Soft- Apple cookies

Dough:
10 tbs butter
1/2 cup yogurt
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup starch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tea spoon baking powder
3 1/2 cups flour

Filling
5 apples
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
1/2 cup ground almonds

Filling:  Grate the apples, and cook them in a pot with the sugar. Add the cinnamon and almonds and let cool.

Dough: Add all ingredients one at a time, blend in the flour and baking powder after sifting, and then knead until it forms soft dough.

Shape dough into 1 inch pieces and using a knife draw a line starting from the middle of the dough. Place 1 tsp filling on the dough at one end.  roll the dough into a moon shaped cut and put onto baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven at 180ºC  ( 356ºF )  and remove before the top is brown. Cool completely and dust with powdered sugar.

FRIED" HONEY BANANAS

FRIED" HONEY BANANAS...Great dessert without the guilt!
Serves 1
1 slightly under-ripened banana, sliced
1 tablespoon honey
Cinnamon
Olive oil

Lightly drizzle olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Arrange banana slices in pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side.
Meanwhile, whisk together honey and 1 tablespoon of water. Remove pan from heat and pour honey mixture over banana.
Allow to cool and sprinkle with cinnamon.


NOTE** I tried it- it was a mushy mess. Not as pretty as the picture I saw. It tasted ok, but I 'd call this a major fail and probably won't be doing it again! 

Apple Cake

Apple Cake
6 medium apples cut into thin wedges
¾ cup brown sugar ( or white)
4 Tsp. honey
1 Tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. cloves
Mix all and leave at least half an hour, then add 1 cup chopped walnut + Raisin
For the cake:
¾ cup butter
¾ cup sugar
3 eggs
2 cups flour
1 Tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
¾ cup sour cream or single cream
Mix flour and baking powder.
Whip butter then add sugar and continue till it become creamy and white.
Add eggs one at a time, add vanilla, then fold with half of the flour mix, add half of the cream, then the rest of the flour and cream.
Remove apple mixture from the liquid, then add the liquid to the batter and mix well.
Spread in a 12x9 inches tray well, then arrange the apples on top in a decorative way, sprinkle with walnuts and raisins.Bake in a 350 F oven for 40 minutes, remove and cool

Apple Pie Coffee Cake

Apple Pie Coffee Cake 
1 package spice cake mix (regular size)
1 can (21 ounces) apple pie filling
3 eggs
3/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
GLAZE:
2/3 cup confectioners sugar
2 teaspoons milk

Set aside 1 tablespoon cake mix. Set aside 1-1/2 cups pie filling. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sour cream, water, oil, extract and remaining cake mix and pie filling; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour half into a 10-in. fluted tube pan coated with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon and reserved cake mix; sprinkle over batter. Spoon reserved pie filling over batter to within 3/4 in. of edges; top with remaining batter.
Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.
In a small bowl, combine glaze ingredients. drizzle over cooled cake
https://www.facebook.com/nellsoldfashionrecipes

Strawberry whipped sensation.

Thought I had this recipe in here but couldn't find it. A friend asked me to make it a while back. It was a great success and every year she asks me to make it when she comes for Easter dinner. The original was a recipe taken from a magazine.

Enjoy!!
Strawberry Whipped Sensation recipe
time = prep:20 min total:6 hr 20 min
servings total: 12 servings
what you need
4 cups  fresh strawberries, divided
1 can  (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup  lemon juice
1 tub  (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
8  OREO Cookies, finely chopped
1 Tbsp.  butter, melted make it

LINE 9x5-inch loaf pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Mash 2 cups berries in large bowl. Add milk, juice and 2 cups COOL WHIP; mix well. Pour into prepared pan.

MIX chopped cookies and butter; spoon over COOL WHIP mixture. Cover with ends of foil; gently press cookie mixture into COOL WHIP mixture. Freeze 6 hours or until firm.

INVERT dessert onto plate when ready to serve; remove pan and foil. Frost dessert with remaining COOL WHIP. Slice remaining berries; arrange over dessert.

kraft kitchens tips
HEALTHY LIVING
Save 30 calories and 4.5g of fat, including 3g of saturated fat, per serving by preparing with fat-free sweetened condensed milk, COOL WHIP LITE Whipped Topping and Reduced Fat OREO Cookies.
SUBSTITUTE
Prepare using an 8x4-inch loaf pan.
NOTE
Be sure to leave enough foil extending over sides of pan so that there is enough to completely cover dessert.
servings total: 12 servings
nutritional info per serving
per serving:   Calories  220 Total fat  9 g Saturated fat  6 g Cholesterol  15 mg Sodium  95 mg Carbohydrate  32 g Dietary fiber  1 g Sugars  27 g Protein  4 g Vitamin A  4 %DV Vitamin C  50 %DV Calcium  10 %DV Iron  4 %DV


 There is a video on how to make this recipe at the link too ;)
Source:   http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/strawberry-whipped-sensation-109477.aspx

Cherry Vanilla Ribbon pie

from eagle brand sweetened condensed milk;

aprox 10 servings. prep time 20 minutes no cooking.

ingredients:
1 8oz cream cheese
1 (14 oz) can  sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup cold water
1 (4 serving size) package instant vanilla pudding
1 cup (1/2 pint) heavy cream- whip!
1 (21 oz) can of fruit pie filling - recipe calls for cherry.
* have also made it with strawberry... going to try blueberry  next time
1  9 or 10 inch pie crust


I used a 9 inch graham cracker pre-bought crust and also a shortbread one. both were fine.
you can also use a one shell baked pie crust and fill it.

instructions:
In large bowl, Beat cream cheese with electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Beat in water and pudding mix on low speed until smooth. Chill 10 minutes . fold in whipped cream. spread half the pudding mix in pie crust. top with half of the fruit pie filling. them top with remaining pudding mixture. Chill about 2 hours to set. Garnish as desired with remaining pie filling before serving.

VERY yummy!!!! heavenly even...

Desert dips with cream cheese

Chocolate chip cookie dough dip

1(8oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup confection/powder sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup milk chocolate chips

Beat together cream cheese, butter, confectioners' sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in a bowl.
Stir in chocolate chips.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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Monster Cookie Dough Dip

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup butter, slightly softened 
1 cup creamy peanut butter 
2 cups powdered sugar 
3 Tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla 
2 ½ cups rolled oats, old fashioned or quick (see Note)
2/3 cup plain M&Ms (give or take)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. With a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese, butter, and peanut butter until smooth. 
2. Add in the powdered sugar, brown sugar, flour, and vanilla.
3. Using the paddle attachment on your stand mixer or just a wooden spoon, mix in the oats. You may want to use more or less here. I really like the oats in it and a thicker dip so I added a lot. Remember that the dip will also firm up a bit in the fridge.
4. Add the M&Ms and chocolate chips.
5. Store in the refrigerator until serving. Serve with pretzels, graham crackers, or apple slices. You can dip or spread this depending on how thick you made your dip. Try not to eat it all like I did!
6. Note: You can use more or less oats to adjust the thickness of your dip. Start with about 1 1/2 cups oats and keep adding until you reach your desired thickness. If you use quick oats you might use less since it’s finer and will make the dough thicker.


------------------------------------------
Red velvet Cake batter dip
(works with chocolate cake batter too-see below)

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. butter, softened
2 c. red velvet cake mix
2 c. powdered sugar
3-4 tbsp. milk
Instructions:
In a stand mixer, whisk together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Whisk in the red velvet cake mix, 1 cup at a time. Add 1-2 tbsp. of milk alternately, if necessary, to keep consistency smooth.
Whisk in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, alternately with tablespoons of milk. Continue adding powdered sugar and milk until it reaches a consistency and a sweetness that you like.
--------------------------------------------

Chocolate cake batter dip

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup butter, softened
2 cups Devil’s Food Cake Batter (the mix)
4-6 Tablespoons milk, depending on desired consistency
2 cups powdered sugar

For the pie crust dippers
1 refrigerated pie crust, from a pack of 2
1 tablespoon melted butter
Sugar, for sprinkling

Instructions
For the dip
Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add cake batter and 3 tablespoons of milk and mix until well combined.
Slowly add 2 cups of powdered sugar, mixing well. Add an additional 2-4 tablespoons of milk, depending on how thick you want your dip. Taste and add more powdered sugar if you want it sweeter (if you add more sugar, you may need more milk.)
For the dippers
Unroll pie crust and cut out desired shapes. Re-roll once or twice as needed. Place cutouts on a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with a pinch of sugar.
Bake 350° for 5-7 minutes until golden. Cool completely and use for dipping. (Makes 3 dozen.)
Note: You can also use fruit, graham cracker sticks, or a spoon for serving.
--------------------------------------

Cake Batter Dip

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, melted & cooled
1/2 cup powder sugar   
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup Funfetti cake mix (mix powder, not batter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons milk
1 - 2 Tablespoons sprinkles
  

Directions
*With an electric hand mixer beat cream cheese, powder sugar and cake mix together until combined.
Add in vanilla, milk, and butter, Mix for about 2 mins until smooth and creamy. (Mixture will be thick)
Pour in bowl and top with sprinkles and refrigerate until chilled. When it first comes out of the fridge it will some what hard giving it a few minutes to come to room temperature helps.
Serve with animal crackers, vanilla wafers, or your favorite cookie
-------------------------------------------

Banana bread dip:

 INGREDIENTS: 8oz Cream Cheese -softened,
 1 cup banana quick bread mix,
1/4 cup butter -softened,
2 tbsp milk,
1 1/2 tsp vanilla, 2tbsp walnuts.

 DIRECTIONS: Mix and beat together the first 5 ingredients. Then fold in half of walnuts into the creamy mixture. Use the remaining walnuts for your topping. Serve with graham crackers, or Nilla wafers. Enjoy!

Eggnog Mini Loaves

From tastes of home magazine - gave these as christmas good- very tasty!

here is the link: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Eggnog-Mini-Loaves

Says it is diabetic friendly - BUT there is sugar in it...maybe it would work well with splenda too..

30 Servings 

Prep: 15 min. Bake: 30 min. + cooling Ingredients 

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour 

2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 

2 eggs 

1 cup eggnog 

3/4 cup sugar 

1/2 cup butter, melted 

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

2 teaspoons rum extract 

Directions In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. 

In another bowl, beat the eggs, eggnog, sugar, butter and extracts; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Pour into three greased 5-3/4-in. x 3-in. x 2-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

 Yield: 3 loaves. Editor's Note: This recipe was tested with commercially prepared eggnog. Nutrition Facts: 1 slice equals 105 calories, 4 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 27 mg cholesterol, 106 mg sodium, 15 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 2 g protein.

*******MY NOTES. This is a nice , sweet but not too sweet quick bread that I make every year for gifts. All my friends and family love it. I’ve also made it boozy by adding about 2 tablespoons of Kahlua  to make 1 cup with the eggnog. I’ve used rum too, a spiced rum and skipped the rum extract. 

FYI this pairs well with the blueberry jam (kinda like a freezer jam )  recipe here http://flirtysrecipestorage.blogspot.com/2011/12/blueberry-jam.html

Mini- cheese cakes

I searched through several recipes and each one was slightly different then the others... so this is what I came up with adding different components of other's recipes

.. I've gotten rave reviews on how little a bite packs alot of flavor!!

1 8oz package cream cheese

24 vanilla wafers

1 egg

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 c sour cream

1 tsp vanilla 1/4 tsp almond

1/4 tsp nut meg

1/2 tbs lemon juice

375 for 20-25m -tops get a light golden....

in mini-muffin tin- I used the mini-cup cake papers - place 1 vanilla wafer in the bottom of each cup.

In medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar and sour cream with beater on low to medium, add egg. Mix well until creamy. Add all other ingredients & mix thoroughly. Spoon cream cheese mix by rounded teaspoon full on top of each vanilla wafer. Should make 24 easily, may have a little extra, go back and fill in if you think a few need a little more.

Bake as directed above until light golden brown on top.

