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Bite-Sized Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs



Want tasty little bite-sized pizzas to snack on? Well, then you've come to the right place. 'Cause these cute little Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs are just the perfect little pizza snack! Prepared in mini muffin tins, they're a two-bite bit of pizza snackin' fun.

And did I mention they're easy to make?

Continue Reading >>


Want tasty little bite-sized pizzas to snack on? Well, then you've come to the right place. 'Cause these cute little Pepperoni & Sausage Pizza Puffs are just the perfect little pizza snack! Prepared in mini muffin tins, they're a two-bite bit of pizza snackin' fun.

And did I mention they're easy to make?

Continue Reading >>
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Blueberry Bread Pudding with Lemon Glaze {Guest Post}


I am super excited to be guest posting over at Rhodes today.  I mean who hasn't tried & loved their frozen dough products?  Today I am sharing this sweet & slightly tangy blueberry bread pudding.  It's so moist & fruity with just the right amount of tang from the lemon glaze.  Don't give up on summer flavors just yet!  Fall needs to wait it's turn!  Go CHECK OUT THE RECIPE & tell my friends at Rhodes that I sent you! (Click HERE for the recipe.)


I am super excited to be guest posting over at Rhodes today.  I mean who hasn't tried & loved their frozen dough products?  Today I am sharing this sweet & slightly tangy blueberry bread pudding.  It's so moist & fruity with just the right amount of tang from the lemon glaze.  Don't give up on summer flavors just yet!  Fall needs to wait it's turn!  Go CHECK OUT THE RECIPE & tell my friends at Rhodes that I sent you! (Click HERE for the recipe.)

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Peaches & Cream Cobbler

Summer is coming to a close & school is starting up soon, but there is still time to enjoy some more summer goodness!  Just the word "cobbler" screams, "SUMMER!" to me!  It makes me think of camping & bon fires & that makes me happy.  This cobbler recipe is like none other.  It's two of my favorites combined into one: peach cobbler meets cheesecake batter.  You heard me right... CHEESECAKE BATTER! What are you waiting for?  Try this dessert for your next gathering.  You won't want to miss out!



Peaches & Cream Cobbler
Recipe from Rachel Schultz & re-written by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)


  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 2 large eggs, divided
  • 1 (29oz) can peaches in natural juices
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • Vanilla Ice Cream
  1. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cut the butter into the cake mix until crumbly.  Then add ONE egg & mix until just combined.  Reserve 1/2 cup of the crumble for the topping.
  2. Grease a 9x13" pan & press the remaining crumble into the bottom of the pan.  Bake at 350˚F for 10 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, in a bowl with a hand mixer, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, remaining egg & vanilla.
  4. Drain peaches, cut into cubes & distribute evenly over the top of the cooked crust.  Dollop cheesecake batter over the peaches & spread as evenly as you can.  Sprinkle with remaining crumble & bake again for 30 minutes until crumble topping is browned & cheesecake is solid when the pan is shaken.
  5. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream & a dash of cinnamon.
*Makes: 12 Servings

This post was originally published at Pretty Providence on July 10th, 2013.
Summer is coming to a close & school is starting up soon, but there is still time to enjoy some more summer goodness!  Just the word "cobbler" screams, "SUMMER!" to me!  It makes me think of camping & bon fires & that makes me happy.  This cobbler recipe is like none other.  It's two of my favorites combined into one: peach cobbler meets cheesecake batter.  You heard me right... CHEESECAKE BATTER! What are you waiting for?  Try this dessert for your next gathering.  You won't want to miss out!



