Recipes

Brunch Ideas for Mother’s Day

May 6, 2015May 6, 2015 Diva di Cucina

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! While going out to brunch is great, I personally think an elegant brunch with my family at home is the best way to spend the day. This time of year we have such fabulous weather in California so sprucing up a table on the patio with some nice linens and flowers can be just as nice as going out to eat. If you are planning on cooking brunch for Mother’s Day for your mom, or perhaps even your wife (hint, hint spouses) here are some of my favorite recipes that any mom would be sure to enjoy. Happy Mother’s day to all the moms out there!

Looking for more brunch ideas or perhaps you are thinking of cooking a nice dinner instead? Check out my recipe box. There are lots of great ideas listed by category there!

Sweet Treats

‘Tis the Season for Baking

December 5, 2014December 4, 2014 Diva di Cucina

It’s the first week of December and I am going into the baking season full steam ahead! If you are looking for some cookie or bar recipes that are outside the norm then you have come to the right place! Here are some of my favorite sweet treat recipes that are sure to be a hit with your lucky recipients. Enjoy!

Sweet Treats

Recipe—Individual Blueberry Cheesecakes

July 24, 2013January 26, 2018 Diva di Cucina

Last weekend we went to another summer BBQ. This one was about two hours away and would be a long windy drive. I needed a dessert that would transport well. Pies seem to always end up squished and most of my Pyrex dishes wont fit in my ice chest. I have seen individual desserts in mason jars trending on Pinterest and I thought to myself, “I bet something like that would transport wonderfully.” And they did! Now what to put in them? Hmm…

If you have been following my blog for a while now then you may know that I love my cheesecake. I am not picky about my desserts but if it has the word “cheesecake” in the name I will lack all self control. So I knew I wanted some sort of cheesecake in a jar. (I know, pretty self-serving right?) Blueberries were on sale at the grocery store and so my decision was made. I would be taking individual blueberry cheesecakes in mason jars. They made a great presentation, were out of this world good, could not have been easier to serve, and they were fun to eat. In other words, they were amazing!

Note: I was able to fill six 8 ounce mason jars. You can get also get 4 ounce jars for smaller servings.

BLUEBERRY FILLING INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp butter
4 c blueberries, fresh or frozen
1/2 c sugar
1/2 tsp lemon juice
2 tbsp cornstarch
4 tbsp water

CHEESECAKE INGREDIENTS
1 c graham cracker crumbs
1/3 c butter, melted
1 1/4 c sugar, divided
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 c milk
8 oz tub of Cool Whip
mason jars (see note above regarding sizes)

BLUEBERRY FILLING STEPS

Melt the 2 tbsp of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add in the blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
Whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and pour into the pot.
Lightly mash the blueberries with a hand held masher making sure to leave about half of the berries in tact.
Bring the blueberry filling to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.
Cook the filling for 6–8 minutes stirring frequently.
Remove from heat.

CHEESECAKE STEPS

While the blueberry filling is cooling, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 c of the sugar.
Distribute the graham cracker crumb mixture into the bottom of each jar saving a couple of spoonfuls for garnish.
Using a hand held mixer, beat together the cream cheese and remaining cup of sugar until well combined. Gradually add in the milk until it is nice and creamy.
Distribute the cream cheese filling among the jars. (I transferred my filling into a Ziploc bag, cut of the corner, and piped it into each jar.)
Add a layer of the blueberry filling to each jar.
Fill the rest of the jar with Cool Whip and sprinkle with remaining graham cracker crumbs.
Add lids if you will be transporting your dessert.
Chill for at least one hour before serving.
Enjoy!

Uncategorized

Crowd Pleasing Super Bowl Recipes

January 22, 2013 Diva di Cucina

Super Sunday is right around the corner! The Super Bowl is the biggest football game in America. It’s when we get together with family and friends to watch two rival teams have it out on the field (and of course over indulge in delicious food).

Whenever we have a Super Bowl party we typically serve one dish per quarter. Appetizers during the first two, a main course for the third, and of course a super ice cream sundae during the fourth.

I have put together some of my favorite recipes that are perfect for your big bash. Enjoy the game!

Appetizers