Basic French MacaronsBy CristinaWe've taken the guesswork out of making these patisserie beauties, so you can prepare them at home (for less than 25 cents a pop!). Be sure to weigh the ingredients precisely, and follow the step-by-step directions to make meringue, fold in the almond mixture, and pipe the batter into rounds. Choose one version or a mix, then delight one and all with the gorgeous, delicious, professional-looking results. Martha made this recipe on Martha Bakes episode 305.Cake with Caramel IcingBy CristinaAccording to Food52 co-founder Merrill Stubbs, “Whether or not they admit it, all cooks have one recipe they’re most proud of.” And this one is hers. While it’s a simple cake, the luxe caramel glaze makes it pretty enough for guests.Homemade LollipopsBy CristinaLollipops are an old-fashioned favorite! Sure, it's easy to buy them in the store, but it's even more fun to make them at home! You need a few pieces of inexpensive equipment to start--a candy thermometer, and a lollipop mold. Both can be found for a few dollars at cake/candy supply stores, many craft stores, or online. You'll also want lollipop sticks, a flavoring extract (it could be simple vanilla or a variety of exotic flavors!) and perhaps food coloring.Maple Ice CreamBy CristinaChef Gabriel Rucker’s breakfast-inspired dessert features cornbread studded with bits of bacon and dried apricots served with a scoop of rich maple ice cream.Pumpkin Spice CupcakesBy CristinaThese addictive fall treats feature real pumpkin in the cake mix and a seasonal spin on classic cream cheese frosting with the addition of maple syrup.Oatmeal Spice CakeBy CristinaThis light and fluffy cake is made with fizzy Dr. Pepper, oatmeal, and warming spices like allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon. This decadent dessert has a layer of vanilla whipped cream in between the two cakes and is topped with cream cheese frosting, toasted coconut flakes, and a drizzle of Mexican chocolate ganache.Whoopie Pie MacaronsBy CristinaWhoopie pies are “wicked” Maine. I grew up eating these soft, cake-like chocolate cookies with marshmallow cream filling. When we first opened Union, I wanted to offer cookies and candies as a dessert and my mind always wandered to the whoopie pie. Transforming these simple flavors in to a macaron was the perfect balance of a classic favorite, just reimagined.
