dessert

Mango Strawberry Sorbet

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Mango Strawberry SorbetIf I’m being completely honest, I’m not sure what the difference between sorbet and sherbet is. I think sorbet is typically dairy free while sherbet has some dairy in it…I think. This recipe is dairy free, but also has the added benefit of coconut milk to make it smooth and creamy. First of all, yum. Second of all, I’m not sure what that does to the sorbet/sherbet debate and what this actually should be classified as. I say classify it as delicious and move on with life. Done and done!

Mango Strawberry SorbetYou will need an ice cream maker to make this recipe as it is written. However, don’t count yourself out if you don’t have an ice cream maker. I’m pretty convinced if you freeze this stuff right after blending it, you could make something pretty delicious. Maybe not as light or airy as when you make it with an ice cream maker, but I’d be okay with that. Or maybe just take a spoon to the mixture and call it a day. I almost did. It’s good…be warned.

Mango Strawberry SorbetMango is supposed to be really good for you. Like, eat-it-every-day good for you. So…in my infinite wisdom, that has to mean this mango strawberry sorbet should be eaten often. If you’re not buying the whole “it’s good for you” thing, pretend that you’re on a tropical island vacation because the mango + strawberry + coconut mixture = vacation without leaving your house (except maybe to go to the grocery store to buy the ingredients). Everyone loves a vacation.

Mango Strawberry SorbetIf you don’t want to use strawberries or want to try something different you can definitely mix it up. The original recipe I adapted this from used raspberries instead of strawberries. Sounds good to me! I could imagine all sorts of options depending on what your favorite fruits are. As a general rule, I would stick with 4 cups of fruit total to make the recipe work but otherwise make it your own! Also, use delicious, ripe fruit. If you wouldn’t want to eat it before it became a sorbet, chances are the sorbet won’t be as delicious as it could otherwise be. Also, if you’re using a super sweet fruit, cut down on the sugar when you blend it and then taste it. You can always add more!

Mango Strawberry Sorbet
Serves 8
Simple and sweet sorbet that will leave you wanting more
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Prep Time
45 min
Total Time
6 hr 45 min
Prep Time
45 min
Total Time
6 hr 45 min
Ingredients
  1. 3 cups cubed ripe mango (about 2 large mangoes)
  2. 1 cup sliced strawberries
  3. 1 cup full fat coconut milk
  4. 1 cup sugar
  5. zest from 1/2 of a lime
  6. 1 teaspoon lime juice
  7. pinch of salt
Instructions
  1. Place ice cream maker in the freezer the night before making the sorbet. At this time, also blend together all the ingredients until smooth in a blender on high. Refrigerate sorbet mixture overnight (or at least 3-4 hours). This would be a good time to adjust flavors (i.e. if you need more sugar or lime).
  2. Pour chilled sorbet mixture into your ice cream maker and use ice cream maker as instructed. Mine took about 30-40 minutes to become a soft serve consistency, which is what you are looking for.
  3. Transfer to a freezer safe container. Cover and freeze 4-6 hours.
  4. Let slightly thaw (about 10 minutes) before serving to make scooping easier.
  5. Will keep 7-10 days frozen.
Notes
  1. You will need an ice cream maker to make this, though the sorbet mixture was delicious and possibly can be frozen as is. I haven't tried this but I imagine it would turn out slightly more dense.
Adapted from Minimalist Baker
Adapted from Minimalist Baker
Flavor From Scratch https://www.flavorfromscratch.com/

Dirt Pudding

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Dirt PuddingDirt pudding is one of my guilty pleasures. It’s slightly addictive. And by slightly, I mean I purposefully put these in separate mason jars to stop me from sneaking a spoonful every time I passed the refrigerator. It’s a real life problem in my house. I mean, Oreos? Pudding? Cream cheese? Whipped topping? If you’re not with me there, I’m not sure we’re friends. Just kidding! Of course I’ll be your friend. But you WILL have some explaining to do.