Peaches & Cream Cobbler
Recipe from Rachel Schultz & re-written by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)


  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 2 large eggs, divided
  • 1 (29oz) can peaches in natural juices
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • Vanilla Ice Cream
  1. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cut the butter into the cake mix until crumbly.  Then add ONE egg & mix until just combined.  Reserve 1/2 cup of the crumble for the topping.
  2. Grease a 9x13" pan & press the remaining crumble into the bottom of the pan.  Bake at 350˚F for 10 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, in a bowl with a hand mixer, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, remaining egg & vanilla.
  4. Drain peaches, cut into cubes & distribute evenly over the top of the cooked crust.  Dollop cheesecake batter over the peaches & spread as evenly as you can.  Sprinkle with remaining crumble & bake again for 30 minutes until crumble topping is browned & cheesecake is solid when the pan is shaken.
  5. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream & a dash of cinnamon.
*Makes: 12 Servings

This post was originally published at Pretty Providence on July 10th, 2013.
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Sink or Swim Group Giveaway!!! {Kitchen Gadgets & Party Supplies! - CLOSED}

Happy Monday everybody!  I have a fun giveaway for you all!  I have teamed up with some fabulous bloggers to bring you a "Sink or Swim" themed giveaway.  There is still time left to throw one last summer party & we have some great ideas for you!  Check back Thursday for all the elements you need to make your own "Sink or Swim" party.  It's an online party extravaganza!  We have lots of great ideas, you won't want to miss it!
Events to CelebrateArtsy Fartsy MamaClarks CondensedRae Gun RamblingsHomemade ToastThe Bucket List GirlFab DecorLike Mother Like DaughterCupcake DiariesOur Thrifty IdeasDessert Now Dinner Later


Now, do you want to see what you can win?!  Look at these prizes...  And did I mention that there are two chances to win?  No? I didn't?  Oh I must have forgot.  You have TWO chances to win!!!  Check out these great prizes!


Joseph Joseph More Sprinkled Joy Bucket Boutique Heavenly Cake Pops Waring Pro Sprinkled Joy
Prize Package 1:
Tovolo Epicurean Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker Cuisinart Fab Decor Shirley K Designs
Prize Package 2:
Holy moly!  That's a lot of great stuff right?!  A HUGE THANK YOU to our AMAZING sponsors for providing two lucky winners some great stuff to have a party of their own!  Click on the links below to visit our sponsors websites & do a little shopping of your own if you see something you like. :)  

Waring Pros Fab Decor Shirley J Designs Sprinkled Joy Joseph Joseph Tolovo Hamilton Beach epicurean Heavenly Cake Pops Bucket Boutique Cuisinart
Bucket Boutique
Cuisinart
Epicurean 
Fab Decor
Hamilton Beach
Heavenly Cake Pops
Joseph Joseph
{More} Sprinkled Joy
Shirley K Designs
Sprinkled Joy
Waring Pro


Ok, are you ready to enter the giveaway?  Let's do it!  Just fill out the Rafflecopter.  Lots & lots of chances to win!  Get to entering!  The winner will be announced next Monday!  So you have one week!  Good luck!


Happy Monday everybody!  I have a fun giveaway for you all!  I have teamed up with some fabulous bloggers to bring you a "Sink or Swim" themed giveaway.  There is still time left to throw one last summer party & we have some great ideas for you!  Check back Thursday for all the elements you need to make your own "Sink or Swim" party.  It's an online party extravaganza!  We have lots of great ideas, you won't want to miss it!
Events to CelebrateArtsy Fartsy MamaClarks CondensedRae Gun RamblingsHomemade ToastThe Bucket List GirlFab DecorLike Mother Like DaughterCupcake DiariesOur Thrifty IdeasDessert Now Dinner Later


Now, do you want to see what you can win?!  Look at these prizes...  And did I mention that there are two chances to win?  No? I didn't?  Oh I must have forgot.  You have TWO chances to win!!!  Check out these great prizes!


Joseph Joseph More Sprinkled Joy Bucket Boutique Heavenly Cake Pops Waring Pro Sprinkled Joy
Prize Package 1:
Tovolo Epicurean Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker Cuisinart Fab Decor Shirley K Designs
Prize Package 2:
Holy moly!  That's a lot of great stuff right?!  A HUGE THANK YOU to our AMAZING sponsors for providing two lucky winners some great stuff to have a party of their own!  Click on the links below to visit our sponsors websites & do a little shopping of your own if you see something you like. :)  

