Cuban Sliders

Cuban Sliders

Rebecca Crump (EzraPoundCake.com)

Makes 4

• 4 Pepperidge Farm Stone Baked Artisan Rolls (recommended: French bread)
• 4 slices deli ham
• 4 slices roast pork
• 8 slices Provolone
• Pickles, to taste
• Mustard, to taste

1. Heat Pepperidge Farm Stone Baked Artisan Rolls as directed on the package.

2. When the rolls are done and out of the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.

3. Split each roll horizontally, leaving one edge intact.

4. Spread the insides of each roll with mustard. Layer on the ham, pork, cheese and pickles.

5. Wrap each sandwich in aluminum foil, and place them on a baking sheet.

6. To press the sandwiches inside the oven, place a large cast-iron skillet (or bricks covered in foil) on top of the sandwiches.

7. Warm the sandwiches inside the oven for 10 minutes. Unwrap and serve immediately.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Marshmallow Cupcakes

For the Cupcakes:

2 1/4 cups  all-purpose flour
2 cups organic cane sugar
1 cup organic unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon  vanilla extract
2/3 cup  canola oil
2 teaspoons  white vinegar
2 cups cold water

For the Cookie Dough Balls:
1 stick (1/2 cup or 4 ounces) unsalted butter at room temperature
1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda (i know we’re not baking them, it’s for flavor)
3/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons natural peanut butter (if you have a nut allergy, 2 tablespoons of yogurt will work as a binder as well)
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

For the Meringue:
4 large egg whites
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
large pinch of salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners and set aside.
In a large bowl, sift the dry ingredients together. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, water, vanilla extract and vinegar.
Slowly whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients being careful not to overmix. The mixture will be quite wet, but that’s ok.
Pour the batter until the cups are two thirds full and place in the oven for 20-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cup comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then place on a wire rack until completely cool before topping with cookie dough ball.

For the Cookie Dough Balls:
In the bowl of a stand mixer fit with a paddle attachment (or with a large bowl and a wooden spoon) cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about three minutes in the machine. Beat in peanut butter (or yogurt if using) along with the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
Whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Add all at once to the butter and sugar mixture and stir until incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips.
Spoon a scant tablespoons size amount of dough in your hand. Roll into a ball and place on a cookie sheet. Make 24 little cookie dough balls, and refrigerate until ready to top the cupcakes.

For the Meringue:
In a large pot, bring about 2 inches of water to a simmer.
In a large, heat-proof bowl, whisk together egg whites, sugar and corn syrup. The mixture will be grainy, because of the sugar.
Place bowl over simmering water and whisk as it heats. The sugar will dissolve after about 5 minutes. Keep and eye on the mixture, it shouldn’t get warm enough to cook the eggs. Yucky.
Transfer the egg white and sugar mixture to the bowl of an electric stand mixer. With a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites, on high, until stiff peaks form (about 5 minutes) The mixture will be fluffy and glossy and look like melted marshmallows. It’ll be sticky too. Cover, and set aside until ready to frost cupcakes.

To Assemble Cupcakes:
Use a small paring knife to cut a 3/4-inch whole out of the top/center of the cupcakes. Don’t cut the whole center of the cupcake out… just make a little hole for the dough ball to rest without rolling off.
Place dough balls on top of cupcakes.
Place meringue frosting in a pastry bag (or large Ziplock bag) fitted with a medium-large tip. Use your instincts for the size of the tip. Any size (star or round) medium tip will do for frosting these cupcakes. Pipe frosting around the edges of the cupcake and over the dough ball in a circular motion. Frost all cupcakes.
Turn on oven broiler. 
Place 12 cupcakes on a baking sheet. Place cupcakes under the broiler for about 1 minute. Don’t even close the broiler door. Keep an eye on them as they toast. You may need to remove the cupcakes and rotate the pan to ensure that they cook evenly. Once toasted, remove cupcakes, and toast the remaining 12 in the same fashion.

Cupcakes will last, in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 4 days. 

Joy The Baker

Cheeseburger Ring

Cheeseburger RingMakes 1 ring, serves 3-4 people

1/4 cup onions, diced
3/4 lb lean ground beef
1/4 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
8-10 slices cheddar cheese
2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
16 slices dill pickles
3 large plum tomatoes
2 cups lettuce

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. In frying pan, cook ground beef with onions over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until beef is no longer pink; drain.

2. Add ketchup, mustard and 5 of the cheese slices, cut up; stir until cheese is melted. Remove pan from heat.

3. Unroll crescent dough; separate into 16 triangles. Arrange triangles in a circle on a 13-inch round pan or baking stone with points towards the outside. (There should be a 5-inch diameter opening in the center.) Scoop meat mixture evenly onto widest end of each triangle.
Top each scoop with 2 pickle slices.

4. Bring points of triangles up over filling and tuck under wide ends of dough at center of ring. (Filling will not be completely covered.) Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven.

5. Cut each of the remaining 4 cheese slices into 4 triangles. Arrange cheese triangles over top of ring.

6. Slice tomatoes. Arrange tomato slices around inside center of ring.

7. Slice lettuce into thin strands. Place in center of ring.

8. Serve with additional ketchup and mustard, if desired.

Source: Food.com

Root Beer Pulled Pork Sammies

Ingredients

• 1 (2 pound) pork tenderloin (pork shoulder or butt can also be used)
• 1 (12 ounce) can of root beer
• 1 (18 ounce) bottle of barbecue sauce
• 8 hamburger buns

Directions

1. 1Place the pork tenderloin in a slow cooker and pour the can of root beer over the meat. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until pork shreds easily with a fork.
2. 2After pork has cooked, drain and discard the root beer. Shred the pork and place it back in the slow cooker. Pour the barbecue sauce over the pork and stir to combine. Serve immediately or keep warm in slow cooker until ready to serve. Serve on hamburger buns.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH CHEESECAKE BARS

 

 

Ingredients
Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough:
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup flour
1 cup chocolate chips
Cheesecake Filling:
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line an 8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper or foil allowing a little overhang; spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. Mix the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs until thoroughly combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 6 minutes. Remove pan to a cooling rack. Do not turn your oven off.

While the crust is cooling, prepare the chocolate chip cookie dough. With an electric mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt and vanilla until smooth and thoroughly combined, about 1 minute. Mix in the flour on low speed, until just incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Mix in the egg and vanilla on low speed just until incorporated. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust. Sprinkle the cookie dough onto the top of the cheesecake batter in teaspoon-sized clumps. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the top feels dry and firm. Move bars to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely. Lift the bars out by the overhang; cool and then slice into desired size. Serve cold or at room temperature. Keep leftovers refrigerated.



Adapted from My Baking Addiction.

Peanut Butter Brownies

Peanut Butter Brownies
Yield: 24 brownies
Prep Time: 35 minutes | Bake Time: 30 minutes
For the Brownies:
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons dark unsweetened cocoa powder
11 ounces dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 cup (8 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
5 eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Peanut Butter Swirl:
½ cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup powdered sugar
1½ cups creamy peanut butter
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the sides and bottom of a 9×13-inch glass or light-colored baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, salt, and cocoa powder together.
3. Put the chocolate, butter and instant espresso powder in a large bowl and set it over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth. Turn off the heat, but keep the bowl over the water and add the sugars. Whisk until completely combined, then remove the bowl from the pan. The mixture should be room temperature.
4. Add 3 eggs to the chocolate mixture and whisk until combined. Add the remaining eggs and whisk until combined. Add the vanilla and stir until combined. Do not overbeat the batter at this stage or your brownies will be cakey.
5. Sprinkle the flour mixture over the chocolate mixture. Using a rubber spatula (not a whisk), fold the flour mixture into the chocolate until just a bit of the flour mixture is visible.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the peanut butter swirl ingredients. Using a spoon, place dollops of the peanut butter mixture all over the top of the brownie batter. Using a butter knife, swirl the chocolate and peanut butter, running the knife crosswise and lengthwise through the batters.
8. Bake in the center of the oven for 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with a few moist crumbs sticking to it. Let the brownies cool completely, then lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.
9. Store at room temperature in an airtight container or wrap with plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
(Brownie recipe adapted from Baked: New Frontiers in Baking; peanut butter swirl adapted from Martha Stewart)

Blueberry Tart

Ingredients

• flour for the work surface
• 1 8-ounce sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
• 2 cups blueberries

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375° F. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the sheet of pastry and roll it into a 10-by-12-inch rectangle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Using the tip of a knife, score a 1-inch border around the pastry without cutting all the way through. Brush the border with the egg and sprinkle with the granulated sugar. Bake until golden and puffed, 18 to 22 minutes.
3. Using the tip of a knife, rescore the border of the cooked pastry without cutting all the way through. Gently press down on the center of the pastry sheet to flatten it. Let cool to room temperature, 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the cream, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of the confectioners’ sugar and beat until smooth. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly within the borders of the pastry.
5. Arrange the blueberries in a single layer over the filling and sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of confectioners’ sugar.

By Sara Quessenberry, August 2009
Real Simple

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bite Recipe

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bite Recipe:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp kosher salt

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels

12 oz chocolate coating, melted (you can also use vanilla coating, to dip or drizzle)

Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add sugar and vanilla. Beat in flour, baking soda, salt. Fold in chocolate morsels. Scoop (about 1-2 Tbsp) onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Freeze for about 2 hours (or overnight).

Using two forks, dip into melted chocolate coating and return to parchment. Drizzle with melted vanilla bark. Refrigerate and enjoy.

Fresh Strawberry Pie

Fresh Strawberry Pie

1 9-inch pie crust, baked
2 pounds fresh strawberries, rinsed and hulled
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 envelope unflavored powdered gelatin
2 tablespoons cold water

Slice about 3 cups of the strawberries into quarters and place them in a medium bowl. Crush the berries with a potato masher or a fork; you should have about 1 1/2 cups crushed berries. Place them in a saucepan over medium heat with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and salt and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken slightly.

Soften the gelatin in the cold water and set it aside.
Remove berry mixture from the heat and add the softened gelatin and stir until the gelatin has dissolved. Set aside to cool.

Cut the remaining berries into quarters, and gently fold them into the cooled cooked mixture (if you want, you can reserve some of the strawberries to arrange on top of the pie for a more decorative presentation). Pour the filling into the baked pie shell, and chill in the refrigerator until set, at least 2 hours or overnight before serving. Makes 1 pie (I doubled the recipe for 2 pies).

Serve with fresh whipped cream if desired.

Recipe source: adapted from Rustic Garden Bistro

Cake Batter Pancakes

Cake Batter Pancakesmakes about 10 pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow or white cake mix
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 egg
1-2 Tbsp. oil
1 cup milk (dairy, almond, rice, etc., I used almond)
1 tsp. vanilla extract

assorted sprinkles

Combine flour, cake mix, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl and mix. Add egg, oil, milk and vanilla extract and stir until smooth. You want the batter to look like regular pancake batter; not too thin, not too thick. Add more milk, if needed. Let batter sit while griddle heats up.

Preheat griddle or skillet, whichever you are using. Fold desired amount of sprinkles into batter. Pour batter in 1/4 cup measurements onto skillet and let cook until bubbles form on top, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for 1 minute more. Serve with vanilla glaze and extra sprinkles, if desired.

For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 Tbsp. milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix milk, extract and powdered sugar until glaze forms. You may need to add a little more sugar or water/milk to reach desired consistency.


SOURCE:Adapted from How Sweet It Is and Sweet Lovin in the Kitchen

cannoli cupcakes

Dry ingredients:

• 2 and 1/2 cups flour
• 2 and 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 3/4 cups sugar

Wet ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1 Tbsp Marsala wine
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 cup chocolate chips

For the frosting:

• 1 and 1/2 sticks butter, softened
• 3/4 cup shortening
• 1 and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• 3 Tbsp milk
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, and line two muffin pans with cupcake wrappers. Mix all of the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl.

In a different, larger bowl, mix together the butter, eggs, vanilla, Marsala wine, and milk.

Add in the ricotta cheese, orange zest, and powdered sugar. Mix in the dry ingredients, and then stir in the chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into cupcake liners, 24 in total. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the muffin pans to a cooling rack.

While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. Cream the butter and shortening together, and then add in the vanilla extract. Gradually add in the powdered sugar. Mix in the milk, and then mix in the vanilla from the vanilla bean.

Frost the cupcakes once they have cooled completely, and top with additional chocolate chips if desired.

Sugarcrafter- source

Quick Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Quick Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Printable Version

*Note: you can substitute milk for the heavy cream but the frosting will be missing an element of silky creaminess.
*Makes about 4 cups of frosting
½ cup (1 stick, 8 tablespoons) butter, softened to room temperature
3 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
16 ounces powdered sugar (about 3 ½ cups)
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
In a large bowl using a handheld mixer or the bowl of an electric stand mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until it is light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Mix in the vanilla. Add the powdered sugar gradually and mix in fully after each addition. Cream at low speed until well blended and creamy. Pour in the heavy cream and whip until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Recipe Source: adapted from The Recipe Girl

The Best Frosting

The Best Frosting
Printable Version
Printable Version with Picture
*This frosting is so magically delicious, it would be perfect on everything from sugar cookies to pumpkin bars to cake. Options are endless!
*Note: this frosting takes a bit of advance planning since the frosting needs time to cool so plan ahead! Also, the frosting can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week. When ready to use, let the frosting stand at room temperature until softened, about 2 hours. Beat with stand mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about one minute. Finally, I pipe a lot of cakes for my kids’ birthdays (think: Spiderman covered in Wilton stars) and although I haven’t tried it, I highly suspect that an hour or so of chilling time will lend this frosting nicely to being piped. When I try it, because I will, I’ll update the recipe with my notes.
*Makes about 4 cups frosting (plenty for two 9-inch cake layers)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk (I used 1% with stellar results)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
24 tablespoons (3 sticks) butter, cut into 24 pieces and softened at room temperature
In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cornstarch and salt. Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a medium saucepan and pour the milk mixture through the strainer into the saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture boils and is thick enough that it starts to become difficult to easily whisk. This could take anywhere between 5-10 minutes, depending on your stove, heat, etc. It should bubble quite a bit at the end (be careful of the splatters) and thicken considerably.
Transfer the mixture to a clean bowl and cool to room temperature – this is extremely important! If it is even slightly warm, the frosting won’t beat up properly. I refrigerated my initial mixture overnight. If you do this, make sure to pull it out in time to let it warm back up to room temperature. If you try to proceed with the rest of the recipe and the mixture is too cold, the butter won’t absorb into the frosting like it should.
Once the frosting is completely cooled to room temperature (it should have no hint of warmth at all!), beat the mixture with the vanilla on low speed until it is well combined, about 30 seconds (a stand mixer will work best for this). Add the butter, one piece at a time, and beat the frosting until all the butter has been incorporated fully, about 2 minutes. Increase the speed to medium-high and let the mixer work it’s magic. Beat the frosting for five minutes, until it is light and fluffy. Let the frosting sit at room temperature until it is a bit more stiff, about 1 hour. I suspect if you chill it for an hour or so, it would be stiff enough to actually pipe with instead of frosting with a rubber spatula.
Chocolate Version: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the sugar, flour, cornstarch, salt mixture in the first step. Once the frosting has been mixed for five minutes and is light and fluffy, mix in 3 ounces of semisweet chocolate that has been melted and completely cooled to room temperature.
*Note: I made the chocolate version a few days after I originally posted this recipe and it is delicious! The color wasn’t quite as dark as I was hoping for; it definitely made for a lighter-colored chocolate frosting but the chocolate flavor is deep and terrific. I increased the melted chocolate to 4 ounces when I made it and may even do 5 ounces next time.
Recipe Source: adapted slightly from Cook’s Country Oct/Nov 2010

