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Effective Marketing: The Oil Vs. Cream Campaign Changed A Few Minds.

December 9th, 2010 No comments

Have you seen that Reddi-wip commercial, whereas Reddi-wip is offered as “Cream” for a slice of Pie and generic Cool Whip is offered as “Oil” for the same?  Oil or Cream says the waitress.  Cream of course.  Who wants Oil on a slice of Pie?!  If Cool Whip is truly made of Oil, I don’t know.  You may want to research that yourself.  For fun on Thanksgiving, Chef Lexi and I tested Reddi-wip’s marketing campaign by asking each guest if he/she wanted Oil or Cream on their Pumpkin Pie. 

And interestingly some who usually opt for Cool Whip on Pumpkin Pie, chose the Reddi-wip this year.  Hhmmmmm, effective marketing?  It’s not like Cream is tremendously better for you than Oil, but at least it’s what you think you’re getting.  Cream obviously sounds more desirable on Pie (or any dessert) than Oil.  Regardless, our final position is this… Reddi-wip and Cool Whip are fine on occasion, but real Whipping Cream is so much better than both.  Know that it’s convenient too, in that it only takes a few minutes to whip up and can be stored in the fridge a few days.

We Interrupt Regular Scheduled Programming For A Tasty Discovery: Krusteaz Cinnamon Crumb Cake.

November 18th, 2010 No comments

With little time to spare, I was recently tasked with bringing dessert on a camping trip.  After scouting out potential mixes at the local grocery store, I chose Krusteaz Cinnamon Crumb Cake & Muffin Mix and a Ghiradelli Fudge Brownie Mix.  The Brownies were good, but the Crumb Cake was amazing — Yes, amazing.  The Cake was moist and the Crumb Topping stayed crisp.  We wrestled over who got the last piece and it wasn’t me.

I’ve since gone back to the store to purchase several boxes — A couple boxes will be tacked on to Christmas gifts (hopefully the recipients don’t read this), a few others are reserved for future preparation, and one box was prepared for co-workers.  Seven out of seven co-workers fell in love with it this morning.  And again, I missed out on the last piece.  It went fast.  I’m telling ya, it’s good stuff.

And since it’s soooo good, we’re anxious to try other Krusteaz products.  I currently have my eye on the Raspberry BarsKey Lime Bars and the Berry Cobbler mixes.  The results of those tastings will soon be reported here.  One co-worker says their Pancake mixes are first-rate too, but we’ve yet to try ’em.  FYI:  If you’re too fabulous to prepare a simple mix, recipes using the pictured product (and others) are available on Krusteaz website.

Detoured By Thoughts Of Sugar Donut Muffins Dancing In My Head.

October 15th, 2010 1 comment

I’d never been much of a Donut person, until I had a warm one when Krispy Cream passed through a few California towns.  I fell in love while driving to the office with a dozen warm Original Glazed Donuts in my car.  I couldn’t wait, had to have one (eating while driving), then two, and dare I say three?  I did, until I tossed half out the window for the birds — It became one half Donut way too many, but LOVE ’em when they’re “HOT Now.”

Inspired by warm Donuts, the Sugar Donut Muffin photos by Cinnamon Spice & Everything Nice, and the ease of baking versus frying compelled me to make them immediately.

These photos aren’t doing the Sugar Donut Muffins justice, but we truly enjoyed them right out of the oven, rolled in lots and lots of Sugar.  They seemed a little cakey and dry the next day, although still a recipe worth keeping.  It’s linked above.

The “Sugar” Donut Muffins were rolled in 3 choices of Sugar, granulated Sugar, Cinnamon & Sugar and Powdered Sugar.  The Cinnamon & Sugar was the favorite. 🙂

Muffins packed TO GO!

The Easiest Belgian Waffles In The World (Or) Luxurious French Toast?

October 3rd, 2010 1 comment

Hurry, hurry, step right up to see the ‘Easiest Belgian Waffles in the World’ (or wannabes).  The pictured Lemon Luxury Waffles were created for another contest, blah, blah, blah — I’m now up against the last hour deadline, thus there’s no time to explain.  See an earlier entry here for more information.  All week I’d been working on recipe creations using Nature’s Pride 100% Whole Wheat Bread and this was a favorite!

