Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Holiday baking is upon us again . . . I love the taste and look of these cookies . . . they are a very festive red and make a great treat to give to friends and neighbors or to share at a party.Red Velvet Cookies
Recipe by: Emily

1/2 cup Butter, Softened
1 1/4 cup Sugar
2 1/2 Tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1/4 cup Sour Cream
2 eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
2 cups Flour
3/4 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Red Food Coloring Gel, or 1/2 tsp of Red Food Coloring

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cream the butter, sour cream and sugar together. Add the Eggs and to the creamed mixture and combine. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until moist and combined.
2. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 6-8 minutes or until set but moist. Allow cookies to cool for 2-3 minutes on the cookie sheet before placing cookies on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, frost with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans or your favorite sprinkles. Enjoy!

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup Butter, softened
1 tsp Vanilla
3 cups Powder sugar

Cream the butter, cream cheese and vanilla together until smooth. Add the powder sugar and continue to mix until combined. Refrigerate until use.

Angel Food Cake with Lemon Curd and Raspberries

I am a dedicated chocoholic . . . but tonight that may have changed . . . I cannot believe that I have never made lemon curd until today!!! I think the name turned me off and lemon is not my very favorite flavor but after trying this dessert . . . I say chocolate can just take a seat on the bench for a while . . . the bitter sweet part of this dessert is that you can use the egg whites to make this heavenly Angel Food Cake (light and low fat) and then whisk the egg yolks in the luxurious (butter laden) lemon curd . . . they cancel each other out essentially. I am going to make this the next time I have my girls over . . . or to impress my in-laws . . . or because it is snowing . . . or . . . whenever . . .
Angel Food Cake

10 egg whites at room temperature
1 cup All-Purpose Flour
1 1/2 cups Sugar
1 1/2 tsp Cream of Tarter
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Almond Extract
1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp minced Lemon Zest (optional)

1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees. Whip the egg whites in a large bowl with the salt until frothed. Add the cream of tarter, almond extract, vanilla extract, and slowly add the 3/4 cup of the sugar. Beat egg whites until stiff.
2. Whisk the flour and remaining 3/4 cup of sugar together in a bowl. Gentle fold flour mixture into the eggs whites until just combined.
3. Evenly divide the batter between two UNGREASED loaf pans. Run a butter knife through the center of the batter to release any large air bubbles.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until nicely browned. Cool pans cake side down on a wire rack for 1-2 hours. Run a spatula down the sides of the pan and under the cake to release it. Slice and serve. Enjoy!

Lemon Curd

1 cup of Sugar
3 1/2 Tbsp Cornstarch
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp Water
Zest of 1 Lemon
6 Tbsp lemon juice
6 Egg Yolks room temperature
1/2 cup Butter, cut into 1 inch pieces

1. Whisk the sugar and cornstarch together in a sauce pan. Add the water, lemon juice, and lemon zest and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 2 minutes. Whisk half of the lemon mixture with the egg yolks and then add back to the remaining lemon mixture. Boil for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add whisk in the butter. Pour mixture into a bowl and place a layer of plastic wrap on the curd to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving. Enjoy!

- Lemon curd is delicious on pancakes, pound cake, as a cake or cupcake filling, pavlova or tart topping, etc.

- Angel food cake is wonderful topped with fruit, cut up in a trifle, drizzled with chocolate, dipped in chocolate or caramel, etc.

Double Chocolate Whopper Pie

I am loving this weekend!!! I had a blast with some amazing girl friends last night doing a little shopping and then hanging out munching on pizza, playing cards, and frosting sugar cookies! Every year as fall rolls in my craving to bake and create seems to multiply 10 fold! This little chocoholic fix came about a few weeks ago . . .
I used to hate the texture of whoopers as a kid . . . I also didn't like the sound that they made when you crunched into them . . . but I guess I am over that now . . . they add a great texture AND flavor to this chocolate fantasy . . . but you can crush or chop any chocolaty treat that you love to add in its place . . .
Double Chocolate Whopper Pie
Recipe by: Emily
Top Chocolate Layer:8 oz Cream Cheese, Softened
1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
2 Cups Whoppers, chopped
1/4 cup Powder Sugar
pinch of Salt
1 large Cool Whip container, defrosted.

