Winter Weekend

I'm off — with 12 of my close friends — to spend the weekend at my vacation house in the mountains. Since it's a birthday celebration, I hope to make the house feel festive. There will be a fire in the fireplace and the boys are in charge of making sure there's plenty of firewood. I'll throw cozy blankets across the couches and turn on the white Christmas lights that we leave up all year round. As for the food, I'll serve the chili at the table, display the cake on a cake stand, and pour the warming tippler in Irish coffee glasses.

When I imagine a Winter weekend getaway, it always involves a warm cocktail like a hot-buttered rum or Irish coffee. There's something so magical about sitting by a fire watching the snow fall, while sipping on a soothing potent drink.

This Saturday, I plan on stirring up a coffee and chocolate concoction. It's spiked with brandy and sweetened with cream, sugar, and vanilla. It's important to serve in heatproof glasses or mugs.

To check out the recipe and make this for your loved ones read more

This Friday a group of my closest friends will join me at my vacation house in the mountains. It's going to be a whirlwind weekend filled with amazing eats, snowboarding, and a birthday celebration. My girlfriend Katie is turning 29 and I'm making her cake.

When I asked her what kind of cake she wanted (and explained that the sky's the limit!), she simply replied, "I want a vanilla cake. Is that boring?" Hardly. A basic vanilla cake with whipped frosting is elegant and classic. To make it extra special, I'll place 29 candles on it. Want to see the recipe I'm using? Keep reading.