{Food Bloggers Cookie Swap}Snow-Capped Red Velvet Cookies with Askinosie Chocolate

As you know I love baking, but if I can bake and do good at the same time then count me in!  I am excited that I was able to participate in the Great Food Bloggers Cookie Swap started by Lindsey of Love & Olive Oil and Julie of The Little Kitchen that raises money for Cookies for Kid's Cancer but also allows bakers to send cookies to three bloggers around the country.  It was hard picking what cookie to bake and send but after much deliberation I settled on festive Snow-Capped Red Velvet Cookies from the recent issue of Donna Hay, my favorite Australian cooking magazine.  These cookies are divine because from the outside you are deceived just how much chocolate goodness is hiding on the inside. These cookies are so light and chewy and practically melt in your mouth. 

Now let me talk about the cocoa infused into these cookies, Askinosie is an independent chocolate company that meticulously sources and crafts delicious chocolate. They were kind enough to send me their Cocoa Powder and their 70% San Jose Del Tambo, Ecuador Dark Chocolate Bar to include in this recipe.  I admire this company because they build lasting relationships out of respect with their farmers to ensure that they are growing the best cocoa bean.  Continue for more...

Holiday Baking:: Chewy Molasses Cookies

It is officially holiday season and that means one thing, it is cookie month here on the blog.  Throughout the month of December I will be sharing some of my favorite recipes, new and old that will get you prepared for holiday festivities or if you are planning on hosting or attending a cookie exchange. The first step in my baking process is to find unique recipes that will be a stand-out at the dessert table, luckily the December issue of Bon Appétit is filled with so many delectable recipes. I started my holiday baking season with making their Chewy Molasses Cookies that tastes like the holidays in a bite.  They are every bit as chewy as promised and the sugar sprinkled on top creates a wonderful crunchy texture.  Continue for more...

Guest Post:: Cream Wafers

There has been so many good things happening around here lately. I feel like I am really getting immersed and welcomed into the wonderfully supportive blogging community.  I was very flattered when I was ask to share some of my go-to holiday recipes on some of my favorite blogs during the month of December.  Yesterday, I posted on the talented Alyssa's blog, Glossy Musings, where I shared another holiday favorite - cream wafers.  I like to call this cookie the equivalent to a French macaron. Sorry to overload you guys with sweets the past few weeks! January will be about healthy eating and detoxing - hello, Vitamix!

*Photographs by Alison 

Dressed to Impress

It is officially holiday party season! From now until New Years Eve, the social calender can get pretty hectic, which is why it is important to have that special dress that can be used in rotation from your office holiday party to your friend's annual holiday soiree.  This editorial features all of the elements that a party dress should have - a dash of sparkle, a bit of glamour and of course a golden touch.    Do you have your dresses all lined up?

A Guest Post & Gingerbread Men

I am very excited to be guest posting on Courtney's blog, Girl Avant Garde today, where I am sharing a fabulous recipe for one of my favorite seasonal cookies, Gingerbread Men with Royal Icing.    Hop on over to see!

*Photograph by Alison