Charcuterie Board

Cheese: 2 oz per person (4 oz per person if this is the only food item)

• Soft Cheese (2-3 types): Brie, Camembert, Cambozola, Burrata, Blue, Fontina, Goat
• Semi Hard (2-3 types): Gouda, White Cheddar, Manchego, Gruyere, Caramelized Onion Cheddar*
• Spreadable Cheese (1): Boursin Garlic Cheese*
• 8 oz Mini Mozzarella Cheese Balls*

Our favorite cheeses: Port Salut (Smith’s), Merlot Bellavitano (Smith’s) and Caramelized Onion (Trader Joe’s)

Meats: 1-2 oz per person (2-4 oz per person if this is the only food item)

• Prosciutto (Combo pack*)
• Gor Pepperoni
• Calabrese 
• Salami

Fruits:

• Grapes
• Kiwi
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Apple
• Pear
• Figs (Dried?)
• Clementines
• Dried Apricots*
• Dried Prunes
• Dark Cherries

Other:

• One Large Board or Flat Platter or Cookie Sheet
• Assorted Crackers*
• Baguette
• Honey
• Jam or Fruit Spread
• Green Olives
• Trail mix - Almond Cashew Chocolate Mix*

*Get at Trader Joe's

Instructions:

1. Gather board, small bowls, appetizer forks, spreaders, cheese knifes.
2. Clean the board or surface and dry thoroughly.
3. Wash and gently pat dry any fruits being used.
4. Unwrap the cheese and meats being used.
5. Slice any cheese and meats that need to be sliced
1. Use some parchment paper or wax paper to protect your board from any grease from the meat or cheeses.
6. Start at the center of the board and arrange items on the board. Try to set contrasting colors and shapes together to create a more visual interest.
7. Have the board ready about 30 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to soften to make easier for spreading.

Tres Leches Cupcakes

Cupcakes:

1 1/2 cups (7.5 ounces) all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick, 4 ounces) butter

1 cup (7.5 ounces) granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 cup buttermilk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Foil muffin tin liners

Milk Mixture:

14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk

12-ounce can evaporated milk

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Topping:

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/3 cup powdered sugar

Dash of vanilla extract

Fresh berries, for topping

Instructions

1.      Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a standard muffin tin with foil liners (don't use standard paper liners; the milk mixture will soak through). This recipe makes about 16 cupcakes so you can line another 4 muffin cups in a second pan as well or bake a second batch.

2.      In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, soda and salt. Set aside.

3.      In a microwave-safe bowl (you can also do this in a pan on the stovetop), melt the butter. Whisk in the sugar and continue whisking until the mixture is no longer warm to the touch. Whisk in the egg, buttermilk and vanilla until well-combined.

4.      Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and whisk until the batter is mostly lump-free without overmixing (maybe 20-30 strokes of the whisk total).

5.      Portion the cupcake batter evenly in the tins. Don't overfill! For this recipe, in particular, it is best to have the baked muffins sit slightly below the rim of the muffin cup to help when adding the tres leches mixture. Use a #20 cookie scoop to portion the cupcake batter - about 3 tablespoons batter, or slightly less, per muffin cup.

6.      Bake the cupcakes for 14-16 minutes until the tops spring back lightly to the touch.

7.      Remove the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely. When cool, use a thin skewer to poke holes all over (and I mean, all over) the cupcake. Go crazy, but don't poke all the way through the cupcake liner.

8.      For the milk mixture, in a large liquid measuring cup or in a blender, whisk together or blend the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream. The milk mixture needs to be drizzled or spooned over the top of each cupcake one at a time. I find it works best to pour the milk mixture in batches into a squeeze bottle and slowly squeeze the milk mixture onto the top of the cupcake while simultaneously pressing the milk mixture into the top of the cupcake with an small offset spatula. This tedious step can probably be sped up by using a thicker skewer to poke the holes. I use a fairly thin skewer which means the milk mixture doesn't soak in quite as quickly. You'll want to use about 2-3 tablespoons of milk mixture per cupcake (depending how soft and soaky you want them).

9.      Refrigerate the cupcakes for at least an hour, or cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 12 hours.

10.  When ready to serve (up to two hours ahead of time but not before that), prepare the topping by whipping the heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. Dollop

11.  the sweetened whipped cream on top of each cupcake and finish it off with a fresh berry. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1-2 hours until serving.