Waring Pros Fab Decor Shirley J Designs Sprinkled Joy Joseph Joseph Tolovo Hamilton Beach epicurean Heavenly Cake Pops Bucket Boutique Cuisinart
Bucket Boutique
Cuisinart
Epicurean 
Fab Decor
Hamilton Beach
Heavenly Cake Pops
Joseph Joseph
{More} Sprinkled Joy
Shirley K Designs
Sprinkled Joy
Waring Pro


Ok, are you ready to enter the giveaway?  Let's do it!  Just fill out the Rafflecopter.  Lots & lots of chances to win!  Get to entering!  The winner will be announced next Monday!  So you have one week!  Good luck!


reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Glazed Poppy Seed Muffins with Strawberry Butter

Scrumptious little Glazed Poppy Seed Muffins with Strawberry Butter ~ a tea room inspired treat.

Sometimes inspiration strikes us and we just have to go with it right at that very moment. No waiting. Just right then. Like for me with these Glazed Poppy Seed Muffins with Strawberry Butter.

They are inspired by a tea room in my town ... Chantilly's Tea Room, to be exact ... and once I decided to make them, I was compelled to do it that very day.

Continue Reading >>
Scrumptious little Glazed Poppy Seed Muffins with Strawberry Butter ~ a tea room inspired treat.

Sometimes inspiration strikes us and we just have to go with it right at that very moment. No waiting. Just right then. Like for me with these Glazed Poppy Seed Muffins with Strawberry Butter.

They are inspired by a tea room in my town ... Chantilly's Tea Room, to be exact ... and once I decided to make them, I was compelled to do it that very day.

Continue Reading >>
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Crockpot Jerk Pork Tacos with Avocado & Mango Salsa

I've been wanting to try something new for dinner & it had to be something in the crock pot because I am dying in this heat.  I had bought a pork roast on sale & I found this recipe & absolutely loved it!  You can totally substitute chicken if you want, just slow-cook it less time.  The combination of the savory pork with the sweet, chunky avocado & mango salsa is right on the money!  It's a fabulous, perky summer taco.




Crockpot Jerk Pork Tacos with Avocado & Mango Salsa
Recipe altered from SkinnyTaste by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)

Jerk Rub:
  • 1 Tbsp dried onion flakes
  • 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 tsp dried nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper


Pork & Marinade:
  • 3 lbs pork roast
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • Jerk Rub (from recipe above)
  • 1 fresh lime, squeezed (3-4 Tbsp)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice


Avocado & Mango Salsa:
  • 1 large avocado
  • 2 large mangoes (or about 2 cups frozen chunks, thawed)
  • 3 Tbsp finely diced red onion
  • 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 fresh lime, squeezed (3-4 Tbsp)
  • Salt & Pepper

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl for the jerk rub & stir together.  Makes approximately 4 Tablespoons.
  2. Place pork roast into a crock pot.  Using a knife, score the pork roast & rub the minced garlic into the slits.  Sprinkle 3 Tablespoons of the jerk rub (saving 1 Tbsp for later) over the pork roast.  Pour the lime & orange juices over the top.  Let the pork marinate, covered in the fridge for 4 hours, spooning marinade over the top occasionally.
  3. Once the pork has been marinaded, cook it in the crock pot on low for 8-9 hours, or until shreddable.  Once meat is tender, remove from crock pot & shred.  Strain the juices from the meat & SAVE.  Put shredded meat & strained juices back into the crock pot.  Add remaining 1 Tbsp jerk seasoning to the mixture, stir & let the pork heat up for another 15-30 minutes on low.  
  4. Meanwhile, dice the avocado & mangoes & put them in a medium sized bowl.  Add the finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice & season to taste with salt & pepper.
  5. When ready to serve, place meat mixture onto soft flour tortillas & top with salsa.  Enjoy!

I've been wanting to try something new for dinner & it had to be something in the crock pot because I am dying in this heat.  I had bought a pork roast on sale & I found this recipe & absolutely loved it!  You can totally substitute chicken if you want, just slow-cook it less time.  The combination of the savory pork with the sweet, chunky avocado & mango salsa is right on the money!  It's a fabulous, perky summer taco.




