Dark Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies

Tonight I bring you not a story or explanation. Tonight I bring you a quick message and a delicious recipe.

My message is this:

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! 

I hope you and yours enjoy the spirit and fun of the Holiday and the New Year. I hope that the next few weeks are full of family, friends, love, and joy. 

Thanks for following along my journey this past year. I look for 2013 to be an amazing new year to bring my dreams closer to life, if not to full life. I hope you'll be along for the journey.

..............

And now to the recipe that you MUST make for any Holiday gathering you attend. I promise you everyone who tries one of these will just LOVE you. ;-) Enjoy!

Dark Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Servings: about 48 cake or 24 pies

Ingredients:

1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup dark brown sugar, packed

1 large egg

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

1 1/4 cup milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375º

1. In a medium bowl mix dry ingredients and set aside.

2. In the bowl of a mixer with the whisk attachment, combine the shortening and brown sugar, beat until fluffy. About 3 minutes.

3. Add the egg and vanilla. Beat another 2 minutes.

4. Add 1/3 the flour mixture and beat until combined. Add half the milk and beat until combined. Continue until all flour mixture is gone.

5. Onto greased cookie sheets drop tablespoons of batter about 2 inches apart.

6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, change shelves halfway through baking. 

Traditional Filling

Ingredients:

1 cup shortening

2 cups Marshmallow Fluff

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Directions:

1. In the bowl a mixer with the whisk attachment, combine the shortening and Marshmallow Fluff. Scrap down bowl.

2. Add a 1/2 cup at a time of the powdered sugar.

3. Add vanilla.

4. Put the filling in a large decorating bag or ziploc bag and set aside until ready to fill whoopie pies.

**To make Peppermint Filling simply add 4 drops of a good quality peppermint oil when you add the vanilla. Also, after filling the whoopie pies roll the filling sides in crushed candy canes.

Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pies

Delicious is a light word to describe these dark chocolate flavored treats. The perfect hint of peppermint in the filling and then the added crunch of the crushed candy cane. Heaven. 

I shall share the recipe soon. These will be the perfect treats to take to any upcoming Holiday Festivity. 

A New Baby Shower Cake

A new life to celebrate...Welcome Owen.

My latest cake for a friends baby shower. :-)

Mini Pumpkin Maple Tiramisu

A take on a classic dessert to bring something new to the traditions of Thanksgiving. Mini Pumpkin Maple Tiramisu is a delicious and easy way to achieve just that. 

Ginger Cookies

Over the past few years I've been making these cookies and I haven't shared them on here yet. I was shocked when I realized I hadn't! 

Welcome to Creandé

Welcome to Creandé! 

Formerly this blog was known as The Dreamday Cafe. The reason I have changed the name is to have something a little more solid to start a brand. At this point in time the blog is the extent of the brand, but the future looks bright through my eyes. Certain changes in my life recently have made me open my eyes and mind to the possibilities that are all around. Even if current ventures don't pan out, I am POSITIVE I am on the right path. Just the glimpse of things to possibly come have made me hungry for more. I'm ready to work my butt off reaching for my dreams instead of working my butt off running in circles. I have so many ideas and I can see so much potential around me these days. I couldn't wait any longer to start anew. So, here we are starting a new adventure together. Check back soon for more updates, recipes, and photos. 

A change is coming...

Change seems to be the best word to describe my life lately. Everyday has been bringing a new challenge or blessing for me to take in. It's amazing. Embrace change and embrace you dreams. Believe in what you feel and what you want in life...only YOU can make everything happen.

All of that said, it's almost time for a BIG change with the blog...more to come SOON! :-)

Caramel Apple Cupcakes

When I first think of Fall I immediately think of apples. I know that's a little out of the norm because Fall's most associated with pumpkin. There's a reason apples are my first thought. We have a past.

Anytime I see, eat, or think of apples I remember being a young teen and helping work at one of the local apple orchards. When Fall comes around all I want to do is just go pick apples. The smell of a Macintosh apple is one of the most comforting scents, to me. I'd like to think that the reason I so greatly remember these moments is because it's the first time I did real work. In the years that I continued to help pick apples I grew as an individual. It really taught be a lot about working hard and the rewards of doing so. These days picking and hauling the apples would seem like nothing, but as a growing boy, it was a bit of work. 

