Sweet Strawberry Delight

This scrumptious cake is light and refreshing and definitely a spring and summer favorite.  The recipe originally comes from Debbie Buttars, my mother's friend and neighbor.  I made my cakes with strawberry Danish dessert and strawberry, but raspberries and raspberry Danish dessert can also be used.  It's sure to be a hit either way!

Ingredients:

White cake mix
1 pt. heavy whipping cream, whipped
1 1/4 c. powdered sugar
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 box strawberry or raspberry Danish dessert (choose the flavor to correspond with the berries you will be using)
1/4 c. sugar
1 pt. berries

In a 9x13 pan, make white cake according to package directions.  Cool.  Mix whipping cream, sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla together.  Spread on top of cake.  Make Danish dessert with sugar added according to package directions for pudding.  Cool.  Add berries.  Spread on top of cream cheese mixture.  Chill well (at least a couple of hours) before serving.

Perfect Peach Cobbler

This recipe comes from an excellent cook, Marge Dixon, who was one of the leaders in Young Women's when I was about 17 years old.

3 c. sliced peaches
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. water
1 c. sugar (additional)
2 T. shortening
2 eggs
2 T. milk
1 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Combine peaches, 1 cup sugar, and water, and bring to boil. Set aside. Cream sugar, shortening, eggs, and milk. Add dry ingredients, and mix until blended. Put the batter into a 6x10 inch baking pan, then pour peach mixture over the top. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until done. Crust magically migrates to the top! Yummy!

My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

I've tried a lot of chocolate chip cookie recipes, and this one seems to be the best.

2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. butter, softened (soften at room temperature--don't microwave)
1 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract (I added a tad more)
2 eggs (I use extra large)
2 c. chocolate chips

Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Cream butter, sugars, and vanilla.  Add soda and salt.  Mix in flour. Add chocolate chips.  Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake 7-8 minutes.  Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire racks.  Cool completely.  Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

Tip:  I tend to over bake cookies.  My mother-in-law told me to remove the cookies from the oven right before I think they are done.  "The trick to perfect cookies," she said, "is to have the bottom of the cookie be the same color as the top."

Caramel Toffee Cake

Since I've known Joe, he's never requested cake for dessert, but after sampling this one that I served at the VDG Smash (our little Christmas party for Joe's fam) he told me I had to make it for his next birthday.


1 Devil's food cake
1 sm. can sweetened condensed milk
1 sm. jar butterscotch or caramel ice cream topping
1 bag Heath bar toffee pieces
12 oz. whipped topping or whipped cream

Prepare cake as directed on box for 9x13 pan. While still hot, poke holes in the cake using a wooden spoon handle. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over cake, and then follow with caramel or butterscotch. Sprinkle about 1/2 the bag of Heath Bar pieces on top of cake. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Spread whipped cream on top, and sprinkle more Heath Bar pieces on the whipped cream (I didn't use the whole bag). Store in the refrigerator. Serves 12-15. Yummy!

Super Smoothie (from Mom VDG)

Jamba Juice has met its (healthier and more cost effective) match!



1 sm. carton yogurt (I use strawberry or peach)
3 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
Juice from 1 can of pineapple
1/2 c. apple juice
Enough frozen fruit to fill the blender (peaches, strawberries, blueberries, and pineapple are what I use)

Combine ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to one hour.

Cake for Jenna's 3rd Birthday

This is the cake I made for Jenna's 3rd birthday!

Instructions:

Jacob's Birthday Cake

This is the cake I made for Jacob's 1st birthday!


Instructions on how to do it: