Cooking, Recipe and Food Blog
Thanksgiving is an annual national holiday observed in North America, characterized by religious observances and the traditional meal. It is not an exaggeration to say that planning for the Thanksgiving meal itself occupies much time of people as much as the event itself. It is also such an opportune time to prepare the best sweet treats for a fitting end to a hearty meal. Consider these:
Fall is a great time to dust off the crock pot to make some delicious slow cooked treats for your family. Not only are crock pot desserts delicious, they are so easy to make too, with the crock pot doing all the work for you. Here are some favorite apple dessert recipes that you can make in your crock pot for fall. [Read more…]
We all know that a satisfying meal does not only depend on food taste. To a large degree, satisfaction is also triggered by presentation. This is the very reason why dining tables are arranged very attractively in many dining establishments. At home, homemakers can turn to fruit carvings to add life to their tables.
There are several good reasons why you should consider fruit carvings to complete your dining table arrangement. [Read more…]
Yogurt is best known as a healthy breakfast food. You can it it plain, add some fruits, buy the flavored versions or grab a frozen treat for dessert. It’s a very versatile dairy product made by fermenting milk with bacteria. Because of this, yogurt can be used for more ways than amping up breakfast time.
Here are some unusual, yet helpful ways, of using yogurt. From health to beauty, this superfood should be a staple in any household.
1. Treat Yeast Infections
For those suffering from yeast infection, immediate treatment is a must. Going to the doctor for a prescription may be embarrassing while rolling the dice and getting non-prescription medication may be harmful. A quick and cost-efective way to get rid of the infection is by eating yogurt. Some may suggest using yogurt topically but ingesting it orally is just as effective, or even more so.
Take a healthy helping of yogurt daily to decrease the incidence of yeast infections as well as prevent urinary tract infections.
2. Homemade Facial
The lactic acid in yogurt is so mild that it’s great to use on highly sensitive skin. When applied to the face, throat and chest, yogurt can even out skin tone, tighten pores and cleanse skin. Simply (apply) a layer after your normal cleansing routine and rinse off with lukewarm water after 20 minutes.
It can also soothe sunburn pain with topical use.
Cheesecake is a popular dessert that many people love. Though most bakers are afraid to attempt this delicious delight, the truth is, there is a simple way to bake it: by not baking it at all. There is a way to make cheesecake without having to crack open an oven at all. The No-bake Cheesecake may be known to experienced bakers, those starting out may be surprised to find this trick to creating the classic dessert.
There are dozens of different recipes out there that can be used to create your own No-bake Cheesecake. But, in order to make it like the real thing, here are some tips on making your cheesecake so delicious, no one would think it wasn’t baked.
1. Make sure to whip your cream cheese. While some people simply mix it around the bowl, actually whipping it would ensure a perfectly creamy texture to your cheesecake.
2. Give your cheesecake enough time to set before adding your toppings. Since most toppings are fruit (fresh or canned), they would be coming complete with their own juices. Chill the mixture for around 45 minutes before placing any toppings to prevent the juices from mixing and messing up the formula.
3. Handle your cheesecake as little as possible before it has set. Too much movement can cause cracks and imperfections to form. Make sure it has completely set before moving it around.
With these three simple tips, you can be sure that your No-bake Cheesecake will come out beautifully.
Everybody loves ice cream. No matter your age, social status or citizenship, ice cream will always have a special place in your heart. The wide range of flavors is one of the best things about it. You can choose the classic vanilla flavor or be bold with candied bacon ice cream. It seems that you can make ice cream out of anything these days.
Homemade ice cream has many benefits. First, you get to personalize the flavor. It’s up to you to decide what you put into your ice cream. Another is that you are certain of the ingredients going into your dessert. You have the power to choose the freshest milk and the tastiest fruit. You can even make sugar-free, low-fat and organic ice cream.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker at home, then your arm and spatula would be your tools of the trade. Here are five easy steps to making your own ice cream:
1) Chill your ice cream mixture over an ice bath.
2) Pour your mixture into a durable freezer-friendly container and place it inside your freezer.