Dirt PuddingI actually would usually make this dirt pudding layered in a large glass bowl. It’s beautiful to have the layers showing that way! It would certainly be just as delicious in a not-see-through serving dish but not nearly as pretty. And they say you eat with your eyes so I highly recommend making it pretty. PLUS, mason jars are perfect for desserts on the go! Bring this to a picnic and you’ll be the star.

Dirt PuddingTo be fair, pretty isn’t the same thing as perfect. The mason jars or a glass bowl might be pretty, but don’t get me wrong…I would call these less than perfect in execution. We’ll go with “rustic charm” or “homemade” for this one. It’s all in how you sell it. Yeah…

You could actually put the pudding mixture into a piping bag or zip top bag with the corner cut off and pipe it in the mason jars. That would have surely made less of a mess than what I made. Where’s the fun in that though??

Dirt PuddingRegardless of how “homemade” this pudding looks or what kind of container or bowl you serve it in, you will not be disappointed. This pudding is a sure win with any audience. Just be warned to hide it if you’re making it for yourself (or in my case for my husband and I). You may eat 10 days worth of calories in 1 sitting if you’re not careful. You think I jest? I wish! Just give it a try and see how serious I am.

Dirt Pudding
Serves 12
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Prep Time
20 min
Prep Time
20 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 small vanilla instant pudding boxes (3.4 ounce)
  2. 3 cups milk
  3. 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  4. 1 cup powdered sugar
  5. 1/4 cup butter, softened
  6. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  7. 12 ounces whipped topping
  8. 1 bag of Oreos, crushed
Instructions
  1. Whisk together the instant pudding and milk in a medium bowl for 2 minutes. Chill until set.
  2. Cream the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla together in a large bowl. It is important to have the cream cheese and butter at room temperature or it will not mix well.
  3. Fold the pudding mixture and whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.
  4. Layer the pudding, cream cheese, and whipped topping mixture with the crushed Oreos.
Notes
  1. I made 6 pint-sized mason jars with this process, but you can make more if they are smaller mason jars. I have also used a large glass bowl and is just as pretty!
Adapted from Just a Pinch Recipes
Adapted from Just a Pinch Recipes
Flavor From Scratch https://www.flavorfromscratch.com/

Blueberry Oat Bars

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Blueberry Oat BarsSummer is so close I can almost taste it. I say this as an occupational therapist in the schools where I think everyone can use a break, myself included (Don’t get me wrong, I love my job. But if you work with kids all day I’m sure you understand). I also say this as a food lover starting to notice a larger variety of fresh fruits and vegetables coming back into the stores. I just ate corn on the cob yesterday that was a burst of summer goodness in my mouth. I realize that corn really isn’t in season in Michigan right now and I have no idea where it came from (isn’t that horrible??) but it was still delicious. Ask me again in a few months and I’ll probably realize the corn we ate yesterday was not very good. It’s just been so long since my last fresh corn I’m pretty sure I forget these things.

Blueberry Oat BarsAs fruits and vegetables start to get into season, and get a lot cheaper because of that, I’ll be sure to be using lots of them in my cooking and baking. While it’s kind of still transitioning into that summer harvest season, this is a great recipe to try! It uses frozen blueberries, but still tastes oh so fresh. It’s like a blueberry crumble/bar/pie/amazing-thing-you-must-try. Don’t pass this one up.

Blueberry Oat BarsYou can eat these bars 2 ways. So versatile! You’re welcome. Option 1 would be to follow the instructions and let these bars cool (maybe even refrigerate) before serving. This makes it more like something that you can use your hands to pick up and eat. This would be a very civilized way to eat these blueberry oat bars.

Another way (option 2) to eat these is as follows:

  1. Wait impatiently by the oven while the bars cook, slowly realizing that the smell is becoming so wonderful it’s hard to stand.
  2. Once the timer finally goes off, briskly take them out to admire your creation.
  3. Wait about 1 minute, following the directions to let the bars cool completely.
  4. Decide that it’s ridiculous to even try waiting.
  5. Place an entire carton of ice cream or whipped cream on top, find your very best friends, and quickly eat the entire pan.
  6. Reflect about what just happened and decide that you did the right thing.

