Summer Vegetable Tian

I made this last night. I used a pie dish with a slightly pre baked Pillsbury Pie Crrust. Sliced veggies and layered them into pie crust including sliced not diced onion. Covered all with foil and baked (400) fo 25 mins. In a skillet I added 1tbs+ of chopped garlic plus 2 tbs olive oil on med for 1 or 2 mins. Next removed foil and poured the hot oil over veggies recovered with foil and returned to oven(10)mins.next step was remove foil and add cheese.(6-10)mins. 

The crust helped soak up liquid in bottom but not all. Some potato was not cooked enough. Maybe potatoes should be pre-boiled before adding. After I cut the 1st slice I used a spoon and removed the excess liquid in bottom. Will make this again.

Get the recipe here >> Summer Vegetable Tian @ budgetbytes.com

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Easy Bavarian Cream Filling

To someone that has never made custard of any kind before, this recipe is slightly confusing. I have made this twice. The first time, I followed all directions and ingredients exactly. I believe I overcooked the custard because I was using a plastic spoon, not a metal one. It is difficult to tell when the mixture coats the spoon, so metal works best. Overcooking resulted in the yolk of the egg scrambling. The second mistake I made was with the straining. The recipe does not indicate which portion to keep when straining and because my egg cooked I had a significant amount in the strainer as well as in the bowl under it. 

I did not know which part to keep and I believe I used the wrong part of the custard for the remainder of the recipe. My end result was very little flavor and bits of solid pieces in my Bavarian Cream. However, the second time that I made it with the metal spoon, I took the mixture off the stove as soon as the back was becoming coated. I strained it and it became obvious that the portion to keep is the liquid that comes out of the strainer. I used this to complete the recipe and it turned out beautifully. We used the Bavarian Cream to make delicious filled homemade donuts for breakfast. Probably a novice mistake overall, but I feel the author should have indicated exactly what to do after straining the mixture.

Get the recipe here >> Easy Bavarian Cream Filling @ sprinkledwithjules.com

Homemade Eclairs

OK, first of all, these were incredible. I mean, they taste like they came fresh out of a bakery shop. A couple of notes though. First, if you don't have heavy cream or if you're just trying to reduce some of that calorie intake... replace the cream for 2 beaten egg whites (until it forms peaks), and add 1/2 cup confectioners sugar to it (instead of 1/4 cup that is supposed to be added to the cream). Add the vanilla as well.

When you are done, fold it into the vanilla pudding and you'll have the perfect eclair filling that is creamy and absolutely divine. My second suggestion has to do with the chocolate glaze. What I got when following the recipe was hardly a glaze, it didn't stick to the eclair and was way too thick. So I added about two tablespoons of milk, 1/4 cup confectioners sugar, and 1 more ounce of chocolate. The glaze I made turned out perfect (and tasted amazing as well).



Another suggestion, you should dip the top of the eclair into the chocolate before you cut it open. That way the chocolate is evenly spread over the top, instead of a gunky chocolate mess. Let the chocolate sit for a few minutes before you cut into it, I suggest even putting it into the freezer for a few minutes. That way, when you cut them in half, the chocolate won't get all over the place. All in all, this recipe was a slam dunk. The authenticity of these eclairs was certainly refreshing, and I can guarantee that I will be making these again.

Get the recipe here >> Homemade Eclairs @ cincyshopper.com
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No Bake Summer Berry Icebox Cake

This is a keeper...with a few modifications. I read quite a few reviews before trying this and made a few changes based both on those reviews and my own taste. First, because the instructions weren't clear on whether the graham crackers were the full-sized rectangles or half-sized squares, I went with the full-sized rectangles of CHOCOLATE graham crackers (made up of 4 smaller rectangles). I then had to double the amount of butter to make the crust. I omitted the sugar, as I felt the remaining ingredients would make the dessert sweet enough (I was right). 

I also used one 3oz package of raspberry jello and one small package of unsweetened gelatin. I upped the water to 1.5 cups and added two 12oz packages of frozen raspberries. I followed the instructions on the topping, but doubled the amount since I used more ingredients everywhere else. This was a big hit at our house, and I will definitely be making it again following the same changes I made this time. I may try fresh raspberries in place of one of the packages of frozen next time, but it was certainly delicious the way I made it this time! YUM!

Get the recipe here >> No Bake Summer Berry Icebox Cake @ cakescottage.com

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Ball Awesomeness

Be warned, these are the tastiest, yummiest things ever. Seriously. Overwhelming deliciousity. If you make them, you will eat half of them, or more. Just to give you an idea of how good they are, I made them for a cookie exchange with my husband's extended family two years ago. Last year, when I made a different cookie, there was nearly a huge revolt and a call for my burning at the stake. They had mercy on me though and trust me this year, I will be bringing these once again.

