Saturday, December 31, 2011

Grilled Fruit with Bourbon Glaze


Ingredients
1/4 cup bourbon
2 sticks butter, softened
2 cups light brown sugar, packed firmly
2 lemons, juiced
1/2 cup water
Assorted fruit cut in 1/2 (peaches or plums)


Directions
Put the bourbon into a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. 


Boil for 1 minute to burn off the alcohol. 


Add the butter, brown sugar, lemon juice, and water. Bring to a boil whisking until all the sugar is dissolved. 


Simmer for 5 minutes. 


Let cool to thicken. 


Toss fruit with the glaze to coat or brush glaze over fruit with a pastry brush. Place fruit on the grill and turn once when light grill marks appear. 


Serve with ice cream and drizzle the remaining glaze over the fruit.


SOURCE

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Easy Blueberry Skillet Cake


Ingredients


Streusel Topping:
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon


Coffee Cake:
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 (12-ounce) tube buttermilk biscuits
1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen and thawed


Directions
For the streusel topping: Combine the almonds, sugar, butter, flour, and cinnamon in a food processor and pulse until large crumbs form.


For the coffee cake: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.


In a 9-inch cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet, cook the butter and brown sugar over medium heat until melted. Arrange the biscuits in a single layer in the skillet. Scatter the blueberries over the biscuits, and then distribute the streusel topping over the berries. Bake until the biscuits are golden and a tester inserted in the center of a biscuit comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Allow to cool slightly and serve from the skillet.


SOURCE

Strawberry-Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast


Ingredients
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
8 ounces cream cheese
12 slices white bread
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
Butter, for cooking
Maple syrup, for serving
Strawberry Syrup, for serving, recipe follows
Confectioners' sugar, for serving


Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and granulated sugar. Spread the cream cheese on half of the bread slices and top with strawberries. Top with the remaining 6 bread slices and press around the edges to seal.


Melt butter on a griddle over medium-low heat. Dip the sandwiches in the egg mixture for a few seconds on each side. Cook the sandwiches until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve with maple syrup, Strawberry Syrup, or confectioners' sugar.


Strawberry Syrup:
3 cups sliced strawberries
1 cup granulated sugar
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the strawberries are soft and the syrup is thickened and reduced by 1/3 to 1/2 in volume, 15 to 18 minutes.


Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature before serving.


Cook's Note: If a thinner syrup is desired, strain the hot syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a clean container and let cool.


SOURCE

Fruit Salad with Cream Cheese-Pecan Topping


Ingredients
2 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh blackberries
2 cups cubed cantaloupe
2 cups halved green grapes
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 starfruit, sliced
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans


Directions
In a serving bowl, combine the blueberries, blackberries, cantaloupe, grapes, strawberries, and starfruit.


In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and lemon juice at medium-low speed with an electric mixer until smooth.


In a separate medium bowl, beat the heavy cream at medium-high speed with an electric mixer until slightly thickened. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, beating until soft peaks form. Gently fold into the cream cheese mixture; spread over the fruit. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Serve immediately.


SOURCE

Monday, November 28, 2011

Pear Fritters


Ingredients
1/2 cup milk
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup sour cream
1 cup self-rising flour
2 peeled and cored pears
Vegetable oil, for frying
Vanilla ice cream, for garnish, optional
Cinnamon-sugar, for garnish, optional
Confectioners' sugar, for garnish, optional
Maple syrup, for garnish, optional
Mint leaves, for garnish, optional


Directions
Whisk together milk, egg, sugar, cinnamon and sour cream. Add flour. Set aside.


Slice the cored pears into rings. Heat the oil in skillet. Dip rings into batter and place in hot oil. Fry until golden brown.


Top with vanilla ice cream and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar and powered sugar, if desired. Drizzle with maple syrup and garnish with a mint leaf, if desired.


SOURCE

Mocha Fondue


Ingredients
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 pound semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup coffee-flavored liqueur


Directions
Dippers: Biscotti, strawberries, pineapple chunks, bananas


In a heavy saucepan, bring whipping cream to a boil. Remove from heat and add chocolate, stirring until smooth. Stir into a fondue pot, add liqueur, and keep warm over low heat. Serve with desired dippers.


SOURCE

Aunt Peggy's Sweet Potato Souffle

Ingredients
Souffle:
3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, from about 2 to 3 small baked potatoes
1 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, about 1 stick, melted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping:
1 cup packed light brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, about 1/2 stick, cubed, at room temperature
1/2 cup self-rising cake flour
1 cup chopped pecans


Directions
Souffle: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, milk, butter, vanilla, and salt. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Topping: Combine the brown sugar, butter, flour, and pecans in a separate bowl. Crumble the topping over the sweet potato mixture.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown. Serve hot.