Option 2 is the more likely scenario once you smell the bars coming out of the oven and see how bubbly and golden brown and perfect they are. Maybe you’re a better person than me but I dare you not to at least think about option number 2. Just saying.Blueberry Oat Bars

Blueberry Oat Bars
Serves 8
Crumbly blueberry bar perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
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Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
55 min
Total Time
1 hr 30 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
55 min
Total Time
1 hr 30 min
Crust/Crumble Ingredients
  1. 1/2 cup butter (one stick), melted
  2. 1 cup all purpose flour
  3. 3/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  4. 1/2 cup sugar
  5. 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  6. pinch of salt
Blueberry Filling Ingredients
  1. 10 ounces of frozen blueberries
  2. 1/3 cup sugar
  3. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  4. 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray an 8x8" pan with cooking spray. Line with parchment. I lined the bottom and up 2 sides of the pan so that I could use the parchment to pull the bars out of the pan. Spray the parchment with more cooking spray.
Crust/Crumble Directions
  1. Combine crust/crumble ingredients in a bowl until they form a crumble mixture.
  2. Set 1 cup of crumble aside for the topping.
  3. Press the remainder of the mixture into the bottom of the lined pan, making sure it is evenly pressed.
Blueberry Filling Directions
  1. Toss all blueberry filling ingredients together in a large bowl.
  2. Evenly distribute over the uncooked crust.
  3. Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of crumble mixture over the top of the blueberries.
  4. Bake 55 minutes, or until edges start to set and the crumble is starting to turn golden.
  5. Let cool at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. If you want the bars to set more, place in the refrigerator once cooled for an additional 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
  6. Store in the refrigerator or in an airtight container.
Adapted from Averie Cooks
Adapted from Averie Cooks
Flavor From Scratch https://www.flavorfromscratch.com/

Dutch Apple Pie

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Dutch Apple PieSpring isn’t necessarily what I would consider “prime” apple season in Michigan. Usually that’s fall with all the apple picking and cider making and apple cider donut eating. Mostly apple cider donut eating. But spring does include pi day (3.14…). Math dorks, are you with me? Okay, FINE. You caught me. 3/14 is technically still winter. But I think pie can be good any season because…well, it’s pie. And pie in my mouth in any season is A-OK.

Dutch Apple PieApple pie is one of my favorites. And *especially* Dutch apple pie with it’s sweet, crumbly, and crunchy topping. My, OH MY! To be fair, I’d eat pretty much any kind of pie. I can’t really think of a bad one off the top of my head and there are SO MANY choices. Everything from fruit, to chocolate, to savory. Oh wait…Banana cream pie. That’s a pie I’m not so sure about. How can you really be sure with the typically fake banana flavor? UGHH. If I ever find a good banana cream pie recipe I will be sure to share.

Dutch Apple PieI’m going to chat more about apple pie to get my thoughts off of banana cream pie. First of all, apple pie is one of the (in my opinion) most American of pies. 4th of July? Apple pie. Thanksgiving? Apple pie. Memorial Day? Apple pie. Today? Apple pie. You really can’t go wrong and people who don’t like apple pie are few and far between. Second, what can be easier than throwing some sliced apples with a few ingredients you probably already have in your pantry to whip up a scrumptious treat? Done. and. done.

Dutch Apple PieBy the way, did you notice my super cool apple slicer above? These things are old school but work like magic. I remember my grandma slicing apples for pies with one of these many years ago. This isn’t the same one but it makes apple slicing and peeling so much fun! You should get your hands on one and try it. Slicing apples will no longer seem tedious!