Yield: about 16 cupcakes

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Additional Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

From Mel’s Kitchen Café

https://www.melskitchencafe.com/divine-tres-leches-cupcakes/

Chocolate Fondue

Ingredients:

·       10 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped (see note)

·       1/3 cup milk

·       1/3 cup heavy cream

·       1 teaspoon vanilla extract (see note for other variations)

·       Lots of dipping options (strawberries, bananas, small rice krispie squares, vanilla cookies, etc.)

Instructions:

1.       In a saucepan, combine the chocolate, milk and cream and heat on low, stirring often, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Don't let it come to a boil; keep it on low heat.

2.       Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract. If needed, stir in heavy cream or milk a tablespoon at a time to adjust for a thinner consistency. Pour the mixture into a fondue pot or small slow cooker to keep warm while serving.

3.       Serve with dippers of your choice.  Recommend: marshmallows, vanilla cookies, strawberries, rice krispie treats cut in little squares, bananas.

Notes:

v  Let's talk chocolate for a second. I almost always use Ghirardelli's bittersweet chips for our chocolate fondue - sometimes Ghirardelli's semisweet chips in a pinch, but we like it darker and richer with the bittersweet. I will warn you that I tried Nestle chips once and they didn't melt well (and the taste was off) so choose your chocolate carefully. If you aren't using a higher-end chocolate chip like Ghirardelli's or Guittard, I'd use a baking bar of chocolate (usually above the chocolate chips in the store aisle) since it tends to melt better than chocolate chips.

v  If you aren't a dark chocolate fan and want it rich and chocolatey without being too dark, several times when we've made this for friends that aren't as hip on dark chocolate as we are, at the end I dropped in about 1/2 cup chopped white chocolate (or Guittard white chocolate chips which melt better than other white chocolate chip brands) to melt for a creamier, lighter version. You'll probably want to add a touch more heavy cream to thin it out a bit if doing that - just play around with amounts and consistency.

v  Also, you can vary the flavor with the extract. We usually stick with vanilla but you could try adding orange extract or peppermint for a twist on the chocolate fondue.

v  A final note - depending on the type of fondue pot you have, you may be able to make the fondue start to finish in the pot; be sure to consult manufacturing directions if doing so.

Yield: 6-8 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

From: Mel’s Kitchen Café - https://www.melskitchencafe.com/perfect-chocolate-fondue/

Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast Bake

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons butter 
• 3/4 cup (5.5 ounces) packed light or dark brown sugar 
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (can sub corn syrup or pancake syrup) 
• 6 (1-inch thick) slices French bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes (see picture in the post) 
• 4 large eggs 
• 1 cup half-and-half 
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 
• Sweetened whipped cream + fresh strawberries/raspberries, for serving 

Instructions

1. Add butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup to a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave for 1-2 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved. Stir to combine. (This step can be done in a pan on the stove.)
2. Lightly grease a 9X13-inch pan with cooking spray.
3. Spread the brown sugar mixture in the bottom of the pan and arrange the bread cubes in a single layer over the top.
4. In a bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, and salt.
5. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread.
6. Cover the pan and refrigerate overnight (8-10 hours).
7. Remove the pan from the refrigerator, uncover, and place in the cold oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Once the oven reaches temperature, bake for 30-35 minutes, until the bread is golden and the caramelly syrup is bubbling (alternately, if you want the golden syrupy goodness on top, the french toast can be baked for 20 minutes, then using a large, flat spatula, flip the bread pieces and bake for another 10-15 minutes).
8. Serve immediately with sweetened whipped cream and fresh raspberries or strawberries.

Yield: 6-8 servings 

Prep Time: 10 minutes 

Cook Time: 40 minutes 

Additional Time: 10 hours 

Total Time: 10 hours 50 minutes

https://www.melskitchencafe.com/overnight-creme-brulee-french-toast-bake/

Classic Irish Oatmeal

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup half and half
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Berry topping

• 1 cup strawberries (quartered)
• 6 oz blackberries
• 6 oz blueberries
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp water

Directions

1. Press saute, melt butter in Instant Pot.  Add oats; cook about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Add water, salt and cinnamon; cook and stir 1 minute.
3. Secure lid and move pressure release valve to sealing position.  Select manual; cook at high pressure 13 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, prepare berry topping. (See below)
5. When cooking is complete, press cancel to turn off heat.  Use natural release for 10 minutes, then release remaining pressure.
6. Stir oats until smooth.  Add half-and-half and brown sugar; stir until well blended.
7. If a thicker porridge is desired, press Saute and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until desired thickness, stirring constantly. (Porridge will also thicken upon standing.) Serve with berry topping.

