Wine Taralli

    First of all, in case any of you were wondering if I'd fallen off the face of the earth recently....no, I'm still here.  But, it's been a very interesting few weeks.  My laptop crashed.....AGAIN !!  It's now up and running and hopefully will keep on working for me without too many more interruptions.

    I've also been in the middle of working on a project that is pretty much consuming my thoughts lately.  It's something I'm excited about doing, but it's also pushing me a bit out of my comfort zone, into some new territory, which means a little added stress for yours-truly.  After I'm finished I'll try and share with you the details, but......for now.......

Chocolate-Espresso Snowballs

    So, I'm not sure if I've mentioned it, but........I love the snow!  I just love to watch it falling outside my window, especially if I'm inside baking Christmas cookies!  Now, if there are kids around, snow usually means.....snowballs.  And, that is why these are the perfect cookies to share with you today......that and the fact that they are delicious!!   Flavored with cocoa and espresso powder, laced with finely chopped pecans, and covered with a dusting of snowy white powdered sugar.....all I can say is YUM!!  Give these a try, and see if they don't become a regular on your Christmas cookie baking list.

Chocolate Anise Biscotti

    Well, I'm moving right along here in this month of chocolate desserts.  Today is Dessert #6!  One week left to indulge my chocolate cravings.........then, back to that wonderful place called balance and moderation, and I don't think it will come a moment too soon!  (Feelin' a little chubby today)

    But, for now........for one more week.......I'll do my best to bring you delicious chocolate goodies.  And these biscotti fit the bill.  They have just the right amount of crunch and I absolutely love the anise flavor in combination with the chocolate!  (Actually, I love the flavor of anise, period!)  If you're unfamiliar with anise/aniseed, it's a flowering plant that comes from the eastern Mediterranean region and also from southwest Asia.  Its flavor is similar to fennel (LOVE!!!) or liquorice.  If you've never tried it, this is the time!

Peanut Butter Cup Surprise Cookies

    O.K., here's February's Chocolate Dessert #2.  Peanut butter and chocolate....a classic combination, and one of my family's favorites.  These cookies are really quick and easy to make and very rich!  They're a great alternative to a cake for a child's birthday party.  Just stack them up attractively on a cake plate, put the appropriate number of candles in some of the tops, and there you go!  Each child gets his own individual dessert!  No cake cutting, no kids complaining that someone else got a bigger piece; you don't even need forks!  These are also a fun treat to pop into a lunchbox (for the kids or the hubby), and a great, quick dessert to make for any get-together. THEY'RE JUST FUN!!    

Spiced and Iced Pumpkin Cookies

   Well, we're into the middle of October already!  Can you believe it?  The holidays will be here before you know it.  I've pretty much decided that fall is my favorite season.  I love the beautiful colored leaves, the crispness in the air, and the fruits and vegetables that start showing up at farmer's markets and in the grocery store.  My taste buds start wanting  foods that are a little earthier, a little heartier, and  those that have the spicy tastes of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, etc... foods  that hint of the holidays to come.  Apples and pumpkins and pears, Oh my!! ( Did I mention that I love fall? )