It' been a long day but, I want to get the day started well able to get the entrepreneur stand going
- Katherine Victoria Vananderland
- Aug 8, 2021
- 13 min read
Thank you again, the weeks are flying by and soon christmas will be here. I appreciate your donations and continued support and prayers. We are battling another battle right now and so we have split it into eaches to purchase it helps us give you more options. Thank you, for your generosity and support. I hope you find these as good as I did. We bring it to you from the Taste of Home Website:
Chocolate-Topped $8.75 per slice
Strawberry Cheesecake
No-Bake Peanut Butter Treats $2.50 each
Molasses Crackle Cookies $3.50 each
Nana's Chocolate Cupcakes $7.00 each
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry $7.50 each
Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies $7.50 each
Chocolaty S'mores Bars $7.50 each
Sue's Chocolate Zucchini Cake $7.50 each
Low-Fat Peanut Butter Cookies $9.00 per dozen
Almond Espresso Bars $9.00 per dozen
Almond-Coconut Lemon Bars $10 per dozen
Chocolate-Topped Strawberry Cheesecake
Creamy and airy, this gorgeous dessert is the perfect special something for a summer dinner party. I love the mix of smooth strawberry cheesecake and crumbly chocolate crust—and how elegant it looks on the table. —Kathy Berger, Dry Ridge, Kentucky
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup (about 5 ounces) confetti cake mix or flavor of choice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles, optional
2 large eggs, room temperature
1-3/4 cups 2% milk
3/4 to 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
4 ounces softened cream cheese or reduced-fat cream cheese
1/4 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 to 2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 3 tablespoons 2% milk
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Directions
Preheat oven to 300°. Combine the first 5 ingredients and, if desired, rainbow sprinkles. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, yogurt and extracts. Add yogurt mixture to flour mixture; mix until smooth.
Preheat waffle maker coated with cooking spray. Bake waffles according to manufacturer’s directions until golden brown. Transfer cooked waffles to oven until ready to serve.
For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter on high until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until smooth. Beat in vanilla. Add enough milk to reach desired consistency. Spread over warm waffles. For a cakelike look, cut waffles into fourths and stack them; decorate with birthday candles.
Nutrition Facts 1 waffle: 528 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 695mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
Perfect for road trips, these peanut butter oatmeal balls won’t stick to your hands. Keep them in the refrigerator for portable snacks. —Sonia Rohda, Waverly, Nebraska
Ingredients
1/3 cup chunky peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1/3 cup quick-cooking oats
2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs
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Directions
In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey and vanilla. Stir in the milk powder, oats and graham cracker crumbs. Shape into 1-in. balls. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
Test Kitchen TipsLet peanut butter be the star in no bake Christmas treats like this. Or, for additional cookie ideas see the favorite cookies in America, state-by-state. Nutrition Facts 1 each: 70 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
You can treat yourself to one or two of my crackle cookies without guilt. Most molasses cookies are loaded with butter and have way too much sugar, but not mine. You would never know these are so low in fat.— Jean L. Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin
Ingredients
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large egg
1/3 cup molasses
2 cups white whole wheat flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
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Directions
In a small bowl, beat sugar and oil until blended. Beat in egg and molasses. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves; gradually add to sugar mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°. Shape dough into 1-in. balls; roll in confectioners' sugar. Place 2 in. apart on baking sheets coated with cooking spray; flatten slightly. Bake 7-9 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks to cool.
Nutrition Facts 1 cookie: 77 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 106mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
For this lovely golden cake, I use fat-free yogurt to trim the calories. It's a comforting dessert for days when it's warm enough to dine outside. —Lauren Gilmore, Pennington, New Jersey
Ingredients
1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons poppy seeds, optional
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt
Candied lemon slices, optional
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Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Coat a 9x5-in. loaf pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until crumbly. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in oil, lemon juice, zest, vanilla and, if desired, poppy seeds. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with yogurt, beating after each addition just until combined.
Transfer to prepared pan. Bake 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, top with candied lemon slices.
Candied Lemon Slices: Bring 3/4 cup sugar and 3/4 cup water to a boil; stir until sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Add 1 thinly sliced lemon and simmer 5-7 minutes or until tender. Drain and cool slices completely on a wire rack. Nutrition Facts 1 slice: 145 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
Even though Nana is no longer with us, her treats bring me so much joy every time I bake them. For a more indulgent version, double the frosting and pile it on high! —Chekota Hunter, Cassville, Missouri
Ingredients
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1 cup boiling water
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
FROSTING:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons butter, softened
4 teaspoons heavy whipping cream
Dash peppermint extract
1 drop green food coloring, optional
2 tablespoons miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Mint Andes candies, optional
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Directions
Preheat oven to 375°. Line 12 muffin cups with paper or foil liners. Mix cocoa and boiling water until smooth; cool completely.
