Posts Tagged ‘Desserts’
Apple Fritters
Another great story I remember about donuts, specifically apple fritters, is one sunday morning mom and I went for donuts and I was still totally gung-ho and serious about my dream. We visited our neighborhood donut shop that morning and upon leaving I really wanted mom to leave a tip, just like we do at all of the other “restaurants”. She eagerly complied, as to encourage my generosity for the future, and left a couple of dollars at the table where we were sitting. Before we got half way across the parking lot though, the sweet and much older asian woman came out screaming that we had forgotten our money as she waved it high in the air. I then, the seven year old, got to explain to her that was her tip for making such great donuts. She simply smiled and looked a bit confused, but flattered. From that day on, there somehow always seemed to end up an extra donut or two in my bag! Maybe that is whyI have love everything donuts. Probably even a little too much, I tend to make myself sick on them if no one is around to take the box away.
Baklava
Thank you for your continued patience in my erratic posting, things have been very much overwhelming for me this past week or so and don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. The first wedding was really beautiful and a great success, tomorrow I am leaving for the second wedding (where I am matron of honor for my best friend from high school). I am so excited for my two great friends to enter into the wonderful roller coaster ride world of marriage; I am a HUGE fan of finding and marrying your best friend and spending the rest of your life loving and learning to love them!
A Twist on Galaktobureko
Well, summer weather here in Lesvos was in full force this weekend and instead of being home and writing the updated blog post that I needed to be, I was swimming in the sea and eating ice cream with my husband. The sea was cold, really cold, at first but after a few minutes my body adjusted and it was spectacular!!! Summer is really one of the best times to be in Greece, and I only have 10 more days of my Greek summer because I am heading to the USA in exactly 10 days! I will (unfortunately) be flying solo, my hubby will still have school and will not be able to join until (maybe) July – I am NOT too excited about that part though. Thank God for skype!!!
Vanilla Chiffon Cake with Strawberries
I have been trying to cut back on sugar and refined carbs these last coupe of weeks because in 32 days I will be standing in a short little dress on the beach while by best friend gets married to a wonderful man!
I have a problem though. I don’t like being told what to do or what I can and cannot have, even from myself 
Diets do not work for me, only exercise and nutrition do and we all know those take the longest to see results. I like desserts but don’t crave them unless I am trying to avoid them… can anyone else relate or am I just a little crazy?!
Returning Home and a Cheesecake Recipe!
We arrived back home at four o’clock this morning after a very long and somewhat perilous trip all around Greece! We took the ship last week (anywhere from 10-13 hours long) from Lesvos to Kavala, drove to Halkidiki (stayed a week), drove all the way to Athens, and took the ship back to Mytilene, I think we covered some serious ground.
TEXAS Sheet Cake
Now, I like sheet cake but if you ask my mom, aunts, or Nana… they would tell you how much they adore it. It is a very requested and well used recipe in my family, maybe only second to homemade Belgian Waffles! Let’s just say my mom has been known to sneak into people’s houses to steal a couple pieces of cake when no one was looking!
Cookies + Brownies
Maybe they should even be called “Cow Cookies”! This is perfect for a party or just a friendly gathering.
Posted in American Cookies, American Favorites | Tags: Brownies, Chocolate, Cookies, Desserts | 
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Banana Cake . . . TWO WAYS!!!
Simple Banana Crumb Cake Recipe:1 cup whole wheat flour1 cup oat flour (simple ground oats)1 tsp. baking soda1/2 tsp. salt1/2 cup butter, softened2/3 cup sugar (1/3 brown; 1/3 white)2 eggs1 cup bananas, mashed1/2 cup yogurt1-2 tsp. vanilla1/2 cup chopped, toasted walnuts, optional1/2 – 1 cup chocolate chips, optionalCrumb Topping:
3/4 cup oats
1/3 cup sugar (light brown)
1/2 -1 tsp. cinnamon
dash of salt
2 Tbsp. butter, melted
1/4 cup nuts, chopped, optional
Preheat oven to 350°. Mix all of the dry ingredients together, I prefer to use a fine hand colander. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy, then slowly add eggs one at a time. Scrape the bowl well and sift 1/2 of the dry mix and fold until moistened. Slowly keep folding in the bananas, yogurt, and vanilla. Add the remaining dry mix and gently fold until just well mixed, finally add the nuts and/or chips if you choose to do so. Pour into a cake round/square pan that has been either buttered well or parchment added.
Oreo Cheesecake with Strawberry Topping
This is one of those desserts that I made a few weeks ago but was saving to share with you until just the right moment. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t realize how tempting it would be posting pictures of dairy while still trying to stay on my Lent fast. I am just thankful that they are only pictures and not leftovers, I wouldn’t be able to resist so easily.
Kataifi Sweets
I will be making this again when we are expecting some guests, it is a bit dangerous to leave around the house when there are only two of you!
Nutella Oreo Truffles
February 5th is World Nutella Day and I have some quite delicious truffles to share with you, all made with nutella!
World Nutella Day is on February 5th and this is a chance for everyone to eat nutella in any shape or form! Please join all of us and find some nutella, plain or making something fancy.
Brown Rice Pudding
I would like to introduce you to brown rice pudding, Rizogalo is usually made with white rice, but this recipe was made using brown rice. More fiber, a more dense and chewy bite, and all around a more wholesome flavor.
Cream Cheese Brownies
Cream Cheese Brownies
1/4 cup AP flour
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup instant oats, slightly blended
1/4 cup dark cocoa powder
Dash of cinnamon or instant espresso
Dash of salt
175 g. baking chocolate bar (~ 6-8 small pieces), chopped
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 -3/4 cup sugar
Melt the butter and chocolate in a large bowl over water (or double boiler), in a separate bowl sift flours, oats, cocoa, and salt together. Once the butter and chocolate are melted, add the sugar and continue to stir. Once smooth and consistent, remove from heat and cool slightly. Begin whisking the chocolate mix while slowing adding the beaten eggs, vanilla, and espresso or cinnamon. Fold in the dry mixture and stir until just moistened. Pour into prepared pan and top with cream cheese, using a knife to make swirls. ake 35-40 minutes. If you prefer a more fudgey brownie, remove when toothpick has slight batter; if you prefer more cakey, cook until toothpick is removed clean.
Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe
6 oz Cream Cheese, softened
1/4 -1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg (optional)
Cream together and pour over brownies, using a knife or small edge to create a swirl pattern.
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Vasilopita
All the way from Lesvos, Greece … we wish you a very blessed New Year 2011. May you strive to be the person God has made you to be, may He lead you in each step you take, may you listen closely for His voice and follow, may you choose to find the love, joy, peace, and patience in everything God allows to come across your path, and may this build your faith and wisdom every day of 2011. Our coin was in Christ’s piece, I guess that means we will all be blessed this year as long as we are following Him!
Vasilopita Recipe (Makes one large round cake or two smaller cakes)
4 cups flour, sifted (I use 1/2 cups whole wheat)
2 T. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon or all spice
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1-2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups milk
zest of 1 lemon or orange
Confectioner’s sugar
1 coin (cleaned and wrapped in foil)
Preheat oven to 350°F and butter or line your round cake pan. Sift dry ingredients in small bowl and cream butter and sugar in another bowl. Add eggs to sugar mixture gradually, then stirring in vanilla and zest. Alternately mix in the dry ingredients with the milk, beginning and ending with the milk. Bake for 40-45 minutes, remove and cool on rack. Decorate with powdered sugar and or icing.
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