Directions for Berry topping

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.  Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Cook 8-9 minutes or until berries are tender but still hold their shape, stir occasionally.

Melon Berry Juice

- 1 Cup Watermelon 

- ½ Cup Strawberries/Blueberries 

- 4 Mint Leaves 

- Water 

- Ice

Add everything into a blender and blend until smooth.  Enjoy

Strawberry Cheesecake Salad

Ingredients:

1 Big Strawberry Yogurt (2 lbs)

2 Small Instant Pudding (Coconut Cream, Cheesecake or White Chocolate)

1 Large Cool Whip (12-16 oz)

16-32 oz Chopped Strawberries (some sliced to put on top)

3 Bananas sliced (optional)

3 Cups of mini marshmallows (optional)

Directions:

Mix together the yogurt and pudding. Set aside in the fridge while you chop up the strawberries. After you slice the bananas dip in lemon juice to prevent browning (or slice and mix in right before serving). Add the cool whip and strawberries to the yogurt mixture. Add the bananas and marshmallows then refrigerate till serving. Add sliced strawberries and bananas on top to decorate. 

Parfait with Maple Cinnamon Oats

Ingredients:

2 Tbls Oats (old fashioned)

1/8 tspCinnamon 

1 1/2 Tbsp Maple Syrup

Vanilla yougurt (1 cup per person)

Any kind of berries/fruit-

Strawberries

Blueberries

Raspberries

Blackberries

Bananas 

Kiwis

Clementines

Mangos

Directions:

1. In a small bowl or ramken mix oats, maple syrup and cinnamon.  Then set aside. (Amount above makes enough for 2)

2. Wash fruit and cut

3. In your serving dish layer yogurt and friut then top with cinnamon oats.

Prep time 10 minutes.

Green Fruit Salad

Romaine Lettuce
Apples
Bacon Bits
Avocado
Strawberries
Croutons
Candy Almonds
Brianna's Poppy Seed Dressing

Assemble:
1. Candy sliced almonds in a skillet with brown sugar.  You can add vanilla and cinnamon for more flavor.  After the almonds have cooled break into bite size pieces.
2.Shred the lettuce.
3. Cut the apples, avocado and strawberries into bite size pieces.
4. Place lettuce in a bowl and put all the toppings on top.  Do not toss the salad otherwise all the toppings will end up in the bottom of the bowl.
5. You can use any dressing that you would like but we prefer to use Brianna's Poppy Seed Dressing.

Strawberry or Raspberry Ice Cream

4 eggs
2 cups sugar
½ tsp salt
2 Tbsp vanilla

Mix egg, salt & vanilla. Gradually add sugar, mix well until sugar is dissolved

Add
4 cups cream
4 ½ cups milk
2 cups smashed berries sweetened with ½ cup of sugar

Put into ice cream maker. Be sure to add plenty of rock salt in your ice.

Milk measurement may not be exact just pour milk into the freezer until it fills to the mark on the side that you are not supposed to fill above.

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients:

1 cup Butter (softened)

1 cup Strawberries (chopped)

1 bag powdered sugar (32 oz)

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 almond extract (optional)

Directions:

Whip butter until creamy.  Slowly add strawberries and powdered sugar. (extra powdered sugar can be added until you reach desired consistency add vanilla or almond extract for flavor.

Strawberry Nutella Chocolate Cake

Cake Ingredients:

·         2 sticks Butter

·         4 Tablespoons (heaping) Cocoa Powder

·         1 cup Boiling Water

·         2 cups Flour

·         2 cups Sugar

·         1/4 teaspoon Salt

·         1/2 cup Buttermilk

·         2 whole Eggs

·         1 teaspoon Baking Soda

·         1 teaspoon Vanilla

·         1-1/2 cup Nutella

 Strawberries:

·         2 pints Strawberries, Hulled And Sliced

·         1/4 cup Sugar

·         1 teaspoon Vanilla (optional, I prefer without)

Whipped Cream Or Use Cool Whip

·         1 cups Heavy Cream

·         1/4 cup Powdered Sugar

Preparation Instructions:

·         Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 round baking pans with parchment, then spray the parchment with baking spray.