Crockpot Jerk Pork Tacos with Avocado & Mango Salsa
Recipe altered from SkinnyTaste by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)

Jerk Rub:
  • 1 Tbsp dried onion flakes
  • 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 tsp dried nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper


Pork & Marinade:
  • 3 lbs pork roast
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • Jerk Rub (from recipe above)
  • 1 fresh lime, squeezed (3-4 Tbsp)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice


Avocado & Mango Salsa:
  • 1 large avocado
  • 2 large mangoes (or about 2 cups frozen chunks, thawed)
  • 3 Tbsp finely diced red onion
  • 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 fresh lime, squeezed (3-4 Tbsp)
  • Salt & Pepper

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl for the jerk rub & stir together.  Makes approximately 4 Tablespoons.
  2. Place pork roast into a crock pot.  Using a knife, score the pork roast & rub the minced garlic into the slits.  Sprinkle 3 Tablespoons of the jerk rub (saving 1 Tbsp for later) over the pork roast.  Pour the lime & orange juices over the top.  Let the pork marinate, covered in the fridge for 4 hours, spooning marinade over the top occasionally.
  3. Once the pork has been marinaded, cook it in the crock pot on low for 8-9 hours, or until shreddable.  Once meat is tender, remove from crock pot & shred.  Strain the juices from the meat & SAVE.  Put shredded meat & strained juices back into the crock pot.  Add remaining 1 Tbsp jerk seasoning to the mixture, stir & let the pork heat up for another 15-30 minutes on low.  
  4. Meanwhile, dice the avocado & mangoes & put them in a medium sized bowl.  Add the finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice & season to taste with salt & pepper.
  5. When ready to serve, place meat mixture onto soft flour tortillas & top with salsa.  Enjoy!

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Sweet & Savory Saturdays #23


Happy weekend everybody!  Saturday is my birthday, & it's not just any birthday...it's my GOLDEN BIRTHDAY (I'm 27 years old on the 27th.)  My husband & I are actually having a fun date tonight...  a fancy dinner & either a movie or mini golf.  We hardly ever get a chance to go out, so it should be fun no matter what we do.  

Anyway, I have a fun giveaway coming up for you all next week so stay tuned for that.  In the meantime, check out the features & have fun linking up & visiting others' links. :)








*Grab a Button if you were featured today!*

Dessert Now, Dinner Later!


Party Guidelines:
  1. PLEASE Follow Dessert Now, Dinner Later! on Facebook or any social media.
  2. PLEASE Grab a Sweet & Savory Saturdays Button from my "Grab a Button" page at the top & post it to your Link Parties page or link back to my blog within the recipe post.
  3. PLEASE Only link up to specific recipes.  Also, NO giveaways, sales/promotions, etsy, or link parties.
  4. PLEASE Visit the 2 links before yours & leave some comment LOVE.  Have fun! 

Happy weekend everybody!  Saturday is my birthday, & it's not just any birthday...it's my GOLDEN BIRTHDAY (I'm 27 years old on the 27th.)  My husband & I are actually having a fun date tonight...  a fancy dinner & either a movie or mini golf.  We hardly ever get a chance to go out, so it should be fun no matter what we do.  

Anyway, I have a fun giveaway coming up for you all next week so stay tuned for that.  In the meantime, check out the features & have fun linking up & visiting others' links. :)








*Grab a Button if you were featured today!*

Dessert Now, Dinner Later!


Party Guidelines:
  1. PLEASE Follow Dessert Now, Dinner Later! on Facebook or any social media.
  2. PLEASE Grab a Sweet & Savory Saturdays Button from my "Grab a Button" page at the top & post it to your Link Parties page or link back to my blog within the recipe post.
  3. PLEASE Only link up to specific recipes.  Also, NO giveaways, sales/promotions, etsy, or link parties.
  4. PLEASE Visit the 2 links before yours & leave some comment LOVE.  Have fun! 
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Triple Chocolate Brownies


Hi, my name is Amber & I am a chocoholic.  It's true!  There are few things that can make my day better than a small piece of smooth, velvety chocolate.  I keep a private mommy stash in my child-proof pantry for emergencies.  It's always best to be prepared!


