Cold Desserts

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      Peanut Butter Cookie Banana Pudding

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      An old-fashioned favorite gets a new twist! Peanut Butter Cookie Banana Pudding swaps vanilla wafers for peanut butter sandwich cookies.

      There’s a sense of normalcy easing its way back into our lives. We’re having family dinners again, and summer weather means potlucks and picnics won’t be far behind. I’m so eager to share this new banana pudding recipe with my friends and family. It’s just like regular scratch-made banana pudding, but with a peanut butter surprise!

      First, you’ll start with a good scratch-made vanilla pudding. Homemade vanilla pudding is so simple that it’s best to use high quality ingredients. It should taste of cream and vanilla, and never overtly of cornstarch. I always finish my batch of vanilla pudding with at least two tablespoons of butter, which adds homemade flavor.

      After the pudding cools, layer it in the bottom of a trifle dish, 2 quart dish or bowl. Next, on goes a layer of sliced bananas. I like to line a few around the edge of the dish so it looks pretty.

      Peanut butter love!
      Now, for the best part: peanut butter sandwich cookies. If you plan to eat your banana pudding right away, give the cookies a quick dunk in milk. This helps them to soften faster. Otherwise, it takes a good 24 hours for the crisp sandwich cookies to soften in the pudding.
      Use any peanut butter sandwich cookie you like! These are Mother’s brand Peanut Butter Gauchos, or use Nutter Butters, which are available nearly everywhere.

      The texture of the cookies soften and leave pockets of peanut butter filling throughout the pudding. It’s so dreamy! We couldn’t stay out of this bowl.

      Peanut Butter Cookie Banana Pudding might just replace this recipe as my picnic fave – but who am I kidding? I’ll probably make both, especially if any kiddos show up. They love those little pouches of pudding.

      Add a few chopped salty peanuts on top, and some more crushed cookies – now you’re in business!
      We first enjoyed this last Monday on Memorial Day, but it would be wonderful for a July Fourth cookout. I’ll make it throughout the summer and probably even into November! It’s that good!

      Peanut Butter Cookie Banana Pudding

      Heather Baird

      An old-fashioned favorite gets a new twist! Peanut Butter Cookie Banana Pudding swaps vanilla wafers for peanut butter sandwich cookies.If you plan to eat the pudding right away, use my cookie dunking method to speed the softening of the peanut butter cookies. Otherwise cookies will naturally soften over 24 hours, however the pudding will be well-chilled at 6 hours – serve at your discretion.

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      Prep Time 20 minsCook Time 15 mins30 minutes cooling time 30 minsTotal Time 35 mins

      Course DessertCuisine American

      Servings 8

      Equipment2 to 2 1/2 quart baking dish or trifle bowl
      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric 3 cups whole milk3 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch1/8 teaspoon salt3/4 cup sugar3 egg yolks2 tablespoons butter2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract4 large bananas1 package, approx. 15 oz. peanut butter sandwich cookies such as Gauchos or Nutter Butter1 cup milk for dunking cookies optional2 cups heavy cream1/4 cup powdered sugar1/4 cup roasted salted peanuts chopped
      Instructions Mix 1/4 cup of the milk with the cornstarch in a small bowl. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk the remaining 2 3/4 cups milk, salt, and sugar together. When the mixture is barely warm whisk in the egg yolks. Whisk constantly until the mixture steams. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the cornstarch mixture. Whisk constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles slightly. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish to speed cooling. Cool 20 minutes then cover the surface with a piece of plastic wrap to keep a skin from forming. Chill for 10-15 minutes.Chop bananas into 1/4-inch rounds. Set aside 3 peanut butter cookies for garnish.Layer pudding in the bottom of a 2 to 2 1/2-quart bowl or trifle dish. Top with half of the bananas. Add a layer of peanut butter cookies. (Dunk each cookie quickly in the 1 cup of milk if you plan to enjoy the pudding right away. Otherwise, it takes about 24 hours for the cookies to soften on their own in the pudding.) Repeat layering – these don’t have to be perfectly even. Just do the best you can.For the whipped topping, beat the heavy cream on medium-high until slightly thickened. Add the powdered sugar gradually. Beat to stiff peaks. Top the layered pudding with the whipped cream.Garnish the pudding with two of the reserved cookies. Crush the remaining cookie and sprinkle the crumbs on top. Sprinkle on the salted chopped peanuts.Enjoy immediately or chill for 6 hours before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

      Keyword fresh bananas, homemade vanilla pudding, peanut butter sandwich cookies

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    • in Recipes

      Tiramisu Semifreddo

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      Tiramisu Semifreddo is a mashup of two classic Italian desserts in frozen form. Frozen espresso mousse is surrounded by soft lady fingers and topped with sweet mascarpone cream.

