The Adventures of a Frustrated Baker

This week we will all celebrate that most romantic of holidays...Valentine's Day!  Actually, come to think of it my husband and I have been married for over a decade so we usually don't do a whole lot for Valentine's Day...actually we do nothing...we are boring and old I guess.  The only one that really celebrates Valentine's Day on any level in our house is my daughter - who is 8.  Anyone out there who has a school aged child knows that it where the true Valentine's pressure lies...in the hearts and stomachs of 5-10 year olds!  Of course this week the kiddo came home with her traditional Valentine's note containing details about the party and the all important list of students for whom we are now obligated to provide a suitable character card.  Goodness knows the world will end if she can't find a box of puppy cards for the girls and Minecraft for the boys (I feel I should specify my kid has not played Minecraft...doesn't even know anything about i...

Well, lets make this short, sweet and to the point.  Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I can't think of a better way to celebrate than baking Guinness into delicious cupcakes and topping it with frosting with Bailey's Irish Cream inside.  Well, I'm pretty sure I could think of better ways to celebrate, but seeing as I have to work at 4am tomorrow, this cupcakes is probably going to be the only celebrating I'm going to do today. My only comment on this cupcakes recipe...to those of you crazy people who don't like Guinness, give this cupcake a try.  The flavor of the Guinness doesn't stand out too much, in fact if I just told you it was chocolate you probably wouldn't even know there was Guinness in it.  They are by for the BEST chocolate cupcakes I've ever tasted! The ingredients... Mmm...Guinness... Bring the butter and Guinness to a simmer then whisk in the cocoa. Beat together the eggs, sour cream and milk. Add in the...

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!  I know we did!  As part of our family gift-giving, I always make a little package of goodies for family and friends. This year, with the moving and work and everything going on I decided to go ultra easy and quick.  I made these secret turtle candies that I learned from my mother-in-law (sorry guys she won't let me tell you all the recipe) and candied almonds!  Those I can share with you cause I found them all on my own! They are super duper easy!  It does take an hour and 15 minutes or so total to make, but most of that can be spend hanging out with the family or relaxing and recuperating from all the holiday festivities.  They are super tasty and very addictive and would probably make great snacks for a New Year's Eve party or a great gift to the host of a party you may be attending.  My main tip would be to buy the almonds at a bulk store or out of the bulk bins if your grocery...

Hey there everyone!  I know I disappeared for a bit, but we were relocating!  I now have my own kitchen back, none of my kitchen stuff yet, but lets just get right into the baking!  Christmas is coming and my kitchen is running pretty much 24/7 this time of year.  No time to waste! This recipe is actually from one of those free recipe cards you see just about everywhere this time of year.  I was walking down the seasonal baking display at our grocery store and saw these delicious mint chocolate chips that I loved last year.  They were buy one get one free so I just couldn't resist!  Plus they had recipes right there!  They were calling my name...I couldn't leave them there unbaked on the shelf. This recipe is super duper simple!  Took maybe 30 minutes and 25 minutes of those were the bars baking in the oven.  They taste and look great!  Hint, hint guys!  Awesome idea for Christmas goodies for bake sales or gifts!...