Ultimate S’mores Brownies made with Almond Flour

ULTIMATE S’MORES BROWNIESDo you love S’mores? Do you love brownies? Well, hold on tight because you are about to get the recipe for both in one!!! 

Ingredients for Step 1 – Prepare Brownies:

  • 2 TBSP Butter or Margerine, softened
  • 1/2 Cup Sugar
  • 1 Egg, Large
  • 1/4 Cup Almond Milk
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Cup Almond Flour (Extra Fine)
  • 1/4 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1/8 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder (Gluten-free or regular)
  • 1/2 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips

Step 1 – Brownies: Preheat oven to 350º F.

Cream together butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Blend in the egg. Next blend in the almond milk and the vanilla.

In another bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, sea salt, and baking powder. After whisking these dry ingredients  thoroughly, combine them with the butter mixture and blend until mixed together. Then, stir in the dark chocolate chips.

Spray non-stick cooking spray into an 8 X 8 baking pan. Then, pour the batter in the pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

When finished, remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool completely before you begin Step 2.

Ingredients for Step 2 – S’Mores Topping:

  • 1 – 7 oz. Jar Marshmallow Cream
  • 1 – 10 oz. Bag of Mini Marshmallows
  • 10 Graham Cracker Sheets (Gluten-free or regular)
  • 1 – 10 oz, Bag of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Step 2 – S’mores Topping:

On top of the cooled brownies, spread half of the jar of the marshmallow cream. Then place 8 graham cracker sheets on top of that. Next, spread the remaining half of the marshmallow cream on top of those graham crackers. Next, break-up the remaining 2 graham cracker sheets into pieces (not too small) and place them in a bowl. Mix in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. Next, distribute them evenly over the 2nd layer of marshmallow cream.

Now, we want to melt the chips and melt the mini marshmallows until they are golden brown. To do this, you could simply but the pan back in the oven, place it under the broiler in the oven, or use a convention/toaster oven set to broil. Whichever method you use, keep an eye on it, as you do not want the marshmallows to burn.

Once the marshmallows are golden brown, remove them and let them cool. You might want to leave them in the refrigerator until they are completely cooled before trying them. Finally, cut them and enjoy!

Beautiful Fruit Tart Recipe


Fruit Tart Recipe and Demo by The Joy Of Baking!

Here’s a great recipe and video demonstration for a lovely fruit tart dessert by our friends at Joy of Baking! Please follow the link to their YouTube channel and subscribe.

For the detailed instructions on how to prepare, please copy and paste this link to go to The Joy of Baking’s Website:

http://www.joyofbaking.com/FruitTart.html

Here are the ingredients you will need:

Sweet Pastry Crust:

1 1/2 cups (195 grams) all purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated white sugar

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Pastry Cream:

1 1/4 cups (300 ml) milk (whole or 2%)

1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

3 large egg yolks

1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated white sugar

2 tablespoons (20 grams) all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons (20 grams) cornstarch (corn flour)

1/2 tablespoon liqueur (Grand Marnier, Brandy, Kirsch) (optional)

Apricot Glaze: (optional)

1/2 cup (120 grams) apricot jam or preserves

1 tablespoon water

Topping:

3 cups (720 ml) fruit (raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, kiwifruit, bananas, plums, pineapple, melon, etc.)

 

 

We Bare Bears Cupcakes

A great and fun demo/recipe from Nerdy Nummies! Checkout her website for more fun recipes (weblink at the below instructions)

Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tablespoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • ½ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • White sanding sugar
  • Light brown sanding sugar
  • Black jelly beans
  • White, brown and black candy melts

Equipment:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Brown cupcake liners
  • Cupcake tray
  • Ice cream scoop
  • Small offset spatula
  • White buttercream frosting in a decorating bag fitted #809 tip
  • Black royal icing in a decorating bag fitted with #2 tip

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder and salt.
  3. In a large bowl beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing between each addition.
  5. Beat in honey and vanilla extract until well combined.
  6. On low speed, alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
  7. Scoop batter into lined cupcake trays and bake for 18 minutes.

Time to decorate!

  1. Use a #809 tip to pipe a dome of white buttercream frosting on top of each cupcake.
  2. Dip 8 of the cupcakes into white sanding sugar and the other 4 into brown sanding sugar (PICTURE at 2:56).
  3. Place black jelly beans in the center of each cupcake – these will be the noses.
  4. Place black, white or brown candy melts on each cupcake according to which bear it represents (PICTURE at 3:21).
  5. Use black royal icing with a #2 tip to pipe details on the faces (PICTURE at 3:34).
  6. TaDa! These honey flavored cupcakes are BEARy good!

We Bare Bears

Caramel Carrot Cake

I always have loved eating carrot cake. I just always thought it’d be too hard to try to make it, until….

From Home Cooking Adventure’s YouTube channel:

Carramel Carrot Cake – two layers of really moist carrot cake frosted with the best caramel cream cheese frosting ever and topped with plenty of homemade salted caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Makes about 12-16 servings

Carrot Cake Batter
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp (6g) baking powder
1 1/2 tsp (9g) baking soda
1 tsp (5g) salt
2 tsp (6g) cinnamon
1/2 tsp (2g) nutmeg
4 eggs
1 cup (200g) brown sugar
1/2 cup (100g) sugar
1 1/4 cups (275g) vegetable/canola oil
12 oz (350g) finely grated carrot (about 4-5 medium carrots)
1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped

Caramel Sauce
1 cup (200g) sugar
1/4 cup (60ml) water
1/2 cup (120g) whipping cream
2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract
1 tsp (5g) salt

Cream Cheese Frosting
17 oz (500g) cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/4 cup (300g) whipping cream, 35%fat, chilled
1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
1/3 cup (80g) caramel sauce

For Decoration
remaining caramel sauce (160g)
pecans

1. Prepare the carrot cake layers. Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Grease and line with parchment paper two 9 inch (23 cm) round cake pans.

2. In a medium bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl add eggs with both sugar and mix for few minutes until creamy and lighter in color. Add oil and mix until well combined. Gradually mix in flour mixture. Using a spatula incorporate the grated carrot and toasted pecans.

4. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.

5. Bake for about 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Let pans cool on a cooling rack for 10 minutes.

7. Remove the cakes from the pan and let them cool completely.

8. Prepare the caramel sauce. Place the sugar and water in a medium heavy bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, and cook without stirring until sugar dissolves and gets a caramel color.

9. Remove the pan from the heat and add the cream. It will bubble a little bit.

10. Cook for about 1 minute stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until smooth.

11. Remove from heat and add butter and salt. Stir well until smooth. Pour into a small jar and set aside to cool until the cake is ready.

12. Prepare the frosting. In a bowl Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and 1/3 cup (80g) of caramel sauce.

13. In another bowl whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.

14. Assemble the cake. Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread evenly with a bit less than half of frosting. Add the second layer of cake. Gradually spread the remaining frosting on top and sides of the cake. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

15. Before serving top the cake with remaining caramel sauce letting some to drip down the sides. If the caramel hardened too much heat it a bit over bain-marie to get to a pouring consistency. Decorate with chopped and whole pecans if desired.

16. The leftover frosted cake can be covered and refrigerated for up to a week. Serve at room temperature.

Valentine’s Day Heart Shaped Sandwich Cookies – YUMMY

Here is an easy recipe for beautiful Valentine’s Day Sandwich Cookies that will win you the heart of your special person.

(Recipe and picture belong to Allrecipes.com)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and confectioners’ sugar. Beat in egg, vanilla and almond extract. Mix well.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking soda and cream of tartar; blend into the butter mixture. Divide dough into thirds and shape into balls.
  3. Working with 1/3 of dough at a time, roll out dough into desired thickness on a lightly floured surface. For each heart sandwich cookie, cut out 2 3-inch hearts. Cut out the center of ONE of the 3-inch hearts with the 1 1/2-inch cutter.
  4. Place each piece separately on an ungreased cookie sheet, 1 – 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated, 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven until lightly browned (7-8 minutes for 1/4 inch thick cookies). Cool completely on wire rack. Frost bottom cookie with Pink Valentine Frosting and place an open centered cookie on top to form the sandwich. Also frost the small 1 1/2 inch hearts and serve as separate cookies.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2017 Allrecipes.com

Broken Glass Cupcakes for Halloween

broken-glass-cupcakes-1

 

 

 

 

 

Broken Glass Cupcakes for Halloween

INGREDIENTS:

The cupcakes:

  • One boxed Red Velvet cake mix
  • Milk (in the same amount as the water required by the mix)
  • Eggs (in the same amount as required by the mix PLUS one extra egg)
  • Butter (twice the amount of oil required by mix) melt before adding to mix.

