7 Indulgent Desserts for the Distinguished Home Chef

Posted on October 26, 2023 by Better Baking Bible Author

Are you a home chef and have company coming over? You should consider making these desserts!

Hosting an event is as much about curating an experience as it is about showcasing your culinary talents. For the discerning home chef, the opportunity to prepare and present desserts is akin to an artist displaying their masterpieces in a gallery. In this journey through the most decadent desserts, we’ll explore creations that tantalize the palate, delight the senses, and are a testament to the elegance of gourmet cooking.

The Grandeur of Desserts

To many, dessert is the crown jewel of a meal. It’s the climax, the crescendo that leaves guests talking for days. But for the home chef who revels in luxury, the dessert is more than just a sweet ending. It’s an expression of skill, passion, and an appreciation for the finer things in life. Such chefs know that the art of crafting a truly memorable dessert lies in the details: the textures, the aromas, the balance of flavors. It’s an opportunity to whisk your guests away on a sensory journey, allowing them to experience something unique, opulent, and utterly delightful. And when we speak of indulgence, a few desserts stand tall, epitomizing the pinnacle of lavishness.

The Symphony of Tiramisu

Tiramisu, which translates to “pick me up” in Italian, is an ethereal blend of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, cocoa, and a hint of liquor. Each layer sings harmoniously, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. To elevate this classic, consider using a high-quality coffee blend and perhaps even a dash of a coffee liqueur to truly lift your guests’ spirits.

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake: A Volcano of Delight

There’s something innately mesmerizing about cutting into a chocolate cake only to have a river of rich, molten chocolate flow out. It’s a surprise, a drama unfolding on your plate. And while the classic version is beloved by many, a hint of spices or a touch of orange zest can make it even more memorable. Just when you thought things couldn’t get any richer, let’s not forget the decadence of a chocolate peda – an Indian sweet with its origins in fudge but graced with the majesty of chocolate.

The Elegance of Crème Brûlée

The joy of tapping the crisp, caramelized sugar crust of a crème brûlée to reveal a creamy, vanilla-infused custard beneath is unmatched. The contrast between the brittle top and soft, velvety custard underneath makes for a dessert experience that’s as much about texture as it is about taste.

Panna Cotta: The Velvet Whisper

Light, velvety, and incredibly luxurious, panna cotta is an Italian dessert that can be infused with a myriad of flavors. The choices are endless, from a simple vanilla bean to an aromatic rose or lavender. The dessert’s gentle wobble and creamy consistency, paired with fresh berries or a tangy fruit compote, make it one of the best desserts one could dream of presenting.

The Regality of Macarons

Crafting the perfect macaron is a true testament to a chef’s skill. These delicate meringue-based confections, with their smooth tops, ruffled feet, and flavorful fillings, are a treat for both the eyes and the palate. From classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate to more inventive ones like saffron and rose, macarons offer endless possibilities.

When Baking Isn’t Your Forte: The Luxury of Assistance

Not every gifted home chef is a seasoned baker; there’s no shame in that. Baking, with its precise measurements and timings, can be intimidating. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the soufflé doesn’t rise, or the meringue doesn’t set. For those moments when you desire the most luxurious and decadent of desserts but the kitchen gods aren’t in your favor, a luxury cake delivery service is your best option in this situation. These services specialize in crafting artisanal, gourmet cakes and desserts that can rival any homemade creation, ensuring that your event remains a resounding success. It’s a wonderful reminder that in the world of culinary arts, it’s not just about creating everything yourself but about knowing how to present the best to your guests, no matter the source.

The Culmination: Cheese and Fruit Boards

Cheese and fruit might seem like a simple ending, but it’s a sophisticated, palate-cleansing finish when curated with care. Selecting a range of cheeses, from creamy brie to sharp blue, and pairing them with fresh fruits, nuts, and honey offers a lighter yet equally indulgent end to a decadent meal. Crafting luxurious desserts isn’t just about ingredients or recipes; it’s about the emotion and experience they evoke. As you prepare for your next event, remember to blend passion with skill and always leave room for dessert.

Craving Coziness? Dive Into the Top 10 Fall Beverages of 2023!

Posted on October 17, 2023 by Better Baking Bible Author

As the vibrant leaves paint the world in shades of orange, gold, and crimson, the promise of cooler temperatures and cozy nights beckons. The Fall season is not just about the beauty of nature’s canvas but also the warmth and comfort of indulging in seasonal beverages!

As the weather cools, our thirst for refreshing summer drinks is replaced by cravings for something warm, comforting, and symbolic of autumnal splendor. If you’re hunting for the ultimate Fall beverages to elevate your 2023 experience, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s journey together through an innovative list of the most delightful drinks that define this magical season.

1. Spiced Pear Elixir: The Unsung Hero of Fall

Move over, pumpkin! It’s high time that the humble pear gets its well-deserved spotlight. Imagine a concoction that perfectly blends the sweetness of ripe pears with the warmth of spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove. Sipped hot or cold, this elixir captures the essence of a crisp Fall day. Its gentle aroma reminds us of orchards brimming with ripe fruits waiting to be plucked and savored.

2. Fireside Chai with a Twist

Chai has, for centuries, been a beverage steeped in tradition and culture. For Fall, it’s not just about the classic masala chai but a version with an unexpected twist. Picture your standard chai infused with hints of orange zest and cacao. You might wonder what this has to do with movies to watch during fall. The link is simple. Just like revisiting old classic films, this beverage brings nostalgia while the twist ensures it’s not just a rewatch but a new experience.

3. S’mores Hot Chocolate: Campfire in a Cup

While hot chocolate is a perennial favorite, elevating it with the flavors of s’mores catapults it into Fall stardom. Melted marshmallows, bits of crushed graham crackers, and swirls of chocolate syrup make every sip a delicious bite of campfire memories.

4. The Golden Espresso: A Sunshine Drink for Gloomy Days

As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, we often find ourselves yearning for a jolt of energy. Enter the Golden Espresso. What makes this drink unique? It’s the blend of traditional espresso with the earthy flavors of turmeric and a hint of honey. And right at the center, shaking things up, is the shaken espresso. This technique ensures the flavors meld seamlessly while adding a frothy texture. This drink is a caffeine kick and a mood booster for those gray Fall days.

5. Maple-Cinnamon Almond Milk: Dairy-free Decadence

For those seeking a dairy-free alternative, maple-cinnamon almond milk is a dream come true. This silky beverage harmonizes the natural sweetness of maple syrup with a dash of cinnamon, creating a vegan masterpiece.

6. The Classic Hot Toddy: More Than Just a Drink

The Hot Toddy, a blend of whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water, is not just a beverage. It’s a hug in a mug. Beyond its deliciousness, there are multiple benefits of a Hot Toddy. From potentially easing a sore throat to providing warmth on a chilly evening, this classic stands the test of time.

7. Roasted Chestnut Brew: Sip the Streets of Europe

Roasted chestnuts are not just for eating. They can make a delightful beverage reminiscent of European street markets in the Fall when the ground is steep.

8. Beetroot and Ginger Latte: Vibrancy in a Cup

As unconventional as it sounds, beetroot, with its earthy sweetness, complements the zing of ginger. With its brilliant hue, this latte is a beautiful and healthy addition to the Fall drink repertoire.

9. Caramelized Apple Cider: The Orchard’s Best

Taking apple cider up a notch, caramelized versions involve slow-cooking the cider with brown sugar. The result? It is an intensely flavorful, caramel-infused delight that is best enjoyed under a warm blanket.

10. Mulled White Wine with Rosemary: Wine’s Autumnal Avataar

Move over mulled red wine; the white version with rosemary sprigs is here to dazzle. A lighter take on the winter favorite, it’s a refreshing endnote to our Fall drink adventure.

As the final leaves drop and the first hints of winter creep in, these beverages ensure the spirit of Fall lingers a little longer. From time-tested classics to novel concoctions, there’s a drink for every palate. So, whether you’re nestled by the fireplace, enjoying the company of loved ones, or simply gazing out at the autumnal panorama, there’s a Fall beverage waiting to make that moment perfect. Cheers to the symphony of flavors that is Fall 2023!

