Flourless Chocolate Cake | Practical Magic

Welcome to the first edition of the (Vampires, Witches, and Zombies - oh my!) Book and a Movie Challenge of 2017!  Last year, I joined my friend Kimberly of Coffee and Casseroles in her monthly pursuit of exploring vampires through books and film, this year she's expanded to add witches and zombies to the mix, with posts being every other month. We're kicking off a new year with the book Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, and its movie adaption.

Chocolate Chip Walnut Streusel Coffee Cake

Are you ready to make the most insane, over-the-top coffee cake in the history of ever? We're talking a super thick layer of streusel sitting boldy atop a sour cream cake swirled with a spiced cocoa and walnut mixture and dotted with chocolate bits. You'll have no less than 5 dirty bowls staring you in the face once you slide the pan in the oven, but every single one is worth it.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Growing up in the Midwest, I've drunk my fair share of hot cocoa. I mean, there's nothing like coming in from a hard day of trudging up a snowy hill (after the fun sliding down part) over and over again, or building a snow fort, or having a snowball fight, to a mug of steaming chocolate. It's a winter time staple!

But the thing is, ours always came from a round, lined cardboard canister of Swiss Miss. Well no, sometimes we had the boxes with individual packets. And I won't lie, I always liked the kind with the crunchy, dehydrated marshmallows. Or, if somebody didn't get to the bag, we'd pile on soft mini marshmallows—and that was good, too.

Caramel Shortbread Squares, guest post by author RaeAnne Thayne

Please help me welcome bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne to the blog today as part of the Winter Holiday Recipes (and reads!) event with TLC Book Tours. RaeAnne will be introducing her new release and sharing a recipe inspired by her latest Haven Point book. Plus, enter for a chance to win a baking-inspired prize pack further down in this post!

Easy Beetlejuice Truffles | #FoodnFlix

This month's Food 'n Flix pick is the kooky 1988 Tim Burton flick, Beetlejuice! It's a perfect choice for Halloween month, which also happens to be the Fandom Foodies #Burtoween event, hosted by Carrie at Witchy Kitchen. Beetlejuice was released when I was in 7th grade and was my introduction to the dark and magical world of Tim Burton. I mean, aside from Pee Wee's Big Adventure, which I never even realized was TB until recently.

If, for some odd reason, you're not familiar with Beetlejuice, it's the story of Adam and Barbara Maitland, a young couple who dies after their car goes off of a bridge not too far from their home. At first, they don't realize that they've died, since they wind up back in their beloved home. That is, until they realize that nobody else can see them and they stumble upon the Handbook for the Recently Deceased in their attic.

Hot Cocoa Ice Cream inspired by The Branson Beauty

The book tour stops here today for The Branson Beauty, the debut novel by Claire Booth. The first in a planned series, this mystery is set in the Ozark region of southern Missouri, during the wintertime. Recently appointed sheriff Hank Worth responds to an emergency call, where a popular local attraction The Branson Beauty, a showboat, has crashed and its paddlewheel has been wedged into some boulders.

In a county that's low on both fund and resources, rescuing the 100 people on the boat, most of whom are elderly (some in wheelchairs) in freezing weather conditions proves to be a challenge...which turns out to be minor compared to the dead body of a beloved young local track star he finds locked in the boat's private dining room.

Frozen Mexican Hot Chocolate with Liquefied Prom Queen Brains inspired by iZombie

I've been wanting to do an iZombie-inspired post for quite some time now, and with tonight being the 2-hour season two finale, I figured there was no time like the present. If you're not familiar with iZombie, you might be thinking "oh no, not another zombie show". But it's so different from all of the others out there right now, that I recommend not dismissing it before you've watched a couple of episodes (because then you hopefully won't want to).

iZombie airs on The CW and is based on the DC Comics' Vertigo imprint I, Zombie that was created in 2010. I've ever read the comics, but the title sequence and some scene openers throughout each show are in "comic form". Our lead character, Liv is scratched at a party in the first episode and wakes up a zombie. In this show you can recognize zombies by their white hair and skin—initially, as some choose to die their hair and visit a tanning bed.

