Nutella Scones [Club Baked]

So about a month ago, I realized that it was going to be National Nutella Day. What was I going to make for it? I look and searched and found that we were making these Nutella Scones for Club: Baked so I figured that it would be a perfect match.

They were sweet and delicious at the same time. I think next time if I were to make them again, I wouldn't add the hazelnuts to my nutella on top. I had extra hazelnuts that I had already toasted and didn't know what to do with them. The hazelnuts in the scone were kind of weird too. I dont know if i like that extra crunch. The nutella that was supposed to be put into the center of the scone was also really messy to deal with. I think one thing would be to put the dough into the fridge before baking and cutting so it's a bit easier to deal with.

Nutella is a favorite among my friends and I. I let the boyfriend bring them to work and I think they enjoyed it.

Thanks to Lorraine for choosing this one and see how the other baker fared at Club Baked.

Speculaas [Club Baked]

You know when the writers wrote that they loved the Delta cookies, I remembered how much I enjoyed those cookies on my trip to New York almost 2 years ago. My dad had free flights so my brother and I were able to go to New York City for the first time. I had such a great time with my brother - how weird right?

Anyways, these cookies brought me back to my flight. That 5 hour cross country flight was not the most fun flight, but you know what? The cookies were the best part of it. I'm so glad that I was able to learn how to make these.

As I eat these cookies, I remember all the great time I had in New York - watching my first Broadway show...on Broadway. The top of the Empire State Building and Rockerfeller Center. Brooklyn. Central Park. Wall Street. Ground Zero. My goal is to be there once for New Years Eve and stay in a hotel room facing Times Square, where I stayed last time with my dad and brother, and watch the ball drop from my room and be able to celebrate with my friends in the room. That way, I can be there, but also be warm and be able to use the bathroom. I MUST GO BACK SOON.

The flavors are great. I can taste all the spices and they go great with my morning drink from Starbucks (Soy Earl Gray Latte). I can just munch on these cookies all day. Love! I made mine in very little batches because I know if I make big batches I end up giving most of them to my boyfriend and as much as I love him, I love these cookies for myself. I've been baking about a sheet or two. I have about 1/4 of the dough left. I'll be able to eat these cookies for next couple of days.

Check out the recipe here and other bakers here.

Mississippi Mud Pie [Club Baked]

Yes, I was going to start baking again, and I have! One of my many New Years Resolutions is to bake (and cook) - at least once a week. This way I'll be improving my skills and providing wonderful treats to my friends in the Bay Area. I'll probably send a couple of cookies on the way to my friends in different countries and states which means I need your addresses and requests!

Anyways, back to this recipe. In the book it describes the Mississippi Mud Pie as a controversy so I decided to wiki it. Apparently on wikipedia, they only have the second version of the pie, with the dense cake and not this version.

This version has a nice cookie base, chocolate in the middle, ice cream, and some fudge on top! It's a nice delicious (and fattening) treat after a great dinner with my boyfriend. I used some Bailey's instead of whiskey, oreos instead of wafers for the base, and well, karamel sutra ice cream instead of coffee. I know it's not the same, but it was delicious regardless. I really enjoyed making this. I used about 1/6 of the recipe and ended up with three little pies in cupcake liners. I made these before I left for a business trip. I was gone for a week to Sacramento so it was great to eat dinner, drink wine, and talk to him. It's those little things in a relationship that really count.

PS. Thanks to Club Baked and Jess for this awesome pick!

NY Style Crumb Cake [Club Baked]

So I know that this is a bit late, but I've been busy moving, travelling and having too much fun!

This cake itself was pretty easy to make and super delicious! I really enjoyed putting these together. I gave one to my friend who came by and visited me in San Francisco, kept one for myself, and gave the rest to my boyfriend who was meeting his grandparents in Vegas. Apparently it's their anniversary!

As I mentioned travelling, I ate so much great food. Here's pictures of some of them!

So much good food in Asia, I really wish that I could bring back the tastes for you guys!