Serve with jelly- I put three different kinds of jelly in small dishes with a spoon for guest to choose which fruit they would like. My fav is red raspberry ( seedless jam!) , Blueberry, and Cherry. Have of course used strawberry too and even spooned apple pie filling & drizzled with caramel- that was a huge hit!!

Bluberry Tarts with Maple syrup- good for diabetics

Since I'm finding more and more people in my life are diabetics, I've been trying more recipes for diabetics - they're healthier and they help you loose weight ;)

BLUEBERRY TARTS (FAMILY CIRCLE MAGAZINE)

Serves 8, makes 4 tarts: 281 calories, 12 fat, 3 protein, 42 carbs, 2 fiber

INGREDIENTS

PASTRY:

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut in pieces

1 tablespoon maple syrup

BLUEBERRY FILLING:

2 6oz packages fresh blueberries (about 2 cups)

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon lemon zest ( I used about 1/2 to a tsp of lemon juice)

DIRECTIONS

1. Pastry: in a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add butter an dmix into flour with a pastry blender or your fingers until crumbly. In a small bowl, stir together maple syrup and 1/4 up plus 1 teaspoon cold water. Add water mixture to flour mixture and toss together with a fork until dough begins to come together. Gather dough into a ball; divide in 4 equal pieces. Flatten each into a disc, wrap in plastic and refrigerate 2 hours.

Blueberry filling: Place blueberries in a large bowl. In a small bowl, stir together maple syrup, cornstarch and lemon zest. Gently combine with blueberries. Set aside.

Heat oven to 375.

Roll out one pastry disc to an 8-inch circle. Transfer to a nonstick baking sheet. Fold over 1/2 inch of dough all around pastry, forming a decorative edge. Repeat with remaining pastry. Divide blueberry mixture evenly among pastry rounds, about 1/2 cup in each (spread berry mixture in a *single layer*).

Bake tarts at 375 for 35 minutes, until pastry is browned and filling is set.

Notes: I actually split the dough down further and made individual size tarts instead of one pie size one for two people. It worked out well- I kept an eye on it while cooking but it cooked for about the same time. Everyone loved them! Best of all the maple syrup I used was given to me by a neighbor who harvested it fresh!

Mile high peanut-butter brownie pie

It's easier then it may sound. Robin made this and OMG it's the BEST dessert ever!!! so yummy and gooey too.....

1 refrigerated pie crust-softened as directed on box

1 box (aprox 15.5 oz) pillsbury chocolate chunk brownie mix....

( we couldn't find this and used a generic chunky brownie mix that was about 20 oz)

1/4 cup peanut butter chips

1/3 cup vegetable oil

3 tablespoons water

1 egg

1 pack (8oz) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup powdered sugar

1 80z frozen whipped topping, thawed

2 tablespoons peanuts- chopped

2 tablespoons mini chips- semi-sweet chocolate.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Unroll pie crust; place in greased 9 inch glass pie plate as directed on box for one crust filled pie - flute edge.

in medium bowl ,stir brownie mix, peanut butter chips, oil, water and egg. 50 strokes with a spoon. Pour batter into crust-lined pie plate.

Bake 30-40 minutes, covering edge of crust with strips of foil after 15-20 minutes . Refrigerate 1 hour or until completely cooled.

in medium bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter, & powdered sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. fold in whipped topping.

spread mixture over brownie. Sprinkle with peanuts and chocolate chips. Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving. Store covered in frig'.

Better then sex cake

This is really gooey and delicious! Made by Robin- thanks for this wonderful dessert- I hope I can make it as great as you did!!

1 chocolate cake mix

1 jar of chocolate fudge (we used smuckers)

1 jar of caramel sauce

1 can condensed sweetened milk

1 80z container whipped cream

2 Skor bars-crumbled heath bars work too

Bake cake according to box

Let cool completely. Once cooled- pour sweet condense milk over entire cake and allow time to absorb.

Spread thin layer of fudge over top then layer of caramel.

finish with whipped cream as icing ;) Drizzle more fudge and caramel on top.

