Bread Pudding

I love when you have homemade bread - and too much of it! Bread pudding is one of those great recipes that turns leftovers into a fantastic dessert!

Choose your own baking adventure:

Individual Bread Puddings: bake in buttered ramekins [25-30 minutes - depending on size]

Bread Pudding Bread: Use a little less bread and pack the mixture into a buttered bread loaf tin after letting the bread soak in the liquid for at least 30 minutes. You can then slice the loaf and serve with brunch. [bake 30-45 minutes, until set. Let cool completely before slicing.]

One Dish Wonder: use any casserole dish, cake pan, or even a lasagna pan for big crowds [bake 35-45 minutes until set]

Julia Childs' Puff Pastry: Do not be afraid!

First, you need this book to make this amazingly easy puff pastry. Second, nothing in the freezer section holds a candle to this - and the kudos you will get for attempting such a "big" dough. Last - oh the things you can do! Puff Pastry is going to be great wrapped around a brie and a chutney madee with cranberries and pears. The leftover dough is 100% potential - beef wellington, appetizers, a simple jam tart... mmmmm.

Cookie Exchange: Cardamom Pistachio Butter Cookie

I love finding new Christmas Cookies that are really tasty - and unique. These tasty butter cookies have a nice, mild cardamom flavor and topped with pistachios, coconut, and orange zest.

Stocking Stuffer Round-Up

Great gifts don't have to be expensive - a good gift is something that is useful and wanted by the recipient (not just the gift giver!) Do they have everything they need? Get a consumable - like chocolate or alcohol.

Here are some fun ideas for the stocking, gift exchange, or even gift wrap bling!

Impressive: On Hand, No Time, and Little Mess

In 72 hours, my first semester of law school will be over. Scary.

I wanted something other than a can of soup for dinner, but didn't want to take much time to deal with it. Plus, I really didn't want a mess to clean up - again, the time constraint. I can use that time for studying - and writing a blog post! So efficient.

H's Deep Dish Pizza for the Big Night!

Cookie Exchange!

I've read a few FB updates from friends who are frantically baking for an upcoming Exchange. It's pretty exciting to read about as I rewrite my Torts Outline in the Library as opposed to getting flour all over the kitchen and making a triple batch of Butter Cookies...

Bring Back the Cheese! And other fun Appetizers.

It's almost PARTY SEASON!

Here are some fun and easy ideas that let you get to the party on-time.
Nuts - The Cheese Ball - and a Relish Tray