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Showing posts with label breakfast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breakfast. Show all posts

 

ricotta cake with chocolate pipettes


Ricotta cake is a delicious and versatile dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It is made with ricotta cheese, which gives it a moist and creamy texture. The cake can be flavored with vanilla extract, lemon zest, or other spices. It can also be topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate ganache.

 

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/3 cups sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 15 ounce container whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Add the ricotta cheese to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool completely before serving.

TIPS:

  • For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
  • Add 1/2 cup of grated lemon zest to the batter for a lemon ricotta cake.
  • Serve the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.

portion of ricotta cake with chocolate pipettes

VARIATIONS:

  • Add 1/2 cup of chopped dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins, to the batter.
  • Top the cake with a layer of fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
  • Drizzle the cake with chocolate ganache or a lemon glaze.

BENEFITS:

  • High in protein: Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.
  • High in calcium: Ricotta cheese is also a good source of calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth.
  • Relatively low in calories and fat: Ricotta cake is a relatively low-calorie and low-fat dessert, making it a good choice for people who are watching their weight.
  • Versatile: Ricotta cake can be flavored and decorated in many different ways, making it a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE:

One serving of ricotta cake (about 1 slice) contains approximately:

  • Calories: 200
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Protein: 5g

Tips for Making Ricotta Cake Healthier:

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Whole wheat flour is a good source of fiber and other nutrients.
  • Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 1/4 cup.
  • Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for extra fiber and nutrients.
  • Serve ricotta cake with fresh fruit or yogurt for a healthier dessert.

Overall, ricotta cake is a healthy and delicious dessert option. It is a good source of protein and calcium, and it is relatively low in calories and fat. Ricotta cake can also be made healthier by using whole wheat flour, reducing the amount of sugar, and adding nuts or dried fruit to the batter.

portion of ricotta cake with chocolate pipettes

Enjoy! 😋😋

RICOTTA CAKE RECIPE

 


INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup water

To make the frosting:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8x8-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking soda.
  3. Make three depressions in the flour mixture. Pour oil into one well, vinegar into second, and vanilla into third well. Pour water over all, then stir with a fork until well blended.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Let cake cool completely before frosting or serving.

To make the frosting:

  1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in cocoa powder and milk until smooth.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract.

TIPS:

  • For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
  • To make a chocolate ganache to drizzle over the top of the cake, heat 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth.
  • Garnish with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or mint leaves.



VARIATIONS:

  • Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter.
  • For a vanilla wacky cake, omit the cocoa powder and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the batter.
  • For a spice wacky cake, add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves to the batter.

BENEFITS:

  • Easy to make: Wacky cake is a very easy cake to make, even for beginners. It is a one-bowl cake, so there is minimal cleanup.
  • Affordable: Wacky cake is a very affordable cake to make, as it only requires basic ingredients.
  • Versatile: Wacky cake can be enjoyed plain, or it can be frosted or topped with your favorite toppings. It can also be made into cupcakes.
  • Dairy-free and egg-free: Wacky cake is dairy-free and egg-free, making it a good option for people with allergies or dietary restrictions.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE:

Wacky cake is a relatively low-calorie and low-fat cake. It is also a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. However, it is important to note that wacky cake is also high in sugar.

A serving of wacky cake (about 1 slice) contains approximately:

  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Protein: 1g


Tips for making Wacky Cake healthier:

  • Use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder. Dark cocoa powder is lower in sugar and higher in antioxidants.
  • Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for extra fiber and nutrients.
  • Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 1/4 cup.
  • Serve wacky cake with fresh fruit or yogurt for a healthier dessert.
Enjoy! 😋😋

WACKY CAKE RECIPE

 


INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 (15.25-ounce) box chocolate cake mix, or 1 (18-ounce) package fudge brownie mix
  • 1-3 large eggs (per package instructions)
  • 1/4 to 3/4 cup water (per package instructions)
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or amount per package instructions)
  • 2 (3.9-ounce) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix (not cook-n-serve)
  • 4 cups cold whole milk
  • 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • chocolate crème sandwich cookies, such as Oreos, or 8 (1.4-ounce) English toffee candy bars, such as Heath bars, or a combination.

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. Prepare chocolate cake or brownie mix according to package directions. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Let cake or brownies cool completely.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together chocolate pudding mix and milk until smooth and thick.
  5. To assemble trifle, crumble half of the cake or brownies into the bottom of a trifle dish or large glass bowl. Top with half of the pudding mixture, half of the whipped topping, and half of the crushed cookies or candy bars. Repeat layers.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  7. Serve and enjoy!

