Wednesday, May 18, 2011

My Pretties



Ok, so maybe they aren't that pretty to you, but to me this ugly old jar full of homemade processed jam is so pretty to me. Whenever I make something like homemade jelly I feel truly happy. It only resulted in about 4 jars, but I open my pantry every day and stare at them with such pride. I will never be a great chef or gourmet cook, but I will always try. I often fail, but I can't say I never tried and that is truly satisfying.

Strawberries and raspberries have been on sale lately. Stock up and make some of this delicious jam!

Ingredients:
4 cups crushed strawberries
1 cup crushed raspberries (raspberries were not on sale, but blackberries were, the substitution was tasty if you ask me)
2 Tbs lime juice
package of pectin
4 cups sugar

Directions:
Mix strawberries, raspberries & lime juice. Gradually
stir in pectin. Bring to a full roiling boil that cannot be
stirred down over high heat, stirring constantly.
Add sugar, stirring to dissolve. Return to full boil. Boil
hard for a full minute stirring constantly. Remove from
heat. Ladle into jars & process in boiling water canner
for 15 min.

Serve and enjoy or just stare at them each day for one hour like I do.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center


This is a classic with a twist. It is mostly easy and very delicious!

Ingredients for the cake:
1 box of German Chocolate Cake mix
4 eggs (not kidding) plus whatever the cake mix needs
2 pkgs of cream cheese softened
1 1/2 cups sugar

Directions:
Mix cake mix as directed. In another bowl blend cream cheese, eggs, and sugar. Grease 9 x 13 pan and pour in 1/2 cake mix, then cream cheese mixture, and top with remaining cake mix. Bake at 325 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Allow cake to cool before frosting.

For Frosting:
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup butter
3 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups coconut
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:
Combine in sauce pan sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Fold in coconut and pecans. Pour and spread over cake. Serve and enjoy! It won't last long!



Before the frosting makeover ( I shaved off the uneven parts for an even topping)


After!

Raw Spice Bar

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