Get the latest recipes from Akarlin http://www.grouprecipes.com/people/akarlin This is an amazing recipe I got from smittenkitchen.com (who in turn adapted it from an Ina Garten recipe). It’s buttery yet bright, and nearly every granule of sugar has been countered by fresh lemon in some form so it never lands cloying or saccharine on your tongue. It keeps well, travels wells and if you make it in pound cake form, you even have an extra that you should feel in no way obliged to share. http://www.grouprecipes.com/42646/lemon-curd-cake.html This cake is so delicious. It's moist and the banana flavor is just right. Best of all, it's easy to make! I got this from a baking blog, but can't seem to remember which one. I will update this if I find the source. But, in the meantime, Hope you enjoy!! http://www.grouprecipes.com/42642/buttermilk-banana-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting.html These are absolutely delicious! They are the perfect treat when you are craving something sweet and buttery, but aren't in the mood for chocolate. They are tender and the cornmeal adds a bit of crunch. This recipe is my modified version of a recipe I found on Epicurious.com. Enjoy!!!! http://www.grouprecipes.com/20312/cornmeal-sugar-cookies.html I got this recipe from Diana's Desserts website and these are the best ever! They are fail proof and taste just delicious. Try with different flavor pudding mixes or different types of chocolate - you can't go wrong!!! http://www.grouprecipes.com/14835/best-ever-chewy-chocolate-chip-cookies.html This cookie is all about the oats, without much spice to interfere with their earthy taste. It's also a great dough to make ahead and keep on hand to bake off a few when the urge hits. Refrigerate the dough for several days. The cookies can be stored in an airtight tin for up to 1 week. The recipe is adapted from a King Arthur recipe. http://www.grouprecipes.com/8409/salted-oatmeal-cookies.html For all the chocolate fans! This recipe is from Williams Sonoma. The directions are pretty detailed and require a lot of little steps when coating the truffles - but, I just dip them into the melted chocolated with a spoon and roll them onto a tray to cool. while they don't look perfect - I like to think of them as "rustic" - they sure taste good. http://www.grouprecipes.com/8042/bourbon-truffles.html This is a great dessert to make for a dinner party. Not only is this tart such an elegant and sophisticated looking dessert, it is relatively simple to make (although the dough is quite sticky and can sometimes be a pain). Oh, and of course, it tastes divine!! http://www.grouprecipes.com/8041/sweet-ricotta-cheese-tart.html These cupcakes are moist and fudgey, with the perfect cheesecake-cream center! This recipe is from Cook's Country, but I adjusted the oven temperature. http://www.grouprecipes.com/7539/black-bottom-cupcakes.html This is a great cake for a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, dinner party, etc.). I got this recipe from Redbook magazine. I am always reluctant to make any desserts that require precise decorating or assembly so I was a little hesitant. But, this was simple and pretty. Oh yeah, and also yummy! http://www.grouprecipes.com/7491/strawberry-cream-cake.html This is my mom's traditional risotto recipe and it is classic Italian - simple, hearty, and good. http://www.grouprecipes.com/7422/josephines-risotto.html