Tag Archives: coffee break

Blueberry Crumb Cake

crumb cake
Have I mentioned how much I love simple, no-fuss cakes like this? I’ve had my eye on this Ina Garten Blueberry Crumb Cake recipe for years, and I finally got around to baking it for some friends. It’s simple yet elegant, equally as appropriate as a breakfast treat or as a dessert for a little get-together.

I was really surprised by the amount of crumb topping that gets piled onto this cake – it’s a legitimate, Jersey/New York-style crumb cake! With this crunchy, sweet crown, there’s no need for any embellishments after it’s baked. Just slice and serve. So easy. Continue reading →

Olive Oil Cake Recipe

olive-oil-cake-close

When I got the September 2009 issue of Bon Appetit, I was so excited to see my favorite pastry recipe from Abroco in NYC featured in the RSVP (reader requested) section. They read my mind! There’s nothing better with a perfect cup of coffee than a slice of simple, sweet cake, Italian-style. It’s moist and citrus-spiked with a subtle hint of olive oil.

olive-oil-cake-break

I don’t have a good excuse for why it took me 3+ years to bake this cake (that’s a long time to keep a magazine mentally bookmarked), but I was absolutely craving it this week. And as of March 1st, my husband and I have officially moved to Massachusetts, and I’ve been sad thinking that Abroco is no longer just a subway ride away. I know I hate NYC subways and traffic and crowds and noise, but I really, really miss the food. This Olive Oil Cake is like a comforting taste of Manhattan, conjuring memories of coffee breaks with my sweetie pie (that’s my husband). Mmm. . . Now we just need an espresso machine.

Continue reading →