Buttermilk Biscuits w/ Chocolate Gravy (inspired by Last in a Long Line of Rebels)

I always find it funny that as somebody a little older than the recommended age for a book, I can enjoy it so much. Such is the case with Last in a Long Line of Rebels. Recommended for ages 9 to 12, 5th grade and up, I'm slightly out of that age range...and  yet, I enjoyed every last page. I'd say that's a credit to the well-written story infused with mystery, history, intrigue, and a cast full of fun characters.

This is the story of 12-year old Lou Mayhew and her quest to save her 175-year old family home. With the help of friends, family, and a whole lot of gumption, she dusts off old family secrets and legends in the hunt to find some gold that's been long rumored to be buried on her family's land. It was a quick read from front to back that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Bars

Thank you to Meijer for sending me a box of essential health products to kick-start my health, fitness, and diet goals in the new year! All opinions shared in this post are my own.

Well friends, we are officially into the third week of 2016. I meant to share this post with you in the first week, but this year started off very rough for my family. It's not something that I'm ready to talk about yet, but I will be soon. So, I apologize for starting the year a couple of weeks late.

Tell me, did you make any resolutions or set any goals for yourself this year? I've never been big on resolutions, since any I set seemed like things I should always be striving for anyway. So, I tend to call them goals instead. But really, I guess they're just the same thing—changes, improvements, and things I want to accomplish going forward. One foot in front of the other seemed like a good place to start recently.

Double Chocolate Peppermint Granola

This granola (and what goes into it) is something that I've been wanting to share with you since October! With its double-dose of chocolatey goodness laced with fragrant peppermint, it is perfect for the holiday season. I mean, chocolate and mint is a great year-round combination, but there's just something about it that screams winter to me.

Normally I'm a granola for breakfast kind of girl, but this version tastes so sinful that you'll totally want to eat it for dessert—which is the first reason I'm sharing it with you during Christmas Week (which is all about the sweets). The second reason is that it makes a perfect homemade gift when stored in a pretty jar or container wrapped with a ribbon. Best of all...it's pretty much the easiest thing in the world to make.

Anise-scented Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Although I'd like to celebrate every day like it's National Brownie Day, today is the "official" date. In the spirit of truth and brownies, I have an admission to make. I make brownies from a boxed mix 85% of the time. It's not because I'm lazy (okay, it's not usually because I'm lazy), I just like them. I grew up on brownies made from a boxed mix and I've always kept a box in my pantry for emergencies.

Sometimes I make brownies from scratch, but I like the fact that if I have 5 minutes, some vegetable oil and a couple of eggs, we're having warm gooey brownies an hour later. So, don't judge and I promise I won't judge you if you want to make your brownies from scratch every single time.

Chocolate Fruit 'n Nut Bites

Here's the thing, I love holiday baking. The planning, the process, the wrapping, the handing out to teachers, bus drivers, neighbors, and loved ones...or at least, I used to. I'd still love it if I could only find the time to do it. For the past 5 or 6 years, it seems like I go to sleep after a satisfying Thanksgiving meal and wake up a few days before Christmas in a panic. The holidays are stressful, yo.

But I do my best to wake up in the middle of it all and actually get something done. Therefore, easy holiday baking and treat recipes are a life saver. And really, these chocolate fruit 'n nut bites couldn't be any simpler. There's not really even a recipe, but I did write down approximate amounts of what I used so that you could have a bit of a guideline to go off of.

Ginger and Rye Truffles

This is a sponsored post written by me on half of Templeton Rye and Simply Organic on behalf of The Baddish Group. All opinions are my own.

My grandparents have a turntable cabinet in their kitchen, and I was fascinated by it when I was little. It's where they kept boxes of cereal, snacks...and liquor bottles. I didn't really think anything of it, but it gives me a good giggle now. I suppose we use our space the best we know how.

The liquor bottles always stayed in the same spot (that I knew of) until the holidays rolled around, then they were pulled out and set on the counter with a big bottle of gingerale. I know now that those were bottles of whiskey.