Beat butter and sugar until blended. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt; add to butter mixture alternately with applesauce, beating well after each addition. Beat in cocoa mixture.
Fill prepared muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 15-18 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Beat confectioners' sugar, butter, cream and extract until smooth. If desired, tint frosting green with food coloring. Stir in chocolate chips. Spread over cupcakes. If desired, top with candies.
Nutrition Facts 1 cupcake: 253 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Eat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
Ingredients
3 large egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries
1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
1 cup 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate baking chips, melted
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Directions
Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 225°.
Place sugar and strawberries in a food processor; process until powdery. Add gelatin; pulse to blend.
Beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy, adding vanilla if desired. Gradually add gelatin mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form.
Cut a small hole in the tip of a pastry bag; insert a #1M star tip. Transfer meringue to bag. Pipe 2-in. roses 1-1/2 in. apart onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake until set and dry, 40-45 minutes. Turn off oven (do not open oven door); leave meringues in oven 1-1/2 hours. Remove from oven; cool completely on baking sheets.
Remove meringues from paper. Dip bottoms in melted chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set, about 45 minutes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts 1 cookie: 33 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
I'm a chocolate lover, and these cream cheese brownies have satisfied my cravings many times. No one guesses the brownies are light because their chewy texture and rich chocolate taste can't be beat. My family requests them often, and I'm happy to oblige. —Heidi Johnson, Worland, Wyoming
3 large eggs, room temperature, divided use
6 tablespoons reduced-fat butter, softened
1 cup sugar, divided
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese
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Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Separate 2 eggs, putting each white in a separate bowl (discard yolks or save for another use); set aside. In a small bowl, beat butter and 3/4 cup sugar until crumbly. Beat in remaining whole egg, 1 egg white and vanilla until well combined. Combine flour and cocoa; gradually add to egg mixture until blended. Pour into a 9-in. square baking pan coated with cooking spray; set aside.
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and remaining sugar until smooth. Beat in the second egg white. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls over the batter; cut through batter with a knife to swirl.
Bake 25-30 minutes or until set and edges pull away from sides of pan. Cool on a wire rack.
Test Kitchen TipsLearn more about baking brownies with our ultimate guide. Nutrition Facts 1 brownie: 172 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 145mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
When I baked this moist, fudgy chocolate crinkle cookie recipe for the first time, my three preschool children went wild over them! But I like them because they're lower in fat and easy to mix and bake. —Maria Groff, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Ingredients
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, divided
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large egg whites, room temperature
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
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Directions
In a microwave, melt 1 cup chocolate chips. Stir until smooth; set aside. Beat butter and sugar until crumbly, about 2 minutes. Add egg whites and vanilla; beat well. Stir in melted chocolate.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to butter mixture alternately with water. Stir in remaining chocolate chips. Refrigerate, covered, until easy to handle, about 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°. Shape dough into 1-in. balls. Roll in confectioners' sugar. Place 2 in. apart on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake until set, 10-12 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.
CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIE TIPS Why are my chocolate crinkle cookies flat? While chocolate crinkle cookies are simple to make, there are a number of small ways things can go awry. Make sure your baking powder isn't old, or it won't give much lift. The butter shouldn't be too soft—30 minutes on the counter is plenty. And make sure your cookie sheets are clean and cool going into the oven. Here are more reasons why your cookies could be flat.What makes a cookie crinkle? Crinkle cookies are cute, and this level of adorable is achieved by starting the baking process with the cookie dough in balls instead of pressed flat. As the dough warms and cooks, it collapses into a perfect cookie and cracks appear. The contrast of the chocolate dough and powdered sugar makes this chocolate crinkle cookie recipe extra pretty. Check out the ultimate guide to different types of cookies.Can I freeze chocolate crinkle cookies? Freshly baked crinkle cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for four to five days. Alternatively, you can freeze baked cookies in a single layer, or separated by parchment, for three to four weeks. Chocolate crinkle dough can be formed into balls and frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet. When they're frozen solid, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for three months. When you're ready to bake, let thaw for 30 minutes, roll in confectioner's sugar and bake following the directions.How can I adjust this crinkle cookie recipe? Add extra texture to classic chocolate crinkle cookies by mixing in one cup of finely chopped dried cherries or one cup of chocolate chips (white, milk or dark). Add some extra holiday flair by including 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and 1/2 cup of crushed peppermints or candy canes. For an espresso kick, replace the water with strong coffee (cooled). Research contributed by Anna Thomas Bates.
Nutrition Facts 1 cookie: 85 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 39mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
One night my husband had some friends over to play poker and he requested these s'mores bars. They polished off the pan and asked for more! I shared the recipe, and now their families make them, too. —Rebecca Shipp, Beebe, Arkansas
Ingredients
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1 package (10 ounces) large marshmallows
1 package (12 ounces) Golden Grahams cereal
1/3 cup milk chocolate chips, melted
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Directions
In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows; cook and stir until blended. Remove from heat. Stir in cereal until coated.
