nutella fudge

These little squares of deliciousness didn't last long, and I already am craving more! I am definitely picking up some more Nutella at the store this week....


Nutella Fudge
via Not Your Mommas Cookie

Makes 25-35 squares, depending on size

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup salted butter (you can use unsalted, but the salt brings out the sweetness)
• 1/2 cup whole milk or half and half
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup Nutella
• 2 1/2 cups – 2 3/4 cups confectioner’s sugar

1. Grease an 8×8 pan. Place the confectioner’s sugar in a mixing bowl and set aside.
2. Melt butter over medium low heat. Add the milk and light brown sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat and then boil for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove the pan from the heat and quickly add the vanilla and Nutella. Stir until the Nutella is melted.
3. Carefully pour the hot Nutella mixture over the confectioner’s sugar and mix quickly until completely combined. Once everything comes together, it will set pretty fast. Pour/scoop the fudge into your greased 8×8 pan. Press the fudge into the pan, if needed. Chill for 2 hours.

Almond Joy cupcakes

If you like Almond Joys....then stop what you're doing and make these cupcakes. Seriously. They are delicious and taste just like the candy bar! Plus they're easy-even with the three different steps. (the cupcake is a doctored up cake mix...usually I scoff at those but I've made this one before and it's good!) I didn't have enough coconut topping for all of the cupcakes, 3 were naked. I even added another cup of coconut! hmm....I still don't think I piped on a ton, but oh well. Those naked cupcakes will still get eaten, no doubt!

Almond Joy Cupcakes

via Your Cup of Cake

Yield: 24 Cupcakes

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake:

1 box Devil's Food Cake Mix

4 eggs

2/3 cup oil

1 small pkg. chocolate instant pudding

1 cup milk

1/2 cup sour cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

 

Coconut Topping:

1/4 cup butter, softened

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 cups shredded coconut

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3-4 cups powdered sugar 

 

2 cups chocolate Melts(I used chocolate almond bark)

sliced almonds

 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line pans with cupcake liners.

2. Sift cake mix into a bowl and set it aside.

3. In a large bowl, gently whisk eggs, oil, milk, sour cream and vanilla extract together.

4. Add cake mix and pudding mix, stir until combined.

5. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for 17-22 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean.

6. Topping: Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add shredded coconut and vanilla, mix again. Slowly add powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

7. Pipe your topping onto cooled cupcakes.

8. Use a knife to smooth out the topping.

9. Place chocolate melts in a microwave-safe bowl and melt and stir until smooth.

10. Dip cupcakes into chocolate and then sprinkle almonds on top. Do it quickly before the chocolate cools.

Apple mini hand pies

These were easy as...pie...(had to, sorry) to make ahead and freeze. They baked up beautifully and the filling was delish!

Hand pie crust
via Foodie with Family

Ingredients

For the Crust (Can substitute 2 purchased pie crust rounds):
• 2 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 pound (2 sticks) cold butter, in small pieces
• 2 egg yolks
• 4 tablespoons ice water 
•  
• For the Pies:
• 4 cups pie filling (whichever flavour you prefer, I like to use a variety of homemade pie fillings.) 
•  
• Also needed to bake the pies:
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon raw sugar (can substitute granulated sugar) per pie

Instructions

To Make the Crust: 

 

Pulse the flour and salt together in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Open the food processor and add in the butter. Replace the lid and pulse until the butter and flour resemble small peas. Pour the ice water and egg yolks in through the feed tube and process until a coarse dough forms. Turn the shaggy dough out onto a lightly floured surface and press together with your hands until it holds together well. Divide into two equal pieces and form into 1/2-inch thick rectangles. Wrap each rectangle in plastic wrap and chill for at least twenty minutes (but up to 2 days) before rolling.

To Make the Pies:

Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Lightly flour your work surface and place an unwrapped rectangle of pie crust dough on the counter. Sprinkle a little flour on top of the dough.

Roll it into a larger rectangle that is about 12-inches by 10-inches. Use a bench knife, pastry wheel or pizza cutter to divide the dough in half vertically. Score the dough lengthwise also, dividing the dough into 4 smaller rectangles, to help you visualize where to put the pie filling.

Spoon about half a cup of pie filling near either side of the split on the dough.

Fold the outside edges (using a bench knife to help lift the dough, if needed) toward the center and drape it over the pie filling, pressing down and crimping the seams to keep the filling from leaking.

Use your bench knife or cutter to split between the pies again (just to be sure nothing is sticking!). Use a spatula or bench knife to transfer the pies to the parchment lined pans. Don't worry about leaving too much space between them, because you'll be freezing them.

Repeat with remaining pie dough and filling. Cover the pans lightly with plastic wrap and place in the freezer until frozen solid, about 4 hours.

When firm, carefully transfer the frozen pies to a resealable freezer bag and keep frozen for up to 3 months. 

To Bake Pies:

Place desired amount of pies 2-3 inches apart on a rimmed parchment lined pan. Preheat oven to 425°F. Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg and sprinkle each pie with a teaspoon of raw sugar. Cut two small vent holes in the tops of the pies.

Bake for 15 minutes, lower the heat to 350°F, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until pies are deep golden brown and filling is bubbly.

Let cool on the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to finish cooling. Serve warm or room temperature. Leftovers can be stored, tightly wrapped, at room temperature for up to three days.

Apple Pie filling

via Paula Deen

 Ingredients

• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling
• Freshly ground nutmeg, to taste
• 7 medium apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl. In another bowl, sprinkle apples with the juice of 1 lemon and toss. Stir in the sugar mixture to evenly coat the apples.

 

Fluffy white cupcakes

White Cupcakes
via Martha Stewart

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 cups sifted cake flour (not self-rising)
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (2 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/4 cups sugar
• 7 large egg whites

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake or muffin tins with papers; set aside. Into a medium bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine milk and vanilla in a glass measuring cup.
   
2. Place butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and beat until pale and creamy. With mixer on medium speed, gradually add sugar in a steady stream; continue beating until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low.
   
3. Add flour mixture to butter mixture in three batches, alternating with the milk mixture and starting and ending with the flour. Do not overbeat.
   
4. In a clean bowl of electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold one-third of the whites into flour mixture to lighten. Fold in remaining egg whites in two batches, being careful not to deflate the whites.
   
5. Pour batter into prepared tins, filling cups to about 1/2 inch from the tops. Bake until a cake tester inserted near the centers comes out clean and the tops spring back when pressed lightly in the center, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven; let cool completely before icing or storing.
   

Vanilla, Raspberry, Honey Peach, and Chocolate Ice Cream recipes

Rich Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe 

via Leite's Culinaria

Ingredients

• 6 large egg yolks
• 4 cups milk or light cream or a combination
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Place the egg yolks in a bowl and beat until smooth.
2. Heat the milk or cream and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat to just below boiling.
3. Gradually whisk or stir 1/2 cup of the hot liquid into the beaten eggs, then stir the mixture back into the saucepan. Place over medium-low heat or in the top of a bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water and stir until the mixture thickens. (Be sure to stir in the same direction.) Do not let the custard boil or it will curdle. When the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, remove from the heat, strain into bowl or pitcher, cool, and chill.
4. Gently stir  in the vanilla and process the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the instructions. This recipe makes ample vanilla ice cream for most machines, so you may need to churn it in batches. Scrape the creamy goodness into a resealable container and freeze for several hours or up to overnight to achieve a proper ice cream consistency.

Amber’s Red Raspberry Ice Cream

via 5minutesformom

Ingredients:
3 cups fresh raspberries, washed
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups milk
2 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions:
Combine 1 cup of the sugar with the raspberries, and mash well. Set aside.
Combine the remaining sugar with the milk, and beat well using a mixer or by hand for a few minutes, until the sugar is dissolved. If the sugar isn’t well-dissolved, you can end up with gritty ice cream, and no one wants that.
Add the cream, vanilla and mashed raspberry mixture to the milk and sugar, and stir to combine.
Prepare the ice cream based on the instructions that came with your ice cream maker. I have an electric ice cream maker with a freezer bowl, and it took about 27 minutes to reach the desired consistency for me.
Remove from the ice cream maker, and enjoy! You can freeze any leftovers to eat later.
Yield: Approximately 2 quarts

