Rhubarb Torte

from my step mom, Linda.

Another good name would be "Rhubarb crack." Seriously, it's that good.

First layer:
2 sticks butter at room temp
2 c flour
2 egg yolks
2 t vanilla
1/2 t salt

Mix & pat in bottom of 9x13 pan.

Second layer:
Mix:
2 c sugar
a heaping 1/4 c flour
1 can sweetened condensed milk
4 beaten egg yolks
5 c rhubarb [abt 1.25 lbs]

Put second layer over first in pan.

Bake 45 mins at 375F. Top with meringue:

6 egg whites & 1/2 c sugar beaten/ whipped til stiff

Return to oven. Bake for another 15 mins.

Loveli CCC's

The best chocolate chip cookies EVER.

Mix together for a long time...
1 1/2 c butter
2 c brown sugar
2 c white sugar
4 eggs
2 T vanilla

Mix first on low, and then medium high.

Mix in bowl...
6 1/2 c flour
2 t salt
2 t baking soda
2/3 c chocolate chips

Turn mixer back to low and slowly add flour mixture. Dough should be a little sticky.

Preheat oven to 375F
Make into balls
Bake 8-10 mins or until barely golden brown (if baking 2 sheets at once, switch at about 6 mins).

German Apple Cake

from my friend Michael

Serves: 24
 
Ingredients:
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups white sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 cups apples – peeled, cored and diced
 
Directions:
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour one 9x13” cake pan.
• In a mixing bowl, beat oil and eggs with an electric mixer until creamy. Add the sugar and vanilla and beat well.
• Combine the flour, salt, baking soda and ground cinnamon together in a bowl. Slowly add this mixture to the egg mixture and mix until combined. The batter will be very thick. Fold in the apples by hand using a wooden spoon. Spread batter into the prepared pan.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until cake tests done. Let cake cool on a wire rack. Once cake is cool, serve with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar or with a cream cheese frosting.

crumb cake

from Kraft cooking maumgazine
serves 8

Ingredients:
1 T butter
1 3/4 c graham crackers
1/2 c packed brown sugar
1/4 c chopped walnuts
2 t cinnamon
2 eggs
1 tub (8 oz) cool whip

Directions:
1. Melt butter in microwave. (in 2 qt at least 2 inch deep dish)
    Add 1/2 c graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 c sugar, nuts, and 1 t cinnamon;
    mix well. Set aside.
2. Beat eggs in large bowl w/ wire whisk add cool whip, remaining graham
    crackers, sugar, and cinnamon; stir til just blended. Spread over crumb mixture.
3. Microwave on medium 9-10 min or til cake start to pull away from side of dish,
    turning after 5 mins (top will be slightly moist). Place serving plate on top of dish;
    invert cake. Remove dish. Sprinkle any crumbs remaining on bottom of dish over
    cake. Fluff crumb topping w/ fork. Serve immediately.

Banana Split "cake"

from Kraft

serves 24

Ingredients:
9 graham crackers, finely crushed (abt 1 1/2 c)
1 c sugar, divided
3/4 c butter, melted
2 pkg (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
6 bananas, divided
2 pkg (3.4 oz each) vanilla instant pudding
2 c cold milk
2 c cool whip, thawed, divided
1 c pecans

Directions:
Mix crumbs, 1/4 c sugar, and butter; press onto bottom of 13x9 inch pan. Freeze 10 mins.
Beat cream cheese and remaining sugar with mixer until well blended. Spread carefully over crust; top w/ pineapple. Slice 4 bananas; arrange over pineapple.
Beat pudding mixes and milk w/ whisk 2 mins. Stir in 1 c cool whip. spread over banana layer in pan. Top w/ remaining cool whip. Refrigerate 5 hours. Slice remaining bananas just before serving; arrange over dessert. Top w/ nuts.

Nutritional jazz: 270 cal; 15 g fat; 250 mg sodium; 33 g carbs; 3 g protein

Berry cheesecake parfaits

I love this one- it's really easy and yummy!
serves 8

Ingredients:
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese
1 1/2 c cold milk
1 pkg (3.4) vanilla instant pudding
1 1/2 c thawed cool whip
24 nilla wafers, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 c mixed berries

Directions:
Beat cream cheese in medium bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in milk. Add dry pudding, mix well. Whisk in 1 c cool whip
Layer half each of wafers, berries and pudding in 8 parfait glasses. Repeat layers.
Top w/ remaining cool whip.