SOURCE

Pumpkin Bars

Ingredients
Bars:
4 eggs
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
15-ounce can pumpkin
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
Icing:
8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Using an electric mixer at medium speed, combine the eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin until light and fluffy. Stir together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix at low speed until thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth. Spread the batter into a greased 13 by 10-inch baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting. Cut into bars.

To make the icing: Combine the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar and mix at low speed until combined. Stir in the vanilla and mix again. Spread on cooled pumpkin bars.

SOURCE

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients
Crust:
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 stick melted salted butter
Filling:
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
1 (15-ounce) can pureed pumpkin
3 eggs plus 1 egg yolk
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.


For crust:


In medium bowl, combine crumbs, sugar and cinnamon. Add melted butter. Press down flat into a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.


For filling:


Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, egg yolk, sour cream, sugar and the spices. Add flour and vanilla. Beat together until well combined.


Pour into crust. Spread out evenly and place in oven for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.


SOURCE

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Cinnamon Ripple Sweet Potato Cake

Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened, plus butter for pan
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
12 ounces sour cream
1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato (about 1 medium)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Rum Glaze, recipe follows


Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan.


In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, pecans, and cinnamon; set aside.


In a large bowl, combine the 1 cup of butter and sugar. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream, sweet potatoes, and vanilla.


In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually add it to the butter mixture, stirring well.


Pour half of sweet potato batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar mixture. Spoon the remaining batter evenly over the streusel. Bake until a tester inserted in center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Remove the cake from the oven and cool. Spoon the Rum Glaze over cooled cake, slice and serve.


Rum Glaze:
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 teaspoon rum extract
Pecans, for garnish
In a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients until smooth.

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

Ingredients
1 (9-inch) frozen deep-dish pie crust
32 jumbo marshmallows
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
12-ounce container whipped topping
Cinnamon, garnish


Directions
Bake the pie crust according to the package directions and allow it to cool.


In the top of a double boiler over low heat, combine the marshmallows and the pumpkin puree. , Stir constantly, with a heatproof spatula, until the marshmallows are melted. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the spice and salt.


When the mixture is completely cool, stir in half of the whipped topping. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Top with the remaining whipped topping and garnish with cinnamon.


SOURCE

Friday, November 11, 2011

Raspberry and Sherry Trifle


Ingredients
1 (18 1/2-ounce) package cake mix (recommended: Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Butter Recipe Gold)
1 1/2 cups dry sherry
7 egg yolks
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups whipping cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
3 (12-ounce) packages frozen sweetened raspberries, thawed
Whipped cream, for garnish, optional
Fresh raspberries, for garnish, optional
Mint leaves, for garnish, optional


Directions
Butter and flour a 13 by 9-inch baking pan. Prepare the cake according to package directions, but use 1/2 cup of the sherry in place of 1/2 cup water. When baked, let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cut the cake into large chunks, about 1 1/2 inches wide. Place the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and remaining 1 cup sherry into the top of a double boiler. Whisk until completely combined. Place the top pan over simmering water (do not let water touch the bottom of the top pan). With a wooden spoon, stir over medium heat for about 8 minutes, until the custard is quite thick, about the consistency of mayonnaise. Let cool. Whip the cream with the confectioners' sugar. Take half of the whipped cream and add it to the cooled custard, stirring well. To assemble: In the bottom of a trifle bowl or a 13 by 9-inch disposable aluminum foil pan, layer 1/3 of the cake cubes, 1/3 of the raspberries, and 1/3 of the custard. Continue layering, ending with custard. Take the remaining whipped cream and completely cover the top of the custard. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. Serve with additional whipped cream, fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint, if desired.


SOURCE

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Garlic Cheese Biscuits

Ingredients
1 1/4 cups biscuit mix
1/2 cup grated sharp Cheddar
1/2 cup water
Garlic Butter:
1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon dried parsley flakes


Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.


Combine the biscuit mix and cheese in a small bowl. Add the water and stir just until combined. The dough will be slightly moist. Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes, until the biscuits are firm and beginning to brown.


While the biscuits are baking, make the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic powder, salt, and parsley flakes. Mix well. As soon as you bring the biscuits from the oven, brush them with the garlic butter using a pastry brush.


SOURCE

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Vanilla Chocolate Chip Root Beer Floats

Ingredients
1 pint (2 cups) vanilla chocolate chip ice cream
1 liter (about 4 cups) root beer
Whipped cream
Shaved chocolate


Directions
Fill four glasses with scoops of ice cream. Pour the root beer over the ice cream. Top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate. Serve with straws and long spoons.