      I’ve decided that this is my new favorite dinner party dessert for summer. It’s so decadent, but also silky and light in texture. And it’s so easy to make ahead! Assemble it days in advance and store it in the freezer, then bring it out when you need a beautiful ending to a meal.

      First thing, get yourself a couple of packages of soft lady fingers from your grocery store’s bakery. Line them up around the sides of a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover the bottom, too!

      Next whip up some egg yoks, sugar, and espresso in a double boiler. This makes a quick custard base for the espresso mousse. I always keep instant espresso powder on hand because I’m a Tiramisu fanatic (see here, here, and here). It’s so good in this recipe so I recommend using it! Delallo is a great brand of espresso powder.
      After the custard base cools, you’ll fold it with some lightly sweet whipped cream.

      Next, pour all that billowy espresso mousse into the lined loaf pan. It will fill the pan almost to the very top. Give the pan a few taps on the counter top to knock out any air pockets that might be hiding. Now its time to freeze! Three or four hours later, you’re ready to top it with fluffy mascarpone cream.

      Heavy cream and mascarpone cheese along with a little powdered sugar makes the perfect topping. But I couldn’t stop there.

      Indulge a little more!
      I couldn’t help myself! Tiramisu always needs a chocolate element (unless it’s my Quick Berry Tiramisu) so I went all in with a chocolate ganache, chocolate shavings, chopped almonds, and chocolate-covered coffee beans. The latter is courtesy of Sconza. I can’t say enough good things about their products. They are one of my favorite food gifts to give to colleagues, friends, family – everybody!

      Semifreddo means partially frozen. So if you’re expecting a frozen rock hard brick of dessert, then think again! Even well-frozen your knife will meet little resistance. The mousse stays soft. The texture is just so silky, and the lady fingers make it cake-like. And it becomes cloud-like as a slices warm to room temperature.

      Let’s end all of our summer dinners this way, okay? This dessert tastes restaurant-quality, and it’s not hard to make. The video below will help you get better acquainted with assembly.

      Tiramisu Semifreddo

      Heather Baird

      This restaurant quality dessert can be made a few days ahead and stored in your freezer. Enjoy the classic flavors of Tiramisu in frozen form.

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      Prep Time 25 minsCook Time 10 mins4 hours freeze time 4 hrsTotal Time 35 mins

      Course DessertCuisine Italian

      Servings 8

      Equipment9×5 inch loaf pan
      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Semifreddo2 tablespoons instant espresso powder1 tablespoon hot water30 soft lady fingers4 large egg yolks1/2 cup granulated sugar1/4 cup dark rum1/4 teaspoon fine grain salt2 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream4 oz. mascarpone cheese5 tablespoons powdered sugarChocolate toppings1/2 cup heavy whipping cream1 cup finely chopped semisweet chocolate1/3 cup chocolate shavings1/4 cup chopped chocolate-covered espresso beans such as Sconza2 tablespoons chopped almonds
      Instructions SemifreddoDissolve the espresso powder in the hot water; set aside.Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap that overhangs all sides of the pan. Line the sides and the bottom of the pan with the lady fingers, standing up vertically around the sides of the pan. Tear small pieces of lady fingers and press into gaps in the bottom of the pan (see video).Fill a saucepan with 1 inch of water and bring to a simmer. Set a large metal bowl on top and add the egg yolks, sugar, rum, and salt. Add the espresso mixture. Whisk until the mixture thickens like custard. The mixture is ready when an instant read thermometer registers 160F. Remove from the heat and cool 5 minutes. Transfer to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat with the whip attachment until the bowl feels cool to the touch, about 5 more minutes.Beat 1 3/4 cups of the heavy cream on medium-high until slightly thickened. Add 3 tablespoons of the powdered sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the beaten espresso custard mixture. Spoon the mixture into the lined loaf pan. Smooth the top and tap on the counter top to remove air bubbles. Fold in the plastic wrap and freeze until solid, about 4 hours or overnight.Beat the remaining cream on medium-high speed gradually adding the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar. Add mascarpone a little at a time while beating. Whip to stiff peaks. Spread the top of the frozen semifreddo with the whipped mascarpone cream. Return to the freezer.Chocolate ganache and toppingsHeat the heavy cream in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling. Add in chopped chocolate. Let stand one minute and then whisk together. Let cool until thickened yet still pourable, about 15-20 minutes.Remove the semifreddo from the pan from the overhanging plastic. Unwrap and place on a serving tray. Cover with chocolate ganache. Sprinkle on chocolate shavings, chocolate-covered espresso beans, and almonds. Serve immediately or return to the freezer until set. When the chocolate is set, cover in plastic wrap until ready to serve.

