Two Fabulous Fall Desserts + Farmers’ Market Desserts Cookbook Giveaway!
Remember this piece of deliciousness?
What is this, you say?
I picked up a copy of Farmers’ Market Desserts by Jennie Shacht when Borders bookstore was nearing its last days on earth. I don’t typically gravitate toward dessert-only cookbooks, but the fact that it was focused on fresh fruit and had a variety of recipes for all seasons make me curious.
Plus I was hungry.
After trying out a couple of recipes and falling in love with this book, I contacted the publisher and they generously agreed to send out copies of the book to two of my readers! Thanks Chronicle!
There are so many other things I want to try from this book, including Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Caramel, Cranberry Orange Oat Bars, and Pineapple-Macadamia Upside Down Cake. I appreciate that, although this is a dessert cookbook, the author has a light hand with the refined sugar and relies more on the sweetness from the fruit. She also incorporates honey.
Want to know another cool thing about this book? It has its own Facebook page, which I found by accident. Go say hi to the book and tell it that I sent you!
Meyer Lemon-Goat Cheese Soufflé Cakes
from Farmers’ Market Desserts by Jennie Schacht
1 cup (8 ounces) soft fresh goat cheese
1/3 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
4 large eggs, separated
1/4 cup mild-flavored honey, such as acacia, alfalfa, or clover
3 T all-purpose flour
Finely grated zest of 2 small Meyer lemons
1 T fresh Meyer lemon juice
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp kosher salt
3 T granulated sugar
Lightly sweetened whipped cream, for serving
Berries of choice, for garnish
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, with a rack in the lower third. Butter eight 6-ounce ramekins. Sprinkle with sugar to coat, tapping out any excess. Select a baking pan at least 2 inches deep and large enough to hold the ramekins without crowding. Line the pan with a folded kitchen towel, to prevent the ramekins from sliding, and place the ramekins in the pan, spacing them evenly. Bring a kettle of water to boil and remove from heat.
Whisk together the goat cheese and crème fraîche in a bowl until smooth. Add the egg yolks, honey, flour, lemon zest and juice, vanilla, and salt and mix until the mixture is uniform and free of lumps.
In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or with a handheld mixer), beat the egg whites on medium speed until they hold sot peaks. Add the sugar in a slow, steady stream, then increase the speed to medium-high and continue to beat until the whites hold firm peaks. Using a large spatula, gently fold the whites into the cheese mixture until only a few small, white streaks remain.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, smoothing the tops. Put the pan on the oven rack, and pour the hot water from the kettle into the pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the ramekins, taking care not to splash water into the ramekins.
Bake until the cakes are puffed and appear firm around the edges but still jiggle slightly when you shake the ramekin gently, 20-25 minutes. Carefully remove the ramekins from the water bath to a wire rack to let cool. (They will fall as they cool.)
Serve barely warm or at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 3 days and serve chilled. To avoid condensation, cover tightly with plastic wrap only after completely cold. Just before serving, top each ramekin with a dollop of whipped cream and a few berries.
Nat’s Notes:
1. If you can’t find Meyer lemons, use 1 lemon and 1 clementine in place of the 2 Meyer lemons called for in the recipe.
from Farmers’ Market Desserts by Jennie Schacht
(Pictured above with Pear Caramel Ice Cream and Easy Caramel Sauce)
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
3/4 cup neutral vegetable oil, like canola or grapeseed
1/2 cup gently packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup unsulfured dark molasses
1/2 cup plain whole-milk yogurt or sour cream
1 T finely grated fresh ginger
1 large egg
1 tsp baking soda
1/ 2 cup hot, freshly brewed strong coffee or boiling waterTopping:
4 firm-ripe pears (about 2 pounds), peeled and cored
1 T unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup gently packed light brown sugar
1/4 tsp Kosher salt
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F, with a rack in the lower third. Oil a 10- or 11-inch cast-iron skillet.
To make the cake, stir together the four, ground ginger, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves (if using) in a bowl. Set aside.