Honey-Peach Ice Cream

via ezrapoundcake

Makes about 1 quart

• 4 large ripe peaches (about 2 pounds), peeled and pitted
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. To peel and pit the peaches: Fill a large pot with enough water to cover your peaches. Bring the water to a boil. Using a paring knife, lightly score the bottom of each peach with an X. Then add the peaches to the boiling water for 45 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the peaches to a bowl of ice water for 30 seconds. Remove the skin with your fingers or a paring knife. Cut along the seam of each peach to the pit, running your knife all the way around the fruit. Twist each half in opposite directions to free one half from the pit. Remove the pit with your fingers or the knife.
2. Coarsely chop half the peaches into 1/2-inch chunks, and toss them into a small saucepan. Add honey, and bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are soft but not mushy, about 10 minutes. Puree the mixture using a blender, food processor or immersion blender. Set aside.
3. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the milk and cream to a boil.
4. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk the yolks and sugar together. Still whisking, drizzle in about one third of the hot liquid – this will temper the eggs so they don’t curdle. Whisking all the while, slowly pour in the remaining liquid. Pour the custard back into the pan and cook over medium heat, stirring without stopping, until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. The custard should reach at least 170 degrees F, but no more than 180 degrees F, on an instant-read thermometer. Immediately remove the pan from the heat, and pour the custard into a 2-quart glass measuring cup or clean heatproof bowl. Stir in the vanilla and peach puree.
5. Refrigerate the custard until chilled before churning it into ice cream.
6. Scrape the chilled custard into the bowl of an ice cream maker, and churn according to manufacturer’s directions. While the ice cream is churning, finely dice the remaining 2 peaches, then, just before the ice cream is thickened and ready, add the peaches and churn to blend. Pack the ice cream into a container and freeze it for at least 2 hours, until it is firm enough to scoop.

 

Chocolate Ice Cream
via Brown Eyed Baker


Makes about 1 quart
2 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
5 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
5 large egg yolks
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Warm 1 cup of the cream with the cocoa powder in a medium saucepan, whisking to thoroughly blend the cocoa. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer at a very low boil for 30 seconds, whisking constantly. Remove from the heat and add the chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth. Then stir in the remaining 1 cup cream. Pour the mixture into a large bowl, scraping the saucepan as thoroughly as possible, and set a mesh strainer on top of the bowl.
2. Warm the milk, sugar, and salt in the same saucepan. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolk. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg yolks, whisking constantly, then scrape the warmed egg yolks back into the saucepan.
3. Stir the mixture constantly over the medium heat with a heatproof spatula, scraping the bottom as you stir, until the mixture thickens and coats the spatula (170°F on an instant-read thermometer). Pour the custard through the strainer and stir it into the chocolate mixture until smooth, then stir in the vanilla. Stir until cool over an ice bath.
4. Chill the mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator, then freeze it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (If the cold mixture is too thick to pour into your machine, whisk it vigorously to thin it out.)

red velvet cheesecake brownies

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

via Baking Bites

1/2 cup butter
2-oz dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp red food coloring
2/3 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt

8-oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/3 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease.
In a small, heatproof bowl, melt butter and chocolate together. Stir with a fork until very smooth. Set aside to cool for a few minutes.
In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, vanilla extract and red food coloring. Add in the chocolate mixture and stir until smooth. Batter should be red. If a brighter red is desired, add an additional 1/2 tsp food coloring. Add flour and salt into the bowl and stir until everything is just combined and no streaks of dry ingredients remain.
Pour into prepared pan and spread into an even layer.
Prepare cheesecake mixture. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Drop in dollops onto prepared brownie batter. Gently swirl two batters with a butter knife.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, until brownies and cheesecake are set. A knife inserted into the cheesecake mixture should come out clean and the edges will be lightly browned.
Cool in the pan completely before slicing and serving, either at room temperature or chilled.
Brownies can be refrigerated, covered, for several days.
Makes 16 large brownies or 24 smaller brownies

Blackberry Cake with Raspberry Frosting

Blackberry Cupcakes with Raspberry Frosting

(source unknown)

My husband had this cake at work once and quickly brought the recipe home so that he could have it again :)

Ingredients

White cake mix

1 3oz package raspberry gelatin

1 10oz package frozen blackberries (thawed)

4 eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup hot water

1 12oz container cool whip (thawed)

1 10oz package frozen raspberries (thawed and sweetened)

Directions

In a large bowl combine cake mix and gelatin powder. Add blackberries with juice, eggs, oil and water. Beat until well blended. Pour into greased 13x9" pan and bake for 35-40 minutes and 350. When I made the cupcakes I baked 12 at a time and they took about 18 minutes.

For the frosting fold raspberries into the cool whip lightly smashing the berries to release the juices. Spread over cooled cake and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Note: This really gets better the longer you let it sit. We love it best the next day :)

Cassy

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

from Giada De Laurentis

What you need:

1/3 cup finely crushed chocolate wafers ( I used oreos minus the cream filling)

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1/4 cup ricotta cheese

2 ounces cream cheese

1/4 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons

1 orange, zested

1 egg

Butter, for greasing

What you do:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the crushed chocolate wafers and the melted butter. Place a tightly packed teaspoon of the wafer mixture into each mini-muffin cup and press down firmly.

In a food processor combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, 1/4 cup of the sugar, half of the orange zest, and the egg. Blend until smooth. Lightly grease the sides of the mini muffin tin with butter. Fill the cups with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the cheesecake mixture (it says 1 1/2 tbls, but this doesn't make enough for that. I did about a tablespoon). Place the mini muffin tin in a cookie sheet and pour enough hot water in the bottom to come halfway up the sides of the mini muffin tin. Bake for 25 minutes. Transfer the mini muffin tin to a wire rack and let cool for 30 minutes. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Use a small knife to gently pop the cheesecakes out of the cups.

Just before serving, combine the remaining orange zest with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Top each individual cheesecake with about 1/4 teaspoon of the orange zest mixture and serve.

These are so yummy! Can't wait to make them again!

Cassy

peanut butter cup cheesecake bars

***So pretty much this cheesecake rocked everyone's world. My family was practically swooning over in delight. It's rich, decadent, and if you like the PB and chocolate combo, it's to die for! Rory told me to never make another kind of cheesecake ever again. I'll see if I can change his mind with some Oreo cheesecake... yum!***


Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Bars
via The Sweets Life

Ingredients:
Crust-
-7 whole graham crackers, broken into small pieces
-6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted & cooled
-3 tbsp brown sugar
-2 tbsp all-purpose flour
-1/8 tsp salt

Filling-
-2 packages cream cheese, softened
-2/3 cup granulated sugar
-2 eggs
-1/4 cup sour cream
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-1 bag mini Reese's peanut butter cups, chopped

-2 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325F. Line an 8-in pan with aluminum foil, leaving a 3-4 inch overhang on each side. Grease foil.
2. Make graham cracker crust by adding crackers to food processor and pulsing until fine. Add butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt. Pulse until mixture is combined. Press into the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Bake crust for 12-15 minutes until browning. Cool for at least 30 minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add sugar, beating well. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Beat in sour cream and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. After chopping Reese's peanut butter cups, set aside approximately 1/2 cup for later. Stir the remaining chopped candies into the cream cheese batter.
6. Pour batter into baking pan, spreading evenly over crust. Bake at 325F for 35-40 minutes (rotate halfway through), until the edges are set and middle still jiggles slightly.
7. Cool cheesecake for 2 hours. Cover and refrigerate 3-24 hours.
8. Remove from fridge and using the foil overhang, remove bars from pan. Cut into small squares. Melt bittersweet chocolate in the microwave (stirring every 15 seconds). Drizzle chocolate over bars and top with remaining chopped Reese's cups.

Double Lemon Delights

Double Lemon Delights

from "Favorite Brand Name Bake Sale" Cookbook

Ingredients



2 1/4 c flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 c butter, softened
3/4 c granulated sugar
1 egg
2 tbl grated lemon peel, divided
1 tsp vanilla
   Additional Sugar
1 c powdered sugar
4-5 tsp lemon juice

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in small bowl; set aside. Beat butter and granulated sugar in electric mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, 1 tbl lemon peel and vanilla until well blended. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speen until blended.

Drop dough by level 1/4 cupfuls (I did 2 tbl scoops) onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing 3 inches apart. Flatten dough until 3 inches in diameter with bottom of glass that has been dipped in additional sugar.

Bake 12-14 minuted or until cookies are set and edges are golden brown. Cool on cookie sheets 2 minutes; transfer to wire racks. Cool completely.

Combine powdered sugar, lemon juice and remaining 1 tbl lemon peel in small bowl; drizzle mixture over cookies. Let stand until icing is set.


So these were totally and completely delicious! I know that there is a lemon overload on this blog right now, but these are totally worth it! Yummy, yummy!

~Cassy

Lemon Bars

I have always wanted to try making my own lemon bars, and these did not disappoint! Tart and lemony, they're the perfect start to the warm weather coming our way. I think I'm crushing hard on lemons lately, I can't get enough! Luckily my friend has a lemon tree and she is very generous so I'm going to enjoy it. :D

Lemon Bars
adapted from Make it Do

2 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter
2-3 tbsp milk

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Mix above dry ingredients with a pastry cutter until well blended, add milk, and mix until it comes together. Press into pan and cook for 25-30 minutes until slightly golden brown. While crust is cooking make the lemon later:

4 eggs
pinch of salt
4 tbsp flour
2 cups sugar
2 lemons zest and juice

In a medium bowl, beat eggs with salt. Mix in rest of ingredients. Pour over hot crust and bake for another 25 minutes.

