On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me…nine ladies dancing…and a Strawberry Lady Finger Cake! Lady Finger “Cake” 4 packages lady fingers2 8oz packages of cream cheese (softened)¾ cup sugar1 pkg white chocolate instant pudding (or vanilla)1 tsp almond extract16 oz whipping cream1 8 inch round chocolate cake (split into 2

On the 8th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…eight maids a milking…and Tres Leches Coconut Cake!Tres Leches CakeINGREDIENTS:1 cup white sugar5 egg yolks5 egg whites1/3 cup milk1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 cup all-purpose flour1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensedmilk1/2 (12 fluid ounce) can coconut milk1 pint heavy whipping cream1

On the 7th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…7 swans a swimming…and swan eggnog cream puffs!Pastry Puffs RecipeIngredients1 cup water1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter1 teaspoon sugar1 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)4 large eggsLarge zip-top bagDirections Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment. In a small

Whale Watching Season has begun on our beaches! First right whales of season spotted in area | StAugustine.com

The St. Francis Inn chefs came up with:  Goose Mousse Nest Cups! Recipe: Start with premade chocolate cups.  Fill with chocolate mousse. For the nest use a recipe similar to Rice Krispie Treats – some butter melted with peppermint marshmallow, then tossed with Chinese Noodles.  Form the sticky mixture into nests on top of the

We are really looking forward to the new Colonial Quarter opening this spring…here’s an update! Colonial Quarter watchtower complete | StAugustine.com

Five GOLD RINGS!  Pineapple Upside Down Cake – Mary made two! Pineapple Upside Down Cake Ingredients: Topping: 12 pineapple slices, packed in unsweetened pineapple juice 12 maraschino cherries ¼ cup unsalted butter 2/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice ¼ cup pecan halves (we left these out – so many guests have

Every Night: Nights of LightsSt. Augustine’s famed Nights of Lightsilluminate the nation’s oldest city’s historic district with the gentle glow of more than three million tiny white lights, providing a luminous setting for an exciting agenda of holiday events and fun through January 31. www.NightsofLights.com Homes for the HolidaysLantern light tour through the Dow Museum

Today was a challenge!  Four Calling Birds…what kind of dessert?! Mary “puzzled and puzzled till her puzzler was sore*.”  And she came up with this delicious Christmas-tree-shaped cake – vanilla cake with red and green food coloring sprinkled here and there for fun – covered it with white chocolate whipped cream – then green coconut

On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me…three French Hens…and a French Napoleon Pastry!NAPOLEON RECIPEIngredients: 1 lb. Pre-made Puff Pastry (refrigerated or frozen – both are good!)4 cups Whole Milk2/3 cup Granulated Sugar1/3 cup Flour7 oz. Butter (room temperature)2 tbsp. Cornstarch2 Vanilla Beans10 Egg YolksAdditional Flour to roll out pastry crustAdditional