Often, I'd rather have a snack than a meal. Err, multiple snacks instead of a meal. I have lots of favorite combos…
Favorite Snacks Fridays is born! (Well…not every Friday, maybe once or twice a month.)
Gorgonzola Blue Cheese and Sliced Fuji Apples never disappoint. (However, the apples must be Fuji- sweet yet tangy, always crispy, never mealy). And, aside from your choice of apples, there's a lot of wiggle room…
Sliced pears and smoked Gouda? Amaze. Sliced Fujis and Pecorino? To die. Looking to spice things up? Add a little Dijon to your apple or pear instead of the cheese. Tasty.
Clearly the combinations are endless.
Jim and I browse through the mammoth cheese display at our local organic market as if we're at the library selecting books. Fun stuff.
I'd love to hear about some of your favorite snacks. What might they be?
Country Road, 12″x16″ Oil on Windsor Newton Paper (Click image for better, larger view)
This painting of sunny pastures is from a sketch I did last year. I enjoy its simple, warm and breezy feel.
If you liked this post, say thanks by sharing it.
https://stylenectar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/stylenectar.png00Juliane Porterhttps://stylenectar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/stylenectar.pngJuliane Porter2011-03-15 15:44:032025-09-29 19:45:58Take Me Home, Country Road
Whoopie Pies with Mint Filling and Chocolate Ganache
In case you weren't notified, whoopie pies are the new cupcake.
And, if you're a fan of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies or chocolate-chip-mint ice-cream (like Jim) you'll love these Whoopie Pies with Mint Filling and Chocolate Ganache. The moment I saw them featured in Bon Appetit I knew I had to give them a try. Well, actually my husband subtly pointed them out to me 🙂
Don't let the fancy name fool you, these are seriously simple to make and oh so delicious. Plus, they're perfect for St. Patty's Day.
Let me know how you like them!
Instructions (makes about 15 sandwich cookies)
Ingredients
cookies
2 cups all purpose flour
5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/8 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup nonhydrogenated solid vegetable shortening or unsalted butter (1 stick), room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
mint filling
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons nonhydrogenated solid vegetable shortening or unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups plus 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/4 cup egg whites (from about 2 large eggs)
3 to 4 drops green food coloring
chocolate ganache
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips
special equipment (I used a corner-snipped ziplock freezer bag)
Pastry bag or resealable plastic bag Medium-size star pastry tip
Preparation
cookies
Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 375°F. Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda into medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat shortening, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla in large bowl until well blended, about 2 minutes. Add flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with milk in 2 additions, beating until blended after each addition.
Drop dough by very rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 3 inches apart. Bake 1 sheet at a time until cookies are slightly puffed and spread but are still soft, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on sheets 10 minutes. Carefully transfer cookies to racks and cool completely. Repeat with remaining cookie dough. DO AHEADCookies can be made 1 day ahead. Store airtight in single layer at room temperature.
mint filling
Using electric mixer, beat shortening, peppermint extract, and vanilla in large metal bowl until blended. Add powdered sugar, egg whites, and pinch of salt; beat until light and fluffy. Add food coloring drop by drop for desired shade of green; beat until well blended. If mixture looks curdled, place bowl over low heat several seconds and beat until smooth. Repeat as necessary until smooth.
ganache
Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring cream to simmer in heavy small saucepan. Remove from heat. Add chocolate; whisk until smooth. Cool until lukewarm but spreadable, about 15 minutes.
Spoon 1 teaspoon ganache onto bottom (flat side) of half of cookies. Place cookies, ganache side up, on prepared baking sheet.
Spoon mint filling into pastry bag fitted with medium star tip (or spoon filling into resealable plastic bag, squeezing filling into 1 corner of bag, then cut off 1/4 inch of plastic bag corner to allow for piping). Starting at outer edge of bottom (flat side) of remaining cookies and working toward center, pipe mint filling in spiral. Place 1 mint-filled cookie, mint side down, atop each ganache-topped cookie, pressing slightly to adhere. DO AHEADCan be made 2 hours ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.
