Good Dinner Mrs. Mellen

Chocolate Cake with Peppermint Crean Cheese Frosting Peppermint reminds me of old fashioned Christmases when I would find a big candy cane in my stocking which I would savor for weeks! I love the combination of chocolate, cream cheese and peppermint in this cake. As I take a bite the cool peppermint cream cheese frosting combines with the chocolate cake for an irresistible tempting dessert that will be the star of any Holiday meal.  Ingredients . 2 cups sugar . 2 cups all-purpose flour . ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder . 1 teaspoon kosher salt . 1 teaspoon baking powder . 1 teaspoon baking soda . 1 cup buttermilk . ½ cup vegetable oil . 2 large eggs, lightly beaten . 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract . 1 cup hot water . Peppermint Frosting (recipe follows) . Garnish:  Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses and crushed candy canes Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray 3 (8-inch) round cake pans with baking spr...

Christmas morning is a time to spend with family not cooking in the kitchen which is why I love make ahead breakfast casseroles that you can just pop in the oven. My Pancetta casserole is a spicy addition to the breakfast table. If you prefer a more traditional casserole substitute ground pork sausage or bacon for the pancetta. Either way is delicious!     8 oz. Pancetta    1 1/4 cups (5 oz.) shredded Parmesan cheese     1 teaspoon table salt     6 green onions, sliced     1 (13.22-oz.) package mini croissants (about 24), torn     Vegetable cooking spray     3 cups milk     1 cup heavy cream     5 large eggs, lightly beaten     2 cups (8 oz.) shredded Mozzarella cheese Preparation 1. Cook Pancetta 4 minutes in a skillet over medium-high heat, drain on paper towels. Cut into bit size pieces. Toss together Pancetta...