Inroduction

About this Recipe

By: Marija

The Black Forest Cake, or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, is a classic German masterpiece of chocolate sponge, whipped cream, and cherries infused with Kirsch.

Originating in the Black Forest region of Germany in the early 1900s, this elegant cake has become one of Europe’s most loved desserts — perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration.🍒

Sponge Cake

• 7 eggs (room temperature)

• 250 g sugar

• 1 pinch of salt

• 150 g flour

• 80 g cocoa powder

• 50 g cornstarch

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 60 g melted butter

Cake Syrup

• 20 g Kirsch (cherry liqueur)

Cherry Filling

• 1 jar sour cherries (reserve the juice)

• 45 g cornstarch

• 1 pinch cinnamon

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 60 g sugar

Cream Filling

• 700 ml cold whipping cream

• 25 ml Kirsch

• 70 g sugar

• 15 g agar-agar (Agartine)

Decoration

• 400 ml cold whipping cream
• 10 g agar-agar
• 200 g dark chocolate (for shavings)
• 12 glacé cherries

Step 1

Bake the Sponge

Whisk eggs, sugar, and salt for about 15 minutes until thick and pale.
Mix flour, cocoa, cornstarch, and baking powder; sift and gently fold into the egg mixture.
Finally, fold in melted butter carefully.
Pour into a prepared cake ring and bake at 190°C for 25–30 minutes.
Let cool completely, then slice into three even layers.
Brush each layer with a little cherry liqueur.

Step 2

Prepare the Cherry Filling

Drain the cherries and keep the juice.
Mix the juice with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch, then bring to a boil until thickened.
Add the cherries and let cool.
Spread the cherry mixture dome-shaped on the bottom sponge (about 1 cm away from the edge).
Place a cake ring around it and chill.

Inroduction

About this Recipe

By: Marija

Quick to prepare, this pesto can be stored in jars with a thin layer of olive oil for 1–2 weeks in the fridge, or frozen for several months in small portions.

Optional lemon🍋 juice adds extra brightness and extends shelf life. Use it to elevate sandwiches, pasta dishes, or as a gourmet topping for roasted vegetables — a simple yet delicious staple in your kitchen.🌿

• 4–5 generous handfuls fresh basil leaves (approx. 80–100 g)

• 2 small or 1 large garlic clove

• 60–70 g pine nuts (or cashews, almonds, or walnuts — lightly toasted for extra flavor)

• 100 g Parmesan or Pecorino (finely grated)

• 200–220 ml extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• (Optional: 1–2 tsp lemon juice for freshness and longer shelf life)

Step 1

Toast the nuts
Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry pan until fragrant (do not let them darken).

Step 2

Prepare the base
Add basil leaves, garlic, toasted nuts, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt to a food processor or mortar.

Inroduction

About this Recipe

By: Marija

Serve it chilled in small jars or bowls, garnished with herbs, lemon zest, or a drizzle of olive oil for a polished presentation.

Ideal for brunch boards, elegant appetizers, or cozy evenings with warm bread and wine — this spread brings a touch of gourmet simplicity to your table. ✨

• 200 g smoked salmon
• 200 g plain cream cheese
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (or regular mustard for a milder taste)
• 2 tbsp chopped dill or chives
• 1 tbsp chopped basil (optional – pairs beautifully with the rest of your dishes)
• 1–2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream (for extra creaminess and a lighter texture)
• A little lemon zest (for freshness)
• Pepper to taste
• (Optional: 1 tsp capers or ½ tsp horseradish for extra flavor)

Step 1

Blend the base
Add the cream cheese, yogurt or sour cream, lemon juice, and mustard to a food processor.
Blend briefly until smooth and creamy.

Step 2

Add the salmon
Roughly chop the smoked salmon and add it to the mixture.
Pulse a few times — just enough to combine, keeping some texture (not too smooth).

Inroduction

About this Recipe

By: Marija

This recipe skips the long cold fermentation and focuses on a straightforward, warm-rise method, making it ideal for beginners or anyone who wants fresh, bakery-style bread in just a few hours. A touch of olive oil adds a gentle richness and a warm golden tone.

Serve your baguettes fresh out of the oven alongside soups, cheese platters, or dips — or simply enjoy them warm with a little butter melting into the crumb. Simple, rustic, and full of charm— this is the French classic made easy at home. ✨

• 400 g wheat flour (Type 550 ideal, Type 405 also works)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1½ tsp salt
• 1½ tsp dry yeast (≈ 5 g)
• 250 ml lukewarm water (about 30 °C / 86 °F — not hot!)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for a softer crumb and a lightly golden color)

Step 1

Activate the yeast
In a bowl, mix the lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until slightly frothy.

Step 2

Make the dough
Add flour, salt, and olive oil  to the yeast mixture.
Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Inroduction

About this Recipe

By: Marija

This Pumpkin Raw Cake is a no-bake dessert with a nutty dried fruit base, a spiced pumpkin and cream cheese layer, and a smooth finish with white chocolate and cranberries.

It’s festive, creamy, and naturally full of autumn flavors 🍂🎃✨ with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves that make every bite cozy and comforting.

