Chocoalate Cola Cake

If you have popped in to a book-signing for my newest cookbook, Too Hot in the Kitchen, then you have tasted my favorite and oh-so-easy Chocolate Cola Cake. They are my go-to taste-test recipe and definitely feed and please a crowd. And you know I can’t show up without food! I don’t mind because not only are they simple to whip up, but the best part is I get to eat a few hot out of the oven! And if you have to bring dessert for lots of people, this makes a big pan.  It is a cross between a brownie and cake; and always a talked about recipe.  Whenever you hear I have sample, this is usually my recipe of choice.  After all, I have decided CHOCOLATE speaks!

Also, this is the recipe that I used in my diet coke southern promotion several years ago that I wouldn’t give out.  It was all the rage.  I also love it because the recipe makes a large pan which serves a lot of people.  Let me know what you think?

Easy Crowd Pleasing Chocolate Cola Cake-with diet Coke

Shrimp Cheese Grits Casserole

This post was from awhile ago…but making for Christmas gang also!  I am exhausted! I had 30 wonderful kids with me all weekend as we all went to Mardi Gras in New Orleans.  My daughter, Haley, invited 30 of her friends from Wash U in St. Louis to come experience Mardi Gras for the first time.  Many had never even been to the South so of course I had to have lots of food!! We had 5 king cakes and I cooked our classic Louisiana dishes that feed a crowd. I made Shrimp and Cheese Grits from Freezer Friendly Meals, ahead of time and froze so I didn’t have to spend hours in the kitchen when everyone got there.  I also had to make our favorite appetizers kids love to dig into – Hamburger Dip and Super Salsa…both with only a few ingredients and so easy. Of course they were gobbled up! It was a whirl-wind weekend full of fun but good to be back in my routine too!

Shrimp and Cheese Grits for a House Full