This recipe was originally inspired by the "indiscretions" of Jesse James. If something like this ever happened to me I would need a recipe that called for a lot of smashing and also some alcohol. That recipe is "You Are Lucky I Didn't Rip Your Rum Balls Off" It's a little angry but a very tasty recipe and great very sharing ... So get out your hammer ladies there are some nuts that need to be crushed and by nuts I mean almonds ..............................

1 1/2 cups of almonds (smashed into very fine pieces and roasted in the oven at 325 degrees for app. 7 minutes; stirring often)

1 1/4 cups of vanilla wafer cookies (finely crushed)

1/2 cup icing sugar

3 Tbsp. cocoa

3 Tbsp. corn syrup

1/3 cup of vacation rum ( I used Honey Rum from the Canary Islands sometimes I like to think of vay-cay when I'm emotionally baking!)

Thoroughly combine the crushed almonds, crushed wafer cookies, icing sugar and cocoa. Stir in the corn syrup and rum

Put the mixture in the fridge to firm up for easier handling. Roll mixture unto small balls and then roll in icing sugar ( you will need about 1/4 cup of icing sugar to roll them in)

Let rum balls sit in the fridge for a day or two it's really important for all the ingredients to hang out and get to know each other (you know kind of like what your EX did!) But with this recipe it adds to the overall flavour

The Happy Baker on display at the World Cookbook Fair in Paris.

Thanks for hosting my event Traci!

Pitching to The Dragons!

Hola, I'm excited about my booth at the Women's Lifestyle show in London. This will be my first time attending the event but sounds like a ton of fun. They have special guest Dina Pugliese from Breakfast Television as well as Mike Holmes ... too much fun. The event is on March 6 & 7th check out all the info @ http://www.womenslifestyle.ca/. Hope to see y'all there!

Ok gang! I have safely arrived back from Paris. I had a fabulous time at The World Cookbook Fair and made some amazing new contacts. Ya never know what may happen with The Happy Baker abroad. Thank you all so much for your support from my Dragons' Den appearance. Here is the link incase you missed it:) http://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/video.html?ID=1410658831

Hi Everyone,

 

Thanks so much for your support from my Dragons's Den appearance ... it was a fantastic show to be a part of especially with a great outcome! I'm in Paris right now for The World Cookbook Fair sorry if my replies are delayed but I'm too busy eating macaroons:) They have changed my life. Thanks again & Happy Baking!!!!!

Hi Everyone, I will be at the Chapters in Ancaster from 12-3 today! February 7th for a meet and greet event. A huge thank you to the staff at Chapters for baking recipes from my book to give away. Come on out and say hi if you would like some mini cheesecakes and smore squares...yummy!

Hi everyone, I am very happy to let you know I will be on the popular Dragons' Den show. It will air on CBC Wednesday February 10th at 8pm. I can't tell ya the outcome you will have to watch to find out. Regardless what happens I'm sure it will be quite entertaining. I pray that the editors were kind to me as well as the lighting department! ... Happy Baking!

Hi Gang! I hope 2010 has been treating you well, and y'all had a fabulous holiday baking season. In anticipation of Valentine's Day I have a few book signings in Ontario & Quebec before I head off to Paris for The World Cookbook Fair. I've also included a few baking tips & tools below. JAN-FEB BOOK SIGNINGS: ... Saturday January 23rd- Chapters - Barrie, Ontario, 2-4pm ... Sunday January 24th-Chapters - Oshawa Centre, Oshawa, Ontario, 2-4pm ... Saturday January 30th- Chapters - Pointe-Claire, Montreal, Quebec, 12-3pm ... Sunday January 31st-Chapters- Rideau, Ottawa, Ontario, 2-4pm ... Saturday February 6th-Chapters - North, London, Ontario, 12-4pm ... Sunday February 7th-Chapters - Ancaster, Ontario, 12-3pm ... Tuesday February 9th-Chapters- Queensway, Toronto, Ontario, 6-9pm ... My Baking tips & tools of the moment ... 1) Don't forget to go to Bulk Barn and grab some great Valentine's Day baking decorations. They have everything from mini heart sprinkles to conversations hearts and heart shaped molds. 2) Totonac Mexican Vanilla. The best vanilla in my opinion. 3) Chicago Metallic mini cheesecake pan. I used this pan on CityLine and it became a huge hit. People tend to be less intimidated by mini cheesecakes they will quickly disappear at a get together. I also just picked up a mini heart shaped one at Home Outfitter's. That's all for now but look for photos and updates from my Paris trip in February. You never know shenanigan's I will get myself into! Happy Baking!

1) Caramel Apple Pops by Tootsie. I just discovered these this year I am a little upset it didn't happen earlier and you can get them all year round at Shopper's Drug Mart not just on Halloween. I like to call them my driving sucker. They helped me stay awake while my mother and I drove across Canada on my book tour........2)Jumping Bean Espresso by Planet Bean in Guelph, Ontario. This is the best espresso ever. It's not bitter, very smooth and strong to boot. I have searched most of Ontario for this Espresso other than the Guelph locations it's also available in Port Elgin at It's All Good in Goderich at Kulpepper's and in Toronto at The Big Carrot.......3) The Bloody Caesar. I am ashamed to tell you as a Canadian this August was the first time I have ever had a Bloody Caesar. I know what the heck was I thinking. I am obsessed with them. My favourite Caesar locations are: The Rubberboot in Blyth Ontario and I'm not just saying that because it's my old stomping grounds, the garnish with a dill pickle (amazing) . Neebing Roadhouse in Thunder Bay had an awesome Caesar as well (and tasty pizza)! I still have a few more provinces to try but so far in my opinion those are the top notch places.....4) Lindt Fleur De Sel it's not only the perfect combination of sweet and salty but for some reason the chocolate reminds me of Easter chocolate...in a good way.....5)Chicago Mix popcorn by Garret Popcorn Shops in Chicago Illinois. OMG if you are in downtown Chicago you MUST try this popcorn. You don't even have to ask directions just smell your way to the store. I'm am drooling thinking about it now. If heaven were popcorn it would be this!!......OK folks there you have it my new favourite edible obsessions. I would love to know if you have any you would like to share. Here's to finding new favourites in 2010!