Whisk together the oil, brown sugar, molasses, yogurt, fresh ginger, and egg in a large bowl until well blended and smooth. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir in half of the flour mixture. Stir the baking soda into the hot coffee (or water) until dissolved, then add to the batter and stir until combined. Stir in the remaining flour. Transfer the batter to the prepared skillet and spread evenly.
To make the topping, cut the pears lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange the longer slices on the batter in a circle at the edge of the pan, overlapping them slightly and with the narrow ends pointing toward the center. Arrange the shortest slices in a second circle in the center to cover the batter completely. Dot the pear slices with the butter along the outer circle only. Mix together the brown sugar and salt and sprinkle evenly over the top.
Bake until the top springs back when you press it lightly in the center and a toothpick inserted in the center tests clean, about 1 hour. Transfer the skillet to the stove top to cool for at least 20 minutes.
Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into wedges and topped with whipped cream. Refrigerate leftover cake, tightly covered, for up to 4 days, or freeze, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Nat’s Notes:
1. When I made this I forgot the baking soda step. (I had kids helping. It happens.) That’s why it doesn’t look very cakey in the photo.
2. This is a skillet cake, but you could bake it in a similar-sized baking pan. I used a stainless steel skillet because my cast iron pan was too small.
Print Recipe Text Only
***COMMENTS HAVE CLOSED! ***
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Stephanie — November 14, 2011 @ 11:31 am
My favorite fall dessert is apple pie made from apples hand-picked by your family and friends at a local pick-your-own farm. A little local honey in the pie mix also adds extra yumminess!
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Sarah — November 14, 2011 @ 11:46 am
Favourite fall dessert has to be homemade pumpkin pie! My grandma is the queen of pies in our town and at this time of year there's nothing else I'd rather have for dessert!
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Kelly — November 14, 2011 @ 12:56 pm
Apple pie! thanks, Kel
PS I am hoping you receive my email – as I am leaving a comment via my google account.
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warmvanillasugar — November 14, 2011 @ 1:09 pm
What great recipes! My favorite fall dessert is pumpkin pie through and through. Mmmm.
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Meagan — November 14, 2011 @ 1:10 pm
Pumpkin Cheesecake :)
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Gastric Kitty — November 14, 2011 @ 1:53 pm
Pumpkin Enchiladas! Curried Butternut squash soup.
Tantomile6@yahoo.com
-Cat
*I love your blog!
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UTCarly — November 14, 2011 @ 1:59 pm
I love pumpkin cranberry bread! Its my favorite!
Carly.Alter@gmail.com
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Mary — November 14, 2011 @ 2:19 pm
Hmm…there's so many classics! I'd have to say my favorites (yes, plural favorite) are apple crumble or pumpkin scones! YUM-O!
norton_md@yahoo.com
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Jenny — November 14, 2011 @ 2:30 pm
Anything pumpkin, apple or cranberry. Do you have a recipe for something with all three of those ingredients? I'd make it in a heartbeat.
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Jan — November 14, 2011 @ 2:34 pm
pumpkin pie… YUM!
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arizb — November 14, 2011 @ 2:37 pm
Anything pumpkin!! Pumpkin cookies, pumpkin brownies, pumpkin ice cream! All of it! :)
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Staci — November 14, 2011 @ 2:41 pm
I love fall desserts filled with apples, pears and pumpkin. I find myself missing them in the summer months. My favorite fall dessert is Pumpkin Cheesecake made with the Cooks Illustrated recipe. This year I'm planning to change it up and add this salted caramel to the top of it. http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2011/11/salted-caramel-cheesecake-pie/comment-page-1/#comment-267485
Both these recipes look divine! Love love Meyer Lemon pretty much anything and Pears are a huge favorite with my husband. Love the homey charm of baking it in the cast iron skillet. The world would be a better place if everyone had a cast iron skillet.
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Lauren — November 14, 2011 @ 2:46 pm
Pumpkin Pie!
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Emily Hunt — November 14, 2011 @ 3:08 pm
My favorite fall dessert would probably be my mom's apple pie, but anything pumpkin runs a reeeally close second!
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Alyse — November 14, 2011 @ 3:11 pm
I love blackberry pie best of all.
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Jenny — November 14, 2011 @ 3:27 pm
I love apple crisp! It is the perfect fall dessert for my family.
Jennifer Horn
jennifermoshier@msn.com
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Eppie — November 14, 2011 @ 3:39 pm
Favorite fall dessert — anything warm and comforting baked with pumpkin or apples.
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Court — November 14, 2011 @ 3:42 pm
My favorite fall dessert is apple crip with vanilla ice cream. Name is Courtney. Email address is ellabarg@msu.edu. Thank you!!
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Lauren's Latest — November 14, 2011 @ 3:51 pm
It used to be my Mom's Pumpkin Pie, but I came up with some Pumpkin Blondies that are pretty addictive. Neither contain fruit.
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jpetroroy — November 14, 2011 @ 4:06 pm
I love apple crisp!
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Christina — November 14, 2011 @ 4:07 pm
How fun! Love this!
My favorite fall dessert is gingerbread. Boring, I know, but I started topping it with a lemon glaze last year and I'm hooked all over again :)
P.S. This is Christina, you got my contact info on speed dial, yo! ;)
How are ya feeling today? Thinking lots about you, Steve, the girls and the baby grape! :)
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Alina — November 14, 2011 @ 4:14 pm
Favorite Fall dessert would have to be my wife's pumpkin cheesecake!!
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Izzy — November 14, 2011 @ 4:14 pm
Apple crisp, for sure. I love a good crumble topping.
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Bethany — November 14, 2011 @ 4:23 pm
Apple crisp for sure!
I tried to get one for my birthday, but wasn't willing to make it myself… let's just say my mother's attempt was mind-boggling! I don't know how you mess up an apple crisp so badly!
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Hilary — November 14, 2011 @ 4:30 pm
My favorite fall dessert is apple pie
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Gwen — November 14, 2011 @ 4:33 pm
Mmmmm, those desserts looks good. I'm looking forward to trying the lemon goat cheese souffle in the spring when our farmer's market reopens and our local goat cheese seller is back in business.
My favorite fall dessert would be chocolate apple pie, with my mom's sour cream apple pie a close second.
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Rebekah Wood — November 14, 2011 @ 4:43 pm
Growing up, my mother would always make apple strudel and wassail during the fall-a tradition I continue as well.
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Yael — November 14, 2011 @ 5:09 pm
I didn't think I liked pumpkin in anything, but I picked up the most amazing pumpkin cheesecake at a local farmers market a few weeks ago. SO good.
Apple crisp is a very close second, though!
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Beckie — November 14, 2011 @ 5:40 pm
pumpkin roll- with the delicious cream cheese frosting-ooh I love it!! Your blog makes it hard to follow my diet right now!! GEEZ it all looks soo good!!
contact me @
cobbap@ida.net
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Angie — November 14, 2011 @ 5:54 pm
Apple crisp for sure!
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James and Monica — November 14, 2011 @ 5:55 pm
Pumpkin pie. I'd give an unnecessary appendage for pumpkin pie.
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A Place to Reside — November 14, 2011 @ 5:58 pm
Anything with pumpkin in it – pumpkin cookies, pumpkin bars, pumpkin bread…well, you get the idea. :-)
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Alicia — November 14, 2011 @ 6:16 pm
Double layer pumpkin pie!
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emjacks1 — November 14, 2011 @ 6:23 pm
I love any dessert that has pumpkin in it. Pumpkin pie, cheesecake, you name it and I love it. I am a new reader and am thoroughly enjoying your blog. Thanks!
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Jenna DeFabulous — November 14, 2011 @ 6:28 pm
I love anything with pumpkin in it. . . and also love my friend's sweet potato pie with butter cookie crust. Soooo good! :)
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Kate — November 14, 2011 @ 6:38 pm
My favorite is always pie, especially cherry! I love rolling out the dough & making the pretty lattice. :)
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Samantha — November 14, 2011 @ 6:43 pm
My husband makes a mean apple crisp… reminds me of our dating years so long ago. Thanks for this giveaway!
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Betsy — November 14, 2011 @ 6:43 pm
Anything pumpkin really, but chocolate chip pumpkin bread is probably my favorite!
