I never used to be late to anything. Now, I am habitually late…for everything. I hate this new shortcoming of mine.
I also used to be quite organized and orderly. Now, it seems like everything I touch goes into complete disarray. My office, for example…SCARY.
Not-so-surprisingly, Jessica’s virtual baby shower snuck up on me…and I was late getting to the party as it started bright and early this morning. I was even the last one to arrive at Jessica’s real life baby shower 2 weeks ago in Chicago…and I was only 10 minutes late, versus oh…the better part of a day 😉 Better late than never!
Jessica is a dear friend who I met through this thing we call the blogosphere (check out her blog, Sunny Side Up!). We met back in San Fran about 2 years ago and instantly clicked. We’re both goofy and talkative and outgoing. Oh, and we love food…of course.
Jessica and her husband Jesse are expecting their first child, a girl…Maeve. What a beautiful Irish name, isn’t it? It’s perfect.
Krystal of Mrs. Regueiro’s Plate and Jessica of My Baking Heart, two more of my dearest friends, threw Jessica this Irish-inspired baby shower today….for her little pot of gold. Who, by the way, should be making her appearance into this world any day now. Eeeep!
When considering what to make for Jessica, a crock pot meal is what came to mind first. New moms need easy recipes, I imagine. And what Irish doesn’t love cabbage? It made perfect sense.
But then, at Jessica’s brunch in Chicago, she ordered cinnamon roll french toast. Her exact words: “There’s a CINNAMON ROLL…ON my french toast!” It was so cute. She was in complete awe…and naturally, in foodie heaven. Cinnamon roll heaven, as she didn’t waste stomach capacity on bacon or sausage. 😉 It was clear to me at that moment, a sweet treat was even more appropriate for this soon-to-be-mom and friend of mine than a crock pot cabbage recipe.
Dessert…never the wrong choice.
These Guinness and Pretzel Truffles are perfect for Jessica – chic, but fun. And perfect for a new mom since they’re simple to make and include that secret ingredient that has been off limits for the past 9 months: beer! 😉
Jessica and Jesse: I wish you all the best in your life together with baby Maeve. I couldn’t be happier for you both. Enjoy every second of this incredibly special time and thank you for letting me be a part of your happiness and celebration — both online and offline.
xo!
- 12 oz Guinness stout, divided
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cups (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, slightly softened
- ¾ cup pretzels, finely pulverized
- ¾ cup pretzels, coarsely crushed (for rolling the truffles)
- Set aside ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons of Guinness. Pour the remaining Guinness in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer the Guinness until it has reduced to about 1 tablespoon, about 30 minutes; set aside.
- Pour the chocolate chips into a separate saucepan, along with the Guinness. Heat chocolate over medium-low heat, whisking when the chocolate begins to melt. Once the chocolate has melted completely and is smooth, begin to add the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. Once the butter has melted completely, add the reduced 1 tablespoon of Guinness. Stir in the finely pulverized pretzels. Transfer the chocolate mixture into a bowl, and place in the fridge to chill until the chocolate is firm, about an hour.
- Once the ganache has firmed up, line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. Scoop out heaping tablespoonfuls of the ganache, and quickly roll to form round balls, about 1 inch each. Chill the truffles in the fridge until ready to serve them. Add the crushed pretzels to a shallow dish, roll the truffles around in the crushed pretzels, and serve immediately.
Today was so productive (other than showing up late to Jessica’s baby shower!)…hoping for some of the same tomorrow!
Be well,
Girl, lately I feel like I’ve been late to everything. And I’ve never been super organized, so you’re one step ahead of me!
I’m totally laughing at your recount of that brunch. I was pretty impressed with my french toast, totally guilty of having a sweet tooth!! These truffles seem like an awesome way to satisfy sweet tooth, ESPECIALLY since there is Guinness involved!
Thank you so much for being a part of my virtual shower!
LOVE these, Nicole! So glad you could make it to Jess’ shower… even if you were a little late! 😉
I am not much of a baker, but pretty sure I couldn’t screw this up! Hope your day is productive today Nicole! 😀
Wow, these look like little pieces of heaven! Great presentation for any party!
Better late than never!! So glad that you were still able to participate in Jessica’s post, and too funny about her real life shower. I still have yet to see pictures from this shower!! Where are they??
I’m linking your post up to the shower, too.
Thanks again for the wonderful contribution!!
Cinnamon roll French toast? That’s the coolest breakfast I’ve heard of in a long time! And your Guinness + Pretzel Truffles probably takes the award for the most creative sweet treat. They look fabulous — no way could I stop at one!