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    • in Recipes

      Make-Ahead Party Food with Recipes (Sweet and Savory!)

      ha scritto per te

      This menu of Make-Ahead Party Food is pleasing for any dinner party, cocktail party, birthday, wedding reception, and beyond! Featuring both sweet and savory, each appetizer is served in its own shot glass so your guests can grab-and-go while they mingle.

      Christmas is now a memory, and it’s hard to believe the New Year is just days away. Like many of you, I’ve been eating well this week, capturing some fun moments, and generally trying to soak up all the holiday spirit and goodwill before it slips away. So, I wanted to share the little workshop party we held before our holiday break.
      Both savory and sweet, this menu of make-ahead party food requires little cooking, – just some assembly required. These appetizers are adaptable to any gathering, although I find them so cocktail party-worthy!

      Much like My Holiday Open House Menu, I created these appetizers so I could spend more time with my guests instead of being tethered to the kitchen. After years of being both host and cook, I rely on make-ahead recipes. For a cocktail party feel, I love using clear shot glasses to make single servings. They are an inexpensive investment, like this pack of 40 for under $20. And they can be reused forever!

      Everything Bagel Hummus Shots with Grilled Crostini
      This is a good one to make if you have guests that are vegetarian or vegan. Buy prepared plain hummus and stir in some toasted sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and a little garlic powder. Pipe the hummus into the bottom of 15 shot glasses. Then top each with a little Everything Bagel Seasoning just before serving.
      Serve the hummus shots with a grilled crostini standing upright or bagel chips balanced on top. Consider assembling a few with gluten-free crackers on a separate tray for guests with gluten intolerance.

      Marinated Mozzarella
      No cooking, no baking, just assemble and serve! Slice block mozzarella into 1-inch cubes. Then, make a dressing of olive oil, Italian spices, garlic powder, and chopped sundried tomatoes. Mix it all together and add in the cheese; toss to coat. It’s so easy and it looks special. It tastes special, too! The creamy almost blank canvas flavor of the mozzarella is enhanced by that garlicky herbaceous flavor. One tip – be sure to use a good condiment-worthy olive oil!

      Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail Shooters
      This is an easy evergreen appetizer that just requires dressing up some large cooked cocktail shrimp. Bloody Mary mixer is the stand-in for cocktail sauce, which is lighter and so flavorful. Charleston Bloody Mary Mix is my go-to for this appetizer. Add a little to the bottom of each of 15 shot glasses, and top with skewered shrimp that have been finished like any good Bloody Mary – with a squeeze of citrus and a generous grind of black pepper.

      Charcuterie Cones (or Shot-cuterie, if served in shot glasses)
      This cute appetizer is a good segue from our savory fare to the sweet. Why? Because it contains both sweet and savory bites. Include salted nuts, a square of sharp cheese, dark chocolate pieces, dried fruit, rosemary sprigs, artisan crackers, blue cheese-stuffed olives, berry and salami skewers.
      The cones don’t have to match each other exactly. It’s good to make a few veggie friendly cones and gluten-free options. I used biodegradable natural wood cones for serving (along with cone holders), because they hold a little more food than a shot glass. But you can use 3 oz. shot glasses even small Mason jars.

      Citrus Supremes with Prosecco Sabayon
      They say good things come in small packages, and this is especially true for this little bubbly-inspired dessert. Whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and prosecco in a bowl over simmering water until thickened. It doesn’t take long at all to make a luscious sabayon. As for the citrus, you could spend a lot of time with the messy business of segmenting grapefruits and oranges. Or, you could just buy a big jar of Del Monte’s Citrus Salad. This no-sugar added option does the work for you.
      Layer sabayon into shot glasses and top with the citrus. A few pomegranate arils on top of each shot will make them even prettier.

      Bourbon Ball Ganache Shooters
      And now for something completely different! Skewered bourbon balls are made for dipping into the silky bourbon ganache they’re perched atop. This utilizes my favorite 5 Minute Bourbon Ball recipe. Bourbon balls can be made far ahead of serving because they mellow with time. These were perfect for the holidays but I can’t wait to make them for a Derby Day treat.

      Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce
      Regular blog readers know that panna cotta is my go-to for make-ahead desserts. This particular flavor combination is more for winter holidays. You can find the recipe for it right here. However, if you’re looking for more evergreen flavors, check out this post for White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Orange Chocolate Sauce.
      Make-Ahead Party Food on display!
      I hope you’ve enjoyed this departure from the usual post. The recipe card will include most of the recipes with a couple links to the desserts that already live on the blog. I hope you can use this post as a resource to help increase the enjoyment of your gathering, while minimizing your work!

      Make Ahead Party Food Menu (Sweet and Savory!)

      Heather Baird

      Get a head start on making delicious appetizers for your next gathering. Use shot glasses to portion single servings so your guests can grab-and-go while they mix-and-mingle.Everything Bagel Hummus Shots, Marinated Mozzarella, Bloody Mary Shrimp Shooters, and Charcuterie Cones offer savory flavors. While Citrus Supremes with Prosecco Sabayon, Bourbon Ball Shooters, and Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce round out the party with sweetness.The Charcuterie Cone recipe is for 15 near matching cones; however, I suggest you vary some of the cones to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests.Please note that prep and cook time is approximate.

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      Prep Time 2 hrsCook Time 21 mins2 hours chill time 2 hrsTotal Time 4 hrs 21 mins