On the other side of the counter were plates and extra tins full of chocolates, candies, and cookies that my grandma had made all week long. The family would gather at my grandparent's house, chocolate and whiskey-ginger cocktails in the appropriate hands as the day wore on.

The cast of The Wanderer's Children talks FOOD, plus a recipe for Chocolate Soufflés!

Heads-up—this is a lengthy feature, but it includes a review, an interview, a sinfully delicious chocolate soufflé recipe, a 50% book discount code, and a ridiculously cool giveaway. If you could carve 10-15 minutes out of your day for a little escape, I'd love it if you'd take that escape with me here today.

I love finding a good book series.  Sometimes I "discover" them late in the game and come home from the library with a stack of them—because I have to start from the beginning (I'm the same way with tv series). Other times I'm lucky and discover them from book one. That's what happened with The Angelorum Twelve Chronicles by L.G. O'Connor. Now, at first I wasn't so sure. That hesitation had nothing to do with the fantasy or paranormal aspect of the books—angels, demons, and looking beyond are a draw in my book. It was the romance part of the equation I wasn't so sure about.

Before I read Trinity Stones, I'd never read a romance novel in my (at the time) 38 years. I just never had any interest in them. My experience with them only goes as far as standing in front of the small bookshelf at the supermarket when I was in elementary school. I'd study the men with muscles defined under their flowing shirts, long hair whipped back in an unseen wind. I was fascinated, yet I can't remember ever picking one up and flipping through it. I'd reach for a Stephen King novel instead. But apparently, I don't mind a little paranormal romance. Though I do still feel like I need to read it when the kids are in bed or at school (or look over my shoulder the whole time...because everybody knows kids magically appear there at the most inopportune times).

Nine months ago I stumbled into the world of the Angelorum not knowing what to expect. And like so many times before, I've been mentally willing the author to write faster! I love to savor a new book in a series, but have a hard time not just devouring it after the wait. Book two did not disappoint. O'Connor introduces us to a few new members of "the twelve" in this book. There are actually a sizeable number of characters (aka cast members)—but the story calls for it. In book one, we were introduced to Cara and Simon. I'd consider them the main characters. Michael, Sienna, Kai, and a several others were also introduced, but seemed to be more supporting characters. In this book, Michael and Sienna come to the forefront and we get to know more about what makes them tick. Kai, Brett, Angel, Paco...all of their stories are simmering on the backburner, as well...waiting to have their turn in future books.

Black Garlic Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream #NationalGarlicDay

The day that I've been promising you for the past 4 or 5 years has finally arrived. The day that I share with you a big bowl of GARLIC ICE CREAM! I've made a few garlicky desserts in my day. One that I've mentioned, but never actually shared with you, Pineapple-Garlic Upside Down Cake (imagine roasted garlic cloves in place of the maraschino cherries). And then couple of years ago, I shared an Apple Spice Cake with Roasted Garlic and Honey-Poached Garlic Sauce.

I can't help it, I'm drawn to the unusual!

But not only the unusual, as pretty much anything with garlic is good in my book. My old standby and perennial favorite is Chicken with 40 Cloves. Garlic Soup in pretty much any form is also something that I can't get enough of. One of my favorite treats is topping a round of Brie with as many roasted garlic cloves as I can fit on top, and then sliding it into a hot oven until the brie is soft. Give me that, a loaf of crusty bread, and a bottle of wine...good lawd, call it a day.

Sweet & Salty Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies inspired by Stranger Than Fiction {food 'n flix}

This month's Food 'n Flix pick is another one that doesn't necessarily fall into the "foodie film" category. Since I hadn't seen it since around the time it first came out, I rented it from the library and sat down to watch it one morning when I was the only one at home. It was like watching it for the first time...again.

Our main character, Harold, is an IRS agent who lives a life of routine. We know because the narrator leads us through it. Only she's not just a narrator, she's a successful author riddled with a severe case of writer's block, and Harold is the main character in the novel she is currently writing. But somehow, he's also a real person.