TIPS:

  • For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate cake mix or brownies.
  • To make a chocolate ganache to drizzle over the top of the trifle, heat 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth.
  • Garnish with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or mint leaves.


VARIATIONS:

  • Add a layer of chocolate mousse or chocolate ganache between the layers.
  • Use different types of cookies or candy bars, such as chocolate chip cookies, graham crackers, or peanut butter cups.
  • Add a layer of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, raspberries, or bananas.
  • For a coffee flavored trifle, use coffee flavored cake mix or brownies and coffee flavored pudding mix.

BENEFITS:

Chocolate trifle is a delicious and decadent dessert, but it can also be a good source of nutrients. The cake or brownies provide carbohydrates and protein, while the pudding and whipped topping provide calcium and other minerals. The chocolate also contains antioxidants, which can have health benefits.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE:

Here is a breakdown of the nutritional value of a serving of chocolate trifle (about 1 cup):

  • Calories: 477
  • Total Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 7.3g
  • Trans Fat: 0.4g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 7.5g
  • Cholesterol: 61mg
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.3g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 4.9g

Chocolate trifle is a good source of:

  • Calcium: 10% of the daily recommended value (DV)
  • Iron: 6% of the DV
  • Potassium: 4% of the DV
  • Vitamin A: 4% of the DV
  • Vitamin C: 2% of the DV

Chocolate trifle is also a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants can help protect your cells from damage and may reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.

However, it is important to note that chocolate trifle is also high in calories, sugar, and saturated fat. It is important to eat chocolate trifle in moderation and as part of a healthy diet.

 


 

Here are some tips for making chocolate trifle healthier:

  • Use dark chocolate cake mix or brownies. Dark chocolate is lower in sugar and higher in antioxidants than milk chocolate.
  • Use low-fat or fat-free pudding and whipped topping.
  • Add a layer of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, raspberries, or bananas.
  • Reduce the amount of sugar in the pudding mixture.
Enjoy! 😋😋

CHOCOLATE TRIFLE RECIPE

 


INGREDIENTS:

For the cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup almond milk

For the streusel topping:

  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Add the mashed bananas to the butter mixture and stir until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the almond milk. Beat until just combined.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.

6. To make the streusel topping, combine the cold butter, flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Use your fingers to work the ingredients together until a crumbly mixture forms.

7. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter.

8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Let cool completely before serving.

TIPS:
  • Use ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be.
  • Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the cake tough.
  • Be sure to grease and flour the baking pan well. This will help prevent the cake from sticking.
  • Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter. This will ensure that the cake has a nice crumbly top crust.
  • Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Don't overbake the cake, or it will be dry.
  • Let the cake cool completely before serving. This will help the cake set and make it easier to slice.

Here are some additional tips:

  • For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of almond milk.
  • To add a nutty flavor, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
  • For a chocolatey twist, add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter.
  • To make a streusel topping with less sugar, reduce the light brown sugar and granulated sugar to 1/2 cup each.
  • To make a gluten-free banana coffee cake, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.

VARIATIONS:

  • Chocolate banana coffee cake: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the batter.
  • Blueberry banana coffee cake: Fold in 1 cup of blueberries to the batter.
  • Streusel banana coffee cake: Sprinkle the top of the cake with a streusel topping made with butter, flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
  • Nutty banana coffee cake: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, to the batter.
  • Spiced banana coffee cake: Add 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger to the batter.

BENEFITS:

  • Bananas are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. Potassium can help lower blood pressure, vitamin C is important for immune function, and dietary fiber can help with digestion.
  • Whole wheat flour is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which can help you feel fuller longer.
  • Almonds are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E. Protein is important for muscle growth and repair, healthy fats can help lower cholesterol levels, and vitamin E is an antioxidant that can protect the body from damage.



NUTRITION VALUE:

A one-slice serving of banana coffee cake typically contains about 211 calories, 49 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fat, and 4 grams of protein. It is also a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.

Tips to make a healthier banana coffee cake:

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, and reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
  • You can also add other healthy ingredients to the cake, such as fruits, nuts, and seeds.
  • To make a gluten-free banana coffee cake, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Enjoy! 😋😋

BANANA COFFEE CAKE RECIPE

 


INGREDIENTS:

FOR THE CRUST:
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup oat flour (homemade or store-bought)
  • ⅔ cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil, room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

FOR THE TOPPING:
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt or cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Zest of 1 lime (optional)
  • Fresh fruit of your choice, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, grapes, mango, or pineapple


INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch springform cake pan or line it with parchment paper and set aside.