Recipe from Bon Appetit Magazine Jan., 2011
If you liked this post, say thanks by sharing it.
https://stylenectar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/stylenectar.png00Juliane Porterhttps://stylenectar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/stylenectar.pngJuliane Porter2011-03-09 17:01:052025-12-06 15:05:00Whoopie Pies with Mint Filling and Chocolate Ganache
The first day of spring (March 20th) is only two weeks away!
(Surely Old Man Winter must be looking forward to a good loooooong rest following the blockbuster of snow, ice and below freezing temperatures he produced for us this year.)
Miraculously, the ground has finally thawed and the soil is now workable…the equivalent of a personalized invitation to my nature loving husband to go outside and get dirty preparing our two small gardens…tilling, removing moss and rocks, carefully creating neat rows and planting our spring veggies: Rainbow Chard, Peas, Spinach, Radishes, Russian Fingerling & Yukon Potatoes, Beets, Turnips and a few herbs.
The fruits of our gardens will be available in 8 or more weeks (depending on the weather). At which point we arrive to my part in the equation. And while, yes, a simple drizzle of olive oil and sea salt are often best with these fresh jewels of the earth, I'll be sure to share a couple of my favorite recipes honoring my sweet gardener.
Do you have any gardening plans this year? I'd love to hear about them!
A caddy-corner view of the freshly tilled and planted gardens through the sweet pea trellises.
Our recent warm, sunny weather and a case of spring fever inspired a trip to the city and this quick watercolor of the busy streets.(16″ x 12″ on Winsor Newton paper)
Repurposed Chair, Oil on 16″ x 20″ archival linen covered board (Click image for better, larger view)
This lovely chair (one of a pair) used to be on my parents’ summer screened-in porch growing up. When a new settee was purchased to replace them, they were bestowed upon me. And now they reside in my guest room emanating all the sunshine and childhood memories they experienced over the years.
I love the sweet memories pieces from childhood bring to my home today. Do you have any favorite objects from your childhood home incorporated into your current decor? I’d love to hear about them!
A dramatic night eye using MAC Paints for added shimmer
I love makeup. It’s sort of like painting after all:-)
And I’m rather passionate about products that perform the way they’re supposed to. So I thought I’d share two of my favorites:
My Paula Dorf Eyelash Curler ~ Gives lashes an instant, natural looking, upturned wave. No tugging. No unnaturally juxtaposed right angles. No counting to 20 before you get a curl.
and…
Trish McEvoy High Volume Mascara (Jet Black) ~ Coats lashes beautifully and lasts all day without a hint of a flake or smear. Plus it washes off easily unlike harsh waterproof formulas.
This Pear-Mint-Ginger Sake Cocktail is refreshing and not too sweet with a wonderful kick of ginger. We went through two pitchers of them at our party last week! They’re that tasty.
Make them to order in a rocks glass per the single serving directions below.
Or, if you’d like to serve them to a larger group like I did, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of guests you’re having. Then, combine the 1st four ingredients in a container and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Strain the mixture, then pour into a beautiful pitcher and serve chilled with a sprig of mint in a simple martini glass.
INGREDIENTS (Serves 1)
2 mint sprigs
1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger (Use sliced ginger “coins” if pre-mixing for a party. This will make straining easier, and provide for a clean presentation.)
2 ounces sake, chilled
2 ounces pear nectar (such as Goya brand), chilled
Garnish: mint sprig
DIRECTIONS
Combine 2 mint sprigs and ginger in a chilled rocks glass; mash well. Fill glass with ice. Add chilled sake and chilled pear nectar; stir well. Garnish with a mint sprig; serve immediately.
Great Tip: Did you know you can store your fresh ginger in the freezer for several months to be at the ready anytime you need it?! Just thaw it on the counter briefly before each use.
I dare you only to buy one! (Admittedly I’ve gone a bit ‘lawn ornament’ with mine as they’re currently sparkling up not one- but three rooms on our first floor. But wait till you see them… you’ll understand.)
