Double Vanilla Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ina Garten is the queen of simple recipes that yield perfect results.  If you are new to this whole cooking game, or simply looking for recipes that will become staples in your arsenal, Ina’s books and recipes should be your first stop!

When I stumbled upon this recipe a few years ago it immediately became my go-to vanilla cake recipe.  Sour cream might throw you off, but rest assured, it’s what makes these babies so darn moist.

I’ve finally gotten around to having vanilla beans in my kitchen and tweaked this recipe slightly by adding those tiny bits of awesome.

Creamy Caramel Apple Shortcakes

You remember those caramel apples on a stick that you loved as a kid, I don’t know too many people that don’t like them, except for maybe those with dentures or braces.

This is a great grown up version of caramel apples, or a great substitute for baking an entire apple pie.  This caramel sauce is creamy divinity and makes enough for you to add to anything you put in your mouth, at least  for the next few days!

Chocolate Mint Cookies

Do you wish girl scout cookie season was year round?  Well wish no longer!

This is the perfect recipe for those delicious thin mints at home.  Trust me, people will eternally grateful for replicating their favorite boxed delights!

Spiked Apple Cookies

It’s no secret that I love a touch of spirit in my baked goods.  These amazing cookies are no exception.

Applejack liqueur puts these over the top.  I love the consistency of these cookies and their amazing flavor.  Enjoy with some mulled cider or by the handful!

Bourbon Balls

Sweet, sweet bourbon… how I adore thee.

For far too long you’ve been mindlessly making those tired rum balls and throwing them in your cookie tins for distribution and consumption.  Enough is enough, bourbon is the new way!

The Easiest Cookies You’ll Ever Make

A few years ago some local towns-folk got their panties in a bunch over this recipe winning a cookie contest.

The fact of the matter is, these cookies rock!!! They are simple, they take no time, have very few ingredients, and will fly off your cookie platters!

The lover of complex and complicated recipes in me must admit, sometimes less is more!

Savory Southwest Cheesecake

This ain’t your grandma’s cheesecake kids, but it will surely knock your socks off!

With the holidays upon us its time for you to dazzle your party-goers or hosts with this awesome appetizer cheesecake, the presentation alone is killer!

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Growing up it was understood, for my birthday I wanted one thing, RED VELVET CAKE!!! It’s the best.  Since I’m way past the age of getting sugary goodies for my birthday, I’ve been on the search for the perfect substitute.

Now, say what you will about Martha Stewart, but the woman is in a whole other universe of awesome (you know your hatred stems from jealously anyway!).  A few years ago she had the amazing team from Baked in Brooklyn on her show, and my recipe search was over.

Crazy Good Chicken Parm

Fact- this dish is a grand slam!  I’m nominating this for the “meal to impress him/her.”  Whomever you make this for, you can be sure, they will enjoy every single bite!

Pair this with a great red wine (I went for a Pinot Noir), some great music, great company… you have the perfect night.

Hot Reuben Dip

I adore Rueben’s, a little corned beef, a little cabbage, it’s like an ode to my Irish heritage, even though I’ve recently been informed that no one in Ireland actually eats that!  Anyways, Rueben’s rock, and things in wee form rock harder… so here is double the fun… hot Reuben dip!