better with time.

just like wine gets better with time... 

(not that i know, our budget doesn't allow for such knowledge).

...so do my mint cupcakes!

in the original recipe, i didn't like the chocolate cupcake.
that's because the filling didn't work well with it.


SO. i changed the filling for another round.
(my maid of honor and her husband are coming for dinner tomorrow! have to have something fun... :))
same chocolate cupcake (martha stewart's one bowl chocolate cupcakes), which is actually very delicious.
same frosting (vanilla buttercream with peppermint extract)
new filling:
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream and 1 tablespoon light corn syrup--bring to a simmer
dump over 8 oz. chocolate chips, add a dash of peppermint extract and let sit for one minute.
whisk it all together.
what it creates?

pure heaven in a mint chocolate ganache.

then, fill the cupcakes.

i'm serious. this is delectable.

(plus, a new tip for frosting! me gusta.)

there it is. uh. yum.

in other news, i tried a new recipe and then created my own!


cilantro-orange-bbq pork chops
i used...
about 1/2 cup bbq
enough orange juice to taste
about 1 teaspoon of garlic
a bunch of cilantro (1/3 cup or so)
mix it all together...

then, pan sear 1/2 inch thick pork chops and slather this stuff all over once it has a been sealed... like has a thin layer of "cooked" on it. (like my cook-ese?)
it's great! and easy!


maybe i love food. eh, well.