All Posts (102)

Sort by

Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge:

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Makes about 24 squares | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooling Time: 1 hour)

  • 1 Β½ cups granulated sugar
  • β…“ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Β½ cup evaporated milk
  • Β½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 Β½ cups powdered sugar
  • Β½ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, optional)

How to Make Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish

I start by lining anΒ 8x8-inch baking dishΒ with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with butter. This makes it easier to lift out and cut the fudge once it’s set.

2. Heat the Chocolate Mixture

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, I whisk together theΒ granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and evaporated milk. Then, IΒ add the butterΒ and stir continuously until everything is melted and well combined.

3. Bring to a Boil

I let the mixture come to a gentleΒ boil for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. The goal is to dissolve the sugar and create a smooth, glossy fudge base.Β Be careful not to overcook, or the fudge may become too firm.

4. Stir in the Vanilla and Powdered Sugar

Once the mixture is smooth and well combined, I remove it from the heat and stir in theΒ vanilla extract. Then, I gradually sift in theΒ powdered sugar, stirring vigorously until the fudge becomes thick and creamy.

5. Add Nuts (Optional) and Pour Into the Dish

For a little crunch, I mix in theΒ chopped pecans. Then, I quickly pour the fudge into my prepared dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly.

6. Let It Set & Slice

I let the fudgeΒ cool at room temperature for about an hourΒ before cutting it into squares. If I’m in a hurry, I pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to speed things up. Once firm, I slice it into bite-sized pieces and enjoy!

Read more…

Pineapple Juice Cake

This one is easy guys! Β This is a yellow box cake mix (15.25 oz size)

Add 4 eggs, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 3.4 oz box of instant vanilla pudding , vanilla extract, and substitute the water for pineapple juice (3/4 cup). Mix all ingredients and pour into a greased and floured cake pan or use Bakers Joy baking spray to coat your pan ( this is my favorite choice). Β Place cake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for approximately 40 minutes depending on your oven and altitude.Β 

After allowing cake to cool, prepare glaze Β by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of melted butter and 1/4 cup of pineapple juice. Drizzle onto cooled cake.Β 

I used the juice off of a can of pineapple chunks and decorated the top of the cake with a few chunks to give an indication of the flavor profile. You will have fruit left over but you can freeze the remainder of the pineapple for a smoothie! πŸ§‹

Enjoy with a cup of tea πŸ«– or coffee β˜•οΈ!

Read more…

Gumbo

I am going to give you my Creole gumbo recipe. I learned to cook from my mother and grandmother who were born and raised in New Orleans and really knew how to cook.

  • 1Β cupΒ all-purpose flour

  • ΒΎΒ cupΒ bacon drippings

  • 1Β cupΒ coarsely chopped celery

  • 1Β largeΒ onion, coarsely chopped

  • 1Β largeΒ green bell pepper, coarsely chopped

  • 2Β clovesΒ garlic, minced

  • 1Β poundΒ andouille sausage, sliced

  • 3Β quartsΒ water

  • 6Β cubesΒ beef bouillon

  • 1Β tablespoonΒ white sugar

  • salt to taste

  • 2Β tablespoonsΒ hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco), or to taste

  • Β½Β teaspoonΒ Cajun seasoning blend (such as Tony Chachere's), or to taste

  • 4Β bay leaves

  • Β½Β teaspoonΒ dried thyme leaves

  • 1Β (14.5 ounce) canΒ stewed tomatoes

  • 1Β (6 ounce) canΒ tomato sauce

  • 4Β teaspoonsΒ file powder, divided

  • 2Β tablespoonsΒ bacon drippings

  • 2Β (10 ounce) packagesΒ frozen cut okra, thawed

  • 2Β tablespoonsΒ distilled white vinegar

  • 1Β poundΒ lump crabmeat

  • 3Β poundsΒ uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 2Β tablespoonsΒ Worcestershire sauceΒ 

Make the roux: Whisk together flour and 3/4 cup bacon drippings in a large, heavy saucepan over medium-low heat until smooth. Cook roux, whisking constantly, until it turns a rich mahogany brown color. This can take 20 to 30 minutes; watch heat carefully and whisk constantly or roux will burn. Remove from heat; continue whisking until mixture stops cooking. Thick brown roux in a saucepan with a whisk.

Make the gumbo: Place celery, onion, green bell pepper, and garlic into the work bowl of a food processor, and pulse until all vegetables are very finely chopped.

Stir vegetables into roux, and mix in sliced sausage. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until vegetables are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Combine water and beef bouillon cubes in a large Dutch oven or soup pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir until bouillon cubes dissolve, then whisk roux mixture into the boiling water.

Reduce heat to a simmer and mix in sugar, salt, hot pepper sauce, Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, thyme, stewed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Simmer soup over low heat for 1 hour; mix in 2 teaspoons of file gumbo powder at the 45-minute mark.

Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in a skillet over medium heat. Add okra and vinegar and cook for 15 minutes; remove okra with a slotted spoon, and stir into the simmering gumbo.

