Dessert – The Inspired Parent

Tropical Pineapple Pie

Pineapple Pie - the perfect springtime dessert! — Pineapple Pie – the perfect springtime dessert!

Happy Pi Day!

In honor of one of our favorite math days, we will be celebrating as usual with a lovely slice of pie! One of our favorites is Pineapple Pie — I know, I know — I had never eaten (or even heard of) pineapple pie either until about 17 years ago when my husband first baked one. He found the recipe in a fantastic cookbook I gave him for Christmas one year & it’s been a favorite of ours ever since.

The filling is so good, it is tempting to eat the whole thing with a spoon before it even makes it into the pie shell. The sweetness is wonderfully balanced with just a hint of tang from the pineapple. Perfect for spring or summertime, it’s also quite the treat during autumn or winter when you’re feeling the urge for a tropical getaway…even if it’s just of the culinary variety.

What are some of your favorite springtime pies? Do you prefer fruit pies this time of year or more of a custard or cream type?

Happy Baking & Happy Pi Day!

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Originally posted in March 2016.

Lebkuchen

Honey, citrus, spices, oh my! These tasty gingerbread-style cookies are a family favorite of ours and are one of the staples on our gorgeous holiday cookie trays that Mr. The Inspired Parent makes each year.

Depending on which historical reference you read, Lebkuchen or “honey cake,” was likely invented by Franconian monks. It is documented as making an appearance around the 13th century in what is now Germany. There are varieties that are more sweet or more spicy — this version is well-balanced & great with a cup of coffee or tea.

Lebkuchen hold up ridiculously well if kept in an airtight container — we bake these a week or more before our holiday gatherings. Not only is it super convenient since they can be made so far in advance, but the flavor just gets better and better as a few days go by. They’re still quite good warm out of the oven or after cooling, but by days 3-5 (or later!), the spices intensify a bit, adding to the cookie’s complexity & making these the perfect bake-ahead treat for your upcoming gatherings!

Happy Baking!

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Biscochitos: a Spanish Spice Cookie

If you’re looking for a lightly-spiced yet super flavorful cookie, these lovely Biscochitos hit the mark!

With origins in Spain, Biscochitos are quite popular in New Mexico where it is said that they are the “official” state cookie. With a great texture & lovely anise flavor combined with orange & a hint of cinnamon, these are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie tray or perfect for your next brunch.

We used star-shaped cookie cutters this time around but we’ve seen these in all different shapes including one of our favorites — the classic fleur-de-lis.

Happy Baking!

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Rum Balls

These Rum Balls are wonderfully dangerous. They may very well be my favorite holiday treat…or at least in the top three. They’re super simple — you’re basically making a batch of brownies, spiking them with rum & coating them with decorative sanding sugar or sweetened coconut. Best part is they store extremely well for 7-9 days in an air-tight container in the refrigerator so you can easily make them ahead of time to have on hand as you finish preparing your other cookies or holiday treats.

Where they become dangerous is that it’s oh-so-simple to just grab one here or there when they call your name as you open the refrigerator door. Hopefully by the time your holiday party rolls around there will still be a few left for your cookie tray!

Happy Baking!

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