DOVE® Peppermint Bark Stuffed Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

- Amanda

Are chocolate crinkle cookies a holiday tradition for you? Or do you have a special memory connected to this classic treat. They happen to be one of my mom’s favs and I have definitely eaten and baked my share of these chocolatey little delights over the years. They always seem to make it in one cookie gift basket or another, right? And what I love is that no two are ever truly alike. There’s always some little difference or unique-ness about everyone’s versions. My favorites are always those that are extra moist and chewy on the inside with that slight little crisp crackle on the outside.

And boy, do today’s cookies, my  DOVE® Peppermint Bark Stuffed Chocolate Crinkle Cookies have that going on and more. And guess what, today just happens to be National Cookie Day, a perfect day to celebrate these yummies.

These are such a fun spin on crinkle cookies. The little peppermint chocolate tucked right in the center melts into ooey-gooey chocolate bliss, then when you bite into it, not only do you get that fudgy middle, but then you get these little pops of crunch from the peppermint bark. These just might put the rest of the chocolate crinkle cookies of the world to shame.

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Dark Chocolate Caramel Tart with Almond Shortbread Crust

- Amanda

‘Tis the season to fake it or bake-it-till-you-make it.  This very different holiday season is going to call for lots of treats.  And I’m up for the task of providing as much inspiration in that department as I can.  

First up, for this second day of December, is this Dark Chocolate Caramel Tart with Almond Shortbread Crust.  This is a great one any time of year, but particularly wonderful during the holidays, and especially dressed in red with a little pomegranate magic.

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Roasted Sweet Potato, Kale & Quinoa Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing

- Amanda

Thanksgiving week is here. Doesn’t quite have the same feel as those before, right? But I think we’re all still trekking on one way or another and hopefully getting ready for some yummy eats, if you plan to celebrate. And even if you don’t or perhaps don’t have your menu finalized, today’s recipe is one fab salad that really is holiday worthy or just plain fantastic for any day, especially one this time of year.

This Roasted Sweet Potato, Kale & Quinoa Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing has it all. Sweet from the fork-tender sweet potatoes, pomegranate and cranberries, a slight tang from the deliciously pickled onions, crunch from the pumpkin seeds, a salty bite from the feta and a pop of fresh from the parsley and mint. Then the dressing, well, it’s just eat-right-from-the-spoon good is all I need to say. And the kale and quinoa, while they bring it all together, all add one heck of a power punch making this a nutrient-rich side to your feast or a perfect main dish all on it’s own.

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Caramelized Onion, Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Sourdough Tart with Rosemary & Fried Sage

- Amanda

That name is a mouthful, I know, but I just had to do this tart justice. It’s got a lot going on in all the right ways. A rosemary sourdough crust with just the right amount of tangy yum, earthy, colorful and slightly sweet butternut squash and sweet potatoes kissed by a little more rosemary. Then utterly scrumptious caramelized onions mixed with not one, but three different types of cheese- gouda, parm, and creamy ricotta. This Caramelized Onion, Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Sourdough Tart with Rosemary & Fried Sage makes for one stellar meal served with a little side salad or is a star addition to any holiday spread.

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Chai Spiced Apple Bundt Cake with Eggnog Glaze

- Amanda

Bundt Cakes are a timeless national treasure. One that I never truly was a fan of until more recently. I don’t know, they just often seemed boring. Gasp, I know. Luckily I’ve come to my senses over the years and have come to truly appreciate them in all forms. Plain, glazed, decorated- I get now that they all have a place. Though I’m pretty much team glazed or iced all the way. I just love that extra bit of something, particularly the creamy goodness, you get from powdered sugar paired with some kind of liquid element. Yum.

And today’s recipe is all that and more. It’s got the perfect seasonal topping with above mentioned powdered sugar paired with luscious eggnog, one of my favorite holiday treats. And the cake, while it would do just fine on it’s own with all that spiced chai and apple-y oomph, well, paired with the glaze, it’s a dessert that just begs to be a part of one holiday menu or another.

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