Sweet Treats – In Good Taste

Gluten-Free Chocolate Naked Cake From Scratch

Maris Callahan — Tue, 16 May 2017 22:57:14 +0000

Before I present you with my first attempt at a “naked cake,” let alone a gluten-free chocolate naked cake, I’m going to give you a few disclaimers: I’m not an especially talented cake decorator (I did live across the street from the Cake Boss bakery in Hoboken for two years, but I did not acquire any skills by walking by on my way to the PATH train). I’m also not an expert at gluten-free baking. A few weeks ago, Brad’s parents were visiting and we went up to have dinner with them at their home in the suburbs (though they live in Colorado full time so we only recently met). Of course, Brad told me we didn’t need to bring anything but I was obviously not going to listen to that directive and he very well knew it. Because we were celebrating his mom’s birthday I thought it was a nice opportunity to take a stab at a birthday cake. Normally, when I want to make someone a birthday cake I resort to my old faithful, a recipe from my grandmother’s collection for sour cream chocolate cake. Because Brad’s mom Marsha has celiac disease, that recipe was off the table. I thought about making […]

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Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies

Maris Callahan — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 19:45:07 +0000

I know, I know. I’m sharing a cookie recipe after Christmas, right when the Internet is breathing a collective sigh of relief that cookie season is finally behind us and that it’s time to return to our regularly scheduled diets. I won’t lie, I have a yoga class scheduled this afternoon and I’m listening to non-Christmas music for the first time since Thanksgiving, so I appreciate the break. At the same time, I’m all for anything that will extend the festive Christmas spirit for a few more days and these ginger molasses cookies happen to fit the bill. There are so many things about the Christmas season that I wish were simply winter traditions. I’m all about the magic of Christmas and I realize it bears some pretty significant religious symbolism for a lot of people, but for me it’s about celebrating the people, places and experiences that you’re grateful for and celebrating the year. I love the music, the decorations, the excuse to bake (a lot) and eat (a lot) with loved ones. Even though the Christmas season is rooted in religion, there is a lot about the Christmas season that has brings out the good in people and I think that’s something to […]

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Bailey’s Irish Iced Coffee

Maris Callahan — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 06:00:40 +0000

Last Christmas, my friend Anita introduced me to Bailey’s Original Irish Cream. I’d never tried it before because I’m not one for sweet or sugary cocktails, I’ll take a glass of dry red wine over a frilly martini any day. Even so, around the holidays, we’re all a little uninhibited when it comes to trying new things and I obliged her a cocktail that she had made with vanilla vodka, Bailey’s Original Irish Cream and ice cubes made from freshly brewed coffee. After all, spending the holidays with friends means exposure to new family traditions and who am I not to participate in Christmas spirit? (That is, I am talking about actual Christmas spirits here) So, I did the polite thing to do, I tried it and well, holy hell. I love coffee and this super creamy, spiked java concoction was so delicious it put my daily morning cup to shame. Granted, there are a lot of good reasons why I shouldn’t replace my morning cup of coffee with a splash of 2% milk for this sinfully creamy cocktail version of coffee, but it wouldn’t be fun to dwell on that fact before we talk about your new favorite holiday beverage. […]

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Cookies, Chocolate & Cheer [Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars]

Maris Callahan — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 04:31:30 +0000

Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars are moist, dense and have a little added kick from a ginger cinnamon sugar topping. Perfect for rounding out a holiday cookie platter or packing up as a holiday hostess gift. I know, I know. This time of year there are sweets and cocktails everywhere and you’re actually sick of desserts and you’re tired of drinking and you just really want to eat a salad. Well, to that I say: TOO. BAD. Not only did I make cinnamon snickerdoodle blondie bars, but I am co-hosting an amazing event on Tuesday, December 13th, so put on your party pants and get ready to sip cocktails, decorate cookies and take home some delicious artisan chocolate. I am teaming up with a few of my blogging friends to host a cookie decorating party to raise money for Youth Outreach Services, an organization in Chicago uniquely dedicated to providing prevention services, child welfare, juvenile justice support and mental and behavioral health counseling to at-risk teenagers, all with the intention of helping these young adults reach a brighter future. Here’s the scoop on how you can join us too: Freehand Chicago 19 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611 United States What better way to get in the […]

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Salted Caramel Eggnog Punch

Maris Callahan — Sat, 10 Dec 2016 21:48:14 +0000

Eggnog: you love it or hate it. Around this time of year, it’s hard to step foot in a restaurant, bar or friend’s house without someone offering you a holiday spirited cocktail. From spiked apple cider to a classic Tom & Jerry to cranberry martinis, holiday cheer is plentiful in December, in more ways than one. I am a bit of an anomaly — I love eggnog, but generally find it too thick and cloying to drink more than a few sips, so making it from scratch is more effort than it’s worth. Brad isn’t much of a mixed drink guy — he drinks beer, wine and the most festive cocktail you’ll see him sipping is gin and tonic. Yet, every year in December I find myself drawn to fill my shopping cart with eggnog and use it in some of my favorite holiday recipes. Last year I made Iced Eggnog Cookies that were hugely popular in my office and this year, Chila ‘Orchata Cinnamon Cream Rum has been a game changer in my kitchen. Chila ‘Orchata mixes the richness of Puerto Rican rum, spice of cinnamon horchata and sweetness of Tahitian vanilla for a delicious result. Just the right […]

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