Bottom Chocolate Layer:
1 Package Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 cup Butter
1 cup Flour
2 cups Sugar
4 Eggs
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 1/2 cups Nuts, chopped (optional)
3 unbaked Pie Shells

Bottom Chocolate layer:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine the butter and chocolate chips in a bowl. Melt by 15 second increments in a microwave, stirring until chocolate is melted. Add sugar to the melted chocolate mixture. Once sugar is mixed add the eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, salt baking powder and nuts in a separate bowl. Combine the wet and dry ingredients together. Evenly distribute batter into 3 unbaked pie shells. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the pie is puffed and just beginning to brown on top. Remove from the oven and cool.

Top Chocolate Layer:1. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwavable bowl by 15 second increments, stirring between increments until chocolate is melted. Set aside.

2. Beat the cream cheese for 1-2 minutes until fluffy. Add 1/4 cup powder sugar, a pinch of salt and 1/2 of the cool whip, mix until combined. Add the melted chocolate to the cream cheese mixture and whip. Add the rest of the cool whip to the chocolate mixture and mix. Fold in the chopped whoppers.

3. Spoon the filling on to of the 3 cooled baked pies and spread evenly on top. Chop or crush more whoppers to sprinkle on top. Refrigerate until serving. Enjoy!

Easy Chocolate Tart

Food for thought: “Don't you quit. You keep walking, you keep trying, there is help and happiness ahead. Some blessings come soon. Some come late. Some don't come until heaven. But for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. It will be alright in the end. Trust God and believe in Good Things to Come.”― Jeffrey R. HollandSometimes we all need a little reminder . . . and a little chocolate in our lives doesn't hurt either . . . This tart is VERY rich! Add a little cinnamon or cayenne if you for an additional POP!
Easy Chocolate Tart
Recipe by: Emily

Crust:2 cups Flour
1/4 cup Powder Sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup Butter, cold and cut into pieces
1 large Egg, separated
2-3 Tbsp Cold Water

Filling:1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
1 bag Semisweet Chocolate Chips
1/4 cup Sugar
1/4 tsp Salt
2 Eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp Vanilla Extract

For the crust:1.Make the pastry by combining the flour, powder sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add the butter and mix until the dough resembles small peas. Whisk the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons cold water together in a bowl, add to the flour mixture. Mix just until the dough begins to form a ball. Add more ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time if needed. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Lightly flour work surface and roll out dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/4-inch thick. Place the dough in a tart pan. Press the dough into the pan so it fits tightly without stretching the dough. Press the edges into the sides of the pan. Trim any excess hanging dough with a knife. Refrigerate the tart crust for 20 minutes before baking.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

3. Place the tart pan on a cookie sheet. Prick the dough with a fork to prevent the dough from forming air bubbles while baking. Line the tart with buttered aluminum foil and top with rice or beans to weight the dough down flat. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove rice or beans and foil from the tart and continue baking for 7-8 minutes until lightly golden but not brown. Allow tart crust to cool and lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.

For the Filling:1. Heat the heavy cream and milk in a pot over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer around the edges. Remove liquid from the heat and add the chocolate chips; stir until melted and smooth. Add the sugar and salt and whisk together. Beat the eggs in a small bowl then add them to the chocolate mixture, stir until completely mixed. Pour the filling into the cooled tart shell and bake at 325 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until the filling is set. Cool completely before cutting. Enjoy!

Chocolate Banana Bread-Bread Pudding

I got home last night smelling smoky from grilling pizza on the grill at our Young Women's activity prepping for girls camp (I am a die-hard girls camper . . . love it!) and spent a few hours in my kitchen making Chicken Enchilada's and a super easy and delish Chicken Chili. I am bringing dinner to my darling neighbor and started cooking and couldn't stop . . She is a southern gal so I opted for a "southern dessert." This dessert is everything a dessert should be . . . totally fulfills the chocolate craving and is rich, easy to make and is a great dessert to make when utilizing leftover bread!!! I love Dori Greenspan's Cocoa-Nana Bread recipe! I make it whenever I have browning banana's and freeze it for another. Today it made a grand appearance in a bread pudding that knocked my socks off! I think our neighbors will enjoy it . . . I did . . .Chocolate Banana Bread-Bread Pudding
Recipe by: Emily
5-7 Cups cubed Chocolate Banana Bread (fill the pan!!!)
4 Eggs
2 cups Milk
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
2 tsp Vanilla

1. Spread the cubed bread evenly in a 2-quart baking dish. In a bowl beat the eggs, milk, brown sugar and vanilla together. Pour over the cubed bread and allow to "soak" in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours.