Sprinkle crushed candy bar over cake - serve and enjoy!

chocolate cake from scratch- two ways

3 c. flour

2 c. sugar

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1/3 c. cocoa

2 tbsp. vinegar

1 tsp. vanilla

3/4 c. cooking oil

2 c. cold water

Mix dry ingredients well and add liquid ingredients and beat by hand. Pour in 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Mix ingredients by hand - DO NOT USE MIXER.

FROSTING:

4 tbsp. butter

4 tbsp. milk

1 c. sugar

Boil 1/2 minute. Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips.

*NOTES -something doesn't seem right in this first recipe- but I am going to try it- will let you all know if it works.... and this is the reason for the 2nd recipe- that one seems more like it ;)

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from about.com

Thiscake recipe is simple to make. A dark chocolate cake is frosted with a lighter cocoa frosting.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar

3/4 cup cocoa

1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup oil

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup boiling water

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and dust with cocoa two 9" layer cake pans. Set aside.

In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir with wire whisk until blended. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla and beat well with wire whisk or mixer until combined, about 2 minutes. While beating, heat water in microwave oven to boiling. Stir boiling water into cake batter.

Pour the thin batter into the two prepared pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until cake pulls away from sides of pan, top springs back when lightly touched, and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.

FROSTING:

This frosting can be used to frost any cake or cookie.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter

2/3 cup cocoa

4-1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/3-1/2 cup half and half

1 tsp. vanilla extract

pinch salt

Preparation:

In large saucepan, melt together butter and cocoa. Stir until smooth. Using mixer, alternately beat in powdered sugar and milk until frosting is smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla and salt. Fills and frosts 2 9" cake layers.

Pumpkin Pie-friends recipe

From my friend LC - thanks for sharing!

Here's one for you Flirty. This is a recipe from my grandmother, and the one I always use for pumpkin pies. I think the recipe dates back to 1949.

2 cups mashed pumpkin

1 cup milk

3 egg yolks, beaten

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/4 tsp of cinnamon

1/4 tsp cloves

1/4 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp salt

3 egg whites, stiffly beaten

Line the pie pan with crust and pinch edges. Mix pumpkin and milk together, and then add the yolks. Add the sugar mixed with the cinnamon, clove, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well. Fold in the egg whites. Turn into pie pan. Bake in a quick over (450 degrees F.) 10 minutes. Reduce heat to hot oven (375 degrees F) and bake 20 minutes longer or until filling is firm.

Apple Pie (more then one way)

This is for the filling- again - the first recipe is the way I was taught.Just like Mom's ;) The second -scroll down- is an easy one that can be adjusted for diabetics.

*NOTE: For crust from scratch - go here
Pie Crust Recipe


2Tbs lemon juice
(helps keep apples from going brown- or you can use Orange Juice too)
1/3 cup firm packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup regular sugar
3 tbsp all purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
6 cups (aprox 6-8 medium)Granny Smith Apples
2 unbaked pie crust - for bottom and top.

Peel and Slice apples aprox 1.2 inch thick- if you have a spiral slicers GET ONE- they're fabulous (see pampered chef or bed ,bath ,and beyond stores)

Place apples in a bowl.Mix all ingredients in by hand until apples are well coated.
Pour mix into bottom pie shell.Dab 1-2 tbs of butter over top of apples before placing top pie crust on.
Rub top pie crust with milk and sprinkle with regular sugar and nutmeg. Cut slices into top pie crust so filling can 'breathe' while it cooks.

Loosely place a sheet of foil to cover top of pie- do not press down or seal on pie,just let it lay on top. Cook 400 degrees for 40 minutes- remove foil from top of crust and cook additional 10-20 minutes -until top is nicely browned.

I also place foil strips around the crust and seal it for the entire bake time to help prevent the crust edges from burning.

-------------------------------------------------------------
Here is another version I got from my sister in law -she is a nurse and this is a good one for diabetics because you can replace the sugar with splenda measure for measure.

6 cups thinly sliced apples
2 Tablespoons flour
1 cup sugar ( substitute 1 cup splendid )
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Dash of Nutmeg
1 Tablespoon butter

Combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Add sugar mixture to apples, toss to coat.
Fill pastry, dot with butter, set top crust, seal and flute edge, cover edge of pie with foil.
Bake 375 for 25 minutes, remove foil, brush top crust with beaten egg white, if using regular sugar sprinkle some on top ( never tried it with splenda ) , bake for 20 to 25 minutes more till crust golden brown.