      Course AppetizerCuisine American

      Servings 15 people

      Equipmentshot glasses 15 for each recipe, 1.5 oz. capacitycocktail skewersToothpicksbiodegradable wood cones optional
      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Everything Bagel Hummus Shots10 oz. plain hummus 1 container1 tablespoon sesame seeds toasted1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds2 teaspoons Everything Bagel Seasoning for garnish1/4 teaspoon garlic powder1 baguette sliced into 1/4-inch piecesOlive oilMarinated Mozzarella1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil1 teaspoon Italian seasoning1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley1 tablespoon sun dried tomatoes in herb oil chopped1/4 teaspoon garlic powder16 oz. block mozzarella part skimChive sprigs optionalBloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail Shooters15 large cocktail shrimp cooked peeled with tails on1 lime zested and juicedFreshly ground black pepper16 oz. Bloody Mary Mix Charleston recommendedParsley sprigs for garnishCharcuterie Cones6 oz. salted almonds8 oz. dark chocolate bar tablet style for breaking15 Turkish dried apricots15 blue cheese-stuffed olives1 pint fresh berries raspberries and blackberries12 oz. thin cut salami rounds8 oz. sharp cheddar block cubed15 cocktail onions15 sprigs rosemary for garnishAssorted crackersCitrus Segments with Prosecco Sabayon2 cups mixed citrus segments such as Del Monte no sugar added Citrus Salad9 egg yolks1/2 cup granulated sugar3/4 cup Prosecco3 tablespoons pomegranate arils such as POM wonderful POM-POMSBourbon Ball ShootersBourbon Ball Recipe prepared to fit inside shot glasses1 cup semisweet chocolate chips1/2 cup heavy cream1 tablespoon bourbonEggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce (linked)
      Instructions Everything Bagel Hummus ShotsCombine the hummus, sesame seeds, poppy seeds and garlic powder in a bowl. Mix well. Place in a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped. Pipe about 1 1/2 tablespoons of hummus into the bottom of each of 15 shot glasses. Place all of the glasses inside a 9×13 baking pan with sides taller than the height of the shot glasses. Cover with plastic wrap until party time.Drizzle baguette slices with olive oil. Drizzle a nonstick grill pan with olive oil and heat until the oil shimmers. Grill bread slices on both sides and set aside to cool. When cool, place bread in a zip top bag and store until ready to serve.1 hour before serving, sprinkle each hummus shot with a little bagel seasoning. Stand a baguette slice upright into the shot glasses. Place shot on a tray and serve.Marinated MozzarellaCombine the first five ingredients in a large bowl. Cube the cheese small enough to easily fit into shot glasses. Add the cheese cubes to the olive oil dressing and toss to coat.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. The marinade may solidify a little due to the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. This is normal. Allow the bowl to stand at room temperature until the marinade loosens. Stir to coat.Skewer 2-3 cubes of marinated mozzarella on toothpicks and place inside 15 shot glasses. (You may have leftover cheese cubes, which can be placed in a bowl near the shot glasses with toothpicks for guest refills.) Place the shot glasses in a deep 9z13 inch baking pan taller than the shot glasses. Cover with plastic wrap. Before serving, add 1-2 sprigs of chives to each glass, if using. Spoon some of the marinade in the bottom of the bowl over the cheese cubes in each glass just before presenting.Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail ShootersPat shrimp dry with a paper towel. Place on a shallow plate. Drizzle with lime juice and zest. Grind black pepper generously over the shrimp. Place one shrimp threaded onto fifteen 4” cocktail skewers. Cover with plastic wrap until party time.Pour Bloody Mary mix into fifteen of 1.5 oz. shot glasses, approximately 1/3 of the way up the glass. Top each glass with a skewered shrimp and garnish with a parsley sprig. Present on a serving tray or tiered stand.Charcuterie ConesDivide salted almonds between the bottom of the cones. Place a square or two of chocolate into each of the cones. Add apricots. Thread olives and salami on skewers. Thread two or more berries onto some skewers. Stand skewers upright into each cone. Add a cube of sharp cheddar to each cone.Garnish with rosemary sprigs. Add artisan crackers to each cone or have them on a platter nearby.Citrus Segments with Prosecco SabayonPat citrus segments dry with paper towels. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap until ready for assembly.In a stainless steel bowl over simmering water, constantly whisk the egg yolks, sugar and Prosecco until mixture reaches 160° and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Let cool, then cover with plastic wrap so that it rests on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Make this up to two days ahead.Divide sabayon evenly between 15 shot glasses. Top with citrus segments and garnish with pomegranate arils. Serve with small cocktail or demitasse spoons.Bourbon Ball ShootersSkewer bourbon balls with a 4-inch long cocktail skewer. Place in an airtight container and store at room temperature.Combine the semisweet chips and heavy cream in a microwave safe bowl. Heat at 100% power in the microwave for 1 minute. Let stand 1 minute. Whisk together until a smooth ganache forms, then stir in the bourbon. Store in a lidded jar in the refrigerator until party time.Before serving, heat the ganache in the microwave until liquid and pourable, about 45 seconds (heat in 30 second intervals). Divide ganache into the bottoms of each of 15 shot glasses. Top each with a skewered bourbon ball for dipping. Consider including small demitasse spoons so guests may enjoy every last dop of bourbon ganache (plastic silver cocktail spoons are available at most dollar stores!).
      NotesTo further shortcut the hummus recipe, Boar’s Head makes a prepared Everything Bagel Hummus which is gluten-free and vegan.
      Make room in your refrigerator ahead of time! The beauty of make-ahead doesn’t come without one caveat; you will need lots of refrigerator space. 
      Using heavy-bottomed real glass shot glasses adds a nice touch. These are inexpensive and can be reused. I’ve linked in the blog post a set of 40 for under $20. You may also search thrift stores and charity shops for shot glasses that cost even less!

      Keyword bloody mary shrimp cocktail, bourbon balls, charcuterie cones, citrus sements, easy appetizers, everything bagel hummus, finger foods, make ahead party food, marinated mozzarella, panna cotta, prosecco sabayon, shot glass appetizers, shot glass desserts, shrimp cocktail

      You may also enjoy: LEGGI TUTTO

    • in Recipes

      Cherry Amaretti Trifles

      ha scritto per te

      No-bake Cherry Amaretti Trifles will help you entertain with ease this holiday season. Mascarpone cream is layered with spiced cherry jam and crushed crisp amaretti cookies.

      This is a wonderful little recipe that requires no cooking and no baking – there’s just a little assembly required. It’s perfect for entertaining because the trifles can be made ahead. Mascarpone cream layered with amaretti cookies gives the dessert Italian flair, while spiced cherry preserves provides a tart foil for all that creamy richness.

      Cherry Amaretti Trifles

      Cheesy cream filling.
      Whip together 8 oz. of mascarpone cheese, heavy whipping cream, a little sugar, and a splash of amaretto liqueur in a bowl until thick and fluffy. This creates a light cream filling reminiscent of cheesecake. It’s so silky and decadent!

