Raspberry Cheese Danish

The day after I made some goodies for my blog, including my cheese danish, I had asked my husband what he was in the mood for me to make.  I tend to ask him this question a lot.  I hope he hasn’t gotten sick of it.     😉  He told me that he wanted the cheese danish again.  Again, so soon?  Yes, that’s how good it was! A request for a repeat, only one day later from when I made it, is awesome. Of course I wanted to honor his request, but I mixed it up a bit.  I took the …

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Strawberry-Pecan Bars

There are many days where I wish I could press the “easy button.”  I’m sure you’ve been there.  How about making a dessert that’s almost as easy as pressing that button?  Meet these strawberry-pecan bars.  They use everyday ingredients, are easy to make, and they’re easy to eat.     😉 The cookie layers remind me of a soft buttery brown sugar shortbread.  As if that’s not awesome enough, there is a sweet layer of strawberry preserves in the middle. Strawberry-Pecan Bars Recipe (Makes about 24 servings) Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt …

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Java Chip Frappuccino

Chocolate has two best friends, peanut butter and coffee.  Today, chocolate and coffee are hanging out.     🙂 Starbucks is a fabulous thing for coffee lovers like me and every now and then I’ll treat myself.  Have you ever had their Java Chip Frappuccino?  It’s an iced sweet chocolate coffee drink.  I’ve created a version of it to feel like I’m at my own personal coffee house. Java Chip Frappuccino Recipe (Serves 1) Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups ice 1/2 cup skim milk 1/4 cup cold water 1 tablespoon dry creamer (I used Coffee-Mate, The Original) 1 tablespoon chocolate cocoa mix …

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Blueberry Pie

Blueberry pie is a classic and with blueberry season upon us I simply had to make it!   When partnered with vanilla ice cream (a must-have with a slice of blueberry pie), it melts and mixes with the blueberry goo from the pie. The result is a magical creamy purple substance that requires plate licking when you are done! Blueberry Pie Recipe (10 inch pie, serves 8) Ingredients: 1 layer of pie crust (homemade or store-bought), uncooked 3/4 cup white sugar 3 tablespoons cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 4 to 5 cups fresh blueberries Directions: Preheat the oven …

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Flaky Amazing Pie Crust

In general, baking is like a road map.  Follow the directions to get to your destination, in this case a baked goodie.  I like that baking is precise… most of the time.  However, sometimes baking requires a judgment call, which is where I tend to get flustered.  I found most homemade pie crust recipes to be vague and subjective and that intimidated me.  I assumed it must be difficult and time consuming so I avoided it.  I was wrong!  I simply lacked the confidence that I could do it, until I met my husband. When I met my husband about …

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