Oh Holy Night

Wishing you all a very blessed Christmas!

"Oh Holy Night"

My Paint'n Sip at Studio Vino.

Birthday Weekend

Today is my husband's birthday.  I always try to plan a fun Denver weekend for him (okay well, us) as a gift.  As we have gotten older, we truly appreciate adventures and memories over things to give.

I made a poster for him of everything I had planned for the weekend.  So much fun!

Our first stop was a darling little Italian restaurant around the corner from our hotel.

Their special was called "bottle and a board"

Awesome, just awesome!

Honestly, is there anything better than a charcuterie board?

Next day dinner and Mannheim Steamroller concert.

If you ever get the opportunity, you must see this concert!

Our final event was Monet at the Denver Art Museum.

So many beautiful works of art, but this one (below)

just took my breath away!

Finally, someone understands me!

Tiramisu Cheesecake

There are times in my life when I say, what was I thinking...does this happen to you?

We recently had new friends over for dinner.  I decided I wanted to do a nice Italian dinner.  I made Braciole and thought a Tiramisu would be wonderful to end our evening with.  

Now, let's just keep in mind, I have never made Tiramisu.  In fact, I think I have only even had it maybe five times in my life.  Can't be that difficult right?  

Well, I couldn't even get the ingredients.  Now, as Decembers historically go, I am dealing with a lot...husband's birthday, twins birthdays (who turn 21 this year), and to add more, I am doing 2 big catering events this month as well.  So, that being said, maybe I shouldn't have tried to take on a brand new recipe with new guests...that the store doesn't even have Mascarpone Cheese or Ladyfingers anywhere in town!

Time was ticking and I had to get really creative at the last minute....I decided to change it up to a Tiramisu Cheesecake!

Tiramisu Cheesecake

Kahlua

2 Loaves Sara Lee Family Size All Butter Pound Cake

Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake Filling

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

1 Bar Hershey's Dark Chocolate (shavings)

Springform Pan

Cut pound cake into the size of a ladyfinger cookie.

Dip both sides of cake into the Kahlua.

Place Kahlua soaked pound cake pieces into the bottom of springform pan.

(Cut pieces to fit in corners)

Spread half of the cheesecake filling all over pound cake pieces.

Sprinkle with chocolate bar shavings.

Repeat the above process for an extra layer (you will have 2 total layers).

Sift cocoa powder all over top of cheesecake.

Chill for at least 8 hours.

Remove sides of springform pan.

One Year Ago: Blue Flurry
Two Years Ago: No Post
Three Years Ago: Pumpkin Gingersnap Cheesecake
Four Years Ago: Holly Jolly Buckets
Five Years Ago: Christmas Muffins
Six Years Ago: Zensational Chili

Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos and Cheryl's She-Shed

Let the holiday parties season begin!  What are some of your favorite party foods?  I diligently set out try a new appetizer every year, so as to not get stuck in my usual repertoire rut. 

If you catch any amount of television, you of course know about Cheryl and someone trying to burn down her "She Shed".  I absolutely love that ad!...and I want my own Suzie's She Shed!

I saw this photo on the internet recently and could not stop laughing!  My daughters were too old when the whole "Elf on the Shelf" started, so I loved this adult version's sense of humor!

I am also loving this new appetizer that our friends Doug and Lois brought one night.  It has a kick, but in a good way.  Now it's not hot enough to burn down Cheryl's She-Shed, but it'll light your fire!

Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos

Courtesy of Doug and Lois

Makes 12 servings

4 ounces (1/2 block) cream cheese, room temperature

1/8 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/8 cup shredded gouda cheese

salt and pepper to taste

onion powder, just a dash

6 jalapeno peppers

6 pieces of bacon, cut in half lengthwise

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cut a bit of stem off the jalapeno.  Cut jalapeno in half lengthwise and carve out ribs and seeds.

Mix the cheeses together with salt, pepper, and onion powder.

Spoon filling into the jalapeno peppers.  Wrap with bacon.

Place on baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the bacon starts to crisp.

Serve with Stonewall Kitchen Hot Pepper Jelly.  

One Year Ago: Blue Flurry

Two Years Ago: No Post

Three Years Ago: Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups

Four Years Ago: Holly Jolly Buckets
Five Years Ago: Pecan Pie Bites

Six Years Ago: World's Best Lasagna