Every time I drive past what used to be the apple orchard I relive the moments I had there.  Today, there are no longer hundreds of apple trees, but the house and the little red building, which was the shop, still remain. Each time I see the shop I can remember being in there and just enjoying the amazing aroma of the apples, seeing the jars of local honey on the shelves, and hearing the apples being processed into cider through the doors that led from shop to production. 

The motivation for this recipe came from a visit to the local Farmer's Market. While on my visit there I came across a table that was selling different caramel items. One of those happened to be caramel apples. I didn't snap a photo, oddly, of the one that I purchased but let me just say…WOW. It was a Turtle Caramel Apple. A thick layer of caramel, a healthy dip of chocolate, and a very good portion of pecans. Simply beautiful. I've had the idea of making these cupcakes on the back burner for a while now. After purchasing that apple, I couldn't help but make the cupcakes. 

I searched for a good apple cupcake recipe and came across a few that I thought sounded great. I ended up settling on one and I altered it just a bit to add a little more flavor. The first batch turned out ok, but I'm not happy with just ok. So, I made them again with a few more adjustments and BAM! They turned out "Simply Sinful" as I was told by a lady who indulged in a cupcake. I would have to agree. I am so happy with these cupcakes (I ate 3 right away) that I want to make them everyday! You simply MUST make these cupcakes, even if you don't make the caramel for the top. 

Now, the only Caramel Apple Cupcakes I have ever seen had a popsicle stick or twig in them. I had to change that. Why not make the stick something edible?! So, I brainstormed a bit and I found a great option. I used Wilton Candy Melts and a sucker mold. I melted the candy and put it in a candy squeeze bottle. To finish I simply filled the stick part of the sucker mold. After a quick pop in the freezer they were good to go. I made mine a few days in advance, put them on a plate and tossed them in the freezer until I used them. Simple.

Enough chatter from me…Go make these "simply sinful" cupcakes. Enjoy!

 

Spiced Apple Cupcakes

adapted from Food Network Kitchens

Makes 24 cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla

2 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup apple butter

1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and copped finely

Directions:

1. Line cupcake pans with liners and preheat oven to 350º

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, with the whisk attachment, whisk the butter and sugar until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

3. While the butter/sugar is going in a medium bowl whisk the remaining dry ingredients and set aside.

4. After butter/sugar is creamed add eggs one at a time then add the vanilla.

5. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture, then sour cream, 1/3 flour mixture, then apple butter, and then remaining flour. Do NOT over mix.

6. Fold in the chopped apple. 

7. Fill cupcakes liners 2/3 full. Bake for 15 minutes. Switch racks and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

8. Remove and cool completely.

Caramel Topping

Ingredients:

1 bag Kraft Caramel Squares

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients in a small saucepan.

2. Cook over low heat until smooth.

3. Set aside to cool. Best if placed in refrigerator. 

To assemble the cupcakes:

- with a small spatula top the cupcakes with caramel

- if using pecans simple sprinkle them over the top of the caramel right after you put it on each cupcake

- insert the candy stick just enough for it to stand up

MiPies (Hand Pies): Pumpkin and Bananas Foster Filled

   Lately I've found myself lost in dealing with matters of the heart, family, life directions, and the list goes on. Basically, I've been in need of solid comfort and nothing helps me more than spending some time in the kitchen. With Fall upon is it's been the perfect time to create some hearty comfort foods. Over the last few days I've been getting my therapy by cooking Fall Risotto (Zucchini, Mushroom, and Carrot), Broccoli Cheddar Ale Soup, and some comforting desserts. When it comes to Fall desserts I'm at my peak of sugar high happiness. To me, there is nothing better than warm, spicy and decadent desserts with a good sugar-spice balance to warm the soul. 

There are so many recipes on my list to try, to make my own, and to devour. So many that I got a little overwhelmed but I picked a starting point! 

Hand Pies…which I have decided to call…MiPies

Almond Joy Pie

Sometimes I feel like a nut…sometimes I don't. In the case of desserts, I'm always a nut. 

A few birthday cakes...

Here are a few of the latest cakes I've done. 

