Italian Sausage, Portabello Mushroom Lasagna

I love lasagna in any form and with almost any ingredients and this one did not let me down. As a kid, my mom would always let us choose a dish that she would make us for our birthday. I remember on several occasions choosing her lasagna. She made a traditional lasagna, not far from this recipe, that I loved!! I remember eating it with my family that birthday night (with an awesome cake, of course) and then eating leftovers for days. Thinking back, it was probably one of those years when we were snowed in. As most of my family reminds me every year, I was born in what Western Pennsylvanians call the "Blizzard of '77.'' (Oh #*%@, I just told you my age.) They tell me the snow was up to the power lines. And yes, there are pictures and news paper articles to prove this. Somehow, unfortunately, this weather event has stalked every birthday celebration I have ever had!! Most of my parties were either cancelled or shortened in some way because of treacherous roads and accumulating snow. Even as an adult, and even since I have moved away from the frozen tundra of Pennsylvania, many birthdays have been hindered by storms; including this year.  In the past few years, when my family jokes about Rebecca's snow storm, I have begun to tell them that they must "Celebrate the Birth of the Ice Queen!" I may as well embrace it!!

I have decided that next year "The Ice Queen" will forgo her January birthday and celebrate outside in the July heat alongside a large pool, with a BBQ, fresh peach ice cream and lots of icy cold beer!! Who's down for a party??

Even though many years have passed,what better recipe than this to make when I am snowed in? . Unfortunately, due to the weather and my little house which has very little natural light, the pictures of this dish are not up to the usual standard.  I thought I would share it though because I really did like the recipe. I thought of making it again just to photograph, but seriously, a single girl can not eat 2 pans of lasagna and still zip her jeans. So... out of respect for my curvy, girly figure, you get pictures of the original attempt. Maybe this is one of those meals where you sit back, close your eyes and Enjoy!!

Black Bottomed Nutella Mini Cheesecakes

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope that you all had a Valentine's Day weekend as awesome as I did!!  I know that this recipe is late, but I have yet to master releasing a post when the recipe to be posted is a gift or surprise. Of course, I made these little cheesecakes for my guy! (Remember the slogan here at Bonbons and Biscotti: Love Begins in the Kitchen!!) The reason for the delay is I was just finishing up the post as he was about to leave his house and I was afraid he might see it before he got here. So... I had to make a choice and because of him, you get this recipe late. Sorry... a girl has to have priorities!!

But don't worry, I love y'all too! So... this weekend, we ate one of these delicious, Nutella cheesecakes for each of you (my devoted readers) and as always, I am sending you love!

XOXO

Maple Bourbon Roasted Chicken Legs with Beets and Butternut Squash

I know a lot of you are struggling through some pretty bitter, cold temps and snowy days. This would be the perfect recipe to warm you up after shoveling snow or trudging through the "white stuff" to pick up your kids at the bus stop. I know that my little snow story here in South Carolina does not compare with what my family in Pennsylvania or a lot of you from up in that area (that are devoted readers) are suffering through. However, last week, we had snow here in South Carolina- a whole inch!! And Yes! I know we become the laughingstock of the east coast every year when this happens, but if you have ever lived in the south you know why. There really are no resources to deal with snow- regardless of the amount. There is also no need to waste tax payers money on the equipment and supplies when there is only a slight chance that a winter event will even occur. And most importantly, for a lot of local kids, why not take a day off to enjoy a once in a year phenomenon.

Anyway, I was cold and had the day off and I wanted to make some comfort food to warm up a little. Unfortunately, I did not want to do a lot of work nor did I have a lot of ingredients. So, I came up with this simple, one pan dish. For me, these ingredients are staples in my house, so that part was not hard and neither was the prep.  I watched the oven as this awesome marinade bubbled away. When it was done I was so happy to cuddle up on the couch with a big bowl, my fuzzy blanket and a few episodes of Sex in the City. Warm, I was!!

Dark Chocolate Red Wine Cake

 

What is my favorite food? Well, of course it is CAKE!!! And this has been my lucky week! I have been in CAKE HEAVEN!! I am so fortunate to have some great friends and family who love me and are enablers in my CAKE addiction. (Yes, I realize I have capitalized CAKE every time! That is how excited I have been about this past week!!) This past Wednesday was my 37th birthday and I have been fortunate enough to receive three really amazing CAKES (hehehe!!!) to help me celebrate. All of them have been chocolate and delicious. Two of them were homemade, which (if you have been reading) is the way to my heart.

 It all started 2 weeks ago when my sister bought me a marble CAKE with chocolate butter cream frosting.  Then, at work, my co-worker brought a chocolate layer CAKE with strawberry filling and chocolate ganache.  And, a day after that, my guy really branched out with his first foray into baking (he is already an excellent cook) by making a double, dark chocolate layer CAKE and decorating it with cute caricatures of US!!! Can you tell I am smiling while I am writing this?? It was a happy, happy CAKE filled week!!

Now in all my post-birthday glory, I will drag my "post-CAKE eating self" off to the gym at lunch!

Ugggg.....