Halloween Drinks (For Adults)

Will you be dressing up (or not) and walking the kiddies around to Trick or Treat?

OR

Will you be handing out goodies to the little gremlins and like at your door?

 

How a bout a little somethin' something' to warm the cockles of your heart on the darkest night?

 

Try these frighteningly delicious drinks.

 

Baileys Caramel Apple

 

2 oz Baileys Caramel Irish Cream Liqueur

0.5 Smirnoff Green Apple Flavored Vodka

1 dash of Goldschlager Schnapps

 

Pour Baileys & Vodka into an ice-filled shaker. Shake & strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Float Goldschalger on top. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

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Cabin Cider

 

1.5 oz Cabin Fever Maple Flavored Whisky

4 oz hot apple cider

 

Add whisky to warm or cold cider in a Collins glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

***********

 

Hot Maple Chocolate

1.5 oz Cabin Fever Maple Flavored Whiskey

1.5 oz Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur

4 oz hot chocolate

Add whiskey & Irish Cream Liqueur to hot chocolate in a mug. Top with whipped cream.

***********

Of course I have to share my favorites. 

Try a spiced red wine warmed up. Garnish with a slice of orange and a cinnamon stick. 

 

 



Tasty Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a favorite comfort food. But if you're like me, I'm tired of making the same-old-same-old. Quarantine 2020 is providing many opportunities for experimental baking. Since my sons are all around, I have plenty of willing taste testers.

During this time, I recommend having some fun in the kitchen with your honey.  Pour each of you a glass of wine. Wear matching aprons. Feel free to get a little silly... remember when you first were living together?

I found this unique recipe and didn't tell son #2 about the cream cheese, (he hates the stuff). The addition of cream cheese gives these chocolate chip cookies a rich, dense, cake-like texture. 

Give it a try!

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 ounces butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips

Preparation:

·         Heat oven to 350°. Grease a cookie sheet, or spray with nonstick cooking spray, or line with silicone liner.

·         In a mixing bowl with electric mixer, beat cream cheese, butter, and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth. Slowly beat in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold in chocolate chips.

·         Drop by teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet(s), leaving about 1 inch between cookies. These cookies spread very little. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly browned around the edges.

·         Makes 2 1/2 to 3 dozen cookies.

Tasty Tuesday - Sex on the Beach

Ah... summertime. Nothing beats sex on the beach

if you don't mind sand in your butt crack and other crevices, that is.

 And don't forget if you're caught, you might have a fine or get arrested.  

So let's play it safe with the other Summertime favorite

Sex On The Beach
(the drink)

1 1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz peach schnapps
2 oz cranberry juice
2 oz orange juice

Add vodka and peach schnapps to a highball glass over ice.

Fill with equal measures of cranberry juice and orange juice, and stir.

CHEERS

#TastyTuesday - Ignite-the-Flames-of-My-Desire Bananas Foster

 Images of placing food onto that delicate tongue excited him. "I'm new in town. What's the best on the menu?"

"Well, you're in the right place."

 "If you like beef, they have the best Filet Mignon with a mushroom and wine sauce. Oh, and get the garlic and thyme roasted asparagus to go with it. To die for."

"Sounds superb!" He smiled. "I'm sure you have something in mind for dessert."

"Ignite-the-Flames-of-My-Desire Bananas Foster."

"What?"

"That's the name of the dessert." Steph's laugh rolled over him like a warm wave. "It's rich with rum, creamy, and spicy with cinnamon. The waiter actually sets it on fire."

"Hmmm... sensual."

                                                      - Excerpt taken from Handcuffs & Silk 

How would you like to have your own sensual dessert?

Romantic Dessert:
Ignite the Flames of My Desire Bananas Foster

Ingredients:
1/4 C. butter
1 C. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
4 bananas
1/4 C. dark rum
1/4 C. banana liqueur
vanilla ice cream

Instructions: 

Cut peeled bananas in half lengthwise, then halve each length. Set aside.