Nutritional jazz: 270 cal; 15 g fat; 350 mg sodium; 29 g carbs; 4 g protein

Easy Carrot cake

from Kraft

Serves 18

Ingredients:
1 pkg (2 layer) spice cake mix
3 large carrots, shredded (abt 2 c)
1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
1 c pecans, chopped, divided
2 pkg (8 oz each) cream cheese
2 c powdered sugar
1 tub (8 oz) whipped cream

Directions:
Heat oven to 350F
Prepare cake batter as directed on package; stir in carrots, pineapple; and 3/4 c chopped nuts. Pour in 2 (9 in) square pans sprayed w/ cooking spray.
Bake 25-30 mins or until toothpick comes out cleanly. Cool in pans 10 mins; invert onto wire racks. Remove pans. Turn cakes over; cool completely.
Beat cream cheese and sugar til well blended. Whisk in cool whip.
Stack layers on a plate. spreading frosting between layers and top and sides of cake. Top w/ remaining nuts. Keep refrigerated.

Substitute: yellow cake plus 2 t ground cinnamon for spice cake mix.

Nutritional Jazz: 390 cal; 23 g fat; 300 mg sodium; 45 g carb; 5 g protein

Apple cupcakes with cinnamon marshmallow frosting

From eating well

serves 12

Ingredients:
CUPCAKES
1 1/2 c shredded peeled apples
1/2 c diced dried apples
3 T packed light brown sugar, plus 3/4 cup, divided
1 t ground cinnamon, divided
1/3 c canola oil
2 large eggs
1 t vanilla extract
3/4 c whole-wheat pastry flour
3/4 c cake flour
3/4 t baking soda
1/4 t salt
1/2 c nonfat buttermilk

FROSTING
1 c light brown sugar
1/4 c water
2 egg whites
1/4 tn cream of tartar
Pinch of salt
1 t vanilla extract
1/2 t ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish

Directions:
1. To prepare cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 12 muffin cups with cupcake liners or coat with cooking spray.
2. Combine shredded and dried apples in a bowl with 3 T brown sugar and 1/4 t cinnamon. Set aside. Beat oil and the remaining 3/4 c brown sugar in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined. Beat in eggs one at a time until combined. Add vanilla, increase speed to high and beat for 1 minute.
3. Whisk whole-wheat flour, cake flour, baking soda, salt and the remaining 3/4 t cinnamon in a medium bowl.
4. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, starting and ending with dry ingredients and scraping the sides of the bowl as needed, until just combined. Stir in the reserved apple mixture until just combined. Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups. (The cups will be full.)
5. Bake the cupcakes until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean, 20 to 22 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before frosting.
6. To prepare frosting: Bring 2 inches of water to a simmer in the bottom of a double boiler (see Tip). Combine 1 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup water in the top of the double boiler. Heat over the simmering water, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved, 2 to 3 minutes. Add reconstituted egg whites, cream of tartar and pinch of salt. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed until the mixture is glossy and thick, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the top pan from the heat and continue beating for 1 minute more to cool. Add vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and beat on low just to combine. Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes and sprinkle cinnamon on top, if desired.

Tips and notes:
Make Ahead Tip: Store unfrosted cupcakes airtight at room temperature for up to 1 day.

Nutritional jazz:
267 calories; 7 g fat; 35 mg cholesterol; 48 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 2 g fiber; 188 mg sodium; 73 mg potassium.

