... because I'm betting by the time this holiday is over, I will have lost them on account of all the sweets I've consumed.
This past weekend, Jack, Amelia, and I attended a holiday cookie exchange, so I just whipped up these pretty little macarons to take with us.
Only kidding. :o) The beautiful little things are the handiwork of THE Rebecca Masson of Houston's Fluff Bake Bar.
The pinky red ones are peppermint, and I cannot remember what the white ones are. But they are even better than they look, if you can believe that. Can you see the sparkles on the peppermint ones? The white ones look just like great big pearls. They are incredible!
Mike met Rebecca at an event recently, and he brought me home a box of those macarons, fluffernutters, and these ...
Once again, I forget what he called these, but they are chocolate with some salty pretzels (I think??) mixed in. They are shockingly smooth in texture and , unfortunately for my waste line, irresistable. In fact, we had already both been into this bag before I bowed it back up to take a picture of it. I'm fairly certain there are only two left ... and that is strictly due to will power.
If you live in or near Houston, I would highly recommend these as stocking stuffers. Or party favors. Or whatever else you can think of. I fully guarantee you will not be disappointed!
As for the cookie exchange, I took Neiman Marcus bars or, as they are known around here, Texas gold bars. I think I like the latter name better. Whatever they are called, they are easy as brownies to throw together. I got this recipe from Kiki, and it has never, ever failed me. Or her. And it won't fail you either.
They are made with two cups of pecans and a box of butter pecan cake mix. (And two sticks of butter, a box of powdered sugar, and cream cheese ...)
I did make sure to leave all of them at the party. However, I came home with plenty more sugar.
There's a little sneak peak of my pink kitchen. ;o) I have white twinkly lights on the backs of the counters, and it feels so festive. Everytime I walk in it, I feel like I'm in Nigella's kitchen.
It just makes me want to spend all my time in the kitchen.
But I won't blame it all on the white twinklies. My pink oven is a little bit to blame.
Hendley would go CRAZY over that kitchen. About as crazy as I would go over all those sweets. Time time of year is puttin' a hurtin' on my waistline, too.
Posted by: Julie, the Mama | December 13, 2011 at 05:20 PM
I think every girl deserves a pink kitchen, even if it is when they are a grown up.
Posted by: Lindsey | December 13, 2011 at 05:53 PM
Still waiting on that pink kitchen post girl! That oven is stinking adorable. I hope it works well.
Posted by: Leah | December 13, 2011 at 07:07 PM
I love that pink oven!! And, those macaroons made me swoon! I love them so much! Hannah, Abbie, and I made them once--they weren't that bad at all to make! :) I'm so happy you're blogging again. Have I told you that?! :)
Posted by: becky | December 13, 2011 at 07:16 PM
Can't wait to see the ENTIRE pink kitchen! Welcome to Texas, by the way! Houstonian here, you'll have to let me know if you head this way for a trip of any sort-lots to see and do for the entire family!
Posted by: Heather | December 13, 2011 at 07:30 PM
I wonder if you know, that in England we call those twinkly lights 'Fairy lights'. :O) And I have them in my kitchen year round!
Oh those macarons looks too divine for words. I'm hoping my husband can bring me back some from the Laduree shop in Harrods when he's in London early next year.
I agree with Becky, that they aren't too tricky to make, I've made them before and they turned out quite nicely. Easier than expected.
A pink oven! I am jealous! I've always wanted a pink Aga, but it's waaay out of my price range. I'd be just as happy with any pink oven. you lucky girl!
xx
Posted by: sadie | December 13, 2011 at 10:52 PM
Loved the teaser photos of the pink kitchen. Sounds 1950s inspired- I'd love a fifties kitchen, as hubby and I collect both antiques and mid-century kitchenware.At anyrate we are not moving anytime soon, so I'll continue to cook and bake happily in my seventies one!
Enjoy Texas
Claire
Posted by: Heart Reflections Live | December 14, 2011 at 02:43 AM
I love your pink oven! Too cool! And we live in Houston, so I just might have to stop by there and get some cookies.
Posted by: Jennifer | December 14, 2011 at 05:59 AM
loving that pink oven! Can't wait to see more. SO glad you are back to posting! :)
Posted by: Angie | December 14, 2011 at 07:07 AM
Your oven is ADORABLE!! Can't wait to see more of your kitchen!
Posted by: Christy | December 14, 2011 at 10:38 AM
i think i am gonna be in love w/ your kitchen!!! the oven looks FABULOUS!!!!!
Posted by: michelle | December 14, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Those Texas gold bars sound AMAZING! Yummy. I wish I could come over and have a coke with you. That oven is lovely.
Posted by: Maria | December 14, 2011 at 04:23 PM
Re-visiting to say I thought I'd make the Texas Gold bars for my son's class Christmas party next Thursday, but seems like the Butter Pecan cake mix is a regional thing! Can't find it anywhere! But I suspect that with all the other YUM in the recipe, a regular old yellow mix may work...
Posted by: Jeannine | December 14, 2011 at 06:10 PM
I want to hug your pink oven!
And welcome to Texas. I am close by in the mid-cities area. I hope you feel at home!
Posted by: Dina | December 14, 2011 at 11:18 PM
AND a pink oven! You must have the best house in the neighborhood. ;)
From the other comments, I think we all have kitchen envy. So happy a sweet southern family can live in a sweet southern home.
Posted by: Cheryl | December 15, 2011 at 08:35 PM
Oh my word a pink oven??!!!! I think it's so quaint but what does Mike think??
More pictures of your home PRETTY PLEASE??!!!!
Posted by: Bri | December 17, 2011 at 02:44 PM
Whoa...I was getting real impressed with those cookies. I thought maybe you were holding out on me. The Neiman Marcus bars are great, but not as pretty as those macarons. I've never had a fluffernutter. You send me some and I'll send you some fresh magic middles. We'll be fat as hogs together.
Posted by: Kelly Jo | December 20, 2011 at 03:42 PM
I must know more about that pink oven!!
Posted by: Amanda | December 28, 2011 at 06:25 AM
please post recipe for Texas gold bars! sounds so yummy!!
Posted by: sl | January 13, 2012 at 12:05 PM
The holiday's long gone but I still can't get over those yummy sweets... Now Valentines is coming and I crave them more than ever!
Posted by: Randy Deaver | February 11, 2012 at 09:42 AM