Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate ganache (adapted from one I got from my neighbor) is so unbelievably delicious!  Like thick, rich frosting, almost a meal in itself. :)  I'll post a picture soon.  For now, you get a picture of my cute fellow frosting-recipe hunter.

6 oz of chocolate (I use at least 60% dark or even 70%). Melt in a double boiler with 6 tbs of milk (I've used heavy cream to--if you're up for it)  used , a good pinch of salt (and my secret: a hint of cinnamon). When melted, take it off the boiler and mix in 6 tbp of butter and stir it gently until it is completly smooth. Super on bunt cakes as a glaze but it actually works as a rich frosting if it cools (you can whip it to make it lighter).

The Best Buttercreme Frosting.

Got this recipe from my friend Jenny.  So delish, very light and fluffy, but you can still make a killer swirl with it.  My new favorite.  It's on a graham cracker because after my extensive hunt for delicious frosting recipes, I had baked my share of cookies and cupcakes to try them out on.

Quick Vanilla Buttercream Frosting (From foodnetwork.com)

Serves : 10-12 servings

3 c. powdered sugar
1 c. butter (at room temperature)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 to 2 Tb. whipping cream

In a standing mixer fitted with a whisk, mix together sugar and butter. Mix on low speed until well blended, and then increase speed to medium and beat for another 3 minutes.

Add vanilla and cream and continue to beat on medium speed for 1 minute more, adding more cream if needed, for spreading consistency.

You may also add a dash of cinnamon, lemon juice, candy flavoring, or chocolate.

Frosting lovers, enjoy.

White Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies

*Okay, these were good, but I just used the recipe for "Probably the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever had" and substituted in macadamia nuts and white chips, and they were INCREDIBLE!

I was totally craving these and found this yummy recipe.

1 c butter
3/4 c packed brown sugar
1/2 c white sugar
2 eggs
1/2 t vanilla
1/2 t almond extract
1 t baking soda
3 c flour*
1/2 t salt
1 c white chocolate chip
1 c coarsely chopped macadamia nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugars. Mix in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and almond extract. Mix flour, soda and salt together. Gradually add to creamed mixture. Gently stir in chocolate chips and nuts.

Bake 10 min or until golden brown.

*Note: the original recipe called for 2 1/2 c flour, but it seemed way to runny for me, so I added the 1/2 c extra flour. It thickened the dough up a bit, but the cookies were a teensy bit 'cakey'. Play with it, let me know what works for you.