Posts

Chonky Boys: The Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches that Scream Summer!

Image
Featuring my thick and nuggy Chonky Boy Chocolate Chip Cookies, these ice cream sandwiches are the stuff that summer dreams are made of.  If you've ever had the Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich at Disneyland , you are going to LOVE these!  These big and bold chocolate chip cookies are based on a recipe from my culinary school studies at Auguste Escoffier, but with a few modifications to give them that Jennuine touch.  They make the perfectas book for a fat slice of real vanilla bean ice cream.  And those mini chips?  You just gotta have that extra cronch! Thank goodness this recipe only makes 8 sandwiches, otherwise I would be eating them for breakfast lunch and dinner.  This way, my big family can help save me from my inner child diet-saboteur.   Print With Image Without Image Chonky Boy Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches Yield: 8 Author: Jenn Erickson Loaded with chocolate chips and buttery, brown-sugary vanilla flavor, these mall-sized cookies form a perfect partnership with a

Eggnog Fudge with Dark Chocolate Ganache

Image
Inspired by the sweet success of my Pumpkin Pie Fudge with Salted Dark Chocolate Ganache from October, I couldn't help but coax a new holiday confection out of my dreams and in to the kitchen! So here it is...creamy, smooth and delicately flavored Eggnog Fudge with Dark Chocolate Ganache .  There's just enough nutmeg and a touch of rum to give the sweet suggestion of the classic holiday drink, but without being too cloyingly sweet, boozy or spiced.   This luscious layered confection is easy to prepare and goes down easy...too easy perhaps.  Everyone who tasted it agreed -- one piece simply isn't enough (even those who swore they don't like eggnog).   Eggnog Fudge with Dark Chocolate Ganache (For a printable version of this recipe, click the  "Print Friendly' icon at the bottom of this post) Makes 64 1" pieces For the fudge 2 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup salted butter, cut in to pieces 1/2 cup sweetened conde

Creative Twists on Classic Holiday Projects ~ A Little Birdie Told Me...No. 46

Image
My ideas usually come not at my desk writing but in the midst of living. ~Anais Nin ---------------------------------------- Welcome to  "A Little Birdie Told Me..." Tuesday! If you're here to share a craft, recipe or project post, you'll find the linky and the specifics on how to  join the party after the features below. ---------------------------------------- This week I'm spotlighting  creative twists on some  holiday favorites... ------------------------------------------------ a creative spin on: The Gift Tag from Flamingo Toes Anthro Penmanship Gift Tags   ----------------------------------------   a creative spin on: The Christmas Card & the Candy Cane from Mommy Minded Candy Cane Photo Card ----------------------------------------   a creative spin on: The Wreath & The Snowman from Northwoods Adventures Simple Outdoor Snowman Decoration

Mini Owl Mobile Tutorial ~ Inspired by Microcrafts

Image
Hoo's ready for an adorable and easy craft you  can put together with your child in an afternoon?   Recently, I had the opportunity to review a copy of Microcrafts: Tiny Treasures to Make and Share from Quirk Books.  When I asked my girls to look through the book and decide on a craft for our rainy afternoon, the girls came back bubbling with excitement and the book bulging with bookmarks.  I'd be lying if I said that the girls didn't nearly come to fisticuffs over which project we'd try first. We ultimately decided on the sweet little plush owls on page 53 (from contributor Sarah Goldschadt ).  What I love most about this project is that it makes perfect use of all the leftover fabric scraps I've been saving -- each owl needs only two 4" pieces of fabric!  When the little owls were complete, we hung them from a twig framework to create whimsical mobiles. Here's how to make your own Mini Owl Mobile: Mini Owl Mobile

Pumpkin Spice Cake for the Perfect Fall Brunch or Breakfast

Image
Even though our pines don’t give a show of brilliant sunset colors, and our air gets damp and salty, rather than autumn-crisp, there is nevertheless a feeling of coziness and warmth, of homecoming and housewarming, when fall comes around each year. I’m so happy to have the opportunity to share one of my recipes that captures the sweetness and spice of this special season! MY PUMPKIN SPICE CRUMB CAKE is an autumn inspired spin on a classic New York crumb cake – a delicate and tender cake topped with loads of delicious, buttery crumbs with just the right amount of pumpkin and spices. It can be baked days in advance, and is the perfect breakfast or brunch item for a quiet morning after the big feast. Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake For the crumb topping: 1 cup (two sticks) melted butter 2/3 cup granulated sugar 2/3 cup dark brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice ½ teaspoon salt 1/3 cup rolled oats

It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like...
A Little Birdie Told Me...No. 45

Image
Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living! ~ Amanda Bradley ------------------------------------------------ Welcome to  "A Little Birdie Told Me..." Tuesday! If you're here to share a craft, recipe or project post, you'll find the linky and the specifics on how to  join the party after the features below. ------------------------------------------------ Are you ready for the holidays?  Well, if last week's most "clicked" posts are any indication, this is gearing up to be one very creative, colorful and homespun holiday season!  ------------------------------------------------ Felted Wool Christmas Trees from Creative Passage 20 Holiday Wreath Inspirations from Keeping the Christmas Spirit Alive, 365 --------------------------------- If you've been featured  (here or on Facebook ) feel free to grab a &q

CONFESSION: The Day We Ate Pie Off the Floor

Image
  CONFESSION #1 :  In August, my trusty Panasonic Lumix camera broke, and I've been making do with the camera on my iPhone ever since.  So, if you've noticed the photography to be a bit lacking lately, now you know why.   CONFESSION #2 :  For a chance to win a new Cannon Rebel Camera, I'm willing to admit and "out" my entire family with the story of how we all at pie off of the kitchen floor.  When I read about Clorox's Bleach It Away Campaign and the giveaway going on with The SITS Girls , I decide to throw shame and caution to the wind and share my family's sordid Pie-On-the-Floor story.    ---------------------------------- The SITS Girls said:  "Spending time with friends and family can lead to fun and memorable moments, but also some very messy ones. Tell us about the messiest moments that you’ll always remember!" ---------------------------------- About ten years ago, I called upon members of my family for th