Bendy-Friendies V.3 - Food & Booze Lovers Unite!!!

[OurDogCisco]

* 1 cup butter, softened
* 2 cups sugar
* 4 large eggs, separated
* 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
* 3 cups all-purpose four
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
* 1/3 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (hint: use food processor)
* White Chocolate Frosting (recipe follows)
* Garnish: Peppermint Sticks

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spray 2 9-inch round cake pans with non-stick spray (I sprayed and lined each one with a coffee filter).
3. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in peppermint extract.
4. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture, alternately with cream, beginning and ending with flour mixture, beating until just combined after each addition. Stir in sour cream and crushed peppermint candies, just until combined.
5. In medium bowl, beat egg whites in high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into batter.
6. Spoon batter evenly into the prepared pans
7. Bake 26-28 minutes** or until a tooth pick comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove and cool completely on wire racks.
9. Wrap each in heavy duty plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours.
10. Using serrated knife, cut each layer horizontally to make 4 layers.
11. Place layer, cut side down, on a cake plate
12. Spread with 1/2 cup White Chocolate Frosting.
13. Repeated with the three remaining layers.
14. Spread top and sides with frosting, garnish with peppermint sticks.

**Cooking time took about 7 minutes longer for me. I couldn't get that middle done!


White Chocolate Frosting

* 8 ounces White Chocolate
* 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
* 3/4 cup butter, softened
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 9 cups powdered sugar

1. In medium bowl, combine White Chocolate and cream. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until chocolate in melted and smooth (about 1.5 minutes total). Let cool completely

2. In large bowl, combine chocolate mixture with butter and beat at medium speed with electric mixer until creamy. Add vanilla, beating until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth.


There ya go!

OMGOSH.... thanks for the recipe... Looks good!

 

[Tatania]

Help!
BTW, took a quick peak at the amazing menus and food you all have been making and really look forward to spending one day after Xmas catching up on all the posts BUT it's 1 am and I'm trying to get some presents wrapped and have run into trouble with the Kahlua Fudge. It, along with some other homemade candy it supposed to go into gift boxes but after cooling off for about 3 hours and chilling in the fridge for another 90 minutes it's still too soft to cut - let along hold it's shape. It kind of has the softness of the marshmallow fluff. I made a double batch so I don't want to throw it all out plus the candy boxes are pretty empty right now. I boiled as per instructions for 5 minutes and stirred it with the chocolate for about another 10 minutes but wasn't sure if it was "unglossy" or not. I never could tell that because fudge always looks glossy to me. Anyway, all the chocolate should have hardened the mass by now but it hasn't. Any suggestions as to what I can do now? I knew I should have stuck to the foolproof - like the candy I made by pouring melted chocolate over roasted almonds and dried cranberries!

 

[Tink rules]

If it is FULLY cooled... stick it in the freezer...

(or my backyard... whichever is colder...)

if it's already cooled (which it should be since it is in the fridge already...) the sugar shouldn't crystalize...

Good luck!!!

 

[jeminni]

I made the Kaluha fudge, it took almost 7 minutes for mine to reach 235 degrees. It firmed up ok for me but I only made a single batch. Like Michelle said, try putting it in the freezer for a bit. Good Luck!

 

[oybolshoi]

I can't help you here since I've never made fudge and haven't tried this yet. I think Michelle had a good idea, though.

Good luck!!

Help!
BTW, took a quick peak at the amazing menus and food you all have been making and really look forward to spending one day after Xmas catching up on all the posts BUT it's 1 am and I'm trying to get some presents wrapped and have run into trouble with the Kahlua Fudge. It, along with some other homemade candy it supposed to go into gift boxes but after cooling off for about 3 hours and chilling in the fridge for another 90 minutes it's still too soft to cut - let along hold it's shape. It kind of has the softness of the marshmallow fluff. I made a double batch so I don't want to throw it all out plus the candy boxes are pretty empty right now. I boiled as per instructions for 5 minutes and stirred it with the chocolate for about another 10 minutes but wasn't sure if it was "unglossy" or not. I never could tell that because fudge always looks glossy to me. Anyway, all the chocolate should have hardened the mass by now but it hasn't. Any suggestions as to what I can do now? I knew I should have stuck to the foolproof - like the candy I made by pouring melted chocolate over roasted almonds and dried cranberries!