They’re named Lemon Luxury Waffles because it’s a luxury that they’re so easy to make and they taste luxurious with Lemon Zest throughout the recipe.  The above is a mixture of 1 Egg, 1 tsp. of Vanilla and Sugar (each) and 1/4 tsp. of Lemon Zest.  It makes 2 – 3 Waffles using Nature’s Pride Bread (cut into the largest circles possible) and a Belgian Waffle Maker

The warm Waffles are topped with fresh Whipped Cream (1 Cup) that’s beat with Powdered Sugar (2 -3 tbsp.) and 1/8 tsp. of Lemon Zest (or just a pinch).

If you don’t have a Belgian Waffle Maker, any will do.

Luxury Lemon Waffles are made similar to French Toast, without turning.  Cut the Bread into the largest rounds possible, then dip each into the above mixture before placing rounds on the Waffle Maker.  Cook until done throughout and golden brown.  Plate and top with the Lemon Zest Cream.  Garnish with a slice of Lemon Rind, Mint Leaf, or pretty Lemon Candy of some sort — I didn’t have the time or resources to jazz this one up, thus opted for available Lemon Rind.

I wasn’t sure if this recipe would work, but it did and beautifully — And the Lemon Zest makes it extra special tasting, kinda like old fashioned homemade Ice Cream.  These Lemon Luxury Waffles were terrific.  I hope I covered it all.  If any questions, just ask.

Cherry On Top: Self Serve Frozen Yogurt Your Way.

August 25th, 2010 No comments

Looking out through the pink dots, I used to feel so uninspired… cause you make me feel like [wanting] a natural Yogurt — The semi-related song popped in my head and couldn’t resist, since I actually was somehow inspired by the pink dots, natural Yogurt and fresh toppings at Cherry on Top.  As you may or may not know, we’ve been sampling various Frozen Yogurt shops all around town and just tried Cherry on Top.

We’re fans of the tart flavors and really liked their Original Tart and Blueberry Pomegranate.  We were hoping to try the Lychee Tart (sometimes available), as we’re currently hooked on Lychee’s taste, but it wasn’t being offered at the Huntington Beach location this day.

Each Yogurt shop we’ve tried has almost been better than the previous and we especially like the self serve options.  All have offered truly fresh fruit, along with a wonderland of colorful toppings that look equally good.  Although the topping selection is great, most are wasted on me, since I still can’t get past the simple Granola, Blueberry, Mango and sliced Almond combination.  We’ll go to Cherry on Top again.

09/13/10 Update:  For convenience, Cherry on Top will be opening the first drive-thru store of its kind — A first for any leading Frozen Yogurt company.  It’ll open in Culver City in September.  Check their website for more information.

Doctored Up White Cake Mix Becomes Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes.

August 23rd, 2010 No comments

I just posted a Cupcake Report as the Orange County Food Examiner.  It’s a fairly comprehensive report regarding Cupcakes in the OC.  The Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes pictured above were made using a White Cake Mix base.  We added Lemon Zest and Vanilla Bean to the Batter and then frosted 1/2 with a real Strawberry Buttercream Frosting and the other 1/2 with a Lemon Glaze (Lemon Juice and Powdered Sugar) — They’re fresh tasting and perfect for Summer Cupcakes.  We’ll definitely make them again.

Above photos were taken during and after the OC Fair Cupcake Competition — Check out the Examiner links for more information about that competition and Cupcakes in general.

Parfaits On The Bay: A Free Restaurant For Two That’s Open Any Time.

August 12th, 2010 1 comment

Thanks for the Parfaits on the Bay!  It may have been my first.  I’d enjoyed a Trifle or two, but not yet a Parfait, which I believe is roughly similar minus the Cake, as explained by my personal headless Chef. 🙂 He made these with layerings of Vanilla and Peach Yogurt, Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Granola and Whipped Cream.  We forgot to include the Banana, but it wasn’t necessary with all the fresh Berries that were included.

