Q: I was wondering if you had any tasty baked goods recipes for two.
I want to make something special to share with my partner for Valentine's Day, but since it's just the two of us the notion of a whole batch of cupcakes or an entire cake just isn't very practical.
Any ideas? Thanks!
Sent by Claudia
Editor: Claudia, sure! The first thing that comes to mind for a good dessert for two is this weeknight layer cake:
• Recipe: Weeknight Layer Cake Built for Two - A full cake, but sized for just two people!
Also check out some of the individually-sized desserts in this post:
• Entertaining Tip: Individual-Sized Desserts
I know that you said you were looking for baked goods, but after a heavy, rich holiday meal like the one we usually have at Valentine's, I especially like these little layered cups of pudding and stewed fruit, which could be easily adapted to a winter menu:
• Recipe: Spiced Cream and Plum Verrines (pictured above)
One other approach would be to make a full batch of cookie dough, but save half in the freezer for later.
• Tips for Freezing Holiday (or Any Day) Cookies
Readers, any good ideas for Claudia?
Related: Solo Eating: Tips on Cooking for One
(Image: Faith Durand)
Monterey Pitcher fr...

Probably too short of notice for Valentine's day, but two cookbooks I've suggested for my sisters' that they get a lot of use from are Small Batch Baking http://www.amazon.com/Small-Batch-Baking-Debby-Maugans-Nakos/dp/0761130357/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265924221&sr=8-1
and America's Test Kitchen's Cooking For Two http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Two-2009-Years-Recipes/dp/1933615435/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265924263&sr=1-1
Both books are great about suggesting baking pans and methods that once you know can also assist you in paring down full size recipes to smaller portions.
Mark Bittman has a recipe for chocolate souffle that makes about two servings worth. I haven't tried it but have been meaning to! Looks pretty easy and tasty.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE4DA163EF932A25751C0A96F9C8B63
Double Layer Mocha Cheesecake for Two
http://www.cookiemadness.net/?p=1451