This week was the first one that really, truly felt like fall was rolling into the neighborhood. I was thrilled. I put socks and sweatshirts on my kids for the first time in months, poured myself a second cup of coffee, and decided to spend the afternoon baking. I knew I wanted to make Ina Garten's Italian Plum Tart, but then I got distracted by a Stone Fruit Tea Cake. Hmmm. Decisions, decisions. In an effort to leave no stone fruit unturned, I simply decided to make both. More butter and sugar? Sign me up. That, and I still had one 30-pound box of Italian Prunes/Plums to put to good use. After they cooled, I slid both desserts in front of my Keep Reading

Easy Napoleon Pastry I don't remember key details from my babies' births. Height, weight, names? Nope, nothing. Just kidding! I do remember their names. But I'd have to check their baby books for nearly everything else. However, the meals delivered by friends once we brought our sweet babies home? I can remember almost every single one. Kelly brought homemade mac n' cheese, fried chicken, and a Caesar salad. Ashley dropped off a huge pan of baked ziti. Kristie delivered short ribs and scalloped potatoes. Meatballs from Rebecca and chicken taquitos from Elizabeth. Heidi hooked us up with a Subway card. Want me to keep going? Because I totally Keep Reading

Coconut Streusel Peach Pie I know, I know. It's almost September, and school has started (and I'm still in denial). Peaches might seem so last month. But here in the Pacific Northwest, we have the luxury of stretching summer into September and squeezing out every last delicious drop. Late varieties of local peaches are still available. In fact, my kitchen counter tops were lined with jars of just-canned golden peaches last week, and my husband polished off a huge piece of this Peaches & Cream chilled dessert just last night. September is a sweet swirl of summer and fall. Crisp mornings and nights, with warm days and fresh produce. The leaves Keep Reading