All ingredients were transported by backpack, while scouting out the best location to enjoy ’em.  We ultimately decided on Parfaits on the Bay, a makeshift restaurant that’s open any time — Private outdoor seating for two.  It was a beautiful day and a great idea for anyone.

OC Cupcake Classic Special Culinary Arts Competition Is Happening Soon.

August 8th, 2010 No comments

The OC Cupcake Classic is the last “Special Culinary Competition” you can enter this year at the Orange County Fair.  Entry Forms are due by August 11th and the Competition will be held on Saturday, August 14th, 2010 at 1PM on the Promenade Stage.  Since Cupcakes are so popular these days, the OC Cupcake Classic Competition will be stiff, but if you still want to enter before it’s not too late, email rfontes@ocfair.com.  Good luck to all — We may come and watch.  I’m content with the two 2nd Place Ribbons won in the Culinary Arts Competition, 2nd Show (pictured above).

Second Culinary Arts Competition Fair Submissions Are Due Tomorrow.

August 2nd, 2010 No comments

The Orange County Fair’s Culinary Arts Competition (2nd Show) submissions are due tomorrow and will be on display starting Wednesday, August 4th.  Most 1st Show submissions will be removed from the display cases and replaced with the 2nd Show entries.  Those entering (and all Fair patrons) will be able to see the placement results beginning Wednesday and will be viewable throughout the duration of the Fair.

We’ll be entering Tangerine Coconut Muffins and an Orange Pound Cake.  Pictured are the practice (fine-tuning) results of our Muffins and a Banana Bread Pudding that was going to be entered into the Retro Baker Regatta Competition, if it hadn’t turned out too dry.  FYI: It’s not too late to enter a couple of the Single Day Special Culinary Competitions — Learn more about them here and good luck to all!

Update 08/03/10:  Actual ‘Orange Sparkle Pound Cake’ entry in 2nd Show (pictured below).

Another Party With New Ice Cream Flavors From Häagen-Dazs.

July 28th, 2010 No comments

Nibbles of Tidbits loves a good Ice Cream Party, especially if it includes Häagen-Dazs.  We’re amazed by the unique and tasty flavors they keep coming up with.  We gave big thumbs up to the Haägen-Dazs FIVE series at our last tasting party and loved the Passion Fruit and Brown Sugar, and today we happily tried a few of their latest and Limited Edition flavors.  As long as they keep coming up with them, we’ll keep tryin’ them.  So far the pleasure is ours.

For this sampling round we tried (pictured above l – r) Häagen-Dazs’ Peach Low Fat Frozen Yogurt, their new Five Ice Cream flavor Lemon, and several of their Limited Edition flavors including Peanut Butter Brittle, Bananas Foster, Dark Chocolate Mint and Almond Amaretto Crunch— A varied combination of what’s new with Häagen-Dazs.

Seven of us dug in, then weighed in (verbally, whew).  All were first impressed with the fun flavor selection and then wowed by the actual flavors.  In particular, the Lemon Five has an amazing natural taste — It’s my favorite with the Bananas Foster as a close runner-up.  The rest of the gang was knocked over by the Dark Chocolate Mint, three picked it as a favorite, one chose the Almond Amaretto Crunch, another picked the Lemon, and one vote was cast for the Bananas Foster — We appreciate Häagen-Dazs’ progressive creations and unfailing high quality.

The Art Of The Tart & Pie Competition At The OC Fair.

July 24th, 2010 No comments

It’s not too late to sign-up for a few of the Orange County Fair Culinary Arts Competitions — The specifics and more Fair information can be found here.  Today the ‘Art of the Tart & Pie Competition‘ went down with Pies galore, and tomorrow the ‘Chili, Wings & Salsa Challenge‘ happens with an expected 50 entries. 

These live judged culinary competitions happen each weekend during the Fair and start at 1PM on the Promenade Stage — It’s fun to enter and watch.