Mix in crabmeat, shrimp, and Worcestershire sauce, and simmer until flavors have blended, 45 more minutes. Stir in 2 more teaspoons of file gumbo powder just before serving

Β 

Β 

Β 

Read more…

Surf and Turf Veggie Blend

Another Fajita meal! Before someone tells meΒ  about my cholesterolΒ  due to my constant beef πŸ– intact, allow me to assure you with one word---SO.

This meal consist ofΒ 

🍀+πŸ–+Spinach+California Vegetable blend with Red potatoes sauteed in olive πŸ«’ oil spread. πŸ§„+πŸ§‚+ πŸ§… Powder.

13516919466?profile=original

13516919666?profile=original

Read more…

Sliced Brisket Sausage πŸ₯—

Have you ever just wonder what it would be like toake the healthy-UN? That's what this dish is.Β 

In the south, we call it hot links even though what I used on my salad is a brisket sausage!

Just take any old premixed-made salad bag from your grocery store, put it on a plate, and then add sliced Sausage on it. Don't forget to drizzle that dressing!

13466070888?profile=RESIZE_584x

Read more…

Vintage Recipe Waldorf Salad

Waldorf Salad

Β Mixed greens:Β Start with a bed of baby lettuce, spring mix, or Bibb lettuce for extra fiber and nutrients.

  • Apple: Chop your apple into 1/2 inch pieces. I prefer sweet Gala apples for this original recipe, but you can also use Granny Smith apples or your favorite variety.
  • Celery: Crunchy celery adds a great texture to this spin on the classic Waldorf salad recipe.
  • Red seedless grapes: Slice your fresh grapes in half before mixing them with the other ingredients.
  • Chopped walnuts:Β Toast and chop walnuts to add a nutty flavor to this easy Waldorf salad recipe. Pecans would also taste delicious as well.
  • Blue cheese or feta:Β Choose crumbled blue cheese or feta for a creamy, cheesy bite.
Read more…

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

13462442072?profile=RESIZE_710x

Β Gluten-Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies

  • 1/2 pound unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 extra-large eggs at room temperature
  • 2 cups Cup 4 Cup gluten-free flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
  • 1-1/4 pounds semisweet chocolate chunks

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cream the butter and two sugars until light and fluffy in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the vanilla, then the eggs, one at a time, and mix well. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt and add to the butter with the mixer on low speed, mixing only until combined. Fold in the walnuts and chocolate chunks.

Drop the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, using a 1-3/4Β inchΒ diameter ice cream scoop or a rounded tablespoon. Press each cookie down slightly. Bake for exactly 15 minutes (the cookies will seem underdone). Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Β 

Β 

Β 

Β 

Β 

Read more…

Recipe: Lemon Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

  • Cake:
  • 2 ΒΎ cups cake flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • Β½ teaspoon baking soda
  • Β½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ΒΎ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • Β½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 5 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Prepare for Baking:Β Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, lining them with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients:Β In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar:Β Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This process takes about 3-4 minutes and ensures a light, airy cake. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in the lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients:Β In another bowl, mix the lemon juice, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
  5. Create the Batter:Β Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmixβ€”just stir until combined.
  6. Bake:Β Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 22-26 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Prepare the Frosting:Β Beat the butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and vanilla until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  8. Assemble the Cake:Β Layer the cake, spreading frosting generously between each layer. Frost the top and sides, smoothing the surface with an offset spatula.
  9. Garnish (Optional):Β Add a sprinkle of lemon zest or top with edible flowers for a bright, decorative touch.
Read more…

The Ultimate 3-Layer Vanilla Velvet Cake Recipe

A rich and decadent dessert that melts in your mouth, the 3-Layer Vanilla Velvet Cake is a timeless classic. With its pillowy-soft texture and creamy frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration. Each layer is infused with the warm, comforting aroma of vanilla, making it a hit at any table. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you to create a masterpiece.

Recipe: 3-Layer Vanilla Velvet Cake

Ingredients:

Cake:

  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
  • 2Β½ tsp baking powder
  • Β½ tsp baking soda
  • Β½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • Β½ cup (120ml) sour cream, room temperature

Frosting:

  • 1Β½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 6 cups (750g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3–4 tbsp heavy cream

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Pans:Β Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:Β In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar:Β In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:Β Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that delightful aroma.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:Β Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions. Alternate with buttermilk and sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combinedβ€”overmixing can make the cake dense.
  6. Bake:Β Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

  1. Beat the butter until creamy and smooth.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with heavy cream. Beat until fluffy.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract for a final touch of flavor.

Assemble the Cake:

Spread an even layer of frosting between each cake layer. Use the remaining frosting to coat the top and sides of the cake. Decorate as desired with piping, sprinkles, or fresh fruit for a stunning presentation.

Each slice of this cake is pure joy, making it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering. The layers are moist and tender, the frosting creamy and lusciousβ€”a perfect harmony of flavor and texture. Try this recipe, and you’ll have friends and family asking for seconds

Β 

Β 

Read more…