Sunday, February 21, 2010

Homemade Oreos (so worth it!)

I got the recipe from Smitten Kitchen, as I do a lot of recipes. This one is a definite keeper as it was a huge it with hubby + our friends. It wasn't even that hard to make. If you like to bake and have a sweet tooth, this is for you:
http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/05/my-kingdom-for-a-glass-of-milk/

I found that my chocolate wafers were a little bit too puffy, Smitten Kitchen's wafers look flatter and more oreo-like than mine. Next time, I'll push 'em down a little more. However, puffy or not, these are damn good.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Oh Delicious Crepe Cake!

Ok, I don't want to brag, really, I don't. BUT, we have perfected the Crepe Cake (or Gateau de Crepes)! My husband and I changed up the recipe to our taste, because as he says, "everyone likes chocolate better than vanilla". I don't always agree with that, but hey, maybe the majority prefer chocolate...

Chocolate-Hazelnut Layered Mousse with Fresh Whipped Cream



Canard Hachis Parmentier (Minced Duck Topped with Mashed Potatoes)

Hi Everyone! We had a lovely dinner party with some of our good friends a couple weeks ago, and I've been meaning to share with you the main culinary characters. We made canard hachis parmentier with a stuffed tomato, and chocolate-hazelnut layered mousse (see separate post) for dessert. We just returned from France and had a fabulous time with my husband's family, and of course, there was lots of great food which provided inspiration for this dinner party. My brother-in-law's Aunt made hachis parmentier (which translates to shepherd's pie, according to a quick google search, but I believe that hachis alone means minced. I need my French family to help translate parmentier). Anyway, this was no shephard's pie, it was much more elegant than a simple peasants dish. I can't take credit for this dish alone, my wonderful husband and I did this together. He was responsible for putting the finished product together, and what an excellent job he did! I was reminded once again that I made the right choice for my partner.