It has been so long since I posted that I have two birthdays to cover.

Mark’s birthday was late September and I made chocolate cupcakes, though I don’t seem to have any pictures. They were delicious. I used this recipe and can’t remember what, if any, changes I made. I think I used natural cocoa, and I know that instead of espresso powder I subbed 1/4 c water for two shots of espresso. Instead of buttercream (which I didn’t make because we don’t have a regular hand mixer, only an immersion blender, which I don’t think would work) I made chocolate ganache using half and half (did you know you don’t have to use heavy cream?!).

For my birthday in early October, I made this chocolate pudding pie because I haven’t been able to get it out of my head ever since I found the recipe. I used my pie crust recipe, with half white and half wheat flour, and a little extra butter. I think I over baked the crust because it was too hard. Oh but it was still delicious.

As far as non-dessert food is concerned, I’ve been baking tofu for our stir fries instead of frying (using these instructions. It’s almost as good as fried and way easier.

The other day (well, maybe it’s been three weeks now) I roasted winter squash with a little soy sauce and olive oil mixture drizzled on top and it was AMAZING. (Inspired by this recipe but I think not really very much like it. And although it’s messy, I recommend not using parchment, I did the second time I made this and it turned out not as caramelized and good, but maybe there was something else at play…)

And last week I made falafel again, this time following the recipe, but it was a bit dry. So maybe next time I’ll use a little olive oil and/or tahini like I mistakenly did last time.