All posts in Desserts
Knock Off Butterfinger Cupcakes
On February 1, 2012
In Baked Goods, Cakes, Chocolate, Cupcakes, Desserts, Gluten-Free
With 29 Comments
Permalink
Permalink
Resolutions (and chocolate rice pudding)
New Year, New You.
This sentiment seems to be how many people approach the 1st of each calendar year. Some of us even wait until after the 1st to talk about what we need to work on to become a better . . . fill in the blank. A few of us reject the concept entirely, constantly reminding ourselves to strive to be our best every single day.
Candy Cane Marbled Biscotti
I seriously don’t know how to describe these bad boys. Like majorly embellished Thin Mints? A tribute to all that is glorious and wintery in crunchy cookie form? Abso-friggin-lutely fantastic with coffee?
Let’s go with all of the above.
Every year I always make some sort of confection with all the striped candy that is hanging around (um, literally) during the holiday season: usually bark, or cupcakes, or cookies. Oftentimes even just a simple hot chocolate will do. This year, though, I wanted to make something that truly screams indulgence. And, since it’s the season for hot bevvies, biscotti seemed apropos. But, I was craving a biscotti that not only would stand up to coffee, but enhance its bold flavor. Also, I needed something that exclaims “Happy Holidays!” because when giving away food for holidays, one rule I like to keep in mind is: the more festive, the better.
Enter Candy Cane Marbled Biscotti. In posts past I have divulged to you guys my affinity for biscotti and the reasons for such. I think adding a hefty coat of chocolate and an extra dose of sugar makes it all the better. It’s like candy and biscotti… in one!
Did I mention that this stuff is perfect for gift giving? Not only does it razzle and dazzle, but it also lasts up to a month!
Nog Cheesecake
On December 16, 2011
In Baked Goods, Cakes, Desserts, Gluten-Free, Non-dairy cheese, Vegan Community
With 27 Comments
Permalink
Permalink
Peanut Butter Coconut Cookies
I’ve been holding onto a fierce craving for coconut as of late. I think it’s because the lovely white flakes remind me of snow… which we haven’t actually seen much of in Philly. It’s been 50-60 + degrees almost every day. With sunny skies.
Don’t get me wrong, I prefer flaked coconut snow over the real stuff any ol’ day– but there is something so magical about watching snow fall slowly against the glow of a streetlight. I am really looking forward to seeing some white stuff this year–which is a bold statement coming from a self proclaimed snow loather. They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, and since by now in Ohio I’m positive my family and I would have been pummeled by at least some atrocious freezing rain with me cursing up a storm about how we need to move to Tahiti, I guess it’s true. I think I’m really ready to brace the cold this year, armed with cute scarves and warm toasty beverages. If it ever actually gets here, that is. If not, I’ll happily play along in 60 degree temps.
Whether it’s snowy and cold or sunny and warm wherever you may be in the world, these cookies will fit the bill. Chewy and full of texture like an oatmeal cookie, these are best served completely cooled rather than warm from the oven.
Bourbon Laced Pumpkin Pie with Walnut Crumble Topping
There are few things I look forward to each year more than the month of November. With its arrival comes two of my most favorite days meant especially for eating great food and celebrating: my birthday and Thanksgiving.
I generally get a full week to stuff myself by extending the two occasions–which are usually only separated by a few days– into one massive foodfest. This Sunday, I will be celebrating my 30th year of life… and I am pretty darned thrilled about it. I’m usually a fan of birthdays, but I’m not one to want to go “all out”. But, this year is extra special for me as I have been looking forward to turning 30 since I was about 10 years old. I always thought I would have my shit pretty much together by then and would officially be an adult. Funny how your perspective on age can change when 30 smacks you right in the face. It’s not so far away anymore! Plus, I’m pretty sure I’ve officially been an adult for a while now–for a couple of years, anyways. And, as far as having everything together… ehh, I may have a little more work to do, but I’m not complaining. Life is very good and I feel super lucky to be living it. I have a great job I adore, a loving family, and amazing friends. I also have loyal readers like you that make me love what I do every single day that much more. And for all that I have, I am extra grateful.
I am starting my birthday/Thanksgiving bonanza tonight with this pumpkin pie. Bourbon makes it all the better, and I highly recommend serving it with a big dollop of sweetened whipped coconut cream. I’ll be toasting myself into the next decade of my life this evening with a hot mug of nog and a cold slice of pie.
Cheers!
Chocolate Apples!
On October 27, 2011
In Candy, Chocolate, Desserts, Gluten-Free, Vegan Community
With 22 Comments
Permalink
Permalink
Super Soft Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies
These lovelies are somewhere in between cookies and cakes… and some may say they even have a little muffin action going on! Not overly pumpkiny, these soft and scrumptious cookies are a perfect snack with hot chocolate on a brisk autumn night.
Ranger Cookies
On October 6, 2011
In Baked Goods, Cookies, Desserts, Gluten-Free, Vegan Community
With 12 Comments
Permalink
Permalink
One of my favorite things to do at night is make a batch of cookies from whatever the hell I have in my pantry. Usually I go for a basic cookie of sorts, like a variation of sugar cookie, Italian wedding cake, or peanut butter… but every once in a while I get a hankerin’ for something over the top. Last night I wanted a cookie with a little bit of everything thrown in. Enter the Ranger Cookie.
It’s been years since I’ve indulged in a delicious Ranger Cookie, but I remember that these guys normally have oats in them (and apparently flaked cereal, but my memory must have confused that with nuts yesterday. But isn’t that what good improvisation is all about? Surprises?). For me, oats are out. I’m one of those extra lucky celiacs who also is affected in very bad ways by oats, gluten-free or not. But, honestly, there are so many great things jam packed in these cookies, I’m not sure where the oats would even fit in!
Luckily, I made these early enough in the evening to remember to write down what I ended up putting in them. It goes a little like this:
