SAWDUST PIE WITH BANANAS AND WHIPPED CREAM

Sawdust Pie with Bananas & Whipped Cream
http://luluthebaker.com/2016/11/sawdust-pie-bananas-whipped-cream/
Melissa Bahen (Luluthebaker) is in our ward.

We had this Thanksgiving 2016.  Everyone really liked but they didn't put on the bananas.

1 unbaked 9" pie crust
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/4 cups sweetened, shredded coconut
1 1/4 cups chopped pecans
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 1 cup)
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 egg whites
Bananas and lightly sweetened whipped cream for serving

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Set the unbaked pie crust aside. You can use a frozen store-bought crust or make your own from scratch. In a large bowl, combine granulated and brown sugars, coconut, pecans, graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, and salt. Stir until combined. Add the egg whites, and mix with a large spoon until the egg whites are evenly distributed and the mixture is uniformly coated. Spread the mixture in the prepared pie crust and bake for 30 minutes, until the top of the pie is golden and feels firm and set to the touch. Remove from the oven, allow to cool completely, and serve topped with fresh banana slices and whipped cream.

CHEESECAKE BITES

CHEESECAKE BITES
These were good but didn't like them as well as the peanut butter balls.  Would be a good choice to take somewhere if you were worried about peanut allergies.  Took a while to make due to the fridge time.  Abagail chose these for FHE treat from Pinterest.  These are a great gift idea to give someone.

Mix:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 T butter, softened

Add:
1/2 cup crushed graham crackers (worked perfect in Vitamix - approx 3 full crackers)

Add 1 cup at a time
4 cups powdered sugar

Cover and chill overnight or at least 1 hour

Scoop into balls

Put in fridge 10-20 minutes on cookie sheet covered with parchment or wax paper.

Melt 10 oz chocolate (I like to mix 60/40 ratio of semi sweet to dark chocolate)

Dip

Return to fridge or freezer

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE - NO BAKE - VALENTINE'S DAY

Valentine’s Day Strawberry Cheesecake

This is one of my favorite cheesecakes especially for Valentine’s Day. It is so full of flavor and just enough sweetness to share with those you love.

We had this for breakfast Valentine's Day 2016.  It was very yummy!  Isn't too sweet so perfect for breakfast or brunch.  Loved the added nutella, cocoa powder and cinnamon for the crust.  As I was making it I thought it might be fun to add a white chocolate layer.  I think I might the right call.  It was delish!  Tasted even better the next day.  Added the extra layer instructions at the end.  Everyone really liked this.  Since you don't have to cook this...this would be perfect for summer.  Try to make the day before you want to eat.  Allow approx. 4 hours to make.

Curious how this would work out with blueberries...must try :-)

Ingredients

CRUST:
• 7 whole graham crackers
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons nutella
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• ½ tablespoon cinnamon
STRAWBERRY TOPPING:
• 1 pound fresh or frozen strawberries, washed and stemmed
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
CHEESECAKE:
• 2 (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups strawberry topping (see above)
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• Fresh strawberries for garnish
• 
  
• WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE (SEE BELOW)

Instructions

Crust
1. In a food processor or blender grind the graham crackers until they are in a fine powder.
2. Add the butter, nutella, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder and process until thoroughly mixed.
3. You may have to scrape down the sides of the bowl/blender a few times.
4. Press the crust evenly into the bottom of an 8 or 9-inch Springform Pan .
5. It should come up the sides slightly.
Strawberry Topping
6. In a saucepot add the strawberries, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water.
7. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries are quite soft.
8. Use a blender to puree the fruit and then return to the pot to finish cooking.
9. Sprinkle the gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl.
10. Allow it to sit for about 1 to 2 minutes.
11. Transfer the gelatin to the strawberries and gently cook over low heat.
12. Whisking just until the gelatin is completely dissolved, and then remove pan from heat.
13. Reserve 3/4 cup of the strawberry mixture for the top layer of the cake.
Cheesecake:
14. In a stand mixer beat the cream cheese and sugar on medium-low speed until smooth.
15. Add the vanilla extract and the strawberry topping, except the ¾ cup you have reserved for the top layer.
16. In a separate bowl whip the heavy cream until medium peaks.
17. Fold the heavy whipped cream into the strawberry cheesecake batter.
18. Gently folding just until it is all combined.
19. Pour the cheesecake into the prepared pan.
20. Tap the pan gently on the counter to bring any air bubbles to the surface.
21. Let it sit, uncovered, in the refrigerator for about 2 hours or until it is set to the touch.
22. Once the cheesecake is set, pour the remaining ¾ cup strawberry topping over it.
23. If the topping has set up in the pot, gently heat it for a minute, just until it is pourable (or heat in microwave for 30 seconds).
24. Place the cheesecake back into the refrigerator and allow to set, uncovered, for another 30 minutes, or until the topping is set.
25. At this point it is ready to serve or you can cover the cheesecake with plastic and it can sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
26. Before unlocking the Springform Pan , run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it.
27. Top with the fresh strawberries.

