Cheesecake Cookies

Blogging from the archives....yep, that's what it's come to. Thrown yet a few more curve balls this month, I have little time for baking. Very little. :(  So I'm pulling out a favorite, Cheesecake in a Cookie. 

Find the original post and recipe HERE.

Try adding a hint of vanilla, or switching up the topping (blueberry is my fave!).

Enjoy!

Nutella Mousse Squares

When things get hectic (or should I say stressful), it's only natural to seek the comfort of your one and only, your one true love. The one that, through thick and thin, has been by your side. The one that can always pick you up when you're feeling down...

Found on the Nutella Day website, this Nutella mousse recipe is quick, easy, and sure to impress!

In a ramekan, sprinkled with a few chopped hazelnuts, is by far my favorite serving suggestion. Or, spread it in a pie crust topped with some whipped cream and you've got a delicious Nutella cream pie. Or, chill it in a pan and cut it in to easy to share mousse squares (fork recommended, but not required). Or...

(SIGH)

OK. Let's be honest. You'll probably just eat it right out of the mixing bowl...'cause it's THAT good!!

Nutella Mousse Squares
Mousse:
1 cup Nutella
2 cups heavy whipping cream
Crust:
1 1/2 cups Oreo cookies, finely crushed
3 tbsp melted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In food processor, crush cookies...or you can use a ziplock and a rolling pin like I did. Works just as well!

Stir cookie crumbs with melted butter until moist.

Press cookie mixture into bottom of 8" square pan and bake for 10 minutes. Completely cool crust before filling.

In chilled mixing bowl, combine heavy cream and nutella.

Whip on high until not so soft, but not so stiff peaks form.

action shot

Spread on top of cooled crust.

Chill overnight.

Sprinkle with hazelnuts before serving.

Enjoy!

Crumb Coat Cakes: American Girl Doll

As of lately, time is the enemy! I'm hoping, however, that time and I can mend our ways. And I'm hoping to make amends soon...very, very soon! 

We've had quite a few changes around here. In addition to potty training my youngest and the continued bliss of nurturing a moody spirited teenager, 3 out of my 4 kids have begun a new adventure. New schools and new experiences, not to mention the new/old sports and activities that come with this time of year (ballet, gymnastics, football, CCD, voice lessons, auditions, etc). I know, I know...blah, blah, blah! We're all in the same boat. Busy, busy busy! 

So how does my sob story correlate with my latest cake creation you ask? Well due my recent lack of time (and patience, I must admit), I cheated.  :(  I typically pride myself on the fact that each and every element of my cakes are 100% edible. But this time, that wasn't the case.

The plan was to mold a miniature version of the birthday girl's own American Girl doll out of fondant and have her sitting on top of the cake. But, due to said circumstances (see above), she just wasn't coming out as planned. So...I resorted to a doll pick, leaving only her outfit, legs, and boots as edible elements. As for the placement, she was strategically positioned for a quick and easy removal. If by chance, the birthday girl/mom of the birthday girl didn't like her, with a quick wipe of the board no one would ever know she existed. I think, however, she made the cut.

Enjoy!