Category: CAKES & PIES

CHOCOLATE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

I collect old recipe boxes. I am always on the look out when I browse antique stores. In one of those boxes I found this scrap of a recipe that was for Chocolate Upside down cake. If you turn it over it appears to be a flyer or insert from Pyrex.

This cake was amazing! It doesn’t rise a lot and is almost torte like, but the cake is light and fluffy. It is super rich and makes it’s own icing!  It is best served warm. I can also see a bunch of variations such as espresso powder, white chocolate…

CHOCOLATE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE
1 1/4 cups cake flour
3/4 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 ounce square bittersweet chocolate
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup broken nut meats (I used HEATH English Toffee Bits)

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
  • Melt together the butter and chocolate together until smooth.
  • Fold together the chocolate mixture into the flour mixture with the nut meats.
  • Pour into a well greased deep 9 inch baking pan.

2 tablespoons cocoa
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar

  • Mix together the cocoa, sugar and brown sugar until well blended.
  • Sprinkle over cake evenly.

1 cup boiling water

  • Pour boiling water slowly over the sugar layer.
  • Bake 1 hour.
  • Cool 5 minutes.
  • Invert carefully to serving platter.

MARDIS GRAS KING CAKE

So Mardi Gras begins tomorrow and I thought this would be a good time to run this recipe for Mardis Gras King Cake. I threw in some history for you also since King Cake isn’t just for Mardi Gras though that is what it is most famous for these days.  I do have to admit I made this cake a few years back when we were living in Texas during Mardi Gras season though since then I have made it for Epiphany without the Mardi Gras colors and using traditional Christmas colors.

A king cake (sometimes rendered as kingcake, kings’ cake, king’s cake, or three kings cake) is a type of cake associated with the festival of Epiphany in the Christmas season in a number of countries, and in other places with Mardi Gras and Carnival.

The “king cake” takes its name from the biblical three kings. Catholic tradition states that their journey to Bethlehem took twelve days (the Twelve Days of Christmas), and that they arrived to honor the Christ Child on Epiphany. The season for king cake extends from the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas (Twelfth Night and Epiphany Day), through to Mardi Gras day. Some organizations or groups of friends may have “king cake parties” every week through the Carnival season.

Related culinary traditions are the tortell of Catalonia, the gâteau des Rois in Provence or the galette des Rois in the northern half of France, and the Greek and Cypriot vasilopita. The galette des Rois is made with puff pastry and frangipane (while the gâteau des Rois is made with brioche and candied fruits). A little bean was traditionally hidden in it, a custom taken from the Saturnalia in the Roman Empire: the one who stumbled upon the bean was called “king of the feast.” In the galette des Rois, since 1870 the beans have been replaced first by porcelain and, now by plastic figurines; while the gâteau des Rois Also known as “Rosca de Reyes” in Mexico.

In the southern United States, the tradition was brought to the area by colonists from France and Spain and it is associated with Carnival, which is celebrated in the Gulf Coast region, centered on New Orleans, but ranging from the Florida Panhandle to East Texas. King cake parties in New Orleans are documented back to the eighteenth century.

The king cake of the New Orleans Mardi Gras tradition comes in a number of styles. The most simple, said to be the most traditional, is a ring of twisted bread similar to that used in brioche topped with icing or sugar, usually colored purple, green, and gold (the traditional Carnival colors) with food coloring. Cajun king cakes are traditionally deep-fat-fried as a doughnut would be, and there are many variants, some with a filling, the most common being cream cheese and praline.

It has become customary in the New Orleans culture that whoever finds the trinket must provide the next king cake or host the next Mardi Gras party.

Some say that French settlers brought the custom to Louisiana in the 18th century where it remained associated with the Epiphany until the 19th century when it became a more elaborate Mardi Gras custom. In New Orleans, the first cake of the season is served on January 6. A small ceramic figurine of a baby is hidden inside the cake, by tradition. However now, the tradition is giving way to the baby being supplied and the customer placing the baby were ever they wish in the cake. Whoever finds the baby is allowed to choose a mock court and host the next King Cake party the following week (weekly cake parties were held until Mardi Gras).

The classic king cake is oval-shaped, like the pattern of a racetrack. The dough is basic coffee-cake dough, sometimes laced with cinnamon, sometimes just plain. The dough is rolled out into a long tubular shape (not unlike a thin po-boy), then shaped into an oval. The ends are twisted together to complete the shape  (HINT: if you want to find the piece with the baby, look for the twist in the oval where the two ends of the dough meet. That’s where the baby is usually inserted.) The baby hidden in the cake speaks to the fact that the three Kings had a difficult time finding the Christ Child and of the fine gifts they brought.

The cake is then baked, and decorated when it comes out. The classic decoration is simple granulated sugar, colored purple, green, and gold (the colors of Carnival). King cakes have gotten more and more fancy over the years, so now bakeries offer iced versions (where there’s classic white coffee cake glaze on the cake), and even king cakes filled with apple, cherry, cream cheese, or other kinds of coffee-cake fillings.

King Cake is traditionally served with chicory coffee’ as Coffee’ au lat’. It is best eaten warm and if you must break tradition, it can be eaten with ice cream, preferably chocolate.

King cakes are available at bakeries all over South Louisiana, but only after January 6 through Mardi Gras Day.

Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday” (in ethnic English tradition, Shrove Tuesday), referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which started on Ash Wednesday. Related popular practices were associated with celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the penitential season of Lent. Popular practices included wearing masks and costumes, overturning social conventions, dancing, sports competitions, parades, etc. Similar expressions to Mardi Gras appear in other European languages sharing the Christian tradition. In English, the day is called Shrove Tuesday, associated with the religious requirement for confession before Lent begins.

MARDI GRAS KING CAKE (makes 2 cakes)

PASTRY
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
2/3 cup warm water
1/2 cup white sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  
FILLING
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup melted butter
  
FROSTING/GLAZE
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 tablespoon water

  • Scald milk, remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of the butter. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature. 
  • In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in the warm water with 1 tablespoon of the white sugar. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
  • When yeast mixture is bubbly, add the cooled milk mixture. 
  • Whisk in the eggs. 
  • Stir in the remaining white sugar, salt and nutmeg. 
  • Beat the flour into the milk/egg mixture 1 cup at a time. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil.
  • Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 2 hours. 
  • When risen, punch down and divide dough in half.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 
  • Grease 2 cookie sheets or line with SILPATS or parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped pecans, 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup raisins. 
  • Pour 1/2 cup melted butter over the cinnamon mixture and mix until crumbly.
  • Roll dough halves out into large rectangles (approximately 10×16 inches). 
  • Sprinkle the filling evenly over the dough and roll up each half tightly like a jelly roll, beginning at the wide side. 
  • Bring the ends of each roll together to form 2 oval shaped rings. 
  • Place each ring on a prepared cookie sheet. 
  • With sharp knife make cuts 1/3 of the way through the rings at 1 inch intervals. Let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. 
  • Push the doll into the bottom of the cake. 
  • Decorate with beads.
  • Frost while warm with the glaze.

BANANA CREAM CHEESECAKE- revisited

My favorite all time cheesecake is the Banana Cream at the Cheesecake Factory with gooey hot fudge, caramel, fresh sliced bananas and fresh whipped cream. I kept trying to replicate the recipe and I believe I have finally developed a recipe that compares with the Cheesecake Factory.
BANANA CREAM CHEESECAKE

CRUST
20 vanilla cream-filled sandwich style cookies
1/4 cup butter, melted

FILLING
3-8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 eggs
3/4 cup finely mashed banana (2 medium bananas)
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon maple extract

  • Use a blender to finely chop the cookies.
  • Add butter and blend until they are well blended.
  • Press mixture into the bottom of a 10″ springform pan and smooth it out.
  • Refrigerate the crust while you make the filling.
  • Beat cream cheese until creamy.
  • Add in sugar and cornstarch followed by the eggs one at a time.
  • Beat in the bananas, whipping cream, and vanilla.
  • Pour mixture into crust.
  • Place pan on a cookie sheet and bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes.
  • Reduce oven temperature to 200 degrees and bake an additional 75 minutes, or until center is almost set.
  • Allow to cool completely before removing sides. Before removing the pan, run warm water over a knife and slide a knife around the edge of the cake to separate the cake from the pan cleanly.
  • Refrigerate cheesecake, uncovered, at least 6 hours.
  • Serve with sliced fresh bananas, Caramel Sauce, Mocha Hot Fudge Sauce and fresh whipped cream.
CARAMEL SAUCE

