chocolate cupcakes

Like Regina we have lots of summer birthday. I also bake what my kids want, within reason. But I'm not the best baker, my cupcakes are always dry. I tried a new recipe this year for Molly's puppy cupcakes and was pleased with the results.

Moist cake recipe

Chocolate-Peanut Butter!

Somehow, years ago, our family started a tradition that whatever a child wanted for their birthday cake, I would try to make. I'm really not sure how this started. I think my oldest wanted something one year and I did it, so she decided this was our family's birthday tradition. Every summer (1 June, 1 July, 2 August babies) I kick myself for allowing this, but then seeing how much my kids enjoy, I really am happy that we do this, mostly. My son, Brendan, the last birthday of the summer in our family turned 7 last week. For his birthday, he wanted to be surprised. You would think this would be easier, but really what it means is that his sisters choose what they think he'll like, and that is not always easier.

My son, also loves Chocolate and could, I believe, actually live on peanut butter alone. (The rest of us all love the C-PB combo, with it being my particular fave!), so when the girls decided that the Sorting Hat from Harry Potter was going to be the cake, I decided Choc-PB was the perfect combo for it. It was delish! I used a box of Better Crocker Chocolate cake mix, but made the peanut butter filling and chocolate ganache recipes from this Food & Wine recipe. I did the filling in between our layers and around the outside before pouring the ganache on top. It was to-die-for! Now, I have to try these cupcakes, too -- I think they would be the perfect combination of chocolate cake, peanut butter filling and ganache. YUM!

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/double-dark-chocolate-cupcakes-with-peanut-butter-filling

Chargrilled Vegetable Terrine

After wanting to make this recipe for years, I finaly did and it was easier than I originally thought. We enjoyed this last week and Regina asked for the recipe, so I thought I'd share it with all.

Chargrilled Vegetable Terrine
11 oz ricotta cheese
2 cloves garlic, crushed
8 large slices chargrilled eggplant, drained
10 slices chargrilled red pepper, drained
8 slices chargrilled zucchini, drained
1 1/2 rocket leaves ( I used Boston lettuce, fresh Basil would also be delicious)
3 marinated artichokes, drained and sliced
3 oz semi dried tomatoes (I used sun dried), drained and chopped
3 1/2 oz marinated mushrooms, drained and halved

1. Beat together ricotta and garlic until smooth. Season well and set aside. Line a 9 X 5 X 2 1/2 inch loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving a generous amount hanging over the sides.

2. Line the base of the pan with half of the eggplant, cutting and fitting to cover the base. Top with a layer of half the red pepper, then all of the zucchini. Spread evenly with the ricotta mixture and press down firmly. Place the Lettuce leaves on top of the ricotta. Arrange the artichoke, tomato and mushrooms in three rows lengthwise on top of ricota.

3. Top with the remaining red peppers and finish with eggplant. Cover securely with the overhanging plastic wrap. Put a piece of cardboard on top and weigh it down with weights or small food cans. Refigerate overnight.

4. To serve, peel back the plastic wrap and turn the terrine onto a plate. Remove the plastic wrap and cut into thick slices and serve.

Rice recipes

Anyone have some good summer rice recipes?  I accidentally brought 10 pound bags of rice on two recent grocery shopping trips:) Share if you have any!  Thanks, Bridget

Punch recipe for kids

One of my sisters or sister in law made a Punch for Mom and Dad's 45th Anniversary party! I remember it being a huge hit with the kids. Who has the recipe? Therese wants punch at her Masquarade Ball TONIGHT!

Summer Recipes

Now that summer vacation is here -- regardless of what the weather is saying -- I want light, fresh food. What are your favorite summer recipes?

Oreo Truffle Pops

I was looking for a cute end of year/summer bday treat and came across these oreo truffles athttp://bakerella.blogspot.com/2008/01/grocery-item-turns-gourmet.html. I put them on sticks and added sprinkles for a fun touch.

1 package of double stuffed Oreos (minus 7) ground to crumbs in a food processor

1 8 oz pkg cream cheese, brought to room temp

melted chocolate for dipping

mix oreo crumbs into cream cheese, using the back of a spoon to combine well. Roll into balls and refrigerate for about 1/2 hour I used the small Pampered Chef scoop and this made about 25 balls. I put the lollipop sticks in before refrigerating to help hold (also holds better if you dip the tip of the stick in melted chocolate before sticking in the ball). Melt chocolate in microwave or double boiler. Dip balls in chocolate and decorate (we used rainbow sprinkles). If on a stick, place in styrofoam to cool and harden, then refrigerate. If not using as pops, place in mini cupcake liners. They are so cute!

Bakerella has lots of different recipes and shapes for all different kids of cupcake pops, etc. They are so cute!