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Cheesecake Pops

Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Cheesecake Pops from Food network


Prep 15 min Inactive Prep 2 hr 0 min
Cook 2 hr 15 min Total: 4 hr 30 min
Level: Intermediate Yield: 36 mini squares


Ingredients
Cheesecake:

* 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
* 1 1/2 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 2 large egg yolks
* 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
* 1 3/4 cups creamy peanut butter

Chocolate:

* 5 tablespoons vegetable shortening
* 12 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips

Directions

Wooden pop sticks

For the cheesecake: Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F. Line a 8 by 8-inch baking pan with foil letting long flaps overlap on each side. Spray foil with nonstick spray.

Break up the brown sugar to remove all lumps. In a standing mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until very smooth. Add the cream and beat slowly; then add the yolks and vanilla mixing until just combined. Gently stir in peanut butter. Take care not to over beat the mixture; this incorporates too much air and causes the cheesecake to crack.

Pour and evenly spread the batter in the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Open the oven to release some heat, then lower the temperature to 200 degrees F. Continue to bake the cheesecake until the outside is set but the center is still loose, for about 45 minutes. Turn off the oven, and cool cheesecake in the oven for 45 more minutes. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.

Lift cheesecake from the pan by lifting up the foil. Transfer to a cutting board. Cut into

1 1/2-inch cubes. Stick a wooden pop stick halfway into each bar and freeze for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, put the shortening and chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with an inch or so of water to a very slow simmer; set the bowl over, but not touching, the water. Stir the chocolate occasionally until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. (Alternatively, put the chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Melt at 50 percent power in the microwave until soft, about 1 minute. Stir, and continue to heat until completely melted, about 1 minute more.)

Dip the pops into the chocolate mixture, and stand on waxed paper to set, about 5 minutes. Serve cold (straight from the fridge), or freeze up to 2 weeks. Frozen pops make a cool summer treat, or can be allowed to temper for 10 minutes at room temperature before serving.

Upgrade: Coat the pops with chopped nuts or candies for a really decadent finish. To do this let the dipped pops drip over a bowl for 15 seconds before rolling them.

Copyright 2007 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved


These proved to be REALLY RICH

some tips
Make Them SMALLER!
also a few oreo cookies and graham crackers crushed add to them- After rolling the cubes into the chocolate dip half of them into the crumbs.
melt some white chocolate chips (and added some shortening but it didn't thin down enough so I added a little canola oil too). Drizzle the white over the chocolate and they look very professional

Single Layer Birthday Cakes

Grandma Lorraine's Single Layer Birthday Cakes
From Sandra Lee on the food network

Prep 20 min inactive Prep 30 min
Cook 45 min Total: 1 hr 35 min
Level: Easy Yield: 2 single-layer cakes


Ingredients

* 1 (18.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
* 2 eggs
* 1/3 cup vegetable oil
* 2 teaspoons raspberry extract, divided (recommended: McCormick)
* 1/2 cup liquid from canned peaches
* 2 cans (16-ounces) white frosting (recommended: Pillsbury Creamy Supreme)
* Food coloring, red and green
* 6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Directions

Add 2 eggs, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons raspberry extract, and 1/2 cup peach liquid to cake mix. Bake 2 (8-inch) cakes according to package directions.

Let cakes cool completely. Transfer cakes to inverted 9-inch pie tins to function as a cake stand.

Add remaining 1/2 teaspoon raspberry extract to 1 can of frosting. Stir thoroughly. Frost both cakes.

Divide remaining can of frosting between 2 mixing bowls. Add 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar to both. Add 7 drops of food coloring to each - red in 1, green in the other. Mix thoroughly and transfer to 2 plastic bags. Snip small corner off bags and use to pipe a decorative border around the base of the cakes - 1 green, 1 pink. Decorate cake with green vines and pink flowers.

