FoodDrink Desserts

As a coconut lover, coconut macaroons are at the top of my list of cookies. And what could be better than fresh, delicious macaroons straight from your oven. To give them a little extra zip, melt some chocolate and dip half the cookie into it. Oh so yummy!

MAMA'S COCONUT MACAROONS

3 large egg whites, room temperature
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
extra coconut for garnish

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Set oven rack on middle shelf. Coat two baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In a clean and cool medium mixing bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat the sugar into the egg whites, beating until stiff, shiny peaks form when you lift the beaters. Beat in the nutmeg and vanilla. Fold in the coconut. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 1-inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with extra coconut to garnish. Bake 1 sheet at a time for 20 to 25 minutes until the macaroons are light golden and set. Cool on the baking sheet on a wire rack 1 minute. Remove from the cookie sheet to the wire racks to finish cooling completely.

Note: Store in an airtight container. Will keep this way for 3 days at room temperature. Refrigerated, they will last a week and frozen they will last up to 2 months.

COCONUT MACAROONS

4 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/8 tsp salt
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 pkg (14-oz) flaked coconut

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites, vanilla, cream of tartar, and salt to soft peaks. Add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beat to stiff peaks (tips stand). Fold in coconut. Using a scant 1/4 cup of mixture at a time, drop to the cookie sheets. Bake 20 minutes at 325 degrees. Turn off oven and leave macaroons in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on wire racks.

Yield: 28 macaroons

Enjoy!

For more of Linda's recipes and diabetic information go to http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com
For more of her sweet treats, visit http://ladybugssweettreats.blogspot.com

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Incredibly, amid our very busy and technological lifestyle, the Art of Cake Decorating is back in full swing in the popularity stakes. As a hobby, it's great fun and we all know how much children love to get their hands into any mixture and help mum with some baking in the kitchen.

For the more serious-minded, however, some people take Cake Decorating to a different level and actually set themselves up in business. Opportunities are vast in the business sense, such are the varied celebratory functions that can be taken advantage of, all having that magical masterpiece taking centre stage. There are, of course, many sides to the Art Of Cake Decorating starting with the cake itself, baked to perfection until ready for all the finishing touches

Naturally, different styles of cake require different types of icing, but when the icing or frosting has been applied, the cake is then prepared for the piece de resistance. Cake Decorating is a true artistic craft and the experts make it look so easy. No-one can deny the magic of watching an expert go to work in a seemingly effortless hands and fingers motion, moulding bits of fondant into incredible creations, whether they're making flowers or just icing a cake it really is a spectacle to watch. Most people at some time or another have been to a function or celebratory event and gazed in awe at the cake centerpiece, and the vast majority who just stared in wonder must have thought I wish I could do that.

The Art of Cake Decoration eCourse is a First Class all-in package with many bonuses thrown in, including a whole section devoted to helping you set yourself up in business. The Course comes with a 100% 60-Day Money Back Guarantee, including Free Lifetime Membership and access to the website with videos, tutorials and, very importantly, the Help Section where you can have all your questions answered by the experts. Please drop by and take a look.
Art Of Cake Decorating

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Chocolate is often the first thing that comes to mind when you think of desserts. After all, there are few things better than biting into a rich chocolate cake after a nice full dinner. But there's a common misconception among home cooks that chocolate is hard to work with. Actually, it's quite the opposite: it's one of the most versatile ingredients around, and it goes with virtually everything. Whether you like it rich and heavy or light and fruity, there's sure to be a chocolate recipe that suits your tastes.

One thing you can do is start with a simple recipe, such as chocolate cupcakes. Cupcakes are basically just miniature versions of cakes, so they're good for family dinners, brunches, and formal events alike. It also means you can recreate all your favorite recipes, from simple brownie cakes to rich black forest recipes. If you have time to spare, you can even decorate them to suit the occasion.

It also helps to combine chocolate with other flavors to better bring out its taste. Fruits are a popular match with chocolate, especially tart-flavored ones like strawberries, oranges and cherries. Everyone has a favorite fruit, so it's easy to match your guests' preferences. If you don't have time to bake, simply melt some chocolate and cut up some fruits for a nice after-meal fondue.

