This starts as a tale of failure. I set out to make a rich, Guinness-laced caramel sauce to drizzle over ice cream. In my first attempt, I dropped the ball, got distracted and cooked the caramel little longer than needed. But as the caramel was setting up, I thought perhaps I could save the day by pouring the thick caramel into a pan to see what happened. What happened was … [Read more...] about Guinness Caramel Sauce or Caramel Chews
Sweets
Egg Nog Custard Tarts
In the busy, crazy holiday season, necessity is often the mother of invention, and this recipe is proof of that. Some years ago, after a trip to Portugal with a group of girlfriends, I worked out a recipe for Portuguese Custard Tarts. It was really an attempt to recreate a memory for my friends, but they are so easy to make and lovely to serve, that they became something of a … [Read more...] about Egg Nog Custard Tarts
Gingerbread Cake with Cookie Butter Frosting
I didn’t really grow up eating gingerbread, though there is a long history of gingerbread cake in the South. I mostly knew those classic gingerbread men cookies, which I have never much liked. I think they dry out too much and never have enough spice for me. But over the years, I started to experiment with various gingerbread recipes, both cookie and cake form, and it is now an … [Read more...] about Gingerbread Cake with Cookie Butter Frosting
Sweet Potato Pralines
I aspire to be, but am not much of a candy maker. I get a little nervous about the candy thermometer and the exactitude. In fact, I first started making pralines when I learned how to do them in the microwave. But I have been experimenting and expanding for awhile, and have come to discover making candy is not nearly as intimidating as I had feared. Sure, it takes some … [Read more...] about Sweet Potato Pralines
Rosemary Chocolate Caramel Tart
One of my favorite indulgences on my yearly trip to London is Millionaire’s Shortbread, a crumbly cookie crusted bar with rich caramel and a layer of chocolate on top. These bites are decadent and delicious. I have to stop myself from eating one every day, which proves to be my greatest challenge in self-control. I have often tried to recreate the bars, but I suppose they just … [Read more...] about Rosemary Chocolate Caramel Tart
