Coconut Palmier Hearts

On a previous post, I mentioned that I made these coconut palmiers for a family get-together and they absolutely loved it. Well, I'm finally sharing the quick and easy recipe with you.  And I'm also going to show you how to make them into these cute little hearts.  They're just perfect for Valentine's Day!

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

This weekend my youngest son had his very first chocolate chip cookie...and then his second...and then his third...and then more.  After he drank his rice milk, he looked up at me and gave me a big thumbs up.  My heart...just...melted.

Valentine's Day Desserts

Egg-Free Red Velvet Cupcakes

Hello lovers everywhere! Valentine's Day is just around the corner and if you're planning to seduce your sweetie with a decadent dessert, I have a few sinful suggestions that will definitely get you and your Valentine in a romantic mood.  And what's the magical aphrodisiac in these desserts? Chocolate of course.

Coconut Milk Scones (Vegan)

When I was in college, I used to grab a cup of coffee and a scone in the morning before I head out to class.  I'd sit somewhere in the back of the lecture hall so the professor wouldn't see me and then I'd break off a piece of my scone and quietly eat it.  If I haven't finished it yet, I'd try to eat the rest on my way to my next class or save it for a snack while I was studying. When you're a college student and you don't have time to sit down and eat, you'll just squeeze in the time whenever you can. And that's why scones became my on-the-go snack because I could just keep them in my backpack all day and eat them whenever I had the time.

Coconut and Lime Macaroons (Vegan with Gluten-free Alternative)

It's been a cold and rainy weekend and I'm not liking it too much. There was a little break of sunshine today but the clouds rolled back in by the end of the day. Tomorrow's forecast is even more rain.  This kind of weather just makes me want to stay in bed all day and dream about some tropical island somewhere.  Wouldn't it be nice to just relax on a large hammock under some coconut trees near a white sand beach?  Aaaaaaaaaah...that sounds so perfect right now.  Instead I'm sitting in front of the computer with a space heater directed at me.  Brrrrrrrrrrr

Golden Champagne Truffles

Aren't these truffles absolutely gorgeous?  I thought I'd take some Champagne Truffles and dress them up for New Year's Eve.  I coated them with white chocolate and brushed them with some shimmery gold luster dust. They look almost too pretty to eat!

Graham Cracker Gingerbread House with Marshmallow Icing

I was picking up my son from school last week and he was admiring all the gingerbread houses that the 4th and 5th graders were carrying home.

Son: "Wow! Mom, did they bake ALL those gingerbread houses at school today?"
Me: "No honey, I think those are made out of graham crackers."
Son: "Ooooooooh! Can we make gingerbread houses out of graham crackers too?"
Me: "Sure."

Holiday Candy Ideas

My kitchen has turned into a mini chocolate factory. It's candy making time! For the past few days, I've been filling these boxes with all sorts of mouthwatering candies to give to my friends and family. Yes, it's been a little crazy in the kitchen and I'm sure my lack of sleep has contributed to my loopy mental state, but I think it's all worth the effort in the end. I just couldn't think of anything more special to give to my loved ones than these homemade candies.

Red Wine Truffles with Dried Cherries

I was trying to come up with a new truffle recipe this week and I remembered how much my grandmother Dolores loves Champagne Truffles.  I always send her a box every Christmas along with other sweet treats.  Last year, I actually made them for her 90th birthday celebration. This year, I thought I would create a truffle inspired by her. She's the one who taught me how to make delicious Filipino desserts and I'd like to think I inherited her passion for cooking and baking.  So Lola Do, if you're reading this, I dedicate this truffle to you :-)

Cookie Exchange 2011 Roundup

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone for sharing all your wonderful cookie recipes! To be honest, I was a little nervous about this.  This is the first time I've ever hosted a virtual cookie exchange and I wasn't sure if anyone was going to respond. My stomach was in knots for the past two weeks.  I basically just crossed my fingers, my toes and my eyes, hoping for a good turnout.  So I'm very happy and very grateful to all of you who were so sweet to take time out of your busy holiday schedule to participate in this event.