For the Cake: 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 4 tblsp room temperature unsalted butter 1 tsp almond extract 3/4 cup non-fat, plain greek yogurt, drained 2 large eggs at room temp 1/2 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger 1 tblsp pear brandy 1 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1 tsp ground ginger 2 ripe, fragrant bosc pears, peeled, cored and sliced into 1/4" slices … [Read more...]

Adapted from recipe from Billy's Bakery in The Plaza Food Hall publication - p.33 Yield: about 2 1/2 dozen FOR CUPCAKES: Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour 1 cup cake flour 2 1/4 tsp baking powder 1 tblsp pink food coloring 1 1/2 cups strawberry puree, fresh or store bought 8 oz butter, room temp 2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 cup sour cream 4 eggs 1 quart … [Read more...]