Linda Larsen's Blog
Posted by Linda Larsen
For Valentine's Day, make one or two or these recipes and celebrate the holiday by using a heart shaped cookie cutter to create your own treats.
If you can't find a heart-shaped cutter, make your own by tracing a heart shape from many found around the internet. Then transfer the shape to a solid piece of cardboard and cut it out. Cover the heart shape with aluminum foil, then just place the foil-covered heart on the bars and cut out.
Any of these recipes will work well with this method:
Posted by Linda Larsen
Valentine's Day has to be celebrated with chocolate. I have lots of Chocolate Recipes, but this newest one is my favorite.
To make Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles, you need just two ingredients. Combine a 12 ounce bag of semisweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup peanut butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power for 2 minutes, then remove and stir. Return to microwave and microwave on medium power for 1 minute intervals, stirring after each interval, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth.
Refrigerate this mixture until firm, about 2 hours. Then, using a small ice cream scoop or small spoon, scoop out small balls and roll into rough balls. Place on waxed paper and return to fridge to set. Store, covered, in the refrigerator.
This fabulous recipe makes about 40 truffles. What could be easier?
Posted by Linda Larsen
Brownies are not only easy to make, but are one of the most delicious desserts. There are a few tricks to making the perfect brownie.
- Make sure to measure flour correctly. In fact, I like to use about 1/4 cup less flour in my brownie recipes so they are more fudgy.
- Follow the recipe carefully. Most brownie recipes aren't beaten very long because you don't want a lot of air in the batter; this way the brownie will be fudgy.
- Don't overbake! Check the brownies at the earliest time, perhaps even five minutes sooner, and take them out of the oven when they are just set. Squidgy, or underbaked, brownies are much better than overbaked bars.
- Brownies don't need a frosting, but an easy one can be made by melting together one 12 ounce package of semisweet chocolate chips with 1/3 cup peanut butter until smooth.
Try my recipes for The Best Brownies, Rocky Road Brownies, and Crispy Peanut Brownies.
Posted by Linda Larsen
You've heard the saying 'never trust anyone over 30'? Well, if you're over a certain age you have! I myself never trust anyone who doesn't like chocolate. What's not to love? The snap when you bite into it; the way it melts in your mouth, the aroma and flavor that fills your senses, and the way it makes you feel good.
By the way, there's a scientific explanation for why chocolate makes you feel good. It contains two substances called tryptophan and phenylethylamine. Tryptophan is used by your body to make serotonin, the 'feel good' chemical. And phenylethylamine is a mood-altering drug that stimulates the brain's pleasure centers. And scientists have found a new chemical in chocolate that could add to the mix: anandamide is another neurotransmitter that makes your brain happy.
And chocolate is good for you too!
So enjoy these recipes, in moderation, without guilt.
Posted by Linda Larsen
Most Super Bowl parties consist of chicken wings, dip with lots of chips, and beer. Throw a nice twist into the mix this year and serve some quick and easy desserts too!
These recipes all make a bunch, are simple to make, and will please just about any palate (do football fans have palates? - just kidding!) Fill up a couple of platters and place them on the kitchen counter. When everybody is finished with the dips and chips, unveil these little goodies and stand back.
Super Bowl Dessert Treats
Or browse through my Recipe Box and choose your own spread!
Hope your team wins!
Posted by Linda Larsen
Quick desserts should be in everyone's repertoire. I'm talking about the recipes that you can practically make in your sleep, that are delicious and satisfying and that will feed your family. These are the recipes I turn to most often. They're all a little bit different, so you don't feel like you're serving the same thing.
Enjoy!
Posted by Linda Larsen
Have you made resolutions for the New Year? Most people make some promise to themselves about eating better and losing weight. But remember, depriving yourself is the surest way to fail. So treat yourself to small portions of healthy desserts.
These desserts are all delicious, easy to make, and good for you too.
Enjoy!
These little bars are full of Vitamins A and C. Use a low fat cake mix and they will also be lower in fat.
Grilling fruits concentrate the sugars and add wonderful flavor through caramelization. Serve these fruits over sherbet or frozen yogurt for a delicious and healthy treat.
Use low fat whipped topping to make this dessert lower in fat. Because the tartlets are individual, the serving size is preset, so you can't cut a larger piece!
Try making this dessert without the crust! Then it's just strawberries, egg whites, and sugar. It's delicious and low fat too.