They’re available in about 25 different gorge patterns and their applications are endless. They really blow my old TV trays, (I’m sure Michel would shudder to hear them referred to as such), out of the water with their sturdy handles and accommodating measurements. The quality felt backing and decoupage finish mean they protect furniture perfectly and wipe up in a snap. Case in point: during our recent party, I used one to serve a pitcher of my specialty cocktail and another two for presenting stuffed mushrooms and soup shooters (also posting soon). Did I mention they do a magnificent job of turning an otherwise rocky ottoman into a sturdy table?!
So without further delay, allow me to present to you in all their splendor:
Nest & Egg Tray, Tulip Tray and Butterfly Tray! (Applause)
Place a generous scoop of Spumoni into each martini glass. Top with 1 tablespoon of Sambuca. If using, sprinkle with the silver dragees. Slowly savor the festive flavors dancing on your tongue!
shhhh, don’t tell anyone… because it’s not even the point… but this little baby has less than 150 calories!
Email me if you’d like this recipe Veganized, Raw-Veganized, Dairy-freed or Gluten-freed:)
Favorite Snacks Fridays
Gorgonzola with Fuji Apples
Often, I'd rather have a snack than a meal. Err, multiple snacks instead of a meal. I have lots of favorite combos…
Favorite Snacks Fridays is born! (Well…not every Friday, maybe once or twice a month.)
Gorgonzola Blue Cheese and Sliced Fuji Apples never disappoint. (However, the apples must be Fuji- sweet yet tangy, always crispy, never mealy). And, aside from your choice of apples, there's a lot of wiggle room…
Sliced pears and smoked Gouda? Amaze. Sliced Fujis and Pecorino? To die. Looking to spice things up? Add a little Dijon to your apple or pear instead of the cheese. Tasty.
Clearly the combinations are endless.
Jim and I browse through the mammoth cheese display at our local organic market as if we're at the library selecting books. Fun stuff.
I'd love to hear about some of your favorite snacks. What might they be?
Take Me Home, Country Road
Country Road, 12″x16″ Oil on Windsor Newton Paper (Click image for better, larger view)
This painting of sunny pastures is from a sketch I did last year. I enjoy its simple, warm and breezy feel.
If you liked this post, say thanks by sharing it.
Whoopie Pies with Mint Filling and Chocolate Ganache
Whoopie Pies with Mint Filling and Chocolate Ganache
In case you weren't notified, whoopie pies are the new cupcake.
And, if you're a fan of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies or chocolate-chip-mint ice-cream (like Jim) you'll love these Whoopie Pies with Mint Filling and Chocolate Ganache. The moment I saw them featured in Bon Appetit I knew I had to give them a try. Well, actually my husband subtly pointed them out to me 🙂
Don't let the fancy name fool you, these are seriously simple to make and oh so delicious. Plus, they're perfect for St. Patty's Day.
Let me know how you like them!
Instructions (makes about 15 sandwich cookies)
Ingredients
cookies
mint filling
chocolate ganache
special equipment (I used a corner-snipped ziplock freezer bag)
Medium-size star pastry tip
Preparation
cookies
mint filling
ganache
A Gardening Affair
The first day of spring (March 20th) is only two weeks away!
(Surely Old Man Winter must be looking forward to a good loooooong rest following the blockbuster of snow, ice and below freezing temperatures he produced for us this year.)
Miraculously, the ground has finally thawed and the soil is now workable…the equivalent of a personalized invitation to my nature loving husband to go outside and get dirty preparing our two small gardens…tilling, removing moss and rocks, carefully creating neat rows and planting our spring veggies: Rainbow Chard, Peas, Spinach, Radishes, Russian Fingerling & Yukon Potatoes, Beets, Turnips and a few herbs.
The fruits of our gardens will be available in 8 or more weeks (depending on the weather). At which point we arrive to my part in the equation. And while, yes, a simple drizzle of olive oil and sea salt are often best with these fresh jewels of the earth, I'll be sure to share a couple of my favorite recipes honoring my sweet gardener.
Do you have any gardening plans this year? I'd love to hear about them!
A caddy-corner view of the freshly tilled and planted gardens through the sweet pea trellises.
City Streets
Our recent warm, sunny weather and a case of spring fever inspired a trip to the city and this quick watercolor of the busy streets. (16″ x 12″ on Winsor Newton paper)
If you liked this post, say thanks by sharing it.
