This past weekend I took a much needed (and very much enjoyed) long weekend. And how did I spend it? At the beach, of course! I don’t get to spend nearly as much time with my dad (or any of my family, for that matter!) as I would like to, so when I realized there were a few extra vacation days in my reserve, I took full advantage of some father-daughter bonding time. We spent three days at the beach, … Read More
Holiday Fruit Pie
The emotional connection I have with this pie is a little bit ridiculous. Perhaps it’s borderline obsessive. It was part of the November 2009 “Easy Holiday Baking” feature in Better Homes and Gardens – the first project I worked on while I was an intern at the magazine. And while I wasn’t the creator of the recipe, I did see it through from conceptualization to testing to photography and finally, I wrote the copy to accompany this amazing dessert. Last … Read More
Pumpkin Spice Shortbread Truffles
Happy Monday everyone! Since I ended last week on a healthy note, I thought it was a good idea to start this week off with something a little more decadent. Something you could serve to loved ones over the holidays, or just make on a Monday night and eat yourself. I’ve made versions of these truffles before, with peanut butter and Oreo filling, which are both delicious, but I was looking for something a little different. So when Walkers … Read More
Fruit and Nut Sweet Bites
If you’re anything like me, chances are you crave a little something sweet at the end of every meal. I don’t care how stuffed I am. It doesn’t have to be much; a bite or two is enough to keep the cravings at bay. Lately I’ve been experimenting with sweet bites that won’t compromise my healthy lifestyle too much. And since willpower in the face of baked goods isn’t my specialty, having just a bite of pie or ice cream … Read More
Autumn Chopped Salad
Photo Courtesy of Richard Swearinger, BHG Food Editor Extraordinaire If you’re stopping by from Pinterest, welcome! I’m happy you took the time to visit Espresso and Cream and hope you’ll stay a while. For more information about me and this site, swing by the About Me page at the top. -Madison I love my job. Honestly, if I didn’t there would be something seriously wrong with me. To be surrounded by delicious food and stimulating people day after day is … Read More
Cashew Butter
Wow. This weekend was absolutely crazy! It started off with a trip to the DMV to renew my driver’s license, which has been expired since my birthday last month. And like most other people, my experience was excruciating. Slow, disorganized, rude. But I felt much better getting on the road up to Minneapolis knowing I was driving with a legal license, and my new photo turned out pretty good, too. After four hours of driving I made it up to … Read More
Molasses Crinkles
In my opinion, there’s a lot to love about Thursdays. I think it has something to do with the anticipation of the weekend and the fun that’s coming. Especially in the case of this weekend! Joey and I will be meeting up in Minneapolis for another Bethel football game and to spend some time with his family, including his aunt, uncle and cousins from Wisconsin. Don’t worry, I’m already charging my camera and have set a reminder on my … Read More
Candy Pumpkin Peanut Butter Kisses
It’s official. The Sunday night blues have set in yet again. Typically I consider myself a happy, positive person, but it’s tough to find the joy in Sunday nights sometimes. After a wonderful weekend with two of my favorite people in the whole world I now find myself cleaning up my apartment and getting ready for the week ahead with my mom traveling home in one direction, and Joey heading home in the opposite direction. Lately, what Joey and I … Read More
Butterfinger-Pumpkin Bread
Having candy on hand in my apartment is a rarity. In fact, I rarely even have chocolate chips lying around. Some baker I am. Thankfully, I live within walking distance of Target, making it easy to go grab supplies and a whole lot less tempting than having chocolate in the house. But last week while Joey (yes, I’ve decided to start calling him by his real name!) and I were up in Minneapolis, his mom sent us all home with … Read More
Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes
Cue the Jack Johnson song because I’m making banana pancakes. And you should, too. Actually, I’ve been making banana pancakes for over a week now and am convinced these pancakes are the best breakfast yet on Espresso and Cream. This recipe is loosely adapted from the buttermilk pancakes in my most recent cookbook obsession, Gourmet Today. I’ve been reading and cooking my way through it, recipe after delicious recipe, entirely shocked it sat unused on my shelf for almost a … Read More
Candy Corn Cupcakes
Every year around this time, I realize I’m not a Halloween person. Candy, scary movies, haunted houses – no thanks. And don’t get me started about what Halloween means when you’re a college student. Not my cup of tea. But for fear of being seen as the Grinch of October, I’ve made an attempt at Halloween-themed baking. Maybe it’s a bit of a stretch. In fact, one of my co-workers told me the concept was lost on him, but the … Read More
Oatmeal Raisin Peanut Cookies
As much as I enjoy a good recipe, I’m just as much a sucker for all things pretty. I’m not overly girly, but give me a piece of lace, a ruffle, floral pattern or cookies tied up in a ribbon and I swoon. Fact: When I was a little girl, my mom hardly ever let me out of the house without a giant bow perched atop my head. To this day, I plan to do the very same thing … Read More