Red Velvet Cake with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

Red Velvet Cake with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

It’s almost February and Valentines is right around the corner. Although it is arguably the cheesiest holiday around, it’s fun being a girl on Valentines. If you are in a relationship you can rightfully expect to get pampered. And if you are single you can rightfully expect to get bombed with your other single girlfriends – who needs men?! But we can all expect to ride a sugar high for most of the day.

My mom made this amazing cake when we were home for the holidays, and I knew I absolutely must share it with all of you. It was so incredibly good! My brother recently got married, and the woman who made his rehearsal dinner cake told us the secret to her super moist cake was to freeze them beforehand. When they are defrosted, all that moisture goes back into the cake, making it one of the most tender and moist cakes you will ever eat (how-to details in recipe below). My mom did just that with this beautiful layer cake and the result was amazing. You have to try it for yourself! And the frosting is beyond delicious. Like, you should make extra. Tempted to throw in a comment about what to do with said frosting on this romantic holiday, but this is a G-rated show here at The Mommy Games. Thanks Mom for sharing this recipe and for letting me be a very diligent taste tester!

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Mint Chocolate Cookies

Mint Chocolate Cookies 1

I just can’t seem to get enough chocolate. I know it’s a super cliche woman thing, but seriously, chocolate is my indulgence of choice. And these cookies are right up my alley. Going to forewarn you – they are amazingly addictive. Like, I made this recipe, ran out of cookies a few days later, and preceded to then make a whole other batch. They are a delicious cross between a brownie and a thin mint girl scout cookie. Seriously to-die-for. I especially liked them slightly chilled in the fridge. These should definitely top your “to-bake” list. They are simple to mix up, bake in no time, and will fulfill any chocolate craving you throw at them.

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Iced Molasses Cookies

Iced Molasses Cookies

Originally posted on Culinary Wannabe – this is one of my favorites!

I have felt totally overwhelmed by the amount of holiday goodies floating around this apartment in recent weeks. My sweet mother bakes like a fiend this time of year, and always sends us a huge care package (or 2) so that we get to sample everything before we arrive down south. This is one of her classic Christmas cookie recipes (although she tends to make them whenever the urge strikes, not just at Christmas). The cookie is moist and lightly spiced, with a delicious and pretty icing glaze on top. And they are super easy – no rolling or cutting required. Perfect to give away to your friends and spread some holiday cheer!

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Fresh Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze

I love apple desserts. They are just so homey and comforting. This is a great cake to make for the holidays because it’s super versatile. It would be a great snack for unexpected guest, a fabulous dessert with a dollop of whipped cream, or a sweet breakfast when the urge strikes. The batter is super thick, almost like dough, so when it bakes up it’s super moist and will stay that way for days. The addition of the glaze give it an extra special kick. And it makes full 13 x 9 in. pan’s worth, so you can feed a lot of people with minimal effort.

I’m having so much fun looking at all the scrumptious holiday recipes online, I don’t think there will be enough time to make it all! What is on your “Must Make” list for the holidays?

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

With the holidays quickly approaching, you undoubtedly will be inundated with lots of festive cookies. I love a good Christmas cookie as much as the next person, but I thought I would change it up a bit and instead give you my go-to cookie recipe. I have made these amazing peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies more times than I can count. Frequently, they’re made post dinner when that hankering for something sinful sets in. There simply is no better cravings cure than chocolate and peanut butter. The trick, and this applies to almost every cookie out there, is not to over bake them. I’m sure you will love this recipe just as much as I do. And hey, the diet doesn’t start until Jan. 1st anyways, right?

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Sugar-Crusted Cocktail Party Brownies

These brownies are the perfect thing to bring or serve at a cocktail or dessert party. They meet all the criteria necessary for appropriate cocktail party eats:

  • Can be eaten with one hand – check!
  • Not messy – fudgey & rich, but no napkin necessary
  • Approachable, but a little more special than the usual – the extra sugar topping gives them an edge on your everyday brownie
  • Ample servings – this recipe makes a whole sheet pan worth of treats
The key is to use really good quality chocolate and not to over bake them. They are sure to be a hit!
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Cooking the Blogs

I’ve been cooking up a storm lately, and a lot of my new recipes are courtesy of amazing food blogs. Please go and check out these sites to get the recipes for the below dishes. They are all winners and have been big hits with my family & friends.

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Picky Palate —> Very dangerous for anyone with a sweet tooth!

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Fig Tart with Mascarpone Cream

Fig Tart with Mascarpone Cream {The Mommy Games}

As promised, here is the beautiful fig tart recipe courtesy of one of my favorite cookbooks, The Winemaker Cooks. If you’ve never checked out this book, I would highly recommend it. It’s beautiful enough to be a coffee table winner, and the recipes themselves are fresh and delicious.

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