Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting

These are seriously some of the best chocolate cupcakes I’ve ever had. I suspect that the additional zucchini makes them extra moist. Maybe it’s the peanut butter frosting which is also a mighty tasty combination. They are incredibly rich though such that they practically require a glass of milk in order to go down smoothly. In any case, these are cupcakes to impress guests with. I found the recipe in the (gasp) garbage at my mother in law’s house. Apparently someone had pulled it out of a Better Homes and Gardens magazine and was through with it. Let me assure … Continue reading →

Deliciously Refreshing Watermelon Cake

Yep–you read that right. Here is a recipe for watermelon cake with actual seedless watermelon in it. I thought this would be a great crowd pleaser for the kids but I have to admit my kids were not so into it. It is a little unusual and is better suited towards an adult gathering where the adults have more sophisticated taste buds. It is still delicious. . .but just different then what you’d normally expect out of a cake. This is a great dessert for an outdoor grilled meal or for a spring themed party. For the cake you will … Continue reading →

10 Tips for Baking the Perfect Cheesecake Every Time

Cheesecake is a phenomenally fantastic food that I think needs no introduction. Making a real cheesecake from scratch however, can be tricky. However, if you successfully make a cheesecake from scratch such that it’s texture, appearance and taste give your guests the impression that you are feeding them food for the gods; you have arrived as a chef. Here are my tips and hints for a perfect cheesecake! #1. Cooking your cheesecake in a water bath is essential for good texture. Put your spring form pan in no more than 1 inch of water. #2. Wrapping the spring form pan … Continue reading →

So You’ve Made the Cake—Now You Need the Frosting! Part Two

Here are some delicious and classic recipes for frosting. Use these on cake or cupcakes—either way you’re sure to smile. Classic Cream Cheese Frosting For this recipe you’ll need: 1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 5 3/4- 6 1/4 cups sifted powdered sugar To make this recipe: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer and beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Slowly add 2 cups of the powdered sugar, beating well. Gradually beat in additional powdered sugar to reach spreading consistency. This recipe frosts … Continue reading →

So You’ve Made the Cake—Now You Need the Frosting! Part One

Here’s a delicious recipe for Meringue Frosting that will leave your cakes or cupcakes glistening and delicious. Meringue Frosting If you’re making this recipe, it works best to use a double boiler. If you don’t have one, use a heavy saucepan that doesn’t have a nonstick interior. For this recipe you’ll need: 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/3 cup cold water 2 egg whites 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract To make this recipe in a double boiler: In a 2-quart top of a double boiler (or a large glass bowl if you’re making your own double … Continue reading →

Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake—New York Style

Can we ever get enough cheesecake recipes? I think not. If you’re going low-cal, use low-calorie cream cheese. If you’re going low-carb, substitute Splenda for the sugar and omit the graham cracker crust. Or—throw caution and diets to the wind and indulge. For this recipe you’ll need: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 3 TB granulated sugar 3 TB butter, melted 5 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 3 TB flour 1 TB vanilla extract 1 cup sour cream 4 eggs 1/3 cup seedless strawberry jam To make this recipe: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees … Continue reading →

Two Easy Cream Cheese Recipes

Who doesn’t love cream cheese? Have these recipes in hand the next time you go shopping. The savory recipe will get you through any last-minute get together with ease, and the sweet recipe will satisfy your taste buds for hours. Easy Oreo Cheesecake For this recipe you’ll need: 1 package Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided ¼ cup butter or margarine, melted 4 (8 ounce each) packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup sour cream 4 eggs To make: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Using a food processor, grind 30 Oreo’s until fine. Add the melted … Continue reading →

My Chocolate Raspberry Cake

This is a mellow chocolate cake your whole family will love. You can make it fancy by cooking it in round cake pans and decorating it, or keep it simple by baking it in a 13×9 inch rectangular pan. Put some icing on the top and you’re good to go. This cake is delicious room temperature or cold (I like my cake frosted and straight from the fridge). Any way you like it, cake is comfort food at its finest—and hey, this one’s homemade! Oh, and if you’re watching your waistline, consider ditching the frosting all together–sprinkle some powdered sugar … Continue reading →

New York Style Cheesecake (Sugar Free/Low Carb)

Last week I posted some delicious low-carb cheesecake recipes. But today, I was given this recipe—it looks equally as delicious, and best of all, it takes less time and effort to make! Could there be better news than this? Now you can have your cheesecake and eat it too—and still have time to get a pedicure! For this recipe you’ll need: ¾ C Splenda brand sweetener 4 Packages Philly Neufchatel Cheese at room temperature (low fat, not non fat) 2 Scoops EAS 100% Whey Protein Powder, Vanilla 1 C Sour Cream (full fat) 4 Eggs 2 Packages Jello brand Sugar-Free … Continue reading →

Strawberry Yogurt Cake

This is a cake that makes your taste buds sing. I love yogurt and I love Strawberry. So when I found a recipe that allowed me to have both at the same time, imagine how tickled I was. In May, the strawberries are usually ready for picking here. We get them by the boxes and turn them into Jam and Preserves. We squeeze some into the freezer to use this summer to top our ice cream with. We also fill up on the fresh strawberries as soon as we can get them home and rinse them off. They are fairly … Continue reading →