1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
3/4 cup sugar
2+ tablespoons water

  • Combine the cream and butter in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Remove from the heat.
  • In a medium saucepan cook the corn syrup over a medium heat until bubbly. Fold in 1/4 cup of the sugar and continue to cook until the edges begin to turn a light amber color. Add in 1/4 cup sugar more and repeat until all the sugar is blended in. Continue cooking until amber color darkens stirring constantly.
  • Remove from the heat and carefully fold in the cream mixture.
  • Cook over medium heat stirring frequently until caramel is bubbling.
  • Serve warm.
  • Makes 1 1/2 cups. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
  • Microwave20-30 seconds to soften refrigerated caramel before serving.

MOCHA HOT FUDGE SAUCE 
1/3 cup warm water
1/4 cup light corn syrup
scant 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons sugar
4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, melted & cooled
3 tablespoons strong brewed coffee
2 tablespoons golden rum

  • In a medium saucepan blend together the water, corn syrup dissolving the sugar and cocoa into it until smooth.
  • Bring to a low boil.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in the chocolate until smooth.
  • Gradually add the coffee and rum until desired flavor and consistency is reached.
  • Serve warm.
  • Makes 1 1/2 cups. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
  • Microwave20-30 seconds to soften refrigerated caramel before serving.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER STICKY BUNS/SPIRAL CAKE

This recipe can easily be made into one larger cake or individual sticky buns.  It’s YUMMY both ways!!!! 
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER STICKY BUNS/SPIRAL CAKE
adapted from The Galley Gourmet
Dough
2 1/2 + cup KING ARTHUR all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup water
2 extra large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon.  
  • In a small saucepan over low heat, heat the milk and butter just until the butter melts.  
  • Add the water and set aside until warmed to 120º F-130º, about 1 minute.  
  • Pour the milk mixture over the flour mixture and mix on low speed until combined.  
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after addition.  
  • Add the vanilla. 
  • Add 1/2 cup more flour and continue to mix on low speed until smooth, about 30-45 seconds.  
  • Add 2 tablespoons of additional flour and mix on medium speed until the dough is smooth, but slightly sticky.  
  • Sprinkle you work surface with flour. 
  • Knead the dough gently on the floured work surface until it is smooth and no longer sticky, adding an additional 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour if needed.  
  • Place the dough in a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap.  
  • Let the dough rise in a warm, draft free place until it has doubled in bulk, about 45-60 minutes.

Butterscotch Glaze
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon molasses
1/4 cup (2-ounces) unsalted butter
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon WHITE CHRISTMAS (RUM & BRANDY)

  • Meanwhile, lightly coat a 9 x 2-inch round cake pan with non-stick spray.  
  • In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the brown sugar, sugar, molasses, butter, and water and heat until the butter is completely melted.  
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the WHITE CHRISTMAS.  
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and tilt the pan to cover the bottom evenly; set aside.

Cinnamon-Butter Filling
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup milk chocolate chips, chopped small
1/4 scant cup peanut butter chips
1/2 cup golden raisins (soaked in White Christmas for an hour and then drained VERY well)

  • In a small bowl, stir together the butter and cinnamon.
  • Center a rack in the oven and preheat to 350º. 
  • Press down slightly on the dough to relieve the gas build-up.  
  • On a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough into a 16 x 12-inch rectangle.  
  • Using a pastry brush, spread the cinnamon-butter evenly over the dough.  
  • Sprinkle the dough with the chopped chips.  
  • Cut the dough into six 2-inch wide strips.  
  • VERY loosely (so the dough has some give as it expands in the oven) roll up one strip and place it in the center of the prepared pan on top of the glaze.

  • Continue coiling the remaining dough strips around the center strip (cinnamon-butter side facing towards the inside) one at a time, starting each strip at the end of the previous one to make a single large spiral.  
  • Loosely cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the cake rise in a warm, draft free place until it is almost doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
  • Bake the cake until the top is deep golden brown, about 20 minutes.
  • Loosely tent with foil and continue baking 15 minutes.
  • Let cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack.
  • Gently tilt the pan and tap the side on a counter to release the sides of the cake.  
  • Invert a serving platter on top of the cake, then invert the pan and the plate.  
  • Leave the pan on the cake for 1 minute so the glaze transfers to the cake, then gently lift off the pan.  
  • Using a rubber spatula, scrape out any glaze remaining in the pan and spread it over the warm surface of the coffee cake.  
  • Serve the cake warm or at room. 

SOUR CREAM APPLE COFFEE CAKE

This SOUR CREAM APPLE COFFEE CAKE is so versatile – use whatever appropriate fruit is in season – love it with strawberries in May or peaches in August!

SOUR CREAM APPLE COFFEE CAKE
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups flour, sifted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla
4 large Honey Crisp Apples

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  • Spray 9×9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Prepare the topping (see below) and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, cream together butter, sugar and eggs.
  • Add sour cream and vanilla, blending well.
  • Whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt until combined.
  • Gradually add flour mixture to the cream mixture until well mixed.
  • Pour half the batter into prepared baking dish. 
  • Layer half the apples over the batter.
  • Top with a scant half of the topping.
  • Pour remaining batter over topping, followed by the remaining apples and topping.
  • Bake 1 hour or until tester comes out clean.
  • Cool completely.
  • Refrigerate for an hour before serving.
  • Heat and top with Caramel sauce before serving (optional).

1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup Fisher’s Cinnamon Pecans

  • Combine the brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon and pecans, mixing well.
  • Set Aside.

APPLE CARAMEL CHEESECAKE

APPLE CARAMEL CHEESECAKE

CRUST
2 cups crushed gingersnap and vanilla wafer crumbs*
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup Fisher’s Cinnamon Pecans
11 ounce bag Kraft caramels
1/2 cup milk

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Combine cookie crumbs, melted butter and the pecans.
  • Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9 inch springform pan.
  • Using a double boiler whisk together the milk and caramels until smooth.
  • Pour half of the caramel mixture over the crust, refrigerating the rest for later.
  • Refrigerate crust while making the filling.

FILLING
(2) 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened at room temperature
2/3 cup extra fine sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla
2 large Honey Crisp apples, peeled, cored and sliced thin

  • In a large mixing bowl cream the cream cheese until smooth.
  • Gradually add sugar until well incorporated.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, blending until VERY smooth.
  • Blend in vanilla.
  • Spread mixture evenly over prepared crust.
  • Arrange apple slices evenly over cream cheese mixture.
  • Bake on enter rack for 50-60 minutes until set (center should be only be SLIGHTLY jiggly.
  • Remove from oven and cool 20 minutes.

TOPPING
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons extra fine sugar
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla

  • Increase oven temperature to 475 degrees.
  • Whisk together sour cream, sugar and vanilla until smooth.
  • Spread evenly over cheesecake.
  • Bake 5 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and cool 30 minutes.
  • Chill at least 3 hours (I do 8-10 hours).

GARNISH
1 Hershey’s milk chocolate ball
1 square unsweetened baking chocolate
1/2 cup Fisher’s Cinnamon Pecans

  • Grate chocolates together.

TO SERVE

  • Microwave reserve caramel sauce 15 seconds.
  • Pour a small amount over each slice and then sprinkle with chocolate gratings and reserved pecans.

*If you prefer the original recipe called for graham cracker crumbs

BLACK FRIDAY THANKSGIVING WRAP UP with NEW RECIPES for GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE, CRANBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE SAUCE, PUMPKIN PECAN BUTTER CAKE with CARAMEL SAUCE & CINNAMON PECANS

As I mentioned before, I DO NOT shop Black Friday, unless it’s from the comfort of my desk chair talking to a computer.  Thanksgiving weekend for us is and always has been casual.  This year was no exception. With just 2 of us this year I bought a turkey breast only.  So my questions is, where does the rest of the turkey go?

Our range is on the way out also – losing the heating elements one by one and the oven is now 75 degrees under temperature.  I didn’t want to take a chance so I started the turkey breast in the slow cooker and then used the oven to only brown the top.  Amazingly, it turned out PERFECT!  I see great turkey sandwiches tomorrow! And there are plenty of leftovers until the new range is installed next week.

Our morning started out foggy and drizzly before turning to serious cold and rain.  I did manage to capture this Robin hanging out in the old garden bed.

And the first opening bloom of the Christmas Cactus this season.

99.9% of my recipes are made from scratch, but every now and then I do cheat a bit.  Part of Thanksgiving’s dessert, PUMPKIN PECAN BUTTER CAKE with CARAMEL SAUCE & CINNAMON PECAN was one of those small cheats and believe me I will cheat again, but next time I’ll add some fresh whipped cream.  MOST of the recipe is scratch ingredients, but it called for a Betty Crocker SuperMoist yellow cake mix.  Instead I used a SuperMoist BUTTER PECAN cake mix and it was FABULOUS!  I’ll give you the original recipe (which for the life of me I can’t remember where it came from – probably pinterest) with my changes in red.

GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
3-15 ounce cans cut green beans, drained VERY WELL!
2 1/2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons Wondra
1 1/4 cup whole milk
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon each, paprika, sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Savory Spice Shop Hidden Cove Lemon Garlic Blend
1 teaspoon celery flakes
2 tablespoons Riverhouse Parmesan Herb dressing **
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup +/- French’s French fried onion rings

  • Over medium heat melt butter in saucepan.
  • Whisk in Wondra until golden.
  • Add milk and heavy cream gradually, bringing to a boil JUST SLIGHTLY!
  • Reduce heat and simmer, stirring continuously until sauce begins to thicken.
  • While still stirring add in paprika, salt, pepper, Lemon Garlic and celery flakes. When you reach your desired consistency set pan aside to cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl toss the green beans with the Riverhouse Parmesan Herb dressing.
  • Pour sauce over beans and gently toss and coat.
  • Pour into a baking dish and top with crumbled bacon and fried onion rings.
  • Bake 20-30 minutes until heated through.

**If you can’t find this brand, Litehouse Parmesan Caesar is a great substitute.

CRANBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE SAUCE
1 bag cranberries
1 cup pomegranate seeds

1/2 cup fresh squeezed tangerine juice with pulp*
1/2 cup pineapple juice*
2 cups sugar
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon orange peel
  • Wash cranberries and drain in colander.
  • Mix tangerine juice, pineapple juice and sugar in saucepan until dissolved.
  • Add cinnamon and orange peel. Stir well.
  • Add the cranberries and pomegranate seeds simmering over medium high heat until bubbling, stirring often.
  • When the mixture begins to boil, reduce heat.
  • Cook uncovered or until all cranberries and pomegranate seeds have ’popped’.
  • Sauce will thicken as it cools.
  • Can be stored in the refrigerator for a week or frozen for future holidays.

Yields: 2 cups
*You can use ALL orange juice if you prefer

***I like to make a double batch at Thanksgiving and freeze half for Christmas.

PUMPKIN PECAN BUTTER CAKE with CARAMEL SAUCE & CINNAMON PECANS
CAKE BOTTOM 
1 Betty Crocker SuperMoist yellow cake mix (Butter Pecan)
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 Egg

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Line the bottom of your 10 inch springform pan with parchment paper. I cut a square sheet and close it into the seam of the bottom with the latch and then trim into a circle. Lightly spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  • NOTE: you can use a 9×13 cake pan, but coat it well with non-stick cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl combine the cake mix, melted butter and egg until well blended.Press batter into the bottom of your springform pan.

FILLING 
8 ounces softened cream cheese
15 ounce can pumpkin
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla
1/2 teaspoon orange peel 
3 eggs
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Caramel sauce (recipe follows) 
Candied pecans (I used Fisher’s Cinnamon Pecans) 
Kraft Caramel Balls 
Smucker’s Pineapple Sauce, slightly warmed (optional)

  • In a large mixing bowl beat together the cream cheese and pumpkin until smooth.
  • Add melted butter, vanilla and eggs, beating until well combined.
  • Fold in powdered sugar, orange peel and pumpkin pie spice until just mixed.
  • Pour batter over cake base and smooth even.
  • Bake 60-75 minutes until cake is set and top is only slightly wobbly (similar to a cheesecake consistency).
  • COOL COMPLETELY on a wire rack BEFORE removing the pan.
  • Serve sliced with Caramel sauce, pineapple sauce, caramel balls and pecans.