SOURCE

Truffle Pie

Ingredients
Truffle Filling:
2/3 cup heavy cream
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
1 (9-inch) prepared graham cracker crust


Whipped Chocolate Filling:
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla


Whipped Cream Topping:
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar


Garnish:
1 1/2 ounces milk chocolate
1 1/2 ounces white chocolate
1 1/2 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate


Directions:
For the truffle filling, in a saucepan, bring 2/3 cup cream to a simmer. Place the 6 ounces chocolate chips in a bowl and pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Let stand for 1 minute, then gently whisk until smooth. Spread truffle filling over the bottom of the prepared piecrust. Freeze for 20 minutes.


Meanwhile, for the whipped chocolate filling, in a double boiler or a microwave set on low power, heat the 6 ounces chocolate chips with 1/2 cup of the cream until the chocolate is just melted, stirring often. Let cool to room temperature. In a chilled bowl, beat the chocolate mixture, remainint 1 cup of cream and the vanilla until soft peaks form (tips curl). Spread the whipped chocolate mixture over the truffle filling in the crust. Refrigerate overnight.


For the topping, just before serving, beat 1 cup cream on medium speed of an electric mixer until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar and whip until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Spread the whipped cream over the top of the pie. Using a grater or vegetable peeler, make pieces or shavings of milk chocolate, white chocolate, and semisweet or dark chocolate. Garnish pie with chocolate pieces. Serve immediately.


SOURCE

Georgia Cookie Candy

Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
1 cup crunchy peanut butter
3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips


Directions
Line a 13 by 9 by 2-inch pan with foil.


Combine the butter, peanut butter, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs in a food processor. Process until the mixture forms a ball. Press into the foil-lined pan using your hands or a spatula.


Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler over simmering water or in a microwave-safe glass dish in the microwave for 1 minute on high (100%). Stir. If the chocolate has not completely melted, microwave for 10 seconds more, then stir. Spread evenly over the cookie layer with a spatula. Chill for several hours.


When ready to serve, allow the candy to come to room temperature before cutting into pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.


SOURCE

Mississippi Mud Cake

Ingredients
2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 stick unsalted butter
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup cocoa
1/4 cup water
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 bag miniature marshmallows


Icing:
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
3 tablespoons cocoa
6 tablespoons milk
1 (1-pound) box confectioners' sugar
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 13 by 9-inch baking pan.


Combine the sugar, salt, and flour in a large mixing bowl. Bring the butter, oil, cocoa, and 1/4 cup water to a boil in a saucepan. Add to the flour mixture.


Beat together the eggs, baking soda, buttermilk, and vanilla. Add to the chocolate mixture, mix well, and pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes.


While the cake is baking, make the icing by melting the butter in the cocoa and milk over low heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from the heat. Stir in the confectioners' sugar. Slowly mix in the nuts and the vanilla. Take the cake from the oven, and when it cools a bit cover it with miniature marshmallows. Pour the warm icing over the cake and the marshmallows. Cool the cake before serving.


SOURCE

Blueberry Cream Cheese Tarts


Ingredients
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 eggs
12 vanilla wafers
1 (21-ounce) can blueberry filling, or other pie filling


Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place a paper cupcake liner in each cup of a muffin pan.


Beat cream cheese with a handheld electric mixer until fluffy. Add sugar and vanilla, beating well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Place a vanilla wafer, flat side down, in each muffin cup. Spoon cream cheese mixture over wafers. Bake for 20 minutes. Allow tarts to cool completely. Serve with blueberry filling on top, or pie filling of your choice.


SOURCE

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Grilled Plums

Ingredients


Pound Cake:
Nonstick baking spray with flour
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter, softened
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
6 large eggs


Grilled Plums:
Nonstick, nonflammable cooking spray
12 ripe plums, pitted and thickly sliced
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
Honey, for serving
Fresh mint, for garnish


Directions


For the cake: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a 10-inch fluted tube pan or Bundt pan with nonstick baking spray with flour .


In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese at medium-high speed with a mixer until creamy. Add the sugar, beating until fluffy. Beat in the extract.


In a medium bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating until just combined. Add 2 eggs, beating until just combined. Repeat the procedure twice with the remaining flour mixture and eggs. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.


Bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, 1 hour and 10 minutes. Cover the cake with aluminum foil to prevent excess browning during last 10 minutes of baking, if necessary. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove from the pan, and cool completely on a wire rack.


For the plums: Spray the grill rack with nonstick, nonflammable cooking spray. Preheat the grill to medium heat.


