It was my brother’s birthday earlier this week. Even though he’s thousands of miles away from where I am right now, I wasn’t about to pass up a chance to make and eat cupcakes.

He requested marble, so I improvised. These may not be as beautiful as the marble cupcakes you see in stores (OK, so they’re kind of globby, to be honest), but they taste better, and the melted chocolate is the finishing touch of magic that no store can give you.

To make 6 small cupcakes, here’s what you need: ½ cup flour, ¼ cup plus one tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon melted butter, ¼ cup very hot water, 1/8 tsp baking soda, 1/8 tsp salt, ½ tsp vanilla, 1 egg yolk, 2 tablespoons sour cream, about 1 ½ ounces of chocolate, and a tiny bit of milk or cream. Read More »

I think I’ve said it before, but I’m not really into vegan things. I haven’t had a lot of experience with vegan food, but whenever I do find it in my mouth (gosh. That sounds so dirty!), it’s usually a slightly bland and…slightly grainy… experience. I repeat, I haven’t had many vegan delicacies, but really, one strangely gritty slice of tofurky is enough.

So, you’re going to have to trust me when I tell you this vegan cherry pie is just delightful. A friend recently brought it to a party and before they could say “that crust is totally vegan!!”, it was gone. Mostly thanks to me and my two helpings.

While a little long, this recipe is surprisingly simple.

Vegan Pie (Crust)

2 1/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
1 Teaspoon Salt
3/4 Cup Cup Vegetable Shortening
4-6 Tablespoons Ice Water

1.) In large bowl mix flour and salt. With pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2.) Sprinkle in ice water, 1 Tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly with fork after each addition, until dough is just moist enough to hold together. (the less water you use, the flakier the crust) Read More »

Amy Sedaris is a funny, funny lady. If you don’t know her, just YouTube some of her Strangers with Candy episodes. She’ll do and say anything, and isn’t afraid to be the definition of “wacky”. She’s weird. She’s absurd. She’s well spoken. I love her.

As if I needed a reason to add another candle to my Sedaris shrine, Amy has also got the best recipe for cupcakes, ever. The directions are easy, the cupcakes taste good, and the way the recipe is written is pure Sedaris.

Amy Sedaris’ Cupcakes

1 1⁄2 sticks of unsalted butter
1 3⁄4 cups of sugar

Beat well, then add:

2 large eggs
2 Teaspoons of pure vanilla
1⁄2 teaspoon of salt
2 1⁄2 teaspoons of baking powder
2 1⁄2 cups of flour
1 1⁄4 cups of milk

Beat well, fill cups, and bake at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes. You should get 24. I get 18, ’cause I’m doing something wrong. Read More »

You’ve seen the commercials. What happens in Vegas stays there, but damn if you won’t come home with some phenomenal stories. Whether you’re planning senior year spring break or a post-graduation celebration trip away, Las Vegas will show you a good time without breaking the bank.

Essentials for Your Vegas ‘08 Trip

1)Cash
2)Group of girlfriends you won’t need to keep on a kiddie leash/babysit at the bar
3)3 nights’ worth of cute little dresses
4)Your A-game
5)An open mind

How to do it on the cheap?

Paris Hilton herself has said that Vegas can only be done for about 4 days. Your flight could easily be the most expensive portion of this little adventure. Hotels are constantly giving deals to pull crowds to the casinos, so you can even stay on the strip pretty reasonably, especially if you’re staying with a group of 4 or more. Read More »

We all know that girls love sweets.

The last thing any of us probably need is a new idea for a delicious blast of sugar…and something we need even LESS than that is a new idea for a blast of sugar that can be made without cooking.

That’s right…this one is for you dorm ridden girls. (Or just those of you who hate baking). My friends have titled this pie I make PCP=peanut butter cheese pie.

The boys I make it for swear that this treat might as well be a drug, so apparently, it’s aptly named.

I swear to you that this dessert is an automatic cure for depression. It’s simultaneously a cure for everything else out there, too. (IF you love peanut butter).

Here’s what you need: Read More »

So it’s Tuesday. I mean, what the hell is Tuesday? It’s better than Monday, obvs, but it’s certainly less fun than Thursday, and nowhere near the euphoria of Friday.

If you’re like me, and need a little something to get you through these looong, dreary January days, and that little something often means sugar of some kind, then by all means, keep reading.

Because I think I’ve just found the best sweetstuff recipe EVER.

No sh*t. It just doesn’t get any better than Frappucino flavored CUPCAKES (!!!)

Click here to go to my newest blog fave, and check out the amazing recipe

I hate to see summer go. As soon as September gets rolling, there’s absolutely no chance that those long, lazy days are coming back. Fall is fantastic, don’t get me wrong, it’s winter I have a beef with.

Winter can sorta be a bitch, especially around my neck of the woods, and thinking about walking down the street with wind whipping hair into my face and slush flying at me from racing taxis is enough to get me screaming like Chris Crocker.

I’ve lived on the East Coast for most of my life, and I get pissed off at winter each and every season.

Good for all of us that we’ve still got a few more weeks before things turn blustery (and I pull out the anti-depressants). As a little homage to my favorite season, I’d like to say goodbye to summer this weekend with a yummy, colorful desert.

Vanilla Wafer Sandwiches

• 1 box Nilla Wafers
• Strawberry ice cream
• Banana ice cream
• 1 banana
• (optional) melon baller

Take out 10 vanilla wafers*, and put five of them on a plate. Using your melon baller or a small spoon, scoop a small scoop of either the strawberry or banana ice cream onto one water. Top with a slice of banana.

Put a second wafer on top of your creation, and stick the whole thing in the freezer to allow them to set. Read More »