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Valentine's Day

White Hot Chocolate with Strawberry Whipped Cream

White Hot Chocolate with Strawberry Whipped Cream is a cocoa made with white chocolate chips, whole milk, heavy cream and vanilla extract on the stove-top or in the slow cooker topped with an easy whipped cream made of heavy cream, strawberry Jello and confectioners sugar.

School was cancelled today because of the freezing cold temperatures outside. Like many places at the moment- Cincinnati is experiencing some serious low temperatures so what do we do? Drink hot chocolate, duh! We didn’t want any hot chocolate though so we made it special today with a strawberry whipped cream topping and Valentine’s Day sprinkles and it is just what we needed on a day like this.

White Hot Chocolate with Strawberry Whipped Cream

White Hot Chocolate can easily be made in the handy crock-pot or quickly on the stove top.

White Hot Chocolate Instructions

  • Stove Top: Add the chocolate chips, heavy cream , milk and vanilla extract to a saucepan or pot. Cook on a medium heat and whisk frequently until you reach a low simmer. Serve.
  • Crock Pot: Add your ingredients to a crock-pot and cook on low for 3 hours. Serve.

Strawberry Whipped Cream

Time for that special touch of strawberry whipped cream. This tastes like a normal fluffy, slightly sweet whipped cream but with the added bonus of strawberry flavor! Plus, it is really easy to make. Before beginning, place a metal bowl and the beaters into the freezer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes is up, add the heavy cream, confectioners sugar, and a little bit of Jello gelatin powder in strawberry flavor to the cold bowl. Beat for 4-5 minutes you get a stiff peak – meaning it will hold firm but still look soft and fluffy.

Think of all the delicious desserts you can use this strawberry whipped cream on! YUM. 

White Hot Chocolate with Strawberry Whipped Cream, how to make flavored whipped cream, Valentine's Day recipe, hot cocoa, pink whipped cream, pink hot chocolate
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White Hot Chocolate with Strawberry Whipped Cream

White Hot Chocolate with Strawberry Whipped Cream is a cocoa made with white chocolate chips, whole milk, heavy cream and vanilla extract on the stove-top or in the slow cooker topped with an easy whipped cream made of heavy cream, strawberry Jello and confectioners sugar. 
Recipe inspired by The First Year Blog
Course desssert, drink
Keyword strawberry
Servings 4 people
Author Amber

Ingredients

White Hot Chocolate

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces white chocolate chips

Strawberry Whipped Cream

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
  • 4 Tablespoons Jello gelatin powder strawberry

Instructions

  • Place a metal bowl and beaters into freezer for 15 minutes. 
  • Add 2 cups heavy cream , 1/2 cup confectioners sugar and 4 Tablespoons Jello gelatin powder into the metal bowl and beat for 4-5 minutes or until a stiff peak forms. Store in fridge. 
  • In a pot or saucepan, add the chocolate chips, 2 cups whole milk, 2 cups heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Cook on a medium heat stirring often as you bring it to a low simmer. 
  • Serve the hot chocolate in a mug with some strawberry whipped cream on top and add some sprinkles for fun!

After making this strawberry whipped cream for our white hot chocolate, I am thinking of all kinds of fun flavors and ways to eat whipped cream! Do you have any amazing flavor ideas? Let me know in the comments below.

Red Velvet OREO Truffles

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Red Velvet OREO Truffles are a yummy no-bake dessert made with Red Velvet OREOS, cream cheese and white chocolate topped with sprinkles or crushed OREO cookies.

OREO Truffles are one of those recipes that everyone needs to know how to make for those moments you want a simple dessert that everyone loves. If you need a dessert for a work pot luck or something sweet to bring to a family function- these always work and are always delicious!

Red Velvet OREO Truffles

Red Velvet OREO Truffles are just a spin-off of a regular OREO Truffle so feel feel to use original OREO’s or another fun OREO flavor like these Red Velvet ones as a swap. All you need to do is toss some OREO’s into the food processor with cream cheese and blend until the cream cheese is thoroughly mixed in. Now, use a cookie scoop and your hands to help form the truffle balls and place onto a parchment covered cookie sheet. Place these truffle balls into the freezer for 30 minutes to chill.

Once the truffle balls are chilled, melt your white chocolate down according to package instructions. This is typically cooking in the microwave for 30 second increments and stirring between. I recommend using a coffee mug to melt chocolate because it is microwave safe and stays hot so the chocolate stays melted for longer.

Time to dip these truffles in chocolate! I use the fork technique and place the ball on the fork, dip into the chocolate until it is fully immersed, bring it up and gently tap off excess chocolate on the side of the mug. Place it onto parchment paper with assistance of another fork. Decorate immediately and then served when the chocolate has set up. For decoration, you can use some festive sprinkles or crunch up an OREO cookie to sprinkle over top.