Brush the plum slices evenly with the melted butter. Grill the plums until just softened, 2 minutes per side.


Slice the cake and serve with grilled plums. Drizzle with honey and garnish with mint, if desired.

SOURCE

Monday, August 29, 2011

Monogrammed Sugar Cookies

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pure almond extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Granulated sugar
Royal Icing, recipe follows

Directions
In a bowl, cream together the sugar and butter, then mix in the egg and vanilla and almond extracts. In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tarter; mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, then cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, or overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Divide the chilled dough in half and roll it out on a lightly floured pastry cloth to a 1/4-inch thickness. Lightly grease some baking sheets. Cut the dough with a floured cookie cutter; sprinkle with sugar. Transfer the cookies to the prepared sheets and bake for 9 minutes.

Royal Icing:
*3 egg whites
1 (1-pound) box confectioners' sugar
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
Food coloring, optional
In a medium bowl, combine egg whites, sugar, and cream of tarter. Beat at low speed with an electric mixer until blended. Increase mixer speed to high, and beat 8 to 10 minutes, or until mixture holds a peak. Cover with a damp cloth when not in use. Separate into bowls and add food coloring, if desired.

SOURCE

Monday, August 15, 2011

Decadent Doughnuts with White and Chocolate Glaze

Ingredients
Peanut oil, for frying
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs
2 (1-ounce) squares white chocolate
4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, divided
2 (1-ounce) squares bittersweet chocolate
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream


Directions
In a large Dutch oven, pour the oil to a depth of 2 inches; heat to 360 degrees F.


In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.


In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, and eggs. Add to the flour mixture, stirring to combine.


Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll to 3/4-inch thickness. Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut out the doughnuts. Using a 1-inch round cutter, cut out the center of each doughnut.


Fry the doughnuts, in batches, for 1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels.


In a small bowl, combine the white chocolate and 2 tablespoons heavy cream. Microwave on High in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth (about 1 minute total). Drizzle over the doughnuts.


In a small bowl, combine the bittersweet chocolate and remaining 2 tablespoons heavy cream. Microwave on High in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth (about 1 minute total). Drizzle over the doughnuts.


SOURCE

Friday, August 5, 2011

Vanilla Pound Cake

Ingredients
Nonstick baking spray with flour
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3 cups sugar
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped
6 large eggs, separated
3 cups cake flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup sliced almonds
Black Cherry Sauce, recipe follows


Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a 12 to 15-cup fluted pan with nonstick baking spray with flour.


In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add the scraped vanilla bean seeds, beating until combined. Add the egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.


In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, alternately with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat the egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until foamy. Gently fold into the butter mixture. Spoon into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the almonds evenly over the top of the cake. Bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove from the pan, and cool completely on a wire rack. Serve with Black Cherry Sauce, if desired.


Black Cherry Sauce:
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon lime zest
1/2 cup black cherry juice
1 (12-ounce) package frozen dark sweet cherries
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and lime zest. Stir in the black cherry juice, whisking until smooth. Add the cherries. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 1 minute.. Remove from the heat and let cool.


SOURCE

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Ginger Biscuit Cake

Ingredients
1 (25-ounce) bag frozen Southern-style biscuits, baked according to package directions, and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 (5 1/4-ounce) package ginger thins, crushed (recommended: Anna's Ginger Thins)
1/2 cup crystallized ginger, chopped
4 cups half-and-half
6 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses (recommended: Grandma's Molasses)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Molasses Butter Cream Sauce, recipe follows
Chopped walnuts, for garnish


Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 13 by 9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.


Place the biscuit pieces evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan. Sprinkle the crushed ginger thins evenly on top of the biscuits. Top evenly with the crystallized ginger.


In a large bowl, combine the half-and-half, eggs, brown sugar, molasses, vanilla, and butter. Pour over the biscuits layer and let stand until the liquid is absorbed, about 45 minute. Bake until fluffy and golden, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Serve warm with Molasses Butter Cream Sauce. Garnish with walnuts, if desired.


Cook's Notes: Day-old biscuits work best in this recipe. To easily crush ginger thins, place in a plastic resealable bag, seal, and crush with a rolling pan.


Molasses Butter Cream Sauce:
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water
2 1/2 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup molasses (suggested: Grandma's Molasses)
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the butter, cream, milk, and molasses. When at a low simmer, add the brown sugar and Irish cream liqueur. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened. Stir in the walnuts.