The icing:

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup of butter (softened)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • dash of salt
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips (melted)

The glass candy:

  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup of light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon of clear flavoring (I used raspberry)

The edible blood:

  • 1 (14 oz.) can of sweetened condensed milk
  • Red gel food coloring
  • Black gel food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon of clear flavoring (I used raspberry)

DIRECTIONS – Candy Glass:

  • Cover a cookie sheet with wax paper and spray the wax paper liberally with non-stick spray.
  • Place granulated sugar and corn syrup into a microwave safe bowl and mix them together.
  • Cover bowl with plastic wrap.
  • Microwave on high for 3 minutes.
  • Remove from Microwave and CAREFULLY remove plastic wrap (beware of hot steam!)
  • Stir well and re-cover with fresh plastic wrap.
  • Microwave on high for another 3 minutes, but watch mixture after about 2 minutes. Because microwaves vary, you need to watch it to make sure it doesn’t start to turn color. If you cook it too long it will be an amber color instead of the nice clear glass you want. My microwave was perfect at 2 and ½ minutes.
  • CAREFULLY remove from microwave and CAREFULLY remove plastic wrap.
  • This is soooo hot and sticky– using caution to not touch any of the hot candy, pour it out over the greased wax paper and allow it to sit and harden completely (at least a couple of hours)
  • When candy glass is hard, tap a knife tip into glass to break it into sharp pieces.
  • Carefully (the pieces are actually sharp!) push pieces up off of wax paper and onto a plate.
  • Candy glass can be kept in a zip top bag or an air tight container for about a week. Moisture (including the moisture from the frosting on the cupcakes) will eventually start to break the glass down.

DIRECTIONS – Edible Blood:

  • Place sweetened condensed milk into a small bowl and mix in red food color gel and flavoring until you get a brilliant red color. Add a TINY bit of black (use a toothpick- black goes a long way!).
  • Mix and adjust until you get a nice dark red color.
  • Spoon “blood” into a zip-top bag and seal TIGHTLY. Keep refrigerated until use.

Directions – Cupcakes:

  • Make cake mix according to box (swapping in cake mix “fix” ingredients if desired)
  • Divide equally into 24 cupcake liners in cupcake tins.
  • Bake at 350F degrees according to times on box.
  • Remove cupcakes from oven and cool completely.

Directions – Frosting:

  • On medium speed, beat together cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt until creamy.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
  • Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between, until smooth.
  • Add melted white chocolate to icing and beat on low until completely combined.
  • Place in a zip-top bag fitted with a decorating tip and pipe frosting on top of cooled cupcakes.

Decorating:

  • Put parchment paper on a counter to protect it from all that red food coloring.
  • [or- use a large platter or tray that you will serve the cupcakes on- blood splatter and all!]
  • Place frosted cupcakes on protected surface and press 2 to3 pieces of glass into the top of each.
  • Clip the corner on the bag of edible blood and drizzle over the top of the glass and the cupcakes, allowing it to drip down the sides of both.
  • Serve the same day after decorating.
  • Use care transporting and serve with plates and forks, or you will all have red fingers!!
  • Enjoy!!

Churro Ice Cream Bowls

CHURRO ICE CREAM BOWLS!

Don’t these look great?! Here is what you’ll need!

RECIPE:

Makes 8 churro bowls

1/4 cup butter /cubed
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup water
1 cup flour
1 tsp vanilla
4 eggs

cooking oil spray
oil for frying
cinnamon sugar

ice cream
hot fudge and caramel topping (optional)

6-12 cup muffin tin

In a medium saucepan over medium/high heat – add butter, brown sugar, salt, and water – bring to a boil. As soon as the butter has fully melted and the mixture begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium/low and add in flour. Using a wooden spoon, stir until the dough comes together into a ball (about 1 minute). Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes before proceeding to the next step (to prevent accidentally cooking the eggs).

Mix in the vanilla extract and add in the eggs, one at a time, being sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. Once all the eggs are incorporated, transfer it to a piping bag with a small star tip.

Invert a muffin tin and spray thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray. Pipe the dough around the inverted cups in spirals to form the bowls. Immediately transfer the tray to the freezer and freeze until solid (about 3 hours or overnight).

Heat oil in a deep pot to 350˚F (175˚C). Remove the muffin tin from the freezer and flex it to release the churro bowls (you may need to also use a small knife under the bottom edge to initially release them). Return any extras to the freezer while you wait to fry.