White Chocolate Mousse:
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces white chocolate baking squares, melted

1. For the white chocolate mousse, in a medium bowl, beat the cream and vanilla with an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and mix until combined and the peaks are slightly stiffer. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Add the white chocolate and mix until smooth and creamy. Fold in the whipped cream, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream, and mix gently with a rubber spatula, lifting and turning the cream, until the mousse is combined and creamy.

S'MORES CUPCAKES

I am not a huge fan of cupcakes, but these are so, so good.  I couldn't get enough of them and have made them again.  Found recipe in LDS Living Magazine.

Scott made them to take to his parents and put the chocolate on top of the marshmallow.  They still tasted good but didn't look as nice (my opinion).  But we love, love the frosting.  It is so good.  

I am going to use this recipe for Jackson's birthday cake (10th).  Going to make 2 8x8 then do the frosting in between the layers.  Then going to top with a genache.  I think it will taste a lot like the almost too much chocolate cake.  Then put roasted marshmallows around the edge.  Maybe a 10 out of M&M's?  Not sure.  UPDATE: made the cake.  It is yummy and very rich!  Liked it better the 2nd time I had it (maybe because it was a day old or maybe because I knew how sweet it would be???).  I didn't use the whole amount of frosting.  Next time I could probably 1/2 it.  I didn't put all the chocolate genache on it either.  Abagail had the suggestion to do a 10 out of marshmallows.  That is what we did.

UPDATE: These are Kambria's favorite.

http://www.ldsliving.com/7-Decadent-Desserts-You-Won-t-Believe-Were-Made-with-a-Cake-Mix/s/76289?page=1%3Fpage%3D1

S'MORES CUPCAKE

Chocolate Cake: 

1 box devil’s food cake mix

3 eggs

½ cup melted butter, cooled

½ cup sour cream

1 cup buttermilk or milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 ½ cups mini chocolate chips

Graham Cracker Frosting:

1 cup butter, softened

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

½ teaspoon cinnamon

1–3 tablespoons milk, as needed

½ cup graham crackers, finely crushed

3–5 cups powdered sugar

Decoration

Large marshmallows for decoration

Melted chocolate for decoration

1.   Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line pans with cupcake liners.

2.   Sift cake mix into a small bowl; set aside.

3.   In a large bowl, combine eggs, melted butter, sour cream, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4.   Stir in cake mix and chocolate chips.

5.   Fill cupcake liners ¾ full and bake for 17–22 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

6.   Graham Cracker Frosting: Beat butter for 2 minutes. Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, 1 T. milk, and graham cracker crumbs (Note: I crush and then put my graham cracker crumbs through a strainer to make sure they are crushed enough and none is too large. It helps to give the frosting a smooth texture.) Add powdered sugar until the frosting reaches the desired consistency; add more milk if needed.

7.   Line a cookie sheet with tin foil and place large marshmallows on the foil. Broil in the oven but watch them carefully! They should be slightly brown, which takes only 2–3 minutes; watch them like a hawk or they will burn. Let cool before using.

8.   Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Top with melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows.

LEMON CHEESECAKE

Rich Luscious Lemon Cheesecake Recipe

Abagail had the FHE treat.  We had lemons we needed to use and Abagail loves lemon.  We looked through quite a few recipes.  She couldn't decide between this recipe and lemon pie (same cookbook) so we took a vote.  This is what won.  It was very yummy!  Found this recipe Taste of Home pg. 224.  I also had some vanilla beans.  We used two of them for this recipe.