Red Velvet OREO Truffles, dessert, no-bake dessert, Valentine's Day dessert, easy dessert, red velvet, OREO recipe
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Red Velvet OREO Truffles

Red Velvet OREO Truffles are a yummy no-bake dessert made with Red Velvet OREOS, cream cheese and white chocolate topped with sprinkles or crushed OREO cookies. 
Course Dessert
Keyword chocolate, dessert, OREOS, truffle
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cooling time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 28 truffles
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 36 OREOS Red Velvet 1+ packs
  • 10 ounces white chocolate for melting
  • sprinkles
  • crushed OREO Red Velvet cookies

Instructions

  • Place OREOS and cream cheese into food processor. Blend until cream cheese is fully incorporated into mixture. 
  • Roll into 28 balls (give or take a few). I like to use a cookie scoop so my truffles are all the same size. 
  • Place the balls onto a parchment covered cookie sheet and put into freezer for 30 minutes. Do not skip this step. You want them cold when dipping into the chocolate. 
  • Melt the chocolate in 30 second increments in a microwave safe container/bowl/cup stirring between until chocolate is melted. I use a coffee mug as my container. 
  • Dip each ball into chocolate, place onto parchment paper to dry and place sprinkles or crushed OREO on top. I use a fork for dipping these truffles and just lightly tap excess chocolate off the fork on the side of the mug. Use another fork to assist you in placing the truffle onto the parchment paper. 
  • Let the chocolate set up before serving and store in fridge. 

What will you be whipping up these no-bake Red Velvet OREO truffles for?? Let me know in the comments below.

Red Velvet OREO Truffles, dessert, no-bake dessert, Valentine's Day dessert, easy dessert, red velvet, OREO recipe

Chocolate Waffles

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Chocolate Waffles are made with basic baking ingredients, cocoa powder and chunks of milk chocolate. Top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a special breakfast.

I have Valentine’s Day on the mind- it is only a few weeks away! I like to make something special every year for my family. It may be a big breakfast or a delicious cake… maybe just a fancy steak dinner. While a stuffed animal and a few heart-shaped chocolates are fun… there is something about baking or cooking for your loved ones that gives you all the good feels. This year, my homemade treat are these Chocolate Waffles! Let’s be honest though- do we really need a holiday to make these yummy waffles? Probably not.

Chocolate Waffles

Chocolate Waffles are really easy to make. Everything except for the egg whites and chopped chocolate go into a big mixing bowl to be whisked together. The egg whites are beaten until they come to peak, meaning they turn into a white foam, then they are folded into the waffle batter. A chocolate bar is chopped up and also folded into the batter for extra chocolate flavor.

**Make sure to read the instructions on your waffle maker because each will have a slightly different recommended cook time. 


chocolate waffles, belgium waffle recipe, valentine's day breakfast, how to make chocolate waffles, chocolate waffles with strawberries
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Chocolate Waffles

Chocolate Waffles are made with basic baking ingredients, cocoa powder and chunks of milk chocolate. Top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a special breakfast. 
Course Breakfast, brunch
Keyword chocolate, waffles
Prep Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 waffles
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 3 Tablespoons confectioners sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 ounces milk or dark chocolate chopped
  • 2 egg whites
  • non-stick cooking spray
  • strawberries sliced
  • whipped cream
  • chocolate syrup

Instructions

  • Add the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk together. Dry ingredients are flour, cocoa powder, confectioners sugar, and salt. 
  • Add the vegetable oil, milk and vanilla extract. Whisk together. 
  • In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites to a peak where the egg is like a stiff foam. Fold in the egg whites into the batter. 
  • Chop up a chocolate bar and fold into batter. You can use any baking chocolate you like - dark or milk. 
  • Heat up your waffle iron. 
  • Spray iron with non-stick spray. Add 1/2 cup batter (for a single waffle maker) and use a spatula to spread out the batter. 
  • Cook each waffle for 3 minutes or per waffle iron recommended cooking time. 
  • Top with chocolate syrup drizzle, sliced strawberries and whipped cream. 

Do you make your family anything special for Valentine’s Day? Let me know about it in the comments below.

12 Champagne Cocktails

12 Champagne Cocktails

Champagne can be drunk anytime of year but New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day are the two days of the year it is completely necessary! Whether you are toasting to another amazing year or celebrating a relationship (Hey, maybe you are just toasting to a Friday night), I have 12 Champagne Cocktail recipes that are simple, gorgeous and festive for the occasion!

Ombré Cranberry Sparklerfrom The Diary of a Debutante is beautiful sparkling cocktail made with Prosecco, gin and a cranberry simple syrup. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary to complete this drink.