      Sweet layers.
      Transfer the cream into a piping bag with the end snipped. Fill 4 oz. capacity dessert cups about 1/4 full with the mascarpone cream. Next, layer in some crispy crushed amaeretti cookies. You can find these in the international section at US grocery stores, or at specialty food shops (Lazzaroni Amaretti is an excellent choice!)
      Next, layer in some prepared cherry or red fruit preserves. I used Murray’s Spiced Cherry Preserves in this recipe because almond + cherry are a match made in heaven! It has a unique, almost mulled wine flavor, with cloves and balsamic vinegar reduction. However, you can use any fruit preserve in this recipe, but red preserves look especially festive at Christmastime.

      Repeat the mascarpone and crushed amaretti layer once more before topping the cups with whipped cream. Dollop it on with a spoon, or pipe it as I did using a large closed star piping tip.
      A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top of each dessert adds delicious nutty flavor and makes a beautiful finishing touch.

      The trifles look elegant in footed dessert glasses and presented on a serving tray. You can make them a day ahead, reserving the toasted pine nuts and crisp whole amaretti cookie toppings until ready to serve. The crisp amaretti cookies will soften slightly in the refrigerator overnight, which gives them cake-like texture.

      Related recipe: Wintry Coconut Cherry Amaretto Cupcakes

      Cherry Amaretti Trifles

      Heather Baird

      These small Italian-inspired trifles make holiday entertaining a breeze. The recipe uses purchased crisp amaretti cookies and prepared cherry preserves for shortcuts, with a homemade whipped mascarpone cream filling.Assemble the trifles partially a day ahead of time. Layer the cream, preserves, crushed cookies, and whipped cream in clear glasses but wait until the day of serving to add the pine nuts, and crisp whole amaretti cookies.I used Murray’s spiced cherry preserves in this recipe. It can be found at some US grocery stores (such as Kroger’s) or ordered online. It has unique flavor with cloves and balsamic vinegar reduction. However, you can use any fruit preserve in this recipe, but red berry of fruit preserves looks especially festive at Christmastime.

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      Prep Time 45 minsTotal Time 45 mins

      Course DessertCuisine American, Italian-inspired

      Servings 6

      Equipment6 clear footed dessert glasses 4 oz. capacitydisposable piping bagslarge closed star decorator piping tip optional
      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Trifles8 oz. container mascarpone cheese softened1 cup heavy whipping cream1/4 cup granulated sugar1 tablespoon amaretto liqueur optional5 oz. crisp amaretti cookies 1 package5 oz. prepared spiced cherry preserves or other red fruit preservesToppings3/4 cup heavy whipping cream2 tablespoons granulated sugar6 crisp amaretti cookies whole3 tablespoons pine nuts toasted
      Instructions TriflesIn the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the mascarpone cheese and the heavy cream together until combined. Slowly sprinkle in the granulated sugar as you mix. When the mixture is thickened, beat in the amaretto liqueur, if using. Transfer the cream mixture to a large piping bag with the end snipped. Pipe the cream into each of six 4 oz. clear footed dessert cups about 1/4 full. Spread the top evenly to the edges of the glass using a spoon.Remove 6 whole amaretto cookies from the package and reserve for later. Crush the remaining cookies. Add about 1 1/2-2 tablespoons of the crumbs to each of the cups, spread the crumbs to the edges of the glass using a spoon.Stir the preserves until loosened. Place 1 1/2 tablespoons of the preserves on top of the crushed cookies in each cup. Spread to the edges of the glass using a spoon.Repeat the mascarpone layer once more on to of each layer of preserves. Top the mascarpone layer with more cookie crumbs (you may not have to use all of the crumbs).ToppingsIn the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream while sprinkling in the granulated sugar. When the mixture is thick, dollop spoonfuls on top of each dessert cup. Or use a piping bag fitted with a large closed star tip to pipe on a large swirl of whipped cream (as pictured).Just before serving, top the desserts with the pine nuts and a single crisp amaretti cookie.
      Notes
      If you’re not inclined to use pine nuts on top of these dessert, try toasted almonds. They go so well with the almond amaretti cookies.
      Toast pine nuts in the microwave for a shortcut! Here’s how. Spread the raw pine nuts on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave at 100% power for about 45 seconds to 1 minute. Stir them around and heat in additional 30 second intervals until toasted and golden. be sure to watch them constantly to prevent burning. Pine nuts can be expensive, and I consider them an extra special touch for the holidays. So keep a sharp eye on them!
      8 oz. of cream cheese can be used in place of the mascarpone cheese.

