Weekend Recap: Baking, Couple Time, and Red Velvet Thumbprints

Yes—I did do something extra weekendy this past weekend.

I spent all day baking on Friday and ignored the kitchen until about 9 PM, when I finally cleaned up after convincing myself I’d regret not doing it in the morning. Of course, once the kitchen was done I collapsed on the couch and watched Fashion Police.

Saturday morning I woke up, still annoyed at the messy kitchen, but chose to sit on the couch instead. Later I worked out with my husband, which felt like a big milestone. We met at a gym and have exercised near each other for years, but I’m usually the person who belts out music and zones out while exercising. This time we actually worked out together.

After the workout we did something even more surprising: we cooked breakfast together. He made eggs and I made pancakes. Nothing world-changing, but after three-plus years of marriage it felt like a small revelation that we actually enjoy each other’s company.

Later we finally started taking down the Christmas decorations. I had a bit of fun teasing him about one of his odd phobias—he absolutely hates styrofoam. I find that reaction hilarious and can’t resist squishing it when I get the chance. His discomfort made me laugh and probably made him reconsider some of the post-breakfast harmony.

I fell into Rob Lowe’s memoir and read the whole thing in less than a day, then spent too much time looking at pictures of him online and wondering when poster-decorated bedroom ceilings became a questionable choice. In between all of that I ate pizza—very Saturday appropriate—and avoided laundry. My husband started a load of laundry, but the washing machine broke mid-cycle, which was a hassle.

While the laundry drama unfolded, I watched the Golden Globe red carpet and convinced myself it was fine to eat an extra brownie because everyone on TV seemed like they hadn’t eaten one in months. I also spent a few minutes judging Gerard Butler’s hair, and then was distracted by Scott Disick’s outfit, which prompted me to pick up Rob Lowe’s book again.

My husband, who is very Type A, realized I hadn’t started researching washing machines and insisted on doing a load of laundry—every color, fabric and item mixed together as usual. I reminded him about the red velvet cookies I’d baked on Friday, inspired by an idea from the blog’s Facebook page. I was skeptical I could handle another batch of cookies so soon after the holidays, but these cookies made it into the rotation just in time for Valentine’s Day—or a regular Tuesday.

And then, in perfect timing, Rob Lowe appeared on the Golden Globes stage and presented. It felt like fate.

Red Velvet Thumbprints

Adapted from s’mores thumbprints. Makes about 20 cookies.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons red food coloring (liquid or gel as preferred)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into a bowl and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugars until fluffy, about 3–4 minutes, scraping as needed. Add the egg yolk and vanilla, and beat another 1–2 minutes. Add the red food coloring and mix until evenly colored. With the mixer on low, stir in the flour mixture, increasing speed gradually until the dough comes together. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then remove and gently press your thumb into the center of each cookie to create a dent. Return to the oven and bake 5–6 more minutes. Remove and let cool completely.

Cream Cheese Marshmallow Frosting

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup marshmallow fluff
• 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1–2 teaspoons milk, if needed

Directions:

Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the marshmallow fluff and beat 2–3 minutes, then add the vanilla. With the mixer on low, add powdered sugar a cup at a time until incorporated. Increase speed and beat 2–3 minutes. Adjust thickness with more sugar or add milk a teaspoon at a time if needed. Frost the cooled cookies and top with shaved chocolate if desired.

And yes—about Rob Lowe, I’m not done thinking about him yet.