Texas Sheet Cake

 While I am a Californian (NorCal thank you very much), through and through, I have to say this Texas Sheet Cake has won me over (just a little bit) for the Lone Star state.   Although it's technically a "cake" I actually liken it more to a cakey brownie topped with fudge icing and toasted pecans.  One taste and I was hooked.

I happened upon this Cook's Country recipe when I was looking for a treat to bring in to the office.  It had to be something delicious (obviously), easy to make (no mixer required!) and could feed a crowd.  Check, check, check!   Plus, I knew my chocoholic colleagues would  go crazy for the deep, rich flavors.

If you have a party or potluck this would be the perfect dessert to make.  Tết, or Vietnamese New Year, is coming up soon and I think I'll be bringing this to our family celebration.  I have a feeling some of my diabetic-fearing relatives will think it's too sweet, but I say life's too short NOT to eat cake.   Just have a small piece!

Fluffy Dinner Rolls

 

The grey gloom of dreaded El Niño has me craving all things warm, cozy and most importantly filling.   Which means more often than not I've got a hankering for bread.   I am a certified carb lover and proud of it.  Atkins be damned!  There is nothing better in this world than warm bread smothered with soft, creamy butter.  Such bliss I tell you. 

 

I first saw this Cook's Illustrated recipe for Fluffy Dinner Rolls back in December but never got around to making it because I was completely ensconced in Christmas baking and candy making.   On a gloomy day like today I couldn't think of anything better than these rolls with a bowl of piping, hot soup.   

Its moniker does not lie - these rolls are super fluffy and utterly delicious.   Similar to all other CI recipes this one is really foolproof and simple as 1-2-3.   The delicious aroma of fresh bread baking in the oven cannot be rivaled.   With such deliciousness at my fingertips I can take on whatever El Niño brings.