Home for the Holidays Blog Hop

I’m celebrating the commencement of the holidays today, with romance authors and bloggers during the Romance Troupe’s Home for the Holidays blog hop. And what makes the holidays homey and memorable for all of us? The FOOD!

I love cooking for the holidays, seeing my family and friends enjoy things that I’ve made. I give away goodies for gifts (men especially like this) and look forward to holiday parties that give me a reason to cook. Now the clean-up… that’s something I never look forward to!

So I thought I’d share this super easy, low mess, divine chocolate flourless cake recipe. A co-worker, who has to eat gluten free, made it for a department party. It tastes like chocolate melting on your tongue. Best of all? It can be made ahead of time and stored or frozen. I hope it makes your holiday season easy and enjoyable!

Flourless Chocolate Cake

4 oz. fine quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened)

1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup)

3/4 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Powdered sugar for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Flour and butter an 8 inch round baking pan. Line the bottom of pan with a round of wax paper; butter paper. Chop chocolate into small pieces. In a double boiler or metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water, melt chocolate with butter. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat. Add sugar and whisk. Add eggs and whisk again. Sift cocoa powder over chocolate mixture and whisk until just combined.

Pour batter into pan and bake in middle of oven for 25 minutes. The top should form a thin crust and cake will puff. Be careful not to overcook. Cool the cake on a rack for 5 minutes before removing. Cake will deflate as it cools.

Serving options: Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a simple dressing. Serve with whipped cream and your favorite berries to dress it up. Serve with ice cream or sorbet for a cool treat.

Note: Once cake cools, it will keep for a week in an airtight container. It will also freeze well for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in refrigerator and serve at room temperature.

In honor of the cooler weather, here’s a wintery sneak peek:

Snow Bound by Dani Wade

Feeling the situation had gotten way too serious, he paused beside the bed before launching her into the air. Her squeal echoed around the room as she landed and bounced, the fluffy blankets jumping under the impact. Now that made for some interesting shimmies. He couldn’t help but grin as she burst into laughter. Then his eyes narrowed on the now empty expanse around her.

Empty except for one thing.

“What’s this?”

Her look was confused until she saw the direction of his gaze. With a cry she reached across for the nearest blanket and jerked it toward her, probably to cover it up, but— Too late. He’d already seen it.

“Since when does a pretty princess like you need a vibrator?”

Hand fishing under the blanket, he pulled out a soft gel vibrator. Pink, of course.

“Give me that,” she said, grabbing for the toy, only to come up with empty air.

Damon held it higher, the transparent soft gel allowing him to see the candle on the dresser through its pink surface. A silver, cylindrical motor provided a hard core. “Very nice, Princess.”

“Please, please give it back.”

He turned his gaze from the little toy to the woman who was giving him more surprises than a night out with his army buddies. “Why? I think you’ll have more fun if I’m at the wheel.”

For once Miss Priss had nothing to say. No pithy comeback, no sarcastic put-down, no prim comments. Simply a gaping mouth and wide eyes, as if she couldn’t believe what she’d just heard come out of his mouth. So he set out to prove himself right.

Snow Bound is only 99 cents at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

One lucky commenter will win a $10 gift card from Amazon or Barnes & Noble for some holiday shopping! Simply share your favorite holiday dessert with us (and recipe, if you want). Sign up for my newsletter and get a second chance at the prize! (Please include your email address to win!) Enjoy!

And There’s More: each comment with email address will be entered in the Grand Prize Giveaway from The Romance Troupe. (First Prize = $450+ Gift Card) (Second Prize = 1 eBook from each participating Author) So comment for a chance to win big!!!

Check out more Home for the Holiday recipes at The Romance Troupe Home for the Holidays blog hop list!