The Lush Chef

I won't be throwing a Super Bowl party this year because I'll actually be in New Orleans working at some parties, but that doesn't mean all of you can't get a Lush Chef treat on game day.  Here are some my favorite snacks and desserts to make, and they're Super Bowl party-approved.

This Bacon Bourbon Caramel Popcorn recipe comes from Villain's Tavern in downtown LA, and is sure to impress your guests.  I highly recommend making two batches because they will devour this fast.  I mean, who doesn't love bourbon and bacon?
Guinness & White Cheddar Spread - When I made this cheese spread last year, my friends couldn't get enough of it.  It's simply addictive and tastes amazing with pretzels or mini rye crackers.  There may be quite a few ingredients in it, but just toss everything in a food processor and you're good to go.  If you're planning a party, it's the perfect thing to make the night before and have ready on the big day.
For more cheddar goodness, this Cheddar Beer Bread is insanely easy to make, uses very few ingredients and bakes fast.  I would recommend making this right before your guests come, so you can serve it warm.  I really love cutting it up into small squares and serving with a spinach artichoke dip.

You can't watch a football game without having some nuts to munch on.  One of my favorite ways to prepare them is using this Spiced Bitter Bar Nuts recipe, which includes cayenne, cinnamon, honey, brown sugar, bitters and fresh rosemary.  I use a combination of walnuts, almonds, cashews and pecans.  Use a nice flakey or coarse salt to finish these off.


























To throw in something healthy, make this Hefeweizen Hummus and serve with raw veggies or pita chips.  I love the fresh lemon juice and zest in this recipe, because it just brightens up the flavor and makes it look more festive.

While everyone is downing those beers, serve this Honey Spice Beer Cake topped with mixed nuts for dessert.  The saltiness, sweetness and spice hit all the fun flavor notes you want while watching football.  SInce it's a sheet cake, it's also easy to transport if you're looking to bring something to a friend's house.
Speaking of easy desserts to transport, here's another tried-and-true favorite amongst the Lush Chef's friends.  These Mexican Hot Chocolate Brownies with a marshmallow and spiced chocolate frosting are rich, ooey-gooey and pack some heat.  If you can't handle spicy desserts, then just cut the amount of chili powder and cayenne in half.  Be sure to give these brownies time to cool, or else they'll be pretty messy getting out of the pan.

Libations used: 1 1/2 Tbs Kahlua
Libations left over: Add some to your morning coffee...
First of all, let me congratulate myself, because my blog is one year old!  I had started this endeavor right after last year's Spirit Awards (which were awesome this year, by the way) and after my Granny had passed away.  I was looking for something creative to do, separate from my job, and I have absolutely fallen in love with blogging.  I've had such a blast cooking and baking for my buddies, and the feedback I've gotten from family, friends and foodies has meant so much to me.  Thank you, everyone!  I hope to get even better and better at this, and continue bringing you all the tasty libations and boozy concoctions that you crave.

Now, on to this week!  Even though I was really tired after working this awards season, I still wanted to bake something for my friends' Oscar party.  I had found a recipe about a year ago (and now can't remember where) for marshmallow brownies that became a hit amongst the Lush Chef Taste Testers.  They're rich, gooey and something in them lends itself to hangover cures.  Because my friends love anything spicy, I kicked the brownies up a notch by adding cayenne, chili powder and cinnamon into the frosting for a Mexican twist.  Now that I'm always finding a way to slip alcohol into my baked goods, I added Kahlua to the frosting this time.  Let's just say these brownies were a winner on Oscar night...

Mexican Hot Chocolate Brownies - makes 24
Ingredients for the brownies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 4 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

Ingredients for the frosting:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup cocoa
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/8 tsp chili powder
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cayenne
• 1-2 Tbs milk
• 1 1/2 Tbs Kahlua

To make the brownies:
- Preheat the oven to 375.
- Add butter, sugar and cocoa into a stand mixer and mix.
- Add the eggs, vanilla and salt and mix.
- Add the flour and mix.
- Bake in a greased 9x13 pan for 25 minutes, or until done.
- Immediately top with the marshmallows and bake for another 2 minutes.
- Dip a knife in cold water to spread the marshmallows evenly (you'll have to re-wet that knife a few times to accomplish this).
- Cool completely before you frost.

To make the frosting:
- Combine the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa, chili, cayenne and cinnamon.
- Add the Kahlua and 1-2 Tbs of milk, until desired consistency.