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Kate — November 14, 2011 @ 7:00 pm
My favorite are pear crisps. I'll have to post the recipe soon!
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kib — November 14, 2011 @ 7:15 pm
Favorite fall dessert is anything with pumpkin – except pumpkin pie. I know, please don't judge :) Pumpkin bread, pumpkin smoothie and blizzard. Latest is pumpkin & chocolate cupcakes.
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Sare — November 14, 2011 @ 8:33 pm
I love apple cake. yum! Served warm with ice cream
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Heather — November 14, 2011 @ 8:38 pm
My favorite fall dessert is pumpkin pie. Thanks for the giveaway!
heatherspooner1981 at gmail dot com
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Redd — November 14, 2011 @ 9:06 pm
I have to say, my favorite Fall dessert is the Maple Pumpkin Pie that I only make on Thanksgiving. It's so absolutely delicious and rich. I only make it on that day, otherwise it feels so much less special. I can't wait to make it next week!
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Michele — November 14, 2011 @ 9:31 pm
My favorite Fall dessert is pumpkin pie….I could eat it every day!
michelemhemming@yahoo.com
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gwen — November 14, 2011 @ 9:33 pm
I'm a fan of Apron Anxiety's chocolate chip apple cake (http://apronanxiety.com/post/1257902240) – and of your maple-glazed apple cookies, Natalie! Thanks for the chance to win. :)
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Eyreka — November 14, 2011 @ 9:33 pm
Pumpkin Rolls, I could eat them all day long (not just Fall either!)
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Mandy — November 14, 2011 @ 9:47 pm
My favorite is pumpkin chiffon pie.
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G'ma Jan — November 14, 2011 @ 10:02 pm
Apple pie for sure
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Natalie — November 14, 2011 @ 10:03 pm
hands down my gma's apple pie :)
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Julia — November 14, 2011 @ 10:56 pm
My brain LITERALLY can not comprehend how freaking AMAZING this must taste. Be still my heart. Goat cheese in a souffle. No really, I think a tear just fell from my eye. Oh ya, and my favorite fall dessert…hmmm… pecan pie!
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Janel — November 14, 2011 @ 11:38 pm
I love apple cake with lots of apples and a custardy cake. Also, it isn't really a dessert, but I love hot spiced apple cider too!
jgbeads(at)gmail(dot)com
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Brooke Welles — November 15, 2011 @ 12:54 am
pumpkin whoopie pies. I ask for them every year for my birthday! :-)
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Janssen — November 15, 2011 @ 1:38 am
Apple crisp. Mmmmmm.
I must admit that I don't LOVE pumpkin desserts.
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Dorabelle — November 15, 2011 @ 1:38 am
Any thing pumpkin related… Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Spice Muffins, Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from Starbucks….
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Joanne — November 15, 2011 @ 1:39 am
Fruitful desserts really are some of my favorites to bake, so I know I'd adore this cookbook! And that souffle…oh you have won me over girl. Favorite fall dessert…hmmm…pumpkin bread with a good dollop of cream cheese frosting!
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Jenn L — November 15, 2011 @ 2:01 am
Anything pumpkin for me :)
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Ann — November 15, 2011 @ 7:21 am
Thanks for the giveaway – your desserts are beautiful! I used to be crazy about ANYTHING pumpkin, but since I developed an allergy to cinnamon, it kind of defeats the purpose.
I think I'd have to say I like the caramel and chocolate desserts that are prevalent during the fall.
…and any crispy, tasty cookie!
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Crafty in Paradise — November 15, 2011 @ 2:49 pm
Pumpkin custard, and really, anything pumpkin!
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Babs — November 15, 2011 @ 4:13 pm
Apple pie or apple pear crisps are my favorites.
Babs
bggeorge1@gmail.com
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Jayne — November 15, 2011 @ 8:04 pm
I love pie in the fall.
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Cara — November 15, 2011 @ 9:19 pm
both of these sound delish! I have to go with two favorite desserts this time of year: 1) anything pumpkin – duh! and 2) ghetto chocolate trifle. You know, chocolate cake from a box layered with instant pudding, cool whip, and heath bar bits. So bad, but so good, and so much a holiday tradition in my family ;)
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The Three Little Piglets — November 15, 2011 @ 9:59 pm
Apple pie. Just plain old apple pie.
