Archive for the ‘treats’ Category

salted caramel butter bars

Posted on: May 16th, 2012 by Two Tiny Kitchens 3 Comments

I’m a total sucker for anything “salted caramel”–gelato, macarons, chocolates–you get it. So when Anna showed me this recipe, I immediately rearranged my schedule so I could make (and eat) these bars ASAP. Please note that when I say “rearranged my schedule,” I mean “took this opportunity to justify skipping out on the gym.” Bad, I know. But eating butter and sugar while watching the predictably melodramatic series finale of Desperate Housewives is basically equal to working out, right? (Yes, I said Desperate Housewives. I’m also a sucker for crappy TV, but no need to discuss that now.)

Anyway, my laziness was rewarded because these bars were delicious . . . one coworker may have used the term “phenomenal.” (Hey I’m not trying to brag, just trying to convince you that you need these bars in your life.) So I guess what I’m saying is this: stay home from the gym, or toss out your to-do list, or procrastinate those errands, or just do whatever you need to do to make these salted caramel bars your highest priority. I promise they’re worth it!

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german chocolate cake cookies

Posted on: May 9th, 2012 by Two Tiny Kitchens No Comments

Have you ever noticed how how polarizing nuts can be!?  Seriously, I feel as though everyone I ask either LOVES the nuts in baked goods, or HATES the nuts.  A personal example – my 8-year-old Sam is the LEAST picky eater I’ve ever met.  Seriously, when  he was home last week with pneumonia I wanted to baby him and asked what he’d like to eat – ice cream, chicken soup, anything his heart desired.  What does he request? Brussel sprouts!  Honestly, when we lived in Japan he’d try every strange smelling/looking food that the rest of us backed away from.  We’d all watch in awe while he sampled raw octopus, fermented soybean, and pickled plums, just to name a few.  The one thing Sam absolutely refuses to eat?  Baked goods with nuts!  Is there anyone who is feels lukewarm on this issue?  (more…)

gooey s’mores cookies

Posted on: April 24th, 2012 by Two Tiny Kitchens 9 Comments

Who doesn’t love a fun new twist on the s’more? I’ve got so many bookmarked, it’s hard to decide which one to try. This version includes a good amount of graham cracker crumb in the dough, along with Jet Puffed Mallow Bits, which remind me a lot of the Lucky Charms marshmallows. The Mallow Bits are absolutely genius in this case, because they don’t disintegrate when they’re baked, like the real marshmallows tend to do. Complete the s’more trifecta with mini Hershey Kisses, chunks of a giant Hershey’s bar, or, my favorite, Ghiradelli’s large milk chocolate chips. WOW! Portable s’mores, campfire not necessary.   (more…)

coconut-key lime bars

Posted on: April 13th, 2012 by Two Tiny Kitchens 3 Comments

OK, Ashley and I have noticed a trend in our post write-ups: easy and delicious.  Although we do love a challenge when we have some extra time (and I swear it’s not due to an uncreative or unimaginative vocabulary!), easy and delicious just seem to be our style.  So here’s another amazingly easy and delicious recipe that we highly recommend.  Seriously, even if you’re not a big coconut or lime fan, you could really enjoy these treats.  And by the way, we tried a few other disappointing coconut and lime recipes (love you Martha, but this pie was deceptively beautiful) before striking gold with this one.  So when we say delicious, we MEAN delicious!  Promise.

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magnolia bakery’s banana pudding

Posted on: April 6th, 2012 by Two Tiny Kitchens 3 Comments

I often dream of giving “Treat Tours” of New York City–I would show visitors around town and take them to all my favorite treat stops . . . the Toasted Marshmallow Gelato Shake at Stand, the Sweet & Salty Brownie at Baked, the enormous cookies from Levain, and the grand finale: Magnolia Bakery’s Famous Banana Pudding. But it turns out you don’t have to come on my treat tour to try Magnolia’s pudding. You can make it yourself!

This banana pudding is divine. Anna may or may not have said, “This stuff is so good I want to swim in it!” Not totally sure what that means? Trust me, it’s a good thing. The best part about this recipe: It couldn’t be easier to make. It’s so much simpler than a lot of complicated pudding recipes out there. The hardest part: Waiting for it to set . . . and then resisting the temptation to eat the entire bowl in one sitting. Good luck with that!   (more…)

snickers cake

Posted on: March 28th, 2012 by Two Tiny Kitchens 7 Comments

So, let me just tell you right up front, there are no snickers in this cake.  BUT, there are are nuts, chocolate, and ooey, gooey caramel.  All the good stuff, so… close enough!?  The kids love this cake with the surprise inside.  No frosting necessary, so it would make a good birthday cake.  (I think that sometimes the ice cream and the frosting fight each other, am I alone?)   But whether it’s for a birthday, or just for satisfying your sweet tooth, I do recommend serving with a healthy dollop of ice cream or whipping cream.  Quick, easy, delicious!   (more…)

orange roll pull-apart bread

Posted on: March 23rd, 2012 by Two Tiny Kitchens 3 Comments


I booked-marked a recipe for lemon pull-apart bread over two years ago, and I’ve been dreaming of it ever since. Why didn’t I make it sooner? One word: yeast . . . and another word: laziness. Yeah, yeast intimidates me (which I’m finding out isn’t so uncommon). But then last week, fate struck: Anna sent me the exact same recipe for pull-apart bread, saying she couldn’t wait to try it! Choosing to see this as a sign, I decided it was time to man up.

We decided to make orange pull-apart bread, rather than lemon, as our take on orange rolls. (Possibly our best idea ever!?) This bread was every bit as delicious as I dreamed it would be. The best part? It’s not nearly as difficult to make as I anticipated. The dough comes together easily, so if you’re looking to conquer your yeast phobia too, this orange roll pull-apart bread is the perfect place to start!

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st. patty’s recipe review

Posted on: March 16th, 2012 by Two Tiny Kitchens 5 Comments

OK, it’s time to go green! I think the Irish are onto something when they say, “A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures.” But personally, I’ve found that cupcakes and brownies can be a pretty good (if not better!) cure too. So, if you love treats like I do, and you’re looking for a St. Patrick’s day recipe, look no further! Here are our top picks for the holiday: (more…)

choco chunk minis

Posted on: March 15th, 2012 by Two Tiny Kitchens 3 Comments

First things first: We just have to share how extremely excited we are about Two Tiny Kitchens’ brand and site makeover, designed by Linsey Laidlaw, freelance art director and graphic designer. (Visit Linsey’s blog and website to see more of her work and the things that inspire her!) She’s got mad skills (abnormally adorable babies as well), and we’re just so happy that she decided to share them with us. We love, love, LOVE it!  (more…)

heath bar blondies with brown butter frosting

Posted on: March 5th, 2012 by Two Tiny Kitchens 6 Comments


These blondies had me at Heath, but the brown butter frosting sealed the deal.  I shared them with our church choir, as well as a fellow foodie (that’s you Kari!), and all agreed that these were delish.  The base was a solid blondie, nothing too fancy, but hard to go wrong.  And then there was the frosting… We thought the technique of browning the butter and then chilling it was a clever trick. The result?  Pillowy frosting with a depth of flavor that was just so unique and very worth the effort.  Seriously, we are now looking for an excuse to slather this frosting on absolutely anything.  Also, I made a batch with butterscotch chips instead of Heath, so if you’ve no Heath on hand or it’s not your fav (gasp), try butterscotch chips!  Just as tasty. (more…)