 

Cranberry Sorbet Champagne Floats from Baking a Moment are made with a homemade cranberry sorbet for a a fun cocktail this season!

 

Champagne Margaritas from The Kitchen is my Playground has a unique cocktail that -let’s be honest- could be for a New Year party or just to celebrate a Taco Tuesday! Either way- I am down!

 

Champagne Kombucha Cocktail is a simple cocktail from The Wild Gut mixed with Prosecco and Kombucha for something bubbly to drink as the ball drops this New Years Eve.

 

Bring the tropics into your home with this Tropical Hibiscus Spritzer from Delicious Table. A Luau with Santa? I might be on to something here….

 

Juniper Champagne Cocktail from This Mama Cooks has juniper berries, pine sprigs and Prosecco. Let the festivities begin!

 

Champagne and Roses Cocktail from Baking a Moment screams Valentine’s Day but I see myself even sipping this as the ball drops.

 

More Champagne Cocktails

Rock Candy Champagne from here at Simply Made Recipes.

The French 75 Cocktail from This Worthey Life.

Three Ingredient Strawberry Lime Champagne Cocktail from Savory Nothings.

Sparkling Pomegranate Berry Punch from Serena Bakes.

Strawberry Mimosa from Baking Beauty.

Valentine’s Day 7UP® Cake Pops

Valentine’s Day 7UP® Cake Pops

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #JustAdd7UP

Valentine’s Day 7UP® Cake Pops are made with 7UP cake, vanilla frosting and coated in white chocolate with fun holiday sprinkles.

7UP is for more than great punches and mixed drinks! You can use your favorite lemon-lime soda for cake too! 7UP gives your cake a really fluffy texture making it the perfect ingredient for baking.

Typically Valentine’s Day in my household is spent with my husband and children. We have a nice dinner and eat treats while watching movies. With the versatility of 7UP I am going to set up a whole Valentine’s Day spread for our movie marathon this year. I have our yummy dessert handled with these 7UP Cake Pops, will set up some pink decorations and make a kid-approved punch with 7UP and pink lemonade.

Let the family Valentine’s Day festivities begin! 

First, a stop to Walmart is in order to pick up decorations and goodies.

Your Walmart shopping list:

  1. Basic cake ingredients : eggs, butter, white cake mix and vanilla frosting. Pink food coloring is optional.
  2. 2 Packs of 12 ounce cans 7UP found on the beverage aisle.
  3. White and pink chocolate melts.
  4. Valentine’s Day decorations and festive sprinkles.
  5. Cake pop sticks and drying stand.
  6. Movies and pink lemonade to make our movie night complete.

Find more inspiration to celebrate with 7UP this Valentine’s Day by clicking HERE. 

Follow 7UP on Social Media 

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Valentine’s Day 7UP® Cake Pops

Cake Pops are a fun dessert to make and the kids can even help out a bit. If this is your first time making cake pops, don’t be intimidated! These are easy to make and don’t fret over perfection (mine certainly aren’t perfect) because they will be delicious regardless!

Start by baking your cake according to the instructions on the box swapping water for 7UP and swapping oil for butter. Feel free to add in a pinch of pink food coloring for extra wow. Once the cake has cooled, remove any browned edges and crumble the cake in a bowl. This is where the kids can have fun helping you out in the kitchen!

Add the frosting into bowl and thoroughly mix.

Form your balls of cake. I like to use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing and then roll with my hands until a ball is formed. Place the balls onto a parchment covered baking sheet and chill in fridge.

Remove the cake balls from fridge and microwave the white chocolate. To heat up your chocolate, place into a tall glass or mug and heat for 90 seconds, stirring in 30 second intervals. Adding a tablespoon of coconut oil into the chocolate before melting can help thin out the chocolate and make it easier to work with while dipping your cake pops.

Dip each cake pop stick end into the melted chocolate and push into the cake balls.

Time to dip each cake pop. Gently dip each cake pop into the chocolate until fully submerged. Raise the cake pop up while slightly twisting the stick. Place onto the cake pop drying stand. Decorate with sprinkles immediately or wait until the white chocolate is completely dry to add some pink chocolate designs.

Once your Valentine’s Day 7UP Cake Pops completely dry, you can place into a jar or small decorative glass on a table with the great Valentine’s Day décor you found at Walmart. Having a family movie night like us? Mix up with pink lemonade with 7UP in a pitcher and start the movies!

Have extra cake pops? Place your cake pops into a mini box with a bow to gift neighbors, co-workers and friends.

Valentine's Day 7UP® Cake Pops
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Valentine’s Day 7UP Cake Pops are made with 7UP® cake, vanilla frosting and coated in white chocolate with fun holiday sprinkles.

Yields: 26 Cake Pops

  • 7UP® cake
  • 15.25 ounce package white cake mix
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup 7UP®
  • desired amount of pink food coloring (optional)
  • 7UP® Cake Pops
  • 1 7UP® cake, crumbled
  • 3/4 cup vanilla frosting
  • 12 ounces white chocolate candy melts
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • Decoration
  • Pink chocolate candy melts
  • Valentine's Day sprinkles
  1. Follow the directions on the back of your favorite cake mix box adding 3 eggs, swapping oil with 1 cup unsalted butter and swapping water for 1 cup 7UP. Add in the food coloring. Bake according to instructions. I baked mine in a 13x 9 pan for 35 minutes on 350 degrees.
  2. Let cake cool.
  3. Once the cake has cooled, remove any browned spots by simply cutting off those areas. Place the cake in a large mixing bowl and crumble.
  4. Add 3/4 cup of your favorite vanilla frosting and mix with cake.
  5. Form the cake balls and place onto a parchment covered baking sheet. I use a cookie scoop to get evenly sized balls.
  6. Place the balls into fridge for a couple hours.
  7. Remove the cake balls from fridge and heat up your chocolate melts in the microwave with a tablespoon of coconut oil. Heat for 90 seconds stirring every 30 seconds. I recommend using a tall glass or mug.
  8. Dip each cake pop stick tip into the chocolate and press into the cake balls.
  9. Now, dip each cake pop. Dip into the chocolate until completely covered. As you bring the cake pop out, turn it slowly and gently and set it upright to dry in a cake pop stand.
  10. Immediately decorate with sprinkles and/or wait to dry and add a swirl of pink chocolate candy melt.
  • Preparation time: 25 minutes
  • Cook time: 35 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour

How do you spend Valentine’s Day? Do you have a family-friendly night or do you have a romantic dinner with your spouse? Leave a comment below with your plans and tell me how 7UP fits into your special night!

Valentine’s Day White Chocolate Popcorn

Valentine’s Day White Chocolate Popcorn

Valentine’s Day White Chocolate Popcorn made with your favorite popcorn, smothered in white chocolate and sprinkles with festive chocolate candies mixed in.

Valentine's Day White Chocolate Popcorn I’m not going to lie– Valentine’s Day isn’t my favorite holiday. Looong wait times at restaurants, overspending on cards and candies. I prefer flowers any day of the year as a random surprise and chocolates are always welcome. What I do love about Valentine’s Day is all the gorgeous desserts and snacks with pinks and reds and heart shapes all over.

Valentine's Day White Chocolate Popcorn Valentine’s Day White Chocolate Popcorn is a treat really focused on the kiddos! They love popcorn so add some chocolate and candy and they are happy kids. The white chocolate is really hot when mixing so I don’t recommend having the kids help with that step but they can pour the sprinkles on top and mix in the M&M candies before lounging on the couch to watch a movie or whatever activity you have planned.

Valentine's Day White Chocolate Popcorn Valentine’s Day White Chocolate Popcorn

Valentine’s Day White Chocolate Popcorn can be whipped up in no time at all. What you need:

  • 9 cups popped popcorn (about 1 bag)
  • 6 ounces white chocolate candy melts (1 cup)
  • .5 Valentine’s Day sprinkles (hearts, pinks, reds)
  • 3/4 cup Valentine’s Day edition M&M’s
  • Parchment paper
  • Small glass bowl for chocolate melting
  • baking sheet

Valentine's Day White Chocolate Popcorn

Valentine's Day White Chocolate Popcorn
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Valentine's Day White Chocolate Popcorn

Valentine’s Day White Chocolate Popcorn made with your favorite popcorn, smothered in white chocolate and sprinkles with festive chocolate candies mixed in. 

  • 9 cups popped popcorn (1 bag)
  • 6 ounces white chocolate candy melts
  • .5 cup sprinkles, festive Valentine's Day ones of choice
  • 3/4 cup Valentine's Day M&Ms
  1. Pop the popcorn in the microwave according to box directions.
  2. Place some parchment out on a baking sheet and spread the popcorn out. Remove any kernels.
  3. Melt the chocolate by placing in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir and cook another 30 seconds. I recommend using a glass bowl.
  4. Stir the chocolate and pour over popcorn.
  5. This is hot so be careful! Mix the popcorn and chocolate together.
  6. Before the chocolate sets up, place the sprinkles on mixture and mix again.
  7. Mix in the M&M's.
  8. Let set and serve.

Valentine's Day White Chocolate Popcorn Valentine's Day White Chocolate Popcorn

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping made with an easy graham cracker crust, creamy layer of cheesecake, a layer of sour cream on top and topped with strawberries with a fresh strawberry glaze drizzle.