Blueberry cupcakes

more yummy healthy cupcakes from Eating well

serves 12

Ingredients:
CUPCAKES
1 large Yukon Gold potato, peeled and cut into small chunks
3/4 c whole-wheat pastry flour (see Note)
3/4 c cake flour
1 1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
3/4 c granulated sugar
1/4 c canola oil
1 large egg
1/2 t coconut extract or vanilla extract
1/2 c nonfat buttermilk (see Tip)
1 c blueberries, fresh or frozen (thawed and drained), plus fresh blueberries for garnish

FROSTING
3/4 c granulated sugar
3 T water
4 t dried egg whites (see Note), reconstituted according to package directions (equivalent to 2 egg whites)
1/4 t cream of tartar
Pinch of salt
2-3 T blueberry preserves or jam
1/4 t coconut extract or vanilla extract

Directions:
1. To prepare cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.
2. Place potato in a saucepan, add water to cover and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and mash until very smooth. Measure out 3/4 c and let cool slightly. (You may have some potato left over.)
3. Whisk whole-wheat flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda and 1/2 t salt in a medium bowl.
4. Beat granulated sugar and oil in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Beat in egg, 1/2 t extract and the 3/4 c mashed potatoes until combined. With the mixer on low, alternately mix in the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients and scraping the sides of the bowl as needed, until just combined. Fold in 1 cup blueberries. Divide the batter among the prepared cups (they will be full).
5. Bake the cupcakes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 22 to 24 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.
6. To prepare frosting: Once the cupcakes are cool, bring 2 inches of water to a simmer in the bottom of a double boiler (see Tip). Combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons water in the top of the double boiler. Place over the simmering water and heat, stirring, until the sugar is melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Start beating the mixture with an electric mixer on high speed; add reconstituted egg whites, cream of tartar and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the mixture looks like a glossy, thick frosting, 5 to 7 minutes. Off the heat, beat for 1 minute more to cool. Add 2 tablespoons (or more, depending on desired color) blueberry preserves (or jam) and 1/4 teaspoon extract and beat on low just to combine. Spread or pipe the frosting on the cooled cupcakes and decorate with fresh blueberries on top, if desired.

Tips and notes:
Make Ahead Tip: Store unfrosted cupcakes airtight at room temperature for up to 1 day.
Ingredient Notes: Look for whole-wheat pastry flour in the natural-foods section of large supermarkets and natural-foods stores. Store in the freezer. Pasteurized dried egg whites are a wise choice in recipes that call for uncooked egg whites. Look for brands like Just Whites in the baking or natural-foods section of most supermarkets.
Tips: No buttermilk? You can make “sour milk” as a substitute: mix 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup nonfat milk. To improvise a double boiler, bring 2 inches of water to a simmer in a large saucepan, set a medium or large metal bowl over the simmering water. Allow at least an inch between the water and the bottom of the bowl.

Nutritional jazz:
206 calories; 1 g fat; 18 mg cholesterol; 47 g carbohydrates; 27 g added sugars; 3 g protein; 1 g fiber; 439 mg sodium; 156 mg potassium.

Raspberry-Swirl cupcakes

What?! Healthy cupcakes? Yup and tasty to boot.

from Eating well

serves 12

Ingredients:
CUPCAKES
2 c raspberries, fresh or frozen (thawed and drained), plus 12 fresh berries for garnish (about 12 ounces total)
1 T plus 3/4 c granulated sugar, divided
3/4 c whole-wheat pastry flour (see Note)
3/4 c cake flour
1 1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1/4 c canola oil
2 large eggs
1 t vanilla extract
1 t freshly grated lemon zest
1/2 c nonfat buttermilk (see Tip)

FROSTING

8 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
1 c packed confectioners’ sugar
1/2 t freshly grated lemon zest

Directions:
1. To prepare cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners; coat the liners with cooking spray.
2. Puree 2 cups raspberries and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl, pressing with a rubber spatula to extract all the puree; discard seeds. Reserve 4 teaspoons of the puree for the frosting.
3. Whisk whole-wheat flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.
4. Beat 3/4 cup granulated sugar and oil in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Beat in eggs, vanilla and 1 teaspoon lemon zest until well combined. With the mixer on low, alternately mix in the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients and scraping the sides of the bowl as needed, until just combined.
5. Fill the prepared cups half full of batter. Place a scant tablespoon of raspberry puree on each cup (you may have some left over). Divide the remaining batter evenly among the cups. Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to swirl and fold the puree into the batter.
6. Bake the cupcakes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 22 to 24 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.
7. To prepare frosting: Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest and the reserved 4 teaspoons raspberry puree with an electric mixer until smooth. Refrigerate the frosting until very cold, at least 2 hours. Spread the frosting on the cooled cupcakes and decorate with a raspberry on top, if desired.

Tips & notes:
Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate the frosting (Step 7) for up to 3 days. Store cooled cupcakes airtight at room temperature for up to 1 day.
Ingredient Note: Look for whole-wheat pastry flour in the natural-foods section of large supermarkets and natural-foods stores. Store in the freezer.
Tip: No buttermilk? You can make “sour milk” as a substitute: mix 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup nonfat milk.

Nutritional jazz:
272 calories; 10 g fat; 49 mg cholesterol; 41 g carbohydrates; 24 g sugars; 5 g protein; 2 g fiber; 486 mg sodium; 85 mg potassium.

Dough!

Dough's MADE to be eaten raw. Yep, you read right, raw. Awesome.
From Willowbird Baking

Chocolate chip ready-to-eat safe cookie dough
makes abt 1 1/2-2 c dough
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
4 to 6 tablespoons water

Directions:
In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Stir in the flour, salt, vanilla and chocolate chips. Add the water one tablespoon at a time stirring between each, until the dough reaches cookie dough consistency.

Sugar ready-to-eat cookie dough
makes abt 1 1/2-2 c dough
Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups and 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
1-2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar for 2-3 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale yellow. Mix in flour and vanilla. Add water one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each, until you reach cookie dough consistency.

Cake Batter ready-to-eat dough
makes abt 1 1/2-2 c dough
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup yellow cake mix
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons sprinkles
4-8 tablespoons water

Directions:
In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar for 2-3 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale yellow. Mix in salt, flour, cake mix, sprinkles, and vanilla. Add water one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each, until you reach cookie dough consistency.

Turtle Brownies

From Pioneer Woman

One of my favs! Serves 12

Ingredients:
14 oz weight package Of caramels, unwrapped
⅔ c evaporated milk, divided
1 package (18.25 Oz. Box) German Chocolate cake mix
¾ c butter, melted
1 c Chopped Pecans (or Walnuts)
1 c Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9”x13” baking pan.

Melt caramels and 1/3 cup evaporated milk in the microwave; set aside.

Mix together cake mix, melted butter, remaining 1/3 cup evaporated milk, and nuts.

Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Bake for 6 to 7 minutes and remove from the oven.

Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips on the baked layer. Drizzle melted caramel over the chocolate chips and drop remaining dough by small spoonfuls over the caramel. It is okay if there is some caramel showing through—that looks yummy!

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 16 to 18 minutes.

Cool. Cut into squares. Enjoy!

Razzy Jazzy Tartlettes

From Taste of Home
serves 36

Ingredients:
1 c butter, softened
2 packages (3 oz each) cream cheese, softened
2 c all-purpose flour
1/2 t salt
1-1/2 c fresh blueberries
2/3 c blueberry preserves
1-1/2 c fresh raspberries
2/3 c seedless raspberry jam

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Combine the flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Drop by scant tablespoonfuls into 36 greased miniature muffin cups. With well-floured hands, press dough onto bottoms and up sides of cups.

Bake tarts at 325° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

In a small bowl, combine blueberries and blueberry preserves; spoon into half of the tarts. In another bowl, combine raspberries and raspberry jam; spoon into remaining tarts. Enjoy

Super-chunk brownies

makes 2 dozen

Ingredients:
6 squares (1 oz ea) semisweet chocolate
3/4 c unsalted butter
1 c flour
1 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
4 eggs
1 1/2 c sugar
1 t vanilla
1/2 c chopped walnuts
1/2 c dried cherries or cranberries
1/2 c choc chips

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350F. Coat 12 x 7.5 x 2 inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Melt choc squares and butter on top of double boiler over simmering water or microwave for 30 sec intervals until melted, stirring between intervals.

3. Stir together flour, baking powder and salt in large bowl.

4. Beat eggs and sugar in second large bowl until blended, 3-5 mins. Stir in choc mixture and vanilla until blended. Beat in flour mixture.

5. Reserve 2 T nuts. Add remaining nuts, dried cherries and choc chips to batter. Scrape into pan. Sprinkle reserved nuts over top.

6. Bake at 350F for 30-35 mins or until firm on top. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

German Chocolate Oreos

From Family Favorite recipes
makes about a dozen

Ingredients:
For the cookies:
1 German Chocolate Cake mix
1/2 c. butter (or margarine) softened, NOT melted
1 egg
1 t vanilla

For the frosting:
1/2 cube (or stick) butter, softened
4 oz. cream cheese
1-2 c. powdered sugar
1 t vanilla
2 t milk
1 container coconut topping (the kind in the plastic container by all the frostings)

Directions:
Mix "cookie" ingredients together into cookie batter texture, roll into balls as big as desired (walnut size). Bake at 350 degrees for about 8-9 minutes. Do not over-cook (they may seem underdone but they aren't, you want them to be soft and chewy). Leave cookies on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes after removing from oven. Allow to cool completely before adding frosting.

For the frosting: Mix butter and cream cheese with an electric beater until smooth. Add powdered sugar a little at a time, then add vanilla and milk. Keep adding powdered sugar to reach desired consistency. Mix equal part cream cheese frosting and coconut topping (you can do this any way you want- it doesn't have to be EXACTLY equal.. add more of the topping you like best). Assemble cookies by spreading with coconut/frosting mixture in the middle of 2 of the German Chocolate cookies.

Berry Tartlettes

From food.com

Makes 24 tarts

Ingredients:
For Tart filling:
4 eggs
1 c sugar
1 1/4 c milk
4 T cornstarch
3 1/4 T butter
1 pinch salt
1 1/2 t vanilla
1/4 cup vanilla soymilk or sweetened almond milk
3 -5 T orange zest
2 T confectioners' sugar

Crust:
2 c flour
1 c finely ground cornmeal
1/2 t salt
1 1/2 c unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
2 c confectioners' sugar
1 -2 T lemon juice
1 1/2-2 t vanilla
1 3/4 T cornstarch

Fruit:
1 (8 ounce) bag berries, medley (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries) or 1 (8 ounce) bag fresh berries

Directions:
1. Making the filling; warm to a simmer the plain milk in the microwave or in a small saucepan/ Be sure it doesn't boil.

2. Beat the eggs into the milk and gradually add the sugars and cornstarch. Beat in the soymilk/ almond milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the butter. Continue stirring until it reaches desired thickness (about the thickness of a mousse) and remove from heat.

3. Add the orange zest and set aside to cool. Refrigerate until needed.

4. Making the crust;Position a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 325 F.

5. Set a muffin tin with muffin liners and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cornmeal, vanilla extract and salt to blend. Gradually add the remaining ingredients using a rubber spatula or spoon (I would recommend dipping the tool of choice in flour before proceeding, as it will stick).

6. The dough will become sticky and resemble that of a sugar cookie dough.

7. Continue stirring with your weapon of choice (be it a spatula or spoon) until all of the flour and or flour-like substances are well combined and can form a dough ball.

8. Line each of the muffin cups with the dough (much like you would a pie, so be sure to leave enough room for the tart filling). Fill the crust-lined muffin cups with pennies or pie weights to maintain a good shape (be sure to have some wax paper or parchment paper in between your pie weights/pennies and your crust

9. Bake at 325 for approximately 15-20 minutes until the edges are golden brown and puffed. Let cool.

10. Once the shells are cool; fill with the pre-made refridgerated tart filling and top with berries.

Chocolate Whoopies

makes 24

"Pie" ingredients
1 2/3 c flour
2/3 c unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
4 T butter, room temp
4 T veggie shortening
1 c packed dark brown sugar
1 egg
1 t vanilla
1 1/4 c milk

Filling ingredients
1 1/2 c marshmallow fluff
1 1/4 c veggie shortening
1 c confectioner's sugar
1 T vanilla

Directions
1. Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 375F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Sift together flour, cocoa, soda, and salt on sheet of wax paper. In work bowl of a stand mixer w/ paddle attachment, beat butter, shortening, and brown sugar on low until just combined. Increase to medium & beat 3 min. Add egg & vanilla; beat 2 more minutes.
3. Add half the flour mixture and half of milk to batter; beat briefly on low. Beat in remaining flour and milk.
4. Using a spoon drop 1 T at a time onto one of the baking sheets, spacing at least 2 inches apart. Bake one sheet at a time for about 10 min or until pies spring back when pressed gently. Remove from oven; let cool on sheet for 5 min; transfer pies to rack to finish cooling.
5. To make filling: Beat fluff and shortening for 3 mins on medium. Reduce to low, and add sugar and vanilla. Beat until incoporated. Increase speed to medium, beat til fluffy.
6. Sandwich filling between flat sides of two pies; repeat for all pies.

Enjoy!

German chocolate Brownie

One word: Yum!

Brownie ingredients:
1 c. unsalted butter
3 1/2 oz. unsweetened chocolate
3 T. unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 t baking powder
1 ts salt
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
1 t vanilla
1 c. chocolate chips

Directions:
Melt butter and unsweetened chocolate. Sift cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt together. Beat eggs; add sugar, vanilla, and cooled butter-chocolate mixture. Stir in dry ingredients. Spread batter in greased 9x13-inch pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. (Don't overbake). Let cool for about 10 minutes and then put the frosting on.

Frosting ingredients:
1 c. evaporated milk
3 egg yolks
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter or margarine
1 t vanilla
1-1/2 c. coconut
1 c. chopped pecans (optional)

Directions:
Combine milk, egg yolks and sugar in a heavy saucepan. Whisk till thoroughly blended. Add butter. Cook and stir over medium heat till thick; about 12 minutes. Add vanilla, coconut, and nuts. Cool till thick enough to spread onto brownies.

Oreo Cupcakes

Cupcake ingredients:
24 Oreo halves, with cream filling attached
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
8 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 2/3 cup sugar
3 large egg whites, at room temperature
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup milk
20 Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped

Cream Cheese Frosting ingredients:
8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
6 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tbsp. heavy cream

Garnish appointments:
Oreo cookie crumbs
24 Oreo cookie halves

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Line the wells of two cupcake pans with 24 paper liners. Place an Oreo halve in the bottom of each liner, cream side up.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the butter and sugar and beat together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Blend in the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in the vanilla extract.

With the mixer on low speed, beat in half of the dry ingredients just until incorporated. Add the milk and beat just until combined, then mix in the remaining dry ingredients. Gently fold in the chopped Oreos with a rubber spatula until evenly incorporated, being careful not to over-mix.

Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through baking, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the frosting, combine the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on medium-high speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Blend in the vanilla extract. Beat in the powdered sugar until incorporated and smooth, 1-2 minutes. Add the heavy cream to the bowl and beat on medium-low speed just until incorporated, then increase the speed to medium-high and whip for 4 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Frost the cooled cupcakes as desired. Sprinkle with Oreo crumbs and garnish with Oreo halves.

Oatmeal Cake with Coconut Walnut Frosting

One word to describe this cake- YUM! I remember a friend of mine made it for me in Ohio. This is my version of the recipe though. (I added the walnuts because I love nuts in sweets)

The Cake
Ingredients:
1 1/2 c boiling water
1 c oatmeal (old fashioned or quick)
1/2 c butter (1 stick)
2 eggs, beaten
1 c brown sugar
1 c sugar
1 t soda
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t nutmeg
1 t vanilla
1 1/3 c flour

Directions:
Pour boiling water over oatmeal and add the butter. Let stand until butter is melted. Add all other ingredients. Mix together well. Pour into a greased and floured 9×13 pan. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes.

The Frosting
1/2 c butter (1 stick)
1/2 c sugar
1/4 c evaporated milk
1-2 c shredded coconut (whatever you prefer, I like more coconut on it personally)
1 c chopped walnuts (or pecans) (optional)
1 t vanilla

Directions:
Melt butter in quart size pan and add sugar, evaporated milk. Bring to a boil and cook until thickens, about 4 minutes on my stove. Remove from heat and stir in coconut, nuts, and vanilla. Pour over cake and broil in oven until toasty looking.