Scotcheroo Popcorn Balls

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Holiday baking-- whether it is trying to get rid of the abundance of seasonal Hershey Kisses that I bought or trying out a new bagel flavor, I am still in it full swing and loving it.  However, I am sure there are a few of you that have put away the baking pans and mixers for a while.  But with the next round of festivities just days away, I thought you would like to a have a fun and delicious no-bake treat.  

This treat is certainly the love child of two popular treats-- the standard popcorn ball and the well-loved Scotcheroos.  Mmm-- popcorn, peanut butter, butterscotch, and chocolate.  Is there much else to say?!  Not really, except that these little beauties are also on a stick.  Good food, fun food-- it's all there.  

The recipe makes 12 three inch diameter balls. They would be fun to pass out and share with a small gathering of people as you watch the count down on the big screen, or you can make them smaller for a finger size bite for those passing by the buffet/cocktail table as they mingle about.  Whether you serve them casually or wrap them up as gifts, these will make for a "sweet" way to end the year with friends and family.

Butterscotch Spiral Coffee Cake

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This is a picture of every cup of coffee's dream, especially if you are a butterscotch lover like me.  If you like a sweet treat for breakfast every now and then (or every now and, like, the day after that) make this cake and enter through the golden door to breakfast bliss.  Alec Baldwin's character Blake said in Glengarry Glen Ross---"Coffee's for closers..."  This beauty of a cake seals the deal on every level and is a great way to share a giant sticky bun with family and friends. 

In my opinion, the original recipe was somewhat lacking in butterscotch flavor, so I added some chopped butterscotch chips to the mix and a teaspoon of Scotch whisky to the sticky glaze.  It is enjoyed most on the day that it is made, but I have had good results making it the night before.  Re-warm in the oven to liquefy the glaze for an sticky sweet anytime treat!  I have included a few step-by-steps to help you towards this breakfast bliss:)

Once the dough has risen and doubled in size, Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface.

Roll the dough into a 16x12-inch rectangle.

Evenly spread the dough with the cinnamon-butter mixture.

Sprinkle the dough with the butterscotch chips.

Using a pastry wheel or pizza cutter, cut the dough into six 2-inch side strips. 

Prepare the butterscotch glaze and pour the it into a prepared pan.

Loosely roll up one strip, cinnamon-butter side facing to the inside, and place it in the pan on top of the glaze.

Continue coiling the remaining strips around, starting at the end of the previous strip.

The cake will fill in the gaps as it rises for a second time and bakes.

Allow the dough to rise for 30 minutes.

Bake in a preheated 350º F until golden brown.

Invert onto a serving platter and serve warm or at room temperature.  Eat before the spiral swirl pulls you into another dimension...another dimension of flavor, that is! 

Caramel Butterscotch Pudding

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As much as I enjoy tarts, cakes, and other baked goodies, sometimes I just need something I can lose my spoon into like pudding, the comfort food of desserts and sweets.  Immediately one thinks of chocolate or vanilla pudding (both good choices), but this pudding is a marriage of two of my favorite flavors (next to chocolate, of course), caramel and butterscotch.  But this isn't just any caramel butterscotch pudding.  This is caramel butter "Scotch-whisky" pudding. That's right, one small teaspoon of Scotch whisky takes this pudding flavor over the top.  Pair the flavor with a sweet, creamy, dreamy texture and...phew!  I got the vapors!  My guess is that you will too.