 

[Tink rules]

I haven't been able to make anything more than english muffins in the last couple of days, but if I thought it would help, I'd just skip the fudge and suck the kaluah from the bottle...

 

[oybolshoi]

Today is the last full day of work (this week) ... I'm so tired ... can't I just go back to bed and sleep until noon?

And now ... as typical ... there is a massive winter storm moving through the midwest and we just happen to be on the warm side of it. It started storming last night ... lightning, thunder, ridiculously big rain.

Snow for Christmas in Stinktown?

Not a chance.

The Stinktown stockings all hold Flash Flood Warnings because we're going to get 2-4 inches of rain. It's not supposed to stop raining until tomorrow night.

Pathetic.

I want to know who switched Seattle and Stinktown when I wasn't looking.

 

[whogirl'smom]

Tatania, I'm sure it's too late to add my two cents about the fudge.....but mine did stay a little shiny and I had to keep it in the fridge to stay hard. I took the last of it out yesterday to go in a smaller container, and at room temp. it stays a little soft but does keep its shape. I'm sure you did everything right, it just took a long time to harden up. I have to say that it is the only fudge I've made that was totally smooth with no hint of graininess whatsoever. Oh, and I didn't use a candy thermometer and just cooked for the 5 minutes. I'm convinced that fudge turns out depending on what pot you use.


Brenda, I'm sorry about the rain--we're getting 60 mph winds for Christmas Eve! I'm just ready for it to be done with so I can rest. It is not fun coughing up a lung every few minutes, blah.

And welcome, Meg! Good luck on your social work studies--that is what I did for 11 years. Graduate school at Univ. of North Carolina; it was really a superb program.

 

[MrsSpratt]

Well, if he's sending you e-cards, why didn't he stop at our table last month and say hi? Huh?

And for anyone who cares, my voice is starting to sound less like Bea Arthur than it has since last Thursday. So I must be getting a little better.

(I'm now imagining the heat-meiser with Bea Arthur's voice!)

And Lori, I'm serious about helping you out with pirate-garb - I would love to do it! And a year isn't too long to plan something like this - it falls into cheap/fast/good - you can't have all three, but if I start now, it would be cheap and FABULOUS! (And easy to pack!)

Hi, de-lurkers! Nice to meet y'all! I'm Jaime - married to Charlie - I like to read, eat, drink, and spend time with our beloved dogs, Lulu and Coco. (I know, it sounds like a puppy brothel....) I adore food porn (but I'm bad about contributing - I have yet to take a photo of food in my life!) I live in Houston, Texas (Htown) My number one Celebrity crush is Anthony Bourdain (followed by Henry Rollins - love his spoken word!) and I think the Friendies are a DANDY group of ladies!

How is everyone doing on Christmas? For everyone who is missing a loved one, especially parents, . We lost my DH's father 3 years ago, and my best friend's husband of 12 years this year, and it is really really hard. I think that is part of the reason I just haven't been feeling the spirit - I'm hoping I don't burst into tears upon walking in the door at my brother's - I can't wait to see my family, and I can't imagine what it must be like to celebrate Christmas without them.

