Cristmas Archives - Eat. Drink. Love.

Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

December 20, 2012 by Stephanie

Too…many…cookies….

I’m not sure I can eat another cookie right now. I know, I sound like a crazy person, but I just can’t eat any more for a while…maybe for like 3 days or something.

But, before I start my cookie hiatus, I have to tell you about these cookies first. Earlier this week, I told you I don’t like peppermint. Today, I am going to tell you that chocolate and caramel are two of the greatest things in the universe. Yup, the universe.

So I am not going to waste any more time and will go straight the recipe. Hubs and I are off to Ohio to spend Christmas with my family. And yes, we are driving. Why? Because we hate ourselves. And also, plane tickets were out of control.

Chocolate Caramel Blossoms

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Yield: About 16 cookies

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar plus 1/4 cup
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. instant espresso (optional)
about 16 Hershey's caramel kisses (chilled in the refrigerator or the freezer)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and 2/3 cup sugar. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder.
Mix the dry ingredients in with the wet ingredients until well-combined.
Prepare a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat. Place the remaining sugar in a small bowl. Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon). Roll each ball into the sugar until lightly coated and place on the baking sheet about 1-2 inches apart.
Bake cookies for about 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool for about 2 minutes. Place a kiss in the center of each cookie and press down gently.

http://eat-drink-love.com/2012/12/chocolate-caramel-blossoms/

Filed Under: Cookies, Cristmas, Desserts, Holidays · Tagged With: blossoms, caramel, chocolate, christmas, cookie, hersheys, kisses 13 Comments

Gingerbread Martini

December 17, 2012 by Stephanie

Everyone has a certain flavor that reminds them of Christmas. For some it’s eggnog, for which I am still just not so sure how I feel about. For others, it’s peppermint.

Speaking of peppermint, I have a confession. I think it’s time I come clean about something. We’re all friends here, right?

Ok, here it goes…I don’t really like peppermint.

I know, I’m sorry. Please don’t throw garbage at me. I don’t HATE it, I just don’t really care for it. I only like mint flavor in a few things: toothpaste, gum, tea, mouthwash, mint chip ice cream, and..well, that’s about it. I don’t like peppermint bark either. This is also because it contains white chocolate, which, by the way, I really do hate.

My favorite Christmas flavor is gingerbread. I’ll skip the peppermint, just give me the gingerbread. In all forms. Cookie, latte, and now, martini. And just a warning, this thing is dangerously addicting. The gingerbread syrup is really where it’s at with this drink, so add as much or as little as you like. I kind of want to pour the syrup on everything though.

Gingerbread Martini

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 2 martinis

Ingredients

For the gingerbread syrup:

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 tbs. molasses
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

For the martini:

2 ounces vanilla vodka
1.5 ounces Kahlua
1.5 ounces Bailey's Irish Cream
3 tbs. gingerbread syrup (or to taste)
2.5 ounces half and half (plus about 2 tbs. for the rim)
gingerbread cookies (for the rim and for garnish)(I like Pepperidge Farm)
whipped cream (for garnish)

Instructions

For the syrup:

In a small saucepan, heat the water, brown sugar, molasses, ginger, and cinnamon on medium heat until the sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes).

For the martini:

Crush about 2-3 small gingerbread cookies in a zip lock bag with a rolling pin. Place the crumbs in a saucer and set aside.
Pour the 2 tablespoons of half and half into a small saucer. Dip the rims of the martini glasses into the half and half. Then dip into the gingerbread crumbs and set the glasses aside.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine, the vodka, Kahlua, Bailey's Irish Cream, gingerbread syrup, and the half and half. Shake well and pour into martini glasses. Place a dollop of whipped cream on top and then place a gingerbread cookie on top of the whipped cream and serve.

Notes

- If you can't find gingerbread cookies, you can also use gingersnaps or Biscoff cookies.

Adapted from Hampton Roads Happy Hour

http://eat-drink-love.com/2012/12/gingerbread-martini/

Filed Under: Cristmas, Drinks, Holidays · Tagged With: christmas, cocktail, drink, entertaining, gingerbread, holiday, martini 18 Comments

Holiday Gifts for Foodies 2012

December 15, 2012 by Stephanie

With Christmas just 10 short days away, I thought I would give you guys a little list for some last-minute ideas for the foodies in your life! And the best part about all of these items is that they are $50 and under! So, get shopping!

1. Baker Nutcracker: $25 at Pier 1 Imports

Ever since I was little, I’ve always been crazy about these guys. This is probably because my mom would always take me to the ballet every Christmas. And seriously, how cute is this baker nutcracker?!

2. Tablet Kitchen Stand: $49.95 at Williams-Sonoma

This stand might be at the top of this list for me. I always have my iPad in the kitchen with me when I am trying out new recipes and this little stand is perfect! You can also purchase a blue-tooth speaker and screen protector to go with the stand (sold separately).

3. Cuisinart Immersion Hand Blender: $29-$39 at Amazon

I have been meaning to buy myself one of these and haven’t gotten around to it so it is also my list! It would be really useful for soups! And they come in such fun and pretty colors!

4. Conversion Dishtowel: $4.95 at Crate and Barrel

I’m really horrible with conversions. Like, the worst. So, how freakin’ cool and handy would this dishtowel be?!

5. Herb Keeper: $20 at Uncommon Goods

Though I have been meaning to plant my own herbs at my new place, I haven’t gotten around to it, so I am still buying them from the store. I really hate when I buy herbs, only need a little, and then basically have to throw the rest away because I can’t get to them fast enough. This little herb keeper would be great for making them last longer!

6. The OCD Cutting Board: $26 at Think Geek

Um, yes.

7. Merry Berry Soap and Lotion: $16 at Crate and Barrel

I’m pretty sure I had something similar on last year’s gift list, but I don’t care, I’m adding it again! During the holidays, you are probably washing way more dishes than normal and it’s colder outside. This soap and lotion set is perfect to keep next to your sink!

8. Utensil Earrings: $28 on Etsy

Ok, how cute are these utensil earrings I found on Etsy! Perfect for any cooking enthusiast!

9. Cake Pops Set: $45 at Amazon

I don’t have any kids yet, but this adorable cake pops set from the incredible Bakerella really makes me wish I did because these look like too much fun!! Maybe my husband will do this with me?!!

10. Sea Salt Caramels: $22 at Crate and Barrel

You can never go wrong with tasty candy for a foodie. These sets make great gifts for co-workers or teachers as well. Crate and Barrel and Williams-Sonoma both have a great variety of treats!