Champagne Sunday

 On occasion I have a brilliant idea.  Champagne Sunday definitely qualifies as brilliant.

I've decided that I don't need a "Special Occasion" to consume a beverage that is traditionally saved for "Special Occasions."  While it's true that the Sparkling Wine I choose to drink is not "champagne,"  it is just as festive.  There is still that magical pop and gorgeous mist that rolls over the bottle lip when you uncork it, and that is good enough for me. Besides, Sparkling Wine Sunday just doesn't have the same ring to it.

In addition to the sparkling wine, my Champagne Sunday also includes a culinary adventure.  Last week I delved into something new and exciting in my baked goods:  Chocolate Cake coated in Chocolate Genache and sprinkled with Powdered Sugar...it was delicious.  This week I played it a bit safer and went with an old family favorite of mine:  Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes,  and Sweet Corn.  Dani added a delicious Cranberry Salad.  Oh yes, dinner was lovely.

For dessert I tried my hand at Chocolate Coated Pears.  While the flavor of these little darlings was pretty good, I think they need a bit more work before they are presentable to anyone other than my most gracious testers, Mister Patrick and Miss Dani (Thanks, kids. Mucho hugs for putting up with my  new obsession).

All in all, this weeks culinary endeavors were judged a palatable success.

And most importantly, I had SO much fun!

Chocolate Cake with Ganache and Powedered Sugar

 My first attempt at chocolate cake was a delicious success.  The cake it self was moist and not too sweet.  The Ganache (also made from scratch) was a perfect topping of sweetness.  I am so absolutely proud of myself.  It's ridiculous how giddy I was all day waiting for the the cake to be done and then I had to wait for it to cool down.  By the time I was ready to pour the Ganache, I was practically bouncing off the walls!

This dessert just rounded out the day.  Fernando came by and we had Mimosas.  Instead of orange juice (which is despise) I bought some Ocean Spray Cran-Strawberry juice which was DIVINE!  We classed that up with some caramel corn, smoked gouda, and sharp cheddar cheese...oh yes, it was quite the appetizer.

For dinner, Dani made Chicken Tacos and Spanish Rice.  Let me tell you...for as simple as that recipe is, it is super tasty.  Must be Miss Dani's technique.

I had such a great weekend.  I would absolutely love to postpone work for at least one more day...but, reality calls.

What will I make next weekend?

New Year, New Blog.

My lovely roommate decided to set up a new blog.  A private blog.  In order for me to read this new blog of hers, I needed an account here.  So, here I am.

This year I've promised myself (this is not a resolution so get that out of your head, right now) to spend more time at home doing the stuff I want to do. Tomorrow, I begin with a vengeance...

Chocolate Cake.  From scratch.  I've never made one, but tomorrow that all changes (it's 2 in the morning...I guess I mean later today...).  I am making my first ever chocolate cake without a ready made mix.

Wish me luck.