3) After around 45 minutes, check on your ice cream. If you begin to see ice crystals form at the edges, remove it from your freezer. With a spatula or whisk, stir it around vigorously until all frozen sections are broken up. Then, place it back into the freezer.
4) Do this every 30-45 minutes.
5) In about 2 to 3 hours, your ice cream would be ready.
It’s that simple to make ice cream without an ice cream maker. Just be sure to really put your strength into whipping up you ice cream and it would come out rich and smooth.
Yes, you guessed it right. It is the famous cocktail in a cake. You get the same citrus and tequila taste with each bite.
Serves 12
Ingredients:
1 18.25 oz. pack orange cake mix
1 3.4 oz. pack instant vanilla pudding mix
4 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup tequila
2 tablespoons triple sec liqueur
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 tablespoon tequila
2 tablespoons triple sec liqueur
2 tablespoons lime juice
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Preheat the oven at 350F and grease a 10 inch Bundt pan and then flour it.
Combine the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, water, oil, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons triple sec and 1/4 cup tequila in a large mixing bowl. Beat the mixture continuously for two minutes.
Transfer the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Bake it in the oven for 45-50 minutes. Insert a toothpick at the center and once it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Carefully loosen the sides of the Bundt cake with a bread knife and wire place it on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by combining the confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons triple sec, tablespoons lime juice and a tablespoon of tequila in a small bowl. Mix until it becomes smooth. Pour it over the cake immediately while it is warm. Let the glaze set and then dust it with confectioners’ sugar. Transfer the Margarita cake to a platter or cake stand. Slice and serve.
Image from SanFranAnnie
People who are on a diet or want to cut back on their sugar intake love the label “sugar free.” They see it as an opportunity to indulge – to have their cake and eat it too. Unfortunately, the term “sugar free” can be misleading.
It’s a known fact that manufacturers can put the label “sugar-free” on their products even if it contains sugar, and it is perfectly legal to do so. How is it legal, you say? According to government guidelines, a product can be considered sugar-free if it contains less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving. And sugar is defined in the guidelines as sucrose. [Read more…]
Pineapple and apple bars is a delicious dessert which you can have with tea or as a yummy dessert. It can be stored for 3-4 days in an airtight container. You may also freeze them and heat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Makes 16 slices
Ingredients:
1/4 cup self-rising flour
1/4 cup whole meal self-rising flour
3/4 cup rolled oats
1 cup dried apples, finely chopped
1/2 cup canned crushed pineapple, drained well
90g margarine
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon low-fat natural yogurt
2 egg whites
Preheat the oven at 180C and the lightly grease a shallow rectangular cake pan with margarine or oil.
Next, sift the flour and the whole meal flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the oats, pineapples and apples.
Melt the margarine in a small saucepan or in the microwave. Add the honey and stir until well combined.
Place the melted margarine mixture and the yogurt in the mixing bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix well.
Put the egg whites in a medium sized mixing bowl and beat it until it becomes light and foamy. Fold in the flour and fruit mixture. Mix until well combined.
Transfer it to the greased pan and bake it in the oven for 30 minutes or until it is set. Remove from oven and let it cool completely. Cut into squares and serve.
Photo Courtesy Of: Darwin Bell
If you have leftover croissants or you want to jazz them up, here is a simple, easy and really tasty treat that will satisfy your custard cravings. Most recipes recommend using bottled blueberry preserves but I prefer using fresh blueberries mixed with sugar for a little sweet and tart bite to contrast with the luscious pudding. Whatever you choose to use, you will still end up with a yummy dish that’s good for brunch, dessert or a midnight snack! You can also add almonds or walnuts on top for that extra crunch.
Ingredients:
3 large croissants
3 large eggs
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup water
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cinnamon
2 cups blueberries mixed with 1/4 cup sugar
Preheat oven to 350F. Coat a 9″ square baking dish (or a rectangular one) with non-stick cooking spray. Cut croissants in half and then into strips. Lay the bottom strips into the dish and sprinkle half of the blueberry mixture evenly on top. Place the remaining croissant strips on top of the first layer and the remaining blueberries.