"Little did he know that this simple, seemingly innocuous act would result in his imminent death."

"Magic" Brownies ...inspired by The Breakfast Club {food 'n flix}

Sometimes it's good to go outside of the box. Take for example this month's Food 'n Flix pick. Our host, Debra, chose one of my all-time favorite movies, The Breakfast Club. Yes, it has the name of a meal in the title, but the movie itself is not really a foodie-movie. We don't let that stop us. No, not the royal we, the food 'n flix gang we.

I don't even know where to begin on this one. First of all, I don't think that there's a single person out there who has not seen The Breakfast Club. Right? Please don't answer if you're going to say no. Just go watch it and come back; we'll pretend like the "never seen it" part didn't happen. Of course, I'm an eighties child. Maybe it's just a prerequisite of my generation. And being a parent, I have now also seen the 30-minute "re-do" in the form of Victorious. I'll admit, it was cute. I love the kid's shows that are made as much for the parents as they are for the kids.

But anyway. I contemplated making a good breakfast for them to eat in detention. Or perhaps some sushi for Claire. I even toyed with the idea of using Pixie Stix and/or Cap'n Crunch in honor of Allison's lunch. Maybe a hearty meal fit for Andrew, the high school athlete. I'm thinking Brian may have happy with a typical 80's brown bag lunch of a sandwich, Doritos, a piece of fruit, and a juice box. And Bender...well...I could have thrown a Coke and cigarettes in front of him and I'm guessing he'd be totally okay with it.

Artisan Chocolate Bars + @SucreNewOrleans Giveaway!

When I was a teenager, I had a poster on my bedroom wall with the title "Life's Lessons".  It had phrases listed on it like:  Always buy lemonade from a child's lemonade stand and Never refuse homemade brownies.   Okay, it was one of those taller, thinner-style, thick-papered posters with a ton of the same type of sayings all over it.  And for some reason, those are the only two that I can still remember.  And, of course, they both concern food.  Go figure.

Basically, the poster just reinforced the lesson of being a good person.  Being Kind.  Live like you were dying.  Dance like no one's watching.  That sort of thing.  And yes, I also had a Mean People Suck sticker on my dorm-fridge.  I'm that girl.  I believe in doing unto others, and karma and sh*t.

Now, while I don't think that the phrase Never refuse an offering of Artisan Chocolates was on that poster - it totally belonged there.  Because I am a firm believer in that notion.  If somebody offers you seven beautiful bars of chocolate, ranging from creamy white to smooth milk to crispy bittersweet?  Welcome it into your life with open arms.  Accepting that gift will make you a happier person.  And I know this from experience.

Yes, when the fine people at Sucré asked me if I'd be interested in trying their Seven Artisan Chocolate Bar collection, I did accept.  And I tasted each and every single bar.  It's hard to choose a favorite.  If forced, I'd probably go with the Nibs & Brittle or the Sicilian Pistachio & Rose Petal.  But each and every one was ridiculous.  Fortunately, there was more than enough chocolate for me to share - which should definitely be another one of life's lessons, by the way:  Always share your chocolate with others.

So, just as Sucré is sharing their chocolate (they also shared their Macarons, if you remember) with me - they are also sharing it with one of YOU!  That's right, they've offered to send a pack of Seven Artisan Chocolate Bars to one of my readers, as well.

Giveaway

This giveaway is open to residents of the US only.  Submissions are due by 11:59 pm (ET) on Sunday, September 1, 2013.  The winner will be contacted within 48 hours of the close of this contest, and given 24 hours to respond.  If they have not responded within that time frame, a new winner will be chosen.

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment on this blog post letting me know which variety of these Artisan Chocolate Bars from Sucré that you are most excited to try.  Once you've left a comment, be sure to click the appropriate box on the Rafflecopter widget within this post (below).

Extra (optional) Entries can be earned after you've completed this first entry.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


I received one Seven Chocolate Bar Collection at no cost from Sucré; Sucré is providing the same thing for one giveaway winner.  I received no compensation for this post, and all opinions stated within are 100% my own.

