Malted Milk Cupcakes

Malted Milk Cupcakes have a vanilla cupcake base topped with an airy chocolate buttercream.  Two kinds of malt powder are used in this recipe, resulting in a dessert that tastes like a milkshake, but in cupcake form.

When I was little, I loved eating at Ruby's Diner.  Stepping inside Ruby's was like entering another world.  I was enchanted by the retro decor and the crisp red and white uniforms worn by the servers.  I wanted to play all the songs in the jukebox (did they even have a jukebox, or am I just imagining that?).  But mostly, I enjoyed reading over the extensive list of milkshakes.  I rarely ordered a milkshake for myself, but it was still a treat to look over all the flavors that were offered.  My dad always offered to let us share his shake.  He would drink the portion that came in the glass; my brothers and I would split the portion that came in the metal mixing cup.  Somehow, this was even better than having one of my own. 

 

Apple Walnut Cake with Bourbon Cream Cheese Glaze

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Apple Walnut Cake with Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting is a tribute to the season.  This moist, spiced cake is made with applesauce and dotted with diced apples and walnuts.  A ribbon of sweetened cream cheese is swirled into the batter before baking.  The best part? A creamy Bourbon glaze that adds a delightfully tart finish.  

The first time I went apple picking, I was a junior in college.  My roommates and I came home with bushels upon bushels of apples.  Naturally, we decided to bake up some apple desserts with our fresh-picked harvest.  On our list was an apple bundt cake.  One of my roommates had a wonderful recipe from her mother, and we were anxious to try making it for ourselves.   

Oreo Cookie Halloween Fudge

Oreo Cookie Fudge is the perfect recipe for any Halloween party.  It's a quick and easy no-bake treat that is sure to delight young and old.  Use special-edition Halloween Oreos to achieve the bright orange color.  

For years and years, I feared candy making.  Every time I found a candy recipe that I wanted to try, the instructions would be filled with unfamiliar and intimidating candy-making terminology: hard crack, soft crack, hard ball (with Chris Matthews?), firm ball, soft ball (that's a sport, right?).  For years and years, I also didn't own a candy thermometer.  Whenever I tried a candy recipe, I'd be forced to "guess" whether my candy had reached the right temperature.  As I'm sure you can imagine, I've made some pretty terrible candy.

Skinny Garlic Parmesan Fries

Skinny Garlic Parmesan Fries are a healthier alternative to a fast-food favorite.  They're baked in a mere tablespoon of olive oil, then dusted with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.  You'll love the crispy texture and the robust flavor -- but you won't miss the fat or calories! 

 



Today's post is a bit of a departure from my usual lineup of decadent desserts.  But this recipe is so good that I felt compelled to share it, even though it doesn't quite fit the theme of this blog.

I made these Skinny Garlic Parmesan Fries as part of a quick weeknight dinner.  I didn't feel like pulling out the mandoline slicer, so I cut the potatoes by hand.  But honestly, as long as you aren't making enough fries to feed the Duggar family, this step isn't that time consuming.  While cutting the potatoes, I infused my olive oil with a couple of minced garlic cloves.  The potatoes are tossed in the garlicky olive oil and then baked at 450 degrees for about 30-35 minutes.  While they're still piping hot, top them with your minced garlic and a light layer of Parmesan.

Mini Pumpkin Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze

Mini Pumpkin Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze are a quick and easy breakfast treat.  Even better -- they're baked rather than fried, so you can feel good about eating a few of these in the morning.

 



Now that it's October, I feel ready to embrace the change of seasons.  That means fun stuff like apple picking, unpacking fall wardrobes, and sipping warm apple cider.  It means brightly colored chrysanthemums and spooky Halloween decorations.  It also means that I'm finally ready to share a pumpkin recipe. 

Let's start with these Mini Pumpkin Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze, shall we?