In a large skillet combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon over med-low heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.

Add bananas. Saute, stirring gently, until banana pieces begin to cook and brown slightly.

Pour in dark rum and banana liqueur. Heat through, about 30 seconds to one minute.

Tilt skillet slightly. Using a long-handled lighter, ignite the rum and liqueur. Shake gently to spread the flames.

When flames have subsided, serve one banana (4 pieces) with one or two scoops of ice cream, to taste. Spoon over lots of warm sauce. Serve before it melts.

Serves 2-4 depending on pigginess factor.

Tasty Tuesday–Spike Your Cocoa

Last week the temps here in Michigan were flirting with zero. My friends in Minnesota experienced frigid temps. (Lets look for a baby boom in nine months.) Cold temp means opportunity to warm up by cuddling with a mug of hot chocolate.

I have a hot cocoa station in my kitchen for the kids. I found some decorative canning jars and filled them with various ingredients. Powder cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, flavored creamer. Keep mugs or cups handy. Use mugs with names to prevent confusion or use a variety of cups for fun.

 

 

 

For the adults, keep flavored schnapps handy. A shot of peppermint is delicious. My favorite is Michigan Cherry liqueur – tastes like a hot chocolate covered cherry!

 

 

For a bit of romance… sip a mug of spiked hot cocoa while cuddling with your honey. 

Tasty Tuesday - Cake Mix Cookies

Other than being an author, I'm a mom to three boys...all athletes and involved in everything. Son #2 is on a school baseball team that plays double-headers regularly. A friend of mine cooks up hotdogs for the boys, others bring chips and I make cookies.

Being a busy mom I'm lucky the boys favorite cookie is one of the easiest to make. The boys like the flavor of the French Vanilla and the soft, chewy texture I create by taking the cookies out after baking for 10 min.

1 box French Vanilla cake mix
1/2 cup of oil
2 eggs
2 Tbsp water
1 cup of chocolate chips (I add a little more)

Mix well and drop by teaspoon onto a prepared cookie sheet. (I use parchment paper).
Bake at 350 for 10 - 12 min,
Let the cookies cool for a few minutes before removing off the sheet. Place on rack to continue cooling.

Warning: the cookie dough is really yummy and may be eaten if kids are around

TIP: have your honey help you make these sweet treats and enjoy them warm with a glass of milk.

Tasty Tuesday - Romantic Italian Toast

I made this as an appetizer to ease the hungry monsters (aka teen boys) while our pizza baked. However, it turned romantic once the creatures left hubby and I alone in the kitchen with our glasses of wine. This toast makes a nice snack with wine while enjoying a fire in the fireplace on a quiet evening.

 Italian Toast Guide and Recipe

Prep time

15 mins

Cook time

10 mins

Total time

25 mins

·         Extra virgin olive oil

·         Kosher or Sea salt

·         Freshly ground black pepper

·         Dried oregano (optional)

·         Dried thyme (optional)

·         Garlic (optional)

·         Hot red pepper flakes (optional)

Process

1. Start by slicing a good quality baguette into ½ inch pieces and set on a large cookie pan. Drizzle olive oil on one side of the bread followed by the salt, pepper, and dry oregano.

2. Place the cookie sheet in your oven and set to broil and watch the bread carefully; as soon as you begin to see the bread turn brow remove from the oven.

The toast is great alone or add sliced/shredded Italian cheese during last 5 min of baking.

Here is our favorite topping to put on cooled toast:

Tomato-Basil 

Ingredients

·         Simple Crostini

·        3 Roman tomatoes diced

·         several fresh basil leaves, roll and slice

·         1 tablespoon(s) olive oil

·         1 teaspoon(s) red-wine vinegar

·        1 clove garlic diced fine

·          Coarse salt & Ground pepper

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine tomatoes, basil leaves, olive oil, and red-wine vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Let sit for at least 5 min. Top toast with topping.