Quick and Easy Dessert Ideas When You’re Short on Time

Posted on May 30, 2022 by Better Baking Bible Author

You’ve got a craving for something sweet, but you don’t have time to bake. Or maybe you’ve got friends popping over and you want to give them a treat, but they’re going to arrive in 20 minutes. What do you do?

Photos By: Adobe Stock Images

Whip up one of these quick and easy desserts! They’re sweet and satisfying and easy to fit into your busy schedule.

1. Easy Chocolate Mousse

Make this classic dessert in just minutes with only a few ingredients: dark chocolate, egg whites, sugar, crème Fraiche, and grated chocolate. It’s perfect for any type of entertaining, plus it provides a suitable end to a rich meal.

2. Mug Cake

You can make this mug cake in under five minutes. It comes out insanely fudgy and delicious and has a secret ingredient that creates a delightfully rich flavor. You simply mix everything inside your favorite mug, then pop it in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Cool and enjoy!

3. 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

These take about 10 minutes to prepare and about twelve minutes to bake. They include only peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, but you can add chocolate if you like.

4. Chocolate Hazelnut Pudding Torte

This is a busy mom’s twist on a favorite dessert—tiramisu. It’s easy and fast to make, though you will need to prepare it the day before you want to serve it. Simply whisk the cream and pudding mix, stir in the whipped topping, spread over your ladyfingers, and chill.

5. Fresh Fruit Platter

When you don’t have time to make a fancy dessert, order a fresh fruit platter instead. Give it that extra sweet taste by choosing one that includes chocolate-dipped pieces of strawberries, pineapples, and grapes. Find your best value with an Edible Arrangements coupon!

6. Peach and Sesame Crumble

Tahini teams up with toasted sesame seeds and toasted sesame oil to balance the sweetness of late summer peaches in this recipe. Your vegan friends will love it. Add a scoop of ice cream (or coconut ice cream) if you like!

7. Cheesecake Berry Parfaits

Summertime is the perfect time for berries. Try this variation on the traditional pudding and berry parfait. It takes only 15 minutes to make two of them—perfect for a romantic dinner in. You’ll need only cream cheese, sugar, whipped topping, and mixed berries.

8. South Dakota Frito Treats

A corn-chip dessert? It may sound strange, but these salty sweets will have you coming back for more. To make them, simply warm up the sugar and corn syrup, stir in some peanut butter, then pour over the corn chips and chocolate chips you’ve already spread on the bottom of the pan. Let it stand until set, and you’re ready to enjoy!

9. Bananas Foster

You may have loved this treat as a child. It makes the perfect dessert for Father’s Day or any other celebration. The sweet bananas are warmed in a buttery rum sauce and served over vanilla ice cream. Could anything so simple taste so delicious?

10. Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars

This simple, 4-ingredient treat will quickly become your favorite. You don’t have to bake it, and it will take you only a few minutes to put it together. Simply melt the chocolate, smooth it over parchment paper, throw on some pretzels, and drizzle some melted caramels over the top. A little sprinkle of sea salt and you’re done!

11. No-Bowl Applesauce Cake

You can mix this right in the pan—no mixing bowls required. The cake is light and moist and scented with cinnamon and brown sugar. It’s also better for you than most cakes, as it’s made with olive oil and Greek yogurt.

12. Frozen Tropical Fruit Yogurt

If you’re looking for more healthy ideas, try this one. You can make it in 15 minutes and it’s full of refreshing good taste. You need only Greek yogurt, maple syrup or honey, diced tropical fruit, and a frozen tropical fruit mix.

13. Cardamom Bread Pudding

This no-bake dessert requires only a handful of ingredients and very little hands-on time. It does need to sit in the fridge overnight, so you’ll have to plan for that. You’ll need heavy cream, sugar, ground cardamom, vegetable oil, chopped pistachios, and 5 slices of white bread.

14. Nutella Truffles

If you like Nutella, you’ll love these little treats. They’re no-bake, fast, and delicious. Your kids will love them, but you may find that you want to hide them for yourself. You need only three ingredients—Oreos, Nutella (or other chocolate spread), and melting chocolate.