(sorta-) Homemade Ice Cream Bars {#ChocolateParty}

I feel like these bars are kind of like cheating.  I mean sure, they're made at home.  But I feel weird calling them homemade since I use store-bought ice cream.  I have every intention of making a homemade ice cream bar using a from-scratch ice cream base one of these days, but I just haven't gotten around to it yet.  Basically, I'm considering these a test run.

As you can see from the photos, the chocolate coating is way too thick.  And I don't know why I did that.  I mean, in my mind, I picture that thin, chocolate shell that surrounds the ice cream bars of my childhood.  And yet, it's like I was possessed during the dipping process.  I went in for a double-dip when I knew deep down that it wasn't necessary.  Trust me, it's not necessary.  One dip'll do ya!

And looking at these from an experimental point of view, I have to say that they were fairly successful.  Especially since earlier that day, I just tried slicing a box of ice cream into rectangles and dipping them in chocolate.  They were tasty, but in a totally unsuccessful way.  I found that the ice cream just didn't get hard enough that way.  Basically, we were eating chocolate shell covered ice cream from a baking tray.

Pretty sure my kids would those some happy mistakes.  I'll let you know once I come up with an entirely homemade version, but until then - enjoy these!

(sorta-) Homemade Ice Cream Bars + Magic Shell

by Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez

Prep Time: 6-8 hours (mostly unattended)

Cook Time: n/a

Keywords: dessert chocolate frozen popsicles summer

Ingredients (4 (3 ounce) Ice Cream Bars)

for the inner bar:

• 8 ounces ice cream (any flavor)
• 1/2 cup (4 fluid ounces) heavy cream

for the chocolate coating (aka Magic Shell):

• 8 ounces chocolate, chopped (bittersweet, dark, milk, white)
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) coconut oil

Instructions

to make the inner ice cream bar:

Whisk together the ice cream and heavy cream until they are smooth; chunks of cookie, candy, whatever are fine depending on what flavor of ice cream you chose, it's the mixture they're suspended in that should be smooth.

Divide mixture evenly into ice pop molds and freeze until solid, about 4 hours, adding wooden sticks at the correct time for your particular molds (I usually do this after 1 hour).

making the chocolate coating (aka Magic Shell):

Combine chocolate and coconut oil in a small bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Remove from microwave and whisk together. Mixture should be smooth and melted entirely...if it's not, return to microwave for another fifteen seconds. Set aside and allow to cool to room temperature.

finishing:

Remove the frozen ice cream bars from their molds (run mold under hot water until just loose enough to pull out. Set on a wax or parchment paper lined sheet and freeze for 20-30 minutes, or until the outsides have again frozen completely.

Working quickly, grab each ice cream bar by the stick and dip each side and top into the room temperature Magic Shell coating. Set back onto the lined tray and freeze for 1-2 hours. The longer they stay in the freezer, the easier they will be to eat (soft ice cream centers make it messier...I know from experience).

notes:

The Magic Shell coating can be transferred to a squeeze bottle once it cools to room temperature. Just be sure it is capped (and then continue to store at room temperature). Squeeze it over ice cream and watch it harden into that magical shell coating you remember from your childhood. There are just some things that we never grow out of!

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How to participate in #ChocolateParty (the rules):

1. Blog about your chocolate treat. Your recipe must include the two ingredients chosen for the month. It can be a simple no bake treat or a sophisticated layer cake, the complexity level of the recipe is totally up to you.
2. Include a link back to the Chocolate Party page.  Optionally, add the Chocolate Party logo in your blog post or on your sidebar. 
3. Your recipe must be published during the current month. Please do not link old recipes, they will be deleted.

This month's two ingredients are: Chocolate + Ice Cream

Fudgy Cathedral Cookies

There WILL be sugar.

Consider yourself warned.  Yes, that's right.  I'm doing something that I rarely do.  All desserts (or sweet things).  All week long.  Starting right now.  If you're wondering why, well... it's because the season of sweets is upon us.  Holiday baking.  Cookie exchanges.  Cookie trays.  Tins filled with holiday cookies, candies, and chocolates.  Sugar, sugar, sugar!  You've probably noticed.

