I have been on a S’mores kick lately as you will see in the coming days. I came up with this recipe by accident. I was trying to get rid of some ingredients from another s’mores recipe project I was working on for “Makes and Takes”, a great website for craft ideas, kid’s craft ideas, food and fun, and I ended up with this. When I put the photograph up on twitter and facebook, everyone went nuts. So here it is. It’s not a “light” recipe, but here are some ways to lighten it up and make it a tiny bit healthier. Use a store-bought reduced-fat graham cracker crust.  Use dark chocolate morsels instead of semisweet. Otherwise, take small bites and enjoy. Trust me, adults as well as kids will love it! As for the other s’more recipe, I created for Makes and Takes, it’s coming soon.

Over spring break (I can’t believe it has been a month), I had the ultimate pleasure and honor to teach my “Healthy Baking for Kid’s Cooking Class” at Studio B in Alys Beach. It was such a wonderful experience in an incredible venue, Studio B, located at the most beautiful beach in the country, Alys Beach. We had originally planned for 15 kids, but when 24 arrived, we didn’t turn them away. We made all types of wonderful healthy baked (and no bake) treats. I will feature some on the blog this coming week. Below, is a shot of some of my hometown Birmingham friend’s children who attended and some other shots taken from the class by the talented, Colleen Duffley, owner of Studio B.

My daughter’s Leigh’s favorite dessert is Petit Fours, and these remind me just like her: sweet, pretty and incredible! I thought for Easter and spring, I would offer this recipe from Land O Lakes butter that I use when I’m short on time. It uses a cake mix which really cuts down on the work. These are light and taste as good as they look.

Lots of you have been writing to me asking for awesome Easter dessert ideas so how about these Easter Cupcakes? This recipe comes from “The Pioneer Woman Cooks” cookbook, and it is fabulous. If you’re short on time, I have also included a “cupcake express” recipe to save you time. Either way, I just simply sprinkled mine with spring sprinkles, a perfect look for this time of year.

Every year my sister, Julie, bakes with her college friend, Toby, and they make dozens and dozens of wonderful Passover desserts. I’m in awe when I go see what they have cooked up in the kitchen in just one day. They are always trying new Passover dessert recipes, but some have been passed to them by their other college friend, Elaine. Elaine’s mother, Joan May, told them about this recipe for Crescent Cookies a few years ago. Since then, this recipe has been a staple dessert on Passover in Julie’s and Toby’s homes.  Sometimes they dip them in chocolate, but I personally like them with a small dusting of powdered sugar. They are airy, light and so incredibly addictive. They taste nothing like a Passover cookie (no offense to Passover). They are great and only 5 ingredients. Thank you Toby, Julie, Elaine and Joan for letting me share this recipe with my readers.

I have made this Flourless Chocolate Torte for several years for my wonderful family for Passover. It’s been a treasured recipe that I haven’t shared. When I got a note from my friend, Robin, saying that her son’s birthday falls on Passover this year, I knew I had to give her the recipe. So here it is…..You can substitute bittersweet chocolate for semisweet or mix the two. It is really easy to prepare and only a few ingredients. Just take your time and follow the directions very carefully. I was in a hurry and unhooked my springform pan too soon (trying to make it to my son’s baseball game) and it came out looking like a chocolate souffle as seen above. Still wonderful and sinfully rich.

Wow, what a busy weekend! I don’t think I realized how busy until just now when I sat and thought about it. Between baking dozens and dozens of Valentine cookies (i think 25 dozen?), working on a recipe contest that I’m judging, taking 8 of my daughter’s friends to dinner for her birthday and a Valentine cooking class, need I say more? I also ran a part in the Mercedes Marathon, tested 2 grilling recipes for a grilling project and oh, I forgot more and more laundry from the kids playing out in the snow. One of the highlights of the Kid’s Valentine Cooking class (and my daughter’s party), was when they decorated cupcakes with all types of Valentine Candy. This one was the hit (by my daughter, Leigh). Sorry, I can’t share the recipe for the cupcake. It’s a hidden treasure.

It’s so cold in the deep south, and I can’t wait until it warms up. I have missed running, tennis, and my kids miss playing outdoors. We drink a lot of hot apple cider and hot chocolate around my house lately. This Low-Fat Hot Chocolate recipe is great and really simple to make. Feel free to add cinnamon, coffee or any of your favorite liqueurs such as Baileys or Kahlua.

Yesterday I has the awesome opportunity once again to be on “Talk of the Town Newschannel 5 in Nashville making this recipe for Chocolate Chipotle Cookies. I developed this recipe for Wisconsin Milk and Marketing Board and http://butterisbest.com working on a “regional holiday cookie” recipe project. This recipe represented the Southwest with the chipotle chocolate twist. Everyone at the station went wild over these cookies. They are wonderful for Christmas gifts or for a holiday cookie swap . Here’s the link from the television spot.

http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/category.asp?C=85286

I love to make homemade food gifts for Christmas and Hanukkah gifts, especially this year when everyone is trying to save money. This 4 ingredient food gift is as simple as can be and very economical. You can get the jars at any local store and even Walmart. Which ever you choose, this recipe is delicious, and everyone loves it. Happy December!