The Ultimate Hazelnut Raspberry Crumb Cake Recipe: A Festive Treat with St. Dalfour

A simple, yet exquisitely festive crumb cake, elevated with a fragrant brown butter base, a generous layer of vibrant raspberry fruit spread, and crowned with a crisp, buttery hazelnut crumb topping. This recipe is your secret weapon for delicious holiday baking!

As the holiday season draws near, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods filling your home. If you’re on the hunt for a quick, show-stopping dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, or a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family, then prepare to fall in love with today’s featured recipe: our irresistible Hazelnut Raspberry Crumb Cake. This isn’t just any ordinary crumb cake; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures, designed to bring joy to any occasion.

What sets this particular crumb cake apart is its thoughtful construction and the quality of its ingredients. The cake itself boasts a deep, nutty flavor thanks to brown butter, beautifully complemented by the warm spices of cardamom and cinnamon. But the true stars are the layers that follow: a thick, vibrant layer of St. Dalfour Red Raspberry Fruit Spread, providing a burst of authentic fruitiness, and a crunchy, aromatic hazelnut crumb topping that adds the perfect textural contrast. Each bite is a harmonious blend of tender cake, tart fruit, and sweet, crisp crumble.

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Unforgettable Blogger Retreat: Learning, Networking, and Culinary Delights in Park City, Utah

A few weeks ago, I embarked on an inspiring journey westward, trading the hustle of everyday life for a rejuvenating weekend of learning, relaxation, and, of course, exceptional dining. My destination was the prestigious Deer Valley Resort in picturesque Park City, Utah, home to the much-anticipated Better Blog Retreat 2015.

This remarkable weekend was masterfully orchestrated by two luminaries in the blogging world: Heidi of Foodie Crush and Maria of Two Peas and Their Pod. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and generosity, feeling utterly welcomed and truly pampered throughout the entire event. Their meticulous planning and genuine hospitality set the perfect tone for what would become an unforgettable experience.

Blogging, while inherently a social profession, often paradoxically leads to a sense of isolation. We, as bloggers, spend countless hours online, constantly engaging with our audiences and fellow creators through various social media platforms. Yet, opportunities to truly *connect* and sit down together in real life are rare gems. This retreat underscored the immense value of these in-person interactions. It’s a chance to share insights, offer support, and learn from one another in a way that digital communication simply cannot replicate. These moments of collective growth and mutual encouragement are truly invaluable, fostering a stronger, more connected community.

I am incredibly grateful to be a part of such an amazingly supportive blogging community. The encouragement and wisdom shared by my peers have profoundly shaped my journey as a blogger, contributing significantly to my growth and development. This retreat reinforced that I wouldn’t be where I am today without this incredible network. I departed Park City brimming with fresh ideas, renewed excitement, abundant inspiration, and, most importantly, many new and cherished friendships. The seeds for future collaborations and personal milestones were certainly sown during this transformative weekend, and I look forward to sharing more about them soon!

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Mastering Raspberry Soufflés: Your Guide to a Light, Elegant French Summer Dessert

Ah, the raspberry soufflé. Just the name evokes images of delicate perfection and sophisticated dining. While these ethereal delights might seem like the Everest of desserts, I assure you, they are well within reach for the home baker. My journey with soufflés has had its share of triumphs and (let’s be honest) a few dramatic collapses, especially when trying to capture their fleeting beauty for a photograph. The truth is, photographing a soufflé is a major race against time, and sometimes, time wins. But here’s a little secret: a slightly fallen soufflé tastes every bit as glorious as one fresh from the oven, still proudly puffed. That’s a promise!

It feels like ages since I last shared a delightful dessert recipe, and that simply wouldn’t do! My culinary thoughts had been gravitating towards summer pies, a delicious but familiar route. However, a craving for something truly special, yet light and fruity, led me straight to these exquisite raspberry soufflés. They are the perfect solution for a warm-weather dessert – light, intensely flavorful, and undeniably elegant. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning, beautiful pink soufflé that will impress anyone at your summer gathering.

