Mudslide Cookies

Sometimes I forget about the goodies available at the CIA. But when Shelly’s parents came to visit this weekend, I was reminded about one of the best treats to be found in those hallowed halls. The CIA has long been known for their Mudslide Cookie – a super chocolatey, oooey gooey cookie that people love, love, love. So when there was only one cookie left at the cafe, I promised them I could whip up some more at home.

It could be that it’s slightly crisp on the outside, and soft on the inside. It could be the crunchy nuts and melted chocolate chunks. It could be that it has 10 times as much chocolate as it has flour. Yea…that’s probably it.

Brown Sugar Apple Upside Down Cake with Apple Cider Caramel and Spiced Walnuts

The other weekly challenge over at Food52 was for Apple Cake. Living in the Hudson Valley means some of the best selection and variety of apples I have ever seen. I love the orchards this time of year, and the farm stands, and the smell of cinnamon, spices, and sweet appley goodness coming out in all it’s best forms, including cider (cider doughnuts – a love of mine that will have to be addressed another day). Anyway, I feel like cider is a great way to amp up the flavor of an apple cake, so I smothered my apple upside down cake with apple cider caramel and served it warm. Yum yum.