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry ToppingI have said this before and will say again- I love cheesecake! Cheesecake is my favorite dessert and my favorite way to make it is with a simple graham cracker crust, easy filling and a fresh fruit sauce so this Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping hits the mark.

I bought this 9inch Heart Shaped Springform Pan last year and just used it for the first time! I love the heart shape for Valentine’s Day (which is fast approaching) or anytime really. If you don’t have a use for a heart shaped cake pan, you can use a regular 9 inch Springform Pan. 

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry ToppingCheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping

This Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping is pretty basic and easy to make. With that being said- if you have never made a cheesecake EVER… maybe start out with our Creamy Raspberry Sauce Cheesecake (perfect for first time cheesecake makers) because cheesecake can be tricky for newbies.

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry ToppingStart with the graham crust which is the same as that with our Sparkling Cranberries White Chocolate Cheesecake. Graham crackers, room temperature butter and a bit of sugar are pressed into the bottom of the springform pan. To crush the graham crackers, place them into a ziploc bag and smash with a rolling pin. Really easy and this crust works great for any kind of cheesecake you are making.

The cheesecake filling is the most important step to making this dessert perfect. Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. Don’t get impatient.. this is really important. Cream cheese straight from the fridge will clump up and not mix well so the cheesecake won’t be smooth and creamy like we want it. I also have my eggs sit out while the cream cheese softens so everything mixes well. Blend all the cheesecake filling ingredients together with a hand mixer and pour into springform pan. Bake for 55 minutes. Do a toothpick check in the center to make sure it comes out clean. If not, place back in oven and check every 5 minutes.

Should you do a water bath for this cheesecake? I did not but you certainly can. Cover the bottom of the cheesecake in foil to avoid leaks and then put the springform pan into a larger pan with some hot water inside (no more than an inch deep). A water bath can help cook the cheesecake more evenly and reduce cracks.

As the cheesecake cooks in the oven, make your sour cream topping. Use a hand mixer to blend all your sour cream topping ingredients together and pour over the cheesecake right when it comes out of the oven. Place back into oven for 5 minutes.

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry ToppingLet the cheesecake sit out and cool for about 30 minutes and then put in fridge to set up for 12-24 hours.

Hull all 2 quarts worth of strawberries. Half will be decorated on top of the cheesecake so you can be picky and grab the best ones or the ones closest in size. Start on the outer edges and place strawberry after strawberry on top until completely filled.

The other half of the strawberries will go into the food processor to make a puree. Blend well and pour in a saucepan on the stovetop on a medium heat with lemon juice and sugar. Bring the strawberries to a simmer. On the side, mix 1 cup water with 3 tablespoons cornstarch. Pour into saucepan. Whisk well. The sauce will begin to thicken and you can add in your red food coloring. Remove from heat and strain. Let cool and place into a pastry bag to decorate the cheesecake. Use as much or as little sauce as you would like- cover all the strawberries if you want!

Have extra strawberry sauce? Save for later to pour over waffles for breakfast!

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping
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Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping made with an easy graham cracker crust, creamy layer of cheesecake, a layer of sour cream on top and topped with strawberries with a fresh strawberry glaze drizzle. Recipe inspired from Taste of Home.

Yields: 12 servings

  • Graham Cracker Crust
  • 6 tablespoons butter, room temperature
  • 1.25 cups graham crackers, crushed (1 sleeve worth)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • Cheesecake filling
  • 4- 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1.25 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Sour Cream Topping
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Strawberry Glaze
  • 1 quart strawberries
  • 3 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • red food coloring
  • Other
  • 1 quart strawberries
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Make your graham cracker crust. Place a sleeve of graham crackers into Ziploc bag and crush crackers with a rolling pin.
  3. In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 6 tablespoons room temperature butter and 1/4 cup sugar and then place into the bottom of your 9 inch springform pan. Press the graham crackers down.
  4. Make the Cheesecake Filling. Use a hand mixer to thoroughly mix your softened cream cheese and 1.25 cups sugar. Blend until creamy. Add the tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Blend again. Lastly, add 4 eggs and mix again. Pour filling into springform pan.
  5. If you would like- make your water bath by covering bottom of springform pan with foil and putting into a larger pan with hot water at bottom.
  6. Bake cheesecake for 55 minutes. Check the center with a toothpick to make sure it comes out clean. If not, place back into oven checking every 5 minutes until done.
  7. Sour Cream Topping. While the cheesecake cooks, blend your sour cream topping with hand mixer. Add 2 cups sour cream, 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into a bowl and blend until creamy. When the cheesecake is finished cooking, add the sour cream topping right away smoothing out the top and place back into oven for 5 minutes.
  8. Remove cheesecake from oven and let cool for about 30 minutes before placing into fridge for 12-24 hours.
  9. Hull all 2 quarts of strawberries and decorate the top of the cheesecake with half of them. Start on the outside and work your way in.
  10. Strawberry Glaze. Place the other half of the strawberries into food processor and blend until you have a puree. Place the puree into a saucepan on the stovetop on a medium heat adding 3 teaspoons lemon juice and 1 cup sugar. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup water and 3 tablespoons cornstarch and add to pan. Add your red food coloring (to desired amount) and whisk sauce until thickened. This only takes a few minutes after the sauce/glaze has begun to simmer. Remove from heat and strain. Let cool.
  11. Once the strawberry glaze has cooled, place into a pastry bag and cut a small amount off tip to complete the decoration of the cheesecake. Glaze in between each strawberry and around the sides, you may even place the glaze over each individual strawberry. You don't have to use it all, just the desired amount of glaze.
  12. Place into fridge until time to serve.
  • Preparation time: 25 minutes
  • Cook time: 60 minutes

