Monday, July 12, 2010

Ice Cream Tunnel Cake

I found this recipe in the July edition of Parenting magazine.  It's a 4th of July-looking dessert, but since we didn't have any big plans on Independence Day, I decided to make it for a dinner with friends.  It's easy to make, and very good to eat!  The final product didn't turn out as pretty as the picture (I think they staged it differently than it's actually made.), but it was definitely tasty!
ICE CREAM TUNNEL CAKE
1 lb. strawberries, sliced
2 T sugar (I used Splenda), divided
2 C. fresh blueberries
1 prepared angel food cake (the bigger the better, I think)
2 C. strawberry ice cream, softened

Toss the strawberries with 1 T of the sugar.
Toss the blueberries with the remaining 1 T of sugar.
Using a serrated knife, slice off the top inch of the cake and carefully set it aside.
Cut a "trench" into the bottom part of the cake- leaving an inch on either side and an inch or more on the bottom.
Layer strawberries, ice cream, and blueberries into the trench.
Try to stay level with the top of the "trench" wall- you'll have some fruit left over.
Place the cake "lid" back on.
Freeze for two hours or overnight.
Just before serving, spoon remainig fruit over top of cake or serve with each slice.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Strawberry-Limeade Punch

I got this recipe from a recipe card in the produce section of the grocery store.  I thought it looked good & easy, so I gave it a try. One of my favorite drink treats is a strawberry-limeade from Sonic, and this is a great homemade alternative.  Next time I'll make sure & buy some pellet ice from Sonic and it'll be even better!
STRAWBERRY-LIMEADE PUNCH
1 package fresh strawberries, stems removed
1 12 oz. can frozen limeade concentrate, thawed, undiluted
5 cups cold water
Fresh mint sprigs

Place strawberries in a food processor to puree
Lightly pulse until smooth
Pour pureed strawberries through a strainer into a bowl
In a large pitcher combine limeade and water
Stir until limeade dissolves
Stir in pureed strawberries
Pour over ice & top with mint sprigs

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Cake Mix Cookies

My childhood best friend's mother used to make these cookies & my mom got the recipe from her.  They are so tasty, and you can make them with any flavor.  Folks are always surprised that these cookies are made from cake mix.
CAKE MIX COOKIES
2 eggs
1 package cake mix (any flavor)
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Mix together eggs, cake mix & oil in a bowl
Place heaping spoonfuls of batter on cookie sheet
Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes