Whip Cream

Pumpkin Pie Mousse Cups

As soon as the summer heat starts to die down and mornings become cooler, my body literally craves pumpkin spice. Yes, I am a pumpkin spice loving, leggings, Ugg, scarf, and sweater wearing, momma. I can’t help it! There is just something about indulging in all things pumpkin that allows me to fully transition into fall.

While I absolutely love a homemade pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, I don’t always have the time, energy, or space in my oven, to make anything besides the turkey and all the fixings. I absolutely love this dessert because it is quick, easy, and no bake! You get all the flavors of pumpkin pie with the pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice but it is a creamy, light, and fluffy mousse! Plus, you can make it a day or two in advance so you have one less thing to deal with on the big T-Day.

If you are making dessert and then going somewhere one of the most cumbersome tasks is transporting a pie. It slides everywhere and I hate covering pies with foil because it never fails, when you go to uncover it, your crust becomes a crumbly mess and never looks as good as when it came out of the oven. These are great because you can assemble them in mason jars, leave a little air space at the top, and just screw on the lid. Easiest dessert for traveling ever! If you are making these to be served in your home, they look super cute in wine glasses too.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 c graham crackers
4 tbsp butter, melted
3/4 c granulated sugar, divided
1 pint heavy whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c powdered sugar
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1 c pumpkin puree
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

STEPS

Prepare the crust by stirring together the graham crackers, melted butter, and 1/4 c of the granulated sugar in a small mixing bowl until well combined.
Set aside 1/4 cup of the graham cracker crumb mixture to serve as your garnish.
Distribute the remaining graham cracker crumbs evenly among 6–8 individual serving dishes.
Using the back of a spoon, gently press the graham crackers down into the bottom of the dishes.
Combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl and beat until the whip cream thickens up.
In another mixing bowl blend together the cream cheese, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated until well-integrated.
Fold in 1 cup of the whip cream into the pumpkin mixture.
Evenly distribute the pumpkin mousse into each of the dishes.
Garnish each cup with the remaining whip cream and top with the graham crackers crumbs you previously set aside.

Sweet Treats

Recipe—Strawberries & Cream Poke Cake

June 29, 2018June 22, 2018 Diva di Cucina

Strawberries & Cream Poke Cake

Fourth of July is right around the corner and that means it is summer party season! I absolutely love this time of year. Days sat around the pool, getting together with friends, and the awesome party food. Burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, garlic bread… yumm! But what is a summer BBQ without an amazing summer dessert? Crap. That’s what it is. I kid! I kid! For real though, every good bbq needs a good dessert. Like this one.

Beings that strawberries are in season this makes it the perfect summer dessert. If you have never made a poke cake then this recipe is a must try. It is so easy to make! You literally just poke holes into the baked cake and all the Jello just fills in the holes and soaks into the cake. It is incredibly moist and it just looks so pretty once you cut into it. Almost too pretty to eat. Almost. 😉

INGREDIENTS
1 box white cake mix (as well as any ingredients it requires)
3 oz package strawberry Jello
1 pint heavy whipping cream
1/2 c powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
fresh strawberries, sliced

STEPS

Prepare white cake per the package instructions in a 9” x 13” large square or rectangular baking dish and allow it to cool.
Bring one cup of water to a boil and remove from heat.
Add Jello to the hot water and stir until completely dissolved.
Add one more cup of cold water to the Jello mix, continue to stir, and set aside.
Using a fork, poke several holes into the cake.
Pour the Jello evenly over the top of the cake.
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for a minimum of 3 hours.
After the cake has set, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl and beat until the whip cream thickens up.
Spread the whip cream over the top of the cake and then garnish with sliced strawberries as desired.
Serve and enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Chef in Training.

Sweet Treats

Recipe—Strawberry Pie

May 15, 2012January 29, 2018 Diva di Cucina

It’s strawberry season in California! It’s the time of year when you can find those big delicious bright red berries everywhere you look. At your grocery store, the farmer’s market, and sometimes even on your drive on backcountry roads. I grew up eating strawberries by the basketful. No seriously. Ask my mom. We used to have to get two baskets at the store just so one of them would make it home. I remember sitting in the front seat of the car on our drive home from the store and emptying one of those little green baskets. I would be covered in sticky sweet red berry juice. Ahhhh… sweet memories. Speaking of, what ever happened to those green baskets? They were the best for crafts! Sorry, I’m getting off track. I love strawberries! That’s my point here.

This strawberry pie recipe is so perfect for the summer. I believe this pie coined the term, “easy as pie,” because anyone can make it, and in minutes at that. It is so refreshing and light and perfect for your next summer gathering. Heck, it’s perfect for any day of the week! You won’t need a special occasion for this refreshing and oh so delicious pie.

INGREDIENTS
1 sheet of refrigerated piecrust at room temperature
1 1/2 pints ripe strawberries
1 (3 oz) package strawberry Jell-O
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 c water
1/2 c sugar
1 pint heavy whipping cream
4 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

STEPS

Preheat oven to 450º.
Unroll your piecrust and line a pie dish with a single sheet.
Pierce the bottom of your piecrust with a fork several times.
Bake at 450º for 9–11 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from oven and allow to cool.
While piecrust is cooling thinly slice your berries.
In a medium saucepan mix the package of Jell-O with the cornstarch.
Add the water and sugar to pan.
Cook over medium heat while stirring occasionally until boiling.
Add the sliced berries to your piecrust making sure that they are evenly distributed.
Pour the Jell-O mixture over the strawberries.
Place the pie in the refrigerator and allow to chill for 4–5 hours or until it sets.
Before serving the pie, prepare your whip cream by mixing the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla using a hand mixer. Mix on high speed for 2–3 minutes or until desired thickness.
Top pie with your homemade whip cream.
Slice, serve, and enjoy!