      Keyword amaretti cookies, Cherry Amaretti Trifles, mascarpone cream, spiced cherry preserves, toasted pine nuts

      You may also enjoy: LEGGI TUTTO

    • in Recipes

      Homemade Peach Cobbler in a Cone

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      For a handheld take on a classic spoon dessert, try Homemade Peach Cobbler in a Cone! It’s so fun to serve at picnics and summer barbeques.  

      Summer peaches are in season, and that means making lots of homemade peach desserts. They taste like a bite of pure summertime. This Peach Cobbler in a Cone is 100% more fun than peach cobbler in a bowl. The idea came from an article I read about a food truck in Florida serving peach cobbler in waffle cones. Kind of genius, right? (For those interested, it was NuNu’s Sweet Soul Food – I can’t find the cones on their current menu, but I’ll take one of everything else, please!)
      Since I won’t be traveling to Florida any time soon, I decided to make my own version at home. It’s so fun to serve and even more fun to eat! Portable peach cobbler is practically made for summer barbeques. My homemade version comes à la mode, because I always have a scoop of ice cream with warm cobbler.

      Start with a stick of butter.
      First, preheat the oven. Then melt a stick of butter in an 8×8 inch baking pan in the preheated oven. This will take about 3-5 minutes.

      While the butter melts, mix up the batter. It’s made of simple pantry staples and can be whisked together in a snap.

      Fresh, frozen, or canned?
      Use any of the above when it comes to this cobbler. You’ll need about 2 to 2 1/2 cups of peaches, which is about 5 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced. Thaw frozen peaches and measure 2 1/2 cups in a glass measuring cup. The same goes for canned peaches (drain them first!). It usually takes two 16 oz. cans but the amount of peaches inside each can will vary between manufacturers.
      If using fresh or frozen, toss the peaches with sugar. You can first taste-test the sweetness and add more or less to your personal taste. Canned peaches will need very little if any extra sugar.

      Layer the ingredients.
      Pour the batter over the melted butter. That looks like a lot of butter, doesn’t it? Trust me, it all works out in the end.

      Then pour the peaches on top. Sprinkle with a pinch or two of ground cinnamon. The batter and peaches will trade places in the oven as the cobbler bakes. Pretty neat!

      While you wait for the cobbler to bake, dress up some waffles cones with melted white chocolate and cinnamon-sugar.

      Let the cobbler cool. Then get to stuffing those cones! You can serve this warm or at room temperature. It’s so good warm with ice cream on top.

      Speaking of ice cream, top the cone with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor – caramel would be amazing). Then pile on more cobbler. You could forgo the ice cream altogether and make it a strictly cobbler cone. However, it’s hot as blazes here in the south, so we won’t be skipping it.

      The sweet vanilla bakery scent and crunch of the waffle cone combined with sweet peaches and sticky cobbler crust? How could that ever be a bad thing? And topped with ice cream – get outta town. Crazy delish.
      I think we can all agree that Homemade Peach Cobbler in a Cone is the best way to enjoy peach cobbler in summertime. Kids will love it. Everything is more fun in an ice cream cone!
      Related recipe: Fried Peach Shortcakes

      Homemade Peach Cobbler in a Cone

      Heather Baird

      When you’re craving a taste of summer, try this easy homemade peach cobbler that’s served in a cone. Ready-made waffle cones can be found at the grocery store near the frozen foods section. Use your favorite ice cream flavor for serving. Vanilla bean is classic, but caramel or even coffee ice cream would be a wonderful accompaniment.Recipe readers: The cobbler batter recipe contains no eggs. This is not a mistake.This recipe serves 6-8, depending on how much ice cream you use to fill the cones. You can, of course serve this cobbler straight from the pan instead of serving it in a cone. See the recipe notes on how to use any kind of peach you may have on hand. Fresh, canned, or frozen.

