3 desserts and 2 hotpots

My friends and I gathered for a holiday hot pot last night and it was quite the event. 2 hours of eating a seemingly endless amount of beef, pork, lamb, mushrooms, noodles, vegetables, tofu, etc etc all around one extended table! Winter is definitely the best season for hotpot :) Of course, I made desserts to go with the hotpot. Sticking with the Asian theme of the evening, I made almond jelly and a jasmine panna cotta. I also brought chocolate souffle cupcakes from a recipe I got from smitten kitchen I fell in love with the panna cotta and most loved the cupcakes as well so all was good :) Unfortunately, I forgot to take photos once again but I'm sure I will make these desserts again in the future!

It's been a long time...

Finishing school, moving home, and starting work completely took over my life and before I knew it, I've ignored this blog for over a year! ...which also means I've ignored the kitchen and my bountiful baking supplies for quite some time as well. Work has definitely taken over my life and it's definitely been difficult for me to work out a good work-life balance, but I am slowly trying to change my habits. Sadly, that old saying is pretty true. "Old habits die hard." (=_=) However, when the holidays roll around, there's always a little time to enjoy some quality time with the oven :) This year I made a pumpkin pie with Splenda since my dad is diabetic and I also made the super delicious Bolzano Apple Cake! Sadly, no really good photos this time, since I took them to my Aunt's for Thanksgiving, but please visit the sites for recipes and photos! I highly recommend the Bolzano Apple Cake!