Bacon Cheddar Biscuit Waffles

Bacon Cheddar Biscuit Waffles

If that title doesn't sound like four words you want to eat, I'm not sure what does. 

As a relatively obsessed baker, many assume that I mainly eat sweets and that I would most definitely choose sweets over savory foods. 

While those assumptions are mostly true, there is an exception. Brunch is right below dessert on my list of favorite meals, and I generally prefer savory brunch foods. 

However, brunch menus often lead me to a state of moral conflict. How am I supposed to choose between a red velvet waffle and a smoked salmon benedict? I love red velvet...but usually the idea of a perfectly runny poached egg topped with hollandaise sauce wins this battle. 

I think this recipe is the perfect compromise to solve the dilemmas that many of us face at brunch. An epic waffle with bacon, cheese, and an egg leaves little to desire. You can even satisfy your sweet cravings by topping the waffle with honey or strawberry jam!

Keep reading to learn how you can make brunch the delicious, stress-free experience that it's meant to be. As a bonus, you won't even have to wait for an hour to be seated :-)

Greek Independence Cake: Honey Pistachio Bundt Cake

Greek Independence Cake: Honey Pistachio Bundt Cake

Happy Greek Independence Day!! A few weeks ago, my friend and coworker Myrsini and I were discussing the cinema masterpiece that is My Big Fat Greek Wedding. You may recall the hilarious scene when Ian's parents meet Toula's extended family and Ian's mom brings a bundt cake to the party. Toula's mom is confused, having never seen a bundt cake, and scoffs to another relative,"There's a hole in this cake!" After watching this scene, Myrsini and I decided to plan a Greek Day celebration at work. Mainly because I wanted an excuse to make a Greek-themed bundt cake and for Myrsini to cook delicious Greek food for me! Keep reading to learn how you too can make a delicious honey pistachio bundt cake to honor a wonderful movie, and an even more wonderful country!

Curried Sweet Potato Cookies

Curried Sweet Potato Cookies

This “real world” thing has thrown me lots of challenges: paying bills, waking up before 8 AM on a regular basis, being a new driver in a city with crazy traffic…and having to actually cook “real food”. Though, I’m always cool with cookies for breakfast, I usually feel a little guilty about having cookies for dinner. So, this baker's had lots of adventures and learning experiences with cooking. And I think I’m slowly mastering cooking one of my favorite types of food…Thai curry! So, I figured, why not combine two of my loves: curry AND cookies?

I often say that delicious + delicious = more delicious. And that definitely held true for this recipe. Keep reading for directions on making this tasty Thai-influenced treat!

Red Velvet Shortbread Cookies

Red Velvet Shortbread Cookies

As a baker, Valentine's Day is one of the best holidays for me. I'll use pretty much any excuse to bake: birthdays, Thursdays, 11:08 PM, whatever. Since I live by the title of this blog, these are all compelling reasons for me to bake. But Valentine's Day gives me slightly more legitimate reasons. Calories don't exist on February 14th! Everyone is down to eat red velvet and chocolate, and most don't feel guilty about it. And this means less guilt for me, a serial diet-ruiner. Also, I can hand out heart-shaped cookies and it's not weird...I think. And last and foremost, lots of people tend to be having a bad day on Valentine's Day. Maybe they don't have a Valentine. Or maybe they do. Or perhaps they spent nearly an hour de-icing their car in the morning, using a MARTA Breeze Card (oh, was that just me?). Whatever the reason, I love the opportunity to give people a reason to be happy. And like so many other times in life, the best reason to be happy on Valentine's Day is most certainly sugar. Along with  Red Velvet Cake Batter Fudge (not my recipe), I hope I made a few people's Valentine's Days a bit better this year with these tasty and super precious Red Velvet Shortbread Cookies! Here's how you can brighten some moods on Valentine's Day next year (or, let's be real, any day)!

Biscoff Cookies and Cream Fudge

Biscoff Cookies and Cream Fudge

You saw that title, didn't you? If your first thought was something along the lines of  "couldn't be bad" or "must have that now," I can assure you that you're right. Just as "Biscoff," "Cookies and Cream," and "Fudge" suggest, this is a delicious treat that you need in your life ASAP. And this post is here to help you make that happen.

Now, if you're thinking "fudge is too hard to make and I just can't," I promise that at least for this recipe, you are totally wrong. And while I'm making promises, I'll admit to you that this isn't "real" fudge. By no means did I stand over the stove with a candy thermometer, waiting for the mixture to reach soft ball stage. Ain't nobody got time for that. (Read: I have zero patience).    

I made this fudge in six simple steps, using four ingredients.

Don't believe me? If you keep reading, I see a delicious, fudgy treat in your near future :-) 

Pumpkin Spice Cookie Cups

Pumpkin Spice Cookie Cups

As far as seasons go, fall just might be the most delicious. I insisted that summer was my favorite season for the first 21 or so years of my life. However, as I approach old age, my July birthday becomes less of a reason for excitement and I am growing less tolerant of (read: highly annoyed by) the intense summer heat. I suspect that summer will continue to lose points in my book now that I have joined the dreaded “real world” and have likely seen the last of my summer breaks. Alas, fall wins over my foodie heart and gets extra points for college football and the option to press the “Off” button on the fan I’ve camped out beside all summer.

When I went to Target today, I was embarrassingly excited to see one of my favorite fall items, Pumpkin Spice Hershey Kisses. I immediately picked up a bag and spent the next few hours daydreaming about what I could bake with them. Folks, this is when you know you have a problem. Hi, my name is Dena and I’m addicted to baking. Sorry I’m not sorry.

Anyways, I decided to make one of my favorite recipes, Butterscotch Chai Cookies, and add my beloved Pumpkin Spice Hershey Kisses. Read on to see how I made these delicious treats that are also super cute…or as I prefer to say “totes presh.”

Biscoff Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Biscoff Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Just a few short months ago I discovered the amazingness that is Biscoff spread, also known to some as Speculos. For those unfamiliar with Biscoff spread, you may have had Biscoff cookies, as they are commonly served on planes. The cookies taste somewhat like cinnamon graham crackers, and Biscoff spread is made to taste exactly like the cookies, except in a spread form with the consistency of peanut butter. Even though I am not wild about Biscoff cookies, I have been pretty obsessed with the spread ever since trying it. When I tell people about it, I describe it as "right up there with Nutella" which is a bold statement coming from me. Ever since discovering Biscoff spread, I have had fun trying to incorporate it into my baking, as like anything else so incredibly delicious, it goes well with just about anything. Here's how I incorporated it into an oatmeal cookie recipe: