Showing posts with label dessert. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dessert. Show all posts

Monday, September 1, 2025

Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

 

This easy apple crisp is made the old fashioned way like Grandma used to make, and is perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and salted caramel sauce!



Ingredients

6 golden delicious apples, peeled and chopped (other varieties can be used, can also be sliced)

2 Tbsp granulated sugar

1 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon, divided

1 1/2 tsp lemon juice

1 cup light brown sugar

3/4 cup old fashioned oats

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes

pinch of kosher salt

 

 

Instructions

1.             Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.  Butter an 8×8 baking dish, or spray with non-stick cooking spray.  Set aside.

2.             In a mixing bowl, add chopped apples, granulated sugar, 3/4 tsp of the cinnamon and lemon juice.  Stir to combine, then transfer to prepared baking dish.

3.             In a separate mixing bowl, add topping ingredients (brown sugar, oats, flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, salt, and diced cold butter).  Use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the oat mixture, using a slight downward twisting motion, until mixture resembled pea-sized crumbs.  Alternatively, you can use two forks or even your hands to cut butter into the mixture.

4.             Spread topping over apples in baking dish, and gently pat to even it out.  Bake 40-50 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.

5.             Serve warm and enjoy!

 




Sunday, August 24, 2025

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

 


Ingredients

1 cup butter at room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour*
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups (12 oz.) chocolate chips or chunks
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and both types of sugar using the paddle attachment of your stand mixer if you have one. Cream but do not beat until fluffy, we don’t want to beat in air. Add eggs and vanilla and mix to combine. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl. Add it to the butter-sugar mixture and beat on low speed until flour is incorporated. Scrape mixing bowl to ensure flour is evenly distributed in the dough. Stir in chocolate and, if using, nuts. You may need to do this with a wooden spoon.
  2. Tightly cover the bowl and chill dough for at least 3 hours or overnight.* Before baking, allow dough to stand at room temperature for about 45 minutes until it is soft enough to shape into balls.

  3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking tray with parchment paper. Roll dough into balls of about 1 ¼ inches (3 cm) in diameter (slightly smaller than golf balls). Place dough balls on baking tray, leaving plenty of room for the cookies to spread.

  4. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes. They should be golden brown and crispy on the edges, no longer shiny but still quite soft in the middles. Do not overbake! Take cookies out of the oven and allow them to cool on the baking tray for 2 minutes before transferring them with a spatula to cooling racks. The cookies firm and set as they cool.
  5. Store cooled cookies tightly covered at room temperature for up to one week or for up to three months in the freezer.

Recipe Notes

*If you want to bake the cookies immediately, add an extra ¼ cup of flour, for a total of 2 ¾ cups of flour. OR freeze cookie dough balls for 20 minutes before baking.

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake Bars


This recipe looks SO GOOD.
It comes from Michael at inspiredbycharm.com

Crunchy, creamy, smooth, and tart.

 Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup roasted peanuts finely crushed (in food processor)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
2 pounds (four 8-ounce boxes) cream cheese softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup Concord grape jelly
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, crushed peanuts, brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix in melted butter and stir to combine. Mixture should resemble wet sand. Press into the bottom and about three-quarters of the way up the sides of the prepared pan. Bake the crust 12-15 minutes until it is set and just beginning to brown. Cool completely.
  3. Set the oven to 325 degrees F. In the bowl of a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter about 5 minutes or until smooth. Gradually beat in the sugar and remaining ½ teaspoon salt until the mixture is light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the eggs one at a time; then add the vanilla. Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4. Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Use a spatula to level the top. Bake 40 - 45 minutes until slightly puffed, set along the edges, and still a bit wobbly in the center. Let cool completely.
  5. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk the jelly until melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly. Pour evenly over the cheesecake. Spread lightly with a spatula to create a thin, even layer.
  6. Refrigerate about 2 hours until the jelly is set. Cut into bars. Wipe off the knife between cuts to keep the edges of the bars clean. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Lemon Zucchini Bread


Zucchini bread is awesome, there’s no denying that…but lemon zucchini bread?? It’s unbelievably good.  This fruitier, sweeter, denser loaf makes a pretty perfect addition to any brunch or dessert buffet.



Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1 (6 oz.) container lemon Greek yogurt
3 eggs
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups zucchini, grated, drained and squeezed dry

Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest, optional

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350ยบ F and lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  3. In a large bowl or mixer, beat together sugar and canola oil, then mix in eggs and Greek yogurt.
  4. Once eggs are fully incorporated, mix in lemon juice and vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually fold in dry ingredients until incorporated, then gently fold in grated zucchini and lemon zest.
  6. Pour batter into greased loaf pan, then place in oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool.
  8. For the glaze: whisk lemon juice into powdered sugar until smooth, stirring in lemon zest, if desired.
  9. Once cake has fully cooled, pour glaze over cake and let set until hardened.
  10. Slice, serve and enjoy.

Pineapple Sunshine Cake

 

One of my associates at Harter House, Adele, told me about this recipe.
She said it is one of her favorites.  And Super Easy.

Ingredients
Cake

1 box yellow cake mix
4 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice

Icing

1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
1 small box instant vanilla pudding
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Cake: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil and crushed pineapple with juice. Mix well.
  3. Pour into prepared baking pan, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center of cakes comes out clean.
  4. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
  5. Icing: In a medium-size bowl, fold together whipped topping, vanilla pudding and 1 can crushed pineapple with the juice.
  6. Spread over the top of cooled cake.
  7. Store in the refrigerator.
this recipe from Recipe Gold Mine


Sunday, July 20, 2025

Texas Cowboy Cookies

 Makes about 18 large cookies        

Everything's bigger in Texas and these Cowboy cookies (sometimes called Texas Cow Chips) are no exception. They are crispy on the edges but chewy and moist in the middle, and have about a hundred mix-ins that all combine to create the Texas of all cookies.

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour, spooned and leveled
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup old fashioned oats
1 cup corn flakes
1 cup pecans, roughly chopped (and toasted!)
1/2 cup coconut flakes
1 cup (6 ounces) peanut butter chips (I used Reese's)
1 cup (6 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. If you want to toast your pecans (you do! you do!) chop them up and throw them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, until fragrant. Don't let them burn! Remove from heat and let cool while you make the dough.
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter until it is light and fluffy.
  3. Add both sugars and beat well, scraping sides and bottom.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well.
  5. Add the flour but don't mix it in. Add the salt, baking powder, and baking soda to the flour and use a small spoon to blend it with the flour a bit. Then mix in the flour, but stop before it's fully incorporated.
  6. Add the oats, corn flakes, pecans, and coconut to the bowl. Mix in gently.
  7. Add the peanut butter chips and chocolate chips and mix until everything is incorporated. Don't over mix, it will make your dough tough.
  8. Chill the dough in the fridge for at least an hour, or up to 24 hours.*
  9. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a couple baking sheets with parchment paper.
  10. Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop these onto the pan. Leave at least a couple inches in between each ball of dough.
  11. Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes, until the cookies are golden on the edges and they are not too shiny in the middle. (A little shine is okay.)
  12. Let cool as long as you can before stuffing your face! These are great dipped in milk.

Sunday, July 13, 2025

Peanut Butter Bars with Salted Chocolate Ganache

This recipe comes from Nancy at foodnetwork.com

It's an easy recipe to make and yields 16 squares.




Ingredients


Nonstick cooking spray, for baking dish
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar 
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 
1 cup creamy peanut butter 
Kosher salt 
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted 
8 ounces semisweet baking chocolate, chopped into small pieces 
1 cup heavy cream 
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt, optional

Directions


  1. Coat the bottom and sides of an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, stir to combine the confectioners' sugar, graham cracker crumbs, peanut butter, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish and set aside.
  3. Place the chocolate and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until bubbles start to form around the edges. Pour the cream over the chocolate, let sit for 1 minute and then whisk until completely melted and smooth.
  4. Pour the ganache over the peanut butter mixture and refrigerate until the chocolate is cooled and set, at least 45 minutes and up to overnight.
  5. Sprinkle evenly with the flaky sea salt. Cut into squares to serve.



     

Sunday, July 6, 2025

Easy Cheese Danish

This recipe is definitely a keeper!
Who doesn't LOVE a Cheese Danish? 


INGREDIENTS

2 Cans Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
2 (8 oz.) packages Cream Cheese
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 egg white

GLAZE
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract


PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 359 degrees F.
Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.

Lay a package of crescent rolls in the pan and pinch the openings together.
Beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and 1 egg together until smooth. 
Spread the mixture over the crescent rolls evenly and then lay the second pack of crescent rolls on top of the cheese mixture and brush with egg white.
Bake for 35 - 45 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Let cool for 20 minutes and top with the glaze.


Sunday, June 1, 2025

Peach Kuchen

This recipe comes from Mary Brown, one of my very favorite customers.
It was delicious!  ~Shelly



Sassy Cinnamon enhances the custard-like topper.

1  2-layer size white cake mix
1/2 cup flaked coconut, toasted
1/2 cup butter
1  1-pound 13-ounce can sliced peaches, drained (3 cups)
5 tablespoons sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
2 cups sour cream
2 slightly beaten eggs

Combine cake mix and coconut.
Cut in softened butter till mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Lightly press into bottom and 1/2 inch up sides of a 13 x 9 baking pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10 - 15  minutes.  
Arrange peach slices over crust.
Blend sour cream and egg; pour over all.
Bake at 350 degrees, just till sour cream is set.  About 10 minutes.

Makes 10-12 servings.








Sunday, May 25, 2025

Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies


I had these cookies at a party and they were mouth watering, to be sure.




INGREDIENTS

1 Cup unsalted butter
2 Cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 Cup dark brown sugar0, packed
1/2 Cup granulated sugar
1tbsp molasses
2 large eggs
2 tsp; vanilla extract
1 1/2 Cups dark chocolate (chips or chopped) + more for topping
1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped = more for topping
Flakey Sea Salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. First, brown the butter. Add 1 cup of butter to a saucepan over medium heat.  Melt and continue to stir until it turns a rich amber color and gives off a nutty scent.

2. Pour into a large mixing bow, (make sure to scrape in the browned bits at the bottom of the pot.) and set aside to cool.

3. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.  Set aside.

4. Once the brown butter is no longer hot add the brown sugar, sugar, and molasses to the bowl.  Whisk to combine.  You can either do so by hand or with an electric mixer.  it should resemble the texture of a slushy.

5. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla until fully combined.

6. Pour in all of the dry ingredients and mix to incorporate.  Switch to a rubber spatula to fold in the ingredients once the dough starts to thicken.

7. Fold in the dark chocolate and pecans.  At this point, the dough should be sticky and be able to hold its shape when scooped.  If it's too thin, place it in the refrigerator uncovered for about 30 minutes to cool.

8. But if its already at the right consistency, scoop out the cookie dough using a 2 oz. scoop or a 1/4 measuring cup.  Place the scoops side by side on a plate or small baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper.

9. Place extra chocolate chips and pecans on top of each cookie and chill for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.

10. When ready, place 5-6 large cookies on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350 degrees for 13 - 15 minutes.  If your cookies are smaller than 2 oz., bake for 10 - 12 minutes.  The cookies are ready when the edges are golden and the middle looks puffed, pale, and a bit underdone.

11. When they are hot from the oven, sprinkle the tops with a bit of sea salt and transfer to a cooling rack.  If the cookies are too soft to move, let them sit on the cookie sheet for about 5 minutes and then try again.

12. Bake the remaining cookie dough and dig in!


This recipe comes from butternut bakery blog 






Sunday, May 18, 2025

Cherry Pie Bars

 “The recipe makes a lovely, buttery pound cake intertwined with cherry pie filling.”


Makes one - 9 x 13 -inch pan (about 18 servings)

INGREDIENTS

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
One 21-ounce can cherry pie filling
Confectioners’ sugar, for glazing (optional; see note)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-by-13-inch pan with parchment paper.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating until just combined. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix to combine. Spread a little over half the cake batter into the pan. Evenly spread the cherries over top, then spoon the rest of the cake batter over the cherries. (It’s fine if the cherries show through.)

3. Bake until the top has turned slightly golden, 30 to 35 minutes. (Do not over-bake.) Cool before slicing into squares.

Note: Optionally, you can finish the cherry pie bars with a glaze made from confectioners’ sugar. Combine about ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar with enough water to make a drizzly consistency, then drizzle over the bars before cutting and serving.



Sunday, May 11, 2025

Sex in a Pan (?) CAKE

I have not yet tried this cake, but I thought it looked really good, so I'm going to share it.
It comes from a blog called JoCooks.com.






Sex in a pan is a layered dessert. The bottom layer is the crust made with pecans, flour and butter. The next layer is a layer of cream cheese sweetened with powdered sugar and made fluffier with whipped cream. Then you have a layer of chocolate pudding, then another layer of vanilla pudding and top it off with whipping cream and then lastly you sprinkle it with chocolate. Does that not sound good?






Ingredients

Crust
1 cup pecans chopped
3 tbsp granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter melted
1 cup all-purpose flour

Cream cheese layer
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar also known as confectioner's sugar, use 1/2 cup for less sweetness
1 cup cool whip or whipped cream

Vanilla pudding
5.1 oz instant vanilla pudding
2 cups milk

Chocolate Pudding
5.1 oz instant chocolate pudding
2 cups milk

Toppings
2 cups cool whip or whipped cream
shaved chocolate optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
  • Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In a mixer, mix all the crust ingredients together and press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake it for about 20 minutes.
  • Prepare the vanilla pudding as per the instructions on the package. As noted I used 2 cups of milk instead of the 3 cups on the package instructions to get a firmer pudding. 
  • Prepare the chocolate pudding as per the instructions on the package. As noted I used 2 cups of milk instead of the 3 cups on the package instructions to get a firmer pudding.
  • In a mixer add the cream cheese, powdered sugar and the cup of whipped cream. Mix until light and fluffy.
  • Let the crust cool. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust evenly. Spread the vanilla pudding over the cream cheese layer, then the chocolate pudding. Spread the whipped cream as the last layer then top with shaved chocolate if preferred.
  • Refrigerate for a couple hours until it sets before serving.

Recipe Notes

  1. I used 2 cups of milk for my pudding, because I wanted a firmer pudding for the layers here, but feel free to use 3 cups of milk just as the instructions say.

  2. Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.

  3. This recipe can be frozen also.   Just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Sunday, April 20, 2025

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

When I was growing up, this was my father's favorite cake.  So mother made it often.
I haven't had it lately, so maybe it's time to make it again.  How about you?   ~Shelly

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
slices pineapple in juice (from 20-oz can), drained
maraschino cherries without stems, if desired
1 1/3 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup shortening
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
egg



Steps

Heat oven to 350°F. In 9-inch square pan, melt butter in oven. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over melted butter. Arrange pineapple slices over brown sugar. Place cherry in center of each pineapple slice.

In medium bowl, beat remaining ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on high speed 3 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour batter over pineapple and cherries.

Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Immediately place heatproof serving plate upside down over pan; turn plate and pan over. Leave pan over cake a few minutes so brown sugar mixture can drizzle over cake; remove pan. Serve warm. Store cake loosely covered.

************************

Considered a classic American cake, pineapple-upside down cake first appeared when canned pineapple become available. But the method of creating a lusciously caramel-like topping for a cake, pastries (like caramel rolls), or bread has a long baking history.

Update this cake by using sliced fresh pineapple, peaches, apples or pear with fresh chopped herbs or dried spices added to the brown sugar and butter mixture.

Keep the ratio of butter and brown sugar fairly low, enough to create the rich syrup in the pan, but not so much that the flavor of the fruit is lost.

Skip the brightly colored cherries and replace them with candied or crystallized ginger pieces or a cluster of blueberries or cranberries.

The cake needs to be turned out of the pan shortly after it’s removed from the oven or the fruit will stick. Be armed with hot pads and a cake plate or board. Allow the fruit to stop bubbling, then place the plate on top of the pan. Carefully lift up the pan, holding the plate firmly in place, and invert the pan. Let it stand for a few minutes before lifting the pan off.


Sunday, April 13, 2025

Snickerdoodle Cookie

 

Ingredients

1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
1 ½ cups Sugar



2
 large Eggs
2 teaspoons Vanilla
2 ¾ cup Flour
1 ½ teaspoon Cream of Tartar
½ teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Salt

Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:

¼ cup Sugar
1 ½ Tablespoons Cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy.  Scrape the sides of the bowl and add the eggs and vanilla. Cream for 1-2 minutes longer. 
  • Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt, just until combined. 
  • In a small bowl, stir together sugar and cinnamon. 
  • If time allows, wrap the dough and let refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.  Roll into small balls until round and smooth.  Drop into the cinnamon-sugar mixture and coat well. Using a spoon, coat for a second time, ensuring the cookie balls are completely covered.  *To make flatter snickerdoodles, press down in the center of the ball before placing in the oven. This helps to keep them from puffing up in the middle. *
  • Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes.  Let cool for several minutes on baking sheet before removing from the pan.  
This recipe comes from ModernHoney.com
5 Stars (4.96) from 372 votes

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing (in a 9x13 pan)


 MY FAVORITE




Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

Directions

Instructions Checklist
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.   Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.