Fry them in batches, until nicely browned – no more than 3 at a time. Be sure to carefully tip them into the oil so they sink to the bottom. Once desired color is reached remove them from the oil to a paper towel lined plate. Dab off any excess oil then roll them in a cinnamon sugar mixture. Fill with you favorite ice cream and toppings. Enjoy!

Recipe and video provided by Tasty (subscribe on YouTube)

Music provided by Warner Chappell Inc. Used with permission

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

Lemon_Meringue_Cupcakes-4-683x1024

 

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS
  • For the cupcakes
    • 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
    • ¾ cup sugar
    • 2 large eggs, room temperature
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup buttermilk
    For the lemon curd
    • 3 large egg yolks
    • 1½ tablespoons lemon zest
    • ½ cup lemon juice
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 6 tablespoons butter
    For the meringue
    • 3 large egg whites
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    INSTRUCTIONS
    1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake tray with 7 extra large cupcake molds.*
    2. In a large bowl using a whisk, mix the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add in eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
    3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate mixing in the flour and the buttermilk until everything comes together. Do not over mix.
    4. Using a ¼ cup scoop, scoop two scoops of batter into each cupcake mold. Tap the cupcake tray against a solid surface to even out the cupcake batter’s surface. Place in oven and bake for 27 minutes, until the tops of the cupcakes are golden around the edges and a knife comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cupcake.** Allow to cool to room temperature before assembling.
    5. While the cupcakes are baking, make the lemon curd. Create a double boiler and, in the top bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar. Whisk constantly over medium high heat for 6-7 minutes, until the curd becomes thick and coats the back of a spoon. Immediately remove from heat and whisk in butter until beautiful and glossy!
    6. Strain the curd through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps, then place in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set in fridge until you’re ready to assemble your cupcakes.
    7. Using a small sharp knife, cut a 1 inch diameter conical hole into the top of the cupcakes. Scoop as much cupcake out as you’d like, depending on how much curd you want (I created a pretty wide and deep hole). Cut the top off of the cone and save it as a lid for the cupcake. Scoop 1-2 tablespoons of lemon curd into the center of the cupcake, then top with the cupcake lid. Repeat with all cupcakes.
    8. Now make the meringue! In a standing mixer, whip the egg whites until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Slowly add in the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to whip until the meringue holds stiff peaks.
    9. Scoop the meringue on top of the filled cupcakes, using a large spoon to create pretty folds in the meringue. Remove the top rack from your oven and place meringues under the broiler on high for 2-4 minutes, turning halfway for even baking. I didn’t move away from the oven, as the meringues can burn in 2 seconds! Just watch them like a hawk. Allow the tops to cool to room temperature before serving.
     NOTES
    *I used HUGE cupcake molds. If you only have regular sized ones, you will end up with more than 7 cupcakes. Probably around 12.
    **If using regular sized cupcake molds, this number will be shorter. Check them after 18 minutes.

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes: fluffy lemon cupcakes filled with lemon curd and topped with a perfectly golden meringue frosting! Are you drooling yet?

Ferrero Rocher Chocolate Dessert Bowls

Today we’re making the most AMAZING edible chocolate bowls designed to look like big Ferrero Rochers with a delicious Ferrero Dessert filling. These are my new Happy Place!

RECIPE: (Makes 4 bowls)
300ml whipping cream *about a 35% milk fat
100g Nutella (2-3 big spoonfuls for the mousse, depending on how hazel-nutty you want it + extra to drizzle)
400g melted milk or dark chocolate
1 Cup crushed peanuts
Ferrero Rocher chocolates to garnish

Blueberry and Grand Marnier Scones

Blueberry and Grand Marnier Scones by Julie Steindel

Check out this delicious recipe for scones by Julie Steindel and then check out her other videos on her YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy6Tw0m1PBCqy-HBGAmvYEg

3 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 1/2 cups dried fruit
4 tablespoons Grand Marnier
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
First, mix together the dry ingredients ’til combined. Then stir in the butter. ( the mixture will be lumpy; it’s okay)
Add in the dry fruit of your choice. Then fold in the Grand Marnier and heavy cream ’til thoroughly incorporated.
Sprinkle a little flour onto your board and roll out dough into a thick rectangle shape. Cut out triangle shapes and place onto a silpat/parchment paper.
*Take care not to place to close together, they will spread.
Bake for 12 minutes exactly.
While scones are baking make a simple sugar and oj mixture. (it’s just a Tbls. sugar and 1/4 cup oj mixed together)
As soon as the scones come out of the oven brush each one with the sugar mixture.
Enjoy!

Making Baking Fun!