Chocolate Buttercream Cake

Chocolate Buttercream CakeIngredients:For the cake:1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour1 cup cocoa powder1 ½ tsp. baking soda¼ tsp. salt¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature2/3 cup granulated sugar2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature2 tsp. vanilla extract1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature½ cup sour cream, at room temperature1 tsp. espresso powder2 tbsp. milk  For the frosting:10 oz. bittersweet chocolate8 oz. semisweet chocolate½ cup egg whites (3 extra-large eggs), at room temperature1 cup granulated sugarpinch of cream of tartar½ tsp. salt1 lb. unsalted butter, at room temperature2 tsp. vanilla extract2 tsp. espresso powder, dissolved in 1 tsp. water  Directions:Preheat the oven to 350°.  Butter two 8-inch round cake pans.  Line the bottoms with parchment paper, butter the paper, and dust the pans with flour, knocking out any excess.  In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt.  In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars on high speed until light, approximately 5 minutes.  Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.  Combine the buttermilk, sour cream, and coffee.  On low speed, add the flour mixture and the buttermilk mixture alternately in thirds, beginning with the buttermilk mixture and ending with the flour mixture.  Mix the batter only until blended.  Divide the batter between the two pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.  Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes on a rack, remove from the pans, and allow to finish cooling.  To make the frosting, chop the chocolates and melt in a bowl over simmering water until smooth.  Allow to cool.  Mix the egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk.  Heat the egg whites in the bowl over simmering water until they are warm to the touch, about 5 minutes.  Whisk on high speed for 5 minutes or until the meringue is cool and holds a stiff peak.  Add the butter, 1 tbsp. at a time, while beating on medium speed.  Scrape down the bowl, add the chocolate, vanilla, and espresso and mix for 1 minute or until the chocolate is completely blended in.  If the buttercream seems very soft, allow it to cool and beat it again.  To frost the cake, place one cake layer on a serving plate, flat side up.  Frost the top of that layer with buttercream.  Place the second layer on top, also flat side up and frost the top and sides. Source: adapted from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten, Clarkson Potter, 1999

Funfetti Cake

Funfetti CakeIngredients:1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
6 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
3 large egg whites
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. almond extract
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
Directions:Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease and flour the sides of two 5-inch round cake pans, and line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.  Stir together and set aside.  In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add the egg whites to the bowl and beat until combined.  Add in the vanilla and almond extracts and mix until incorporated.  Mix in the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.  Mix just until incorporated.  Fold in the sprinkles with a spatula.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.  Bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean (about 30-40 minutes?).  Allow to cool in pans 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.  Frost cooled cakes as desired.
Source: adapted from Baking Bites

Yellow Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Yellow Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting
Printer-Friendly Version
Ingredients:
For the cake:
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing pans
1½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting pans
1½ cups cake flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
1¾ cups sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1¼ cups milk
For the frosting:
1 lb. semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
6 tbsp. Dutch-process cocoa powder
6 tbsp. boiling water
3 sticks (1½ cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
Pinch of salt
Directions:
To make the cakes, preheat the oven to 350˚ F.  Line the bottoms of two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.  Butter and flour the edges of the pans, tapping out the excess; set aside.  In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, and salt; whisk together to blend well and set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the butter and sugar.  Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed.  Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Blend in the vanilla.  With the mixer on low speed, add in the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk.  Beat each addition just until incorporated.
Divide the batter between the prepared baking pans.  Bake, rotating the pans halfway through baking, until the cakes are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30-35 minutes.  Transfer the pans to a wire rack and let cool 20 minutes.  Run a knife around the edge of the pans to help remove the cakes.  Invert the cakes onto the rack and peel off the parchment.  Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.  Level the cakes if necessary.
To make the frosting, place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water.  Heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate has melted.  Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature, about 25-30 minutes.  Meanwhile, combine the cocoa powder and boiling water in a small bowl; stir until the cocoa is dissolved.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter, confectioners’ sugar and salt on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes.  Add the melted chocolate; beat on low speed until combined, 1-2 minutes.  Beat in the cocoa mixture until well blended.  (Note: My frosting was still a bit runny for decorating at this point.  I let it cool longer before frosting the cake so it could firm up slightly.)
To assemble the cake, place one of the cake layers on a serving platter.  Top with 1 cup of the chocolate frosting and smooth over the top of the cake.  Top with the remaining cake layer.  Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting as desired.  Refrigerate, covered, for up to 3 days.  Let come to room temperature at least 30 minutes before serving.
Source: Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook

Butterscotch Brownie Cake

Butterscotch Brownie CakeIngredients:For the butterscotch brownie cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 (11 oz.) package butterscotch chips, divided
For the butterscotch ganache:
3/4 cup butterscotch chips
6 tbsp. heavy whipping cream
3 tbsp. unsalted butter
For the chocolate ganache:
4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. water
Extra butterscotch chips, for garnish

Directions:
To make the cake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Butter and flour the sides of two 5-inch round cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper.  In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.  In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the butter, sugar and vanilla.  Beat on medium speed until creamy.  Scrape down the bowl and mix in the eggs until well incorporated.  Gradually beat in the flour mixture on low speed just until combined.  Stir in 1 cup of butterscotch chips with a rubber spatula.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.  Sprinkle with the remaining butterscotch chips.  Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Transfer the pans to a wire cooling rack and allow to cool completely before carefully removing from the pans.
To make the butterscotch ganache, combine the cream and the butter in a small saucepan.  Warm over medium-high heat until the mixture is almost boiling.  Place the butterscotch chips in a small, heatproof bowl.  Pour the cream mixture over the butterscotch chips and allow to sit for 30 seconds.  Stir until smooth.
To make the chocolate ganache, place the chopped chocolate in a small bowl.  Bring the cream, sugar and water to a boil, then pour the liquid over the chocolate and let sit for 30 seconds.  Gently whisk the mixture together until smooth.  Leave the glaze to sit until it thickens a bit to your desired consistency.
To assemble the cake, place one of the cake layers on a wire rack with a sheet of wax paper.  Drizzle butterscotch ganache over the top so that it drips over the edges of the cake.  Drizzle with a small amount of chocolate ganache as well.  Lay the remaining cake layer on top of the first and top with remaining chocolate ganache so that it drips over the edges.  Decorate with extra butterscotch chips, if desired.  Transfer the cake to a serving platter.
Source: adapted from Bakerella, cake adapted from Very Best Baking, chocolate ganache from Baking: From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan

Avocado Eggs Benedict

 

 

 

Avocado Eggs Benedict

Smashed avocado freshens up traditional Eggs Benedict.

Ingredients

• 2 English muffins
• 4 slices bacon
• 1 avocado
• Salt
• Pepper
• 4 eggs

Instructions

1. Heat a sauce pan with 2 inches of water to a simmer.
2. Split the English muffins in half and toast until browned.
3. Cook the bacon to a crisp and set aside.
4. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
5. Add a pinch of salt and mash with a fork.
6. Spread the avocado over the toasted English muffin halves and top with the bacon.
7. Crack 1 egg at a time into a separate small bowl or cup. Stir the simmering water with a spoon and gently pour the egg into the swirling water. Repeat with the second egg (I poach two at a time).
8. Cook the eggs for 2 1/2 minutes, until the whites are cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and let drain for a minute before placing on top of the bacon.
9. Cook the remaining two eggs and serve seasoned with salt and pepper.

Notes

Yields: 4 Servings
Source: Confections of a Foodie Bride
Estimated time: 20 minutes

Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta
serves 4-6
1 pound pasta (I used whole wheat orecchiette)
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into chunks
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 1/2 cups milk
4 ounces grated monterey jack cheese (I used half a brick) + more for topping
1/3 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese + more for topping
1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
salt and pepper to taste
for garnish: 3/4 cup chopped green onions, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese, additional buffalo wing sauce
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Prepare water for pasta and cook according to directions.
While pasta is cooking, heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter, and once it’s melted and bubbly add the flour. Whisk together to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until mixture gets a bit golden in color. Add milk, stir and turn down heat to low. Continue stirring until milk thickens. Add in grated cheeses and continue to stir until mixture is smooth. Stir in buffalo wing sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
Spray a baking dish (9 x 13 is fine, I used a round 4-inch deep dish) with non-stick spray. Add pasta and chicken, then pour cheese sauce over and mix throughly until everything is coated. Sprinkle with additional grated cheese and bread crumbs. Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. Remove from oven and immediately top with gorgonzola, green onions and cilantro. Drizzle with buffalo wing sauce.

Nutella Cinnamon Rolls

• 
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp yeast
• 5 1/2 cups flour, divided
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 stick butter
• 1/2 cup nutella
• Cinnamon

For the glaze (for three 8″ pans of rolls):

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 6 Tbsp milk

In a large pot, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and sugar. Scald the mixture (heat until just about to boil), and then turn off the heat. Let cool 45 minutes to an hour. When the mixture is lukewarm, whisk in the yeast and let it begin to dissolve. Stir in 4 1/2 cups of the flour, and then cover and let rise at least an hour.

Next, add in the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Turn out on to a floured surface and gently knead in the extra cup of flour. Form the dough into a rough rectangle and roll thin, maintaining the rectangular shape. In a small bowl, add the nutella. Cut the butter into chunks and then add it to the bowl as well. Microwave on low heat just until the butter melts. Stir until smooth.

Spread the nutella and butter mixture over the rolled out dough and follow with a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Starting at the opposite end, begin rolling the dough toward you, keeping it as tight as possible. Pinch the seam to seal it at the end. It’s okay if some of the filling oozes out.

Spray three 8? round foil cake pans with cooking spray. Cut the rolls approximately 3/4? to 1? thick, and lay them in the pans. Let rise 20-30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and bake the rolls 15-18 minutes or until light golden brown. To make the glaze, mix together the powdered sugar and milk and stir until smooth; it should be thick. Split the glaze between the three pans and generously drizzle it over the warm rolls.