CRUST:

1-1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 20 squares)
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (comments said they did Blue Diamond glazed pecans)

14/ cup sugar

1/3 cup butter, melted

FILLING:

4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened

1 1/4 cup sugar

4 eggs

1 T lemon juice

2 tsp grated lemon peel

1 tsp vanilla extract

TOPPING:

2 cups (16 oz) sour cream

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp grated lemon peel

1 tsp vanilla extract

In a bowl, combine the crumbs, nuts and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom of a greased 10-in. springform pan; set aside. in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, beating on low speed just until combined. Stir in the lemon juice, peel and vanilla; beat just until blended. Pour into crust.
Bake at 350° for 55 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from the oven; let stand for 5 minutes. Combine topping ingredients; spread over filling. Return to the oven for 5 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing. Yield: 12-14 servings.

FANCY INDOOR S'MORES

FANCY INDOOR S'MORES

This recipe came with a shipment I got from zulily.  We had it New Year's Eve 2014.  Yum!  Would be a great special after school snack or a FHE treat.  Made it in our individual little cookie pan.  I lined the bottom of each pan with parchment paper (tin foil would work too).  We had a huge (bigger than king size) Hershey bar.  We put two squares that were broken up and about 1/8-1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.  Then about 1-2T nutella on top of that.  Then we cut up 4 big marshmallows (into 4 sections) per pan.  Could have put more marshmallows.  Could either dip with graham crackers or Ritz crackers.  Abagail didn't like it with the crackers - she ate it with a spoon.  Only cooked about 4 minutes - so watch it.

1 bag of chocolate chips
8 large marshmallows
a jar of Nutella
a box of graham crackers - Ritz crackers good too


Here is the original recipe.

Preheat oven to 450.

Cover the bottom of a 6" skillet with chocolate chips and drop spoonfuls of Nutella on top of the chocolate chips.

Cut marshmallows in half and place over chocolate chips until mixture is completely covered.

Bake for 6-8 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown on top.

Scoop out gooey s'mores with graham crackers.

VANILLA BEAN WHILE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CHEESECAKE

Made this for my bday (40th) 2014.  It was so yummy!  We liked how light & cool it tasted.  Jackson mentioned a couple of times how he liked the top layer.  I ordered my vanilla beans from: http://www.olivenation.com/Bourbon-Madagascar-Vanilla-Beans-P84.aspx  They were a good price and arrived quickly.  Didn't think I would like the graham cracker crust, but I LOVED it!  Next time I wouldn't cook as long (this oven cooks really fast). Maybe do 5 minutes.  I did put discarded pods in sugar.  Can't wait to try the vanilla sugar in a recipe.

Vanilla Bean White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake

YIELD: SERVE 8-12

Don't throw away those scraped out vanilla bean pods (you need two vanilla beans for this recipe)! Learned from the almighty Mr. Alton Brown, I throw the empty pods into a cup of granulated sugar, cover, and let sit for a few days. It makes the most delicious vanilla sugar and I use it almost always for creme brulee. I mean, who doesn't need an excuse to make that, right? Also, here is an easy tutorial on scraping out the seeds if you haven't done it before.

INGREDIENTS

Crust:
• 1 1/2 cups finely crushed graham crackers
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
Cheesecake:
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream (greek yogurt would probably work too)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• vanilla bean seeds, scraped from one pod
White Chocolate Mousse:
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces white chocolate baking squares, melted
Sweetened Whipped Cream:
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• vanilla bean seeds, scraped from one pod

DIRECTIONS

1. For the crust, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and mix; then stir in the melted butter. Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom and just barely up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan (could also use a 10-inch pan although all the layers will be slightly thinner). Bake the crust for 8 minutes. Remove and let cool completely. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
2. For the cheesecake layer, in a medium bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese with an electric handheld mixer (or stand mixer) until soft and creamy. Add the sour cream, cornstarch, sugar and vanilla and mix until smooth. Mix in the vanilla bean seeds until evenly mixed. Don't overmix or the cheesecake will have a tendency to crack while baking.
3. Spread the cheesecake over the cooled crust and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
4. For the white chocolate mousse, in a medium bowl, beat the cream and vanilla with an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and mix until combined and the peaks are slightly stiffer. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Add the white chocolate and mix until smooth and creamy. Fold in the whipped cream, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream, and mix gently with a rubber spatula, lifting and turning the cream, until the mousse is combined and creamy.
5. Spread the white chocolate mousse over the cooled cheesecake.
6. For the sweetened whipped cream, beat the whipping cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form. Add the vanilla bean seeds and mix until slightly stiffer peaks form and the vanilla bean seeds are mixed in.
7. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the white chocolate mousse. Refrigerate at least 1-2 hours before serving (or up to overnight).

