Short-Rib Beef Stew with Ale

It's an autumn weekend, and I'm in the mood for a hearty stew.  Just came across this recipe on Simply Recipes, and it looks ah-ma-zing!  I'll make it this weekend and let you know how it turns out.  Need a dessert?  Pop over to Dancing Branflakes for an Apple Pie Crescent Roll recipe!

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

So, The Fabulous Boyfriend got me a jug of fresh maple syrup (literally fresh, part of a friend's batch made last week), so I've been cruising the net looking for unique pancake recipes....and I stumbled upon this amazing goodness:

 Sure, you don't need the maple syrup with this cream cheese topping, but I bet a smidge drizzled over the top would be yum-o!
Find the recipe here.

Chocolate Guinness Cake

Well now, this sounds delicious!  I bet choco and guinness makes for a great cake marriage. And yep, perfect for St. Patrick's Day.  Find the recipe here.

a rustic christmas & a pancake recipe

I like to keep Christmas simple.  Thankfully, my family doesn't indulge in the commercialism that suffocates all of us this time of year.  We aim for a laid-back time, hanging out together and enjoying seasonal treats.  Here are some images that reflect my ideal Christmas & a yummy pancake recipe...

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I don't knit, but if I did, I'd make these cute little trees.  Click on the image to purchase the pattern.

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Cranberry-Orange Pancakes with Cranberry-Maple Syrup

 In New England, cranberries and maple syrup are a must for the holidays.  I am definitely making these!

Gingerbread Cheesecake

Want to try a different dessert this holiday season?  Gingerbread cheesecake is the answer ~ my son and I made it a couple of years ago, and it was soooo good we're going for it again this year.  Try this recipe courtesy of Perry's Plate.

Mexican Hot Cocoa!

If you've never tasted Mexican hot cocoa, you're in for a serious treat.  Even if you have, this recipe is the best I've tried, so get ready to take your cocoa to the next level!

The secret is chili powder & cinnamon.  They complement the cocoa to perfection and give it a spicy kick.  If this doesn't warm you up on a cool night, nothing will!  Thick, rich, and sinfully decadent, it's best to share it with someone special...  ;-)

Recipe courtesy of Epicurious.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups reduced-fat (2 percent) evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup chocolate liqueur
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ancho chili powder
• 10 cinnamon sticks
• 1 dried red chile
• 2 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, broken into pieces
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Preparation:

Whisk evaporated milk, whole milk, liqueur, vanilla, sugar, cocoa, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and chili powder in a heavy saucepan. Add 2 of the cinnamon sticks and chile and cook gently over medium-low heat until warm. Add chocolate and cook, whisking until melted. Gently bring to a high simmer; reduce heat and simmer until liquid thickens and reduces slightly, whisking often, 10 minutes. Combine heavy cream with remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and beat until peaks form. Ladle 1/3 cup hot cocoa into each of 8 teacups; top with 1 tablespoon whipped cream and garnish with a cinnamon stick. 

Enjoy!