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      Prep Time 20 minsCook Time 1 hrTotal Time 1 hr 20 mins

      Course DessertCuisine American, Southern United States

      Servings 6

      Equipment8×8 inch baking panIce cream scoop
      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Peach Cobbler1/2 cup unsalted butter3/4 cup all-purpose flour1 1/4 cups granulated sugar divided2 teaspoons baking powder1/4 teaspoon salt I like fine grain sea salt3/4 cup whole milk1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 1/2 cups sliced peaches1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon.Waffle cones1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar6-8 ready-made waffle cones4 oz. white chocolate meltedAssembly1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream for serving
      Instructions Peach cobblerPreheat the oven to 350F.Place the stick of butter in an 8×8 inch baking pan and melt in the oven, 3-5 minutes. Remove from the oven once the butter is completely melted.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup of the sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and vanilla. Whisk until a consistent pourable batter forms.Toss the peaches with the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar.Pour the batter over the melted butter, then top with the peaches. Sprinkle on the ground cinnamon. (As the cobbler bakes, the crust will rise to the top and the peaches will sink to the bottom.)Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the crust is browned and well set. Remove from the oven and let cool to warm.Dipped waffle conesIn a small bowl, stir together the ground cinnamon and sugar; pour on a shallow plate. Place the waffle cones on a large sheet of parchment paper. Dip the top edges of the cones in the white chocolate.Roll the edges of the cones in the cinnamon-sugar. Let stand until set, about 10 minutes, or place in the refrigerator to speed setting.AssemblyBreak apart the pan of cobbler with a spoon.Fill cones with cobbler to the top edge of the waffle cone. Top with a scoop of ice cream, then top the ice cream with more cobbler. Serve immediately. Cobbler cones can be served warm or at room temperature.
      NotesUse canned peaches: Drain two 16 oz. cans of canned peaches and place them in a glass measure. You should have 2-2 1/2 cups of peaches. (Some internet sources say one 16 oz. can = 2 cups of peaches. Technically, this is not true. The weight includes the juice – be sure to get 2 cans.) Omit tossing the peaches with 1/4 cup of sugar. Canned peaches in syrup are sweet enough.
      Use frozen peaches: Thaw 16 oz. bag of frozen peaches completely in the refrigerator overnight before using. Toss with sugar as directed.
      Use fresh peaches: Peel and slice about 5 medium fresh peaches; toss with sugar as directed.
      Make ahead: Coat the inside of the cones with melted white chocolate. This will keep the cones from becoming soggy over time. You’ll need two 4 oz. bars of white chocolate to generously coat all 6-8 waffle cones. Let stand until set, Fill cones with cobbler and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature and top with ice cream before serving.
      Leftover cinnamon-sugar from dipping the cones can be sprinkled on top of each assembled cone.
      The real food innovators are food truck chefs, if you ask me. This recipe was inspired by  NuNu’s Sweet Soul Food (truck), purveyor of southern specialties.  With thanks to them, I formulated this recipe for home bakers.

      Keyword easy, fresh peaches, handheld desserts, July Fourth desserts, peach cobbler, summer dessert, vanilla ice cream, waffle cones

      You may also enjoy: LEGGI TUTTO

    • in Recipes

      Carrot Cake Cheese Ball

      ha scritto per te

      This cheese ball is such a simple and delicious alternative to carrot cake. It has all of the classic flavors with a fraction of the work!I discovered a fondness for carrot cake flavors mixed with sweet, cheesy goodness when I made this Carrot Cake Swirl Cheesecake. (It’s sooo good!). This cheeseball recipe tastes a lot like carrot cake cheesecake, without having to bake anything. It makes a great starter if you’re entertaining, but it’s also sweet enough to serve as dessert.The first order of business is sautéing up some grated carrot in butter. You could skip this step and use fresh carrot, but sautéing makes the carrot tender and it incorporates easier in the cheese. A touch of honey and spices, along with raisins, pineapple and pecans… heaven! If you love carrot cake you’re going to love everything about this cheeseball.When everything is mixed and folded together, you’ll plop the cheese mixture in the center of a sheet of plastic wrap. Then, gather it up into a ball shape.  An overnight chill is best for this, and it can be made a couple of days in advance. The coating is all about texture! Toasted coconut, fresh grated carrot, and pecans are the crunchy wrapping for all the creamy goodness inside. We’ve almost completely polished this cheeseball off in just a few days! It’s so easy to sneak a few bites on from the fridge on a graham cracker. It’s also really good with buttery wafer cookies, as pictured. And you cannot go wrong serving this with pecan sandies. This is a great little recipe for Easter, and a good alternative to making an elaborate dessert for the holiday. It’s chock full of good things – and most are fairly wholesome ingredients! LEGGI TUTTO

