Hey, Harper! What's Winning?

The absolute joy of summer is upon us as the long weekend closes. I have been cooking, eating, and drinking for you all (in the interest of science, of course) throughout the spring. Today, I have for you three wins and one loss.

Delicious Summer Treats

Many of you may have seen this sexy beast on my social media. I am declaring it a winner! It’s Banana Pudding Cake.

Credit: Olive & Mango

I had to substitute the Nilla wafers because they were not available. Instead, I used Biscoff cookies, and it turned out great! If you love the classic Southern banana pudding, then this cake will make you very happy. It's made with a cake mix, so it is easy-peasy! (Now that I look at the photo, I realize why I had so many crumbs left over... I guess the outside edge was supposed to be covered! Oops!)

A New Favorite

I have never been a fan of scalloped potatoes (potato scallop for THOSE friends). I think it might be because it was the one dish that came from a box during my childhood visits to my grandparents. However, many of my East Coast friends are wild for them. So, for Easter Dinner, I decided to make a version, and I am now a convert! It was the star of the meal!

The recipe was from Serious Eats and will be a "family" favorite from now on. Just look at these glorious bastards!

They were creamy, crunchy, and cheesy perfection!

A Flavorful Crab Dip

Rounding out our series of accidentally brown food postings is a crab dip from Mumbai. I first saw it on Somebody Feed Phil. This very simple, very rich crab dip surprised everyone when it became the star of a recent meal.

The most delightful aspect of this dip is how it showcases the sweetness of the crab. It is quite rare for an expensive and delicate flavor, like crab, to not be lost in a prepared dish. This was absolutely unexpected and much-loved by everyone. I can't believe it isn't viral!

A Missed Opportunity

And finally, a miss... on so many fronts. Some of these issues were not the recipe's fault.

This was a whipped honey espresso martini. There are several recipes out there. This one had a LOT of espresso powder in it. Plus, it included coffee liqueur. The end result was bitter. I used a lot of expensive honey, and I full-disclosure: I batched the drink, so I felt it would be a waste not to finish it. Unfortunately, I ended up feeling hyper from caffeine rather than tipsy. Oops! Gross. Maybe don’t try this one. Stick to the classics; they are usually classics for a reason.

Enjoy the Summer Sunshine!

As we wrap up this long weekend, I hope you enjoy the last rays of sunshine! Don't forget to try these recipes, especially the delicious crab dip and the Banana Pudding Cake. Happy cooking!

I look forward to sharing more recipes and culinary experiences with you soon. Happy eating!