  • In a large bowl, mix together the sugar and eggs until thick and pale. Stir in the oil, then gradually mix in the sifted dry ingredients. Fold in the carrots and nuts. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.

  • Bake for 40 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. When cool, frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.


Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2 Cup Butter
8 oz. Cream Cheese
4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Notes

Use 1 cup unsweetened applesauce and 1/3 cup oil inst4ead of the full amount of oil.

This recipe also makes great cupcakes.
Mini muffins cook about 15 minutes, regular size muffins about 25 minutes.

Sunday, March 23, 2025

The "I Want to Marry You" Cookie

The "I Want to Marry You" Cookie, ended up becoming the most popular recipe on the Cooking Channel in 2012.

You can read all about Melissa Stadler's story at ModernHoney.com.



INGREDIENTS

1 cup butter
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg

1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla
2 cups flour
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup chocolate chips combination of milk, semi-sweet or dark
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
optional Nuts


INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat until melted and starts to turn a golden color. (don't let the butter become too brown)  Remove from heat.
Immediately add the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar and stir until sugars are incorporated and smooth.  Keep stirring until all of the grainy texture is gone. Chill the mixture for 10 minutes.

Remove from the refrigerator and stir in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla.
Add the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon and mix together.
Stir in chocolate chips and white chocolate chips.

Roll into balls or use a scoop, and place on a light colored cookie sheet.
Chill for 30 minutes or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.  The dough gets better when it chills for 24 - 48 hours.

Preheat Conventional Oven (non-convection) to 325 degrees.  
Remove the cookies from the refrigerator and bake 12 - 16 minutes.







Sunday, March 16, 2025

Strawberry Refrigerator Cake vs. Strawberry Icebox Cake

 Strawberry Refrigerator Cake

Ingredients

  • 1 Duncan Hines Supreme Strawberry Cake Mix
  • Ingredients Listed on Back of Cake Box (egg, water, oil)
  • 2 (10 oz) boxes of Frozen Strawberries in Syrup
  • 1 cup of cold milk
  • 1 (3.5 oz ) box of Vanilla Instant Pudding
  • 1 (8 oz) container of Cool Whip, thawed
  • 1 pint strawberries (with tops removed and strawberries cut in half), thawed
  • ⅓ c chopped pecans (totally optional, but you'll be glad you did)
Instructions
  1. Make the boxed cake mix according to the directions on the back.
  2. Pour the cake batter into a greased 9x13 cake pan and bake according to the box directions.
  3. When it is done take it out of the oven and let it cool 100%.
  4. Once it is cool, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke rows and rows of holes in the cake.
  5. Add the thawed strawberries with syrup into a food processor or blender.
  6. Pulse until it is a slushy consistency.
  7. Pour the strawberry puree mixture over the cake and spread it out evenly.Let it soak in.
  8. While you are letting the strawberry puree soak in, put 1 cup of cold milk and the instant vanilla pudding mix into a bowl and mix until it thickens.The box of instant pudding says to use 2 cups of milk, but we are only going to use 1 cup.
  9. Fold in the thawed Cool Whip.
  10. Once the pudding and Cool Whip are well combined, spread it evenly over the top of the cake.
  11. Take the fresh strawberry halves and place them on top of the cake frosting.I placed the strawberries in row, do what you like best.
  12. Sprinkle on the optional chopped pecans.
  13. Now, pop it in the fridge for 4 hours.
  14. When you are ready to serve, slice it up and devour.
Notes
The Pillsbury version of the Strawberry cake mix works as well.


******************************************

Strawberry Icebox Cake


8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 cups heavy cream 
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar 
1/2 cup strawberry preserves or jelly
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
About 16 graham crackers (from 2 sleeves) 
2 pounds strawberries, trimmed and sliced 


Directions
Put the cream cheese in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until soft. Add the cream, confectioners' sugar, preserves, lemon juice and vanilla, and beat until it just holds stiff peaks.

Arrange about a third of the graham crackers on the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish (or a loaf pan plus an 8-inch square baking dish), fitting in as many as possible without overlapping. Spoon a third of the cream mixture on top and smooth evenly with an offset spatula. Arrange a third of the strawberries on top in a single layer. Repeat to make three layers of each. Put the remaining graham cracker in a resealable plastic bag and crush it to make crumbs. Sprinkle the crumbs all over the cake. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the cookies soften, at least 4 hours but preferably overnight.