Anyone else off to work? I'm hoping it slows down some today - yesterday was a BEAR - last real day to ship before Christmas - busy busy busy. At least Charlie is running errands for me, Bless his heart! "Baby, I need you to take Coco and go to American Apparel and get her a t-shirt for New Year's Eve." And the man DID. Mind you, he didn't take her with him, but at least the t-shirt fits - We celebrate New Year's with a close group of friends by going down to High Island, having a bonfire, grilling, and blowing fireworks all night long - this year, we will be spreading John's ashes. The puppies will also make an appearance at some point on the beach, and Coco will freeze her little tush off without something on...and ever Charlie, who thinks clothing for dogs is just stupid has completely changed his tune now that we have a little darling with thin fur!

Must go shower and work and I just don't wanna!

 

[oybolshoi]

I want to go back to bed. Today is Jay's late day so he and the cat are snuggled up in bed while I'm watching traffic reports about 15-mile jams on the primary highways out of St. Charles into St. Louis County because it's raining.

I would have rather had snow. At least it's pretty.

 

[dizneykid]

Help!
BTW, took a quick peak at the amazing menus and food you all have been making and really look forward to spending one day after Xmas catching up on all the posts BUT it's 1 am and I'm trying to get some presents wrapped and have run into trouble with the Kahlua Fudge. It, along with some other homemade candy it supposed to go into gift boxes but after cooling off for about 3 hours and chilling in the fridge for another 90 minutes it's still too soft to cut - let along hold it's shape. It kind of has the softness of the marshmallow fluff. I made a double batch so I don't want to throw it all out plus the candy boxes are pretty empty right now. I boiled as per instructions for 5 minutes and stirred it with the chocolate for about another 10 minutes but wasn't sure if it was "unglossy" or not. I never could tell that because fudge always looks glossy to me. Anyway, all the chocolate should have hardened the mass by now but it hasn't. Any suggestions as to what I can do now? I knew I should have stuck to the foolproof - like the candy I made by pouring melted chocolate over roasted almonds and dried cranberries!

Tatiana,

Not sure what to say, I have never had that problem. My fudge even keeps its shape at room temp. Cooked fudge can be a stinker.

If all else fails, maybe you could put it in your mixer and whip it a bit. Either you will get a nice ganache or it might hold its shape.

I would try the freezer first!! Good luck.

And, don't ever doubt yourself - some of our cooking mistakes become some GREAT recipes!!

 

[MrsSpratt]

I want to go back to bed. Today is Jay's late day so he and the cat are snuggled up in bed while I'm watching traffic reports about 15-mile jams on the primary highways out of St. Charles into St. Louis County because it's raining.

I would have rather had snow. At least it's pretty.

I want to go back to bed, too - sorry about the weather - and I always wondered if your name was a reference to the band the Bolshoi!

 

[hmgray95]

Ummm Bourbon Pound Cake....

Somebody motivate me please

I have a mountain of presents yet to wrap and suitcases to pack before we leave for Puerto Rico on Friday...
I can't seem to get it in gear..

Cathy

Have fun on your trip!

Part (ok most) of the slacking is my own doing. But my sister gave me sneak preview passes to see Sherlock Holmes last night so that ate up my entire evening ... But you know what? It was SOOOO worth it! It was a really fun move! And bonus, Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr

Cathy

Ooh, I want to see this movie....but as usual, I will have to wait until it comes on DVD since all I ever get to see in the movie theaters are kiddie movies!

I updated all the recipe and food porn links - thanks to everyone for sharing them with us all!

Heather, your yule log looked amazing! I've always wanted to try making one but I'm too chicken.

For those of you here who are missing loved ones, I wish you peace and good memories. I know it can be so hard, especially this time of year and especially when it's the first holiday after losing someone, and I would just say that it's OK to feel sad. Anyone with a grain of empathy will understand that it's not easy to be cheerful all the time when you're missing a piece of yourself.

You have friendies here who understand.

Brenda, you should really try making a yule log....they are really are easy, and from experience I can say that they are almost foolproof...after all I cracked and dumped an entire cup of powdered sugar on mine, and it still turned out okay!

Well, if he's sending you e-cards, why didn't he stop at our table last month and say hi? Huh?