2. Preheat an over to 350 degrees. Cover the bread pudding with foil and place on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, uncover the pudding and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving with a scoop of ice cream and caramel or chocolate sauce. Enjoy!

Dulce De Leche Banana Pie

I think we are going to have this pie on our dessert menu for our Halloween festivities! We loved it! Easy, fast, no fuss, and delish!!! I love recipes like that. I think it would also be awesome to add a no bake pumpkin layer to it too! I think this is the easiest and fastest recipe I have ever posted! Dulce De Leche Banana Pie
Recipe: Emily

1 can Dulce De Leche
2-3 Bananas
1 Graham Cracker crust
1 Tub Cool Whip

Spread 1/3 of Dulce De Leche on the bottom of a graham cracker crust. Slice bananas and add one layer over the Dulce De Leche. Spread another 1/3 of the Dulce De Leche over the banana layer and then top with another banana layer. Spread the remaining 1/3 of Dulce De Leche over the second banana layer. Top with cool whip and refrigerate until serving. Enjoy!

Chocolate Cupcakes with Penuche Frosting

I have never had a good experience making penuche candy . . . but the frosting is super easy AND delish! It had a rich caramel like buttery flavor that makes this girl weak in the knees . . . so good!The frosting has found its way into our favorite finds file!!! I love to frost cupcakes and then sprinkle a little dark chocolate on top to round it out . . . delish!!!

Penuche Frosting

1 cup Butter or Margarine
2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup milk
4-5 cups powdered sugar

1. In 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and bring to a boil, stir constantly; reduce heat to low. Continue boiling and stirring for0 2 minutes. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling; remove from heat. Pour mixture into medium bowl; refrigerate 1 hour or until room temperature.
2. Beat powdered sugar into cooled brown sugar mixture with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Add more milk 1 teaspoon at a time if needed. If filling is too soft, cover; return to refrigerator 15 minutes to firm up. Spread on cake or cupcakes. Enjoy!

Cake Pops . . . Valentine Bouquets

I did a little demo at Relief Society the other night about how to make cake pops . . . and since then everyone has been asking me to post about them . . . so I am.
















I realize that everyone has blogged about them . . . so what is one more blog . . . besides I have yet to see them made into flowers using chocolate molds . . . which is what I did . . . so theres a new idea for ya . . .
I prefer using homemade frosting when making them . . . especially my chocolate fudge recipe . . . 1- because it is SOOOO good 2- because the chocolate chips in the frosting help the balls stay firm and I love the moistness that the sweetened condensed milk adds too!I think the key to making these are 1- DON'T overheat the chocolate 2- Make sure the balls are firm . . . as in nice and frozen!Try some fun flavors! The ladies at RS thought of some great combos . . . loved it! I made carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and chocolate cake with chocolate fudge frosting . . . SOOOO GOOD! 3- not too much frosting . . . you still want a cake texture. Cake Pops

1 Cake mix, make according to directions and cool completely
1 cup -1 1/2 cups Frosting
Sucker Sticks
Candy Melts, Chocolate

Mix a cake mix of your choice according to the directions on the mix and bake. Allow cake to cool completely and crumble with a fork or with clean hands.

Mix cake mix with 1 cup of frosting and then add more frosting as desired or needed to create almost a thick dough consistency that is still "cakey."

Freeze the cake mixture in a lidded container overnight or until very firm. Scoop the cake mixture into balls using a cookie scoops. Roll the balls in your hands to even out the shape and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and then freeze again to make sure that they are very firm.

Melt candy melts according to package directions and then stick a sucker stick into each ball and dip in the melted chocolate. Lightly tap off excess chocolate and sprinkle pop with sprinkles or candy. Allow chocolate to set and enjoy!

More ideas . . .

Add a tablespoon or two of sweetened condensed milk or caramel syrup to the cake mixture to create really moist pops.

Use candy molds to add flowers, butterflys and other shapes to the pops and stick on using melted chocolate.

Make "cake truffles" by leaving out the sucker stick and placing them in mini paper liners instead.

Bake a pan of brownies and use a cookie scoop to make balls when the brownies are still warm. Freeze, and then dip in candy melts or in melted frosting and allow to set up.

