<a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-cake-4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1424" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-cake-4.jpg" alt="pear poundcake" width="331" height="500" /></a>As I write this, I am 15 days shy of delivering my miracle baby.  I've completed all of my work assignments, packed my bags, washed the clothes, finished the nursery, etc, etc.  We are ready.  So, I took a moment to look back on a few of the projects that I finished before signing off for my unofficial maternity leave.  This <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/02/17/recipe-for-caramelized-pear-and-currant-pound-cake/G6ZinvqUZCBi1HyCVZ3boM/story.html">pear pound cake</a> was not only moist but rich and decadent with swirls of caramel throughout and juicy pears interspersed.  But, it is the photo I love the most.  It reminds me of a Renaissance still life, and I think I just might print a copy for my dining room.  Through the light, you can tell it is winter, yet the picture gives off warm and comforting vibes: all the great feelings of winter without the dreariness and the dread of the never-ending snow and cold.  It's why we should all bake more often -- to soothe our souls and our minds.
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</a><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/apricot-wings-5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1422" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/apricot-wings-5.jpg" alt="apricot glazed chicken drumettes" width="476" height="500" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This photo was part of a spread on <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/01/27/recipe-for-sticky-apricot-barbecue-drumettes/Q7HUjc5hYyqFYyZuAtAXwN/story.html">snacks for Superbowl Sunday </a>(go Patriots!).  I love the convergence of the turquoise plate and the orange glaze.  I don't really eat wings, but this looks oh-so-inviting.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-crisp-3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1425" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pear-crisp-3.jpg" alt="pear ginger crisp" width="393" height="500" /></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">This <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/02/24/recipe-for-ginger-pear-crisp-with-cardamom/2yMUSAqXGByZdYRukBH4TI/story.html">pear crisp</a> reminded me why sweets are my favorite type of foods to shoot.  There is something inevitably beautiful about even the most simple of baked goods that just isn't present in a photo of a savory dish.  That said, summer's finest tomatoes do make for a stunning shot.  Oh, summer, please come soon.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pavlova-22.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1423" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pavlova-22.jpg" alt="pavlova with figs" width="472" height="500" /></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">This<a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/02/10/recipe-for-valentine-pavlova-with-mission-figs-ginger-and-port/u8virvnFBwTdoBWmyxnreM/story.html"> pavlova</a> gave me hell during recipe testing, but the end result was gorgeous.  I would prefer a fresh fruit option for its aesthetic appeal, but I completely understand the choice of dried figs given the season.  They do make for a more mature dessert, perfect for you and a loved one.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/7-layer-3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1421" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/7-layer-3.jpg" alt="seven layer dip" width="331" height="500" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This is a modern take on the old-school <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/food-dining/2015/01/27/recipe-for-layer-dip/WidAiJukDNYVkb8RHQOSGO/story.html">7 layer dip</a>.  We subbed out refried beans and zipped up sauces with fresh guacamole and cumin-scented yogurt.  The results are decadent.  Feel free to double, triple and quadruple dip when using individual glasses for serving.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Signing off for now to finish baking this bun in my oven, but I will be back with more fun projects in no time.  I've already been sneaking peaks at Pinterest for newborn photography as well as rainbow smash cakes for a potential St. Patty's Day first birthday party...I just can't help myself!</p>
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