Have fun "playing" in the kitchen together. Couples can relax, laugh and steal some romantic moments...even with teens around. Be prepared for teens to roll their eyes and say, "Ewe!" as they walk away to give you privacy.

This recipe is a great way to use leftovers. I like to use French bread I purchase off the "day old" rack at the market. I recommend to try a fruity wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or even a Pinot Grigo. The bright crisp qualities of these wines will match up to the acidity of the fresh tomatoes.   while the fruit will play up its sweet, juicy characteristics. Personally, I'm a sweet red wine drinker and won't eat fresh romas without it.

Tasty Tuesday - Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Fat Tuesday?
You can keep that fancy paczki.
Give me something chocolate with ice cream.

I'll share!

CHERRY CHEESECAKE BROWNIE SQUARES

1 (21.5 or 23.6 oz.) pkg. fudge brownie mix 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk 1 egg 1 tsp. almond extract 1 lg. can cherry pie filling Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare brownie mix as package directs. Spread into lightly greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake 20 minutes. Meanwhile, in small mixer bowl, beat cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in condensed milk then egg and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Pour evenly over brownie layer, bake 25 minutes longer or until set. Cool. Chill. Stir remaining 1/2 teaspoon almond extract into cherry filling and pour over brownies

Tasty Tuesday - Simmering Soup on Freezing Day

We have a house guest

 who is on a gluten free diet and I found this delicious soup everyone enjoyed. 

 It's perfect with sandwiches on a cold winter day.

Lentil & Sweet Potato Soup

·         2 tablespoons canola oil

·         1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)

·         2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

·         2 medium celery ribs, chopped

·         1 bay leaf

·         1 garlic clove, minced

·         1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder

·         2 cups dried brown lentils, picked over and rinsed

·         2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and cut in 1/2-inch dice

·         1 package (9 ounces) frozen cut green beans

·         1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice

·         1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

·         Coarse salt and black pepper

·         Plain low-fat yogurt, for serving

Directions

1.     In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion, carrots, celery, and bay leaf. Cook, stirring, until vegetables are softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic and curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.

    Add 7 cups of water and lentils. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 10 minutes. Add potatoes and continue to cook, covered, until lentils and potato are just tender, about 15 minutes.

   Add green beans and tomatoes with juice. Cook until warmed through, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Add cilantro; season with salt and pepper. Serve with yogurt.

Tasty Tuesday - Hot Chocolate Covered Cherry

Here in Michigan and across the country the temps are low and the snow is deep. After the morning coffee is finished, I clean out the pot and fill with water. I try to keep a pot of hot water available all day for my snowmen to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa when they come in from the cold. 

While at the grocery the other day, I checked out the discounted liqueur and found a bottle of Michigan Cherry.

An decadent idea came to me.

Make a cup of hot cocoa (I prefer Hersey's Dark Chocolate Cocoa)

Add 1 TBSP of coffee creamer

Add 1 shot (or more) of the Cherry liqueur

Feel free to top with whipping cream & a cherry.

I call it a Hot Chocolate Covered Cherry.  

Tasty Tuesday - Beer Pizza Date Night

A night in making pizza can be fun, especially for a couple looking for a cheap date night. 
It has become a family event every Saturday. My teen boys love the homemade dough and creating their own pizza with too many toppings. Hubby and I remember the days when just he and I would pour some wine and enjoy the time in the kitchen with only each other.

Here is the recipe I used for my

Beer Pizza Dough.

 

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups water ( Or 1 Cup Water and 1/3 Cup Flat Beer for better flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 teaspoons yeast

Directions

1.   Add ingredients to machine in order.

2.   Set to “Dough” mode.

3.   Once completed, place in greased pan to rise about 20-30 min, and split in half.

4.   For easy storage, put in Ziploc bags, stack flat to be used as needed. Will be good for 2 days.

5.    When you are ready to make pie, slap the dough on a cornmeal/floured surface, roll flat, Hand spin if you are willing to trash the kitchen with flying pizza!  