Base

• 200 g almonds

• 150 g dried plums (soaked if needed)

• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

Pumpkin Layer

• 500 g pumpkin purée (cooked & cooled, not watery)

• 300 g cream cheese (room temperature)

• 100 g white chocolate (melted, slightly cooled)

• 2.5 g agar-agar powder (≈ 1 heaped tsp)

• 100 ml orange juice (for agar-agar)

• 4–5 tbsp honey or maple syrup (to taste)

• 100 g dried cranberries (briefly soaked, chopped)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• ¼ tsp cloves

• Zest of 1 organic orange

Decoration
Fresh berries, chopped nuts, mint leaves

Step 1

Base
Blend almonds until coarse. Add plums, coconut oil, honey, cinnamon, and salt → process to a sticky dough. Press evenly into a lined springform (23 cm) and chill.

Step 2

Pumpkin Mix
Whisk pumpkin purée, cream cheese, honey, vanilla, spices, and orange zest until smooth. Stir in melted white chocolate.

Inroduction

About this Recipe

By: Marija

This chocolate cheesecake is a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Instead of heavy cream cheese, it’s made with Greek yogurt and eggs, which give the cake a creamy texture while keeping it lighter and higher in protein. Melted dark chocolate and raw cocoa powder bring a deep, rich flavor that makes it taste just as indulgent as a traditional cheesecake, but without the extra heaviness. It’s easy to prepare in one bowl, baked until perfectly set, and delicious on its own or topped with fresh berries, nuts, or a drizzle of honey. A simple, wholesome dessert that feels special enough for any occasion.

• 500 g Greek yogurt
• 5 eggs
• 200 g dark chocolate
• A little water (to help melt the chocolate)
• 2 tablespoons raw cocoa powder

Step 1

Melt the chocolate – In a small pot, melt the dark chocolate with a little water until smooth.

Step 2

Mix the batter – In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, eggs, cocoa powder, and the melted chocolate. Stir well until fully blended.

Inroduction

About this Recipe

By: Marija

This frozen chocolate peach cake is a simple, healthy dessert that’s perfect for hot days or any time you crave something sweet.

Creamy dark chocolate blends with juicy peaches, lightly sweetened with honey, and freezes into a sliceable cake that’s indulgent yet nourishing.

🍫🍑❄️

• 4–5 ripe peaches, cut into chunks

• 200 g dark chocolate

• A splash of milk (to help melt the chocolate)

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Step 1

Melt the chocolate – In a small pot, gently melt the dark chocolate with a splash of milk until smooth.

Step 2

Blend with peaches – Transfer the melted chocolate to a blender, add the peaches and honey (or maple syrup), and blend until creamy.

Inroduction

About this Recipe

By: Marija

This coconut chia chocolate pudding is a creamy, nourishing treat that doubles as a healthy breakfast or a delicious anytime snack.

Blended with coconut milk, cocoa, honey, and vanilla, it sets into a rich pudding that pairs perfectly with fresh fruit and crunchy nuts.

Chia seeds are packed with fiber, omega-3s, and plant-based protein, making this pudding not only delicious but also nourishing and energizing.🥥

• 1 can coconut milk

• 2 tablespoons (or more) chia seeds

• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)

• A few drops of vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

• Optional toppings: fresh fruit, nuts, shredded coconut

Step 1

Blend the base – Add coconut milk, chia seeds, honey, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder to a blender or food processor.

Step 2

Pulse lightly – Blend briefly, just enough to mix, while keeping the chia seeds intact for texture.

Inroduction

About this Recipe

By: Marija

This rich and silky avocado chocolate mousse is a guilt-free dessert made with wholesome ingredients.

Ripe avocados blend with raw cocoa, natural sweeteners, and a hint of rum aroma for a decadent treat that’s both healthy and satisfying.

🍫 🥑🍯

• 2 large ripe avocados

• 1 tablespoon (or more, to taste) raw cocoa powder

• 1 tablespoon (or more) honey (or maple syrup)

• A few dried plums (pitted)

• A few drops of rum aroma

• Almond milk, enough to reach desired creaminess

Step 1

Prepare the base – Scoop out the flesh of the avocados and place them in a blender or food processor.

Step 2

Add flavor – Add cocoa powder, honey (or maple syrup), dried plums, rum aroma, and a splash of almond milk.

Inroduction

About this Recipe

By: Marija

These Coconut Bliss Balls are the easiest way to enjoy a homemade Raffaello-style treat! 🥥

Made with just coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and a creamy white chocolate coating, they’re rich, chewy, and irresistibly tropical.

No baking required — just mix, roll, chill, and enjoy a bite-sized coconut dream.

• 200g desiccated coconut (plus extra for rolling)
• ~200ml sweetened condensed milk (adjust as needed)
• 150g white chocolate
• A splash of almond milk

Step 1

Blend the mixture:
In a blender, mix desiccated coconut with condensed milk until it forms a sticky, moldable mass.

Step 2

Shape into balls:
With clean hands, roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls and place on a tray lined with parchment paper.