SOURCE

Malted Marshmallow White Chocolate

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup malted milk powder
1 (4-ounce) bar white chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup marshmallow creme
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream, for topping


Directions
In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients, except vanilla extract and whipped cream, and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate has melted. Add vanilla extract. Reduce heat to low and keep warm. When ready to serve, top each serving with whipped cream.


SOURCE

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Grilled Pineapple Sundaes

Ingredients
1 large pineapple, cored and cut into 1-inch-thick slices
1/2 cup butter, melted
Vanilla ice cream, for topping
Caramel, for topping
Paula Deen's Cream Cheese Shortcakes, recipe follows
Fresh mint, for garnish, optional
Directions
Preheat the grill to medium heat.


Brush pineapple slices with melted butter and grill until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Serve with ice cream and caramel topping on top of Cream Cheese Shortcakes. Garnish with fresh mint, if desired.


Cream Cheese Shortcakes:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.


In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a food processor or pastry cutter, cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Add the cream cheese, stirring to combine, then add the heavy cream, stirring just until the dry ingredients are moistened.


On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 3/4-inch thickness. Cut the dough with a 2 1/2-inch round cutter, rerolling as necessary. Arrange the shortcakes on the prepared baking sheet and bake until lightly browned, about 13 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely before serving.


Yield: 10 shortcakes


Prep Time: 20 minutes


Cook Time: 13 to 15 minutes


Ease of preparation: easy


SOURCE



Pineapple

Monday, June 6, 2011

Lime Sherbet Punch

Ingredients
2 quarts lime sherbet
2 liters ginger ale
1 (46-ounce) can pineapple juice
Lemon slices
Lime slices
Maraschino cherries


Directions
In a punch bowl, add 2 quarts of lime sherbet. Then add ginger ale and pineapple juice. Decorate with lemon and lime slices and some maraschino cherries.


SOURCE

Lime on FoodistaLime

Friday, June 3, 2011

Peaches and Cream Muffins

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray
2 cups self-rising flour
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (15-ounce) can sliced peaches, drained and chopped into 1/4-inch pieces


Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat the cups of a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside.


In a large bowl, mix together the flour, butter, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla. Gently fold in the peaches.


Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a serving platter and serve immediately or transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, before storing.


This recipe was provided by professional chefs and has been scaled down from a bulk recipe provided by a restaurant. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe, in the proportions indicated, and therefore, we cannot make any representation as to the results.


SOURCE

Monday, May 30, 2011

Chocolate Sour Cream Pound Cake

Ingredients
8 ounces (2 sticks) butter, softened
8 ounces sour cream
3 cups sugar
6 eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup cocoa


Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan.


Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter, sour cream, and sugar. Add the eggs, 2 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla.


In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and cocoa. Add 1/2 the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, beat well, add the remaining 1/2 flour mixture, and continue to beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. Continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes if necessary, but do not open the oven to check the cake for at least 1 hour.


SOURCE

Friday, May 20, 2011

Paula's Volcano Cake

Ingredients
Cream mixture:
8 ounces softened cream cheese
1 stick butter, room temperature
2 cups 4X or 10X sugar
Cake:
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
1 cup pecans
1 (18.25-ounce) box German chocolate cake mix, prepare by following directions on box
10 bite-sized almond and chocolate covered candy or candy of choice
Glaze:
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract


Directions
For the cream mixture:


Beat ingredients together with an electric mixer. Set aside until ready to use.


Cake:


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13 by 9 by 2-inch cake pan.


Line bottom of greased pan with coconut flakes. Sprinkle pecans on top of coconut. Set aside.


Follow directions on back of box to prepare cake. Beat for approximately 2 minutes, using an electric mixer. Fold in bite-sized candy. Pour into cake pan. Evenly space dollops of cream mixture on top of the cake. When the cake cooks, the cream will sink down to the bottom. This will be your "volcano" of flavor. Place in oven for 40 to 45 minutes. While cake is still hot spread the glaze evenly over the cake.


For the glaze:


In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in cocoa powder and add milk until you get a thin consistency. If glaze is too thick, add more milk. While bringing the butter and milk mixture to a boil, whisk in confectioners' sugar and almond extract. Glaze should be thin. Remove from the heat and allow to cool before using.


SOURCE

Monday, May 16, 2011

Sweet Black Cherry Crisp

Ingredients
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup, plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 cups pitted frozen cherries, thawed
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sliced almonds


Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13 by 9-inch baking pan.


In a large bowl, combine the sugar and 3 tablespoons flour. Add the cherries, tossing gently to coat. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan.


In a medium bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, and remaining 1/4 cup flour. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in the almonds. Sprinkle evenly over the cherry mixture. Bake until hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.


SOURCE


Cherry