      Keyword espresso mousse, mascarpone cream, soft lady fingers

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    • in Recipes

      Aperol Creamsicle Ice Pops

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      These ice pops are made with Aperol, the intensely orange Italian liqueur that packs a bittersweet punch. A touch of vanilla syrup transforms the intensity with a creamy note reminiscent of an orange creamsicle.

      It’s almost like a switch was flipped that turned on the heat and humidity here in the southeast. Last Sunday I hosted a family get-together outside, and we enjoyed the prettiest blue skies with puffy clouds and a cool breeze. My mom mentioned she should have brought a cardigan. However, today we had 90 degree weather and it felt like a shock. Wilted from a walk across the lawn, I dreamed up these Aperol Creamsicle Ice Pops. They are too easy, just four ingredients, so you can make them on your laziest day.

      Aperol is an Italian liqueur with low alcohol content and a nuanced bittersweet orange flavor. It’s so refreshing! The first thing you’ll do to make these ice pops, is make a sugar syrup. I did this in the microwave, but you can also make it in a pot on the stove top. When the sugar is dissolved, mix in some vanilla beverage syrup such as Amoretti or Torani. This is what brings the creamsicle flavor forward (and I DO love a creamsicle dessert riff). Next, add in the Aperol. Mix it all up, and you’re halfway there!

      Forgo the popsicle stick!
      Use these zip top popsicle pouches for a bit of nostalgia – you’re practically making a highbrow popsicle here (fancy meets fun!). Funnel the mixture into pouches. If you stand the popsicle inside a glass, it will catch dribbles if they happen.

      Easy peasy, almost ready to freezy! Zip the top closed and continue filling the pouches. This recipe makes about 6-7 ice pops.

      I like to squeeze the tubes gently to make sure the zip-tops are well sealed before I pop them in the freezer. This is important if you lay them down on their sides in the freezer. Or you can freeze them upright in a container, like the picture above.

      They are so delicious as-is, but you can also use one as a frosty cocktail starter!

      Top with champagne, prosecco or ginger ale. Instant umbrella drink!

      These are simple to make ahead and the perfect treat to serve on a hot day. They’d be great for a pool party or a fun ending to an intimate dinner party with friends.

      Aperol Creamsicle Ice Pops

      This is no ordinary creamsicle! These ice pops are made with Aperol, the intensely orange Italian liqueur that packs a bittersweet punch. A touch of vanilla syrup transforms the intensity with a creamy note reminiscent of an orange creamsicle. See the recipe notes for a non-alcoholic version.

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      Prep Time 10 minsCook Time 2 mins4 hours freeze time 4 hrsTotal Time 12 mins

      Course DessertCuisine American

      Servings 6

      Equipment6 ice pop pouches with zip topsSmall funnel
      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric 1/4 cup granulated sugar1 1/2 cups water1/3 cup vanilla beverage syrup such as Torani or Amoretti1 cup Aperol liqueur
      Instructions Combine the sugar and water In a 4 cup or larger glass heat-proof measure with a pour spout. Stir briefly. Microwave for 2 minutes at 100% power; stir until the sugar dissolves. (Alternatively heat in a saucepan on the stove top). Stir well.Pour in the vanilla syrup and stir well. Allow the mixture to cool 5 minutes. Pour in the Aperol. Mix well to combine.Insert the funnel into an ice pop pouch and fill with the liquid; seal the zip top closure. Divide mixture between the 6 ice pop pouches. Lay filled pouches on a baking tray and freeze until solid, 4 to 6 hours.Serve frozen.
      NotesA non-alcoholic version can by made by simmering the Aperol for 10 minutes. This cooks out the alcohol content.
      Create a frosty beverage by placing the frozen ice pop contents in a cocktail class and top with champagne, prosecco, or ginger ale.

