Strawberry Tiramisu Cake

Here's a pretty and summery tweak on the classic Italian dessert. It's a caffeine-free recipe but nonetheless yummy. Another option: Substitute ladyfingers for sponge cake.

Yield one 9-inch cake

Ingredients:

1 pack ladyfingers

1/2 kilo strawberries, sliced 

      (set aside some for decoration)

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons water

3 egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup mascarpone cheese

2 cups heavy cream

2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

3 egg whites

2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions:

1  Place a 9-inch cake ring on top of a baking sheet. Line the bottom of the cake ring with a round piece of foil. Arrange ladyfingers on the bottom. Set aside.

2  Over low heat, cook sliced strawberries with sugar and water until syrupy.

3  Pour the syrup on the ladyfingers. Purée the softened strawberries with a hand blender. Set aside.

4  Beat the egg yolks and sugar over simmering water until warm. Add the mascarpone cheese and continue mixing until smooth. Add the puréed strawberries.

5  In a metal bowl, whisk heavy cream and confectioners' sugar until soft peaks. Set aside.

6  In another bowl, beat egg whites with sugar until soft peaks form.

7  Fold whipped cream into the egg yolk mixture, then fold in the egg white mixture until smooth. Pour mixture over the ladyfingers; smoothen the top with a spatula. Refrigerate the cake for 4 hours or until set. Decorate with more strawberries.

Bacon and Cheese Strata

Thinking of something to prepare for baon (something to bring at work or in school)? Try this recipe!

Ingredients:

12 to 16 bread slices

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or

      Quickmelt cheese

1/4 cup minced onions

200 grams cooked and diced bacon

6 eggs 

3 cups milk

salt and pepper

Instructions:

1   Place 6 to 8 bread slices in a well-greased 9x13-inch baking pan or individual ramekins. 

2  Sprinkle cheeses, onions, and bacon over bread. 

3  Place 6 to 8 more slices of bread on top. 

4  Mix eggs and milk together, and season with salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over bread. 

5  Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown at 375ºF.

Carrot Cake Pancakes with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

We took everyone's favorite pancakes and made them even better. This will definitely get your weekend off to a great start! 

Makes 6 to 8 medium pancakes

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cooking Time 15 minutes

Ingredients:

For the pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

pinch of salt, to taste

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup grated carrots,

       plus extra for garnish

1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 

      plus extra for garnish

1/4 cup chopped raisins

1/4 cup melted butter 

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup brown sugar 

1 cup buttermilk

      (No buttermilk? Use plain yogurt or sour cream instead)

 

For the glaze

1 cup cream cheese,

      softened to room temperature

1/2 cup maple syrup

Instructions:

1  In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. mix until combined.

2  Add carrots, nuts, and raisins, making sure each one is coated with the dry ingredients. Set aside. 

3  In another bowl, combine butter, egg, vanilla extract, sugar, and buttermilk. Combine with dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until no lumps remain.

4  Make the glaze:  In a bowl, mix together cream cheese and maple syrup until smooth. Set aside.

5  Place a non-stick pan over medium heat. To test if the pan is ready, sprinkle water over the surface. If the droplets sizzle, proceed with cooking the pancakes.

6  Ladle  1/2 cup batter into the  hot pan.  Wait until bubbles form. Once most of the bubbles have dissipated, use a spatula to gently flip the pancake. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes more until pancake is golden brown.

7  Place pancake on a plate and spread glaze on top. Add more pancakes and glaze until you make a stack.

8  Top with more glaze. Garnish with carrots and chopped walnuts.

Time-saving tip:   If pressed for time, use your favorite pancake mix, then  add carrots, spices, nuts, and raisins!  If you can't find  buttermilk, simply combine 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon  juice and enough milk to make 1 cup.