As Irish eyes start smilin’ at this time of year, I always seem to break out the Guinness for recipes in my kitchen. I’ll be perfectly honest, I don’t really like drinking Guinness straight up, but in cooking it adds a whole new depth and dimension to so many things. Sausage Coddle, Oatmeal Quick Bread, Bangers and Mash, Caramel Sauce. And that holds … [Read more...] about Guinness Brownies
chocolate
Decadent Cherry Chocolate Cake
Ahh, February and thoughts do turn to love…or at least chocolate. Partnered, single, somewhere in between, everyone deserves a treat on Valentine’s Day. I can be a sucker for any of the themed foods that come out for any holiday. Pumpkin spice Oreos? Yep. Peppermint kisses? Finishing the Christmas bag now. Heart shaped ravioli? Give it to me! I am not necessary a celebrator of … [Read more...] about Decadent Cherry Chocolate Cake
Joyful Almond Tart
I have a friend who loves Almond Joy candy bars. She is not much a sweet eater, but these are her secret indulgence. So I look for fun ways to recreate those flavors in a more celebratory, and maybe a little more sophisticated, treat. I hope you get the title of the recipe now, because I am pretty sure there is a trademark on the original and I don’t want to get in trouble! … [Read more...] about Joyful Almond Tart
Peppermint Bark Ice Box Cake
I am really into icebox cake now, after coming up with two summer versions (lemon speculoos and ginger peach). It is such an easy way to create an impressive dessert. So it seemed natural to come up with an idea for the busy holiday season. Because the best thing about an ice box cake is that it can be made – indeed must be – made ahead. And it is a blank canvas for … [Read more...] about Peppermint Bark Ice Box Cake
Chocolate Blackberry Cake with Red Wine
In summer, I tend to gravitate toward desserts that are fruit forward and maybe a little lighter. I am not going to try and claim Peach Bourbon Pound Cake or Blueberry Buttermilk Bread Pudding are diet food, they are just less intense. But I go all out here with a deep, decadent chocolate cake tinged with dusky blackberries and rich red wine. The I top it off with a thick, … [Read more...] about Chocolate Blackberry Cake with Red Wine