Jan D'Atri

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Grandma Berrett’s Festive Fudge

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I’m always happy when E.J. (Elizabeth) Burm shows up in one of my cooking classes. She always brings with her a sunny disposition and lots of laughter and joy.

This week she brought something extra special; her grandmother Marguerite Barrett’s Festive Fudge. I took one bite of this super creamy absolutely over-the-moon treat, and now I’m a Burm family fudge fan! Crossing my fingers behind my back, I asked if she would like to share the recipe with all of you. After getting her family’s approval, we got the ok!

Here’s E.J.’s story:

“My family came to Arizona from Michigan in 1962 when my dad took a job at General Motors’ Proving Grounds.  My parents brought many of their traditions with them and one was making candy to give to all the wonderful people they met after moving here.  There were seven kids, and each of us has a job. Mom and Dad readied the ingredients, my brothers were “stirrers” and my sister and I put the candy into gift bags and tins. It was a labor of love for my family and licking the spoon was such good pay! There are thousands of fudge recipes out there. However, I have never tasted one as good as this.  It might take a few tries until you have it right but I have always thought of it as foolproof.”

E.J, I don’t think we’ll mind giving it a few tries, since, as you say, licking the spoon is indeed “such good pay!” Thank you for sharing this decadent rescued recipe. The holidays will be here before we know it, and a gift of great fudge is always welcomed!

Ina’s Chocolate Cupcakes

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Ina Garten, how I adore you! I love your commitment to making sure your recipes are accurate. I love that you test each dish about 25 times. I love ideas for entertaining, everyday meals, appetizers and for creating dishes for people we love as much as you love Jeffrey! It’s why we’ve created Cooking Ina’s Favorites as a regular feature up at Sweet Basil Culinary Center where I teach.

But Ina, your Chocolate Cake can change the world, and it’s why it’s one of your most popular recipes. Am I overstating how delicious and moist the cake is? Or that the frosting leaves a rich, not too sweet satiny finish on your tongue? Here’s what I will tell you. Just. Make.Them.

Bumpy Cake

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If you’re from Detroit, I hope this column brings you many happy and delicious memories! If you know someone from that area, just ask them about the iconic, fun and fabulous-tasting Bumpy Cake and then sit back and watch them smile. Once you’ve heard of Sanders Bumpy Cake, you may become as obsessed as I am over this decadent chocolate cake with white icing “speed bumps” piped along the top and then covered in a rich and creamy pourable chocolate ganache. Think Hostess Cupcakes, only much more fun and just as tasty. Sanders Bumpy Cake has been around since 1875. Ask anyone from Detroit and they will tell you that this is the go to cake often purchased for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. So get the electric mixer out, and see why this is the ultimate treat for Michiganders, and have a blast going over the speed bumps!

Dulce de Leche Cupcakes

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It’s a Latin American favorite that the western world has embraced as its own. Dulce de Leche, a thick and sugary caramel-like sauce made by slowly heating sweet milk, has found its way into just about every dessert and beverage we love. Here is a rich and delicious cupcake made with homemade Dulce de Leche that’s incorporated in the batter as well as the frosting. Enjoy!

No Bake Chocolate Fudge Cake

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Our grandmother’s generation had dedicated days of the week just for baking. The family’s pies, breads and cakes were made that day and savored through the week. Our grandmother’s were also known for the tedious task of baking everything from scratch, which took an entire day instead of just an hour or two. Ironically, the same Grandma’s who tackled the arduous task of baking, often surprised us with simple, sometimes 3 or 4 ingredient masterpieces! Then there were the No Bake varieties like this luscious No Bake Chocolate Fudge Cake. It is wonderfully effortless and awesome. Now I know there are three types of Greek Love; Eros, Philia and Agape. Shall we add one more? Chocolate Love!