And it’s tough to choose a winner, but the Judges take it seriously.  Today there were winners in (4) categories, One-Crust, Two-Crust, Sugar-Free and Savory (or something like that).  We captured one of the winners in the Sugar-Free category and luckily got to try her entry pictured below.  She picked its juicy Blackberries by hand, what a treat for us.

Note:  We appreciate the improvements made to the Culinary Arts Program this year.  From the displays, to the stage and general organization, all went up a notch, not that we had any complaints before — It all looks terrific.

Paula Deen’s Pineapple Upside Down Biscuit Recipe Is A Winner.

July 19th, 2010 No comments

I originally set out to find a good Pineapple Upside Down Cupcake recipe, when I came across Paula Deen’s Pineapple Upside Down Biscuits — Since the preparation couldn’t be easier and they seemed fun to make, I opted to try the Biscuits (Package of 10) before making the Cupcakes.  I used fresh chopped Pineapple and halved, pitted Cherries instead of canned and jarred fruit.

The complete recipe is linked here, but you basically just — Add a combination of crushed Pineapple, softened Butter, Brown Sugar and halved Cherries to (10) greased Muffin/Cupcake cups, and then top each with a Biscuit and Pineapple Juice and bake at 400° for about 12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Pineapple, Butter & Brown Sugar in Muffin/Cupcake cups.

Cherry added to the center.

Pineapple Juice added over the top of each Biscuit before cooking.

Let cool for 2 minutes, then invert over a plate or tray.

These Pineapple Upside Down Biscuits are best served warm and go fast.  If any leftovers, reheat ’em in the microwave for about 30 seconds.  They’re a good fix for a quick and easy Pineapple Upside treat.

It’s Not A Tool Like Some I Know: It Does Good Things In The Kitchen.

July 15th, 2010 No comments

I’ve had the pictured kitchen tool (Pastry/Pizza Roller) for several years now.  I don’t remember where I got it, but just found the same one online for less than $5 — Not too shabby, since it’s come in handy many times over the years.  Its size is great for kids and it’s useful when trying to roll or smooth out Dough in baking dishes or tight spots.  A typical Rolling Pin couldn’t do the same.  The above Crust turned out nicely, but unfortunately this tool couldn’t have saved the Filling.  The final results of this dish are pictured here. 🙂

Orange County Fair Entry Gone Wild: Submissions Due Today.

July 14th, 2010 No comments

The above dish truly represents ‘The Bad‘ and ‘The Funnyabout this blog.  The Tangerine Dream Bars (wannabe) was going to be an entry in the Culinary Arts Competition at the Orange County Fair, but it didn’t happen.  I was gonna cover the top with Powdered Sugar, but unfortunately there’s no masking the soupy, unset middle. 🙁 I’m not exactly sure what went wrong here, since it turned out good last time.  Wouldn’t you know it — Two hours before submission time I discovered it looked like this.  Oh well, good thing my other entry was delicious and successfully submitted.  The Orange County Fair starts this Friday, July 16th.  The results will be posted opening day.

Our only entry in the Culinary Arts Competition (1st Show) is the Chocolate Layered Surprise.  It’s formed with alternating layers of Milk Chocolate, Waffle Cone, Dried Cherries and Pecans, then cut in squares and drizzled with White Chocolate.  We’ll be submitting (2) additional entries in August for the 2nd Show.

Play The Kiwi Game: Hopefully New Zealand Is Closer Than A Dream Away.

July 12th, 2010 3 comments

This Kiwi wannabe is burstin’ at the seams with excitement over ZESPRI’s Kiwi A-Go-Go Bloggers’ Contest.  The possibility of winning a Trip for 4 to New Zealand put me over the edge.  Inspired by the true stars of the contest (Kiwi and New Zealand) and by the love of board games and goofy interaction, I created a variation of an old classic game — The new sensation is called The Kiwi Game.  It’s a FREE Game that comes with every 2 Kiwis and is shown in our very first VIDEO (posted directly below).  It was fun making it!