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Jordan — November 16, 2011 @ 1:35 am
Apple crisp and butternut squash pizzas!
bostonites@gmail.com
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Gina — November 16, 2011 @ 2:12 am
I have a love for pecan pie!
Grogerss@aol.com
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Amy — November 16, 2011 @ 3:11 am
Nothing stirs my senses like a pomegranate… but the arils never make it to a dessert finale in my kitchen! So far this year, the favorite dessert amongst the family has been an apple and gingered walnut tart.
amyhowardlondon@gmail.com
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Mdniips1983 — November 16, 2011 @ 11:03 am
I love pumpkin cheesecake. It is my Thanksgiving MUST HAVE!
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Sarah O. — November 16, 2011 @ 1:14 pm
My favorite fall dessert is anything maple-flavored!
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Kelsy — November 16, 2011 @ 3:21 pm
My favorite is pumpkin cheesecake with a maple pecan glaze. It's delicious!
Kelsy
kelsycocozzo@yahoo.com
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Landen — November 16, 2011 @ 4:05 pm
I love ice cream with apple syrup on top! Definitely a delicious fall dessert.
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Heather — November 16, 2011 @ 5:08 pm
Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle…delicious and it is even better if it is made a day ahead!
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Paige (The Last Doughnut) — November 16, 2011 @ 6:04 pm
My favorite fall dessert is bread pudding with white chocolate whiskey sauce!
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AB — November 17, 2011 @ 2:46 am
apple dumplings!
selb235 (at) gmail (dot) com
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Emily — November 17, 2011 @ 5:29 am
Apple crisp! My mom has made it for as long as I can remember, so I like to have it a few times each fall.
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kate — November 17, 2011 @ 2:49 pm
I just discovered your blog, it's wonderful!! SO happy to know about it. I have a tiny little blog called shady basil (shadybasil.blogspot.com) that mostly my family and a few friends look at :) My favorite fall dessert is my husband's pumpkin cake–1. because it's delicious and 2. because it's one of 2 things he cooks so it's always a treat.
my email is kateaubuchon@gmail.com
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Aleyta — November 17, 2011 @ 3:48 pm
Maple Cheesecake!!! Ohhh now I'm craving!!! (I'm pregnant too!!)
sequinsgalore@hotmail.com
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Kelly — November 18, 2011 @ 3:35 am
I love a good pecan pie!!
kelly-thompson@cox.net
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Teslaca — November 18, 2011 @ 10:40 am
Apples are my favorite fall ingredient for desserts. Pie is great, but I love apple crisp and apple cobbler even more. I really look forward to the new apple crop every year and all the heirloom varieties. I had to laugh at your comment about buying the dessert cookbook because you were hungry. Everyone knows not to grocery shop when you're hungry, but it applies to cookbook shopping as well!
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GranSan — November 18, 2011 @ 3:07 pm
Chocolate cake all year long
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Kristin — November 18, 2011 @ 3:48 pm
Hot apple crisp with french vanilla ice cream melting on top. Hands down…I love fruit desserts too!
kristininherkitchen.blogspot.com
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Gwen — November 18, 2011 @ 6:05 pm
Meyer Lemon Goat Cheese?!! Oh yum!
My fav fall desserts are Apple Crisp and Ginger-Pear Cake.
I would really love this cookbook!
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KrHoover — November 19, 2011 @ 3:27 am
homemade orange marmalade cinnamon rolls! (and a cup of hot chocolate with homemade peppermint marshmallows!)
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Chelsea — November 19, 2011 @ 4:15 am
I want this, Nat!
I tend to make chocolate chip cookies more in the fall, so I'll say that.
loves,
chels
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Bethany Chapman — November 19, 2011 @ 4:48 am
my favorite fall dessert is definitely apple pie, but I'd love to try some new ones from the cookbook!
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Elizabeth Westmoreland — September 24, 2012 @ 8:05 am
Pumpkin anything/everything!! Pie,Bread,Cake,Muffins……..all the above!!!
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