Repurposed Chair
Repurposed Chair, Oil on 16″ x 20″ archival linen covered board (Click image for better, larger view)
This lovely chair (one of a pair) used to be on my parents’ summer screened-in porch growing up. When a new settee was purchased to replace them, they were bestowed upon me. And now they reside in my guest room emanating all the sunshine and childhood memories they experienced over the years.
I love the sweet memories pieces from childhood bring to my home today. Do you have any favorite objects from your childhood home incorporated into your current decor? I’d love to hear about them!
If you like this post say thanks by sharing.
Night Eyes
I love makeup. It’s sort of like painting after all:-)
And I’m rather passionate about products that perform the way they’re supposed to. So I thought I’d share two of my favorites:
My Paula Dorf Eyelash Curler ~ Gives lashes an instant, natural looking, upturned wave. No tugging. No unnaturally juxtaposed right angles. No counting to 20 before you get a curl.
and…
Trish McEvoy High Volume Mascara (Jet Black) ~ Coats lashes beautifully and lasts all day without a hint of a flake or smear. Plus it washes off easily unlike harsh waterproof formulas.
What are some of your favorites?
If you like this post say thanks by sharing.
Pear-Mint-Ginger Sake Cocktail
This Pear-Mint-Ginger Sake Cocktail is refreshing and not too sweet with a wonderful kick of ginger. We went through two pitchers of them at our party last week! They’re that tasty.
Make them to order in a rocks glass per the single serving directions below.
Or, if you’d like to serve them to a larger group like I did, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of guests you’re having. Then, combine the 1st four ingredients in a container and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Strain the mixture, then pour into a beautiful pitcher and serve chilled with a sprig of mint in a simple martini glass.
INGREDIENTS (Serves 1)
DIRECTIONS
Combine 2 mint sprigs and ginger in a chilled rocks glass; mash well. Fill glass with ice. Add chilled sake and chilled pear nectar; stir well. Garnish with a mint sprig; serve immediately.
Great Tip: Did you know you can store your fresh ginger in the freezer for several months to be at the ready anytime you need it?! Just thaw it on the counter briefly before each use.
If you like this post say thanks by sharing.
TV Trays Gone Fabulous
Looking to jazz up a room in your home without a major investment?
These dandy decoupage trays by Michel Design Works are just the ticket.
I dare you only to buy one! (Admittedly I’ve gone a bit ‘lawn ornament’ with mine as they’re currently sparkling up not one- but three rooms on our first floor. But wait till you see them… you’ll understand.)
They’re available in about 25 different gorge patterns and their applications are endless. They really blow my old TV trays, (I’m sure Michel would shudder to hear them referred to as such), out of the water with their sturdy handles and accommodating measurements. The quality felt backing and decoupage finish mean they protect furniture perfectly and wipe up in a snap. Case in point: during our recent party, I used one to serve a pitcher of my specialty cocktail and another two for presenting stuffed mushrooms and soup shooters (also posting soon). Did I mention they do a magnificent job of turning an otherwise rocky ottoman into a sturdy table?!
So without further delay, allow me to present to you in all their splendor:
Nest & Egg Tray, Tulip Tray and Butterfly Tray! (Applause)
If you like this post say thanks by sharing.
Spumoni-Sambuca Dessert
What’s better than a dessert that takes 30 seconds to make?
One that delivers on taste and presentation too!
Prepare to be whisked away to Italy via this combo of exotic flavors. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some silver dragees on top.
Ingredients:
Spumoni Ice-Cream (soften slightly on the counter first)
Sambuca
Simple Martini Glasses for Serving
Instructions:
Place a generous scoop of Spumoni into each martini glass. Top with 1 tablespoon of Sambuca. If using, sprinkle with the silver dragees. Slowly savor the festive flavors dancing on your tongue!
shhhh, don’t tell anyone… because it’s not even the point… but this little baby has less than 150 calories!
Email me if you’d like this recipe Veganized, Raw-Veganized, Dairy-freed or Gluten-freed:)
If you like this post say thanks by sharing.