These brownies, are incredibly chocolatey.  A fudgy brownie base with chunks of chocolate chips, a light whipped chocolate frosting, & a thin ganache drizzle.  The brownie itself is probably my favorite brownie base of all time.  Nothing beats this fudgy homemade brownie recipe, even if it takes longer than a box from the store, it's worth it!  You are going to love these chocolate-lover brownies!  Feel free to double or triple the frosting & ganache layers.  I like to go light on toppings, but I know some people love all the extra goodies.

Triple Chocolate Brownies
Recipe by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
Brownie:
  • 4oz unsweetened chocolate baking squares
  • 2/3 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips + 1/2 cup extra semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla
Whipped Chocolate Frosting-Makes 1 1/4 cup (Frosting lovers will want to double this part):
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 4 Tbsp cocoa
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla
Ganache Drizzle (Double or triple this to spread over the whole pan for a 3rd layer):
  • 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 Tbsp heavy cream
  • 1/8 tsp vanilla
  1. For the brownie: Melt chocolate squares, butter & 3/4 cup chocolate chips in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cool 5 minutes.  Sift flour, baking powder & salt into a bowl.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar & vanilla.  Add slightly cooled, melted chocolate mixture.  Add dry ingredients until incorporated.  Fold in extra 1/2 cup chocolate chips.  
  3. Pour batter into a greased 13x9 inch pan & bake at 350˚F for 25-30 minutes.
  4. After brownies have cooled completely, make the Whipped Chocolate Frosting:  In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whisk all the ingredients until stiff peaks.  Spread over cooled brownies. (This layer may lose some of it's volume over time.)
  5. For the Ganache Drizzle: Heat ingredients in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.  Stir until smooth.  Drizzle over frosting.  Refrigerate until solid. (*If doubling or tripling the ganache for an extra layer of frosting: Heat ingredients in short 10-15 second bursts in the microwave until melted, stirring in between bursts; do not burn chocolate.  Allow to cool slightly & then spread over frosting & refrigerate until solid.) 
Makes 24 squares.



Hi, my name is Amber & I am a chocoholic.  It's true!  There are few things that can make my day better than a small piece of smooth, velvety chocolate.  I keep a private mommy stash in my child-proof pantry for emergencies.  It's always best to be prepared!


These brownies, are incredibly chocolatey.  A fudgy brownie base with chunks of chocolate chips, a light whipped chocolate frosting, & a thin ganache drizzle.  The brownie itself is probably my favorite brownie base of all time.  Nothing beats this fudgy homemade brownie recipe, even if it takes longer than a box from the store, it's worth it!  You are going to love these chocolate-lover brownies!  Feel free to double or triple the frosting & ganache layers.  I like to go light on toppings, but I know some people love all the extra goodies.

Triple Chocolate Brownies
Recipe by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
Brownie:
  • 4oz unsweetened chocolate baking squares
  • 2/3 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips + 1/2 cup extra semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla
Whipped Chocolate Frosting-Makes 1 1/4 cup (Frosting lovers will want to double this part):
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 4 Tbsp cocoa
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla
Ganache Drizzle (Double or triple this to spread over the whole pan for a 3rd layer):
  • 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 Tbsp heavy cream
  • 1/8 tsp vanilla
  1. For the brownie: Melt chocolate squares, butter & 3/4 cup chocolate chips in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cool 5 minutes.  Sift flour, baking powder & salt into a bowl.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar & vanilla.  Add slightly cooled, melted chocolate mixture.  Add dry ingredients until incorporated.  Fold in extra 1/2 cup chocolate chips.  
  3. Pour batter into a greased 13x9 inch pan & bake at 350˚F for 25-30 minutes.
  4. After brownies have cooled completely, make the Whipped Chocolate Frosting:  In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whisk all the ingredients until stiff peaks.  Spread over cooled brownies. (This layer may lose some of it's volume over time.)
  5. For the Ganache Drizzle: Heat ingredients in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.  Stir until smooth.  Drizzle over frosting.  Refrigerate until solid. (*If doubling or tripling the ganache for an extra layer of frosting: Heat ingredients in short 10-15 second bursts in the microwave until melted, stirring in between bursts; do not burn chocolate.  Allow to cool slightly & then spread over frosting & refrigerate until solid.) 
Makes 24 squares.


reade more... Résuméabuiyad

75 Scrumptious Treats with Chocolate Chips {Playground Round-Up}



It's no secret I'm a choc-a-holic. I mean, I seriously think I could live on the stuff. If my body didn't need vegetables {and other stuff}, that is.