15. Sugar Cookie S’mores

Everyone loves s’mores! You can give them a vanilla twist with this recipe. It takes only 15 minutes to make and uses sugar cookies, marshmallows, and candy bars. You just grill the cookies topped with candy bars for about 1-1.5 minutes, then top with your golden brown marshmallows.

When you need a delicious dessert quick, you can whip up one of these easy recipes in no time at all for a tasty dessert everyone will love.

World Tiramisù Day: 3 Italian Desserts you Haven’t Heard Of

Posted on March 15, 2022 by Better Baking Bible Author

Punchy, creamy, and endlessly scrumptious — it’s no wonder tiramisù has its own day, and it’s fast approaching!

Photo By: Unsplash

The 21st of March is considered World Tiramisù Day, and we really do love this dessert, if you couldn’t tell. Layers of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, whipped eggs, sugar and mascarpone cheese come together perfectly to create one of the most mouthwatering, quintessentially Italian puddings.

While there is no need to limit your tiramisù consumption to 21 March, we believe that, as much as it is unbelievably gorgeous, it is also overshadowing some other incredible Italian desserts — and there are lots of them. Many Italian desserts are centred around flavours like coffee, dark chocolate, and alcohol; take for instance, the classic tiramisù or traditional torta al cioccolato. They also rely heavily on milk and cream, both of which can be found both in panna cotta and zabaglione.

So, for when this World Tiramisù Day comes and goes, here are our top three Italian desserts you probably don’t know about, and how to make them.

1. Babà al rum

Babà al rum, also known as Babà Napoletano, is a small yeasted rum cake, similar to brioche, drenched in citrusy rum syrup and glazed with apricot jam. Some versions feature whipped cream as a topping, or even orange peel and raisins added to the batter. This recipe is quite straightforward, but it can be hugely improved with homemade jam instead of store-bought.

Ingredients

For the sponge

600g strong white flour
50g caster sugar
5g active dry yeast
2 tbsp whole milk
12 medium eggs, cold and lightly beaten
200g butter, cubed at room temperature
A pinch of salt
400g apricot jam (for the glaze)

For the syrup

2 litres of water
Zest of a whole lemon
Zest of a whole orange
800g sugar
400ml rum

Method

Combine 30g of flour with yeast and milk until a smooth ball of dough is formed. Place in a bowl, cover with cling film, and leave in a warm place to rise for about 30 minutes. The dough should double in size.
Add the remaining flour into a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Incorporate the yeast mixture on low-medium speed, add the eggs and sugar and let the mixer run for about 20 minutes, until the dough becomes elastic.
Switch to a dough hook attachment and add salt as the mixer works. One cube at a time, incorporate the butter — make sure the cube is fully mixed before adding the next one.
When all of the butter has been added, keep working the dough for a further 10 minutes. The result should be a soft and pale yellow mixture.
Remove the bowl from the mixer and wrap in cling film. Let rise for three hours in a warm place.
While the dough rises, make the syrup. Pour the water into a pot and incorporate the lemon and orange zest as well as the sugar. Over a medium heat, bring to a simmer.
Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat. When slightly chilled, add the rum and put the pot aside.
Grease and flour your baby savarin moulds and preheat the oven to 180°C.
Create 70g balls from the dough and place each in a mould. Leave to rise until the dough grows into the mould and forms a dome.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until deeply golden brown.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before turning the cakes out of the moulds and placing them on a cooling rack.
Heat the syrup until warm (but not boiling). Using a pair of tongs, dip each cake into the syrup and soak on all sides. Gently squeeze any excess.
Transfer the cakes onto a cooling rack over a baking sheet, turning occasionally to encourage even soaking.
Brush the cakes with apricot jam.
Drizzle with more syrup when served.

2. Tartufo

Probably the most impressive dessert on this list, tartufo (literally meaning ‘truffle’) is a gelato-based bombe that tastes just as good as it looks. A molten chocolate ball (or fruit syrup) wrapped in two flavours of gelato and covered in a chocolate shell (think Ferrero Rocher taken to the extreme) — what can be better? The most notable version is Tartufo di Pizzo, which features hazelnut ice cream, but other options are available too.

