Summer in the Kitchen

Here on the east coast, we’re having an unusually cool month of June, which means that turning on the oven to bake is still an option! 🙂

Of course, the summer heat will probably arrive any minute now, but before it does – I’m going to make this recipe sent in by Clenna!

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In Clenna’s words:

‘Here’s an easy one. I hope you like it. Emphasis on “Easy”.’

Easy White Chocolate Blondies Bars

Ingredients:
1 package of yellow or white cake mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp water
1 egg (Clenna used 2 eggs – depends on the size of eggs!)
6 oz white chocolate chips

Directions:
*Preheat oven 350 degrees.
*Mix all ingredients and pour into a 9×13 inch baking pan.
*Bake for approximately 20 minutes.
*Let cool and cut into bars.

Clenna says that they came out “delicious”!

And here’s the cook, herself!

She’s “testing” them for the family, no doubt. 😉

Thank you so much, Clenna!

(Original recipe found here.)

‘Til Next Time,

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I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment or to read what the other kids are saying! 😀

Strawberry Quick Cake

Greetings Kids!

The hot weather is almost here and that means we’ll all be looking for shortcuts in the kitchen.

A few days ago, Clenna found a dessert recipe that’s perfect for those lazy hazy days of summer!

It’s super easy, quick to make, and best of all – there’s NO cooking involved!

Now that’s the way to my “too hot to turn on the oven”-lovin’ heart. 😉

Since there are only two of us, I made half of the recipe for Sir Beads and me. After a quick search in my cupboard, I chose this over-sized glass goblet for a serving dish! (It holds about 4 servings.)

Pretty festive, don’t you agree?

It’s de-licious, a lot like strawberry shortcake . . .

but so very speedy to make that I’m calling it:

Strawberry Quick Cake

Shopping List:
* An angel food cake
* A container of strawberries
* Whipped Topping (I used Whipped Cream)

Directions:
Wash and slice strawberries
Tear the angel food cake into bite size pieces
For a pretty presentation – alternately layer cake pieces and berries in a clear glass bowl or goblet (but any bowl will do).
Top with whipped cream and serve immediately!

As soon as Sir Beads finished his last spoonful, he sighed and said:

Thanks, Clenna!

(Original recipe found here)

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Have a Safe and Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

(Maybe you’ll make some Strawberry Quick Cake.) 😉

Hugs,

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I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment!

Falling for Dessert

I have a strict rule around here . . .

No baking in July or August!

Well, ok, I’m exaggerating . . . but I do avoid using the oven during the hottest months of summer. Honestly, I think that makes it all the more fun to return to baking once the chill of autumn is in the air!

And what did I choose as my first baked item for fall 2012? Biscotti! The recipe came from dear friend and frequent commenter, Paulette. She featured it on her blog a little while ago and I immediately jotted “Paulette’s Biscotti” at the top of my list of “recipes to try”. She doubles the recipe, but I didn’t. I confess I am a bit of a chicken on that score. When I’m making something for the first time, I usually consider it a test and faithfully follow the recipe. Oven temperatures can vary or the baking powder may be close to it’s expiration date. I figure if all heck breaks loose – at least it’s only a single batch wasted.

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The biscotti dough mixes up fairly quickly and then you form it into loaves. Here are mine just before I popped them into the oven . . .

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Is there anything better than dessert cooling in the kitchen? Baked to a nice golden color, as per Paulette’s instructions! 🙂

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Sir Beads and I have been enjoying a couple of these, every evening, along with a cup of tea. They’re almost gone now (Loud sob, here!) Why oh why didn’t I listen to Paulette and make a double recipe??? They’re soooo GOOD!!!

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Wish I could hand you one – right through the screen!

But, you can make your own if you like! 🙂

Just stop by Paulette’s for the recipe.

Hugs,

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The Way to a Woman’s Heart . . .

Is through her stomach?

Wait . . . That’s not how the old saying goes . . . is it?

Well, I guess I’m adapting it a little. 😉

But seriously, kids, is there much in life that’s more wonderful than being called to the table to enjoy a good meal – which you did not have to prepare?

Sir Beads (a.k.a. dear husband) surprised me by cooking dinner on Saturday. The menu? Pasta and Meatballs – but not just ordinary meatballs! Oh my, these were tender, moist, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs. Oh la la!!! Magnifico!!!

Although I have no Italian heritage, somehow my stomach is 100% Italian, so this dinner was right up my alley. 😀

I had to capture his culinary masterpiece with the camera. (I know you can imagine the delicious aroma in the kitchen!

That’s steam misting above those tasty morsels.

AND there were leftovers (more than are shown here, enough for 2 more meals).

Enough salivating, Crystal. How about the recipe?!?

I’ll do better than that that – I’ll include the “video link” to the recipe from Chef Fabio Viviani. If you are unfamiliar with him – prepare to be charmed and thoroughly entertained!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BtJdbuB8gpU

(Special thanks to my sister Nancy for originally sending me the link.) 🙂

‘Til next time,

Hugs,

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Just One More Thing

I realize we’re well past the Christmas season.

But just like that one lonely ornament which always seems to be hiding in plain sight after the decorations have been packed up and put away . . .

I have one more holiday tidbit to share with you. 😉

Are these cute or what?

Santa Hats

My younger daughter made them for our family gathering on Christmas Eve.

The ingredients? Tiny brownies (made-from-scratch), cream cheese frosting (homemade), and strawberries.

Oh my goodness, kids! We are talking d e l i c i o u s!!!

My girl wields a mean pastry bag – just look at those frosting pom poms.

Better get out your pencils and paper, or fire up the printer . . . I’m about to give you the recipe she used. Put it in a safe place for next year. I promise you’ll be the talk of the party, or the darling of the family – or both!

The recipe for “Santa Hats” can be found here

‘Til next time,
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