Spiced Oatmeal Cookies

Finally, Fall is upon us and it's time for sugar and spice. We all know that and the beautiful colors are what make the season nice. 

Over the past few months I've been working on putting a family cookbook together. While doing so I've been looking over a few recipes. Doing so has lead to rediscovering dishes I had forgotten about and some I've never seen. Along with remembering certain dishes has come some great memories. It's in these moments that I realize food is so much more than a means of living, it's become a passion. From time to time I'll catch myself in a conversation about food and realize that I am just rambling on and on. It's like I'm in a trance or something. Crazy, but a very good crazy. 

I used cookie cutters to make these for a daily photo event on Instagram.

Anywho, back to the topic. When I was going through the cookie recipes I came across one titled Spiced Oatmeal Cookies. I knew instantly I would have to make them. I usually spice oatmeal cookies when I make them, but never thought about really adding spices to amplify the flavor. I LOVE a good oatmeal raisin cookie and what better way to have them than a family recipe! However, after reading through ALL of the recipe I realized it was titled as cookies, but was in fact a cake recipe. In time I think I'll try the cake recipe but for now I just wanted cookies. So, I decided I'd write up a recipe that combined the cake ingredients that I wanted and the traditional oatmeal raisin cookie recipe.

Yes, they do look like hamburgers. haha

In the first recipe I made (I decided to call them Dark and Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies) I added a bit more molasses. When I put in the molasses I thought about ginger and I couldn't resist but add some to the batter. They turned out delicious and chewy, but they weren't quite what I was looking for. The recipe below is for the Spiced Oatmeal Cookies, but I added a note on how to make them Dark and Spicy.

Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Dough

In the second recipe I adjusted a few more ingredients. I added another egg, changed the ginger to coves, and added a little more oats. They turned our GREAT. Soft, chewy, and spicy! 

Enjoy!

Spiced Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

1 stick of butter - softened

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar

2 eggs - room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 Tablespoons molasses

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon cloves

1 1/2 cups oats

1 cup raisins

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350º

1. In the bowl of a mixer beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.

2. While butter and sugars mix, in a separate bowl whisk the flour, soda, powder, salt and spices. Set aside.

3. Add the eggs, vanilla and molasses to the egg mixture.

4. Slowly add the flour mixture.

5. Fold in the oats and then the raisins.

6. Drop on by the Tablespoon on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake 10-12 minutes.

To make Dark and Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies:

Add 1/4 teaspoon ginger and 2 more Tablespoons molasses. 

Ultimate Brownies

Finally! I've settled on my favorite brownie recipe. 

Candy: Gummiecube

http://www.bakerella.com/goodie-goodie/

Candy! I want candy!

These words occasionally (Ok…often!), run though my mind. When I came across this picture (via bakerella) I’m pretty sure my mouth started watering. If there’s one thing that keeps me a kid at heart, it’s candy. You can’t look at that picture and NOT want candy, right?

That photo and post lead to what I thought was going to be a splendid new journey of me making candy…here’s what happened.

Beef Stroganoff w Browned Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Pinterest. I’m addicted! I’m sure most everyone knows what I mean. If you don’t know Pinterest, you must check it out. I have yet to share much of my own posting, but that’s because I’m lost in ALL that there is to see on the site.

I bring up Pinterest because it’s the inspiration or at least the link to this post and recipe. I’m always looking in the food section on Pinterest and I’ve found numerous things I’d like to make. With cool weather looming for a few days recently when I saw Beef Stroganoff I thought it would be perfect. The cool weather always gets me in the mood for nice warm comfort food. That night Beef Stroganoff and Pumpkin Whoopie Pies hit that spot perfectly.

This isn't the best photo, sorry. I was a little excited to devour. 

Where oh where has my Summer gone?

Hello there Folks!

