Archive for October, 2010

October 28, 2010

mexican hot chocolate bark

DSC_0667

Have I told you how much I love chocolate?  Yes?  No?  Maybe so?

Well, in case I haven’t, I do indeed love chocolate.  I could (and sometimes – err, often do) eat some form of the sweet, velvety goodness with every meal.  Can you blame me?

I figured it would be appropriate to make some type of candy/ confection since Halloween is right around the corner.  Though this isn’t your usual “candy,” it is super delicious, addicting, and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth (not that Almond Joy, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, and all those other favorites aren’t great, too).  This bark is even kinda sophisticated.  Might I suggest making some for holiday gifts?  Boxed up and tied with a cute ribbon, this bark would make a really thoughtful (and really tasty) gift.  Godiva, eat your heart out! 

DSC_0594

October 22, 2010

white chocolate & pumpkin truffle pie

DSC_0369

Let me dispel a few rumors.

No, this pie is not exactly pretty.

Yes, this picture was taken inside of a refrigerator.

Yes, this slice is sitting on a plate intended for sushi.

No, this is not sushi.  It’s pie.  Delicious pie.

Yes, I ate this slice of pie after photographing it.  And then I ate some more pie.  And let’s not even talk about the obscene quantity of filling I ate beforehand.  I might have to relive the prevailing guilt, otherwise. 

I don’t like feeling guility.

October 17, 2010

get your granola on

I have a morning routine.  Don’t you?  Doesn’t everyone?

Here’s what mine looks like:

1.) Wake up and look at the clock (does that count as a step?)

2.) Roll out of bed, take a look in the mirror, and then quickly look away so as not to obsess for the next 5 minutes over my bedhead.

3.) Go scout out something for breakfast.  Carbs are good.  Really good. 

4.) Don’t forget the coffee.

5.) Trek back to my room to get dressed, etc.

6.) Act unpredictably from here on out.

Anyway, this morning my breakfast consisted of greek yogurt, strawberries, and homemage granola.  Maple Pecan Granola. 

It was quite the tasty breakfast.

October 16, 2010

remember when . . .

I showed you what desire looks like. 

Square, hard-covered, and adorned with an awfully tempting picture.

Well then, this is what desire looks like in a plastic bag.  Right out of the store, in my arms. 

DSC_0429

BAKED Explorations.  I can’t even begin to articulate how awesome this book is.

Edgy, down-home, sweet, saulty, saucy, comforting, so-bad-for-you-it’s-good.  Oh my.  I’m beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed. 

You?

Baked - Explorations

I finally took the plunge and bought this book.  Not that I didn’t want to all along – because I did.  And I could have.  But I’m just weird and like to let anticipation build. 

 But – a  ”40%  off “ Borders coupon and a stack of 5 of these books on an in-store display is enough to make a girl change her mind.  You can understand, right?

DSC_0518-1

I’ve already started to compile a list of  BAKED recipes that I am dying to try.

Nutella scones, almond joy tart, bananas foster fritters, malted crisp tart, farm stand buttermilk doughtnuts – the list literally goes on and on.  I might as well cook my way through the entire book.  I probably will.  You know what that means?  I’ll have to sample everything too.

I think we’re entering dangerous territory . . .

DSC_0441

October 10, 2010

the bread machine: part dos

Remember yesterday how we talked about bread machines and friends and white bread?  Well today we’re not just talking – we’re baking. 

 Hope you’re hungry for some fresh bread!

This recipe comes from The Bread Bible by Beth Hensperger – a book full of bread and bread-type recipes.  Yeast doughs, quick breads, biscuits, cakes – you name it, it’s probably in there.  Unfortunately, I have yet to try many of those recipes.   

It’s funny.  I’ve had this book for 5 years, at least.  Back then I had the good intention to start baking fresh bread on a fairly regular basis, so I went on a bread book shopping spree.

 . . . And then my good intention died abruptly, and I was left with a pile of specialty cookbooks in the basement.  Collecting dust.

I”m very happy to have recently dusted off the cover of this book.  I love its variety, its thorough nature, and its overall format.  Very user friendly, indeed!

Before I share the recipe, I thought I’d give you a quick run-down of the process in picture form.  Sounds like a plan.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 979 other followers