For more brilliant ideas visitBakerella's site! She is one talented lady!

Homemade 3 Musketeer Chocolates

Forecast says COLD!!! Can't wait for more snow!!! At this point it is like "whatever . . . just bring it . . ." I really can't complain . . . it could be much worse!!! When I was in Germany the cold was a BITING cold that seemed to seep through the countless layers that I had on and chill right to the bone . . . so I will take the Utah cold anyday! The dry bitter cold! Moving on . . . to chocolate!!! These are super rich and decadent!!! I made these for my YW class and they LOVED them!
Homemade 3 Musketeer ChocolatesRecipe by: Emily

2 1/2 cups Chocolate Chips, use good quality . . . I used Ghiradelli Chocolate Chips
12 oz Carton of Cool Whip
Candy Coating Chocolate

Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler just until the chocolate is melted. Fold the melted chocolate into the whipped topping with a rubber spatula and mix until the chocolate is incorporated. Poor chocolate into a wax paper lined 9x9 inch pan, spread evenly and freeze until set. Use a cookie cutter to cut out desired shapes after mixture is set and place cut out chocolates onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper and freeze again.
Melt coating chocolate and dip the cut out shapes into chocolate to coat and place back on wax paper to set. Drizzle chocolates with additional chocolate to decorate if desired and allow to set before serving. Enjoy!

Easy Method: Rather than cutting the chocolates into shapes just freeze the chocolate mixture for a half hour and then use a cookie scoop to scoop out chocolates and freeze them on the wax paper lined cookie sheet and then dip chocolates after freezing.

Alternative Chocolate Coating: Use chocolate chips but add a teaspoon or two of oil to it . . .

"Kalter Hund" and Merry Christmas

I LOVE cooking German and Austrian food! It just makes me feel connected again to two countries and cultures that I love!!! This year I have made a couple of German treats that I have previously never made before . . . which has been fun for me and helped me brush up a bit on my German since I have had to translate some of the recipes . . . and convert the measurements too! "Kalter Hund" . . . which interestingly enough means "cold dog" is one dessert that I had in Germany that I remember very well because of the name and because it was super rich and different from any cake that I had ever seen before . . . so this year I tried my hand at whipping up a pan and it turned out great! The cake was created to look like a mine car and is popular for kids birthdays and has a few other names including "Kellerkuchen"= Cellar cake, "Kalte Oma"= Cold Grandma, and "Kalte Hand"= Cold hand, and "Kalte Schnauze"= Cold snout . . . No matter the name . . . it tastes good! I hope that you and your loved ones will have a wonderful Christmas and have time to enjoy good food, good company and good times in the coming year! May the Christmas spirit always reside in your homes and hearts and may the joy of the Saviors birth fill your soul with love and comfort! Merry Christmas!

Kalter Hund
Recipe by : Emily
1 cup Dark Chocolate, chopped
3 cups Milk Chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup Coconut Oil (it is solid and will melt during preparation)1 cup Cream
1 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
1 package Butter Cookies, shortbread cookies, or graham crackers

1. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper (this is key to the dessert’s removal later).

2. In a double boiler, add both chocolates and melt. Stir in coconut fat and heavy cream. Whisk gently until well-blended. Add the vanilla extract and whisk again.

3. Spoon enough of the chocolate mixture into the bottom of the loaf pan to cover the bottom. Gently lay the cookies in an even layer across the chocolate. Cover with chocolate, add another layer of cookies. Repeat the process until you have reached the near the top of the loaf pan. Fill in any gaps with the remaining chocolate.

4. Cover and set pan in refrigerator for at least six hours. Better if left overnight.

To serve, slice thin (you really won’t need any more than a thin slice, I swear). The cake is best served chilled because it will melt at room temperature. Enjoy!