Sorry I've been absent from posting. It's been 2 months, I can't believe it. The reason I've been gone is because my Summer semester in school was consuming all of my free time. Between school and work I didn't have much time at all. I feel like my Summer has just flown by, kind of sad about that. I didn't even really have time to cook proper meals…I won't share what I did eat. I am ashamed of the diet I've had for the past few months. When my classes ended almost 2 weeks ago I went right into inventory at work. I decided after a demanding few months (which were worth it, I finished classes with A's and we had a good inventory) that I would take at least a few days to just relax. Usually, relaxing isn't something I do. I feel like I must be busy, even if I'm siting down I must be doing something (I've discovered that's inherited from my Gma D). I did however make myself take the time to relax. I caught up on some movies, cooked, and have just been enjoying a lazy life. While I was relaxing and deciding what to do with school for the Fall, I did some brainstorming. I have a few things in store for the blog and I can't wait to get started on making my ideas come to life. :-)

Brainstorming over Hot Cocoa yesterday. ;-)

If there's one thing I've learned over the past few months I'd have to say it's that I now know what kind of work load and I can handle. I feel like I've accomplished a lot and I'm ready to tackle the next set of adventures I'm working on. I feel like I'm ready to unleash a little more and really start reaching for a few more goals. I want to be a force of inspiration and I feel like I'm at a place to do it. Let's see where these goals and adventures take me! 

I'll be testing out some new recipes soon. For now I'm just happy to be back in the kitchen cooking and baking. Tomorrow night I'll be making Beef Stroganoff and I can't tell you how excited I am to make this dish. It'll be my first time! I'm going to alter a few things in the recipe, of course, and if it's delicious I'll share the recipe. :-)

Check back soon for some updates and new recipes! Hope all it going well your way. 

Zombie Birthday Cake

The Zombies are COMING! 

The latest cake I've done for a birthday. My best friend loves Zombies so I did this for her birthday. She and everyone at the party love it. :-)

Lego Cake 2

Here is another Lego cake that I did last week.

Lego Birthday Cake

Here are a few photos of my most recent cake. Fondant and I still don't get along well. However, practice makes perfect! In time I know I'll have the art of fondant down. 

The finished cake. My goal was to have more figures but everywhere I went they were out!

The cake assembled. The blocks are all cake and the board is just covered with fondant.

Angry Birds Birthday Cake

My latest cake...Angry Birds! I took the Knock on Wood game and made it into a cake. :-)

Baked Mac & Cheese w Bacon & Caramelized Onions

Tonight I bring you a short entry but a delicious recipe! This is by far the best macaroni and cheese I've made, so far, on my journey to find the perfect baked mac and cheese.

Finally...an update!

In May I will have officially lived alone for a year. Let me say what an amazing year it has been. I have grown so much as an individual and I really have been blessed with new experiences. I think the biggest change that took place this year was actually deciding to go back to school. The reason I've been so quiet here on the blog is because most of my free time has been spent doing homework. I've also been enjoying life a little more. I haven't taken much time to cook. As I near the end of my first semester homework has stopped and it's just studying for finals. I have actually had some free time so I have been back in the kitchen!

I decided to post today so I could sure some photo from the past few months. If you don't follow me on Instagram (@chadizze) then these will be new photos for your viewing pleasure. :-)

Also, I will have a new post soon with a recipe! I finally made a delicious Baked Mac & Cheese...check back in a few days for that.

Clifty Falls State Park Madison, IN
A nice weekend away lead us to a small hike through the start park. Very beautiful and peaceful. This was my favorite location we visited. I even got to climb behind the little waterfall. Very nice time.

My favorite local Bakery Heyerly's Bakery Ossian, IN
Stopped here for a Birthday treat for myself and cupcakes for my birthday lunch. I had the best birthday I have ever had. :-)

I'm all about a quick pasta dish! I usually just use jarred pesto, but this time I decided to make sauce from a few tomatoes I had. The sauce turned out quite delicious. 

Butter Sugar Cookies (recipe to come soon).
I get a craving for sugar cookies sometimes. This time I really wanted some old fashioned soft fluffy cookies. These didn't turn out exactly like I wanted, but they were pretty delicious!

Almond Orange Scones.
These were my first attempt at scones. They turned out pretty good! 

Moist Chocolate Cake and Homemade Buttercream

I'm not a huge Chocolate Cake fan but I had a craving that had to be satisfied. This cake was quiet delicious and SO simple!

Baked Mac & Cheese with Bacon and Caramelized Onions
This recipe should be up in a few days. Sweet, spicy, and CHEESY!

Happy Birthday Grandma

Clown Cake Pops

The most recent (and probably last) cake pops I've made. :-)