Cupcakes are the perfect little treat.  They offer up just the right amount of cake and icing in an easy to carry package… and no dishes afterwards!  Box mixes make it easy to make cupcakes just about any time, but the truth is making them from scratch doesn’t take much longer.  With a few simple ingredients you can be on your way to cupcake bliss.

Today we have a very easy recipe for you that is not your usual cupcake flavor.  Our Kahlua cupcake is flavored with Kahlua liqueur and just a bit of chocolate to take it over the top.  We topped this coffee flavored cupcake with Kahlua Buttercream.  The result is a handful of chocolate coffee goodness.

savour…  the perfect serving

I’ve often wondered how someone stumbled upon the perfect pairing of chocolate and mint.  These two, it seems, were made for each other.  Apart, they each enjoy good chemistry with a variety of other flavors, but when they come together it is sheer magic.  They are the Liz Taylor and Richard Burton of culinary couples.

Our treat for this week is a super simple chocolate tart paired with mint mascarpone cream.  I first made this mint mascarpone cream for Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake, but it truly has found a better home here.  Mint and chocolate are once again happily together on a single plate.

savour… perfect matches

I can’t help you.  I want to, but I can’t.

I like sweets too much to fall prey to some futile attempt to swear off of them for a month or two to lose a few pounds.  I inevitably cave and then my dessert tastes less like delicious and more like regret.  So for me, I choose moderation.  I won’t eat dessert every night, but when I do… it’ll be worthwhile.

Today’s treat is quite rich and not at all Jenny friendly.  What it does have going for it, aside from the obvious flavor, is that because it is so rich and luscious a very small serving is all you need to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The Mexican chocolate and dark chocolate used here keep the crème from becoming too sweet.  The cardamom takes this dessert to a new place and the pomegranate arils add just the right amount of sweet, tart, and crunch.  Prepare this dessert on Thursday and reward yourself on Saturday afternoon for a week of restraint.

savour… savouring

There's a birthday party at the home of Farmer Grey.  As a boy (and sometimes still as an adult) I always imagined that party was for me.  You see, today is my birthday.  Now, I won't bore you with the usual Christmas birthday grumblings.  Instead I'll just relish in the idea that the "click-clack" sound of Sleigh Ride was written just for me.

Mind you, this birthday is no ordinary birthday.  Today I turn 45.  Those of you who know me well and are aware of my obsession fascination with the number nine understand why I am so excited about being 45... nevermind that fact that it happens on 12.21.12.  I'll let you do the math.

But what to make when my birthday falls on the Treat of the Week day?  I know it will be another 6 years before it happens again.  So... a birthday cake? some skyscraping sugar sculpture? No. I settled for one of my favorite childhood desserts... German Chocolate Cake.

This cake is simple, stylish (in a retro way), and super delicious.  The texture of the icing is really what sets this cake apart and makes it seem so decadent.  It'll be the perfect ending to a perfect day.

savour... giddy-yap let's go 

The holidays are a busy time and we are all looking for simple and unique entertaining ideas.  This treat of the week is perfect with simple ingredients and 'do ahead' preparation.

The nutty flavor of the cashew cream is perfect for this dish and adds a little surprise to the fruit flavors.  This dish is full of textures and tastes.  The result is a dessert that is so good you'll forget that it's wholesome, too!

savour... healthy treats

The holidays season has arrived and soon guests will be on your doorstep.  Your kitchen will be filled with warm faces, laughter, and conversation.  You'll want to be sure you have some hot coffee or tea and a treat or two to make the moments even better.

This Coffee and Cream Bundt Cake is just right for holiday entertaining.  It combines the warm flavors of coffee and smooth and creamy cream cheese glaze.  It is dense and delicious and serves many.  Make it ahead for easy entertaining.  It might just become a new holiday tradition.

savour... holiday home

Rarely do flavors come together in a way that make me as happy as these three… pumpkin, chocolate, and caramel.  Making matters even better is the fact that in comes in the form of a rich yet fluffy cheesecake square.  This is sheer fall perfection.

You are going to be delighted at how simple this is to make.  The flavors are remarkable and the texture is what dessert is all about.  Use this for your Halloween party or hold onto it for Thanksgiving.  This one is a keeper.