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Young & HungryIf you can't take the heat, get outta the kitchen! |
| 29 January |
It was purely by chance that this cake made it into my kitchen. I am not particularly enthusiastic about gingerbread, nor do I tend to make desserts that do not contain any trace of chocolate. I am enthused, however, that my guest of honor who is a fan of both gingerbread and fruit desserts inspired me to bake this upside-down cake. It. Was. Delicious. And pretty! And really not all that bad for you! So if you find yourself in the company of one of those people who doesn’t keep an emergency stash of cocoa products in their purse, car, and desk or if you just feel like taking a bite on the other side, try this cake. I promise even the worst chocoholic won’t be disappointed.
| 23 December |
No, not referencing your dog dressed up in antlers and the ugliest sweater ever seen. This bark is the delicious crunchy, sweet, and salty southern treat that’s so easy to make you’ll feel you just didn’t work hard enough to deserve such a delectable treat! So while a photo of Mommy’s relentless battle to keep that red nose on Sparky might be entertaining for a hot second, these candies will keep you satisfied for day(s) to come! If you have more than a teaspoon of self-control that is…
You know what’s even more fabulous than having a cellophane wrapped bag of bark in your possession? The ability to take this basic recipe and bake it into your heart’s desire. This Christmas I tried two variations on the classic candy: Mexican Chocolate with Spiced Almonds and Fruited Nut. So I leave you with this chocolate topped butter laden Christmas gift and wish you all a fat and fabulous holiday! Ruff Ruff!
| 18 December |
It’s finally pear season! The peachy peaches of summer are long gone to be replaced with gifts of citrus and pomaceous fruits from Harry & David. I recall the much anticipated day when the big box of pears would arrive individually wrapped in gold foil and sitting atop a bed of green foam in their assigned cubbies. And then the wait. Oh, the dreaded and forever long wait for the pears to ripen so that you could scoop out the fruit with just your spoon. Of course, almost immediately after the pears reached the perfect ripeness, they just could not be eaten quickly enough and, god forbid, became waste. If only I had known then what I know now. Had I been in possession of this delightful crumble recipe those pears would have made it to their proper resting place, in some pudgy girl or boys belly. Alas, I know better now and will never let a pear fall short of its proper destiny on my watch.
This crumble could also be used atop apples, peaches, or whatever fruit might happen to be in season. If you have leftovers, it makes a delicious topping for your morning oatmeal or yogurt. And, as usual, serve a la mode.
| 13 July |
Themes are important . Be it in a book, a menu, or a party, having a theme provides sense of congruence that sets the stage for things to come. Not only must one have a theme, but they must have a good theme as well. One that everyone can really get excited about and put their energy into. My old roommates and I decided to throw a party with such a theme and everyone really got on board. In turn, the result was another successful party.
What was the theme you ask? Senior Trip. Although it makes sense since I still live in my hometown, it never fails to blow my mind how many people from high school are still around and in touch. I’d say we had at least 5-10 people in attendance who were on said senior trip, to Cancun of course, and even more pictures of said people on display. Other party favors included a sound track right out of high school including the classic Kilo, Green Day, and Abercrombie & Fitch songs, leis, Senior Girls t-shirts, Graduation paraphernalia, Malibu and punch. Lest you forget, drinking at 18 is legal in Mexico!
I, of course, was charged with food and my (in)famous drunken pineapple. Despite the fact that we ate chicken fingers at Tony Roma’s more days than not, I went with something a tad more unique since technically we are grownups now. That said, I’m pretty sure some fried chicken cordon bleu bites made an appearance at some point during the night…
| 5 June |
Name this song:
“hey yo fat girl, c’mere–are ya ticklish?
Yeah, I called ya fat.
Look at me, I’m skinny
It never stopped me from gettin’ busy”
Who’re you calling or should I say nicknaming ”bag of antlers”? Not true, but I appreciate the sentiment almost as much as I appreciate Digital Underground for the Humpty Dance! My being narrowly inclined is certainly not due to power of will and abstain is not a word in my vocabulary… The secret lies in slimming undergarments and sangria so get busy drinking sangria, kids! Drink this, wear that, and eat your chips, queso, and cake too.
PS – Don’t forget to pair with guacamole!!! And enchiladas!!! And finally thank you to my Real Housewife motivation…
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