{Photo from hannahliesje’s Flickr photostream}

You already know I love Nigella, and her babycakes are another can’t-miss recipe. As proof, I offer our experience making them last night: because we were “cooking by committee,” the mini crocks went ungreased and the oven was somehow set for 200 F instead of 400 F (as the recipe calls for). Despite this, they still came out delicious!

These are also perfect to make for a dinner party, as you can fill the crocks beforehand then refrigerate them until you’re ready for dessert. Make sure you have some vanilla ice cream on hand to cut the intense chocolate-ness, however, as these are not for the faint of heart.

Time: 25 minutes

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened, plus more for greasing
12 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1/2 cup sugar
4 large eggs, beaten with a pinch of salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
6 individual 6-ounce custard cups/mini baking crocks

Preheat the oven to 400 and put in a baking sheet at the same time. Lay 3 of the crocks on a sheet of doubled wax or parchment paper. Draw around them, remove, and then cut out the discs as marked. Press them into the base of the buttered crocks.

Melt the chocolate and let it cool slightly. Cream together the butter and sugar, and gradually beat in the eggs and salt, then the vanilla. Then add the flour until smooth and scrape in cooled chocolate, blending until smooth again.

Divide the batter between the 6 cups and place on the baking sheet that’s already in the oven (it’s best to remove the sheet briefly for this step). Bake for 10-12 minutes. As soon as you take them out of the oven, tip the babycakes onto small plates, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and serve.

Serves 6, but they’re so rich they could easily be shared.

Or rather, I went to the ballet. The Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker, to be exact. Last weekend. And oh, it was magical. As someone who danced in the Nutcracker for ten years or so, experiencing it from the audience side always, even now, releases a flood of complicated emotions. We had seats five rows back from the stage, however, which is close enough to see the sweat… I don’t know if this made things better or worse.

Dreamy, dreamy photos by Rachel Papo from a New York City Ballet Nutcracker fitting. Thanks, Rachel!

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Welcome back to the third week of our holiday-inspired boards! To me, this deep, mossy green is perfect for an elegant December party – or wedding! Mix in shades of cream and white, layer on textures in a knitted ring pillow, satin beribboned favors, and velvety poinsettia leaf place setttings, and you’re ready to throw a swanky soiree.

The Details
First row, left to right:
The tree is the perfect focal point for our color palette: evergreen branches hung with creamy stars and balls (Better Homes & Gardens); serve individual coconut souffles for dessert (Martha Stewart Weddings); a bay leaf garland makes for a fragment aisle decoration (via Southern Weddings)

Second row, left to right:
Shortbread cookies punched with stars and piled on a generous serving platter make a perfect late-night snack (Country Living); a cream satin clutch is a generous and thoughtful gift for your maids (Brides.com); dendrobium orchids and white lisianthus give this bouquet plenty of oomph (Brides.com)

Third row, left to right:
I think the moss wreath in this front door display is so fresh – and easily adaptable to a church or reception location (Martha Stewart Living); I love this short, cream dress on a daring bride (Martha via Snippet & Ink); oversize poinsettia blooms make for chic napkin rings (Better Homes & Gardens)

Fourth row, left to right:
A knit ring pillow is a relatively easy DIY project (juicyyumberger’s Flickr stream via Snippet & Ink); wrap up favors in green paper and satin ribbons for a shot of color on tables (Jupiter Image); mix in multiple tones with fir and green apple centerpieces (Better Homes & Gardens)

For more, check out the first two installments here:
Blue Christmas
Pinecones and Chocolate

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See more from this stunning wedding (photographed by Jose Villa) on his blog. And have a wonderful weekend!