·         In a large mixing bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, and salt.

·         In a measuring pitcher or bowl, mix together the buttermilk, baking soda, eggs, and vanilla. Set aside

·         In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add the cocoa and stir it until smooth. Pour in the boiling water, let the mixture bubble up for 20 seconds or so, then turn it off and set it aside.

·         

·         Stir in the hot chocolate mixture into the flour mixture, stirring gently until it's halfway combined and less hot. Pour in the buttermilk mixture and continue stirring gently until the batter is all combined.

·         Pour the batter into the pans and bake them for 20-25 minutes (start with 20 and check, you don't want to over cook), until they're just set. Remove them from the pans and set them aside to cool completely.

·         Prepare the strawberries by stirring them with the sugar and the vanilla. Let them macerate for 15 minutes, then drain off the excess juice.

·         Whip the cream with the powdered sugar.

Note: Don't assemble more than an hour before serving

·         To assemble: Cut the top of each cake off so it is flat. Turn one layer upside down on a serving platter. Spread half the Nutella all over the surface. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream (half or less) and top with half the strawberries Place the second layer upside down on top and repeat with the rest of the Nutella, whipped cream, and strawberries. Keep chilled until serving. Cut with a serrated knife!

Chocolate Fondue

Tips:

- Make sure everything is prepped before you turn the stove on.  

- Don't try and make the fondue in the pot. Do it on the stove first and transfer to the fondue pot after it's prepared.

- Do not leave the chocolate unattended after you've started - it will either clump, scorch or curdle if you walk away - don't know why, but it always happens to me. 

Ingredients:

2 ½ Cups Chocolate Chips

2 Cups Heavy Cream

1 Tbsp. Vanilla

Directions:

1. Combine the chocolate and the cream and heat over medium until the chocolate is melted, STIRRING CONSTANTLY.  Do not leave unattended!   

2. Add the vanilla off heat and stir until smooth.

3. Transfer to fondue pots and serve with:

Pound Cake

Fresh Fruit 

Bananas

Kiwi

Strawberries

Pineapple

Pretzels

Candy

Marshmallows

*The basics of this fondue is a chocolate ganache, all you would need to do to make truffles is scoop up little balls and roll it around in powdered sugar.  Add more cream and you can then chill the whole thing and whip it and it becomes chocolate mousse.

Grandma's Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

Ingredients: 
3 cups mashed fresh strawberries     
1 quart whipping cream
3 cups sugar                                      
1 quart half & half
4 eggs                                                 
1 can evaporated milk
2 TB lemon juice                                 
1 TB vanilla
Whole Milk                                           
Dash of salt

Directions: 
-Mash fruit and let stand for 1 hour with 1 cup of the sugar sprinkled over the top.
-Beat eggs with remaining sugar until lemon flavored & think.
-Add strawberries and put all in canister of 6 quart freezer.
-Whip cream and add to  ice cream mixture. 
-Then add half & half, evaporated milk,vanilla and salt.  Add enough whole milk to fill freezer.
-Freeze and enjoy.

Breakfast Rhubarb

4 c. rhubarb cut into pieces
1 c. sugar
1 c. water

Bring to boil. Simmer 10 min.  Pour into jars.  Wipe off jar rim.  Boil flats then place flats and rings onjars.  Process - steam or hot water bath – Pints and quarts – 10 min.

Serve hot with milk or for a treat with ice cream. 

*Optional* Cut up strawberries and add them to the mixture.  (Makes a Strawberry Rhubarb breakfast)

Crepe's

Ingredients:

4 eggs, beaten
1 1/3 cup of milk
2 tablespoons of butter, melted
1 cup of flour
3-4 tablespoons of sugar (your choice)
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of vanilla

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl, until smooth. There have been times where there is small chunks of flour. Sometimes there isn't, but the small chunks aren't noticeable when you cook it. The batter should be pretty runny, not thick like pancake batter.

Then just cook as desired. I use about 1/3 cup per crepe, but you can be the judge of that.

Makes 12-14 Crepes depending on how thick/thin you want them.

Toppings:

Strawberries
Nutella
Whip Cream
Bananas
Chocolate Syrup
Caramel Syrup
Peanut Butter
Pancake Syrup