And want to know one of my favorite ways to take in my chocolate? Chocolate chips. Straight out of the bag.

Of course, I love chocolate chips in stuff, too. So I decided to pull together a little collection of yummy chocolate chip treats. Enjoy these 75 scrumptious treats ...

Continue Reading >>


It's no secret I'm a choc-a-holic. I mean, I seriously think I could live on the stuff. If my body didn't need vegetables {and other stuff}, that is.


And want to know one of my favorite ways to take in my chocolate? Chocolate chips. Straight out of the bag.

Of course, I love chocolate chips in stuff, too. So I decided to pull together a little collection of yummy chocolate chip treats. Enjoy these 75 scrumptious treats ...

Continue Reading >>
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Blueberry Crumb Bars


One of the best parts of early summer is fresh blueberries.  There are so many things you can do with them, from pies and crisps, muffins and cakes, smoothies and toppings for granola or oatmeal.  Not to mention eating them plain, which is what we do most.

And there's just nothing like going to pick them yourself.  I was so happy to discover that there is a blueberry farm just 20 minutes from our house - we went twice in June to pick and ended up with a total of 4 gallons.  I managed to freeze 2 gallons - the rest were eaten plain or baked into this mouth-watering dessert.

 Ellia (3.5) - she ate more berries than she contributed to the bucket. :)

Picking berries with my friend Kim and her children.

top  left - Jenika with Marissa and Annika
top right - Miranda with Hadassah
bottom left - Me with Kim - we've been friends for 23 years!!  
bottom right - Elisha and Corban - great buddies.

The second time we went to pick berries, it was so chilly out that we had to wear jackets - and our hands nearly froze from the wet bushes.  Unusual weather for June around here for sure.


These Blueberry Crumb Bars are really simple to make and just burst with berry flavor. A little lemon zest and juice add that extra special zing to the filling.  I highly recommend using organic lemons if you can find them, especially since you're using the zest.  I can actually get a bag of organic lemons at Walmart for just a marginal amount more than the conventional lemons cost.  Definitely worth it.

They store really well in the refrigerator and taste good chilled, but I definitely preferred them warmed up a little.  A scoop of vanilla ice cream would really take them over the top.  

Blueberry Crumb Bars
adapted slightly from Smitten Kitchen

1 cup white sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
3 cups flour (I used half white whole wheat, half all purpose)
1 cup cold butter (I used salted)
1 egg
1/4 tsp. salt (omit if using salted butter)
Zest and juice of one lemon
1/2 cup white sugar
4 tsp. cornstarch (use organic if possible)
4 cups fresh blueberries 

Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease a 13 x 9" pan.
In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup sugar, 3 cups flour, and baking powder.  Mix in salt and lemon zest. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend in the butter and egg.  Dough will be crumbly.  Pat half of dough into the prepared pan.
In another bowl, stir together the lemon juice, 1/2 cup sugar, and cornstarch.  Gently mix in the blueberries.  Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the crust. Crumble remaining dough over the berry layer.
Bake in preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until top is slightly brown. (My oven cooks fast, so I always check early.)
Cool completely before cutting into squares.


One of the best parts of early summer is fresh blueberries.  There are so many things you can do with them, from pies and crisps, muffins and cakes, smoothies and toppings for granola or oatmeal.  Not to mention eating them plain, which is what we do most.

And there's just nothing like going to pick them yourself.  I was so happy to discover that there is a blueberry farm just 20 minutes from our house - we went twice in June to pick and ended up with a total of 4 gallons.  I managed to freeze 2 gallons - the rest were eaten plain or baked into this mouth-watering dessert.