Summer Fruit Crostata

Summer Fruit Crostata from bare foot contessa on food network.
Ingredients

* For the pastry (makes 2 crostatas)
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup granulated or superfine sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/2 pound (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
* 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) ice water

For the filling (makes 1 crostata):
nocoupons

* 1 pound firm ripe peaches, peeled
* 1/2 pound firm ripe black plums, unpeeled
* 1/2 pint fresh blueberries
* 1 tablespoon plus 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided
* 1 tablespoon plus 1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
* 1/4 teaspoon grated orange zest
* 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
* 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
* 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced

For the pastry:
Directions

Place the flour, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse a few times to combine. Add the butter and toss quickly (and carefully!) with your fingers to coat each cube of butter with the flour. Pulse 12 to 15 times, or until the butter is the size of peas. With the motor running, add the ice water all at once through the feed tube. Keep hitting the pulse button to combine, but stop the machine just before the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured board, roll it into a ball, cut in half, and form into 2 flat disks. Wrap the disks in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you only need 1 disk of dough The other disk of dough can be frozen.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll the pastry into an 11-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer it to the baking sheet.
For the filling:

Cut the peaches and plums in wedges and place them in a bowl with the blueberries. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of the flour, 1 tablespoon of the sugar, the orange zest, and the orange juice. Place the mixed fruit on the dough circle, leaving a 1 1/2-inch border.

Combine the 1/4 cup flour, the 1/4 cup sugar, and the salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture is crumbly. Pour into a bowl and rub it with your fingers until it starts to hold together. Sprinkle evenly over the fruit. Gently fold the border of the pastry over the fruit, pleating it to make an edge.

Bake the crostata for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is golden and the fruit is tender. Let the crostata cool for 5 minutes, then use 2 large spatulas to transfer it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Prep 30 min
Inactive Prep
1 hr 5 min
Cook 20 min
Total: 1 hr 55 min
Level:Intermediate Yield:6 servings

3 step mini cheese cakes

mini cheese cakes made with cream cheese.

2pkg (8oz each) Cream cheese- softened.
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
12 oreo cookies ( Vanilla wafers work too)

1 kiwi peeled , cut into 6 slices
36 blueberries(1/2 cup)
12 raspberries or blackberries ( about 1/3 cup)
( suggested serving- you can use whatever fruit in season you'd like!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed- until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended.
Place 1 cooke in bottom of each of 12 medium paper lined muffin cups. Fill evenly with batter.
Bake 20 minutes or until centers are almost set. Cool. Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight. Cut kiwi slices in half. Top each cheesecake with seasonal fruit just before serving.

Banna Crunch Bread

Banana Crunch Bread
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 75 minutes
Makes: 16 slices
Freezing: excellent


Ingredients

Topping:
1/2 cup/125 ml flaked coconut
1/4 cup/ 50 ml brown sugar , packed
1 tbsp / 15 ml butter
1 tbsp/ 15ml All Purpose Flour

Batter:
1/3 cup/ 75ml Canola Oil
3/4 cup/ 175 ml sugar
1 tsp/ 5 ml vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup/250 ml mashed ripe bananas (2 medium bananas)
1 3/4 cups/ 425 ml All Purpose Flour
1 1/2 tsp / 7ml baking soda
1/4 tsp/ 1 ml baking powder
1 pinch salt
1 cup/250 ml White Chocolate Chips , divided


Preparation
PREHEAT oven to 325ºF (160ºC). Grease an 8” x 4” (1.5 L) loaf pan.Topping:COMBINE all ingredients in small bowl. Set aside.

Batter:MIX oil, sugar, vanilla and eggs in large bowl. Add mashed banana and stir until incorporated. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt and stir until flour is incorporated. Add ¾ cup (175 mL) white chocolate chips. Pour into prepared pan. Top with remaining ¼ cup (50 mL) white chocolate chips and cover with topping.BAKE in centre of preheated oven for about 65-75 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack. Don’t worry if bread seems a little darker than you would expect. It is still very moist and delicious!

Tip:Freeze peeled ripe bananas in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, first thaw bananas in microwave.