Dessert

Nutella Meringue Cookies

- Amanda

Happy World Nutella Day! I guess if there was one food day, Nutella, is very deserving. But luckily, there’s not just one, but many, so many, that I have trouble keeping up. But today, we are indeed celebrating the oh-so-chocolatey hazelnut spread. In multiple forms in fact, cuz when it comes to Nutella that’s how we roll. We are a Nutella loving house, that’s for sure. From the hubs who grew up with it instead of peanut butter to the monkeys who are well-versed on all of the fabulous ways to enjoy this treat.

But, I have one Nutella confession. I absolutely am not a fan of it schmeared on bread the way many do, as if it were peanut butter or something. No indeed. No thank you. I am however, very fond of it in cakes, cookies, brownies, frosting and my all-time-fav way, in ice cream or gelato (hello 20lbs gained while living in Rome.) And today’s addition to the mix is no exception. These Nutella Meringue Cookies are so delicious. They’re light and crispy on the outside, slightly gooey in the center, and have so much Nutella goodness going on.

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Pretty in Pink Blood Orange Cake

- Amanda

Hello and happy Saturday. I’m excited to share this Pretty in Pink Blood Orange Cake with you in the heart of citrus season and just in time for some Valentine’s Day baking inspo.

This cake is magical. The color alone is worth adding to your January or February sweet treats menu. And guess what? That beautiful deep blush hue comes from absolutely zero enhancement from food coloring, but instead gets it’s gorgeous tone from none other than, you guessed it, blood orange juice.

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Merry Grinchmas Matcha Kiss Cookies

- Amanda

What do you think, do these cookies live up to the name? It seemed like such a good fit. Though when I first had the idea for today’s recipe, I was really just going for holiday colors. But one look at them, and all I saw was the Grinch and his hat. But their flavor is definitely nothing but nice with no naughty, just a bit of peppermint spice.

And the matcha, it’s subtle but there in just the right amount and lending that signature green color. These are soft, delicious and so fun to make. My little ones especially enjoyed sticking on the adorable striped kisses.

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Quick and Simple Apple-Pear Tart

- Amanda

Happy Friday to you. We’ve made it to another weekend and are at the two-weeks-till-Christmas mark. Yikes. How did that happen?

Have you been baking up a storm already or still brewing up your holiday treat ideas? Luckily, I think today’s recipe is a perfect fit, no matter which camp you fall in.

This Quick and Simple Apple-Pear Tart truly is fast and easy to make, but simply delicious, and beautiful too. In fact, it never fails to be a crowd pleasing dessert that looks and tastes like so much more work than it is.

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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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