Now, I'm usually a last-minute-Louise.  I admit it.  I even gave it a go a couple of months back... you know... the whole "getting started with your holiday treats early"-thing?  I made it a whole week.  Hey, I consider that progress.  But to make up for ultimately being a holiday baking slacker, I'm shoving a whole week's worth of treats in your face all at once.  You're welcome.  Uh yeah, that was so Sadie of me.  And yes, I am way too old to be referencing Awkward.  What evs.

Where was I?  I get off track so easily.  See.  Is it any wonder that I made it only one week?  So.  This week.  All week long.  I'm teaming up with a group of tasty bloggers to bring you all the Christmas (or insert your holiday here) treats you can handle!  There's even themes - today's being 'cookies and bars'.  Now, how's about a cookie?

I have finally found a use for those awesome(-ly disgusting) little fruit-flavored colored marshmallows!  You know the ones?  You throw them in your cart every couple of years or so because they're so pretty and pastel.  And you've forgotten how bad they actually taste.  Well, when combined with fudgy chocolate, walnuts, and coconut - they rock!  That little bit of "citrus"?  Good!  And let me give you a tip - keep 'em in a freezer baggie...in the freezer...and pull them out only when you're ready to eat them.  It keeps the marshmallow "windows" all chewy and addictive.  Yes, the "cathedral" comes from the minor resemblance to stained glass windows.

Fudgy Cathedral Cookies

by Heather Schmitt-González

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes

Cook Time: n/a

Keywords: dessert chocolate nuts marshmallows Christmas cookie winter

Ingredients (3-4 dozen)

• 12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 Tbs. butter
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 c. miniature pastel marshmallows
• ½ c. chopped walnuts
• 1 c. flaked coconut

Instructions

Melt chocolate chips and butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Quickly whisk a little of the hot mixture into the egg and then return the whole mixture to the pan, whisking the whole time. Cook and stir over lowest heat for 1-2 minutes.

Pour into a bowl and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Carefully fold in marshmallows and nuts. Chill for 30 minutes.

Lay out a long sheet of waxed paper and plop mixture onto it. Form and roll into a log that is ~1½-inches in diameter. Place coconut on another sheet of waxed paper and carefully lift the log onto it. Roll and press a big to get as much of the coconut to stick as you can. Wrap in that piece of wax paper, twisting and sealing the ends tightly. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight.

Remove wax paper and cut into ¼"-½" slices. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve or assemble cookie trays.

adapted from Best Loved Cookies & Candies

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Welcome to Christmas Week, a multi-blogger event co-hosted by Kim of Cravings of a Lunatic and Jen of Juanita’s Cocina. Each day we will be celebrating a new holiday baking theme where each blogger makes a dish they love. We hope you enjoy this fabulous event. Tune in each day starting Monday December 3rd and ending Friday December 7th.

Today’s theme for Christmas Week is “Cookies and Bars”. Make sure you visit all the participating bloggers today to see what special dish they whipped up for you.

• Mice Cookies from Kim of Cravings of a Lunatic
• Biscoff Blossoms from Jen of Juanita’s Cocina
• Double Chocolate Thumbprints from Liz of That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Cookie Sticks from Anurahda of Baker Street
• Snickerdoodles Snowballs from Kristen of Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker
• Cranberry Pistachio Christmas Biscotti from Isabelle of Crumb
• Mint Chocolate Pudding Cookies from Erin of Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
• Hot Cocoa Blossoms from Erin of Spiffy Cookie
• Jam Thumbprints from Ramona of Curry and Comfort
• Fudgy Cathedral Cookies from Heather of girlichef
• Cherry White Chocolate Chunk Cookies from Cathy of A Dutch Baker’s Daughter
• Cranberry Sauce Brownies from Chung-Ah of Damn Delicious

So, tell me, what are your favorite holiday Cookie and/or Bar recipes?  Feel free to leave links in the comments section.  Remember, all sweets all week long!