Almond Joy Cake

I had plans of baking up this ultra rich dessert for Easter but never got around to it. With high hopes of starting a paleo diet next week I thought what better time than the present. Indulging before I embark on my " healthier" lifestyle just felt right.... hopefully it doesn't make my transition harder!

This is a pretty easy recipe but takes about an hour or so to whip up. 

Strawberry Shortcake

I am a Jason's deli strawberry short cake addict. I CANNOT go eat at Jason's without ordering one... I just can't.

Strawberry shortcake is super simple to make and I'm not talking that store bought angel food cake with strawberry goo that gets smothered on top. I'm talking dense yellow cake layered with homemade whipping cream and fresh strawberries. 

Strawberries were on sale at the grocery store this evening so I thought what better excuse to indulge in a few extra calories this evening! 

My family LOVES strawberries so this dessert gets a 5 star recommendation from the littles. Did I mention its pretty cheap to make! Total cost is around $8 and feeds 8-10 people depending on serving size. 

Chocolate Chip Cookies

A good chocolate chip cookie recipe can compare to that little black dress every gal should have in her closet. Like a little black dress its simple, timeless, and irresistible. It's super easy and lets be honest not to many people can resist a soft buttery cookie with bits of mouth watering chocolate in every bite. 

Grandma's PTA Dessert

I'm finally uploading the famous PTA dessert!
 I spent most of the day yesterday cleaning house then happen to spot a gallon of white interior paint in the garage and had a "Look, squirrel!" moment. I ended up painting baseboards, window seals, doors, and my fire place. Needless to say bedtime came early last night.... but man what a difference fresh baseboards and doors make! Ok Ok on to the post....

My grandmother's PTA dessert has to be on my 10 favorite recipes growing up. My grandma Shirley was always in the kitchen whipping something yummy up. It was in her kitchen I developed my passion for cooking and love for creating dishes that pleased not only your appetite but your heart.  She has a picture hanging in her kitchen of me around the age of 5 or 6 all decked out in one of her aprons licking the spoon and bowl, like I did most often when I helped her in the kitchen. Maybe that's where the real love of cooking came from, the tasting part!!

This dessert has many names and quite honestly I'm not sure where the name PTA dessert came from. Some might argue the name but this yummy concoction will please any sweet tooth and that's undeniable!

Pina Colada Cheesecake

Who doesn't love a great cheesecake?! This dessert definitely had everyone talking at our Forth of July get together.... I was actually told this is now my new signature dish and a must at all future family get togethers! My pina colada cheesecake is rich in flavor and melts in your mouth with every bite. 

Surprise your friends and family with this decadent dessert at your next BBQ. Speaking of next BBQ have you heard about Raise.com?? At Raise.com you can score gift cards to some of your favorite stores at discounted prices ! I love the idea of buying and selling gift cards that can help me save big $$ bucks at my next party before I even send the invites out!!! Make your next holiday extra special and extra affordable by visiting Raise.com! For more festive and mouth watering recipes head over to the  July 4th Fun campaign at Raise.com...your guests with thank you for it later! From the menu to the party favors be the hostess with the mostest without spending the mostest at Raise.com!!!

Now on to the Pina Colada Cheesecake.... 

Pinterest Win!! Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches

Holy yummm I stumbled on a divine treat!! After church Sunday we decided to have friends over for dinner and let the kids play. While we sent the boys to grab groceries we flipped through cooks books and pinterest to find something a tad sweet to fill our dessert desires. When I saw this picture I knew it was the one.... I don't recommend this if you are diabetic! This was def a pinterest win, not only did it have my taste buds celebrating, but it was super simple to throw together!

You can find the recipe and steps over at Mel's Kitchen Cafe.


The only thing I did differently I used a 13x9 baking dish, doubled the cookie dough recipe, and used the entire quart of icecream..... Don't worry I hit the gym extra hard today just because of this little gem!

Creme Brulee Tutorial

**Updated Creme Brûlée Recipe & Video Tutorial  HERE ***



Creme brulee surely sounds fancy when said out loud, but truth be told it is a super easy dessert and perfect for entertaining. You shouldn't have to kill yourself in the kitchen to impress friends and family! Make this dessert the night before, pull from the fridge, brown the sugar, and serve!

Homemade whipping cream... Oh My..!

 

 

Homemade whipping cream is so delish!! It really takes your desserts to the next level... and its super easy to make!!!!