Vegetable Enchiladas

 

Ingredients:

4 Tbs olive oil
1 Tbs ground cumin, divided
1 tsp adobo, divided
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/4 tsp ground coriander
1/4 c all purpose flour
1/4 c tomato paste
3 cups vegetable broth
Salt and pepper
1 large onion, chopped
1 10 oz bag fresh spinach leaves
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14.5 oz) corn kernels, drained
3 c grated pepper Jack cheese (12 oz)
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
16 corn tortillas (6-inch)

Directions:

In a medium saucepan, heat 2 Tbs of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 2 tsp of the cumin, 1/2 tsp adobo, garlic powder, white pepper, coriander, flour, and tomato paste. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Whisk in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5-8 minutes. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 Tbs of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute until softened. Add spinach and saute until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Stir in the black beans, corn kernels, cilantro remaining 1 tsp of cumin, 1/2 tsp adobo and 1 ½ c of the cheese.
Preheat oven to 375⁰F. Lightly spray 9x13 baking dish. Set aside. Pour 3/4 cup sauce in the bottom of the baking dish and spread evenly. Spoon about 1/3 c of the enchilada filling into each tortilla and roll up. Place in the baking dish, seam side down. Pack the filled tortillas tightly in the baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over them, making sure to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over the enchiladas. Bake uncovered until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro, and serve.

Adapted from Martha Stewart

 

 

 

 

Vegetable Enchiladas

Perfectly Chocolate Cake

 

 

 

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING (recipe follows)

Directions

1. 1 Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
2. 2 Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.
3. 3 Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING. 10 to 12 servings.
   
   VARIATIONS:
   ONE-PAN CAKE: Grease and flour 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Heat oven to 350° F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely. Frost.
   
   THREE LAYER CAKE: Grease and flour three 8-inch round baking pans. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost.
   
   BUNDT CAKE: Grease and flour 12-cup Bundt pan. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 50 to 55 minutes. Cool 15 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely. Frost.
   
   CUPCAKES: Line muffin cups (2-1/2 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups. Heat oven to 350°F. Fill cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake 22 to 25 minutes. Cool completely. Frost. About 30 cupcakes.
   
   
   "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING
   
   1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
   2/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
   3 cups powdered sugar
   1/3 cup milk
   1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   
   Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency.
   Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.

Source- Hershey's

Peanut Butter Torte

Peanut Butter Torte
(Source: Baking: From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan, pages 282-283)
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
1¼ cups finely chopped salted peanuts (for the filling, crunch, and toppings)
2 teaspoons sugar
½ teaspoon instant espresso powder (or finely ground instant coffee)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
½ cup mini chocolate chips (or finely chopped semisweet chocolate)
24 Oreo cookies, finely crumbled or ground in a food processor or blender
½ stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Small pinch of salt
2½ cups heavy cream
1¼ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1½ cups salted peanut butter – crunchy or smooth (not natural)
2 tablespoons whole milk
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
Getting Ready: Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch springform pan and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat.
Toss ½ cup of the chopped peanuts, the sugar, espresso powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and chocolate chips together in a small bowl. Set aside.
Put the Oreo crumbs, melted butter and salt in another small bowl and stir with a fork just until the crumbs are moistened. Press the crumbs evenly over the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan (they should go up about 2 inches on the sides). Freeze the crust for 10 minutes.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack and let it cool completely before filling.
Working with a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, whip 2 cups of the cream until it holds medium peaks. Beat in ¼ cup of the confectioners’ sugar and whip until the cream holds medium-firm peaks. Scrape the cream into a bowl and refrigerate until needed.
Wipe out (no need to wash) the bowl, fit the stand mixer with the paddle attachment if you have one, or continue with the hand mixer, and beat the cream cheese with the remaining 1 cup confectioners’ sugar on medium speed until the cream cheese is satiny smooth. Beat in the peanut butter, ¼ cup of the chopped peanuts and the milk.
Using a large rubber spatula, gently stir in about one quarter of the whipped cream, just to lighten the mousse. Still working with the spatula, stir in the crunchy peanut mixture, then gingerly fold in the remaining whipped cream. Scrape the mousse into the crust, mounding and smoothing the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight; cover with plastic wrap as soon as the mousse firms.
To Finish the Torte: Put the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Leave the bowl over the water just until the chocolate softens and starts to melt, about 3 minutes; remove the bowl from the saucepan.
Bring the remaining ½ cup cream to a full boil. Pour the cream over the chocolate and, working with a rubber spatula, very gently stir together until the ganache is completely blended and glossy.
Pour the ganache over the torte, smoothing it with a metal icing spatula. Scatter the remaining ½ cup peanuts over the top and chill to set the topping, about 20 minutes.
When the ganache is firm, remove the sides of the springform pan; it’s easiest to warm the pan with a hairdryer, then remove the sides, but you can also wrap a kitchen towel dampened with hot water around the pan and leave it there for 10 seconds. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serving: I like to serve the torte with strong espresso, but it lends itself to being paired with black tea, hot cocoa or even a not-too-thick not-too-sweet coffee milkshake.
Storing: Well covered, the torte will keep in the refrigerator for about 2 days; just make sure to keep it away from foods with strong odors.

