Tunnel of Fudge Cake

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Tunnel of Fudge Cake, chocolate cake, chocolate lava cake, dessert

This sinfully delightful cake is a chocolate lover’s dream. In the first step, you literally paint (with a pastry brush) a buttery-chocolate mixture over the pan. Whoever thought of adding cocoa powder to melted butter is a genius! The first step should set the mood for this cake, and it’s only the beginning.

This dessert’s texture is amazing. The first time I tasted this cake, when my good friend Laila brought it over, I fell in love with it. What could the semi-molten chocolate center be made of? Imagine my surprise at hearing that it was all made with the same batter despite its different textures. The exterior has the consistency of a chocolate brownie, fading to a traditional cake-like texture, and then finally melting into a lava-esque, moist center. read more

Sparkling Red Wine Cocktails

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Sparkling Red Wine Cocktails, Cheddar Cheese, sweet pickles, cocktail onions, pickled onions, skewersAppetizers and cocktails make a great start to any party or gathering. It’s a nice way to tide people over until dinner is ready and everyone has arrived. These simple but good cheese-and-pickle skewers can be easily prepped beforehand. They combine sweet, crunchy pickles with mild, creamy cheddar cheese–the refreshing cocktail onions balance everything out nicely.

Sparkling Red Wine Cocktails, Lambrusco, Sparkling orange beverage, Orangina, Whiskey, Bourbon

The cocktails can be made in a pitcher, shortly beforehand, freeing you to socialize when guests arrive. But cocktails can be tricky: ratios do matter, as do individual ingredients. The first time I made this, I was a little impatient. I’d just made an elaborate dinner and thought I’d wing it. How much could ratios really matter? read more

Coriander Fish with Lemon Rice

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Coriander Fish with Lemon Rice, Spice-rubbed fish, Lemon, Zucchini, Rice, Tilapia, Dinner, Weeknight dinner, spice mix

This meal is flavorful, fast, and healthy. With very little prep required and the use of only one pot, this meal is great for a busy week night. The zest, lemon juice, and poppy seeds transform ordinary rice into a satisfying, citrusy delight. The spice-rubbed fish is placed over the rice and is steamed, producing a very healthy alternative to sautéing or frying. The coriander spice mix complements the flavors of the rice with the citrus-like flavor of the coriander, while the ginger and paprika add spicy, sweet notes. A truly, satisfying dish. read more

Sour Cream Pound Cake

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Sour Cream Pound Cake

This post is dedicated to my grandfather, whose 78th birthday was yesterday, January 10. This recipe has been in the family for over 40 years and is one of his signature dishes. The pound cake’s name is derived from the face that, traditionally, a pound of each of the essential ingredients in it—butter, sugar, eggs, and flour—was used. Over the years my grandfather has perfected our pound cake recipe, which is used by family and friends from Florida to California and even as far away as New Zealand. It’s a versatile, adaptible cake, with varities including lemon, banana, and sheet cake. read more

Glühwein

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Glühwein, German mulled wine, German spiced wine

Glühwein (glow wine) is a German hot spiced wine, typically served during the winter months and is especially popular around Christmas time. Corey and I were first introduced to Glühwein this December when we went to the Christkindlmarket in downtown Chicago. The Chriskindlmarket offers a variety of tradional German fare, such as currywurst, sauerbraten, schnitzel, bavarian pretzels, sauerkraut, and variety of German beers.

Glühwein, Christkindlmarket Mug

The signature drink at the Christkindlmarket has to be the Glühwein, which is served in a cute boot-shaped mug. When we first entered the market almost everyone of drinking age, was holding a mug of Glühwein and I knew if I didn’t try anything else I would have to try the German mulled wine. Glühwein will warm the body and the citrus and spices add a pleasant touch to ordinary red wine. It is the perfect drink on a cold, winter night. read more