Tag Archives: cake

Sweet Treats for Kids of all Ages

My daughter was very disappointed when I told her that we would not be baking a dessert to bring to the upcoming graduation potluck we’ve been invited to. In fact, I rarely offer to bring dessert to parties that feature guests of varying age groups because I can never find a recipe that I know will appease the masses. Most of the dessert recipes I have are either geared specifically to adults and include ingredients such as coffee or alcohol or they are kid-friendly, teeth tingling, super sugary creations that most adults shy away from. These days I offer to … Continue reading →

Pistachio and Chocolate Oreo Cookie Cheesecake

Mother’s Day is just a few weeks away, but for some moms the holiday doesn’t guarantee a day off from cooking. When I was growing up my dad did most of the cooking (he loves creating new recipes) so having him whip up a Mother’s Day feast was nothing special. However, there was one thing he wouldn’t attempt in the kitchen regardless of how special the occasion—-BAKE. That’s where I came in. Being the only daughter in a family of six I learned how to bake at an early age. I might not be the world’s best baker; however I … Continue reading →

Mint Chocolate Treats for Valentine’s Day

You can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day without chocolate, right? (Well, I suppose you could if diamonds were given as a substitute.) In my home nothing says love like minty treats fresh from the oven… or the freezer (my daughter loves mint chocolate Drumsticks). My 91-year-old grandmother is the reigning queen of mint in our family and the following recipe is one of her favorites. Unfortunately, my beloved grandma is very sick and this will likely be her last Valentine’s Day with us. Contrastingly, my 3-year-old just discovered the joys of mint at an ice cream social we attended last summer, so … Continue reading →

Coke is IT in Carrot Cake

This one is for you Valorie. Recently, Food Blogger Valorie posted a pork chop recipe that called for a cup of Pepsi. She then wrote of her preference for Pepsi over the perennial cola taste test winner Coke. Personally, I can’t really tell the difference between the two, but then again I rarely–if ever–consume carbonated beverages. However, I am not opposed to using them as an ingredient in recipes. The following recipe is one I stumbled across when I was looking for unique ways to use up all the raw carrots I have sitting in my refrigerator. It’s from my … Continue reading →

A Very Red Christmas Velvet Cake

Nothing says Christmas like a festively decorated dessert that features the traditional colors of the season. If you are like me and are tired of making (and eating) the same red and green Christmas cookies this next recipe might get you back in the holiday spirit. It’s a take off on the traditional southern favorite red velvet cake. The recipe for the cake is untouched save for the festive green frosting that borders the deliciously moist red interior. You could stick with the traditional white frosting, but I enjoy hearing the oohs and ahhs from my family members as I … Continue reading →

Not Too Fruity Fruitcake

Okay, the title may lack a bit of logic, but it is accurate to describe the recipes below. Let’s face it; this time of year fruitcake becomes the butt of many a holiday joke. Personally, I really don’t find the sweet treat to be so bad. I’m not a big fan of the traditional dark, liquor-laden fruity fruitcakes, but I have been known to snack on multiple pieces of fruitcake that have just a bit of candied fruit and nuts. The following recipes come courtesy of my mom (she didn’t create them, but she does pull them out and make … Continue reading →

Lemon Coffee Cake

At my house, we sometimes enjoy what we call “breakfast bread.” These are traditional sweet breads that I’ve shaken up a little bit to make them more nutritious, and are every bit as delicious as those wonderful oversized muffins you can buy. Today I’d like to share with you a recipe for a lemon coffee cake that is simple and nutritious enough to do for breakfast, but is also delicious and elegant enough to double as dessert for company. Not on the same day, though – if your company has been there morning ‘til night, I hope they’re not getting … Continue reading →

Creatively Frugal Uses for Marshmallows

Marshmallows? You must think I am crazy. What could you possibly do with a marshmallow besides just pop it in your mouth and eat it, or roast it over a campfire. You’d be surprised at the frugal uses I discovered, and they are practical uses too! Birthday Cake My favorite use I discovered for marshmallows was on my son’s birthday. We were tired of fast melting wax birthday candles dripping all over our cake. I had seen those little candle holders that you can place on your cake to hold the candles at the grocery store, but avoided buying them … Continue reading →

Frugal Wedding Idea: A Cake that Doubles as a Centerpiece

I married my college sweetheart a few years after we graduated. We were still paying our student loans and money was tight. Since we both had started our careers, we didn’t feel comfortable asking our parents to help fund a lavish wedding. Thankfully, my husband and I both treat frugality as a sport and our wedding was the first (and biggest) challenge of all. I love decorating and I’ve always had an eye for design. That’s why finding affordable (yet attractive) table decor at my wedding became so frustrating. As I priced candles, vases and florals for dozens of tables, … Continue reading →

Is it a Cake or is it a Muffin?

I saw this recipe today. It combines the flavors of a traditional coffee cake, with the size and convenience of a muffin. In my opinion, it’s the perfect breakfast on the go option. Make a bunch and eat them all week long! To make this recipe you’ll need: Nonstick cooking spray 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup shortening 1 8-ounce carton dairy sour cream (you can substitute plain yogurt if you’d like) 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup milk 1 beaten egg 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup … Continue reading →