Quick DIY Tiramisu .....(without the alcohol).

My guy cooks for me all the time & I'm so grateful to him for all the amazing TREATS he makes for me! He made this one yesterday & I wanted to share it with all of you.


It's a super quick RECIPE for a non-alcoholic Tiramisu dessert. So, for any of you in AA, this is ideal. Rather than having to use fresh, spongy ladyfingers, this one uses ladyfinger cookies that I got at a neighborhood Italian restaurant - though they are crisp, they're STILL light and not too sweet!

Start with packaged ladyfingers.  Use 2 for each dessert.  Cut in half and place criss-crossed into a ramekin or small dish.

Make one espresso.  You can also use instant coffee but make it strong. I made mine with my Tassimo machine.

Sweeten the coffee with sugar or Splenda.

 

Slightly sweeten (1/2 tsp) mascarpone cheese with Splenda & mix it.  If you can't get mascarpone, you can opt for similar cream cheeses like ricotta.  NOTE - it spreads MUCH better if you let it reach near-room-temperature first.

 

Put 1 1/2 tablespoon of espresso on the ladyfingers - they should be moistened but not drenched.

Dollop 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cheese on top of the ladyfingers depending on your taste.  Spread it evenly over the cookies with a little pressure to push it in.

Sprinkle cocoa powder on top (about 1/2 teaspoon - here I used a tea strainer to do it evenly).

Chill for at least 15 minutes covered.

Shave or break small chocolate pieces for the top and enjoy!

 

photos from made by girl

Strawberry Shake with Marshmallows....

Most of you know that I love posting about cupcakes and pretty little desserts.....but this shake had me salivating! It's a Strawberry shake with Marshmallows....doesn't that sound delicious? 

I NEVER used to like strawberry ice cream or shake as a kid, my favorite was always CHOCOLATE. However, as you grow your tastes EVOLVE & you're more open to trying new flavors & foods. I am very much into strawberry now, so this shake is perfect! This amazing recipe is brought to you by Sweet Paul.  Enjoy! 

RECIPE: Strawberry shake with marshmallows

Serves 2
1,5 cup milk
2 large scoops vanilla ice cream
1 cup pitted strawberries
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 marshmallows, cut in half


Place milk, ice cream, vanilla and strawberries in a blender and bland until smooth.


Press the cut part of the marshmallows onto the inside of the glasses.
Pour the shake and serve.

Enjoy!

This dessert is perfect for kids & adults! For more goodies visit sweet paul

Photo by Alexandra Grabewski

Crave Cupcakes....oh my!

Crave Cupcakes has got to be one of the most beautifully photographed cupcake sites!  I just about FELL OFF MY CHAIR when I saw it!  The smoothness of the butter cream frosting, the texture of the sprinkles, it's like I can already taste them!  It's a real shame we don't have a good home-made cupcake shop out here in Las Vegas!  

Well, there is one I know of, but it's not anything like these. Crave Cupcakes is based out of Houston , Texas...too bad for me.  So, if you're in Texas & you're looking for a baked fresh daily cupcake place, this is the place to go.  Oh, & can you believe these flavors??  chocolate espresso, chocolate coconut, red velvet, gingerbread, Nutella, mint chocolate, peanut butter chocolate, pumpkin & more!

Do you have a cupcake shop in your town? If so, which one? 

Do you have a cupcake shop in your town? If so, which one?


images: crave cupcakes 

William Sonoma Valentine Treats...

I'm back.....I hope all of you are able to view the photos on my blog.  If you think there are pictures missing in a post, please email me.  You can find my email in my profile. Anyway....

Valentine's Day is only 3 days away, any plans??  My husband & I will be going to a special dinner that he has planned. He won't tell me where we are going, so apparently it's a SECRET.  I have a feeling it's this place I've been wanting to go to forever! I bet he makes a delicious dessert for me when we get home....he knows I am a CHOCOLATE ADDICT & V-day is the one day I excuse myself to go all out & eat sweets!! 

So, what are your plans ?? What will you be doing on Sunday, January 14th, 2010? 

If you haven't shopped for food or dessert on the William-Sonoma website, you must! They have so many goodies to choose from. Here are a few favorites of mine from their Valentine's Day treats! Enjoy! XOXO!

images: william-sonoma