- Part 55

Bon Appetit’s Macaroni and Cheese & a Virtual BrunchPotluck

I wish I lived near more blogging friends. Do you know what that would be like? It would be an eat fest with lots of laughter and fun. But since that’s not possible, I’m joining in on a holiday virtual potluck. For the potluck I’ve decided to share one of my childhood favorites turned comfort food -macaroni and cheese, this dish has grown up with me through the years. If you’re a mac fan like me, then what you liked as a kid has changed from loving that box Kraft Mac n’ Cheese to something more rich and creamy.

The recipe is from Bon Appetit, and I’m pretty sure it won Dish of the Year for 1999. If anyone knows the exact year let me know – I lost my original torn-out recipe from the magazine years ago. Continue reading Bon Appetit’s Macaroni and Cheese & a Virtual BrunchPotluck

Eggnog Cupcakes with Spiced Rum

I am in full holiday swing! First it was the Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes, then Gingerbread Latte Cupcakes, and now Eggnog Cupcakes. I’m thinking you will really like this one. Boozy or not, you choose-but don’t skip the eggnog in the cupcake. The added fat and cream from the eggnog along with the flavor turns an ordinary vanilla cupcake into a cheerful holiday treat. Topping off this holiday treat is a spiced rum buttercream frosting.

This past weekend I was getting ready to roll out some dough, but in a rush I very clumsily dropped my marble pastry board and it broke. Seriously, how does one break a marble board?

Continue reading Eggnog Cupcakes with Spiced Rum

Holiday Bark Series: Samoas Bark

For this week’s gift giving idea I turned a Girl Scout cookie into a 20 minute bark recipe.

I’ve taken the shortbread base of a Samoas cookie-chopped it up and enveloped it in a burnt caramel sauce. Staying in line with the cookie, I wanted to make sure the coconut came through as the dominating flavor, so I layered the top of the bark with a heavy sprinkling of toasted coconut . To finish like the cookie I drizzled chocolate on top, but also added a caramel drizzle to it as well.

Continue reading Holiday Bark Series: Samoas Bark