You can also highlight the flavor of chocolate with contrasting flavors. One classic example is chocolate and vanilla. The basic contrast is the light, milky flavor of vanilla and the richer taste of chocolate. Together, they make a nice middle ground that appeals to pretty much everyone, kids and adults alike. Use this combination on cakes, ice cream, pies, or cupcakes for an interesting combination.

Another thing you should consider is whether your chocolate dessert goes well with the rest of the meal. If you've had a heavy meal, you may want to go with a lighter dessert such as chocolate biscuits. But if you have room for a big dessert, try indulging in a rich chocolate cake with ganache frosting. For parties, you can also make several small desserts so your guests can sample each one.

Simon Burke loves to cook treats for his family. And luckily for us he also enjoys sharing his cooking experiences and recipes with the rest of us.
Get more information regarding chocolate.

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Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional, you will find a variety of advanced cake decorating classes, online or in the community. Why would you want to attend a cake decorating class? There are many different reasons. You can:

* Expand your repertoire of cake decorating techniques
* Work with others on a special project such as a wedding cake or 3D sculpture
* Increase your skill with a specific technique
* Learn from a professional instructor
* Tune into current trends, methods, recipes, and ingredients
* Meet other people with similar interests
* Learn about how to start a business.

Where Are Courses Offered?

Cake decorating classes are offered by large arts and crafts stores, food craft stores, small bakeries, large grocery stores, community centers, high schools, community colleges, and culinary schools. Courses are also offered on online. Online courses are easy to use and can be a convenient and affordable option.

What Types Of Courses Are Offered?

In depth courses last from several weeks to a year. They come as Master classes or professional training programs. Some programs offer professional certification recognized by local or national culinary associations. If you are in business or thinking about a business venture, having accreditation is an asset.

Shorter courses last a day or include several sessions. These programs focus on special projects or specific techniques, such as fondant, marzipan, string work, air brush, sculptures, and gum paste.

There are also a variety of online courses. These provide step-by-step video instruction, photo galleries, and email networking. When researching these courses use your favorite search engine to connect to individual cake decorating courses. Also look for online schools and online courses offered by community colleges. Some online programs offer personalized assessment and a certificate on completion.

A Cake Decorating Course Can Help Start a Business

Whether you are employed in the food industry or you are a home hobbyist, you may be dreaming about starting your own cake decorating business. Some courses will provide you with information about creating a business plan, purchasing and managing inventory, commercial equipment, storage, display, and transportation.

Key Benefits of Taking Cake Decorating Classes

When you enroll in a course you may have very specific goals in mind. Beyond these goals there are key benefits that you can gain from any program:

1. Connections with other professionals and enthusiasts
2. Encouragement and feedback
3. Creative cake decorating ideas and tips.

Cake decorating is a craft, an art, and a culinary activity. Your creations are made for everyday life and for celebrations. Taking cake decorating classes from time to time is a great way to energize your creativity; and to stay on top of current trends and appetites.

Lindsay Pollard is the author of Cake Decorating Classes, an essential resource created for cake decorators that wish to expand their experience and techniques with advanced cake decorating classes to take their hobby or profession to the next level.

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Taking cake decorating classes is an excellent way to expand your skills and to develop a solid business plan. Depending on where you live, there may be a variety of options available to you. Look for classes offered by large arts and craft stores, food craft stores, small local bakeries, community colleges, and culinary schools. There are also online options that are affordable, flexible, and convenient.

The type of course you choose will depend on your objectives. Do you want to strengthen basic skills, widen your skill base, or deepen your expertise to a master's level? Do you want to network with other experienced cake designers or do you want to meet with people at a variety of levels? Do you want an overview of current trends in decorating or do you want to explore a specific type of project such as wedding cakes?

Some advanced programs offer certification recognized by local or national culinary associations. A certificate will enhance your profile as you build your reputation.