New York-Style Crumb Cake

New York-Style Crumb Cake
(Source: Cook’s Illustrated, May 2007)
Serves 8 to 10
Don’t be tempted to substitute all-purpose flour for the cake flour, as doing so will make a dry, tough cake. If you can’t find buttermilk, you can substitute an equal amount of plain, low-fat yogurt. When topping the cake, take care to not push the crumbs into the batter. This recipe can be easily doubled and baked in a 13 by 9-inch baking dish. If doubling, increase the baking time to about 45 minutes. Cooled leftovers can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Crumb Topping
1/3 cup granulated sugar (2 2/3 ounces)
1/3 cup dark brown sugar (2 2/3 ounces)
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon table salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), melted and still warm
1 3/4 cups cake flour (7 ounces)
Cake
1 1/4 cups cake flour (5 ounces)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (3 1/2 ounces)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon table salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (3/4 stick), cut into 6 pieces, softened but still cool
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup buttermilk
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
1. FOR THE TOPPING: Whisk sugars, cinnamon, salt, and butter in medium bowl to combine. Add flour and stir with rubber spatula or wooden spoon until mixture resembles thick, cohesive dough; set aside to cool to room temperature, 10 to 15 minutes.
2. FOR THE CAKE: Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Cut 16-inch length parchment paper or aluminum foil and fold lengthwise to 7-inch width. Spray 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and fit parchment into dish, pushing it into corners and up sides; allow excess to overhang edges of dish.
3. In bowl of standing mixer fitted with paddle attachment, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt on low speed to combine. With mixer running at low speed, add butter one piece at a time; continue beating until mixture resembles moist crumbs, with no visible butter chunks remaining, 1 to 2 minutes. Add egg, yolk, vanilla, and buttermilk; beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute, scraping once if necessary.
4. Transfer batter to baking pan; using rubber spatula, spread batter into even layer. Following photos below, break apart crumb topping into large pea-sized pieces and spread in even layer over batter, beginning with edges and then working toward center. Bake until crumbs are golden and wooden skewer inserted into center of cake comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool on wire rack at least 30 minutes. Remove cake from pan by lifting parchment overhang. Dust with confectioners’ sugar just before serving.

Perfect Party Cake

Perfect Party Cake
(Source: Dorie Greenspan “Baking: From My Home to Yours” p. 250)
For the Cake
2 1/4 cups cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cups whole milk or buttermilk (I prefer buttermilk with the lemon)
4 large egg whites
1 ½ cups sugar
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest [I substituted orange zest]
1 stick (8 tablespoons or 4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ teaspoon pure lemon extract [I substituted orange extract]
For Finishing
2/3 cup seedless raspberry preserves stirred vigorously or warmed gently until spreadable [I used raspberry jam]
About 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut [I omitted this]
Getting Ready
Centre a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter two 9 x 2 inch round cake pans and line the bottom of each pan with a round of buttered parchment or wax paper. Put the pans on a baking sheet.
To Make the Cake
Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.
Whisk together the milk and egg whites in a medium bowl.
Put the sugar and lemon zest in a mixer bowl or another large bowl and rub them together with your fingers until the sugar is moist and fragrant.
Add the butter and working with the paddle or whisk attachment, or with a hand mixer, beat at medium speed for a full 3 minutes, until the butter and sugar are very light.
Beat in the extract, then add one third of the flour mixture, still beating on medium speed.
Beat in half of the milk-egg mixture, then beat in half of the remaining dry ingredients until incorporated.
Add the rest of the milk and eggs beating until the batter is homogeneous, then add the last of the dry ingredients.
Finally, give the batter a good 2- minute beating to ensure that it is thoroughly mixed and well aerated.
Divide the batter between the two pans and smooth the tops with a rubber spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cakes are well risen and springy to the touch – a thin knife inserted into the centers should come out clean
Transfer the cakes to cooling racks and cool for about 5 minutes, then run a knife around the sides of the cakes, unfold them and peel off the paper liners.
Invert and cool to room temperature, right side up (the cooled cake layers can be wrapped airtight and stored at room temperature overnight or frozen for up to two months).
To Assemble the Cake
Using a sharp serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion, slice each layer horizontally in half.
Put one layer cut side up on a cardboard cake round or a cake plate protected by strips of wax or parchment paper.
Spread it with one third of the preserves.
Cover the jam evenly with about one quarter of the frosting.
Top with another layer, spread with preserves and frosting and then do the same with a third layer (you’ll have used all the jam and have frosting leftover).
Place the last layer cut side down on top of the cake and use the remaining frosting to frost the sides and top.
Serving
The cake is ready to serve as soon as it is assembled, but I think it’s best to let it sit and set for a couple of hours in a cool room – not the refrigerator. Whether you wait or slice and enjoy it immediately, the cake should be served at room temperature; it loses all its subtlety when it’s cold. Depending on your audience you can serve the cake with just about anything from milk to sweet or bubbly wine.
Storing
The cake is best the day it is made, but you can refrigerate it, well covered, for up to two days. Bring it to room temperature before serving. If you want to freeze the cake, slide it into the freezer to set, then wrap it really well – it will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer; defrost it, still wrapped overnight in the refrigerator.

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
(Adapted from quirky cupcake)
12 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup butter
2 teaspoons fresh orange juice
8 cups powdered sugar
In a medium mixing bowl combine cream cheese, butter and orange juice. Beat on low to medium until light and fluffy. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar, beating well. Gradually beat in the remaining powdered sugar until frosting reaches spreading consistency.

Mexican Lasagna

Mexican Lasagna (Serves 6-8)
Cooking Oil Spray
6 Corn Tortillas, cut into quarters
1 Large Egg
1/4 Cup Milk
1/4 Cup Sour Cream
1 Cup Mild Chunky Salsa
1 lb Chicken Breast, cooked and shredded
4 oz Cream Cheese, half inch cubed
2 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro, chopped
3 Scallions, chopped
1 Tsp Kosher Salt
2 Cups Mexican Cheese Blend (or a blend of Monterey Jack and Mild Cheddar), divided
1. Preheat oven to 350 F°.
2. Place the quartered tortillas on an oil sprayed baking sheet, then spray the tops with additional oil.
3. Bake for 5 minutes, remove and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, whisk one egg. Add the milk, sour cream, salsa, shredded chicken, cubed cream cheese, cilantro, scallions and salt. Stir to combine.
5. Arrange half of the par-baked tortillas on the bottom of an oil sprayed 7×11 baking dish. Layer half the chicken mixture on top of the tortillas, then layer 1 cup of the cheese blend on top.
6. Continue to layer the rest of the tortillas on top, followed by the remaining chicken mixture and cheese.
7. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.
8. Serve.

Margarita Cupcakes

 

 

 

 

 

Margarita Cupcakes
adapted from Hostess Blog
Makes about 30

Cupcakes
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp lime oil
4 eggs
2 3/4 cups flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1 cup 1800 Margarita Mix

Preheat the oven to 350º F, and grease or line 30 cupcake cups.
- Combine salt, baking powder, and flour in a bowl.
- Combine the milk and margarita mix in a container with a spout (the mixture will curdle, but that’s okay).
- Cream butter and sugar in the mixer and then add eggs one at a time until incorporated. Add lime oil and mix to incorporate.
- Gradually beat in the flour mixture and the liquid mixture, alternating them, making sure to start and end with the flour mix. Beat as little as possible, just until the batter comes together.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake cups.
- Bake about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes
out clean. Let cool.

*

Frosting
2 packages cream cheese
1 stick butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons 1800 Margarita Mix
1/2 tsp lime oil
Whip everything together, adding a drop of green and yellow food coloring for affect. Pipe onto the cooled cupcakes and top with slices of sugar coated lime
slices or if you prefer, rim with coarse salt.

Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze

Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze

1 1/3 cup whole wheat flour
2/3 cup all purpose flour
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
2 tbsp melted butter
1 1/2 cups milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp red food coloring
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for sprinkling/garnish

Cream Cheese Glaze

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp milk

Whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and milk until combined and smooth to form glaze. Set aside.

In a separate, larger bowl, combine flours, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla and food coloring. Stir to combine. Fold in mini chocolate chips. Spoon onto a hot, greased griddle or large skillet. Flip when the edges begin to dry, cooking evenly on both sides. Drizzle generously with cream cheese glaze and sprinkle with additional mini chocolate chips.

Knock you Naked Brownies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients

• 1 box (18.5 Ounce) German Chocolate Cake Mix (I Used Duncan Hines)
• 1 cup Finely Chopped Pecans
• ⅓ cups Evaporated Milk
• ½ cups Evaporated Milk (additional)
• ½ cups Butter, Melted
• 60 whole Caramels, Unwrapped
• ⅓ cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• ¼ cups Powdered Sugar

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, chopped pecans, 1/3 cup evaporated milk, and melted butter. Stir together until totally combined. Mixture will be very thick.
Press half the mixture into a well-greased 9 x 9 inch square baking pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove pan from oven and set aside.
In a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of boiling water) melt caramels with additional 1/2 cup evaporated milk. When melted and combined, pour over brownie base. Sprinkle chocolate chips as evenly as you can over the caramel.
Turn out remaining brownie dough on work surface. Use your hands to press it into a large square a little smaller than the pan. Use a spatula to remove it from the surface, then set it on top of the caramel and chocolate chips.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from pan and allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for several hours. When ready to serve, generously sift powdered sugar over the surface of the brownies. Cut into either nine or twelve helpings, and carefully remove from the pan.
*Adapted from the standard/classic “Knock You Naked Brownies” recipe. These brownies don’t really knock you naked…but almost.

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas
6 Tbsp honey
5 Tbsp fresh lime juice (1-2 limes)
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
2-3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
8 – 10 flour tortillas (depending on size)
1 lb of a Mexican blend cheese (monterey jack, colby, cheddar), shredded
1 large can of green enchilada sauce
Mix the honey, lime juice, chili powder and garlic powder together with the shredded chicken.  Allow it to sit for at least 1/2 hour or you could do it hours before and just cover and refrigerate.
Pour 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce into bottom of a 9 x 13 pan.  Place chicken and cheese into middle of a tortilla and spoon about 1 tablespoon of enchilada sauce over it and roll up.  Place seam down in the pan.  Reserve about 1-2 cups of cheese to sprinkle on top of enchiladas.  Pour enchilada sauce over the top of rolled enchiladas (reserve a little bit to add after they are baked) and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly.