TWD: I was ready......

I was excited about this pick, and even went to my favorite cooking store on Sunday to pick up two mini tart pans so I could try both the original version of Chocolate Cream Tart and the Coconut version (love the coconut and have some left over from the Coconut Butter Thins). Unfortunately a few hours later I learned that a relative had passed away. It was one of those situations where you're grateful for the person to not be suffering any more, but saddened for the loss of those left behind. This part of the family has been through a lot in recent years, so my heart goes out to them.

Needless to say, my plans for the week have changed. Tomorrow I will be taking a short roadtrip up the state for the funeral. As a result I will miss work at our absolute busiest time. Being the good worker bee that I am I stayed late to be sure all was covered in my absense. My hopes of squeezing in a baking project tonight didn't make it past my return home at 9pm.

I'm hoping to make this later in the week, as the reports are that it is quite good, and I have my mini tart pans and all. And frankly this is what life is all about. After any loss you simply must pick yourself up and keep on moving, enjoying the good stuff while you can. Horribly cliche, I know, but go on you must, so you might as well do it with some yummy desserts as comfort along the way.

My apologies to Kim over at Scrumptious Photography for not being able to bake along in a timely fashion. Her pictures are amazing, and further inspiration for trying this dessert. I will catch up with everyone as the week progresses. In the meantime -- bake on!

Mac and Two Cheeses with Caramelized Shallots

I'm new to Bon Appetit magazine. I saw one of those deals that I couldn't resist, so I'm giving it a whirl. What lured me in, besides the ridiculously low price, was the fact that two of my favorite food writers are regular contributors - Dorie Greenspan (a la Tuesdays with Dorie) and Molly Wizenberg (who's blog is one of the most sublime reads ever. How does she put all those words together so beautifully? And when she wrote about her wedding last year.....well.....I needed a hanky.)

I mentioned this recipe in another post, but thought I'd give it a solo entry. It was the first recipe out of the magazine I tried. I'm incredibly busy at my job, so comfort food was really attractive. To say the results were yummy would be an understatement. It was beyond yummy. And frankly, with the ingredients listed, how could it be anything but yummy. I must caution you, however, that if you truly want to enjoy it, DO NOT read the nutritional information at the bottom of the online recipe. Seriously! Just make it, enjoy it, savor it. Perhaps small helpings so as not to overload your arteries all at once. Oh and perhaps run a marathon after you're done. Then you'd be a-okay.

With that warning, here's all you need for serious comfort and yum!