Ingredients

For the chocolate gelato

500ml whole milk
25g skimmed milk powder
125g caster sugar
200g dark chocolate

For the hazelnut gelato

500ml whole milk
25g skimmed milk powder
125g caster sugar
65g hazelnut paste

For the chocolate sauce

50g dark chocolate
90ml double cream
80g caster sugar
85ml water
30g cocoa powder

For the sugared hazelnuts

50g hazelnuts
50g sugar
25ml water

Method

To make the chocolate gelato, set a pan over medium heat and combine the milk, milk powder and sugar.
Whisk constantly until the mixture reaches a simmer, then remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chocolate until melted and fully incorporated.
Pass the mixture through a fine sieve into a plastic container. Chill for a few hours and then use an ice cream machine to churn and return to the freezer until needed.
Repeat the process to create the hazelnut gelato: bring milk, milk powder and sugar to a simmer and add the hazelnut paste. Blitz with a hand blender to combine and then pass through a sieve, chill and churn.
For the chocolate sauce, add double cream, sugar and water to a pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiled, remove from the heat and gradually whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth.
Return to the heat and bring the mixture to a boil again, whisking constantly. When it starts bubbling, remove from the heat and stir in dark chocolate until melted and fully combined. Chill until ready to assemble.
To make the sugared hazelnuts, preheat the oven to 180°C and line two baking trays with baking parchment.
Spread the hazelnuts out on one of the trays and toast in the oven for a couple of minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Watch them carefully as they can burn quite quickly!
Over high heat, pour the water into a small pan and add the sugar. Without stirring, allow the mixture to reach 140°C.
Add the hazelnuts straight from the oven, mixing quickly over the heat until the sugar becomes dry and powdery. Remove from the heat and tip over the clean baking tray to cool.
In order to assemble the tartufo, you need to remove the ice cream from the freezer to let it soften a little bit.
Line eight ramekins with a large square of parchment paper, allowing for generous overhang. Scrunching up the paper first can help with that.
Place a large scoop of chocolate gelato at the base of each ramekin. Using a spoon, form a well in the centre.
Fill the wells with 2-3 sugared hazelnuts and 1 tsp of the chocolate sauce.
Cover with a scoop of hazelnut gelato, pressing it down to fill any gaps.
Layer another spoonful of the chocolate gelato on top, covering completely.
Fold up the overhanging parchment to cover the ice cream fully, twisting slightly to hold in place. Allow to set in the freezer for at least two hours.
To serve, remove from the parcels onto serving plates and peel off the parchment. Sprinkle with a generous amount of cocoa powder.

3. Zeppole

A timely dessert, Zeppole di San Giuseppe are cream-filled choux pastries traditionally made for the Feast of St Joseph — celebrated on 19 March. The Italian version of profiteroles, they are stuffed and topped with crema pasticcera (pastry cream), dusted with powdered sugar, and garnished with a cherry.

Ingredients

For the pastry

150g flour
100g butter
1½ tsp sugar
250ml water
4 eggs, room temperature

For the filling

2 egg yolks
200ml milk, room temperature
150g sugar
2¼ tbsp corn or potato starch
1 tsp vanilla extract
Powdered sugar for dusting
Pinch of salt
Maraschino cherries

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C.
For the choux pastry, place the butter, sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a rolling boil, then add the flour and stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball. Remove from the heat.
Add an egg and beat until incorporated fully, then repeat with the remaining eggs. The batter formed should be smooth.
Move the mixture into a piping bag. Onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, pipe small puffs with a well in the middle. Make sure to keep the puffs about three inches apart.
Bake for about 30 minutes, then turn off the oven and leave the pastries in for another 10. Remove and place on a cooling rack.
While they are baking, prepare the filling. Whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, corn or potato starch, salt and vanilla in a pot. Pour in warm milk slowly, and place on the hob on low heat, continuously whisking and pouring and increasing the heat gradually. Cook for a few minutes, until the mixture thickens.
Using a skewer, punch a hole into the side of the pastries and fill with the cream with a piping bag. Pipe more cream into the well at the top.
Dust with powdered sugar and crown with a cherry.