(The better the chocolate you use . . . the better the cake will be! You can also adjust the chocolate measurements to include more dark chocolate than milk chocolate if you like . . . just make sure you have 4 cups of chopped chocolate for the recipe)

Spekulatius and Chocolate Walnut Crinkle Cookies

It is the most wonderful time of year to do a little baking . . . well for me lately a LOT of baking! I currently have SEVEN types of cookies in my kitchen waiting to be eaten by family and friends!!! (We are having a cocoa and cookie party Saturday) I have just had a baking bug . . . which has been helped greatly by the good people at Domino Sugar who so generously sent me a $20 gift card to use to fund my holiday baking! I was challenged by them to make two recipes, one of my own and one of theirs from their website . . . and these two cookies are the results kids! I made my FAVORITE German Christmas cookie, Spekulatius and Chocolate Walnut Crinkle Cookies from their recipe selection. Love them both! The Spekulatius are spicy and crisp while the Chocolate Walnut Crinkle Cookies have a rich and chewy texture. I highly recommend spending a little time in the kitchen today or this weekend with some Christmas music while baking some goodies! Spekulatius
Recipe by: Emily

4 cups Flour
1 1/4 cup Sugar
2 tsp Cinnamon
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Cloves
1/8 tsp Ginger
2 Eggs
1 1/2 tsp Milk
1 cup Butter
1. Preheat oven to 350 degress. Sift together the dry ingredients. Add the eggs and milk and mix. Cut the butter up into little pieces and add to the flour mixture. Knead dough until you get a smooth consistency and the butter is distributed throughout. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch and cut with your favorite cookie cutters. Place cookies onto a lightly greased baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from cookie sheet immediately and cool on a wire rack. THESE COOKIES ARE BEST IF YOU STORE THEM IN AN AIRTIGHT CONTAINER FOR 2-3 WEEKS BEFORE EATING. Enjoy!Visit the Domino Sugar website to get this recipe . . . and while you are their check out all of the FUN ideas and recipes that they have . . . including the recipe for Chocolate Walnut Crinkle Cookies!!! I used chopped walnuts in my dough rather than place a half on top (which is so pretty, they have picture of the cookies this way on the website) due to the simple fact that I grabbed the wrong bag in my shopping excitement!I love how festive they look! All you need is a mug of hot chocolate and you have a party!

DON'T FORGET TO LOOK BELOW FOR MY CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!!!

Nutella Snowflakes

These cookies seem very fitting for today . . . since the world outside my window consists of a sea of snowflakes. I made these for a few reasons . . . school stress, my mom worries when she doesn't see a new recipe up from me each day (yeah she worries a lot then . . .) and my hubby is coming home and he is a shortbread cookie fanatic!!! These cookies have a GREAT texture and taste! It is a combo of two delicious worlds . . . an amazing shortbread cookie AND nutella! I need to make more for when I go visiting teaching! I think these are on my Christmas cookie list. They store well and are just plain good! We'll see how much baking I do in the kitchen this year for Christmas. . . I do LOVE the Chocolate Chip Cookie Biscotti that I made last year . . . but these little jems = big smiles and happy tummy's!

Nutella Snowflakes
3/4 cup Butter, Softened
1/2 cup Powder Sugar
1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar
2 large Egg yolks
1 tsp Vanilla
1 1/2 cup Flour
Nutella

In a medium bowl beat the butter for l minutes until smooth and creamy. Add the powder sugar and brown sugar and beat until smooth. Add the egg yolks and vanilla and beat until light and fluffy.
Add the flour and mix until combined. Form dough into a thick disk and wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour.
Roll dough out to 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface. Cut cookies into 2 inch rounds and place on a baking sheet. Spoon 1 teaspoon of nutella into the center of each cookie. Lightly wet the cookies edges with water to help seal the cookie. Top nutella topped cookies off with another dough round and seal by crimping around the edges gently with a fork.
Bake in a 325 degree preheated oven for 14-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Transfer cookies to a FLAT surface to cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and then enjoy! Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

You can also use preserves or peanut butter mixed with powdered sugar as a filling instead.

Pumpkin Pie Popcorn

You don't want to know what time of night this delightful creation came about . . . I practically had to tape my eyes open to make it . . . but I am glad that I did because I never would have been able to hit the hay until it was out of my mind! This popcorn is delish to say the least . . . it is a step up from white chocolate popcorn and you can fiddle with the spices to your liking. I am a major cinnamon and nutmeg fan . . . so I leaned more toward those flavors but you could simply use pumpkin pie spice and tink with it until it tastes to your liking. This would be great to give out as a treat at Christmas time or to munch on while baking pies for Thanksgiving. (Which is when I will probably make it again.) Also if you are an eggnog fan you can tink with the spices until you have eggnog flavored popcorn.
I have to add a HUGE congrats to our good friends up in Alaska who are expecting baby #2! Congrats Lowry's! We are so excited for you!!! Pumpkin Pie Popcorn
Recipe by: Emily

1 cup White Chocolate chips
1 tsp Canola or Vegetable Oil
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/8-1/4 tsp Nutmeg
Ground Ginger, a light sprinkle
Ground Cloves, a very light sprinkle
1 Bag Popcorn, whatever you have on hand, I used lightly buttered.