    • in Recipes

      Perfect Baked Oatmeal

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      Breakfast is ready when you are with this make-ahead pan of lightly sweet baked oatmeal. Toppings can be endlessly varied to suit your morning cravings. 

      I skip breakfast all too often, and most of the time my morning begins with a cup of coffee and whatever is closest to hand – a cookie or whatever sweet baked thing I’ve made the day before. This year I’m making an effort, or at least leaning into, a more nutritious way to start the day.
      This baked oatmeal has been a real game-changer. I can make a pan on Monday and enjoy breakfast all week long, varying toppings along the way to change the flavor so it doesn’t get boring. And oats are so filling and packed with good vitamins, minerals, and fiber – I’m not starving by lunchtime.

      This recipe makes a big 13×9-inch pan, which might be considered ‘family size’. If you’re just feeding yourself, then this recipe halves easily into an 8×8 pan. It’s incredibly easy to stir together and is very lightly sweetened with brown sugar. That is to say, you won’t have a sugar crash after eating a slice.

      I call this the perfect baked oatmeal because it really is the perfect blank canvas for any topping you’d like to add. Some baked oatmeal recipes add berries in the mixture before baking, but I’ve found this reduces its longevity. Berries get mushy, and neighboring oats take on a weird texture. This version is just oats and a few walnuts for some healthy omegas in the mix.

      Toppings can be anything you have on hand. I love this with a drizzle of maple syrup and fresh berries, but you could simply have it with a pat of salted butter. A smear of peanut or almond butter on top is nice on top of a warm slice, and becomes melty and delectable. Jams and jellies are also welcome additions. Or, put a slice in a bowl and add a splash of milk on top. 

      It seems crazy to claim that a dish as humble as this is life-changing, so instead I’ll say it’s ‘week changing’. It’s been nice having something more healthful ready to hand, and it’s provided a way to add much needed energy and heart-healthy fiber to my mornings.

      [click to print]
      Perfect Baked Oatmeal
      12 servings4 cups (360g) old fashioned oats
      1 cup (207g) light brown sugar, packed
      1 cup (113g) chopped walnuts
      1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
      2 teaspoons baking powder
      1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
      4 cups (960ml) milk (tested with whole milk)
      4 eggs
      1 tablespoon vanilla extract
      6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter meltedPreheat the oven to 350° F.Coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, sugar, nuts, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla. Add the milk mixture to the oat mixture; pour over the melted butter. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated.Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the middle is well set. Cool slightly before cutting into squares.Baked oatmeal keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave before serving.Notes:
      Recipe can be easily halved and baked in an 8×8 inch baking dish. Decrease bake time to 30-35 minutes.Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup, or fresh fruit. Nut butters pair well with this and make the dish even heartier. Place a warmed slice in a bowl and top with a splash of milk. Dollop with yogurt, add a handful of nuts. Jams and jellies add sweetness and taste delicious with the oats.
      link Perfect Baked Oatmeal By Heather Baird Published: Friday, January 15, 2021Friday, January 15, 2021Perfect Baked Oatmeal Recipe LEGGI TUTTO

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      White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Champagne Spiked Coulis

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      This toast-worthy dessert is a wonderful ending to Christmas or New Year's Eve dinner. Tart champagne-spiked red berry coulis is the perfect foil for ultra-rich and creamy white chocolate panna cotta. I've often talked about my love of holiday traditions here, and obviously most are food related. I've noticed a new one has developed quite accidentally: I love to ring in the New Year with panna cotta. It's so easy to make and even easier to dress up with a delicious spirit. It's a little bit fancy and looks beautiful in stemware or little dessert cups.Continued, click to read more… LEGGI TUTTO

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      Black Bottom Eggnog Pie

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      Make spirits bright with a slice of eggnog pie! A layer of rich chocolate covers the pecan cookie crust for a delicious twist on this quintessential holiday flavor.  