A definite plus, offered by some cake decorating classes, is instruction on how to set up a business. Business topics that might be covered include:

* Financing
* How to develop a business plan
* Entrepreneurship
* Government regulations
* How to obtain commercial equipment and supplies
* Display techniques
* Inventory management
* Storage and transport.

A cake decorating course may help you to develop your own niche. Surrounded by others with similar interests you will be inspired and encouraged. You probably are already recognized by friends and family, but it will be an extra boost to share your talents with other cake decorating enthusiasts. Watching others and getting their feedback will give you a clearer idea of your personal strengths.

Attending workshops will expose you to current cake decorating ideas and trends. For example, cupcakes are the rage these days. They are being served more and more at large social events. At weddings they are being used to construct wedding cakes or offered to guests as individual desserts.

Whatever your niche, whether you are running a shop, catering large business events, catering major social events or serving small parties, having the ability to meet your customers' special requests will increase your income-earning potential. Following are examples of special cake decorating techniques that you can develop in a cake decorating class:

* 3-D sculpturing
* Gum paste art
* Cocoa painting
* Fondant icing and sculptures
* Marzipan sculpting
* String work
* Air brush painting.

Taking cake decorating classes is not only a good way to get started in business. You will find that ongoing professional development will feed your creativity and ability to meet changing customer needs.

Lindsay Pollard is the author of Cake Decorating Classes, an essential resource created for cake decorators. Discover how you can expand your experience and techniques with cake decorating classes for business to turn your hobby into a profession or take your cake decorating business to the next level.

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Have you been looking for cake decorating classes and been unable to find any in your community? Or are you finding that the schedules for local classes are inconvenient? Online cake decorating courses provide an excellent alternative.

How Do Online Courses Work?

The core part of an online course is video instruction. When you sign up you gain access to step-by-step instructional videos that guide you through cake decorating techniques and projects.

Imagine setting up in your kitchen and following video instructions as you work. When the phone rings or you need extra time, you just pause the program. You have the flexibility to multi-task--doing the course and attending to other responsibilities, such as your children, at the same time.

Besides the instructional videos, you gain access to other course features such as:

* Downloadable eBooks with instructions, pictures, recipes, and cake decorating ideas
* Articles highlighting special cake decorating tips
* Email support from instructors
* Online contact with other students
* Sharing photos of finished work with other students.

Some online courses also provide personalized assessment and feedback from instructors, followed by a certificate on successful completion.

What Are Advantages Of Online Courses?

Online courses are affordable--if you can afford a community course you will definitely be able to afford an online course; and you will certainly save on travel costs.

Online courses are easy to use thanks to recent improvements in video technology.

If networking with other cake decorating enthusiasts is important to you, you may appreciate the way most courses have a built-in networking feature. Courses usually put you in touch with other students for sharing of questions, cake decorating ideas, and photos. Although email networking may happen after a community class, email contact is a built-in feature of most online programs.

More key advantages of online courses are convenience, flexibility, and personalized pacing. For example:

* You can work on a cake decorating class at any time of the day or night.
* Doing the course at home helps you to get your kitchen set up. The course helps you to purchase the tools and ingredients needed for each project.
* You can pick and choose what to work on. You can review some sections quickly and repeat others a few times when you are mastering a new cake decorating technique.

How to Find Online Courses

Online courses are offered as independent products; or as part of a collection of courses offered by an online school or a community college. When shopping for your course, using your favorite search engine, you can research cake decorating classes, online schools, or a specific community institution. There are a wide variety of courses to choose from whether you are new to cake decorating or an experienced designer.

Lindsay Pollard writes about cake decorating lessons at Cake Decorating Classes, an essential resource created for cake decorators everywhere who wish to expand their experience and techniques. Discover about the availability of cake decorating classes online to take your pastime or profession to the next level.

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Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are every bit as delicious as a traditional chocolate chip cookie. I like to stray every now and then from chocolate chip cookies and whip up a batch of oatmeal cookies. There is something to be said about sneaking whole grains into your child's diet without hearing any complaints. Choosing which whole grain to put in the cookie dough should take some consideration, but not to be worried about if you only have one particular kind of oat in your pantry.