Cocktails at Home with Grenadine Syrup

Posted on May 8, 2019 by Better Baking Bible

Homemade cocktails are not as hard as you may think! Here are some easy ways to make a juicy cocktail at home in no-time!

Making a cocktail at home is not as hard as some people may think. It is actually a very common practice in these financially hard economic times that we are living in today because saving money is a top priority. Saving money is more important than ever before, however, you still want to be able to enjoy your earnings without the guilt of spending, especially the way we may spend when we are in a bar atmosphere type of setting.

With the right tools, you too can make these at home cocktail drinks just by having a few key supplies available such as the alcohol, which are spirit(s) of your choice, the right kind of syrup to go with the spirit you have chosen, and it also helps by having a cocktail shaker. Once you have these tools that are needed to successfully make your cocktails yourself, you will be in business and you can impress your friends and family with your new technique in making refreshing inexpensive cocktails at home. If you want to add a special twist to those at home cocktails, try adding some delicious Monin syrups. There are some really good syrups, like Grenadine Syrup, that can be added to your spirits. Some of the very popular cocktail drinks that can be made at home are:

Mojito
Martini
Daiquiri
Margarita
Negroni

Savory or Sweet with Grenadine Syrups

When you are making these cocktails at home, the choices are endless and some of the most common cocktails made with grenadine are drinks like Tequila Sunrise, Sea Breeze, Zombi, Pink Lady, and many more. Alcohol is not the only thing that can be used to make these delicious and refreshing drinks. You can add your choice of flavorful non-alcoholic syrups to give that extra twist to not only your cocktails, but you can do savory or sweet dishes like baking cookies, cakes, pies, including chicken recipes. Also, put a little on some ice cream; you can create some interesting flavors.

Tips About Grenadine Cocktails

To understand the term grenadine, it originates from the word grenade. This is the French word for the primary ingredient used which is pomegranate. This word comes from the Italian word pome, meaning apple, and granite, meaning seed. Hence the term grenadine. Grenadine is a non-alcoholic syrup and it is red in color and the taste of grenadine is sweet and tart. When this drink is made in places like a bar or restaurant, the bartender will usually add this syrup in to give the drink a reddish or pinkish color.

Grenadine syrup is made out of pomegranate juice and water and sometimes it is flavored with a few drops of lemon juice. Bartenders, oftentimes, like to use blackcurrant juice for a more pronounced tart flavor profile and it contains no corn syrup or red dyes. For example, if you wanted to make that Pink Lady cocktail, the ingredients needed are gin, lemon juice, egg whites, grenadine, and Maraschino cherry. If you wanted to make a Zombie even more potent, it contains four types of rums and brandy which are light rum, navy rum, orange rum, overproof rum, and apricot brandy. The other ingredients you would need are lemon juice, lime juice, and orange juice. If you are not sure what kinds of alcohol to use, here is a list of some of the most common spirits purchased to make cocktails at home:

Gin
Bourbon
Rye Whiskey
Rum (Light or Dark)
Absinthe

These are just naming a few of the spirits you can use to make these cocktails while at home.

These syrups are widely popular. Chefs around the world are incorporating these delicious syrups into their desserts and their cocktail recipes and they are telling us what inspired them to do so. These types of non-alcoholic syrups are becoming very popular across the world and the trend for them is continuously growing. The fact that the syrups can be used for a variety of things across the board makes grenadine syrup that much more interesting to explore.

Mini Chocolate Pecan Tarts for the Holidays!

Posted on November 2, 2016 by Better Baking Bible

CHOCOLATE PECAN TARTS / WHITNEY / CC BY 2.0

Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner and these chocolate pecan tarts are the perfect dessert to make during this time of year! I love the look of mini-desserts that don’t require cutting like a cake and are more of a grab and go type of dessert. I will assure you on this one, these pecan tarts will be a favorite dessert anywhere you take them. The crumbly crust and gooey soft inside – there really is nothing like them!