Press into a greased 13x9-in. pan using a buttered spatula. Drizzle with melted chocolate. Cool completely before cutting. Store in an airtight container.
Test Kitchen TipsUse a butter wrapper to press the cereal into the pan. For a rich twist on a classic, add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the marshmallows and stir a handful of chopped peanuts into the cereal. Make a s'more s'more (and lots of friends) by using one of these bars (halved lengthwise) instead of the graham cracker used in a traditional s'more. Yes, we went there.
Nutrition Facts 1 bar: 159 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
In no time at all, you'll be able to share these treats with your family. They'll be surprised at how light and tasty the snacks are. —Helen Cluts, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Ingredients
1 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 large egg white, room temperature
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Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Place dates, water and sugar in a small saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda and salt; stir in melted butter and egg white. Press half the mixture into an 8-in. square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Spread carefully with date mixture; top with remaining oat mixture.
Bake until lightly browned, 20-25 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.
Nutrition Facts 1 bar: 182 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 114mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
Our family absolutely loves zucchini, especially when we grow it ourselves. We’ve found many ways to use it, including this spiced cake that’s super moist and chocolaty good. —Sue Falk, Warren, Michigan
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup dark baking cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup reduced-fat plain yogurt
1/4 cup canola oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups shredded zucchini
FROSTING:
1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup butter, cubed
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Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 13x9-in. baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk the first seven ingredients. In another bowl, whisk eggs, yogurt, oil and vanilla until blended. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Stir in zucchini.
Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake 25-30 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
For frosting, place evaporated milk, sugar and vanilla in a blender jar; cover and process 30 seconds. In a microwave, melt chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Add to milk mixture; cover and process 30-45 seconds or until thickened and smooth, stopping to scrape blender jar as needed.
Test Kitchen TipsBe wary when microwaving chocolate—it can scorch easily. To avoid this pitfall, stir every 10-15 seconds, or use a lower power level. Baking cocoa has a tendency to clump. Sift it into your other dry ingredients to make sure it's evenly distributed. Nutrition Facts 1 piece: 369 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 330mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
When you bite into one of these yummy cookies, you'll never guess it's low in fat. This is my family's favorite healthy peanut butter cookie recipe. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons reduced-fat peanut butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg white
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
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Directions
In a large bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg white; beat until blended. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Shape into an 8-in. roll; wrap in plastic. Freeze for 2 hours or until firm.
Unwrap and cut into slices, just over 1/4 in. thick. Place 2 in. apart on baking sheets coated with cooking spray; press with a fork to make crisscross pattern. Bake at 350° for 6-8 minutes for chewy cookies or 8-10 minutes for crisp cookies. Cool for 1-2 minutes before removing to wire racks; cool completely.
Test Kitchen TipsUnless otherwise specified, Taste of Home recipes are tested with lightly salted butter. Unsalted, or sweet, butter is sometimes used to achieve a buttery flavor, such as in shortbread cookies or buttercream frosting. In these recipes, added salt would detract from the buttery taste desired. Dark brown sugar contains more molasses than light or golden brown sugar. The types are generally interchangeable in recipes. But if you prefer a bolder flavor, choose dark brown sugar. Try 39 more peanut butter cookie recipes. Nutrition Facts 1 cookie: 66 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
If you like coffee, you'll love these mocha morsels dressed up with toasted almonds. Save a few bars for afternoon snack time or even breakfast, too. —Taire Van Scoy, Brunswick, Maryland
Ingredients
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup brewed espresso
1 large egg
1-1/2 cups self-rising flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup chopped slivered almonds, toasted
GLAZE:
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons water
3/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
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Directions
In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar and espresso until blended. Beat in egg. Combine flour and cinnamon; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in chopped almonds.
Spread into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until lightly browned.
In a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, water and extract until smooth; spread over warm bars. Sprinkle with slivered almonds. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.
Editor's Note As a substitute for 1-1/2 cups self-rising flour, place 2-1/4 teaspoons baking powder and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a measuring cup. Add all-purpose flour to measure 1 cup. Combine with an additional 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. Nutrition Facts 1 bar: 68 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
Almond-Coconut Lemon Bars
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup blanched almonds, toasted
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
FILLING:
3 large eggs
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Confectioners' sugar
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Directions
In a food processor, combine the flour, confectioners' sugar, almonds and lemon zest; cover and process until nuts are finely chopped. Add butter; pulse just until mixture is crumbly. Press into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, coconut, lemon juice, flour, lemon zest and baking powder; pour over the hot crust. Bake until light golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Cut into squares.
Nutrition Facts 1 bar: 173 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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