Pop a bag of popcorn, remove unpopped kernels and set aside in a large bowl. Combine the white chocolate chips and teaspoon of oil together and microwave for 30 seconds stirring after every 10 seconds until chocolate is melted. (BE CAREFUL NOT TO BURN IT!!!) Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, light sprinkling of ginger, and very light sprinkle of cloves to the melted chocolate, stir and then drizzle over the popped popcorn. Use two butter knives to "fluff" the chocolate mixture all over the popcorn. Garnish with a light sprinkling of cinnamon or nutmeg of desired. Allow to cool for a few minutes. Enjoy!
You can also add a drop or two of orange food coloring to the chocolate to be more festive!

The BEST Caramel Popcorn EVER

My mom's side of the fam put together a cookbook years ago with favorite recipes from everyone. It is the first place that I look for recipes or ideas. . . we continually add to it . . . in fact I need to add my Open Pantry recipes to it . . . anyways my Aunt Alyson has a killer caramel popcorn recipe in it that puts all other goodies to shame! I love it because A. it is easy to make and B. it is gooey deliciousness! I have tried MANY popcorn recipes but sorry kids . . . this is the fav! The only downside about making it is that we eat it . . . all of it . . . no matter how many people are present . . . and then we scrap every last drop or caramel from the bowl . . . sometimes I double the recipe to make EXTRA gooey popcorn . . . so then there is even more caramel to fight over in the bottom of the bowl! Love it! The hubs and I added peanuts and candy corn to make a Halloween treat this time around and yes we nearly ate the whole bowl for dinner! (LOVED IT!)
Aunt Aly's Caramel Popcorn
Recipe by: Alyson Christensen

1/2 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
4 Tbsp Butter
1 cup Brown Sugar
1/2 cup light Corn Syrup
1/2 tsp Vanilla

Melt the butter and add the brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and corn syrup. Cook for about 3-5 minutes for gooey caramel or until the caramel reaches a 280 degree temperature on a candy thermometer for set caramel. Stir while cooking to prevent burning. Pour over popped popcorn and stir to coat popcorn. Enjoy!

You can add any goodies for even more gooey deliciousness . . . such as nuts, candy corn, M&M's, Reese's Pieces etc. If you add a candy that can melt (such as M&M's, freeze the candy first to keep it from melting all over.)

Zucchini Kuchen

I am one who is more likely to buy a cookbook or try a recipe because I see a picture of it or see it made and it makes me want to pull on some jeans, a ball cap and a sweatshirt and run to the store at 2 in the morning to buy ingredients! I am sure we are all guilty of passing up some killer meals because they don't sound/look as appealing as others. Sadly I think this recipe may fall into the category of "greats that were passed over." This is definitely a "don't judge a book by its cover" type of cake!!! In fact it is one of the best cakes that I have ever had and I was beyond thrilled to be cleaning out my bookshelf of recipes and to have found it (especially since it was printed in German on a half sheet of paper . . . in great danger of being lost forever!) This recipe was given to me by an Italian lady that I met while serving an LDS mission in Germany. She served it to me and my missionary companion Kate (cook extraordinaire) and we asked for the recipe! One thing that really thrilled me was that it was made with olive oil . . . an ingredient that I had never had in a cake or dessert before and it makes the cake unbelievably moist and fruity. Plus the pairing with cinnamon just knocks my socks off! It really is absolutely rich, moist and delicious! I think it is a perfect treat to take on a picnic or to enjoy with a mug of hot chocolate or herbal tea! This cake also gets better the second or third day!

Zucchini Kuchen
3 Eggs
1 cup Olive Oil
2 cups Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla
2-3 small Zucchini, diced or shredded
3 cups Flour
1 tsp Backing Powder
2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt

Beat the 3 eggs together in a large bowl unto light and fluffy, add olive oil, vanilla and zucchini. Mix well
In a separate bowl sift together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder and salt.
Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and mix until incorporated. (This is a THICK batter).
Pour the batter into two greased 9 inch pans and bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for an hour; cover the cake with aluminum foil for the last 1/2 hour of baking. Cool to room temperature and dust with powder sugar and/or cinnaman if you like. Enjoy!

