Peanut Butter Caramel Truffles are a little taste of heaven! Every now and then, I make something that's so delightful, words fail to describe it. These truffles are a perfect example. I originally made these truffles for a Tzedaka (charity) party. I probably dreamed up this crazy combination at the height of a chocolate craving, but whatever made me do it, they were a smashing success. Just as the party was starting, before much food was even touched, these truffles were gone. That's right, completely gone. All the poor souls who hadn't gotten there fast enough to try one were pretty sad. Needless to day, I needed to share this recipe with you folks. They're a little time consuming … [Read more...]
Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes with Red Wine Glaze
The classic pairing of red wine and chocolate combine to form these decadent Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes. I feel like I should start with a warning here. This blog is going to get a little dessert heavy in the coming weeks as we lead up to Purim. Too late, you say? I know, I know. I've been posting a lot of purim goodies lately, and I've got more of them up my sleeve! Starting today, with these crazy awesome cupcakes. We all know that drinking on purim is a tradition - wait, a mitzvah - so that makes these cupcakes downright righteous. If you're making these for kids, opt for a non-alcoholic glaze (like this insanely delightful chocolate glaze). Don't worry about the alcohol in the … [Read more...]
Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Hamantaschen
A cross between a hamantasch and a peanut butter cup, these Peanut Butter Filled Brownie Hamantaschen will be the most delicious cookie you've tasted! I don't say this lightly, but I've invented the most delicious hamantaschen ever. I know, it's a big claim to make, but let's talk about the awesomeness of these cookies. Nowadays, everyone is scrambling to invent the cutest, prettiest, most exciting hamantaschen ever. And the ideas keep exploding. But here's the thing. I like pretty food. I like exciting food. Hey, I even like cute food. But for me, that's always secondary. First, in my book, will always be taste. If it tastes great, it's great. If it looks awesome - that's a … [Read more...]
Ultimate Hamantaschen Recipe Roundup
Get ready for purim with my ultimate Hamantaschen Recipe Roundup! I may have mentioned it once or twice or ten times but the Jewish holiday of Purim is coming. And you know what that means! Hamentaschen! Lots and lots of Hamantaschen! Sweet Hamentaschen, savory hamantaschen. Any kind, really. Well, because I love you guys, I gathered the best of the hamantaschen recipes from around the internet into one convenient list. So click on over to these delicious looking recipes, then come back and tell me what you're going to make! Traditional Hamantaschen: Perfect Hamantaschen Guide Traditional Hamantaschen Savory Hamantaschen: Savory Deli Hamantaschen Meat Pie … [Read more...]
Savory Meat Pie Hamantaschen
It's 1:30 am and I am sitting at my computer thinking about hamantashen. But it isn't my fault, really. Blame it on... Oh forget it. It's totally my fault. I can't help myself. Not only do I imagine myself to have hoards of anxious fans waiting for my brilliant purim ideas yeah right but I also need to impress people at my own purim seudah (feast/party). It's hard, let me tell you. No matter how much pressure you might feel at parties, think about what it's like when you are a food writer. Exactly. Well I kinda wish I could invite each and every one of you to my purim party, because I am serving these meat pie hamantaschen as the appetizer and they are seriously delicious. But sadly I … [Read more...]
Purim Recipes and Ideas Roundup
One of the super fun things about being a blogger is reading your search engine traffic hits. Occasionally, however, it reminds me of things. And over the last week I have noticed an increase in traffic from people searching for purim overtimecook or purim 2013 or overtime cook hamantaschen, which serves as a good reminder that I need to start posting some purim recipes and ideas. You will see some fun ideas here over the next few weeks, but first, some ideas that have been featured on OvertimeCook in the past: First off, we have traditional hamantaschen, plus a guide I wrote on CookKosher on shaping beautiful hamantaschen (that stay closed!) Next, I made some delicious savory hamantaschen … [Read more...]
Hamantashen Shaped Beef Wontons
I know this blog has been non-stop purim treats recently. And I know that Purim is this week and most of you already have your Purim planned out, if not done. And I know that there should be some kind of witty introduction written here. Some kind of story, or a clever joke. Or maybe something to get everyone into the Purim spirit. But I must admit, I am exhausted. Too exhausted to write. Because every time I try to think of something to write by way of introduction to this post, I think about the crazy day I had at work today. I think about the million emails I didn't answer (or so it feels. In reality it was probably more like 50) and the 29 orders I haven't finished. (Not that I counted or … [Read more...]
Clown Cookie Pops with a Royal Icing How-To
Remember my Clown Cake Pops? Well if you thought those were cute, I've got a real treat for you. Meet Simcha, my favorite clown cookie: (Simcha is Hebrew for Happiness, something which there's a lot of on Purim. Name yours as you see fit.) I've been considering doing a royal icing/sugar cookie post for a while, and finally, today I am going to take you behind the scenes to discover how to make your own little clown friend. First, let's start with the dough. I use the King Arthur Flour decorating cookie recipe, and people really like it. If you have one you like, go for it. Scroll past the recipe for decorating how-to. Sugar Cookies for Decorating: From King Arthur Flour Cookie … [Read more...]
Traditional Hamantashen
With Purim coming up, Jewish cooks from all over are scrambling to be creative in their Purim treats. There have been numerous twists on Hamantashen posted on other blogs. I myself created two great twists on the traditional Hamantash for Ami Magazine, as well as adorable Hamantashen cake pops for Joy of Kosher. But...let's not completely forget the original! If you have always been one of those people who admire hamantashen, but can't get your homemade version to look right, you're in luck. The Humble Hamantashen Fairy (that would be me) is here to provide you with the tips and tricks you need to make your hamantashen look like they came from a bakery. Scroll down for the recipe, then … [Read more...]