This post serves as my entry into ZESPRI’s Kiwi A-Go-Go Bloggers’ Contest — In the consumer sweepstakes (selected by random drawing), readers may also enter The Great Kiwi Adventure for a chance to win a Trip for 4 to New Zealand.  We’re competing for a prize in connection with our creations and mentioning this cool contest to you.  Good luck ALL!

And did you know that… A two-piece serving of Kiwi (aka Kiwifruit) has twice the Vitamin C of an Orange, as much Potassium as a Banana, and as much fiber as a serving of bran flakes (less than 100 calories)?!  Zespri’s nutrition information says exactly that.  They also report that it’s a good source of Magnesium, it’s sodium free and a low-fat source of Vitamin E.  The Kiwifruit has it goin’ on — It’s truly a special fruit.  Learn more about ’em here.

In celebration of the Kiwi and to satisfy our longing to visit New Zealand, we created the pictured Kiwi Blackberry Shortcake with Whipped Cream and Toasted Coconut.  It’s a beautiful combination of flavors and colors reminiscent of a coral reef.  We’ve provided the recipe and step-by-step photo instructions (below) l – r working on downward.

Kiwi Blackberry Shortcake RECIPE

Ingredients:
2 Cups Flour
1/2 Cup granulated Sugar (divided)
1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
8 Tablespoons softened Butter (1 stick)
3/4 Cup Milk
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1 Cup shredded, toasted Coconut (toast in dry skillet until golden brown)

2 Cups peeled and quartered Kiwi (approx. 4)
1 1/2 Cups whole Blackberries

1 Cup Heavy Cream
3 Tablespoons Confectioners’ Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 450° and grease an 8-inch square pan.  Sift together the Flour, a little more than 1/2 the Sugar, Baking Powder and Salt.  Stir in the softened Butter and Milk just until blended.  Batter will be a little lumpy.  Bake for 13 – 15 minutes.  While baking, whip the Heavy Cream until almost stiff, then add the Confectioners’ Sugar and Vanilla.  When stiff peaks are formed, place the Whipped Cream in the fridge until ready to use.  Peel and chop Kiwis into slices then quarters, combine with Blackberries and sprinkle all with remaining granulated Sugar, toss lightly so not to blend the vibrant colors and set aside.

Once Shortcake has cooled, cut a square or rectangle piece and cut in half lengthwise.  Place bottom half on plate and top with Whipped Cream and Kiwi Blackberry mixture, then top with the Shortcake cap, more Whipped Cream and toasted Coconut.  Garnish with a sprig of Mint (optional), Kiwi slice or Blackberry.

Prep Time: 20 Minutes — Makes: 9 – 12 Servings.

Note:  Since you don’t need to over mix the dough or the fruit combo, this recipe is easy and fast to make.  It’s impressive looking and tasting too.

Q:  Why New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty is appropriately named? 
A:  Because it’s currently at bay and I wanna go there plenty.
🙂

Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake And More To Come.

July 3rd, 2010 No comments

We now get back to reporting about the superb Cheesecake featured on Father’s Day.  We prepared it by following the Cheesecake (One easy method, endless flavor variations) recipe and instructions found on pages 63 – 69 in Fine Cooking Magazine’s (April/May 2010) issue.  Abigail Johnson Dodge puts forth the best Cheesecake preparation instructions we’ve seen.  Our second Cheesecake is pictured above — It’s a Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake and we’re happy to report that it also turned out fantastic.  White Chocolate was substituted in place of one of the four (8 oz.) packs of Cream Cheese used in the basic recipe.  For immediate access to the recipe and instructions online, click hereFinecooking.com has a “Create Your Own” section that’s educational, easy to follow and impressive.  We’re excited to test out more Cheesecake flavor variations. 

* The hearts were made by running a toothpick through the center of Raspberry Purée drops.

Coolhaus: Handmade Ice Cream Sandwiches From A Former Postal Truck.

June 26th, 2010 No comments

It seems that more and more good things are coming from trucks.  Not only did Sarnoff’s Summer Splash include a couple Kogi BBQ trucks as previously reported, but also Coolhaus, a gourmet Ice Cream Sandwich truck.