Creamy, Dreamy Peanut Butter Torte

My little sister texted me last night and said that she needed me to make a treat . . . so I complied!
This cake is super rich! It is definitely one to share with the hubby! Thankfully it was in my home for less than 24 hours so I don't have to be tempted all day by it . . . but we did of course taste it before sending it out the door . . . and it was so good!
Creamy, Dreamy Peanut Butter Torte
Recipe by: Emily

Cake layer:
1 cup All- purpose Flour
1 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Salt
3/4 cup Light Brown Sugar
3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
1 stick butter, softened
1/4 cup Cocoa powder
1/4 cup Boiling water
2 large Eggs, beaten
1 tsp Vanilla
1 cup Buttermilk

In a bowl combine flour, salt and baking soda with a wire whisk, set aside. In a large bowl combine sugars and butter with an electric mixer until a grainy paste forms. In another bowl combine the boiling water and cocoa powder until smooth. Add cocoa mixture, eggs, vanilla to sugar mixture, blend until smooth. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to cocoa batter. Blend until just combined. Bake in a 8 ir 9 inch spring form pan in a 350 degree preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Allow to cool in pan.

Peanut Butter Filling:
8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
3/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 cup Heavy Cream

In a large bowl beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy with an electric mixer. Beat in the condensed milk, peanut butter, and vanilla. In another bowl beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture. Pour over cooled cake.

Chocolate Ganache:1 cup Semi-sweet Chocolate chips
3/4 cup Heavy Cream

Microwave cream until bubbles form, just before it begins to boil. Add chocolate chips to the cream and allow to sit for 5 minutes before stirring. Cool chocolate to room temperature before spreading on cake.

To Assemble:
Run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen from the cake pans edge. Remove the outer rim of the cake pan. Circle the cake edge with wax paper to help keep the cake together while setting. Replace cake pan rim to cake, circled with wax paper. Pour the peanut butter filling over the chocolate cake. Refrigerate for 15 minutes before pouring ganache over the top, spread the ganache evenly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy!

(To make an even richer and more moist cake you can pour condensed milk over the chocolate cake layer and let it soak in.)

German Chocolate "Schnecke" and Cheese Danish Cups

Hooray for the 4th of July!!! I absolutely LOVE celebrating the 4th! This year we are hanging out with my younger sister, her hubs, and my delicious little niece! I caught a "holiday baking bug" today and came home and started playing around in the kitchen . . . leading to the consumption of naughty goodies! (D-lish!) I came out of the kitchen telling my husband that "thank heavens we have family, friends, and neighbors to share with!" I boxed up a load for my Mutti to take with them up the mountain and hopefully they will be shared and eaten! So some of you may know what Schneke are . . . they are snails . . . well Schneke is the German word for snails . . . so whenever we made/make anything "swirly" I remember them being called Schneke from my Mission . . . kinda cute I think! German Chocolate Schnecke
Recipe by: Emily
1 Package Puff Pastry Dough, (2 sheets) thawed according to package instructions
2 cups Coconut Pecan Frosting, you can use "canned" for a short cut
1/2 cup Mini Chocolate chips

Unfold the puff pastry dough onto a lightly floured surface, spread evenly with coconut pecan frosting, sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and roll up into a log. Cut the log into 1/2 inch pieces and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake in a 375 degree preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until pastry is lightly browned. Allow to cool and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

I have a weakness(!!!) for cheese danishes!!! I hate to say it but croissants and danishes are the two tempters for me at bakeries! I am not a doughnut girl by any means so they never worry me . . . but seeing cheese danishes is a struggle sometimes! Love' em! (Mensch!) These are great finger foods that are super fast, easy and d-lish to make!Cheese Danish Cups
Recipe by: Emily

8 oz Cream Cheese, room temperature
2 Egg Yolks, room temperature
1/3 cup Sugar
1/2 tsp Lemon Juice
1/4 tsp Salt
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Package Puff Pastry Dough (2 sheets)thawed according to package instructions

1. Mix the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, and vanilla together until just incorporated. (ie DON'T WHIP).
2. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet of dough into 9 equal pieces. Place pieces in a muffin tip and gently press down into the muffin tin cups. Equally distribute the cream cheese mixture into each pastry dough "cup" and bake in a preheated 400 degree oven until puffed and golden brown. Remove immediately from cups onto a cooling rack and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
You can also drizzle the cups with icing and bake them with a a little jam or preserves on top.

Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie "Cake"

Today was my handsome hubby's 28th birthday so we celebrated with a round of golf (I am lobster red after not seeing the sun much since before my mission!) going to the movie "Up" (I highly recommend it . . . darling!) and of course birthday cake!
This year I made my cookie dough loving hubby a giant cookie cake . . . so I have another cake making an appearance! (SG fam I am bringing half of it to Mom's Saturday so we don't have it at our house to tempt us . . . so grab a fork and head over!) I am going to have to change my blog title if this keeps up!My nephew has requested an Optimus Prime birthday cake on Tuesday . . . so yes I will most likely have another cake posted again! We will see if I get anything else on here between now and then! I think this would also be a great idea to do with sugar cookies or to substitute M&M's in place of the chocolate chips! I did a light chocolate cream cheese filling by adding melted chocolate chips but you can so straight up cream cheese filling by eliminating the chocolate. It seriously was a fun cake and delish to devour! Zum Geburtstag Viel Glueck babe!

Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie "Cake"

4 cups all-purpose Flour
1 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1 1/2 tsp Salt
6 Tbsp Butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed Light Brown Sugar
3/4 cup granulated Sugar
3 tsp pure Vanilla Extract
2 large Eggs, plus 2 Egg Yolks
3/4 cup Heavy Cream
3 cups Semisweet or Milk Chocolate Chips (I am a milk chocolate girl myself)

Cream Cheese Filling
4 Packages Cream Cheese, room temperature (if you use fat free cream cheese it is a little more runny, I meet in the middle and do neufchatel or half neufchatel and half fat free . . .)1-1 1/2 cups Confectioners' Sugar
2 Tbsp Butter, room temperature
1 tsp Vanilla
1 cup Semi-Sweet or Milk Chocolate chips, melted (optional)

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Put butter and brown and granulated sugars into mixer bowl; mix on medium until pale and fluffy. Mix in vanilla, eggs, and yolks. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture in 2 batches, alternating with the cream. Stir in chocolate chips.
2. For each of the 7 layers, drop 1 level cup batter onto center of a baking sheet lined with parchment (keep unbaked dough refrigerated). Spread batter with wet hands or a spoon into an 8-inch circle. Bake until edges are pale golden brown, about 8 minutes. Remove from oven. Use offset spatula to reshape circle. Return to oven; bake until edges are golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes more. Transfer to wire rack; let cool. Can be stored airtight up to 1 day.
3.Mix cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and confectioners' sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy. Add melted chocolate if desired and mix until just incorporated. Spread onto 4 cookies. Stack cookies, placing unfrosted cookie on top. Refrigerate until frosting is set, at least 20 minutes or up to 4 hours. Serve at room temperature. Enjoy!

(Yes this does make 7 cookies, but the birthday boy loves cookie dough . . . so our cake had 6!)

Strawberry Ice Cream Chocolate Cake Roll

This cake roll is awesome! It is also awesome to give away to some great people! The cake is super spongy, moist and delish and this ice cream recipe is the best! I could eat it all before it even freezes it is sooooo good! Plus this looks like a light spring dessert (well, before covering it in chocolate sauce . . .) All that I can say is that I am sold on ice cream cake rolls now!Chocolate Cake Roll

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Cocoa or HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
4 eggs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups Ice Cream(any flavor)slightly softened
Powdered sugar(optional)

1. Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 15-1/2x10-1/2x1-inch jelly-roll pan with vegetable cooking spray. Line with wax paper; spray again.

2. Sift together flour, cocoa and baking powder. Beat eggs, granulated sugar and vanilla in small bowl until pale in color, about 5 minutes. Fold in cocoa mixture; spread batter into prepared pan.

3. Bake 5 to 7 minutes or until top springs back when touched lightly in center. Invert cake onto clean towel; remove wax paper. Roll up cake with powder sugar sprinkled towel from short side. Cool completely on wire rack.

4. Unroll cake; spread with ice cream. Reroll cake without towel; press seam-side down. Cover; freeze until firm. Sprinkle top lightly with powdered sugar, if desired. Cover; freeze leftover cake roll. 8 servings.