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry ToppingCheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping

Raspberry Danish

Raspberry Danish is a fast and simple breakfast treat that you can whip up in less than 20 minutes. Raspberry Danish is flaky with a creamy cheesecake filling and sweet fresh raspberries drizzled with icing. Great for a weekend brunch with the family or if you have a few minutes to spare in the morning before sending the kids off to school.

Notice in the video below, I used just the egg white today. You can use the whole egg in the mixture or just the yolk. What is the difference? Egg white only helps cut back cholesterol and add volume. Egg yolks add flavor, thickens and emulsifies. In cake batter, this all matters but for the cream cheese filling- not a big deal either way!

I really wanted to create a brunch item inspired by Mother’s Day… which is just around the corner! As a mother, all I want is breakfast in bed and a latte to sip on in just a  few minutes of peace and quiet. That is all. I don’t ask for too much, do I? Typically, on Mother’s Day, my husband will go out and grab me a coffee and pick up breakfast but I love when he gets up early and makes something home cooked. Waking up to the smell of something delicious baking in the oven is perfection.

Mamas! Picture it now. Waking up on a Sunday morning with your children and significant other bringing in a tray of fresh flowers, warm from the oven Raspberry Danish, and a hot vanilla latte. Perhaps a good book or magazine along with that.

Okay, wake up now! Just send this post to the children and cross your fingers.

 

Raspberry Danish, brunch recipes, easy danish, quick pastry, cream cheese danish, cream cheese pastry
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Raspberry Danish

Raspberry Danish is flaky with a creamy cheesecake filling and sweet fresh raspberries drizzled with icing.
Course Breakfast, brunch
Keyword Danish
Prep Time 4 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings 12
Author Amber

Ingredients

Danish

  • 2 pastry rolls premade in the frozen foods section or homemade
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 6 ounces raspberries
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds

Icing

  • 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • In a mixing bowl, add cream cheese, 1 egg (I use just the white), 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon lemon, and 1/3 cup sugar. Use a hand or stand mixer to mix ingredients until creamy and smooth.
  • Lay out your pastry sheets and cut into squares using a pastry/pizza cutter. 2 pastry sheets will give you 12.
  • Fold in the sides of each square towards the center and pinch it to hold. Repeat until all 12 are complete.
  • Add a spoonful of cream cheese filling to each the center of each pastry.
  • Add 3 fresh raspberries to each and sprinkle sliced almonds over the top.
  • Bake for 16-18 minutes or until they just begin to get a golden brown on top.
  • Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes. 
  • As the pastries cook, you can whip up your icing. Whisk together the confectioners sugar, milk and vanilla extract. Drizzle the icing on top of Danish and serve!

How do you all typically spend Mother’s Day?

Make sure to check out Making Time for Yourself Daily with a Mocha Latte recipe included to make a brunch a real hit with the perfect combo aside the Raspberry Danish.

 

 

Date Night with Bertolli® {+ Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe}

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older #MangiaTonight #CollectiveBias

Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching. I feel like once Thanksgiving hit, time went into fast forward and winter is flying by. Valentine’s Day reservations have not been made nor have we set up a babysitter. Time to get creative! This year, we are having date night in with Bertolli® Frozen Meals set up by the fireplace with a cozy blanket, flowers, wine and a freshly baked cheesy garlic pull apart bread. Life is all about the little moments like this. The simple, spontaneous, unexpected, small moments that mean the most.

 

Date Night with Bertolli, cheesy garlic pull apart bread, #MangiaTonight , #ad, #cbias

 

First,  drop by Kroger and grab everything you need to create your own date night at home. Bertolli® Frozen Meals are found in the freezer section under family meals. There are many different options to choose from but I went with the Chicken Florentine & Farfalle because it is a creamy pasta with loads of spinach packed with flavor and big chunks of lean chicken. There are bags for 2 servings which is what I bought for today for our romantic dinner for two by the fire. Family size bags are also available so grab the one that is appropriate for your needs.

