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
Confession and Cookies Time: Alfajores
Working as an editor makes writing as a blogger absolutely maddening at times. Throughout the day, I’m constantly thinking about editorial direction and cohesive themes to the pieces and recipes I’m putting into place. There’s a rhyme and a reason for everything, and every recipe serves a purpose. But life as a blogger isn’t nearly as cut and dried. Blogs by their very nature are extensions of the people who write them, and just like people are multi-dimensional, so are … Read More
Back to Basics: Caramel Sauce
Let’s make a deal: if you make this caramel sauce sometime in the next couple days, I’ll be back on Friday with a tempting, mouthwatering way to use said caramel sauce. Well, besides just eating straight out of the jar with a spoon, that is. Go ahead and try it; I won’t judge. Making caramel sauce has been on my list of ‘must make’ items for as long as I can remember. And now that I’ve finally done so, … Read More
Back to Basics: Baked Doughnuts
Happy Monday! Let’s get straight to the food, shall we? Maybe it’s a bit of a stretch to consider doughnuts part of this back to basics series, but for some people doughnuts are a basic breakfast staple. Me? I’m not a huge doughnut eater, but when I came across this recipe for a homemade version that’s baked instead of fried it intrigued me. As with all things homemade, these doughnuts are different than those you might pick up at the … Read More
Easy Coconut Cake
On Friday night I was sitting on my couch, waiting impatiently for J to arrive so the weekend could officially start. And when I heard a knock at the door, I sprung off the couch to answer the door. I wish I would have thought to take a photo of the sight in front of me: J, holding a homemade coconut cake with two candles numbering ’23’ glowing brightly. Seriously one of the best birthday cakes I can remember receiving. … Read More
MultiGrain PB&J Breakfast Cookies
Is it Monday already? If so, I seriously can’t believe it. Every time I go somewhere on the weekend, it becomes so clear that two days just isn’t long enough to get everything done, be rejuvenated and just be wherever you are. J and I made the trek out to Wisconsin for a weekend with some of our favorite people: J’s aunt and uncle and their four very cute kids. I wish I had some photos of the weekend, but … Read More
Lazy Girl Apple Crisp
Despite what the sweets on this site may suggest, I’m a bit of a health nut. I bake because it soothes me, makes me feel happy and gives me a creative outlet. But after one slice, bite or piece is eaten by me, I typically take those baked goods and gift them off for others to enjoy, both because I like to share my baked goods and because I don’t trust myself with an entire cake, pie or dozen … Read More
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
You all had to know another pumpkin recipe was waiting in the wings. After the great pumpkin hunt last week I could hardly wait to start cooking and baking up all sorts of pumpkin-related goodness. Not long after the pumpkin pasta, three days to be exact, I baked up a batch of these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. And since I like to send J on his way back home with a treat for the car ride, I packed theses babies … Read More
Berry Shortbread Cobbler
Anyone want to join me while I go and stick my head under a rock and pretend summer is going to stick around forever? Summer with its juicy berries and crispy veggies, lots of sunlight and dresses-no jacket required. But as the nights get shorter and September comes rushing in, there’s no denying fall, and winter, are on their way. What to do when you can’t stop summer’s departure? Develop a strategy for survival through the cold, winter months and … Read More
Strongbow Hard Cider Cupcakes
Let’s get one thing straight: I am not a passionate beer drinker. In fact, I’m not much for alcohol in general, and when J. and I sit down to have a drink, a half glass of anything is enough to satisfy my tastes. What I am is a Strongbow drinker. Strongbow, as in the English hard cider, my favorite alcoholic beverage, and pretty much the only drink I ever really have a craving for. It’s crisp, and bubbly, and slightly … Read More
Peach Anniversary Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and a Giveaway
This week marks the one year anniversary of Espresso and Cream! And while it pains me to look back at some of my earliest posts, I am so excited about how far my little blog has come and how it will change in the year ahead. I could not have anticipated the kind words, e-mails, and interactions I’ve had with those of you who read Espresso and Cream. Some interactions are with people I know personally and others I know … Read More
Coconut Lace Cookies
Another Monday, another weekend come and gone, and while I’ve never really been the type of person who loathes Mondays, I do loathe the end of the weekend for the sole fact that it means J. and I have to part yet again. As I write this on Sunday night he’s back in the car on his way home to Illinois. I, on the other hand, am cuddled up on my bed watching Netflix on my computer and taking comfort … Read More