There are three kinds of oats to consider when making oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. They are:

* Steel -Cut: These oats are in their most whole form and make a very chewy cookie. When eaten as a breakfast cereal they can take up to thirty minutes to cook. The more a grain is kept in its whole form, the healthier it is for you.
* Old Fashioned: Also known as rolled oats, these oats have been rolled and pressure cooked which allows for a faster cook time. This oat is still very close to whole and will produce a chewy cookie.
* Quick-Cook : Quick cook oats are processed and cooked therefore losing some nutrients and flavor, and the fastest oat of the three to cook on the stove top. The flavor should really only be a concern when eating alone as a breakfast cereal. In oatmeal chocolate chip cookies quick oats will still produce a flavorful enough cookie since there are so many other ingredients that enhance the cookie. Quick oats will produce a cookie with a consistent texture.

Ideally, you should use whatever oats a cookie recipe calls for. Often the recipe will not state specifically and you are left to guess. In the past I have successfully used a rolled oat and a quick cook oat in my recipe depending on what I have on hand. Rolled oats, aside from making chewier cookies, make thicker cookies with lots of texture. I prefer to add raisins to a rolled oat cookie. A quick-cook oat produces a smoother textured slightly moister cookie. These oats are perfect for making oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Both cookies will taste similar aside from whatever baking pieces are added to the dough.

Instant oats are completely left out as an option for cookies. These oats have been so processed and depleted of flavor and nutrients that there would almost be no point. I have never attempted to use an instant oat in my cookies. Since they usually turn into a soupy mess in my cereal bowl, I have never chanced it by putting them in my cookies. Not to mention how uneconomical it would be. Just how many of those little envelopes would it take for a batch of cookies?

Try this really yummy oatmeal cookie recipe.

Amanda Julander is the creator and owner of http://www.Choc-Chip-Cookie-Recipe.com; a web site dedicated to popular tried and true chocolate chip cookie recipes and the secret baking tips that make them turn out every time.

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Today, we all lead very busy lives and don't have hours to spend in our kitchens baking cakes.

When I am pressed for time and need a nice dessert cake, I will reach for a box of chocolate cake mix. I don't bake just plain cakes, I like to add things to them to make them 'extra special'.

Cake Baking Tips:

1. Invest in a cake tester. You can pick up one for less than $6.00 at most kitchen stores.

2. Don't over bake your cakes. I tend to remove my cakes from the oven 3-4 minutes before the recommended time because they will continue baking in the cake pan.

3. Don't grease and flour your baking pans unless the recipe calls for it.

4. Always let your cakes cool before frosting them.

Here are some recipes that you can easily make from a box of cake mix.

Chocolate Surprise

1 chocolate cake mix
3 oz. box of cherry flavored gelatin
1 c. boiling water
1 c. 7-Up soda
1 box instant pudding mix, any flavor
8 oz. tub of cool whip

Prepare chocolate cake according to package directions. When cool, poke holes on top of cake with a fork. Dissolve the cherry gelatin in boiling water and add the 7-up. Pour over cake. Whip together the instant pudding mix and milk. Fold in cool whip and use this to frost the cake.

Triple Chocolate

1 box chocolate cake mix
1 3/4 c. milk
1 box instant chocolate pudding mix
2 eggs
12 oz. chocolate chips

Combine all ingredients, mix by hand until well blended for about 3 minutes. Pour into greased and floured bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes or until cake is done. Do not over bake! Cool and then remove from pan.

German Chocolate Thunder

1 box German Chocolate cake mix
14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
1 jar hot fudge ice cream topping
16 oz. tub of cool whip
2 heath candy bars

Bake cake according to package instructions. Let cool for 35 minutes. Poke holes in cake with a fork. Pour sweetened condensed milk over cake and spread evenly. Wait for 5 minutes. Spread fudge topping over cake. Wait another 5 minutes. Spread cool whip over cake and sprinkle crushed candy bars over the top.

Turtle Chocolate

1 German Chocolate cake mix
3/4 c. margarine
1/2 c. evaporated milk
14 oz. bag of caramels
1 c. chopped pecans
6 oz. chocolate chips

Mix cake according to directions. Pour half of the batter into 9 x 13" pan. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Melt milk, margarine and caramels together. Pour over hot cake. Add pecans and chocolate chips on top of caramel mixture. Pour rest of batter over cake. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the top layer comes out clean.

Shelly Hill has been working from home in Direct Sales since 1989. Shelly is a Manager with Tupperware. You can contact Shelly at:
Web: http://www.classybusinesswomen.com
Recipe Blog: http://wahmshelly.blogspot.com

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There is nothing quite like a chocolate chip cookie to make a blue day brighter. Children beg for them, and love to help make them. If you don't keep careful watch, they disappear faster than you can bake them! Even grandpa will snitch a few when you turn your back!

The very best chocolate chip cookie I have ever tasted is in an oatmeal cookie base, with pecans for an extra crunch.

Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip, Pecan Cookies

3 cup sifted flour
2 tsp. soda
2 tsp. salt
2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 white sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp. hot water
1 1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 lg. pkg. chocolate chips
2 tsp. vanilla
4 cups regular oatmeal (not quick cooking kind)

Sift flour once before measuring, and then sift with soda and salt. Cream shortening and add sugar gradually creaming until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each. Add hot water then sift dry ingredients. Add vanilla, then nuts and chocolate chips. Mix in oatmeal gradually. Drop by 1/2 tsp. on cookies sheet and bake at 375 degrees F until cookies begin to brown around the edge. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them set for a few minutes before removing with spatula to cool.

You can also substitute peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or mint chips for the chocolate chips. If you are in the mood for something totally different, dice 2 cups of orange slice candies and use those instead of the chocolate chips.

If you can keep little (and not so little) fingers out of them, they last well when stored in an air-tight container. Spend a morning with your favorite little one(s) and make some memories.

Linda Pogue is the webmaster of Mom's Red Kitchen where she regularly posts information about kitchen products, reviews cookbooks, and shares family recipes. For more great dessert recipes, visit Gramma's Favorite Dessert Recipes.

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Sunday dinners and holidays were always a special treat at my mother-in-law's house. She was famous throughout the county for her wonderful desserts. Here are two lemon cake recipes she enjoyed making. Sadly, we lost her in April 2008, but these and other recipes bring us sweet memories of her joy in serving her family nutritious meals and delicious desserts. Happy mealtimes bring a family together through memories shared. Build some memories for your family and try these wonderful lemony desserts today.

Lemon Meringue Cake
(makes 12-16 servings)

1 pkg. Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme Deluxe Cake Mix
1 regular-size package lemon pudding and pie filling
2 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar

Using 8 inch round cake pans, make and cool cake as directed on the label. Cook lemon pudding and pie filling as directed for pie filling. Cool 30 minutes according to the box instructions; stir several times. Beat egg whites until frothy; gradually add sugar; beat until stiff but not dry. Split each cake layer into 2 thin layers. Stack on cookie sheet or oven-proof plate, spread lemon pudding between layers and on top of cake. Spread meringue around sides of cake. Bake at 450 degrees F for about 5 minutes, until light brown. Cool to room temperature before serving. Store cake in the refrigerator.

Lemon Pound Cake

1 package Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme Deluxe Cake Mix
1 Package lemon instant pudding mix (4 serving)
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 cup Crisco oil
1 cup water
4 eggs
10 lemon drop candies

Blend all ingredients in large bowl, then beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Bake in a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan at 350 degrees F for about 45-55 minutes, until center springs back when touched lightly. Cool right side up for about 25 minutes, then remove from pan.

Glaze: Blend 1 cup confectioner's sugar with either 2 tbsp. lemon juice. Drizzle over cake. Press lemon drops into the glaze at equal distances.

Linda Pogue is the webmaster of Mom's Red Kitchen where she regularly posts information about kitchen products, reviews cookbooks, and shares family recipes. For more wonderful dessert recipes, visit Gramma's Favorite Dessert Recipes

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