will run you about $2.75- trust me, it's worth every bite.

An American Staple

HMM, What could the following ingredients make???


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If you guessed Apple Pie, you are correct! Actually, it's the makings of Stephen's Birthday Pie!
(REALLY sorry to my family, who I would not let eat the pie :( I promise you will be showered with pies on Thanksgiving!!)

[The lemon shouldn't have been there. It's used so the apples wouldn't turn brown.]











It looked so good, but did it taste good? I couldn't just dig into his pie... so I ended up making 4 mini ones. I'M SO WEAK.




These are the perfect little portions, and it has more 'crustular surface area'. I'll probably do more of these. Also, I can try different fillings at once.

There are countless recipes out there, which one did I go with? myhomecooking, but tweaked the recipe a little. I did 8 tbsp of butter and 4 shortening, only used 3 (delightfully crunchy) Granny smith apples (granted they were huge, but MORE than enough to fill the crust).

Anyway, it turned out to be a hit, even if Steph didn't actually get to have any.

birthday boy


Things I learned:
This was my first time making a pie! While it came out pretty well, I know what to keep in mind for next time.
-The website was right, make more dough! You really can't have too much. I was stretching it out so much, it kept breaking and sticking.
-Also, be sure to add enough water or it will crumble and crack when rolling it out.
-Work very quickly, in a cool environment. My apartment was a little warm and the butter melted (also do to my hands). Keep chilling the dough if it gets to be too sticky.
-Drain the apples thoroughly or you will end up with sugary water.
-Do not attempt to blind bake the crust if you do not have the proper tools to do so. the sides will slide down, proving it difficult to fill and it'll look like a mess.
-Do not cover the pie with foil when it is still hot. I did it to keep the fruit flies at bay. However, I think the steam might have added moisture back into the crust, which made it lose its flakiness/crispiness overnight. It probably also has to do with the fact that I made it a day ahead of time. It really is best right out of the oven.

BUT... when it's 4 in the morning, and you're inebriated and hungry, it tastes pretty darn good, as demonstrated by Jon, Travis, Bobby and myself. I tried to feed Steph until he said "I want to throw up". Tough crowd.


☛Thanks to my mom for randomly getting me a pastry blender many many months ago, and to Kristina for the big whisk/mixing bowl she got me last Christmas. Also thanks to the chefs at Martha Stewart's kitchen who "tossed out" their old pie tins and measuring spoons this past June. One person's trash is now my treasure.