Coolhaus Ice Cream is all natural and handmade.  As you can see, the Ice Cream Sandwiches are gigantic too — And the paper wrapped around ’em is edible.  How fun is that!

They’re happily served from converted chromed-out postal trucks with pink tops.  The flavors are cool too — Dirty Mint Chip on Chocolate, Vanilla Bean on Chocolate Chip, Meyer Lemon on Ginger Cookie, Chocolate on Snickerdoodle, Brown Butter with Caramelized Bacon on Chocolate Chip, plus other varying flavor combinations.

Believe it or not, several reported that they ‘really liked the Brown Butter with Caramelized Bacon on Chocolate Chip’ Ice Cream Sandwich — They said it didn’t taste much like Bacon, but more like Butter Pecan Ice Cream.  That’s a good thing.  Coolhaus is a cool house.

* We’re not sure what’s up with the serious looking photos on the side of the truck!?  It looked a little trippy. 🙂

Ever Consider Making Your Own Pop-Tarts?

June 23rd, 2010 No comments

I never considered making my own Pop-Tarts until contacted with the idea, then thought it’d be fun to give it a try.  The pictured Pop-Tart was indeed good, but questionably worth the work.  With respect to Pop-Tarts, I’d rather grab one out of the box and put it in the toaster oven.  This one tasted like dessert — A scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream would’ve been right on with it.

I followed the Pop-Tart recipe forwarded to me and used the best Raspberry Preserves I could find.  It’s suggested that one simply use their favorite Pie Crust recipe along with the best, thick Preserves to create the ultimate Pop-Tart.  The recipe used to make the pictured Pop-Tart was thought to be a little too buttery for breakfast, but yummy for a desserty-ish treat.

Overall, it’s fun to make homemade Pop-Tarts once.  It’s decided that we’d prefer to make a Pie rather than multiple Pop-Tarts.  It’s less work and nicely cooked packaged Pop-Tarts are good enough.

Chef Kristine Subido’s Breakfast/Nourish Menu at Wave inspired our attempt at making the pictured homemade Pop-Tart.  We’d love to travel to Chicago sometime to have the real goods.  They say believe in breakfast again — We try.

* Our apologies for the quality of the pre-baked Pop-Tart photo directly above.

Happy Father’s Day To All Great Dads, Including Mine.

June 20th, 2010 No comments

Just made my first Cheesecake and I’m excited it couldn’t have turned out better.  A friend recently presented me with a photocopy of an amazing Cheesecake method that yields endless flavor variations.  I tested it out by making the pictured Cheesecake with a little Mascarpone Cheese, Orange Zest and Frangelico Liqueur — Happy Father’s Day Dad!  We’ll post more about it later.  Until then, check out these really cool Father’s Day Tie Cakes.

Classic Southern Desserts: Fresh Strawberry Buttercream Frosting.

June 2nd, 2010 No comments

I discovered the best Strawberry Buttercream Frosting in Southern Living’s Classic Southern Desserts Cookbook.  And the interesting thing about it is… I don’t even like Buttercream Frosting.  All my life I’ve dumped Cake slices upside-down on the plate to have the Frosting stick to it — That way I’d eat the Cake and the Frosting would be left behind.  After making the pictured Strawberry Cake, I’m converted, at least with respect to Southern Living’s recipe.  It yields a perfect balance of fresh pureed Strawberries, Powdered Sugar and Butter.  I brought this Cake to the office and everyone raved about the Frosting.  The Cake is a different story, since I used my own recipe that wasn’t that terrific.  Fortunately the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting made up for it.  Did I just write that? 

The amazing Strawberries came from the Strawberry Tour at Tanaka Farms.  To see other recipes we’ve made from Southern Living’s Classic Southern Desserts Cookbook click here.

OC Fair Culinary Entries Are Due By May 26, 2010: Enter Before Then.

