From the category archives:

Condiments & Dips

Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

by alice on March 12, 2010 · 21 comments


When I used to bake and decorate wedding and birthday cakes, I would use different types of frosting depending on who was eating the cake.  Most wedding cakes were frosted in egg- based recipes such as Italian or French meringue but for children’s cakes or cupcakes I usually frost cakes in American buttercream frosting.  Made with powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and milk, this is a basic, easy recipe for classic vanilla buttercream frosting.  This frosting works great for spreading on cakes, cupcakes, and/or for decorating.   Some frosting recipes will call for shortening.  Although you could easily substitute some of the butter for shortening, your frosting will taste greasy.  But if you must have a true bright white frosting or need to stabilize it, shortening and clear vanilla extract flavoring would work fine.  I prefer using all butter and occasionally substituting the vanilla extract for other flavors such as almond, coconut, milk, or lemon.  The color of the buttercream is slightly off white but the taste of whipped buttery frosting makes it entirely worth it.  Also, the frosting can be easily tinted with food paste gel or food coloring. [click to continue…]

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{Simple and Amazing} Blueberry Sauce Recipe

by alice on February 28, 2010 · 18 comments


I’m so excited to share with you this simple but amazing blueberry sauce. This recipe is very similar to the cranberry sauce recipe I shared on the site months ago, but make no mistake, this blueberry sauce does not take a back seat to no other.  My breakfast today went from ordinary to extraordinary when I spooned this warm blueberry sauce over my stack of pancakes. I could not help but feel so spoiled while eating it.  I can’t explain in words how awesome this simple blueberry sauce really is, you will just have to make it yourself to understand why I love it so much.  Trust me, if you pour this warm sauce over pancakes you will feel like you died and gone to heaven – that good. Best of all, this recipe is ridiculously easy. If you cannot cook and you make this for your friends and family, they’ll suddenly think you’ve gone gourmet on them. [click to continue…]

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Fruit Dip Recipe

by alice on February 9, 2010 · 25 comments

Marshmallow Fruit Dip

Have you ever been to a party where the host served fruit with a gooey, sweetened cream?  Chances are you were eating fruit dip.  This creamy dip looks like whipped cream but is much sweeter, thicker, and denser.  This particular recipe is my go-to fruit dip recipe because its simple, easy, fast, and always popular at brunches, potlucks, and showers.  With Valentine’s Day just a few days away I thought I would share this great dessert idea you can pull together within minutes.  This recipe only requires two ingredients and perfectly pairs well with strawberries.  [click to continue…]

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Seven Layer Dip Recipe

by alice on February 3, 2010 · 32 comments


Did you know the way to a man’s heart is through seven layer dip?  Seriously.  Superbowl Sunday is days away and football fans everywhere will be dipping tortilla chips in guacamole, salsa, and refried beans.

Seven layer dip is the best of all worlds.  The dip itself is very easy to make especially if you buy pre-made guacamole and salsa.

Instead of preparing the dip in a large platter I decide to make individual sized portions.  This way I can pull them out of the fridge as needed.  If you’re looking for an easy and fun dip to celebrate Superbowl Sunday or any party, look no further. Enjoy! [click to continue…]

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Hummus

by alice on January 20, 2010 · 39 comments

Hummus
Do you love hummus? Have you ever tried making it at home? If you have, then you know how ridiculously easy, fast, and delicious it is. You can make hummus in less than 5 minutes.  Homemade hummus taste just like those expensive containers you buy at the store, except better and for a fraction of the cost!

The last few weeks my husband and I have been trying to eat a little healthier around here.  Because we’re usually up late every night, we get the munchies for junk food. So lately I’ve been making healthier alternatives to our late night snacking. This includes homemade hummus I use as a dip for celery, snap peas, and carrot sticks. I’ve also used it as a spread for veggie sandwiches and it is awesome!

Most people may not be aware how simple it is to make hummus. It’s made with garbanzo beans (chickpeas), tahini (sesame paste), and a few other ingredients you probably have in your pantry.  Hummus is a versatile dip/spread perfect for vegetables, crackers, or as a filling inside a pita. [click to continue…]

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