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Grilled Romaine Salad: A Flavorful Twist with Grilled Avocado, Roasted Tomatillos & Cotija Cheese

Prepare to have your perception of salad completely transformed. This isn’t just any salad; it’s an extraordinary culinary experience featuring grilled romaine lettuce, creamy grilled avocado, a vibrant roasted tomatillo sauce, and salty cotija cheese. Forget soggy greens – this dish introduces you to a world where lettuce itself becomes a star, boasting a tender crunch and a subtle smoky char that will elevate your palate and make you re-think how you prepare this everyday vegetable.

You might be wondering: “Grilled romaine? Really?” And the answer is a resounding yes! The magic happens when the sturdy leaves of romaine lettuce meet the intense heat of a grill. The outer leaves develop a delicate char, imparting a wonderfully smoky, slightly bitter note, while the heart remains crisp-tender. This unique texture and flavor profile is truly surprising and incredibly satisfying, proving that sometimes, the simplest twist can create the most memorable dish. This salad is far more dynamic and delicious than the photos alone can convey – you simply must taste it to believe it.

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Weekly Mix: Embracing Autumn in Chicago, Post-Travel Reflections & Delicious Fall Inspiration

Greetings from the vibrant city of Chicago! This week marks our return from an unforgettable European adventure, and we’re currently in the midst of adjusting back to our daily routines. The transition from sun-drenched European streets to the familiar rhythms of home is always a unique challenge, isn’t it? Yet, there’s an undeniable comfort in settling back into our own space. I’m incredibly excited to dive back into our regular content programming next week and can’t wait to share even more captivating photos and stories from our travels in the weeks to come. Stay tuned for a deeper look into the places we explored and the culinary delights we savored!

As the leaves begin to hint at a change of season, my mind is already drifting towards cozy evenings and comforting meals. While Chicago is still patiently waiting for autumn to officially unveil itself with crisp air and golden foliage, my kitchen is already buzzing with anticipation. This brings me to a very important question for all of you: Do you have any specific fall recipe requests that you’re eager to see? I’m all ears for your ideas! Are you craving flaky, spiced pies that capture the essence of the season? Perhaps you’re looking for hearty, flavourful side dishes to complement your holiday feasts, or maybe you need inspiration for easy-to-prepare, yet incredibly satisfying main courses for busy weeknights? Your suggestions are invaluable, and I’m genuinely excited to explore new culinary creations based on your preferences. Please, let me know your fall food desires in the comments below!

I hope you all have a truly fantastic and relaxing weekend, filled with joy and perhaps a little bit of autumn dreaming. xx

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Ultimate Raspberry Pavlova with Homemade Vanilla Whipped Cream: A Decadent Dessert Recipe

Indulge in the exquisite pleasure of a perfectly crafted pavlova, featuring a crisp yet delightfully chewy meringue shell, a vibrant homemade raspberry curd, luscious vanilla whipped cream, and a generous topping of fresh, seasonal berries. This dessert isn’t just a treat for the palate; it’s a feast for the eyes, promising to be the star of any gathering.

As the days linger with the golden glow of an Indian Summer, the bounty of nature calls, especially the plump, ruby-red raspberries ripe for the picking. Just the other day, we embarked on a delightful raspberry-picking adventure, returning home with buckets overflowing with these succulent gems. The sheer abundance was a testament to the season’s generosity!

With such a treasure trove, strategic planning was in order. Approximately 60% of our raspberry haul was carefully frozen, preserving their freshness for future culinary endeavors. Another joyous 10% disappeared swiftly, consumed straight from the fridge – a simple pleasure that perfectly captures the essence of summer. The remaining 30%? That precious portion was dedicated to creating today’s stunning masterpiece: a fresh raspberry pavlova, generously adorned with vanilla whipped cream and our very own homemade raspberry curd. This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal flavors, designed to captivate and delight.

Indeed, for this show-stopping dessert, we’re not just relying on the visual appeal of fresh raspberries. We’re doubling down on that incredible raspberry flavor by incorporating both a smooth, tangy homemade raspberry curd and a vibrant scattering of fresh, whole berries. This dual approach ensures every bite is bursting with intense, fruity goodness.

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