  2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, oat flour, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Add the honey and coconut oil and mix (using your hands or a fork) until the dough comes together and sticks together.

  3. Press the granola mixture into the prepared pan, forming an even crust. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool completely.

  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt or cream cheese, honey, and lime zest (if using) until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly over the cooled granola crust.

  5. Arrange the fresh fruit of your choice on top of the yogurt/cream cheese layer, creating a colorful and decorative pattern.

  6. Refrigerate the fruit pizza for at least 30 minutes to allow the yogurt/cream cheese layer to set.

Enjoy! 😋😋

GRANOLA FRUIT PIZZA RECIPE

 


INGREDIENTS:

Starches:

  • Mini pancakes or waffles
  • Bagels or sliced bread
  • Mini muffins or pastries

Fruits:

  • Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • Sliced apples or pears
  • Grapes or melon

Proteins:

  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Sliced deli meats (turkey, ham, salami)
  • Smoked salmon or lox

Dairy:

  • Mini yogurt parfaits
  • Sliced or cubed cheese (cheddar, brie, Swiss)
  • Cream cheese or flavored spreads

Toppings and Condiments:

  • Maple syrup or honey
  • Jams or preserves
  • Nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter)
  • Chocolate chips or sprinkles

ASSEMBLY:

  1. Choose a large platter or cutting board to serve as the base of your charcuterie board.

  2. Arrange the starches around the board, creating different sections for each item.

  3. Place bowls or small dishes for yogurt parfaits and spreads.

  4. Arrange the fruits and proteins, filling in the spaces between the starches.

  5. Add the toppings and condiments, placing them in small bowls or decorative jars.

  6. Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or rosemary for an extra touch of elegance.


TIPS FOR A STUNNING BREAKFAST CHARCUTERIE BOARD:

  • Variety is Key: Offer a variety of flavors, textures, and colors to appeal to different tastes.

  • Visual Appeal: Arrange the items in an eye-catching manner, using different heights and shapes for visual interest.

  • Keep it Fresh: Prepare fresh fruits and vegetables just before serving to maintain their vibrant appearance and flavor.

  • Consider Dietary Needs: Include options suitable for various dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free or dairy-free items.

  • Personalize it: Add unique touches that reflect your personal style or the occasion you're celebrating.

Enjoy! 😋😋

BREAKFAST CHARCUTERIE BOARD RECIPE

 


INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup oat flour
  • 1 scoop (30g) vanilla protein powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt.

  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.

  4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.

  5. Spray the waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray.

  6. Pour batter onto the waffle iron, following the manufacturer's instructions for amount and cooking time.

  7. Cook waffles until golden brown and crisp.



SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

  • Top with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
  • Drizzle with honey, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  • Enjoy with a side of scrambled eggs or a protein smoothie for a complete protein-packed breakfast.

TIPS: 

  • Adjust Batter Consistency: If the batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon of almond milk at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency.

  • Cooking Time Adjustments: Waffle irons vary in heat and cooking time. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior.

  • Flavor Variations: Experiment with different protein powder flavors, such as chocolate or peanut butter, to create variations in taste.

Enjoy! 😋😋

PROTEIN WAFFLES RECIPE

 


INGREDIENTS:

For the Eggnog Waffles:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 cups eggnog
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs, separated

For the Cinnamon Syrup:
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

For the Eggnog Waffles:

  1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.

  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and light brown sugar.

  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggnog, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and egg yolks.

  4. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.

  5. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.

  6. Fold in the beaten egg whites until just incorporated.

  7. Spray the waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray.

  8. Pour batter onto the waffle iron, following the manufacturer's instructions for amount and cooking time.

  9. Cook waffles until golden brown and crisp.


For the Cinnamon Syrup:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and water.

  2. Whisk in the cornstarch until dissolved.

  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

  4. Once simmering, cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the syrup thickens.

  5. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted.

  6. Allow the syrup to cool slightly before serving.

To Serve:

  1. Stack the waffles on a plate and drizzle generously with the cinnamon syrup.

  2. Garnish with additional toppings of your choice, such as whipped cream, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

TIPS:

  • Rest the Batter: For extra fluffy waffles, let the batter rest for 10 minutes before cooking.

  • Adjust Cooking Time: Waffle irons vary in heat and cooking time. Adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior.

  • Whipping Egg Whites: Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and free of any grease or residue for optimal egg white whipping.

Enjoy! 😋😋



EGGNOG WAFFLES WITH CINNAMON SYRUP RECIPE