And for anyone who cares, my voice is starting to sound less like Bea Arthur than it has since last Thursday. So I must be getting a little better.

Glad to hear you are feeling better!

Hi!

I thought I would introduce myself. I've been lurking a fair bit and you all seem like a friendly bunch so I'm de-lurking myself.

I'm Meg, I'm a university student from ON, Canada. I love food although I sadly cannot cook other than defrosting things and making toast, so I prefer to enjoy the foods of others. Being a poor student kind of hinders my culinary education at the moment, although that Nutella crunch looks like something I could handle!

I am a huge Disney lover and have in fact told my boyfriend that we are not getting married unless he agrees to at least part of the honeymoon happening in WDW. We'll see! I may soon be single!

I am hoping to be a social worker and right now am working with kids who have profound disabilities and I absolutely love it. I am also interested in working in child and adolescent psychiatry. Once I finish my undergrad I am praying I'll get into a Master's program, and I would love to do my Masters in the US... specifically somewhere warm to escape the cold for a little while!

I love reading (particularly biographies), Woody Allen movies, ballet, makeup and bath and body things (my bathroom looks like the cosmetics aisle of a drugstore), my wonderful dog who is in my display pictures, family, flannel pajamas and Japanese food!

So... hi!

Hi Meg! Welcome aboard!

Today is the last full day of work (this week) ... I'm so tired ... can't I just go back to bed and sleep until noon?

And now ... as typical ... there is a massive winter storm moving through the midwest and we just happen to be on the warm side of it. It started storming last night ... lightning, thunder, ridiculously big rain.

Snow for Christmas in Stinktown?

Not a chance.

The Stinktown stockings all hold Flash Flood Warnings because we're going to get 2-4 inches of rain. It's not supposed to stop raining until tomorrow night.

Pathetic.

I want to know who switched Seattle and Stinktown when I wasn't looking.

We're supposed to be getting rain on Christmas day as well....why couldn't the snow have come this weekend instead of last weekend?

 

[whogirl'smom]

My cousin just sent me a message on facebook that they have an extra Zsu Zsu pet if Olivia wants one! She hasn't asked, but I know she will be thrilled especially when she gets back to school and the other girls are talking about them. We're letting Santa take the credit for it--DH says the cat will kill it!

 

[Briarmom]

Hi Boozies!
My parents are here and I feel like I need a nap. Mom broke her leg a few months ago and still can't walk.

Anyone else feel like they're going to spend way too much of the next few days in the kitchen? Oh, and I've got to go to the grocery store today.

 

[fadingnebula]

If anyone is in need of a laugh... I grew up in a "meat and potatoes" kind of family, where "eating out" meant Pizza Hut or the all you can eat buffet at Ponderosa, so I never really experienced appetizers or a restaurant menu with "fancy words."

So anyway, I read the Baby Sitters Club books, and Kristy, whose mother remarried, was talking about planning the wedding, and mentioned the Hors D'ouvres that were being served.

So, for the longest time, I thought that Hors D'ouvres was pronounced "*****s D'oooh vres"

Imagine my astonishment when I took French class in high school and learned how it was really prounounced.

 

[MA pigletfan]

But I digress... here is the recipe:

(From the Silver Palate Cookbook)

CHICKEN MARBELLA

LOVE this dish!! We had this for a Christmas dinner a few years ago at my husband's grandparents..it was amazing..and they even threw in dried apricots as well..yum!

Part (ok most) of the slacking is my own doing. But my sister gave me sneak preview passes to see Sherlock Holmes last night so that ate up my entire evening ... But you know what? It was SOOOO worth it! It was a really fun move! And bonus, Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr

Cathy

I saw a sneak preview of Holmes last night as well! Loved it!! And yes Jude and Robert..not a bad combo !

Hi!

I thought I would introduce myself.:goo


So... hi!

HI back at you!! Nice to :meet: you!

