Lychee Compote with Raspberries and Champagne Gelée

Everyone knows the best way to kick off a NYE party is with a tall glass of sweet bubbly.  But, what if you could have your champagne and eat it too?  You can do exactly that with this yummy, boozy dessert.  It's got champagne and all its tiny bubbles in a jiggly-jello form.  It's like a jello shot, but with class.  OK, I'm sorry I said that.  I've had a few jello shots in my past, I admit.  But, once you taste the champagne gelée in this dessert, you'll never want to force those vodka laced jello cubes down your throat again. The sweetness of the lychees and slight tartness of the raspberries lend this dessert a refreshing finish, perfect for following that enormous last-meal-of-the-year you'll be having later tonight.  I feel stuffed just thinking about it.

Mint Chocolate Macarons

T'was the day before Christmas and all through the house, 

All the kitchen appliances were stirring, while lounging away was my spouse.  

Many cookies and cakes I've baked with much care, 

In hopes that the test tasters would send "Mmmm's" through the air.  

The baking ingredients were nestled all snug on their shelves, 

Wishing they'd be made into treats for Santa's elves.

And when I first saw the peppermint extract at the store, 

I've been wondering and thinking what recipe to use it for.  

When there from the fridge came an inspired and clear vision, 

I joyously jumped for my very good decision.         

Magic Custard Cake

With the magic of the holiday season in the air, I thought I'd finally share this magical recipe with you.  This cake is perfect for the winter season, especially if you want to avoid the chilly outdoors and just stay in.  I bet you probably have all the ingredients for this recipe sitting in your cupboards and fridge right now.  And if you don't, I'm sure your good neighbors will lend you some of theirs. Just be sure to give them a slice or two of this cake when it's done.....if you're willing to part with them, that is.

Christmas Devil's Food Cake

I know there's no such term as a "Christmas Devil," but it kinda has a nice ring to it, don't you think? It's what I'd call those moronic people who have the nerve to tackle others to the floor in the middle of the toy aisle, just to get their hands on the hottest toy of the year so that their kids will love them for a good 29 seconds on Christmas morning.  Luckily, I've never been a victim of one of these Christmas Devils or witnessed their terrorizing first-hand, but I do believe it happens.  Haven't you seen the movie "Jingle All The Way," starring Arnold Schwarzenegger?? Granted, I probably shouldn't base my beliefs around what happens in Schwarzenegger movies, but that one is somewhat tolerable and gives you that good ol' warm and fuzzy holiday feeling.

Eggnog Macarons

Don't you just love the holidays?  It's my most favorite time of the year!  If you haven't started listening to the Christmas station on the radio, you better get a move on.  You're really missing out on all the fun of singing along to Wham's "Last Christmas." Yes, it's one of my favorites.  I'm not ashamed to admit it.  But, don't worry.  If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, just tune into KOIT 96.5 FM.  You'll hear it within the next two hours, I guarantee it.  I have a theory that they intentionally refrain from updating their Christmas playlist so the lyrics become so ingrained in your head that you can't help but to sing-a-long.  Not that I mind.  I actually love singing along to the same songs year after year after year.  :)

Meyer Lemon Pound Cake

I was very lucky to receive some beautiful Meyer lemons from a colleague right before Thanksgiving.  Since I didn't have time to use them that week, I put them in the fridge so they wouldn't rot (heaven forbid!), and I've been thinking about them ever since.

I've never baked with Meyer lemons before, so I was really excited to search for the perfect recipe for them.  One that would let them flaunt their bright, citrus-y sweet flavor.  That's when I found this Meyer lemon pound cake recipe.  It has double the lemon flavor, both in the pound cake and lemon glaze......score!  But, I had just a little problem.  I didn't have enough Meyer lemons.  Of course, this kind of thing always happens to me.

Chocolate Pot de Creme

I am exhausted.  I had two very productive days of shopping the after-Thanksgiving sales in Oregon with zero percent sales tax (woo hoo!!).  Add onto that a 6:00 am flight back home today, which means I've been up and about since 3:30 this morning.  I'm bordering on being in a zombie-like state right now.  I told MAC earlier tonight, as he was laying very tiredly on the sofa, to start thinking about getting ready for bed.  Then I looked at the clock.  It said 6:22 pm. Ha ha!  We both had a good laugh, then perked up a little.  We refused to succumb to 72-year old behavior just yet.

Even though I am sitting here with my eyes drooping, I'm writing this post to help keep myself awake.  In fact, I could really use one of these chocolate packed desserts to give me a nice little caffeine buzz, but they're all gone.  Eaten.  And they were delicious.  Just as well, though.  Last week I had one of these for dessert after dinner and couldn't fall asleep until about 1:00 am. I'm a caffeine light-weight, or "cheap date" as some of you might say.  There's a lot of chocolate in this recipe, so if you are like me, heed this warning.