These nuts are another cocktail party recipe. Yes, they are perfect for nibbling at a cocktail party, but I really say this because I picked up the idea at a cocktail party. Some ladies and I were standing around with our drinks, nibbling on a bowl of glazed pecans and chatting about various flavored nut recipes. One of the ladies remarked that her grandmother always made … [Read more...] about Sugared Peanuts
Snacks And Starters
Peppermint Black Bottom Cupcakes
Last year, for the big family Christmas Eve celebration, I was tasked with providing a dessert. It’s a little tough to figure out the right dessert for a great big gathering, one that serves enough and pleases everyone. In the past I’ve made cakes and pies, but you always need to make two or three, plus someone has to evenly slice and serve them. And transport can be a … [Read more...] about Peppermint Black Bottom Cupcakes
Hot Chocolate Pops
I was in a very fancy grocery store and saw a lovely, beautifully wrapped box of hot chocolate-on-a-stick. My first thought was “I can do that.” And those babies with their cellophane and ribbon and fancy label were selling for $10 apiece. Yea, I can do much better than that. These pops are basically block of chocolate ganache on a stick. You can flavor … [Read more...] about Hot Chocolate Pops
Red Velvet Polka Dot Cookies
Red Velvet Cake is a real childhood memory for me. I have an aunt who makes a great one. But it was definitely not trendy or cool or in. Red Velvet was seriously down-home, real country food. It wasn’t even a standard on diner menus. But that all seems to have changed. I am dubious about this hipsterfied version. I have had some really, really bad red velvet made by … [Read more...] about Red Velvet Polka Dot Cookies
Sweet Potato Mustard, Bacon Mayonnaise and Cranberry Ketchup
When I claimed thanksgiving for my own, I wanted to create a tradition for this new configuration of family, one for grown-ups and kids alike. So I came up with the Thankful Tree. My mom drew a big tree, complete with falling leaves and acorns and a bunny rabbit at the base, on a piece of poster board. Every year, my nieces and nephew come over before Thanksgiving, when … [Read more...] about Sweet Potato Mustard, Bacon Mayonnaise and Cranberry Ketchup