 Ellia (3.5) - she ate more berries than she contributed to the bucket. :)

Picking berries with my friend Kim and her children.

top  left - Jenika with Marissa and Annika
top right - Miranda with Hadassah
bottom left - Me with Kim - we've been friends for 23 years!!  
bottom right - Elisha and Corban - great buddies.

The second time we went to pick berries, it was so chilly out that we had to wear jackets - and our hands nearly froze from the wet bushes.  Unusual weather for June around here for sure.


These Blueberry Crumb Bars are really simple to make and just burst with berry flavor. A little lemon zest and juice add that extra special zing to the filling.  I highly recommend using organic lemons if you can find them, especially since you're using the zest.  I can actually get a bag of organic lemons at Walmart for just a marginal amount more than the conventional lemons cost.  Definitely worth it.

They store really well in the refrigerator and taste good chilled, but I definitely preferred them warmed up a little.  A scoop of vanilla ice cream would really take them over the top.  

Blueberry Crumb Bars
adapted slightly from Smitten Kitchen

1 cup white sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
3 cups flour (I used half white whole wheat, half all purpose)
1 cup cold butter (I used salted)
1 egg
1/4 tsp. salt (omit if using salted butter)
Zest and juice of one lemon
1/2 cup white sugar
4 tsp. cornstarch (use organic if possible)
4 cups fresh blueberries 

Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease a 13 x 9" pan.
In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup sugar, 3 cups flour, and baking powder.  Mix in salt and lemon zest. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend in the butter and egg.  Dough will be crumbly.  Pat half of dough into the prepared pan.
In another bowl, stir together the lemon juice, 1/2 cup sugar, and cornstarch.  Gently mix in the blueberries.  Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the crust. Crumble remaining dough over the berry layer.
Bake in preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until top is slightly brown. (My oven cooks fast, so I always check early.)
Cool completely before cutting into squares.

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Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies

I'm at it again!  I have created another addicting cookie!  The last one (Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies) is very similar to this one.  I just swapped the blueberry muffin mix with the raspberry muffin mix & I actually might like these better, just because they are raspberry.  So pick your favorite flavor & make these soon!  Talk about a semi-fancy, high-class cookie to serve your friends for a luncheon.  Or you can just make these for a treat any day of the week!  We love these cookies!

Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies
Recipe by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
  • 4oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup butter flavored Crisco (shortening)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 2 (7oz) boxes Jiffy Raspberry Muffin Mix
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  1. Cream the cream cheese, Crisco, & brown sugar together.  Add the egg & vanilla.  Blend.  Scrape bowl. 
  2. Add muffin mix & flour.  Mix until just incorporated.
  3. Fold in white chocolate chips.  Scoop 1 1/2 Tbsp balls of dough onto parchment lined baking sheets.
  4. Bake at 325*F for 14 minutes.
Makes approximately 2 dozen small cookies.



I'm at it again!  I have created another addicting cookie!  The last one (Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies) is very similar to this one.  I just swapped the blueberry muffin mix with the raspberry muffin mix & I actually might like these better, just because they are raspberry.  So pick your favorite flavor & make these soon!  Talk about a semi-fancy, high-class cookie to serve your friends for a luncheon.  Or you can just make these for a treat any day of the week!  We love these cookies!

Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies
Recipe by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
  • 4oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup butter flavored Crisco (shortening)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 2 (7oz) boxes Jiffy Raspberry Muffin Mix
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  1. Cream the cream cheese, Crisco, & brown sugar together.  Add the egg & vanilla.  Blend.  Scrape bowl. 
  2. Add muffin mix & flour.  Mix until just incorporated.
  3. Fold in white chocolate chips.  Scoop 1 1/2 Tbsp balls of dough onto parchment lined baking sheets.
  4. Bake at 325*F for 14 minutes.
Makes approximately 2 dozen small cookies.



