Sugar & Spice by Celeste

Oh, how I adore dark chocolate and coconut paired together.  Throw in some toasted almonds and something that I can enjoy with a homemade latte, and I've got myself the perfect snack. It's been a while since I've made biscotti, and I forgot how easy it truly is.  I have a few other biscotti recipes here on the blog -  Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti and Dreamy Coconut Biscotti , just in case you'd like additional ideas, too. When brain-storming ideas for potential flavors for this batch, my mind kept drifting back to an Almond Joy candy bar.  I adapted a recipe for Cranberry-Pistachio Biscotti from Williams Sonoma Essentials of Baking and switched things up a good bit.   I filled these with shredded coconut and toasted almonds, plus added a pretty coat of dark chocolate on the outside and a sprinkling of more coconut. The results? Complete delicous-ness! Almond Joy Biscotti Adapted from:  Williams Sonoma Essentials of Baking Ingredients: 2 cups all purpo...

An ooey gooey chocolate chip cookie that's slightly crunchy around the edges and has melty, chocolaty goodness in the center should be in every baker's arsenal.  I mean, they are perfect for every situation from an after school snack to a late night indulgence.   I have a major weakness for them.   Especially these. This recipe takes it a step further.  These cookies are infused with creamy peanut butter in every bite.  If you have a peanut butter/chocolate lover in your life, these will make them swoon.   I couldn't resist using dark chocolate, but if you prefer milk chocolate, that's okay too. Also, now I see what the fuss is all about when it comes to adding flaky sea salt over the top of chocolate chip cookies.  De-lish! Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Adapted from:   Baker by Nature Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, room temp 1 cup creamy peanut butter, room temp 2 tsp vanilla extract 1   1/2 cups light brown ...

Happy Friday!  So, I must admit...I made this  Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce  earlier in the week with one main goal in mind - Salted Caramel Lattes - and many of them!  And let me just say...they have indeed been glorious! The caramel sauce in this latte recipe is more flavor-packed than the store-bought kind.  So, instead of the 2 tablespoons that I usually add to lattes, this one is plenty sweet with just 1 tablespoon.  However, definitely feel free to adjust to your taste. I love the depth of flavor the homemade sauce brings to this.  And it wouldn't be complete without a dash of sea salt over the top. Come along and make a latte with me in the following video! Celeste's Salted Caramel Latte Ingredients: 1 Tbsp Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce 8 oz of your favorite milk 2 shots freshly brewed, hot espresso Dash of Flaky/Coarse Sea Salt Extra Caramel Sauce to drizzle over the top   Directions: In your favorite coffee mug, add 1 Tbsp Homemade Salte...

Here's a video of the process: R ight now, you’re only five ingredients and 15-20 minutes away from luscious, homemade caramel sauce.   Caramel sauce that so deliciously elevates things like sliced apples, cinnamon rolls, cheesecakes, ice cream and lattes. I mean, store-bought caramel sauce is okay , but this...this caramel sauce is packed with undeniable flavor and leaves that ole’ store-bought sauce wallowing in sorrow at its greatness. Don’t like salted caramel?  No worries...simply reduce the salt in the recipe to 1/2 tsp.  You can even use unsalted butter.  However, don’t leave the salt out completely.  It does need a little. Can you guess what I made first with this caramel?  Stay tuned tomorrow! Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup water 6 Tbsp salted butter, room temperature (cut into 6 pieces) 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature 1 tsp salt **Reduce salt to 1/2 tsp and use unsalted butter if you’d prefer ...

This cake is not for the faint of heart and quite possibly is the most decadent and rich cake I’ve ever made.  It’s actually the birthday cake that I made for my Dad back in November.  He requested a chocolate peanut butter cake, and boy did this one deliver!   I mean, how could it not be love at first bite?! Any cake with chocolate ganache tempting you as it drips down the sides ever so delicately is always delicious in my book.  The addition of actual Reese’s cups just sends this one right over the edge into chocolatey, peanut buttery perfection! Also, chocolate cakes made with a cup of boiling water are always super moist.  This one is no different.  I really think that step gives the cake a great texture. If you have a Reese’s lover in your life, you simply MUST try this.  In fact...it would make for a wonderful Valentine’s Day dessert! Aren’t they just the cutest?! Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake with Reese’s Adapted from:   Life, Love ...

Jack Jack's Num Num Cookie at Hollywood Studios As some of you know, we are a Disney loving family!! I so enjoy making Disney inspired dishes at home, so that we can have a little bit of the magic on our table. Several years ago, I was able to turn my passion for all things Disney into a side job where I can help families, just like yours, plan magical vacations. I'm a Travel Specialist for Second Star Wishes , an Earmarked Agency, and I couldn't love the role more! I can help you plan a vacation to ANY Disney destination, Universal Orlando, and just about any domestic or international destination you can dream up! I've had the honor of planning vacations for clients to destinations like: Disney World Disneyland Paris Universal Orlando The Great Smoky Mountains Hilton Head Island, SC Washington DC New Orleans, LA Florida beaches Paris, France Amsterdam Munich, Germany Dubrovnik, Croatia Just to name a few. So, friends, please keep me in mind next time you'd lik...

Happy Friday, friends!  If you'd like something delicious to bake over the weekend, these Mini Strawberries & Cream Scones are perfection. The fresh strawberries that dot the inside and the sweet glaze that's drizzled over the top elevate these from just ordinary scones, to scones that even the scone-averse will fall in love with.  Because let's be honest...sometimes scones can be a bit dry and just blah. These are not. Instead of regular sized scones, I decided to make these smaller.  That way, I don't have to commit to eating an entire scone when I get a craving...hah!  The miniature size makes them a perfect snack, and when paired with a latte, they are heaven! Mini Strawberries & Cream Scones Adapted from:  Baker By Nature Ingredients: 2 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp salt 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 stick unsalted butter, VERY cold and cut into small cubes 1 large egg 1/2 cup milk (preferably ...