Tag: martha stewart

Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

I chose to bake Eggnog Cheesecake Bars (another Martha Stewart recipe) specifically for Michael because he is a such a fan of eggnog (especially when added to coffee). I followed the recipe pretty precisely, though I needed to strain the mixed batter, as it was lumpier than I liked, before pouring it over the crust. I think I didn’t let the cream cheese soften enough before using it and then rushed the initial mixing – it seems I was in a big rush ALL of yesterday (December 17, 2010), because I also had a batch of shortbread (almost) flop.

Modifications: I lined the pan with parchment paper rather than trusting the vegetable oil cooking spray, used graham cracker crumbs (rather than crackers) and omitted the brandy.

Notes: the plastic wrap clings to the top (and therefore messes it up) if you let it touch.

Tasting notes: Michael says they taste exactly as advertised – eggnog cheesecake – and gave them 5 stars. It’s a keeper! Also, reviews from various tasters at the Christmas Drop-In were all positive.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

Yesterday I tried baking a couple of items out of Martha Stewart’s Holiday Cookies (a special issue of her magazine). Every now and then I find a recipe I really, really like via Martha Stewart (though I usually modify it to suit my particular taste), but I don’t regularly collect her magazine as I am attempting to cut my consumption of paper.

I heavily modified the recipe for Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies and am not totally sold on the results.  They are a little like brownies with a subtle kick and, because of that, they may need some sort of icing to be really tasty.  If you click through to Martha’s recipe (link above) you will note that mine look nothing like hers and I believe that is due to the fact that I substituted in whole wheat pastry flour.

Modifications: whole wheat pastry flour, salted butter, cayenne pepper.

Notes: I could have upped the cayenne pepper content.

Tasting notes: dense, chocolately – almost brownie like – very tasty, but maybe a bit dry. The spicing was subtle, but added a nice afterthought kick to the chocolate.