Heather Baird's Blog, page 34

December 8, 2019

Gorgonzola Walnut Tartlets

These deliciously nutty tartlets are quick, one-bite wonders with assertive blue cheese flavor! They take minutes to make and can be served warm or chilled.

Gorgonzola Walnut Tartlets
Say hello to my new favorite hors d'oeuvre recipe! These little bites are simple to make because they use ready-made phyllo tart shells. The combination of crunchy phyllo, creamy Gorgonzola cheese, chives and walnuts can only be described as bold. And that's exactly what an hors d'oeuvre should be - big flavors in a little package!
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Published on December 08, 2019 06:11

December 7, 2019

Hazelnut Truffle Sandwich Cookies

Sweeten the holidays with rich chocolate-hazelnut sandwich cookies. One batch makes plenty to share!

Hazelnut Truffle Sandwich Cookies
I'm having a chocolate-hazelnut moment, as evidenced by this cheesecake and these ah-maaazing sandwich cookies. There's something about the flavors that seem so cozy and substantial, and winter is definitely the time to eat something cozy and substantial!
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Published on December 07, 2019 05:19

December 6, 2019

Homemade Hot Honey

Make the season's hottest condiment using just two ingredients! A batch of hot honey decanted into mini bear bottles will make the cutest stocking stuffers around.

Hot Honey Recipe
One of my favorite ways to spice up snacks is with a drizzle of hot honey. Have you tried it? It seems like everywhere I look there's a new way it's being used. It's added to cocktails, poured over ice cream, drizzled on pizza and my recent favorite - stirred into a steaming mug of chai. YUM! The possibilities are endless! It's a great way to add a little sweet heat to your favorite foods.

Luckily this spicy sauce is easy to make with your choice of hot peppers and responsibly sourced 100% pure honey.
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Published on December 06, 2019 06:14

December 5, 2019

Marzipan Mousse with Candy Cane Almonds

Marzipan Mousse is rich and creamy with intense almond flavor. A topping of chopped Sconza Chocolate Candy Cane Almonds is the perfect complement and so season appropriate!

Marzipan Mousse with Sconza Candy Cane Almonds
You may remember earlier this year when I partnered with Sconza Chocolates to promote their delicious Lemoncello Chocolate Almonds. I was truly blown away by the quality and flavor of their products. They are all top notch and I am now and forever a fan!

I'm so happy to be partnering with them again for a special holiday offer. Confection Perfection is their holiday gift box all wrapped up in a big red bow! It allows you to mix-and-match  five different Sconza candies to tailor the perfect gift.
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Published on December 05, 2019 05:44

December 4, 2019

Whole Wheat Santa Sugar Cookies

Whole wheat roll out cookies are easy to make and have a deliciously nutty flavor. Use the royal icing recipe provided to decorate a batch of cute Santa faces.

Whole Wheat Santa Sugar Cookies Recipe
Ho-ho-ho! Is there anything more Christmassy than a Santa Claus-shaped sugar cookie? I don't think so! These cookies have a simple design which makes them easy to assemble and fun to decorate.
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Published on December 04, 2019 05:13

December 3, 2019

Chocolate Pocky Pops

Bring the fun this holiday season with Chocolate Pocky Pops - a lolliop with an edible stick!

Chocolate Pocky Pops
Pocky is one of my favorite ready-to-eat treats, and I'm always looking for ways to incorporate it into my confectionery - cue these pops! I dreamed them up after finding myself with a surplus of cookie crumbs after a freelance project. I was able to use up some of my stock and get some cute chocolate goodies to share with my friends!
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Published on December 03, 2019 05:08

December 2, 2019

Easy No Cook Divinity Candy

This no-cook divinity recipe takes the guess work (and candy thermometer!) out of making the classic Christmas candy.

No Cook Divinity
This year's advent of treats has an unintentional theme: Retro Sweets ! It's a result of my recent thrift store find of someone's recipe box from 1950. I can't believe such a thing was given away and not passed down to family, but their trash is certainly my treasure.

Inside that box I found this recipe. It's a hack for classic divinity and much less finicky than the original recipe. Classic (cooked) divinity will be adversely affected by humidity and weather conditions, but this candy held up just fine even though I made it on a rainy day.
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Published on December 02, 2019 05:23

December 1, 2019

Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake

Creamy, thick chocolate cheesecake is made even more decadent with chocolate-hazelnut spread. It's topped with a mound of freshly whipped cream and a flurry chocolate shavings.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake
It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

December marks my month-long celebration of making and baking sweet things. Each day leading up to Christmas I'll be sharing something new and festive!

First up is this heavenly chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake. It's a real crowd-pleaser, and busy holiday hosts can make it ahead because it freezes beautifully.
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Published on December 01, 2019 05:05

November 30, 2019

My Holiday Open House Menu with Recipes

Holiday entertaining can be simple with this make-ahead menu of appetizers that are both casual and elegant. Tasty nibbles such as Chesapeake Crab Dip and Black Forest Pâté will satisfy hungry guests, while Hot Coffee Punch and Cranberry Champagne Punch will make spirits bright!

Holiday Open House Menu with Recipes
Hosting an open house is one of the easiest ways to entertain a crowd during the holidays. All it takes is a little planning and simple recipes that can be prepared in advance. Here you'll find some of my favorite festive bites along with tips for making the party run smoothly!
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Published on November 30, 2019 05:28

November 22, 2019

Maple Caramel Walnut Pie

This walnut pie has a luxurious caramel filling that is made with maple syrup and real salted butter. Butter gives the caramel exceptional flavor and creaminess, and an all-butter pie dough provides the most delicious flaky crust.

Maple Caramel Walnut Pie
If we didn't have pie each Thanksgiving, well, it wouldn't feel like the holiday! There's usually at least three on the sideboard, and they are all our expected favorites. Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and buttermilk pie will all make an appearance.

Although I love all of our traditional pies, it's nice to switch things up a little. This walnut pie is reminiscent of pecan pie without being as sticky or as sweet. Brown sugar, salted butter, and maple syrup give it rich caramel flavor. It's a lovely ending to any meal and so season appropriate!
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Published on November 22, 2019 06:33