• Toffee Apple Crisp
    Pies and Crumbles

    Toffee Apple Crisp

    It finally feels like fall! We’ve got that crispy air going, sweaters on, leaves turning red, orange, and yellow…that means it’s time for all things APPLE. Apple pie, applesauce, apple cake, apple donuts…and, of course, apple crisp. This recipe is a slight twist on a classic apple crisp, with little bits of homemade toffee mixed into the crumble topping. Sound good? Let’s make some Toffee Apple Crisp! Classic Apple Crisp: Updated There’s not really much to an apple crisp. This classic, easy treat typically has a filling made of apples, white or brown sugar, cinnamon, and maybe a little flour and salt. That gets piled into a pan, and topped…

  • Cranberry Apple Crumble Pie
    Pies and Crumbles

    Cranberry Apple Crumble Pie

    Winter is here in Northern Minnesota! We finally got our first measurable snow this week. It’s so beautiful. When it’s about to snow, you can smell it in the air. If you don’t know that scent, it’s sort of like the smell of ice—cold and clean. It smells just like you’d imagine diving into a cold freshwater lake feels. “Refreshing” is a good word for it, I suppose. And I love it. The arrival of snow means the holidays are about to pounce on us like a cat on a tasty, tasty mouse. So it’s time to get ready. If you haven’t decided what pies you’re making for your holiday…

  • Mini Apple Crumble Pies
    Pies and Crumbles

    Mini Apple Crumble Pies

    Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It’s my favorite holiday, because the only purpose of it is to gather with loved ones and eat. No presents, no pressure…just good food and good company. When I was growing up, my grandma made the pies (well, she made almost everything really). Every year there was her famous Pumpkin Pie, of course, and usually some kind of apple pie as well. As an adult, I now make my own pies for Thanksgiving. And while I always opt for my grandma’s pumpkin pie for the big day, sometimes I’ll make a second option — either this Maple Pecan Pie or some kind of apple…

  • Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
    Cakes and Cupcakes,  Cookies and Bars

    Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

    We’re already more than halfway through October, and I haven’t shared anything pumpkiny yet. That seems like some kind of crime, so I thought I’d better get on it. Luckily, I’ve been working on these pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting for a while, and I think I’ve finally gotten them juuuust right. Pumpkin Desserts For The Win Pumpkin-spice-flavored things are everywhere, thanks to Starbucks. And honestly? The whole pumpkin spice craze is overrated (yep, I said it). But while I’m not a huge PSL fan (they’re fine, just too sweet for me), and I can’t stand the scent of pumpkin spice candles (ew), I do love a good pumpkin…

  • Pumpkin Pie
    Pies and Crumbles

    Etta’s Pumpkin Pie

    My Grandma made the BEST pumpkin pie. Seriously. I know everyone says their Grandma/Mom/Dad/Aunt/Uncle/whoever makes the best one, but I’m telling you hers trumps them all. This pie has convinced even the biggest pumpkin pie haters – it’s that good. Pie Month would not be complete without this recipe. I’m not even sure exactly what makes it so good – there are no crazy ingredients or fancy techniques involved. It just has the perfect flavor blend of molasses-tinged custard, pumpkin, and spices. It tastes like Thanksgiving, family gatherings, and the best holiday memories. And the best part about it? It’s super simple, quick to throw together, and best if made…

  • Maple Pecan Pie
    Pies and Crumbles

    Maple Pecan Pie

    Updated November 2023 Pie month continues with one of my favorites — Maple Pecan Pie! I’ve always loved Pecan Pie. It’s such a rich, toasty, nutty flavor that goes great with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This version swaps pure maple syrup and a touch of molasses for the usual corn syrup, resulting in a distinctly fall-ish flavor — perfect for your Thanksgiving feast! A Dessert Table Alternative to Pumpkin I LOVE pumpkin pie, but I know that not everyone else does. This pie is a great alternative for your guests who’d rather not partake of the pumpkin. This recipe is slightly adapted from…

  • Apple Slab Pie with Chai Spices
    Pies and Crumbles

    Apple Slab Pie with Chai Spices and Lemon Drizzle

    I’m officially declaring November “Pie Month”. I have so many pies I want to share with you that I decided to pump them out this month in preparation for Thanksgiving. Get ready for the sweet flakiness my friends — it’s going to be so good! Let’s get a head start with this Apple Slab Pie with Chai Spices. A few weeks ago, a friend and I took a day trip over to Bayfield, WI for their annual Apple Fest. It’s one of my favorite fall traditions — gorgeous leaves, mulled wine, Lake Superior beauty, and apple EVERYTHING. It’s the fall-iest thing. I love it so much, even in the rain…