Candyland Chocolate Cheesecake
So my new favorite show is Dessert First with Anne Thornton on the Food Network. I think the name explains it all. Anyways, a couple weeks ago she made this absolutely stunning Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Cake. The candy brittle on the top was so beautiful, and had that whole Candyland look that I love (hence the spice drop garland in the earlier post). We had a resident party at work coming up, and there was my excuse to make it.
Instead of the ice cream cake recipe, I made a chocolate peppermint cheesecake instead. It would definitely be easier to transport, and we had no room in the freezer. Making the candy brittle was much easier than I expected. You definitely need to have a candy thermometer, and I did find that it set very quickly. If you have a volunteer to help you put the candy on, I think it would be easier. Most of the spice drops fell off, but I used a bit of melted white chocolate to glue them back on. Check it out!
Trip to NYC
In a previous life, I think I was a New Yorker. Last Thursday my aunt, Andrea, and I went to the city for the day. It was the perfect pre-Christmas day! We were pretty much Will Ferrel in Elf when he first gets into the city...picture the scene when he is running through the revolving door screaming at the top of his lungs. That was us. Here are a few of my favorite shots....
Henri Bendel & Candy??? Happiness overload!
Shamelessly taking pictures in Dean & Deluca.
We took a break for cappuccino and chocolate at Café Charbonne in Saks 5th Ave.
The lights at night were absolutely gorgeous!
This picture doesn't even do Saks justice...
And a picture in front of the tree...
Every year, Jeff's mom makes dozens and dozens of cookies to give to friends, families, and neighbors. This year we decided to make it a family affair, and Jeff's sister, Kristen, came down and we made it a full fledged Porter Cookie Extravaganza. We even had two mixers going! Below are some of the classic Porter cookie standards, made by Jeff's mom, and I also added my touch to the tradition and made Cranberry Orange Cupcakes!
Trying out a new thumbprint cookie recipe...they were a hit!
Mrs. Porter's Infamous Peanut Butter Blossoms
The making of the mint brownies...
Me showing Kristen how to dip the cake pops. I'm rockin' quite the outfit and hair-do!
Last but not least were my Cranberry Orange Cupcakes. These are the perfect Christmas cupcake! The recipe is from the Primrose Bakery in the UK. The combination of cranberry, orange, and cinnamon is the perfect winter treat. They are topped with an orange cream cheese frosting, and a sugared cranberry for decoration. I also played around with a few different liners and toppers too.
Mmmmm...frosting!
So as the holiday baking season comes to a close, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and an even better 2011!
You ARE a little spirited Christmas (Cookie) Elf!
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