      Eggnog is a mainstay of the season and I miss it when the holidays are over. Come January, it slowly disappears from the dairy case, not to return until Santa does next year. We’ve been relishing this treat nightly with gingersnaps around a cozy fire. It’s like our own tiny celebration of the season. 

      This pie offers a different way to celebrate with eggnog  – a sliceable version wrapped in a pecan cookie crust. It’s rich with a bottom stripe of chocolate and lots of whipped cream on top.

      Nearly a whole package of Keebler Pecan Sandies and a little melted butter make the crust for this pie. It’s a simple foundation that gets a quick bake. Chocolate chips are scattered across the bottom of the hot crust and melt quickly for the ‘black bottom’.

      This recipe doesn’t use commercial eggnog as an ingredient, it’s a scratch-made affair that deserves plenty of whipped cream and freshly grated nutmeg on top, just like any good glass of eggnog should be enjoyed.

      A hefty dose of bourbon in this pie keeps with tradition, but if you’re serving this to kiddos or have other considerations, replace the bourbon with an equal amount of whole milk.

      [click to print]
      Black Bottom Eggnog Pie
      Yields one 9-inch pie2 cups (200 grams) ground pecan shortbread cookie crumbs
      1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
      1/2 cup (85 grams) semi-sweet chocolate morsels
      2 1/4 cups (532 ml) heavy whipping cream
      1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated sugar
      1/2 cup (120 ml) bourbon
      1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
      1 envelope unflavored gelatin
      1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water
      6 egg yolks, lightly beaten
      1 tablespoon unsalted butter
      3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
      3 whole pecan shortbread cookies
      More freshly ground nutmeg for garnishPreheat oven to 350°F.
      Stir together cookie crumbs and melted butter in a mixing bowl; press firmly into the bottom of a 9″ deep-dish pie plate. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove crust from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate morsels onto warm crust. Let stand 5 minutes or until morsels melt; carefully spread melted chocolate over the bottom of the crust with a spatula. Set aside to cool completely.In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together whipping cream, sugar, bourbon and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. Stirring constantly, heat the mixture until it steams but do not boil.Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let stand 1 minute.Whisk egg yolks lightly to break them up in a separate medium bowl. Gradually whisk 1/4 of the warm cream mixture into the bowl of egg yolks. Add the yolk mixture to remaining warm cream mixture in the pan, whisking constantly. Stir in the bloomed gelatin. Cook at a simmer 3 to 5 minutes, whisking constantly, until the gelatin is melted and the custard reaches 160°F on an instant read thermometer.Remove from heat, and stir in 1 tablespoon of butter until it melts. Cool custard filling to room temperature, about 25 minutes. Pour the filling into the crust. Chill pie in the refrigerator at least 4 hours or until firm.Transfer whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with an open star tip and pipe a thick rope of whipped cream around the outside edge of the pie. Crumble the 3 whole pecan shortbread cookies and sprinkle on top of the pie; sprinkle on ground nutmeg for garnish.Use a sharp knife and gentle pressure to slice pie, as the chocolate layer in the crust will harden as the pie chills in the refrigerator. This pie can be stored in the refrigerator up to one week.Note: 1/2 cup whole milk can be swapped in for the bourbon in this recipe.
      link Black Bottom Eggnog Pie By Heather Baird Published: Tuesday, December 22, 2020Tuesday, December 22, 2020Black Bottom Eggnog Pie Recipe LEGGI TUTTO

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      Chocolate Rosemary Pots de Crème

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      Chocolate pots de crème are deeply chocolaty with luxurious texture. This recipe adds a note of woodsy pine with the addition of rosemary.I recently mentioned how much I value make-ahead desserts during the holiday season. This is yet another that I love. Like most French desserts, it is rich and decadent. This version has a note of pine that seems so fitting for winter. Traditionally, pots de crème are baked in a water bath. This recipe is made on the stove top and skips baking entirely, which speeds up the process but doesn't compromise any of the texture or flavor this dessert is know for.Continued, click to read more… LEGGI TUTTO