Cool and dust with powdered sugar.

salted caramel cupcakes

 I made these the other week-oh my! they were soo delish. That frosting is amazing, and then you add in caramel sauce? yup. It's all over. mmmm....

Salted Caramel Cupcakes
from Our Best Bites

CUPCAKES:
1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. firmly packed dark brown sugar (dark brown sugar is REALLY important!)
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter, softened
2 large eggs at room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 c. milk

TO GO ON TOP:
Sara's Perfect Cupcake Frosting
About 1/2 c. caramel sauce
12 Werther's soft caramels
Dipping chocolate (just a wee bit), made with bittersweet or dark chocolate; I used 4 oz. of chocolate with 1 tsp. canola oil and had plenty leftover
Kosher or sea salt

I didn't do the chocolate dipped caramels on top cause I forgot to buy them, but it was still delicious.

Preheat oven to 350. Using 18 cupcake liners, line muffin tins. I used paper liners, but I think foil would be a better choice.

In another bowl (preferably the bowl of an electric mixer), combine sugars and butter together on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until combined. Add flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with the milk in 1 additions, beating on low speed until just combined; scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling about 2/3 full. Bake 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a cupcake comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes and then transfer the cupcakes to the wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Prepare dipping chocolate. Dip the ugly side of the caramel into the chocolate, about halfway down the caramel. Place chocolate-side-up on a plate and then allow to harden. 
Prepare Sara's Perfect Cupcake Frosting. Very gently mix the caramel sauce or buttermilk syrup into the frosting--you want there to be swirls of caramel visible. Add a little more if you want--this is an art, not science here!After you've frosted the cupcakes, top each cupcake with a chocolate-dipped caramel and then sprinkle with a VERY scant sprinkling of Kosher or sea salt--it's just a little garnish and a really enhances the flavors of the cupcake.

...made this yummy peanut butter pie over Labor Day. Not the healthiest thing....but delish nonetheless. Recipe below in case you'd also like to go into a peanut butter chocolate coma like I did.

Decadent Peanut Butter Pie

Ingredients

1 prepared chocolate cookie pie crust 1 cup creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup sugar 8 oz. cream cheese (at room temperature) 4.5 cups (12oz. container) of non-dairy whipped topping, divided 1 jar Hot fudge topping, divided

Directions

Combine in a med. bowl, the peanut butter, cream cheese and sugar. Gently fold in 3 cups whipped topping. Spoon mixture into the pie shell. Using a spatula, smooth mixture to edges of pie. Reserve 2 tbsp. of hot fudge topping and place remaining hot fudge topping into microwave safe bowl or glass measuring cup. Microwave for 1 min. Stir.

Spread hot fudge topping over pie to cover the pnut butter layer. Refrigerate until serving time. Just before serving, spread the remaining whipped topping (1.5 cups) over hot fudge layer, being careful not to mix the two layers. Place the 2 Tbs. hot fudge topping in a small plastic bag and knead for a few seconds. Cut a tiny hole in the corner of the bag and drizzle over pie. Do the same with 2 tbsp. peanut butter going in the opposite direction of the hot fudge topping.

marshmallow fondant

Here is the recipe I've used for my marshmallow fondant-I've used it on quite a few cakes and it usually comes together easily for me, of course I've had stubborn batches, but not too  many. It's fun to make your own fondant, definitely cheaper than ready-made, and it tastes better. (according to my hubby, I don't eat it)

marshmallow fondant


 Carousel cake



Ice cream cone cake



Minnie Mouse cake

Chocolate Glazed Toffee Bars

 

Chocolate Glazed Toffee Bars 

adapted from Joy of Cooking book

Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.  Whisk together thoroughly:

2/3 cup flour

1 1/2 tbsp sugar

1/8 tsp salt

Sprinkle over the top:

4 tbsp (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces.

Using a pastry blender, 2 knives, or your fingertips, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Sprinkle over the top and stir in to blend:

2 tsp milk

Knead until the milk is distributed and the particles begin to hold together. If necessary, add a teaspoon or two more milk, until the mixture holds together but is not wet. Firmly press the dough into the pan to form a smooth, even layer. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees, then bake the chilled dough for 10 minutes, set aside to cool slightly. 