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Double Blueberry Muffins with Citrus-Sugar {& $500 Amazon Gift Card Give-Away!}


Summer is a time when we get to indulge ourselves a little bit. Like ... with ice cream, or trips to the beach, extra time hanging out with friends, lazy days at the pool, or big shopping trips. Some may say that during summer, we get to splurge. The other day, my Mom and I splurged with these Double Blueberry Muffins with Citrus-Sugar. Yes, double blueberry. Two kinds of blueberry make these blueberry muffins extra delicious. And a sprinkling of citrus-sugar on top adds just that much more deliciousness. The perfect summer berry splurge.

Rather splurge with cash? Hmmmmm, we might be able to make that happen. Read on ...

Continue Reading >>

Summer is a time when we get to indulge ourselves a little bit. Like ... with ice cream, or trips to the beach, extra time hanging out with friends, lazy days at the pool, or big shopping trips. Some may say that during summer, we get to splurge. The other day, my Mom and I splurged with these Double Blueberry Muffins with Citrus-Sugar. Yes, double blueberry. Two kinds of blueberry make these blueberry muffins extra delicious. And a sprinkling of citrus-sugar on top adds just that much more deliciousness. The perfect summer berry splurge.

Rather splurge with cash? Hmmmmm, we might be able to make that happen. Read on ...

Continue Reading >>
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Frog Eye Salad

When I worked in this restaurant that also catered, we made this Frog Eye Salad all the time.  Especially for catered parties.  It was super easy & delicious!  I had forgotten how much I actually liked this salad until we had a salad social the other night with a bunch of ladies from church, & one of the ladies brought this to share.  So, I made it again myself the way we used to make it in the restaurant.  It makes a LOT so it's great for parties & get-togethers!  Enjoy!


Frog Eye Salad
Recipe from: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
  • 1 1/4 cup Acini Di Pepe (small round pasta; find it in a small box in the pasta aisle.)
  • 2 (11oz) cans mandarin oranges
  • 1 (20oz) can pineapple tidbits
  • 1 (4-serving) box vanilla pudding
  • 1 1/2 cup milk (or combination of milk & pineapple juice from the tidbits)
  • 2 cups whipped cream/cool whip
  • 3 cups marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
  1. Cook acini di pepe according to package directions.  Drain & rinse with cold water.
  2. Drain cans of fruit, saving the pineapple juice.  In a large bowl, combine pudding with milk or a combination of milk & reserved pineapple juice (for a sweeter salad) to equal 1 1/2 cups liquid.  Whisk until combined.  Place in the freezer or fridge to firm up pudding; about 5-10 minutes.
  3. Once pudding is firm, fold in whipped cream/cool whip.  Add cooked pasta, fruit, marshmallows & coconut.  Fold gently.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes (optional, but advised.)  Serve cold.


When I worked in this restaurant that also catered, we made this Frog Eye Salad all the time.  Especially for catered parties.  It was super easy & delicious!  I had forgotten how much I actually liked this salad until we had a salad social the other night with a bunch of ladies from church, & one of the ladies brought this to share.  So, I made it again myself the way we used to make it in the restaurant.  It makes a LOT so it's great for parties & get-togethers!  Enjoy!


Frog Eye Salad
Recipe from: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
  • 1 1/4 cup Acini Di Pepe (small round pasta; find it in a small box in the pasta aisle.)
  • 2 (11oz) cans mandarin oranges
  • 1 (20oz) can pineapple tidbits
  • 1 (4-serving) box vanilla pudding
  • 1 1/2 cup milk (or combination of milk & pineapple juice from the tidbits)
  • 2 cups whipped cream/cool whip
  • 3 cups marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
  1. Cook acini di pepe according to package directions.  Drain & rinse with cold water.
  2. Drain cans of fruit, saving the pineapple juice.  In a large bowl, combine pudding with milk or a combination of milk & reserved pineapple juice (for a sweeter salad) to equal 1 1/2 cups liquid.  Whisk until combined.  Place in the freezer or fridge to firm up pudding; about 5-10 minutes.
  3. Once pudding is firm, fold in whipped cream/cool whip.  Add cooked pasta, fruit, marshmallows & coconut.  Fold gently.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes (optional, but advised.)  Serve cold.


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