Surprise Fail

Okay, so the only thing surprising about JT's surprise bday dessert is that he actually ate one to make me feel better...

[this is what it was supposed to look like]

drum-roll please.... his surprise dessert was Chocolate-Whiskey Cupcakes (recipe here) with chocolate, caramel, marshmallow, whiskey, bacon bark (recipe here). (whew, talk about a mouthful.. except, er, you wouldn't want a mouthful of these)

The bark itself wasn't bad, actually kinda good. Just make sure to let it warm up from the freezer unless you want to chip a tooth.

As for the cuppy cakes...they had the consistency of chocolate cornbread (not pleasant).

Oh well... sometimes ya win, sometimes ya lose. Did I mention they were a b!#*h to make? Because they were... I think that's partially why JT ate one. (After watching me mix and bake cupcakes, icing and bark from scratch for 3 hours only to be covered in flour and confectioners sugar... he knew to try one to keep me from tears). He even took some home with him (I assume for fertilizer).

 

[my final version]

At least he still has presents to open on Thursday...

Celeb Concoctions

SAw news about Kenny Chesney debuting his own brand of rum, and since owning a wine label is a dream of mine, it struck a nerve.

Kenny is not the first celeb to brew his own libations, not by a long shot. The list is long and filled with impressive names from every genre and palate, I'm sure.  Here are the ones I'm aware of (which means I'm sure many other exist).

1) Kenny Chesney's Blue Chair Bay Rum

2) Drew Barrymore's "Barrymore Pinot Grigio"

3) Justin Timberlake's 901 Tequila

4) Brad and Angie's Miraval rosé 

5) Willie Nelson's Old Whiskey River Bourbon

6) George Clooney's Casamigos Tequila 

7) Fergie's Ferguson Crest wines

 

8) Dave Matthew's The Dreaming Tree wines

9) Train's "Drops of Jupiter" wine (this is not a joke)

even 10) Hanson's "MmmHop" beer

 
I'm curious to see if these mixtures are actually tasty or just fueled by brand awareness/celeb status. Guess I'll just have to try them all, budget allowing, and report back. It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it.