Aside from preparing my holiday baking, I have piled myself up with a ton of housework. My apologies for not posting on this blog for a while now! To cut down on some chores, I decided to do some home renovations that would make my life a little easier. After a long summer of trying to keep my grass green, I finally decided to rip it out and settle for artificial grass from Grono Lawns. Real grass feels amazing, but I just couldn’t do the up-keep any longer. If any chance you are considering installing artificial grass, make sure to ask the artificial grass company if they will do the installation first. We attempted to do it ourselves at first and made a huge mess – get it done professionally to save money and time in the long run!

Now back to these delicious pecan tarts! These make WONDERFUL gifts and can easily be wrapped up and tied with a ribbon. It looks like an amazing customized and hand-made gift that really doesn’t cost that much to make. Hope you enjoy and happy holidays!

Mini Chocolate Pecan Tarts

Easy chocolate pecan tarts for the holidays!

Ingredients:

For Tart Crust

2 Cups of unsalted butter
5 Cups all-purpose white flour
1 Cup of water

For Tart Filling

½ Cup of sugar
1 Tbsp all-purpose white flour
4 Large eggs
1 Cup of corn syrup
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
2/3 Cup chopped pecans (or you can use walnuts)
2/3 Chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)
1.5 Cups pecan halves

Instructions:

To Make Crust

1. Prepare tart pans by greasing with PAM spray or greasing with butter and flour. In a mixing bowl, combine butter and flour, gradually sprinkling in water and mixing together until dough forms.
2. On a floured surface roll out the dough to a 1/8” inch thickness. Cut 6-inch circles and fit into the prepared tart pans, cutting off the extra on the sides. If you have individual tart pans/cups, place them all on a baking sheet now. Preheat your oven to 325 F.

To Make Filling

In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour and sugar. Mix in eggs, corn syrup, and butter until well combined. Mix in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
Using a soup ladle, evenly divide the mixture between the tart pans. Place pecan halves at the top of the tartlets and bake for 25 minutes or until the edges of the tarts are golden. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool overnight.

Strawberry Spinach Mango Smoothie – Dairy Free!

Posted on June 23, 2016 by Better Baking Bible

SMOOTHIE / HEATHER HAMMOD / CC BY

Finally the long awaited summer weather has come, and it’s sizzling outside a little too much for my liking! The best way to combat the heat? With frozen smoothies of course! Strawberry spinach and mango smoothie to be exact is what’s popping up on my menu for breakfast, lunch, and even a late night snack. I’m not going to lie – I love smoothies, cakes, desserts, anything sweet and I’ll have it. But what makes something even more enjoyable is when it’s delicious but also super healthy. This gives you an automatic excuse to take seconds, right?

Deliciously healthy is exactly what this smoothie is, it tastes refreshing, heavenly, it looks amazing, and it’s also quite healthy. Packed with antioxidant rich strawberries, spinach, and mango, who knew this combination would work so well together? To make this smoothie, the only tool you need is a blender. There are tons of food blenders on the market, although make sure to buy one that is made out of glass. Glass is much easier to wash, and it’s more sanitary. Bacteria seeps into plastic, it’s almost impossible to disinfect, and plus it’s not healthy to use period. Food blenders are a great investment, as long as you purchase one made out of glass and from a reputable brand.

The best part about this smoothie is that it’s super easy to make. I love recipes that don’t take too much effort, but still turn out wonderful. What really makes it come together is the beautiful presentation. Eye popping layers of strawberry, spinach, and mango make this smoothie look and taste even more yummy!

Strawberry Spinach Mango Smoothie

A summer ready smoothie made with frozen strawberries, spinach, and mango!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups frozen mango chunks
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup fresh spinach
1 cup water
1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

Using a blender, blend the frozen mango chunks with water until smooth. Pour 2/3 of the blended mixture into a serving glass.
Add strawberries into the blender and blend until smooth. Pour ¾ of the smoothie into the serving glass, covering the mango to form a layer.
Add spinach and 1 tbsp of honey into the blender and blend until smooth. Poor into the serving glass and serve right away or store in the freezer for later.