t.c.

It turns out that a friend just had a birthday the other day and we're having a Cinco de Mayo/Kentucky Derby-themed BBQ this Saturday (Cinco de Derby, of course ). Anyway, I thought it would be great to make some Mexican chocolate cupcakes and serve them at the BBQ in celebration of her birthday. But I need some inspiration on how to go about making these cupcakes. So far, I've had the following thoughts: 1. Make this Martha Stewart recipe for Mexican chocolate-pudding-filled cupcakes. But, with all the other BBQ prep going on, these could be a bit fussy. 2. Add some cinnamon to a regular old chocolate cupcake recipe. (Anyone have a good one?) 3. Locate a tried-and-true Mexican chocolate cupcake recipe. (No luck thus far--anyone have one?) But which one to do? Or is there a better way? Needless to say, any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated!

When I was growing up, it seemed we ate a bit later than my friends' families--generally between 7 and 9. I guess I got used to it because, completely inadvertently, that's when I still eat dinner.

I really like the King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion. It's a good resource in that it gives you tips, techniques, and also a whole lot of cookie recipes (the book is huge!). Also, the cookies turn out as described, which is always a good thing.