mississippi mud torte

"This is rich."

Those were my first thoughts after taking my first bite.

Maybe it was because I'd just finished a huge Korean meal of bulgogi, seafood pancake, and jap chae, maybe it was because there are three different layers of chocolate in this bad boy, but can I tell you, IT WAS INTENSE.

If you're looking for a dessert that knocks you over with texture, flavor and power, you're at the right place.

chocolate-coffee ice cream pie

fool∙ish   /'fo͞oliSH/ :
     lacking good sense or judgement; unwise

That about sums up my decision to single-handedly work my way through this pie. I couldn't resist. It was 80 degrees out today, (as it was yesterday, and last week). I needed a pick me up.

I used just about every single excuse to justify my actions. Perhaps it can be argued that it would have been foolish of me NOT to eat it, it was so darn good.

lemon drop cake

Buh-bye, Summer!

Today's the last day (autumnal equinox occurs at 10:29 EDT tomorrow) and I'm trying not to shed a tear. Even though school's been in session for two weeks, even though I can't stand the humidity of August, even though I do love the fall season, saying good-bye always makes me a little sad.

crumb coffee cake

Hey everyone, I hope you're having a fine summer. I was watching my new guilty pleasure, Rush, on USA Network, and saw a back-to-school commercial. Wham, bam, kick to the gut. I felt as though my summer was dwindling to a close.

Now, I know for some of you (North Carolina people, I think?) you're already in session, and for many of you, school starts at the end of August. Here in NJ, it's always been after Labor Day, so yes, I want still want to think that I have nearly a whole month of vacation left! That said, my kids are at a two week sleep away camp, so talk to me after they're home for two weeks, and you know that school can't start soon enough.

But I'm not here to rail against vacation and back-to-school angst, I'm here to talk about this yummy coffee cake! I love the crumb to cake ratio (heavy on the crumb), the flavors are simple and straightforward, the texture moist and firm.

You can find the recipe over at kimchi MOM, where I'm guest blogging today. She is not just a friend in the blogosphere, but a friend in real life (you'll read why.) While you're there, take a look around her site; she has some amazing, delicious recipes you'll be inspired to try. (I'm partial to her Indian Style Roasted Cauliflower.)

taco seasoning mix

I never ever thought to make my own taco seasoning mix until The Daughter earmarked a recipe in the Food Network magazine. It was wonderfully simple, quick to throw together, and I'm guessing, cheaper than the packaged kind from the supermarket. If not less expensive, at least healthier. Once you make your own, you'll never buy a pack again!

Of course, I can't find that particular recipe in that particular edition from a few particular years ago... so I've been using the most popularly reviewed one on allrecipes.com.

Here is my variation—

Taco Seasoning Mix
adapted from Allrecipes.com

1tablespoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground fennel (optional, some of The Family preferred it without this spice)
2 teaspoons cornstarch

In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients. Store in an airtight container.

Mix 3 tablespoons of the taco seasoning and ½ cup water with 1 pound browned ground beef. Simmer until combined.