6.   Add light layer of sauce and pre-bake at 400 degrees for 5-7 minutes.

7.   Remove from oven and add toppings of your choice.

8.   Bake in oven at 400 degrees until done (approx 20 min, depending upon topping thickness).

 

Tasty Tuesday - The Unescpected Spicey Sweet with Eva Lefoy

Welcome special guest, Eva Lefoy today!

Have you met Putting Up With the Turnbulls yet? If you’re at all into “putting food by” as they say, or aka: canning such as jam, jelly, etc. you might want to check out their blog. They’ve got some stuff on there that’s simply delish!

I’ve made the Beer Jelly and quite liked it, but it’s the Tomato Jam that’s flying off my shelf. *gives little sister the stink-eye* Good thing I’m getting very adept at making it. Bad thing – I’m out of tomatoes!

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that when I think of tomatoes and the word canned together I tend to think of canned whole tomatoes or tomato paste. At the very least prepared spaghetti sauce or salsa. But this little gem of recipe is none of those things. It’s guaranteed to take your tastebuds for a different kind of ride.

Take a look:
5 Pounds of tomatoes – small amount, but remember this is jam. Can’t make good jam in big batches. 3.5 cups of sugar
8 tbs lime juice
2 tsp freshly grated ginger – note: I cheat and used dried ground and double it
1 tsp cinnamon – I double this too
½ tsp ground clove
1 tbs salt
1 tbs red chili flakes

How does it look? You’ve got sugar and tomatoes which one doesn’t normally think of together. And you’ve got all those interesting spices that almost make it sound like Greek meatballs you’ve got cooking and not jam. The red pepper flakes add just the right kick to take this from sweet to savory.
If you’re interested give it a try! You won’t be disappointed.

And speaking of spices, I mentioned Greek food and you’ll find a lot of cinnamon and such in meat dishes from that country. Also, the array of spices in Indian cooking is similar – a little hot, a little sweet. I happen to like Indian food quite a bit. Perhaps that’s why I wrote my very first 1 Night Stand for Decadent Publishing set in India!

While there’s only a quick passing mention of curry in the text, there’s a lot of hotness and a lot of sweet between two sexy men. The book will be out --- soonish (bows to 1NS book gods) ---- but in the meantime, here’s the cover:

Now if that isn’t hot and sweet I don’t know what is!

Thanks, Mary for hosting me. And y’all come visit her on my site where she’s talking about her 1 Night Stand story, Handcuffs and Silk, which has a gorgeous cover by the way!

Thanks for reading and I hope some of you try the jam! Books and jam are two things one can rarely regret!

~ Eva

By the way there’s a giveaway going on at Decadent Publishing to celebrate the 1 Night Stand 200th book. Enter here

Bio: Eva Lefoy writes and reads all kinds of romance, and is a certified Trekkie. She’s also terribly addicted to chocolate, tea, and hiking. One of these days, she’ll figure out the meaning of life, quit her job, and go travel the galaxy. Until then, she’s writing down all her dirty thoughts for the sake of future explorers.

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My current book out with Decadent Publishing is Sweet Cravings and it’s a foodie romance available here: Decadent Publishing / Amazon U.S. / Amazon UK / Barnes and Noble / All Romance Ebooks

Sinful Saturday - Fun in the Kitchen

Grandma always told me the way to a man's heart is through his stomach... then she gave me this recipe. For a fun Saturday afternoon, grab your honey and have some fun in the kitchen.

 

Absolutely Sinful Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1.     Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In the microwave or over a double boiler, melt unsweetened chocolate and butter together, stirring occasionally until smooth. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

2.     In a medium bowl, beat sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light. Mix in the chocolate mixture until well blended. Stir in the sifted ingredients alternately with sour cream, then mix in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

3.     Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Try it... I dare you.