My cousin just sent me a message on facebook that they have an extra Zsu Zsu pet if Olivia wants one! She hasn't asked, but I know she will be thrilled especially when she gets back to school and the other girls are talking about them. We're letting Santa take the credit for it--DH says the cat will kill it!

OMG. Zhou Zhou pets..not having children myself i had NO idea what these things were until about a week ago..it reminds me of the Furbie craze from about 10 - 12 years ago! I hate to say it, but I think I agree with your hubby..the cat will have a field day on that thing..I know my three terrors would!

 

[fadingnebula]

If anyone is in need of a laugh... I grew up in a "meat and potatoes" kind of family, where "eating out" meant Pizza Hut or the all you can eat buffet at Ponderosa, so I never really experienced appetizers or a restaurant menu with "fancy words."

So anyway, I read the Baby Sitters Club books, and Kristy, whose mother remarried, was talking about planning the wedding, and mentioned the Hors D'ouvres that were being served.

So, for the longest time, I thought that Hors D'ouvres was pronounced "*****s D'oooh vres"

Imagine my astonishment when I took French class in high school and learned how it was really prounounced.

Well, dang, I see that the word got filtered by the moderators..... I'm sure you can use your imagination to know what I meant.

 

[ChelleinNC]

Just wanted to let y'all know that we made it home safe & sound. Still catching up on everything and have at least 6 more pages to read here

Back soon

 

[ChelleinNC]

The other two men who were standing there, one of whom was dressed like the marlboro man in winter (he was actually wearing a cowboy hat), stared at me like I was an alien life form.

The cowboy asked, in an accent that made it clear he was not from these parts, "Do you drink scotch?"

To which I replied, "Yes I do," and pounded back my sample, which was almost as small as some of the Epcot deminar booze portions.

He then asked me, "Are you married?"



"Yes I am; thanks for asking."

"Well, ma'am - your husband is a lucky man."



I think that dude had waaaaay too many scotch samples!

I'm mulling cider right now .... I think I'm going to add some brandy to mine, although I bet bourbon would be pretty good, too.

sounds yummy!

The official Jay & Bendy Boozie Test Kitchen has the following results to report:

Mulled Cider tastes good with brandy but really sings with a good quality small batch bourbon like Knob Creek or Jefferson's.

Milk Punch on the other hand works to best effect with brandy - accept no substitutes.

Powernog still gets a 5-star Stinktown rating with Canadian Mist.


Go forth and imbibe the holiday spirit(s).

I really need to try the milk punch

Tonight I tried to address a Christmas card to my in-laws ... the only problem? I used our address. The last name threw me off!

OMG LOL even funnier/sadder, I've done the same thing

Tink, I"m sorry you're sick, too. I found an old bottle of children's Motrin cold with real pseudophedrine in it this morning. Wow, what a difference it made so I'm rationing it til dh can get to the drugstore and see if they still sell it behind the counter. I felt like my head was going to explode.

I hope your DH got the "real" sudafed for you! It's all we use at our house, the "fake" stuff doesn't work for any of us with sinus problems Go to any pharmacy to get it behind the counter. You'll just have to show ID and they enter your drivers license into the computer to make sure you're not buying too much.

I'm pretty sure that this is going on all over. Kids never have to write their reports, they type them. DS is in fifth grade and really hasn't used cursive since he was in first grade.

DS12 only writes in cursive! Since 3rd/4th grade, he's found it easier and neater and that's all he does. Of course he's had students and teachers question him about it

Hi Boozies!
My parents are here and I feel like I need a nap. Mom broke her leg a few months ago and still can't walk.

Anyone else feel like they're going to spend way too much of the next few days in the kitchen? Oh, and I've got to go to the grocery store today.

Sorry about the issues with your mom

I still don't know what we're having for dinner Christmas Eve (or tonight for that matter). We got home around 8pm last night and I have nothing in the fridge, I need to figure out what we need and then go to the grocery store.