In a bowl, whisk the eggs, condensed milk, butter, water, cinnamon and vanilla until everything is all mixed. Pour the mixture on top and around the dish, pressing down with a spoon so that everything is submerged in the egg mixture. Let stand for at least 30 minutes so that the mixture seeps into the blueberries and croissant strips. Bake for about 20 – 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Top with powdered sugar before serving.
Photo Courtesy of: Lilet Camara
Imagine decadent dark chocolate liquid lusciously oozing from the center of a moist and warm chocolate cake. If the image alone makes you swoon then this is definitely one dessert you should make at home. It is actually pretty easy to make – one story about how it came to be was that a chef accidentally pulled a chocolate cake from the oven before it was done and discovered that the runny center was delicious! Serve this at the end of a lovely dinner party and your guests will surely be impressed.
Serves: 4, or 8 servings of 1/2 cake each
Ingredients:
1 pkg dark chocolate bar (or approx 4 squares)
1/2 cup butter
1 cup powdered sugar
6 tbsp flour
2 whole eggs
2 egg yolks
Preheat oven to 425F. Generously butter 4 ramekins or small custard cups and place on baking tray.
Melt chocolate and butter on double boiler (an easier way would be to microwave on HIGH for about 1 minute, or until butter is melted). Whisk until both ingredients are well incorporated. Add the sugar. Add the whole eggs and the egg yolks, stir and mix well. Carefully incorporate the flour and stir. Spoon the mixture into the ramekins.
Bake for 13 to 14 minutes or just until the sides are firm but the center part remains soft and wiggly. Let stand for 1 minute. You can choose to serve them in the ramekins or invert them into dessert plates by loosening around the cakes with a spatula or a small knife. Serve with whipped cream, powdered sugar or fruits on top.
Photo courtesy of: Marco Barisione
Fruit kebabs make delicious desserts and snacks. It is something people of all ages appreciate and enjoy. The yummy passion fruit yogurt enhances the fruity tastes making you crave for more. It reminds me of my recent trip to Vietnam where we often sipped passion fruit shake by the pool in Mui Ne Hills.
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
2 cups strawberries
1/2 a honeydew melon
1/2 a melon
2 bananas
For the passion fruit yogurt:
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh passion fruit pulp
2 teaspoons honey
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
First prepare the passion fruit yogurt, combine the pulp, yogurt, honey and cinnamon in a small mixing bowl. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
Remove the hulls from the strawberries. Next, cut the honeydew and the melon into 1/2 inch cubes. After, peel and slice the bananas. Thread the fruits on skewers. Serve with passion fruit yogurt. You may serve the kebabs chilled or at room temperature.
*If passion is not available, plain yogurt and honey will suffice.
Photo Courtesy Of: mikefats
This homemade vanilla ice cream makes use of ingredients which are easily available. Feel free to use real vanilla essence or vanilla pods if desired. Serve the ice cream with fresh fruits or with chocolate syrup for a yummier experience. Enjoy!
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
1 tablespoon hot water
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup low-fat milk
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
Combine the unflavored gelatin and water in a small bowl. Place the bowl in a larger bowl with hot water. Stir until the gelatin dissolves.
Next place the milk and sugar in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Do not let it boil.
Pour the gelatin mixture and vanilla essence into the saucepan. Stir well. Remove from heat and pour it into a shallow tin. Freeze.
Once it is frozen, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Beat the mixture using electric beaters until it is white and creamy. Once the mixture has doubled in volume pour it into an airtight container. Freeze it until it becomes firm. Scoop and serve.
Photo Courtesy Of: timomcd
Moist Chocolate loaf is a yummy recipe which you can prepare anytime. It can be eaten as snacks or you may serve it as a dessert. This plain loaf can be spruced up with some fruit or icing. You can also serve it with a scoop of ice cream if you feel like having a sinfully sweet treat.
Makes 1 loaf
Ingredients:
70g polyunsaturated margarine
1/4 cup caster sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
2/3 cup self-rising flour
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1/4 cup buttermilk
3 teaspoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon icing sugar
Preheat oven at 180C. Slightly grease a loaf pan with melted margarine and line the base and sides of the pan with baking paper.
