Just call me Betty Crocker.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I know everyone has been saying it, but I cannot believe the holidays are over and that it's already 2011!! The past year held a lot of surprises for me. It started with me getting engaged (surprise!)...then a couple months later my fiance got hurt pretty badly, then he recovered in early fall (thank goodness), and then I got married to the most wonderful, funny, driven, and handsome man I've ever met! All in all, it was a good year that was blessed with many amazing moments, surrounded by so many amazing people! I feel so blessed, and I hope each and every one of you had a great holiday season! Over the holidays, I spent a lot of time with my family and friends, ate a lot, and did a lot of cooking. I wanted to share several things I made over the holiday season (and even up until last night) with you guys. Hope you enjoy the recipes, and once again... HAPPY NEW YEAR!

{homemade chocolate marshmellow swirl ice cream}

*recipe below

{apple cheddar scones from Smitten Kitchen}

AH-MA-ZING.

{pumpkin chocolate chip bars from Martha}

Perfection.

{creamy,decadant mac n cheese - via}

{peanut butter fudge, recipe and picture from here}

*Chocolate Marshmellow Swirl Ice Cream

1 cup whole milk (I used 1% milk)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

8 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate (your favorite),  broken into 1/2 inch pieces

2 cups heavy cream, well chilled

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Heat milk until just bubbling around edges. (This may be done on the stove top or microwave) In a blender or food processor fitted with metal blade, pulse to process the sugar with the chocolate until chocolate is very finely chopped. Add the hot milk, process until well blended and smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl & let mixture cool completely. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla to taste. Chill for 30 mins. Pour into ice cream freezer and freeze according to machine directions.

 After freezing in the ice cream machine, layer ice cream with dollops of your fave chocolate sauce and scoops of marshmellow fluff. Freeze at least 2 hours before serving.
 
After all that, GUESS WHO is hitting the gym for their New Year's resolution? ;)