Dutch Apple Pie
Serves 8
Golden and crispy topping on a scrumptious apple pie
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Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
1 hr
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
1 hr
For the pie
  1. 1 refrigerated pie crust
  2. 6 cups thinly sliced baking apples (about 6-8 apples)
  3. 3/4 cup sugar
  4. 2 tablespoons flour
  5. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  6. 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
For the crumble topping
  1. 1 stick butter, softened
  2. 3/4 cup flour
  3. 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  4. 1/4 cup brown sugar
  5. 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  6. pinch of salt
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Unroll the pie crust into pie dish, making sure to push to the bottom of the pan. Pinch the excess dough into the edges and crimp edges, if desired.
  3. Mix the sliced apples, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, lemon juice, and 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon together in a large bowl.
  4. In a small mixing bowl, mix together the butter, flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the crumble topping. Break apart the butter until it becomes about pea-sized pieces.
  5. Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust. Top with crumble topping.
  6. Bake on bottom rack of the oven until golden brown and bubbly, about 40-45 minutes.
Notes
  1. You can choose which kind of apples you want to use but some apples hold up better than others for pie. You can even mix a couple kinds of apples...Granny Smith, Honeycrisps, and Braeburn apples are all great for pie making!
Flavor From Scratch https://www.flavorfromscratch.com/

Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies

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Crinkle-Cookies4Okay, so I very much realize that it is halfway through January and many of you may be trying to eat healthy or exercise or do something good for yourself as a New Year’s resolution. Way to go! I’d like to think that these chocolate mint crinkle cookies fall into that “do something good for yourself” category. If you’re not with me on that one, maybe stop reading here because I certainly don’t want to be to blame for a failed diet attempt. I am declaring no responsibility. 

Crinkle-Cookies1/Whew/ With that off my conscience I can start to talk about why I believe this is doing something good for yourself. Ummm…chocolate. Cookie. Mint. Covered in powdered sugar. Chocolate chips. Baked to chewy perfection. 

Seriously, is this even a question why these are good for you? I’m not talking about the nutrition facts here. If that’s the case, no. No, these are probably not good for you one bit. I’m talking about the fact that maybe a little powdered sugar-covered, chocolate chip filled, chewy, minty, chocolate cookie could make your day 1006% better. Even if you’re day is already spot on. 

Crinkle-Cookies2These cookies are almost like little brownies. Like think of that section of the brownie that’s between the edge and the middle. Not too soft, not too chewy. Just perfect. Yes, that’s a good word for this cookie. Perfect. That’s not even taking into account the fact that they are beautiful! You can totally impress whoever you want with these things. 

Crinkle-Cookies3Crinkle cookies are definitely are not hard to make but make sure to leave yourself a good amount of time because they are refrigerated before you bake them! I actually made the dough the night before I baked them, but you really only need a couple of hours to refrigerate. When I made them ahead though it was a breeze to roll, coat in powdered sugar, and bake. Give it a try!

Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies
Yields 42
Delicious, chewy chocolate mint crinkle cookies.
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Prep Time
20 min
Total Time
3 hr
Prep Time
20 min
Total Time
3 hr
Ingredients
  1. 2 cups flour
  2. 1 cup cocoa powder
  3. 2 teaspoons baking powder
  4. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  6. 1 cup sugar
  7. 1 cup brown sugar
  8. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  9. 4 eggs
  10. 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
  11. 1 bag of dark chocolate chips (10-ounce bag)
  12. 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
  1. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat sugar, brown sugar, oil, and eggs until combined. Beat in mint extract.
  3. Stir dry ingredients and chocolate chips into wet ingredients using a spatula or spoon until just combined.
  4. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
  5. Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Pour powdered sugar into a small bowl. Roll cookie dough into 1-inch balls and roll in powdered sugar before placing on baking sheet, 1 1/2 inches apart.
  7. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until the edges begin to set. Let rest on cookie sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
  1. You can make the cookie dough a day before baking. I did this and the cookies turned out great!
  2. If the dough is too soft while working with it, return it to the refrigerator and let set until it is easier to work with.
Adapted from Betty Crocker
Adapted from Betty Crocker
Flavor From Scratch https://www.flavorfromscratch.com/
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