Bonus! For the month of February at Kroger banner stores, Bertolli Meals for Two will be the lowest price of the year.

 

Date Night with Bertolli® {+ Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe}, cheesy garlic pull apart bread, #MangiaTonight , #ad, #cbias

 

You can’t have an Italian pasta dinner without a garlic bread. I didn’t want to do any kind of garlic bread though for our special night. I am making a gooey, cheesy garlic pull apart bread. You will find fresh Kroger bread in the bread and pastry section. I went with the Italian round bread. The sourdough round loafs would also be a great choice.  Mozzarella, garlic cloves and butter will also be needed.

 

Date Night with Bertolli® {+ Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe}, cheesy garlic pull apart bread, #MangiaTonight , #ad, #cbias

 

You have the perfect pasta dish, a crazy good cheesy garlic bread planned, so now for the drinks and flowers.  It’s date night! Grab some pretty flowers that smell wonderful. There is just something about fresh flowers that just automatically make a person happy. What is it? The color? The smell? Flowers just top off everything and romanticize the night.

Now for the drinks. We are wine drinkers so we grabbed a simple, light wine. For the Chicken Florentine and Farfelle, I recommend a white wine. A light dish pairs with white wines beautifully. Think of a chardonnay, white zinfandel or a reisling. Even a champagne would be fantastic and appropriate for a romantic Valentine’s date night.

 

Date Night with Bertolli, cheesy garlic pull apart bread, #MangiaTonight , #ad, #cbias

 

As part of date night, we both participate in the cooking. It can be a fun experience just being in the kitchen together watching my husband cook, chatting, laughing and having a glass of wine. Separate the tasks and have on person make the cheesy garlic pull apart bread while the heats up the pasta. Start with the bread since it takes longer to cook. You want to remove the bread from the packaging and make slices one inch apart both diagonal and horizontal. When making your slices, do not cut all the way through the bread. Check out the photo below as a guideline on your slices. Just make the slices go down towards bottom and stop. Melt the butter in a small bowl, add the cheese, fresh chopped parsley and minced garlic to mix together. Now, add your mixture into the slices of the bread spreading it equally throughout. Cover in foil and place in oven for 35 minutes.

 

Date Night with Bertolli® {+ Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe}, cheesy garlic pull apart bread, #MangiaTonight , #ad, #cbias

Date Night with Bertolli {+ Cheesy garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe}, cheesy garlic pull apart bread, #MangiaTonight , #ad, #cbias

 

As the bread finishes cooking in the oven, begin the pasta. In a large sauce pan on a medium to high heat, add the package of Bertolli. Cook for 11 minutes covered while stirring often to avoid sticking and for thorough cooking. That is it! How easy is this?

 

Date Night with Bertolli, cheesy garlic pull apart bread, #MangiaTonight , #ad, #cbias

 

Now time for the fun part! Setting up your night date at home. One of our favorite date night tricks is an indoor picnic. This is where we grab a comfy blanket and lay it out by the fireplace to eat. Set up your blanket like a picnic with your Bertolli Chicken Florentine and Farfalle in a big shareable bowl, lay out the cheesy garlic pull apart bread, a bucket of ice with the wine bottle, wine glasses and vas with fresh flowers.

 

Date Night with Bertolli, cheesy garlic pull apart bread, #MangiaTonight , #ad, #cbias

 

Enjoy date night with Bertolli. Take a few minutes to yourselves and catch up on life. Have a nice discussion, watch a movie, play a board game, enjoy the fireplace and in our case…. try your best to ignore the children running around in circles by us.  Better yet, let the kids set up their own picnic area to eat and watch a movie or color in the some new Valentine’s Day coloring books.

 

Date Night with Bertolli, cheesy garlic pull apart bread, #MangiaTonight , #ad, #cbias

 

Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
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Date Night with Bertolli® {+ Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe}, #mangiatonight, #ad, cheesy bread, pasta
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
  • 1 loaf fresh italian round bread (or something similar)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups mozzarella shredded cheese
  1. Gather ingredients, aluminum foil, measuring cup, whisk, small bowl, cutting board, knife, bread knife, and garlic press.
  2. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees.
  3. Use the bread knife to cut your bread. Cut slices down to the bottom of the bread but not all the way through about one inch apart. Do the cross cut slices the same way making sure to not cut all through the bread.
  4. In the small bowl, melt one stick of butter in microwave for 30 seconds- 1 minute.
  5. Chop the fresh parsley and add to bowl.
  6. Mince 4 garlic cloves with the garlic press and put into bowl.
  7. Measure out 1.5 cups cheese and add to bowl. Whisk the ingredients together well.
  8. Spread open the bread to put the mixture on the bread making sure to evenly distribute throughout. Helps to do this by sections or quadrants and spread with a knife.
  9. Completely wrap in foil.
  10. Place in oven for 35 minutes.
  11. Sprinkle the other .5 cups mozzarella cheese on top of bread right when it comes out of oven allowing it to melt.
  12. Serve.

 

Cheers to Bertolli for bringing date night into our home and helping us create wonderful memories together!

 

Date Night with Bertolli, cheesy garlic pull apart bread, #MangiaTonight , #ad, #cbias

 

How are you spending Valentine’s Day this year? Can you see yourself having a romantic date night at home by the fire and a glass of wine, a delicious bowl of pasta and some fresh cheesy garlic pull apart bread?

Get some more date night inspiration from Bertolli® Frozen Meals by clicking HERE.

 

Date Night with Bertolli, cheesy garlic pull apart bread, #MangiaTonight , #ad, #cbias

 

Bertolli® is a registered trademark of R&B Foods, Inc., used under license.

Champagne Cupcakes

Champagne Cupcakes with pink rose champagne, a simple champagne frosting and a sweet raspberry champagne drizzle. Perfect dessert for Valentine’s Day, party or a fun baby shower.

 

pink champagne cupcakes, raaspberry, pink

 

Champagne Cupcakes may look labor intensive but these are sooo incredibly easy to bake. We are just amping up a white cake box mix. The frosting and raspberry champagne drizzle have limited ingredients and take only minutes to prepare.

 

pink champahne cupcakes, raspberry

 

Use any rose champagne you would like. Pick an alcoholic or non alcoholic depending on your needs. I used an affordable champagne today. No need to spend a bunch of money. These cupcakes are simple, light and fluffy with just a bit of raspberry undertones. If you would like more of a champagne kick, try a bit of champagne extract in the cake and frosting.

 

pink, cupcakes, champagne, raspberry

 

The best part of these Champagne Cupcakes, besides being outrageously simple? The decorating part. You can really turn any cupcake into something really special with some methodical décor planning. I prefer a large tip for frosting cupcakes because it makes the cupcake look a little fuller and really pretty. Today, I used Wiltons’s large 1M open star tip. The drizzle sauce adds a nice dimensional of flavor and a more gourmet feel. The simple candy pearl puts the final touch of sophistication.

 

pink, champagne, cupcakes, raspebrry, valentines

 

Champagne Cupcakes
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Champagne Cupcakes

Yields: 24 cupcakes

  • Champagne Cupcakes
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 box white cake mix
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cup rose champagne (alcoholic or non alcoholic)
  • red food coloring
  • Champagne Frosting
  • .5 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • .5 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1/4 cup rose champagne (alcoholic or non alcoholic)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • red food coloring
  • Raspberry Champagne Drizzle
  • 3/4 cup rose champagne (alcoholic or non alcoholic)
  • 1 cup raspberries
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  1. Gather ingredients, mixing bowls, measuring cups, and hand or stand mixer, strainer for the raspberries, pan, muffin pan, cupcakes liners, decorating bag, large cupcake tip, and cupcake decorations of choice.
  2. Wash raspberries and place on towel to dry.
  3. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees.
  4. Place cupcake liners in muffin pan.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add 3 egg whites, 1 box of white cake mix, 1/3 cup unsalted butter at room temperature, and 1 1/4 cup rose pink champagne.
  6. Mix well. Add a dab of red food coloring and mix in using a spatula. Start with just a little food coloring and add more if needed. A little goes a long ways.
  7. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full of cupcake mixture.
  8. Cook for 20 minutes.
  9. Let cool.
  10. Start your raspberry champagne drizzle as the cupcakes cool. Place a pan on medium heat. Add 3/4 cup rose champagne, 1 cup raspberries, and 3/4 cup sugar. Let bubble for 10 minutes while whisking frequently.
  11. Strain raspberries into a bowl to remove the seeds. Let cool.
  12. In a large mixing bowl, add .5 cup vegetable shortening, .5 cup unsalted butter, and 4 cups powdered sugar. Use the hand mixer to thoroughly mix into a frosting.
  13. Add a dab of red food coloring to frosting. remember the coloring goes a long way. Stir in completely.
  14. Place frosting in decorating bag with tip of choice. I prefer the larger tips. Frost each cupcake.
  15. Drizzle each cupcake with a dab of raspberry champagne sauce. Just use a small spoon and pour a pinch on each cupcake.
  16. Decorate further as you wish. Today I placed a decorative candy pearl on each. A fresh raspberry, cake sparkler or glittery sprinkles would also be great options.
  17. Enjoy!
  • Preparation time: 30 minutes
  • Cook time: 20 minutes

 

Champagne Cupcakes

 

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