Sunday, November 9, 2014

Chocolate Peanut Butter Trifle

Are you looking for a dessert to bring to a potluck or holiday party? Well, you certainly can't go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate. I decided to make a trifle because of the visual appeal it has. You can pick up a trifle bowl in the home goods section of most stores. I purchased my bowl from Target some years ago.
 
This dessert takes time to prepare. First you need to bake the brownies and then prepare the pudding... all while creating the peanut butter fluff. Make sure the chocolate pudding is completely cooled before layering. Patience is key and taking extra time to evenly layer this dessert is very important. Be careful not to run out of filling - save some for the second layer.
 
Peanut butter chocolate trifle
I used Betty Crocker Milk Chocolate Brownies, but I was not happy with their chewiness when combined to make this dessert. I have made similar trifles before that called for chocolate cake. Maybe this would have been better with cake instead of brownies.
 
This dessert says it serves 15 and I would say that's a fair estimate considering how rich it is. You can find the recipe here. Looking for another trifle idea? Check out my Death by Chocolate Trifle post for the chocolate lover in your life.
 
 

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Amazing Quinoa Enchilada Casserole

Stop what you're doing and try this absolutely amazing recipe!
 
First let's discuss quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) and its benefits. Quinoa is an ancient grain like crop with edible seeds. Think of it as a rice substitute that is gluten free and has fiber, protein, iron and potassium. Once cooked quinoa is tender, fluffy little bead like seeds that seem to take on the flavor of whatever you cook them with. I have used it in cold and hot recipes. You can find quinoa in the rice section of your local grocery store and its usually located near the top shelf. There are a few brands which offer flavored quinoa, so be sure to get regular, non-flavored quinoa. I suggest Ancient Harvest.
 
 
I tried this Quinoa Enchilada Casserole and it is the best recipe I have tried in a long time.  It was so easy to make and I feel that kids would love this too. Even if you are not a vegetarian I encourage you to consider trying this for your "meatless Monday." Upon first bite I could taste that tanginess of the green chilies and cheddar. The quinoa has a creamy texture and absorbed the flavor of the enchilada sauce. I used less chili powder than required, but next time I will use the full amount. This dish isn't heavy, but rather light yet filling. It's a mesh of flavors and textures. Creamy, melty, tangy, delicious and filling. You have to try this meatless casserole.
You will find the recipe here.
 
 
 

Friday, November 7, 2014

Too easy peach cobbler

This is my go to recipe for great tasting peach cobbler. This cobbler is a classic recipe that has been around for a long time. I first tried this recipe over 15 years ago. I suggest doubling the recipe if you are serving more than 4 people. Only a few budget friendly items go into making this yummy peach cobbler.

You can find the recipe here.

Ready for the oven

 
 
 
 

Delicious Banana Bread Recipe

Sometimes it's tricky finding the right banana bread recipe. This recipe is the best that I have tired. It is moist, flavorful, no nuts (I don't like nuts in banana bread) and easy to make.  Remember not to mix in your dry ingredients into the wet! Instead fold in the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just enough until evenly combined. Mixing those ingredients in will produce a dry banana bread. I can't wait to make this again.
I used Flour's Famous Banana Bread Recipe which you will find here.


Look at how gorgeous the banana bread turned out.