Chocolate Orange Macarons

I've been wanting to make macarons for a while now.  If I ever go into business, I want to make cheesecakes, macarons and biscotti.  So it's about time I start practicing the macarons since I have the other two almost memorized.  I am so excited that my first batch turned out so well!  My filling is a little gooey from being in the sun in this picture though. Otherwise, they were almost identical to the ones my husband and I were lucky enough to enjoy on our honeymoon:

One of my missions in Paris was to get to Laduree and get their famous macarons.  After running up and down the Champs-Elysees with only half an hour until it's closing time, Joe and I asked any Parisian we could to help get us there.  We made it and were rewarded with some awesome macarons.

I can't wait to start making other flavors and perfecting the skill of making these wonderful cookies.
Recipe from Bon Appetit.

Turtle Cheesecake

I made this glorious cheesecake back in April for my mom's birthday.  I love making cheesecakes more than any other dessert.  I've made this before and have no idea where I got the recipe from.  In the past though, I used store bought caramel.  This time I made my own and it was so much better.  I didn't even think that was possible!