White Chocolate And Creme De Menthe Shortbread

by Liz // December 4, 2015 // 4 Comments

Oh, my pathetic-looking shortbread cookies… you’re not going to smile for the camera, are you? You, with your two tone coloring–you look like flesh-colored Christmas trees that got embarrassed and are now blushing green. And that white garland… I mean… what…? Well, if there is one thing I’ve learned from all of Facebook’s inspirational memes, it’s not how you look on the outside that counts, it’s what’s on the inside that matters, and your insides are so clogged with butter you happen to be one of the most delicious cookies I’ve ever eaten. So be proud of your ugliness, Mr. White Chocolate And Creme De Menthe Shortbread. Your inner character is sweet, minty, buttery, and sublime. I think I’m in love. Continue reading →

Melted Snowman Cookies

by Liz // November 23, 2015 // 16 Comments

I think it’s fair to say that global warming does exist based on the cute little evidence I’ve placed before you. In all seriousness though, I’ve baked you melted snowman cookies to kick off the most delightful baking season of all. I’m very excited about these cookies, because I developed my own cookie recipe! I’m not talking about the snowmen themselves. I’ve seen cookies decorated like this for years. It is the plain cookie that the snowman rests on that has me all jazzed up. I have just recently purchased the book Ratio, and it’s been a revelation. In this book, Michael Ruhlman has given the ratio for all sorts of baked goods. For instance, the ratio for a basic cookie is 3 parts flour, 2 parts fat, and 1 part sugar. That’s it. From there, though, you can add on and create any type of cookie you want. I started with this basic recipe and loved it. Then I made it again and added an egg yolk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. It was even better. Then I tried it again, but this time I added a whole egg, along with the egg yolk, vanilla, and salt. I continued to add and subtract certain ingredients until I got the flavor and texture that I wanted. Now, I am well aware that I’m not inventing the wheel. I ‘m just so excited to springboard from these ratios and let my imagination fly. It’s only the beginning. Continue reading →

Pecan Rum Tart

by Liz // November 19, 2015 // 2 Comments

We are getting close to the big feast. Only a week away. My sister’s family is coming to town on Wednesday, and we are so excited. My mom, my sister, and I keep talking about how wonderful Thanksgiving week will be. We’ve got big plans. On Wednesday, we expect the kids to play nicely in the backyard while we ladies drink wine and roll out pie pastry. On Thanksgiving day, we plan on cooking the turkey while drinking Bloody Marys. Simultaneously, the boys will happily be watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade in the living room. After the kids set the table, they’ll make decorative, little turkeys out of apples, toothpicks, raisins, and olives. On Friday, we’ll take the boys to the movies where they will be completely quiet and content for two solid hours. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Well, it’s not going to go that way. It never does. We’ve got four boys under the age of 6, and they are going to create a big, old-fashioned shit show. We’ll be drinking early not because everything is wonderful, but because we’ll be handling a melt down every half hour. Just take a look at the photo below.

This was last Thanksgiving. My son and my nephew were fighting over a kids Mickey Mouse spoon. A spoon. It was just a spoon. Oh, and by the way, that damn spoon accidentally fell down the drain and was demolished by the garbage disposal. Accidentally.

Alcohol is our only chance to survive the week. Well, alcohol and a really good pecan rum tart. Continue reading →

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