Butterfinger-Pumpkin Bread

In by Madison Mayberry11 Comments

Having candy on hand in my apartment is a rarity. In fact, I rarely even have chocolate chips lying around. Some baker I am. Thankfully, I live within walking distance of Target, making it easy to go grab supplies and a whole lot less tempting than having chocolate in the house. But last week while Joey (yes, I’ve decided to start calling him by his real name!) and I were up in Minneapolis, his mom sent us all home with … Read More

Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes

In by Madison Mayberry11 Comments

Cue the Jack Johnson song because I’m making banana pancakes. And you should, too. Actually, I’ve been making banana pancakes for over a week now and am convinced these pancakes are the best breakfast yet on Espresso and Cream. This recipe is loosely adapted from the buttermilk pancakes in my most recent cookbook obsession, Gourmet Today. I’ve been reading and cooking my way through it, recipe after delicious recipe, entirely shocked it sat unused on my shelf for almost a … Read More

Candy Corn Cupcakes

In by Madison Mayberry4 Comments

Every year around this time, I realize I’m not a Halloween person. Candy, scary movies, haunted houses – no thanks. And don’t get me started about what Halloween means when you’re a college student. Not my cup of tea. But for fear of being seen as the Grinch of October, I’ve made an attempt at Halloween-themed baking. Maybe it’s a bit of a stretch. In fact, one of my co-workers told me the concept was lost on him, but the … Read More

Oatmeal Raisin Peanut Cookies

In by Madison Mayberry7 Comments

  As much as I enjoy a good recipe, I’m just as much a sucker for all things pretty. I’m not overly girly, but give me a piece of lace, a ruffle, floral pattern or cookies tied up in a ribbon and I swoon.  Fact: When I was a little girl, my mom hardly ever let me out of the house without a giant bow perched atop my head. To this day, I plan to do the very same thing … Read More

Red Lobster’s Cheddar Biscuits

In by Madison Mayberry16 Comments

I’m almost, just almost, shaking my head at myself for posting this recipe. For starters, it’s based off Bisquick baking mix – hardly something to write home about. And then there’s the fact that these biscuits were popularized widely by the restaurant chain Red Lobster. It’s not that I have anything against Red Lobster, per say, in fact as far as chains go it’s pretty tasty and can be decently healthy. But if it came between a chain restaurant and … Read More

Life in The Swamp

In Uncategorized by Madison Mayberry4 Comments

Before anything else, I want to say a big thank you for your helpful and reassuring comments and e-mails about my blog identity crisis. Knowing I’m not the only person to have these feelings made me realize I don’t need to make a formal decision about where I want Espresso and Cream to go. Instead, I’m going to keep cooking and baking, and when other events seem post-worthy, they’ll make their way to these pages, too. Case in point….   … Read More

Confession and Cookies Time: Alfajores

In by Madison Mayberry13 Comments

Working as an editor makes writing as a blogger absolutely maddening at times. Throughout the day, I’m constantly thinking about editorial direction and cohesive themes to the pieces and recipes I’m putting into place. There’s a rhyme and a reason for everything, and every recipe serves a purpose. But life as a blogger isn’t nearly as cut and dried. Blogs by their very nature are extensions of the people who write them, and just like people are multi-dimensional, so are … Read More

Back to Basics: Caramel Sauce

In by Madison Mayberry4 Comments

  Let’s make a deal: if you make this caramel sauce sometime in the next couple days, I’ll be back on Friday with a tempting, mouthwatering way to use said caramel sauce. Well, besides just eating straight out of the jar with a spoon, that is. Go ahead and try it; I won’t judge. Making caramel sauce has been on my list of ‘must make’ items for as long as I can remember. And now that I’ve finally done so, … Read More

Back to Basics: Baked Doughnuts

In by Madison Mayberry3 Comments

Happy Monday! Let’s get straight to the food, shall we? Maybe it’s a bit of a stretch to consider doughnuts part of this back to basics series, but for some people doughnuts are a basic breakfast staple. Me? I’m not a huge doughnut eater, but when I came across this recipe for a homemade version that’s baked instead of fried it intrigued me. As with all things homemade, these doughnuts are different than those you might pick up at the … Read More

Back to Basics: Eggplant (Baba Ganoush)

In by Madison Mayberry4 Comments

A few weeks back, I issued a challenge to J. – each week pick out one vegetable you’ve never cooked before and learn how to cook it. I promised to guide him through the process, thinking it would be a less-intimidating way to approach cooking and learning new skills.  While I helped him cook asparagus over the phone, I decided I could use a bit of my own advice. Typically, unless I have a specific recipe in mind, I tend … Read More

Back to Basics: Roasted Potato Chips

In by Madison Mayberry6 Comments

Most of the cooking that goes on in my own kitchen is so simple it’s embarrassing. Sure, there’s always cooking involved and hardly ever any takeout, but simplicity is the name of the game. So with that notion in mind, Espresso and Cream is going back to basics for the next few weeks. I’ll be sharing with you my favorite ways to prepare veggies, simple soups, and other recipes that will make life in the kitchen easier. If you’re someone … Read More

Easy Coconut Cake

In by Madison Mayberry5 Comments

On Friday night I was sitting on my couch, waiting impatiently for J to arrive so the weekend could officially start. And when I heard a knock at the door, I sprung off the couch to answer the door. I wish I would have thought to take a photo of the sight in front of me: J, holding a homemade coconut cake with two candles numbering ’23’ glowing brightly. Seriously one of the best birthday cakes I can remember receiving. … Read More