Just Putzing Around the Kitchen

Chocolate Chip Toffee Nut Cookies

Does it ever feel like you’re constantly searching for the perfect chocolate chip cookie? For me, definitely yes. A good 25% of my bookmarked recipes are for chocolate chip cookies. At least. Possibly more. What can I say, I’m a sucker for soft cookies with chocolate in them. And, if the posts on FoodGawker, Tastespotting, etc….read more »

Three Layer Fudge

What is it about fudge that makes me think of the holidays? Is it a pop culture thing? Could it be that fudge is too rich and melt-y to eat in the summer? Or maybe it’s because the only time I eat fudge is when someone brings a big box of it to my parents’…read more »

Pork Belly Benedict

Guys. Have you ever tasted roasted pork belly? Are you aware that it is the most delicious thing ever? It’s super rich, fork-tender and flavorful, and has the most wonderful caramelized crispy bits. If I weren’t on a wedding diet, I’d definitely eat this stuff every single day. Holla at you later, arteries — pass…read more »

Lemon Lover’s Layer Cake

Happy birthday to youuuuu, happy birthday tooooo you! Happy birthdayyyy, Dear Dannnnnnnn….Happy birthday to youuuuuuuuu! And many morrreeeeee….on Channel Fourrrrrr….and Scooby Dooooooo….on Channel Twooooo — What? That’s not how the song goes? Are you sure? Well, alright then… Anyway. As you may have guessed, it was Dan’s birthday this week. What did I get him? Well…what…read more »

Jalapeno Jack Meatloaf with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Did you guys get any Sandy action this weekend? We did. Wind, rain, and power loss – oh my! Fortunately the Northern VA area didn’t get hit nearly as hard as NJ and NY, and we only lost power for about a day. With all the wine and snacks we stocked up on before the storm,…read more »

Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies

So, guys. You love chocolate chip cookies, don’t you? You think they are the greatest thing ever? Great! Me too! So I’m sure you don’t mind that I’m trotting out yet another chocolate chip cookie recipe. And I know you won’t roll your eyes when I tell you…again…that these are the best chocolate chip cookies…read more »

Orange-o’-Lanterns

I’ve decided that I can’t be bothered to carve pumpkins this year. Too much effort, too much mess, and not enough of an audience to justify the blistered fingers (no trick or treating in our building, boooo!). Plus, who needs jack-o’-lanterns when you can make these adorable, versatile orange-o’-lanterns? The innards are easier to eat…read more »

Chocolate Covered Rice Krispy Treat Pops

Guys, why didn’t you tell me how delicious Rice Krispy treats are? I mean, it’s been a few years since I’ve tasted one, but I don’t remember them being this yummy. My mom used to make them all the time when I was a kid, and they were good, but definitely not my favorite. When I think…read more »

Tex-Mex Burger

Even though I regularly follow about a dozen food blogs, there are really only a handful of bloggers that I consistently turn to when I want ideas for certain things. Need a cupcake recipe? Annie’s Eats is the way to go. Margaritas? Definitely Confections of a Foodie Bride. Bars and brownies? Hello, Pinch of Yum….read more »

Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes

The problem with telling people at work that you’ll bake cupcakes for a coworker’s birthday party is that when you taste the batter and realize the cupcakes are going to be the most delicious things ever and you no longer want to share them with anybody, you have to bring them into the office anyway….read more »