Place the margarine and sugar in a small mixing bowl and then bet it using an electric beater until it becomes light and creamy. Gradually add the eggs as you beat the batter. Fold in the vanilla essence and continue to beat until well combined.
Transfer the batter to a large mixing bowl. Sift the flour, cocoa and baking soda into the mixture. Pour in the buttermilk and stir the mixture until it becomes smooth. Pour the prepared batter into the loaf pan. Smoothen the surface and bake it for 30 minutes or until a skewer or toothpick comes out clean when inserted at the center.
Remove the loaf from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and place it on a wire rack. Let it cool. Dust it with sifted cocoa powder and sugar before serving. Refrigerate if desired.
Photo Courtesy Of: FamilyNature
Deep fried cake balls are sinfully delicious sweets that you can have as desserts or snacks. You may decorate it with sprinkles, icing or even drizzle it with chocolate syrup. Dusting them with plain sugar or cinnamon sugar is also a good idea. Adding chocolate chips to the batter would add more sweetness too.
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
1 loaf pound or butter cake, cubed
2 cups of cornflakes, crushed
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
2 eggs, beaten
All-purpose flour
Oil for deep frying
Place the cubed pound cake in a large mixing bowl. Add the cornflakes, sugar and eggs. Mix well until well combined.
Using a spoon or your hands, make cake balls with the prepared batter. After, roll the balls in all-purpose flour.
Put the flour coated balls on a baking tray and freeze them for at least 4 hours.
Heat the oil in a deep fryer or frying pan over medium heat. Once it is hot, fry the cake balls until they are golden brown. Transfer the cooked cake balls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil. Serve immediately.
Photo Courtesy Of: Faye✩ Mous
Watermelon strawberry sorbet is a fruity and refreshing dessert that everyone enjoys. Simply prepare it ahead of time and store it in the freezer.
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
4 cups watermelon, seeded and chopped
3 cups sliced strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup light corn syrup
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
Put the watermelon and strawberries in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Place the sugar, water and corn syrup in a medium sized saucepan over high heat. Stir well and bring it to a boil. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
Next, combine the frozen strawberries, watermelon and lemon zest in a food processor or blender. Process it for a minute or until smooth. Add the chilled syrup and continue to blend until well combined.
Pour the strawberry watermelon mixture into an 8 inch pan. Cover the pan with foil and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours. Stir the fruit mixture every hour.
Let the pan stand for 2 minutes. Scoop out the sorbet to individual bowls or cups. Serve immediately.
Photo Courtesy Of: supafly
Peach jelly is a light and delicious Japanese inspired dessert that is easy to prepare. Serve it as is or top it with ice cream or whipped cream to give it more flair.
For this recipe we used agar, which is a type of seaweed used to make gelatin. If you are not comfortable with this ingredient, you may use any type of unflavored gelatin instead. We also used fresh white peaches, but if they are not available, canned peaches in syrup will do just fine.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
4-5 strips of agar –agar
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup fresh white peaches, cubed
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
2 egg whites
Rinse the agar-agar with cold water. After, place it in a pan and pour the 2 cups of water over them. Let it soak for 20-30 minutes.
Place the pan over high heat and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook it until the agar is dissolved. Stir in the sugar until it is dissolved.
Add the peaches and the lemon juice in the pan. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Beat the egg whites until stiff and then fold it into the cooled peach mixture.
Pour the peach jelly mix into a shallow dish or individual cups. Refrigerate it for at least an hour or until it is set. Serve chilled.
Photo Courtesy Of: kimubert
After a good meal, there’s nothing better than a sickly, sweet and indulgent dessert. Catering for a dinner party or event can be a lot of work and the dessert is the last attempt at winning people over. It’s also the last dish people eat, so a great way to set a final impression on the guests.
The French are the masters of classic cooking and culinary technique, so it’s no surprise that they lead the way in the dessert world. Many come and go, but there are French classics that stand the test of time and to this day are adored by people all across the world. Not only for their tastes and textures, but their luxuriousness and flamboyance. Here are five of the best: [Read more…]