Then, combine in a medium, heavy saucepan, and stirring frequently, bring to a boil over medium heat:

5 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp milk

1/8 tsp salt

Boil the mixture, uncovered for 3 minutes; remove from the heat. Stir in:

1 tsp vanilla

Pour the mixture evenly over the baked layer. Bake until it's bubble, golden brown, and slightly darker at the edges, about 17 to 20 minutes. Remove the pan to a rack to cool slightly. Sprinkle over the top:

1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

(you can let the chips melt a bit and then spread the chocolate around on the top, but I found that made them look less pretty, so I just sprinkle the chips and leave them whole) 

 Let the chocolate cool until thickened but still slightly soft, then cut into bars; let cool completely before lifting the bars from the pan. 

Gobble them up with glee. At least that's what I do! They're dangerously addicting.

rainbow cupcakes

 

(first off, sorry about the craptastic pics)

You've probably seen some sort of layered rainbow cake/cupcake concoction lately, right? It's all the rage! I was in charge of making some cupcakes for a church event, so I decided these would be a great treat.

Well, they were....but I'm never making them ever. again.

It was just way too hard to get the layers of cake to look right, and to completely cover the previous color. This cupcake was one of the few cupcakes who's top didn't look like a tie dye shirt. lol. I used this technique for the cupcakes.

I did try this cupcake frosting for the first time, and though it didn't come out perfectly, it was DELICIOUS. ooh yum! I can't wait to try it again (and again, and again, if necessary) and get it right.

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

Need I say more? I think not.

 

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

from Annie's Eats

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

Yield: 24 cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:

24 Oreo halves, with cream filling attached

2¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

8 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 2/3 cup sugar

3 large egg whites, at room temperature

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup milk

20 Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped (I quarter them)

For the frosting:

8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature

6 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 tbsp. vanilla extract

4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

2 tbsp. heavy cream

For garnish:

Oreo cookie crumbs

24 Oreo cookie halves

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350˚ F.  Line the wells of two cupcake pans with 24 paper liners.  Place an Oreo halve in the bottom of each liner, cream side up.  In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt; stir together with a fork to blend and set aside.  In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the butter and sugar and beat together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.  Blend in the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Blend in the vanilla extract.  With the mixer on low speed, beat in half of the dry ingredients just until incorporated.  Add the milk and beat just until combined, then mix in the remaining dry ingredients.  Gently fold in the chopped Oreos with a rubber spatula until evenly incorporated, being careful not to over-mix.

Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cupcake liners.  Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through baking, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Allow to cool in the pans 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the frosting, combine the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on medium-high speed until smooth, about 1 minute.  Blend in the vanilla extract.  Beat in the confectioners’ sugar until incorporated and smooth, 1-2 minutes.  Add the heavy cream to the bowl and beat on medium-low speed just until incorporated, then increase the speed to medium-high and whip for 4 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Frost the cooled cupcakes as desired.  Sprinkle with Oreo crumbs and garnish with Oreo halves.

Feed to the nearest cute girl. Oh wait, that's the beaters she's licking. oh well. That works too.

Homemade Peppermint Oreos

 

Here is that recipe I promised! I made these scrumptious and easy cookies the other night for our ladies craft night. They are delish, especially with the peppermint flavor added. Make sure you have people to help you eat them! They're decadent .:)

Homemade Peppermint Oreos

from I Heart Naptime

Cookies:

2 boxes Devil's food cake mix

4 eggs

2/3 cup vegetable oil

Frosting:

1 (8ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon peppermint extract

sprinkles or crushed candy cane for decorating

green or red food coloring

 Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil with a mixer. The batter will be very stiff. Pinch of pieces of batter and roll into 1 inch balls. Place 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets and flatten slightly with fingertips. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove immediately from the cookie sheets with a spatula and cool on a wire rack.
In a small glass bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter until completely blended. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and peppermint extract and mix until the icing is smooth. Color frosting green or red if desired. Spread half of the cookies with icing and top with remaining cookies.

Roll in sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or just leave them plain.

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container or resealable plastic bags.

mini cheesecakes with strawberry sauce

Some yummy mini cheesecakes. I had made some strawberry sauce for a party, but forgot to put it out, so I wanted to use it for something! They turned out pretty yummy, I think.

hershey's perfect chocolate cake

HERSHEY'S "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" 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. 

I use this recipe for almost every birthday we have and it always turns out perfectly. LOVE it.