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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Cinnamon-Sugar Crust Cinnamon-Ribbon Bread

Whenever I host a brunch I always love to serve some type of bread or loaf because I think it’s perfect for late morning or early afternoon time and it pairs well with the other typical brunch foods. This bread is not really a bread, like you’d make a sandwich with.  It’s a wonderful spice cake.  The ribbon of cinnamon sugar in the middle of the loaf is similar to a streusel in a coffee cake, but there are no nuts in this loaf. Cinnamon-Sugar Crust Cinnamon-Ribbon Bread Recipe (Makes 1 loaf) Ingredients: 1/3 cup white sugar 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 large egg …

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