      Keyword Aperol, granulated sugar, vanilla beverage syrup

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    • in Recipes

      Easy No-Bake Mimosa Pies in Glasses

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      Serve up some brunch time fun with these Easy No-Bake Mimosa Pies in pretty glasses. A cup of chilled champagne is stirred right into the zesty orange pie filling.

      I’ve had brunch on my mind with Mother’s Day coming up. My regular menu needs a refresh, so I created a brand new recipe based on an old nostalgic favorite. First, can we all agree that the unofficial cocktail of brunch would have to be the mimosa? I think so.

      This recipe gives me all the Betty Draper vibes. It’s based on a mid-century recipe called Creamy Jell-O Pie. If you’ve ever made it, then you know it’s practically mousse in a pie crust. In fact, you could probably omit the crust in this recipe and just serve it as mousse. But since I love a graham crust, I patted some buttered crumbs into the bottom of each pretty dessert glass.
      The filling starts with a 3 oz. box of orange Jell-O. You probably already know the first step of making Jell-O is dissolving it in hot water. The second step is adding cold water, but instead, we’re adding chilled sparkling wine or champagne. Mix it up well and fold it together with freshly whipped cream.

      Pour the filling over the crust, chill, and garnish. It’s so easy! And there’s no mistaking its inspiration with all that champagne flavor sparkling through.

      Talk about fluffy! For the best, and tastiest results get Jell-O brand gelatin with no artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup. It’s easy to find because it says this right on the box in a big green bubble. I don’t often use convenience foods in my baking, but I honestly appreciate Jell-O’s versatility. There’s a reason it’s been around for so long!
      Served in footed glasses, these easy no-bake mimosa pies look beautiful presented together on a serving tray. If you’d rather enjoy this as pie you can slice, the filling can be poured into a 9-inch graham cracker pie crust.

      Easy No-Bake Mimosa Pies in Glasses

      Heather Baird

      Serve up some brunch time fun with these Easy No-Bake Mimosa Pies in pretty glasses. A cup of chilled champagne is stirred right into the zesty orange pie filling.
      See my variations for an alcohol-free version and an Orange Creamsicle version in the recipe notes.

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      Prep Time 25 minsTotal Time 25 mins

      Course DessertCuisine American

      Servings 6

      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Pie crust3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs2 tablespoons unsalted butter meltedMimosa filling1 small box orange Jell-O 3 oz.2/3 cup boiling water1 cup chilled champagne or sparkling white wine1 cup heavy whipping cream3 tablespoons granulated sugarGarnishes1/2 cup heavy cream2 tablespoons granulated sugar6 fresh orange wedgesZest of one orange6 mint sprigs
      Instructions Pie crustStir together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a medium bowl. Mash together with a rubber spatula until the crumbs are completely coated and resemble wet sand.In the bottom of six footed dessert glasses or cups (about 8 oz. each), divide the crumbs between the glasses (this will be slightly more than 2 tablespoons of buttered crumb per glass). Tamp down gently with a spoon or the bottom of a shot glass. Refrigerate while you work on the pie filling.Mimosa fillingCombine the orange Jell-O and boiling water in a large bowl. Whisk together until the Jell-O is dissolved. Add in the chilled champagne/wine and whisk again until combined and slightly thickened.Place 1 cup heavy cream in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whip attachment. Beat until soft peaks form. Add dissolved Jell-O mixture to the whipped cream and fold together until creamy and consistent with no white streaks remaining. Divide the mixture between dessert cups, filling them within 1-inch of the top of the glasses. Refrigerate until firm, about 3-4 hours.GarnishesBeat the heavy cream in the bowl of an electric mixer while gradually adding the granulated sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form. Dollop or pipe whipped cream on top of the set pie filling. Sprinkle orange zest over cups. Stand an orange wedge upright into the whipped cream and place mint sprigs beside the orange slices.Refrigerate until ready to serve.
      NotesFor an alcohol-free version of this dessert, use white sparkling grape juice in place of the champagne.
      Creamsicle version: Replace the champagne with an equal amount of cream soda. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the pie filling. Garnish with whipped cream.
      The crust, filling and whipped cream topping can be made and assembled 2 days in advance. Garnish with the zest, mint, and fresh orange slices just before serving.

      Keyword heavy cream, orange Jell-O, pink champange pastry cream

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