Such a dramatic title, but this is the first post of 2015, I'm allowed. I'm so excited to start fresh for the new year and to begin my second year blogging. It's been amazing to see the transformation from my first dessert, to how my style has evolved just one year later. This coming year is going to be even better. On to more important things, is dessert. This is a hodgepodge of my favorite things; carrot cake, toasted meringue, and poached seckel pears. While I love carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, toasted meringue is even better. The golden raspberries add a nice tartness that cuts the sweetness of the meringue. The pears are poached in winter spices, such as cinnamon and cardamom, so a simple vanilla ice cream is a nice canvas for the spiced fruit. Last but not least is the date puree, an homage to dried fruit for winter, and a sprinkle of caramelized hazelnuts for some texture.