May 18th, 2010 No comments

We’re fine tuning recipes to enter into the Orange County Fair Culinary Arts Competition this year.  Entries are due by May 26, 2010.  You can ENTER HERE.  Other than the photos, we’re not tellin’ more about what we’re working on.  And no, they’re not Lemon Bars above.  It is a competition afterall.

To read about past Culinary Arts Competitions and more, click HERE.

Banana Split Three Layer Cake Challenge.

May 12th, 2010 No comments

Our Banana Split Cake started out as a fun idea, but unfortunately it didn’t quite cross the finish line.  Good thing we’re testing out recipes before entering ’em into the 2010 Orange County Fair Culinary Arts Competition — This one certainly wouldn’t win a ribbon.  The concept is entertaining and it tasted really good, but one can’t submit a Cake looking like this. 🙂

With ripening Bananas and Strawberries on hand and the recent receipt of Southern Living Classic Southern Desserts Cookbook, we created a Banana Split Cake.  We started with a prepared White Cake Mix evenly divided into 3 round baking pans — Then mashed a Banana, pureed a few Strawberries and got out the Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup.  As shown below, we added each respectively to the divided mix. 

We baked the Cakes, then set them aside to cool completely — We did get that part right, although it may not look that way.  We made an amazing Cream Cheese Frosting from the Southern Living Classic Southern Desserts Cookbook.  It’s called Nutty Cream Cheese Frosting (p. 37).  Before adding the Pecans that are called for in the recipe, we reserved and divided a portion of the Frosting to mix pureed Strawberry into one and Chocolate Syrup into the other, and then added Pecans to the remainder and chilled all in the fridge.

To build our Banana Split Cake, start with Chocolate Cake on the bottom, then add a layer of Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting, followed by Banana Cake, Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting, and ending with Strawberry Cake on top.  We then smothered the assembled Cake with Nutty Cream Cheese Frosting.  It held together at first, but then you see what happened.  We ultimately separated the layers and frosted each separately with the Nutty Cream Cheese Frosting.  Office co-workers usually don’t care what it looks like.

Next time we’ll add less Strawberry puree and Chocolate Syrup to the Frosting and less Frosting in between the layers.  We might also want to chill the Frosting a little longer or make more Cake, so the layers aren’t as thin.  Perhaps we’ll add sliced Strawberries and/or Bananas in between the layers to avoid sliding Cakes.  Again, it tasted pretty good, therefore it’s worth another try.

Note: So far we like what we see in Classic Southern Desserts Cookbook by Southern Living and look forward to making the recipes we’ve tabbed in it.

Easter Cookie (And Goodie) Decorating Ideas: Happy Easter.

April 4th, 2010 2 comments

Easter Cookies & Champagne

As you may or may not know, the Nibbles of Tidbits’ Cookie Crew decorates Cookies every major holiday.  Happy Easter!  This year our lovely host, Loretta single-handedly made Cupcakes, Chocolate Dipped Oreos, Chocolate Dipped Graham Crackers and White Chocolate Bunny Lollipops.  The rest of us decorated Sugar Cookies, after toasting with a glass of Champagne and Chambord.

Easter Cookies

Decorating Cookies (and other goodies) is a fun way to spend time with friends and family, then you (and related lucky recipients) get to eat ’em.  Prior to preparation, we had Fish Tacos, a Wedge Salad, Hummus, Bruschetta and Pita Chips — Creative expression flows with a full stomach.

Icing for Sugar CookiesMakin' FrostingDecorating ParafernaliaToasting to Cookies

To provide the latest decorating ideas (although somewhat amateur), we post photos after every gathering.  And now all is on Nibbles of Tidbits as a handy reference to be utilized each year.

Easter Cookie Decorating Ideas

Chocolate Dipped Oreos and one Peep

Easter Cupcakes

Happy Easter from the Nibbles of Tibdits’ Cookie Crew (below), two (Nora and Patty aka Tricia) are not shown in the photo — Pictured (l-r) are Loretta, Kim, Michelle and Shelly (me).

Easter CookiesWhite Chocolate Bunny LollipopsNaked Sugar CookiesCookie Crew (minus two)

Jesus is the reason for the season!