NOTE: YOU WILL NEED LESS TIME USING A 9X13 PAN!

CARAMEL SAUCE 
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
3/4 cup sugar
2+ tablespoons water

  • Combine the cream and butter in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
  • Remove from the heat.
  • In a medium saucepan cook the corn syrup over a medium heat until bubbly.
  • Fold in 1/4 cup of the sugar and continue to cook until the edges begin to turn a light amber color.
  • Add in 1/4 cup sugar more and repeat until all the sugar is blended in.
  • Continue cooking until amber color darkens stirring constantly.
  • Remove from the heat and carefully fold in the cream mixture.
  • Cook over medium heat stirring frequently until caramel is bubbling.
  • Serve warm.
  • Makes 1 1/2 cups.

Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Microwave 20-30 seconds to soften refrigerated caramel before serving.

I’m off to wrap Christmas presents – Have a great weekend! 

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PERFECT CHEESECAKE FOR BAKING PARTNERS

We had many scrumptious choices this month – too many – hard to choose just one. It was a beautiful and classic cheesecake, tangy and sweet, with a velvety smooth and rich texture.I added my homemade caramel sauce and served it for Easter.

Perfect Cheesecake.jpg

adapted from Perfect Cheesecake by Simply recipes for Baking Partners GROUP April 2013

Crust
2 cups of Graham cracker crumbs (I used a combo of ginger snaps and vanilla wafers)
2 tablespoons sugar
Pinch sea salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (if using salted butter, omit the pinch of salt), melted
Filling
32 ounces cream cheese at room temperature and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 1/3 cup sugar
Pinch of Sea salt
2 teaspoons PURE vanilla
4 large eggs
2/3 cup regular sour cream
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
Topping – I omitted to help cut down on the cholesterol since I was adding the caramel sauce
2 cups regular sour cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

CRUST PREPARATION

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Place a 9 inch spring form pan on a large sheet of heavy duty foil.  Smooth foil up the sides rolling at the top edge.  You are basically making your pan water proof.
  • Grind the graham crackers and/or ginger snaps in a food processor until finely ground.
  • In a large bowl stir together the crackers, sugar and salt. With your hands blend in the melted butter until you have a uniform consistency.
  • Press the cracker crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared springform pan.
  • Bake for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool.
  • Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees.

FILLING PREPARATION

  • Cream the cream cheese until smooth.
  • Add the sugar and beat for a few minutes more.
  • Add the salt and vanilla, beating until well blended after each addition.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until well blended after each addition.
  • Add the sour cream, beating until well blended.
  • Add the heavy cream, beating until well blended.
  • Scrape down the sides of the mixer bowl scraping up any thicker bits of cream cheese that has stuck to the sides or bottom.

BAKING

  • Place the foil-wrapped springform pan in a large, high-sided roasting pan.
  • Pour about 2 quarts of boiling water around the pan.
  • Pour the prepared cream cheese filling into the springform pan over the cracker crust.
  • Smooth the filling level.
  • Bake on the lower rack of your oven.
  • Carefully pour the hot water into the roasting pan creating a water bath for the cheesecake. Pour enough water to reach halfway up the side of the springform pan.
  • Bake at 325 degrees for 1 1/2 hours.
  • Turn off the oven.
  • Crack open the oven door 1-inch or so, and let the cake cool in the oven for 1 hour. Slow cooling this way helps prevent cracking in the cheesecake.
  • Remove the cake from the oven and discard the foil.
  • With a fresh piece of foil, tent the cheesecake so that the foil doesn’t actually touch the cheesecake.
  • Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight.

TOPPING PREPARATION

  • In a large mixing bowl cream together the sour cream, powdered sugar and vanilla, until well blended.
  • Chill topping mixture until you are ready to serve the cake.

PREPARE THE CAKE FOR SERVING

  • Run a table knife around the inside edge of the spring form pan to release anything that might have stuck during baking.
  • Remove outer pan ring.
  • Spread the sour cream topping evenly on cheesecake.
  • Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve.
  • Enjoy.

CARAMEL SAUCE
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
3/4 cup sugar
2+ tablespoons water

  • Combine the cream and butter in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
  • Remove from the heat.
  • In a medium saucepan cook the corn syrup over a medium heat until bubbly.
  • Fold in 1/4 cup of the sugar and continue to cook until the edges begin to turn a light amber color.
  • Add in 1/4 cup sugar more and repeat until all the sugar is blended in.
  • Continue cooking until amber color darkens stirring constantly.
  • Remove from the heat and carefully fold in the cream mixture.
  • Cook over medium heat stirring frequently until caramel is bubbling.
  • Serve warm.

Makes 1 1/2 cups. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
NOTE: Microwave20-30 seconds to soften refrigerated caramel before serving.

RECONSTRUCTED GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE with TOASTED COCONUT MOCHA BUTTERCREAM ICING

This is one of the lightest and fluffiest cakes I have ever made. Almost burning the toasted coconut adds a complex layer of flavor and crunch.

RECONSTRUCTED GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE with TOASTED COCONUT MOCHA BUTTERCREAM ICING
CAKE
4 ounces German Sweet Chocolate
1/2 cup  water
4 eggs, separated
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon  baking soda
1/4 teaspoon  salt
1 cup  butter, softened
2 cups  sugar
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla
1 cup  buttermilk

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Spray pan(s) with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Microwave chocolate and water in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after every 30 seconds. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
  • Beat egg whites in small bowl with mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form; set aside. 
  • Sift together flour, baking soda and salt. 
  • Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. 
  • Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each. 
  • Blend in melted chocolate and vanilla. 
  • Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating until well blended after each addition.
  • Add egg whites; stirring gently until well blended. Pour into prepared pans.
  • BAKE 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. 
  • Immediately run small spatula around cakes in pans. 
  • Cool cakes in pans 10-15 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. 

ICING**
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
1 +/- tablespoons milk
1 cup “burnt” toasted coconut
1/2 batch Caramel

  • Cream butter.
  • Add powdered sugar one cup at a time to the butter and bled well.
  • Add vanilla and stir until smooth.
  • Microwave chocolate on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after every 30 seconds. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
  • Add chocolate to sugar mixture, blending well.
  • Add milk until desired consistency.
  • Fold in 1/4 cup toasted coconut to icing.
  • Ice cake and top with remaining toasted coconut.
  • Just before serving pour a bit of warm Caramel on top,

**If making a 2-3 layers cake double the icing so you have enough for between layers and on the sides.

    BUTTERFINGER PIE

    I’ve had a long week here with multiple visits to the emergency vet for Gunner’s ear, a knee problem that has kept me immobile a lot of the time as well as FUMING mad at the medical “professionals” that are dealing with it.  
    The ultrasound technician who performed one of the tests on me over 2 months ago, my primary care provider and I believe hit the nail on the head as to the cause.  Now, if we could just get the “specialists” and their staffs as well as the primary care physician’s staff to get all their crap together maybe, JUST MAYBE I could actually get treated so I can walk again without pain.
    In the meantime, I need pie.  Don’t you need pie?  Make this pie and you won’t be disappointed.

    BUTTERFINGER PIE

    CRUST
    24 OREO cookies, crushed
    3 tablespoons butter, melted

    • Blend together the crushed cookies and butter until you have a uniform consistency.
    • Press cookie crumbs into your 9 inch spring form pan.
    • Place in the freezer while you prepare the filling.

    FILLING
    8 ounces cream cheese
    1/2 cup JIF creamy peanut butter
    1/4 cup superfine sugar
    pinch of Sea Salt
    8 ounces cool whip
    3 King size candy bars, chopped fine

    • Cream the cream cheese until smooth.
    • Add peanut butter, sugar and salt beating until fluffy.
    • Fold in the cool whip with a spatula just until incorporated.
    • Fold in 2/3 +/- of the candy bar pieces, reserving enough to sprinkle on top as a finish.
    • Remove crust from the freezer.
    • Pour into the prepared crust and spread smooth.
    • Top with remaining candy bar pieces.
    • Chill at least one hour (overnight is best) before serving.

    CARROT CAKE CHEESECAKE

    It’s my birthday and combining my two favorites, carrot cake and cheesecake to make a new single favorite!  It is like a bite of heaven!  IT IS ALSO SUPER RICH!  Next time I’m going to try a pumpkin carrot cheesecake.

    CARROT CAKE CHEESECAKE

    Prep Time: 35 minutes          Cook Time: 1 hour          Total Time: 8 hours, 35 minutes
    Yield: 8- 10 servings

      CHEESECAKE MIXTURE 
      2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened well (but not melted)
      2/3 cup granulated sugar
      1 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
      2 large eggs
      1 teaspoon PURE vanilla extract
      1/2 cup sour cream

        CARROT CAKE MIXTURE
        1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
        1/2 teaspoon baking soda
        1/2 teaspoon baking powder
        1/4 teaspoon salt
        1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
        1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
        1/2 cup canola oil
        1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
        2/3 cup granulated sugar
        1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
        2 large eggs
        1 teaspoon PURE vanilla extract
        1 1/3 cups finely grated carrots 
        1/3 cup golden raisins (soaked in rum until plump and drained well)

        TOPPING
        2 ounces cream cheese, softened
        1 tablespoons butter, softened
        1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
        1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons sour cream
        1/2 teaspoon  PURE vanilla extract
        1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)

        CHEESECAKE MIXTURE

        • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
        • Butter a 9-inch spring form pan and set aside.
        • In a mixing bowl, whisk together sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoon flour until well combined. 
        • Add cream cheese bit by bit using an electric hand mixer set on low speed blending together until smooth. 
        • Mix in eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition.
        • Add vanilla. 
        • Blend in sour cream. 
        • Tap bowl against counter top several times to release the air bubbles and set mixture aside.

        CARROT CAKE MIXTURE

        • Rinse beaters clean. 
        • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cup flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
        • In a large mixing bowl combine canola oil, applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract and blend mixture using electric hand mixer set on low speed for 1 minute. 
        • With mixer running on low speed, slowly add in dry ingredients and mix until well blended. 
        • Add carrots and mix until evenly distributed. 
        • Fold in raisins by hand.
        • Tap bowl forcefully against counter top several times to release large air pockets.

        ASSEMBLY

        • Pour 1 1/2 cups carrot cake mixture into buttered springform pan and spread into an even layer. 
        • Dollop about 1/3 of the cream cheese mixture by the spoonfuls over carrot cake layer (don’t spread or swirl). 
        • Carefully spoon remaining carrot cake mixture over cream cheese layer, then finish by drizzling by the remaining cheesecake mixture over carrot cake layer, working to cover all of the carrot cake mixture.
        • Bake in preheated oven 60 – 65 minutes, until center portion only jiggles slightly.
        • Tent with aluminum foil at 40 minutes to prevent excessive browning (tent in a way that the foil doesn’t touch cheesecake or it will stick). 
        • Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack 1 hour.
        • Cover with foil and chill in refrigerator 6 hours.
        • Add topping and chill overnight.

        TOPPING

        • In a mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer, whip together cream cheese and butter until smooth. 
        • Add remaining topping ingredients and mix until pale and fluffy, about 4 – 5 minutes. 
        • Spread evenly over cheesecake then chill cheesecake in freezer for 20 – 30 minutes. 
        • Sprinkle edges with chopped pecans. 
        • Store in refrigerator in an airtight container. 
        • Enjoy!

        Original recipe Source: adapted from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe and Relish

        OREO COOKIE CAKE aka BAT’S BREATH CAKE

        OREO COOKIE CAKE aka BAT’S BREATH CAKE
        1 cup white sugar
        1/2 cup butter
        2 JUMBO eggs
        1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
        1/2 teaspoon maple extract
        1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
        1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
        6 crushed OREO cookies
        1/2 cup whole milk

      • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
      • Grease and flour a 9×9 inch BUNDT pan.
      • In a medium bowl, cream the butter.
      • Add sugar and cream again.
      • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until well blended.
      • Add in the vanilla and maple extracts.
      • Sift together the flour and baking powder.
      • Add to the creamed mixture and mix well.
      • Blend in the milk until batter is smooth.
      • Pour into the prepared pan.
      • Bake for 30 to 40 minutes.
      • Cake is done when it springs back to the touch.

        • DARK OF NIGHT FROSTING
        8 tablespoons butter, melted
        3 cups powdered sugar
        2/3 cup Hershey’s cocoa
        1/3 cup milk

      • Mix all together.
      • Spread over cooled cake.
      • Decorate with orange candy balls.