Thursday, June 3, 2010

Raspberry Almond Swirl Cake


Ingredients:
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp. almond extract
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/2 cup raspberry dessert topping
  • Sliced almonds (decoration)
  • Whipped topping

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Make cake mix according to directions on box. Add vanilla, almond extract, and 1/4 cup of sliced almonds. Mix thoroughly and pour into a 13"x9" cake pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Using a tablespoon, drop a dollop of raspberry dessert topping on to the cake batter. Using a knife, swirl the raspberry topping throughout the batter but not mixing completely. Bake for 30 minutes or until cake pulls away from sides of pan.

For presentation, drizzle dessert topping on plate, place a slice of cake in the center. Drop a dollop of whipped topping on the top of the cake and sprinkle sliced almonds.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Apricot Ginger Rice Pudding

I had some leftover rice from the Broccoli Beef dish. I decided I'd make some rice pudding, which is always a favorite of the kids.

Ingredients:
  • 4 cups instant rice, fully cooked
  • 1 box instant vanilla pudding (sugar-free if desired)
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 tsp. ginger
  • 1 tsp. vanilla bean
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 can apricots, cubed

Directions:

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mix together vanilla pudding, milk, ginger, vanilla bean, and salt. In a medium-sized saucepan, add rice, pudding mixture, and apricots. Cook stirring over medium heat until warm and bubbly.

Broccoli Beef


Ingredients:
  • 1 lb. round steak, cut into thin strips
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. beef bouillon paste
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tbsp. brown gravy mix
  • 1 onion, cut and quartered
  • 4 cups frozen broccoli

Directions:

In a saucepan, heat oil and add steak strips. Cover and saute until fully cooked through, add bouillon and 1 cup of water. Add brown gravy mix and stir, allow to cook longer with cover until thickened slightly. Once the dish has become thickened, add onions, broccoli, and water on top of the beef. Do not stir, but cover and allow broccoli and onions to steam cook. Serve over steamed or fried rice.