Cucidati, Italian X Cookies

Everything just seems better when there are Sprinkles!!

Pin It  Soft pockets of sweet dough surrounding moist fig filling full of complex flavors.  All this in a cookie?  If you've been following BIWB, you know that this is the cookie that started it all for me on this blog idea.  I made these last year, for the very first time, at Christmas.  I did the same again this year.  Winner!  I make ~literally~ a TON of xmas cookies each year for friends and family.  These cucidati I make for myself.  These are MY Christmas tradition.   

Raspberry Liqueur Cupcakes

It's been a long time since my last post.  Most of you know that my oven died a month ago.  Died right after the final batch of Kahlua Man Fudge Cookie Sandwiches...It was a long haul in the decision process and the waiting and hoping for the new stove.  Let's just say, I'm at peace now.  I can bake all I want, and don't have to stop myself while planning out a new recipe only to have those thoughts dashed as, "No, dummy, you don't have an OVEN!"  I hadn't, truthfully, realized until this episode that I was this hooked on baking.  Had no idea it's role in my life fully...

So, just to get this rolling again, I will start with the picture of the finished product...Look at these little beauties! 

I am perfecting my frosting consistency and technique.  I'm just so proud of the presentation, too.  And, I'm putting those 1000+ cupcake cups to good use! :)

Folks really liked these babies.  As my buddy at work, Karl, stated in his email:  "An exquisite balance of texture and flavor all wrapped in a moist and elegant, visually stunning package.  The 'cupcake challenge' of achieving harmony between cake and frosting is orchestrated as beautifully as any Beethoven sonata!"  We all love Karl.  :)