SHERBET CUPS

We had these as refreshments (Valley View Ward) after a workout class.  They were very tasty!

Slightly thaw a gallon of pineapple sherbet (or any kind would do).  Add in chopped strawberries, blueberries, bananas, pineapple or any kind of fruit.  Freeze in individual cups.  Before serving top with crush graham crackers.  Could top with whipped topping too (but doesn't need it).

MIXED BERRY PIE

HEALTHIFIED MIXED BERRY PIE WITH LEMON CREAM
Was very good. Roy Gray said I could bring it anytime I wanted.

Nonstick cooking spray

1 1/3

cups finely crushed zwieback or graham crackers

2

tablespoons packed brown sugar

1

egg white, lightly beaten

2

tablespoons butter, melted

3/4

cup Cascadian Farm® strawberry fruit spread (used homemade blueberry/blackberry jam)

2

containers (6 oz) Yoplait® honey vanilla Greek yogurt

6

cups fresh raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and/or halved strawberries

Fresh mint sprigs and/or Lemon Cream* (optional) (didn't do, but would be good)

• 1Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine finely crushed zwieback and brown sugar. Add egg white and melted butter; stir until well mixed. Press mixture evenly onto bottom and up side of prepared pie plate. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edge is browned. Cool completely on a wire rack.
• 2Meanwhile, for glaze, in a small saucepan, melt fruit spread over medium-low heat. Transfer to a large bowl; cool slightly.
• 3Spread yogurt into crust-lined pie plate. In a large bowl, gently toss berries and fruit spread. Spoon over yogurt. Cover and chill for 3 to 6 hours before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh mint and/or serve with Lemon Cream.
  *Lemon Cream: In a small bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups frozen light whipped dessert topping, thawed, and 3/4 tsp finely shredded lemon peel.

CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE WITH GANACHE

CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE WITH GANACHE
Love!  It is better cold.  TAKES ALL DAY!  SET STUFF OUT!!!

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (10 crackers)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the filling:

• 5 ounces bittersweet chocolate
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso coffee (used hot chocolate)
• 1 3/4 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature

For the ganache: (I used Candace's instead of this - and poured on top)

• 1/4 pound semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

To make the crust:

Place the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and cinnamon in a food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse until combined. Pour into a 9-inch springform pan. With your hands, press the crumbs into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 12 minutes. Cool to room temperature.

Meanwhile, chop the bittersweet chocolate and place it in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Add the espresso and stir until just melted. Set aside until cooled to room temperature.

To make the filling:

Cream the cream cheese, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla and almond extracts and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Reduce the speed of the mixer to medium and add the eggs, 1 at a time, mixing well. Scrape down the bowl and beater, as necessary. With the mixer on low, add the sour cream, and the cooled chocolate mixture. Mix thoroughly and pour into the cooled crust.

Bake for 1 hour. Turn the oven off and allow the cake to sit in the oven with the door opened wide for 1 1/2 hours. Take the cake out of the oven and allow it to sit at room temperature, until completely cooled.

For the ganache:

Finely chop the semisweet chocolate and place it in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Add the cream and stir until just melted. Set aside until cooled to room temperature.

Remove the cake from the springform pan by carefully running a hot knife around the outside of the cake. Leave the cake on the bottom of the springform pan for serving. Drizzle the ganache over the top of the cheesecake.

S'MORES

S'MORES ON THE GRILL

Found this in the coupons. For more recipes you can go to www.puresmores.com

-Preheat grill to medium-hot

-Build S'more

-Wrap in aluminum foil

-Grill wrapped S'more for 1-2 minutes per side

Peanut Butter Toasted Marshmallow Smore’s

http://www.justgetoffyourbuttandbake.com/?p=2017

These are so, so easy to make and so yummy!  Perfect after school snack!

Ritz Crackers

Peanut Butter (or Nutella)

Large or small marshmallows (large work better)

Toasted Coconut (optional)

Chocolate - any kind, melted (I did a mixture of white and semi-sweet)

Top Ritz cracker (generously) with peanut butter.  Then top with a marshmallow.  Broil until brown.  Top with drizzled chocolate and toasted coconut.  

ROLO SMORE

Put Ritz crackers on a cookie sheet.  Top with a rolo and a small marshmallow if want (didn't add marshmallow)  Bake at 350 for 3-5 minutes.  Top with another Ritz cracker. Can dip in chocolate and cover with sprinkles if want.