There is something romantic about mousse. Perhaps it’s the chocolate or the combination of light airiness and rich flavor, but whatever it is I think chocolate mousse makes a perfect treat for Valentines or any other romantic occasion. The first time I made this mousse was by special request of my friend Rose. It’s her [...]
Chocolate Pizzelles
December 22, 2008 By 8 Comments
When I made pizzelles for the first time last Christmas, Michael immediately suggested I come up with a chocolate version. We really liked the krumkake recipe we tried from Gourmet this year, so I decided to base my chocolate pizzelles on that recipe. The orange zest is optional and adds a nice hint of citrus [...]
Mocha Toffee Bars – 12 Days of Cookies
December 11, 2008 By 9 Comments
Day 11 of our 12 Days of Cookies extravaganza thing, and I can’t believe it’s almost over. I had my eye on these mocha toffee bars because I adore chocolate and coffee together, and after making and enjoying them I’ve converted Michael as well. He even asked if we could add these to our annual [...]
Bourbon Balls – 12 Days of Cookies
December 10, 2008 By 7 Comments
Day 10 of our 12 Days of Cookies extravaganza thing, and I have to say that I almost didn’t make these bourbon balls because they seemed more like a confection than a cookie to me, except for the fact that they start with a whole bag of Oreos. Yes, crushed chocolate Oreos make the base [...]
The Daring Bakers Make Pierre Herme’s Chocolate Eclairs
August 31, 2008 By 27 Comments
Being a Daring Baker means stretching your skills and imagination while taking on new things, and practically every challenge we have tackled over the last year presented something new for me to try. This month I made choux pastry for the very first time, with many thanks to Meeta of What’s For Lunch Honey? and [...]
The Daring Bakers Make Filbert Gateau with Praline Buttercream
July 30, 2008 By 25 Comments
Michael’s birthday was last weekend, and when I saw The Daring Bakers challenge for this month, I immediately announced what his birthday cake would be. “Whatever you want to do, Sweet Pea,” was his response. Thank goodness he’s so flexible about food! And thank goodness for chocolate ganache because it not only tastes good, but [...]
Chocolate Prune Bread
June 5, 2008 By 9 Comments
The Daring Bakers Make Opera Cake
May 28, 2008 By 48 Comments
When Ivonne and Lisa, the venerable founders of The Daring Bakers, choose a challenge, you know it’s going to be a challenge. Think Buche de Noel (Yule Log Cake), or in this case, think…L’Opera! Yes, Opera cake. Until now I’ve never tasted or made one, though I’ve seen them in posh bakeries, but I do [...]
Grilled Pizzas & Piadinas Cookbook Give Away
May 4, 2008 By 38 Comments
I know what you are thinking. You are thinking, “Andrea botched up this post because that is definitely not grilled pizza.” Guess what? It is grilled pizza enrobed in cinnamon sugar with French vanilla ice cream in the middle and chocolate sauce on top. How’s that for an insanely good dessert pizza? Yes, my hand [...]
