What do you do with overripe bananas? I really want to know. I have a stash in my freezer that I'm saving, but that I'll probably never get to because the brown bananas keep coming. Sure, I could buy less bananas at the grocery store every week, but that would be too smart.

Growing up, I was a total tomboy who had to be bribed with candy to wear dresses, or fancy shoes, or anything remotely girly. And even now, I wouldn't consider myself a super girly-girl. But every now and then, I totally give in and embrace it. Case in point:...

Isn't this a good looking birthday cake? Yes, I know it's a cheesecake but today is my birthday and I always want cheesecake on my birthday so this is a birthday cake. Isn't it pretty? And no we won't be sticking any candles on it because it looks way prettier with chocolate shavings.

If you like candy corn, you are going to love this Candy Corn Truffle Bark recipe! Candy corn is one of the essential candies for fall! It was the first Halloween candy that I noticed in stores this year. I'm not sure how they got their product placed with the school supplies but it was there.

Elegant palmiers made from puff pastry are one of my all-time favorite treats. I just love the crunch of the sugar with the crunch of the pastry, and the way the flaky, buttery layers practically melt on the tongue. It feels so fancy to put them on a cookie tray for a spot of afternoon tea.

by Carol Arroyo Pan: Two Standard 12-Cup Muffin Pans Pan Prep: Paper Liners Oven Temp: 350° Yield: 24 to 26 Cupcakes Storage: Loosely Cover and Refrigerate Help: Cake Hints and Tips, Making Meringue, Lemon Curd Shop for this Recipe: Measuring Cups, Spoons, Scales | Muffin, Cupcake, Popover Pans | Baking

by Carol Arroyo Strawberry Cottage Cheese Cake 2¼ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into ½ inch pieces 1 large egg yolk 3 tablespoons whipping (heavy) cream 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese 1 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (about 1 lemon) 4 large eggs, lightly beaten 2 cups whipping (heavy) cream 3 to 4 cups fresh ripe strawberries ½ cup strawberry jam In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour and sugar.

by Carol Arroyo Pan: Two 11x17x1 Jelly Roll Pan Prep: Parchment Lined Oven Temp: 250° Storage: Cover and Refrigerate Help: Cake Hints and Tips, Toasting Nuts and Seeds, Making Meringue Shop for this Recipe: Measuring Cups, Spoons, Scales | Citrus Zesters | Cookie and Baking Sheets | Jelly Roll Pans

by Carol Arroyo TheBakingPan Recommends: The BEST instant read thermometer I've used for cooking and baking; the ThermoWorks Splash-Proof Super-Fast Thermapen Thermometer is incredibly fast, accurate, and well worth the investment. I use my Thermapen Thermometer for checking room temperature ingredients, tempering chocolate, baking bread, making pastry creams, sugar syrup, caramel, and candy, cooking meats and fish, and deep frying.

by Carol Arroyo Recipe type: Pound Cake, Blueberry Pan: One 9"x5"x2¾" Loaf Pan Pan Prep: Greased and Floured Oven Temp: 350° Storage: Covered, Room Temperature Help: Cake Hints and Tips Shop for this Recipe: Measuring Cups, Spoons, Scales | Bread and Loaf Pans | Mixing Bowls | Flour Sifters |