Recipe

Mix together:

• 2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 cup rice krispies
• 1lb (3cup) powdered sugar1/4 cup melted butter

Make balls and dip in melted:

•  2 (maybe 3) package milk chocolate chips

Put on cookie sheets in fridge to harden. Enjoy.
Makes about 70 balls.

Okay so just to give a few pointers since I've been making these since I was a little child. They are kind of labor intensive. Once you get the powdered sugar in, it is almost impossible to stir. I wash my hands really good and end up using my hands to mix in the rice krispies. I gave a friend the recipe and she used a mixer. She said it turned out good, but I am too afriad to ruin a good thing so I stick with what I know.

Depending on the peanut butter you use, you may have to add more powdered sugar. You will know when you try to make a ball. If it is too sticky, add more. I've always had to add more except this year I used my new favorite peanut butter, Skippy Natural with honey. The recipe worked perfectly. If the balls are too crumbly, add more peanut butter.

The original recipe my mom used called for a bag of semi sweet chocolate chips and a bar of milk chocolate. They are still really good like this, but I prefer just to go all out and use all milk chocolate. Yep that's how I roll. And it seems that no matter how much chocolate I melt, I have to melt more so make sure you have extra on hand.

If you have left over melted chocolate, you can always use it creatively doing something else. That is how a family favorite-chocolate covered BACON!! was born in our house. Also awesomeness.

You're very welcome.

Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars

Not sure how to rate these.... I was wanting a bar type cookie, but instead, this is a coffee CAKE!!! These are NOT BARS!! (I was really wanting bars) That said... it was a very moist and delicious cake.

The first time I made these, I put cinnamon in the batter, but I prefer a white cake, so the next time I made these, I left the cinn out of the batter and made a topping of sugar, cinn, nutmeg, walnuts and finely shredded coconut. It turned out delish! Also, in a 9x13 pan, the cook time is longer than the stated 10-15 minutes. I believe mine took about half an hour.. but I can't remember... I just took it out when the toothpick inserted in center came out clean.

Read the recipe here >> Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars @ shugarysweets.com

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Dip

I made this for my 10 year old son who was asking for a new peanut butter dessert. I have to admit that I was bit skeptical about this recipe at first, but since it seemed simple and I had all the ingredients on hand, I figured I'd give it a shot...and I'm glad I did. First off, this recipe is so simple and easy that kids could make it themselves. The sugar cookie "crust" with the peanut butter makes it taste like a peanut butter cookie with Reese's on top. This would also be a nice easy dessert (thought a bit messy) for a pot luck, if you're looking to bring something different.

I suggest keeping this in the refrigerator until ready to serve as it quickly began to 'melt'. Will do again and maybe try different 'candy' toppings or drizzle chocolate on top.

Read the recipe here >> Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Dip @ shugarysweets.com

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Santa will be sad that these won't last until his arrival! Amazing!!! I do have to admit that I love the salty with the sweet contrast, so I tripled (yes...tripled) the salt that the recipe called for. I also sprinkled a little extra salt on top prior to baking. Not too salty in my opinion! These also got the stamp of approval from my husband and our 22 month old. Oh...I used a corse kosher salt. I was also intimidated by cutting the caramel aspect. I got out the scissors and voila! So super easy. I will definitely make these again although I might make smaller cookies! 

Don’t panic if this looks more like bread pudding, right out of  the oven. Once everything has cooled, and can be sliced into bars, I dare you to save some for the rest of the family! OHHH MYY! This is a keeper!

Read the recipe here >> Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars @ aspicyperspective.com

Crockpot Brown Sugar Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin

I cooked this last night and wow, just wow. ! I used a 1.5 pound pork loin and followed the recipe very closely. I did cut back on some of the spice since my piece was a 1/2 pound smaller. I still used the 1/2 cup water in the crock pot. Rubbed the spice on and put her in the pot then covered with a lid. Exactly 5 hours later I opened it and applied the sauce and after another hour I pulled it out , put more sauce on and broiled it for about 8 minutes. It wasn’t as caramelized as I wanted but in fear of drying it out I pulled it after 8 minutes. Oh my…. the flavor was beautiful. I did use garlic powder rather than garlic cloves, only because I didn’t have any handy. Still the flavor was all over the place… Hints of soy, vinegar, salty, peppery and even garlic; but not to much of any !

6 hours total cook time in the crock pot on low, only removing the lid once to apply the sauce. Tender, moist, falling apart.
As I type, I am enjoying leftover pork on a white kaiser roll. Broiled the roll after spreading some butter on it. Then put the pork on one side with some shredded mozzarella and broiled it until the cheese melted. Lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, mustard and wow, it is so tasty. Hope everyone has a great experience with this tasty recipe !

Get the recipe here >> Crockpot Brown Sugar Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin @ laurassweetspot.com

Strawberry Cheesecake Salad

I made this for a church picnic and for a Friday night family night fruit salad. Along with our Ravioli Lasagna. It was a HUGE hit. it was so simple and fast to make. even my special needs son was able to get a thrill in helping me make this. Everyone at church was asking for this recipe. It allowed for me to keep with the fresh fruits we needed for nutrition but also a fun part at the the same time. Great and amazing compromise favorite. This will definitely be a make again favorite in my house and a recipe I will pass on to my daughter in her homemade cookbook binder we are making her for her soon graduation.

Get the recipe here >> Strawberry Cheesecake Salad @ cakescottage.com

Coffee & Baileys Layer Cake

Rich and moist dark chocolate and coffee cupcakes with a silky Baileys® Irish cream buttercream icing.

Very yummy! Added dark chocolate chips in the mixture which worked out awesome! Used chocolate Bailey's in the frosting as that's all we had, and was very good :D also served them up to my boyfriend with strawberries cut into hearts and some extra strawberries on the side with a cup of coffee :D no complaints and a proposal the next day, so can't have gone down too badly.

Recipe >> Coffee & Baileys Layer Cake @ livforcake.com

Super Decadent Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Fudge Frosting

I am not particularly fond of chocolate, but this cake could change my mind! I love the texture of this cake! It's not too sweet either. The frosting is very sweet and balances the finished product. I will say that I had difficulty getting the frosting to become "light and fluffy", but it could be that my tiny kitchen was VERY hot when I made the frosting. I had to set my mixer on high and beat it for a couple of minutes, but once I did that and put it in the fridge, it was perfect! This is a keeper!"

Tip for sifting. I use a whisk and work it in the bag or container of flour. Heat and humidity can alter the density of flour. Storage conditions are not always ideal. Flour can also be put in the Freezer.

The cake looks delic. Coffee makes all the difference.
If using a ganache icing which is so good and easy to make. .In Canada our large choc bars are 100grms = 3.5274 oz.
I always uses those for ganache. Quality bars often sell for $1 at Food Basics or 4 for $5. Various types. I tend to use Dark. I also like use Hershey Special Dark 35%


Recipe >> Super Decadent Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Fudge Frosting @ bakerbynature.com

Cream Cheese Lemonade Pie

Refreshing, easy to make pie. Great for hot summer days. It is kind of disappointing to see that the most highly rated review says that it tastes processed. None of the ingredients are "homemade" and if you are making a pie that has all processed ingredients, it will not taste natural. I prefer the taste of homemade foods, but like this treat and knew, even before making it, that it wouldn't taste like I whipped everything together on my own. 

If you want it to taste less processed: create your own graham cracker crust with crushed graham crackers and melted butter, use the juice from fresh squeezed lemons rather than frozen lemonade, use all-natural ice cream and whip whipping cream and a small amount of sugar together for the topping.

Read the recipe here >> Cream Cheese Lemonade Pie @ greatgrubdelicioustreats.com

Sweet Potato Toast: 3 Ways

This is a fun way to sneak some veggies into your family's diet! You can't even taste the sweet potato. These are good. I did add 1/2 tsp of vanilla and increased the cinnamon to 1/4 tsp. As a side note, sweet potato puree is easy to prepare in advance and freeze. Just broil a bunch of them and then puree in a food processor and package in 1/4 cup increments in a ziptop freezer bag. To thaw just place in a bowl of warm water for about 5 minutes.

Recipe >> Sweet Potato Toast: 3 Ways @ littlebitsof.com

Apple Rings

YUM! YUM! YUM! I cut this easy recipe in half...except for the amount of sugar...I accidently added the amount for the full recipe, but they were yummy! I changed the recipe a little. I used Empire apples and cut them approx. 1/4 inch thick. I also added 1 cap full of vanilla extract. I used white powdered sugar to sprinkle on top. 

Just for the record...I didn't have a problem keeping the dough on the apples, as I have read from other people. As I dipped I fried...I tried dipping and then letting them sit...that didn't work. My wife LOVED them, and she is not one for cakes and donuts. She was eating them before I could sprinkle the sugar on them. I plan on making these often!

Get the recipe here >> Apple Rings @ howto-simplify.com

No-Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

I made these bars a couple of weeks ago and they were the absolute best. Took me only 15 minutes, start to finish. Very rich - a small bar goes a long way! The second time I made these, I followed some others' advice and increased the peanut butter to 3/4 cup (liked that change!), and decreased the butter to 1/2 cup. I didn't like the change to the butter - made the top too crumbly. I think next time I'll try 3/4 cup butter.  They will replace the bars I buy from the store. I shared with friends and family and they all loved them. I did cut down the sugar by about a 1/4 cup which doesn’t affect the consistency at all. I cut them and wrapped individually in foil and labelled. Put them in an airtight container and stored in the fridge. The last one was just as fresh as the first one. It also stopped me from eating them all at once :)

Recipe >> No-Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars @ simplygloria.com