Tiramisu

Maybe it's the Italian in my blood, or maybe it's just my love of creamy things and coffee and chocolate. But no matter the reason, tiramisu is my favorite dessert EVER. And that's saying something, folks, because there are a lot of delicious desserts out there that I and my sweet tooth dearly love.

But tiramisu beats them all.

If you've never heard of it, tiramisu is an Italian dessert made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, whipped cream, and dusted with cocoa powder. In other words, heaven on a plate. The word literally means "pick-me-up" or, metaphorically speaking, "make me happy."

Cherry Chocolate Bars

Have you ever had one of those days where you just need to bake something? No? Well I do, perhaps more than I care to admit, and today was one of them. I was tired of studying for finals, tired of the dreary, rainy weather that made me have to cancel my hike with a friend. But baking makes everything better! Trust me on this one.

I had set my mind on making Swedish Almond Bars, but we were all out of almonds. Also I was running low on Swedes, although those are optional. They really improve the flavor though... (insert laughter here).

So I decided it was improvisation time. Oh wait, that happens every day around here because I fail at keeping a well-stocked pantry. But sitting there on the shelf was a lovely bag of dried cherries, just begging to be used. "Eat me!" they cried. You know you're in trouble when the produce starts to talk to you.