pb & chocolate chip cups

I have come to the harsh-but-true conclusion that I'm a fair weather baker.

I cannot take the heat. Literally. Pressure isn't great either, but the hot weather and humidity suck the life out of me. If I were a denizen of Alpharetta, Georgia, you can count your cookies that there would be no beurrista.

Now that school is in full swing, now that the mornings are cooler and the air crisper, I am finally hearing the siren song of the oven. The Kids are even asking for cookies after a summer full of ice cream and ices.

Today, s'mores are in the oven. I made chocolate chip cookies last week. What has been in the forefront of my mind, however, is pb&j. I love that combination. I wanted to make a pb&j bar cookie, but after running it by The Tasters, I realized that I'd have No Takers. I'd have to eat the whole pan myself...

sparkling raspberry limeade

A party begs for a festive drink. I haven't ventured into libation land that often, so thankfully, The Son and I opened our food network magazine JUST in time as we planned a birthday meal for The SIL. We eyed and were inspired by the All-Star Cookout section with flank steak, corn and salad recipes. The Neely's raspberry drink seemed a fantastic, refreshing and pretty drink to serve.

vanishing act + crack pie

In the blink of an eye, a whole month vanishes, and I wonder what happened to anything and everything. Did I bake? Did I cook? Did I blog? What DID I do?

You must forgive my unintentional hiatus from blogging. I had good reason.

This Little Guy/Nephew visited us for a month. We ran circles around the kitchen, ventured into NYC, read books, resisted naps, and snacked a whole lot. I made a bunch of old favorites for him: rich yellow cupcakes, cornflake crunch cookies, NY Times chocolate chip cookies...

 all very well received. He also relished his role of Cookie Dough Taster.

I managed to try one new recipe. If you can only bake one recipe this month, I'd highly recommend this one— Crack Pie. My Son, 11, perked up his ears. "Crack?!?"

I, thinking how the heck do you know what crack is, instead said, "Yes, Son, it is THAT addictive."

s'mores milkshake

I don't know how it is in your part of the world (and don't answer that, people Down Under!) but here in New Jersey, we are in middle of our umpteenth heat wave. 100º+. I was so in the mood for a cool drink.

The Kids religiously read The Food Network Magazine, and they found this awesome recipe in the 50 Milkshakes insert. You might just have all the items handily available!

We used chocolate chip ice cream,

blended with broiled marshmallows and milk,

and topped with some graham cracker crumbs.

A refreshing treat for the dog days of summer.

S'mores Milkshake
slightly adapted from Food Network Magazine, July/August 2012

6 marshmallows
1 pint chocolate chip ice cream
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of salt
crushed graham crackers

Broil the marshmallows on foil until browned. Blend ice cream, milk, vanilla, salt, and marshmallows. Top with crushed graham crackers. Serves 2.


This post is linked to the following: serenity saturdays, show and share, i'm lovin' it, frugal girls, show and tell, tuesday talent show, tasty tuesdays, tip me tuesday, crazy sweet tuesday, wow me wednesday, sugar and dots, somewhat simple, something swanky, Sundae Scoop, made by you mondays, this chick cooks, friday flair, c.r.a.f.t., show me what you got,, pin it thursday

chocolate croissant

I know what you're thinking. Wow! Those look professional! And guess what? You're right!