Pastry Chef Selina Progar’s journey from her humble beginnings to the pinnacle of her craft, is a testament to how delicious a recipe of hard work and passion can turn out to be. As the celebrated pastry chef at Eleven Contemporary Kitchen in Pittsburgh, Selina has captivated diners with her innovative and artful desserts, earning her a reputation as a rising star in the culinary world. Drawing inspiration from her classical training and a deep-seated love for baking that started in her childhood, Selina’s creations are a symphony of flavors, textures, and stunning visual presentation. Dive into the sweet world of Chef Selina by exploring some of her signature baking recipes and uncovering the secrets behind her delectable confections.
Baking Recipes Crafted by Pittsburgh Pastry Chef Selina Progar
Chocolate Brownies with Lime Glaze

These chocolate brownies are rich, decadent, and perfectly complemented by the bright, tangy notes of lime. The deep, chocolatey goodness melts in your mouth, while the vibrant glaze adds a beautiful finish and a burst of citrus. You’ll need a baking scale and a mixer for this recipe but we guarantee both are worth the investment.
Boyfriend (Candy) Brownies

Don’t you wish you could create an entirely customizable dessert for the person you love? Good news, with Chef Selina Progar’s recipe, you can! All you have to do is pick out their favorite candies and cookies and individually top each square of brownie with a different treat. We even lay out a few topping ideas for the perfect, sharable pan of brownies.
Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake

Whenever autumn comes knocking on your door, bake up this recipe for Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake and serve it up beside a bowl of ice cream. This moist and decadent dessert is a perfect treat for pumpkin lovers. You’ll also learn to make your own homemade Pumpkin Butter which fills the inside of this soft cake.
Chocolate Crémeux

You may be wondering what a crémeux is but the second you taste it, the question doesn’t seem so important. It’s a pudding-like dessert that’s somewhere between a chocolate ganache and mousse. Spread on a slice of brioche! Or that Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake above. on its own, it’s great for all the chocolate lovers out there.
Martha Stewart-Inspired Chicken Pot Pie

Even though Chef Selina is a pastry chef by trade, she sure can cook up a delicious Chicken Pot Pie. She creates an ultra buttery, crispy crust that then envelopes a warm and flavorful chicken and veggie filling. Not to mention, the leftovers are just as incredible the next day.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Linzer Cookies

We saved the best for last. If you’re looking to celebrate autumn with friends or family, bring these Pumpkin Pie Spice Linzer Cookies to the gathering. Her recipe for linzer cookies fills the buttery crust made from almond flour and graham crackers with a cranberry compote. It’s equal parts sweet and tart as well as all around addicting.
Recipes by Selina Progar
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