Lemon-Lime Pound Cake

I can see Spring is around the corner.  The first day of Spring is March 20th, and I can’t wait for it to get here.  I have noticed that all of my tulips and daffodils are starting to pop up.  I hear the birds already chirping and having fun being free.

I came across this Lemon-Lime Pound Cake recipe in a Southern Living magazine. The cake looked so refreshing and I thought that it would be the perfect cake to make and get me in the spirit of Spring.

Every time I make a dessert with lemon it reminds me of my mom.  My mom’s favorite desserts were all made with lemon.  She loved lemon meringue pie.  The taste of lemon really comes through in this cake because of the lemon zest in the batter.

For the cake I used a stoneware baking pan.  It gives the outside of the cake a beautiful color.  Adding just the lemon-lime glaze over the top was perfect.  The cake turned out really good.  I had  a couple of pieces with my coffee, and gave my neighbors a piece too.  Within a couple of days the cake was gone, a sign that the cake was really good.

The candied lemons were a great addition to the cake and were really tasty.

I cooked the lemon rounds in sugar and water for about 45 minutes, then I placed them on a wire rack for about a couple of hours before decorating the cake.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups butter, softened
3 cups sugar
5 large eggs
2 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup lemon-lime soft drink (7up)
shortening
lemon-lime glaze
candied lemons-optional
lime rind twists, garnish-optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10-inch bundt pan with shortening and flour, set aside. Beat butter at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beat at medium speed 3 to 5 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and extracts.

Add Flour to butter mixture alternately with lemon-lime soft drink, beginning and ending with flour. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake at 350 for 1 hour 15 or until a long wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, shielding with aluminum foil after 45-50 minutes to prevent excessive browning. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes, remove cake from pan to wire rack. Spoon Lemon-Lime Glaze over warm or room temperature cake. Top with Candied Lemons, if desire.

Lemon-Lime Glaze

2 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tsp lemon zest
1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh lime

In a bowl whisk together all ingredients until blended and smooth. For a thinner glaze, stir in an additional 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp at a time.

Candied Lemons

2 medium lemons cut into 1/8 inch thick slices
4 cups water
2 cups granulated sugar

In a large, heavy saucepan stir together water and sugar, bring to a light boil, stirring just until sugar dissolves. Add lemons, reduce heat to medium low. Gently simmer 45 minutes or until rinds are very soft and lemons are translucent, turning lemons every 15 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, and place in a single layer on a wire rack. Cool Completely.

Source:  Southern Living

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

The first time I had this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread was at a breakfast where I used to work.  My friend Omi had baked it for us and I really loved it.  I love banana bread, but I had never had it with chocolate chips.  This is absolutely delicious.  The bananas with the chocolate chips taste really good together.

This is another way you can make banana bread when you have those ripe bananas sitting on your counter.  The recipe is really easy.  You can enjoy it for breakfast or just as a snack anytime of the day.

When you cut into the chocolate banana bread you can see the melted chocolate chips all over, the walnuts and little pieces of banana.   The bread is super moist, perfect with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. 

The banana breads were in the oven for exactly 65 minutes. Make sure to check the banana bread before taking it out of the oven because temperatures vary depending on oven.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup vegetable shortening

2 eggs

3 ripe mashed bananas

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup mini-chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees F.  Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.  Mix on medium speed all ingredients except the walnuts and chocolate chips.  Then stir in the walnuts and chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a wooden stick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool for about 10 minutes, then remove from  pan.  Cool completely on wire rack.

Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

These decadent Fudgy Chocolate Brownies are to die for.  I have never met anyone that doesn't like chocolate.  I find that chocolate makes everything better, at least for me it does.  These fudgy brownies can be topped with pecans, walnuts, chocolate ganache or just a big scoop of ice cream or a glass of milk.

Perfect for any occasion, easy and very satisfying.  Make sure you eat a piece because I'm sure everyone is going to want a second serving.  

Beignets

Beignets are like doughnuts except they are square and have no holes.  If you have been to New Orleans, then you should know about Beignets.  I've never been, but I know these soft as pillow fried deliciousness are their specialty.  Beignets, is French for "fritters". Beignets are raised pieces of yeast dough, that after frying they are sprinkled with confectioners' sugar.

I had my eye on this recipe for a while, and finally I decided to make them.  I can't believe I waited so long, these things are delicious, the outside is crispy and soft as pillows on the inside.  You won't eat just one, believe me.  These Beignets are on my top 5 all time favorite desserts.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

These Chocolate Covered Strawberries are great for any special celebration.  Make these for your significant other on Valentine's Day, which is only a couple of days away.  Valentine's Day is all about love and chocolate.

Open up a bottle of dessert wine like a Moscato to go with the strawberries and enjoy.  I promise you, they will all be gone before you know it. 

Blueberry 'n' Cheese Coffee Cake

This delicious mouth watering Blueberry 'n" Cheese Coffee Cake gets its moistness from the fresh blueberries and the cream cheese.  The crumb topping has lemon zest and it smells delicious.

My mom loved coffee cakes, and I wish she was still around so that she could help me make and enjoy this one with me.  I'm sure she would have loved it. 

 

Red Velvet Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

When I first moved to Atlanta, GA everyone I met would say "You have to try the Red Velvet Cake" and so I did.  I was very disappointed.  I found that the Red Velvet Cake was a little too dry for me.  As years went by I wanted to give it a try, but this time I was going to get in my kitchen and make it myself.

I started comparing different recipes from baking cookbooks I own and recipes online.  I found this recipe from a book I purchased a few months ago, The Complete Cook's Country TV Show Cookbook.  I reviewed the recipe and it sounded easy and the cake on the picture didn't look dry.

So, this weekend I decided to try out the recipe and I'm so happy I did.  Instead of a cake I decided to make cupcakes.  These cupcakes are delicious, super moist and with the Cream Cheese Frosting, a perfect combination.  Now I have a different opinion of this cake.

Vanilla Creme Brulee

There is nothing more delicious than this Vanilla Creme Brulee. This is a great finale to a great meal and this dessert can be served warm or cold.  If you are looking for the perfect dessert to serve to your significant other on Valentine's Day, this is it.

There are many dishes and desserts on my bucket list.  This one was one of them, and I'm happy I was able to make it.  I'm never intimidated by cooking or baking anything, the more complex the recipe the better. 

This is a really easy dessert to make. Review the recipe and you will be surprised as to how easy it is. 

Sinful Layer Chocolate Cake

Why go out and buy a chocolate cake when you can just make it at home.  This Sinful Layer Chocolate Cake is just that, sinful.  This cake is moist and delicious and perfect for any celebration. 

Making a dinner for your significant other for Valentine's Day?  Why not bake this wonderful cake, they are going to be impress.  As you know Valentine's Day is all about chocolate and this cake is just perfect for the occasion.

Another reason to make this cake today is because today is National Chocolate Cake Day.  

Strawberry Shortcake

As promised, here is a fantastic and delicious Strawberry Shortcake recipe. This dessert is perfect for Valentine's Day.  Make this for your significant other, and they will love you even more.  This is a really easy recipe to make and the results are impressive. 

Arroz Con Dulce (Rice Pudding)

Growing up in a Puerto Rican family Arroz con Dulce was something my family and I looked forward to during the holidays.  I learned to make it watching my mom.  She had the biggest aluminum pot you can find. She would make about 10 plates, and believe me all 10 plates would be gone before new years.

I remember the house smelling so good with the cinnamon and cloves. A sign that we were about to celebrate one of the biggest holidays, Christmas.  Christmas brings back so many memories of my mom and dad.  It's really hard, but cooking these dishes makes me happy because I'm keeping up with our tradition. I hope to pass it on to my nephews and nieces.

This recipe is an old recipe, the only thing I changed was not using fresh coconuts. It takes about 2-3 hours to cook the Arroz Con Dulce.  But let me tell you, it is delicious and worth it.

Baked Pumpkin Custard

Custards are these creamy, delicious desserts that are perfect for any occasion.  Eating this Baked Pumpkin Custard is like eating a pumpkin pie without the crust.  I love making desserts that are easy, and this is one of them. 

Having company over for the holidays? Make this dessert in less than an hour.  The best part about it, you can eat it warm or cold. 

I love that this custard is not extremely sweet.  It's velvety and melts in your mouth!!

Ingredients

3 large eggs

1-15 ounce can 100% pure pumpkin

1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie

1-14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk

1 1/3 cups whole milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

boiling water

sweetened whipped cream

cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees F

Whisk eggs in large bowl, then add the pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice until blended.  Whisk in sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, vanilla and salt until blended.

Pour into 6-6 ounce custard cups. Place custard cups into a 13x9 baking pan.  Place dish on oven rack in the center of the oven. Pour boiling water into pan around custard cups to a depth of 1 1/4 inches. Bake for 35 minutes or until center are almost set.

Remove custard cups from baking dish and place on wire rack to cool.  serve warm or cold.  top with whipped cream and sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon over the top before serving.

Best Coffee Cake Ever

This is the Best Coffee Cake Ever.  This sweet and delicious coffee cake has a rich crumbly topping that is perfect for breakfast or even as a dessert right after dinner.  I love desserts that I can enjoy with a cup of coffee, and this is one of them.

This is a crumbly topping with cinnamon and pecans.  Super moist and flavorful,  perfect for the holidays.  It's a Christmas morning breakfast cake that everyone will enjoy.

Gingerbread Men

This is my first time making these Gingerbread Men.  I have made ginger cookies and cakes before, but never these.  I thought it would be fun to decorate them and then eat them with a nice cup of coffee.

Have your children help you to decorate these cookies, they will have a lot of fun. 

Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for the holidays.  I've made these a couple of times before and they are a hit.  I have made them with coconut too and they are delicious.  I used raspberry preserves for these, but you can use any kind of jam or preserves you like.

These cookies are fun to make.  If you have children have them help you make the indentation with their thumbs and add the jam.  This is a great way to include your children in what you are doing and spent time with them.

Guava Cheesecake

Guava pastries are one of my favorite things to eat.  I thought why not incorporate the guava paste into a cheesecake. This is the best recipe I've come up with.  The cheesecake is creamy and the taste of the guava comes through in every piece.

Oatmeal Craisin Cookies with Chocolate and Coconut

If you love oatmeal, cranberries, chocolate chips and coconut, why not make a cookie with everything in the mix.  I love, love these cookies, specially the coconut. You can see the cranberries and the coconuts in the cookies.

Eat them right out of the oven when the chocolate chips are still melted.  These are really delicious, highly recommend this recipe.

Ingredients

3/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup all fashioned oats

1/2 cup shredded coconut 

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup dried cranberries-Craisins

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees F
Line baking sheet with parchment paper

In a medium bowl mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir to mix, set aside.  In your mixing bowl combine the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar, beat on med-high until smooth.  Beat in the egg and vanilla until incorporated. Add in the oats coconut, chocolate chips and cranberries, mix well.

Drop scoops of dough, about 1 tablespoon into the prepare baking sheet about 2 inches apart.  Bake for 12 minutes until set and golden, rotating the pans halfway through baking. Let cool on pan for about 2 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely. 

Source: Very Culinary.com

Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

My favorite cookies are Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and my husband's favorite cookies are Peanut Butter.  So, today I decided to make him some Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies.  He is going to be a happy husband. 

These are really easy to make.  Make these ahead of time this holiday and enjoy them with your family.

The cookies have a nice soft, but crunchy texture and the filling is super creamy.  Just Perfect!!

Cookie Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 cup peanut butter, creamy or chunky

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

Peanut Butter Filling Ingredients

4 tbsp of unsalted butter

1/4 cup confectioners sugar

3/4 cup peanut butter

1/2 tsp salt

For the Cookies

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees F

Place oven rack in the center and line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.

In the bowl of your mixer beat together the butter, peanut butter and sugars until light and fluffy.  Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat to combine.  In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt.  Add to the peanut butter mixture and beat to combine.

Take one tablespoon of batter and place on cookie sheet 2 inches between each cookie mount.  Press the dough with the back of the fork that has been dipped in granulated sugar. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are light brown around the edges.  Cool completely on a wire rack.

For the Filling

Beat all ingredients in your mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium until smooth.  

To Assemble

Take one peanut butter cookie and spread about 1 tbsp of the filling onto the flat side of the cookie. Top with a second cookie, flat side down to make a sandwich. If not serving right away, cover and refrigerate.

Source: Joy of Baking and Martha Stewart.com

Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans

During the holidays I like to bake lots of cookies.  Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans is one of our favorite.  During the holidays when we are just hanging out, playing board games I like to bake a batch.  Double the recipe because these will go really fast.

I like to add pecans, but you can add walnuts or just omit the nuts completely.

The cookies are soft but firm.  The addition of the pecans makes the cookies even better.  Enjoy with a nice cup of milk. 

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups unsifted flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 eggs

2 cups Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans-optional

Preheat oven to 375 Degrees F

Stir flour with baking soda and salt; set aside.  Beat butter with sugar and brown sugar at medium speed until creamy.  add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated.

Gradually blend dry mixture into creamed mixture.  Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.  Drop by tablespoon onto ungreased cookie sheets.  Bake for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown.

Source: Ghirardelli.com

Gingerbread Cake

I wanted to bake something I had not baked before.  I was looking through many of my books and there were so many recipes I wanted to do.  Then, I came across this recipe for Gingerbread Cake.

This recipe is perfect for this time of year.  As it bakes, it fills the house with such a great smell of cinnamon, ginger and cloves.  It makes the house warm and cozy. 

This is a perfect way to end my night, with a  piece of gingerbread cake and a big cappuccino.  The cake tastes just like ginger and it's super moist.  Great recipe choice!

Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

1/8 tsp ground cloves

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup light brown sugar

2 eggs

zest of 1 lemon

1/2 cup of unsulphured molasses

1 cup milk

Preheat oven 350 Degrees F

Place rack in center of oven.  Butter and flour a 9 inch round or square pan with 2 inch sides.

In a bowl combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.  In the bowl of your electric mixer, beat together the butter and the sugar until light and fluffy.  Add the eggs, one at a time beating well after each addition.  Add the lemon zest and molasses and beat to combine.  Scrape the side of the bowl as needed.

Add the dry ingredients and milk, alternately, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat just until incorporated. 

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing from cake pan. 

Source: Joy of Baking