S’more Pops August 20, 2011

Tiny desserts? Covered in chocolate? On a stick? Done and done.

Saw these ideas for s’mores pops on another blog, but had to do them myself so I could use MINI marshmallows. (The chocolate-to-marshmallow ratio is just right here.)

S’mores Pops

Mini marshmallows
Melted chocolate
Graham cracker crumbs
and (per my sister’s insight)
Melted peanut butter

Throw some mini-marshmallows on little toothpicks, then dip in melted chocolate. (To make them super delicious, dip half in chocolate, half in peanut butter.) Then, roll in the crushed graham cracker crumbs. To let them dry, put them in a cooling rack so the chocolate dries.

(Super Easy) Strawberry Shortcake / Banana Cream Pie Parfaits March 8, 2011

I’m a little obsessed with tasting-sized portions right now, thanks to the most awesome little tasting dishes ever. For the latest dinner party, I made strawberry shortcake and banana cream pie parfaits. People are way more apt to eat more desserts when they’re in tiny little containers and served with tiny little spoons.

Strawberry Shortcake Parfait

Makes 8 little parfaits

8 strawberries, sliced very thinly and sweetened with confectioner’s sugar, if necessary
12 vanilla wafer cookies, crunched into smaller pieces
1/2 cup whipped cream
1-2 Tbs. confectioner’s sugar
Chocolate syrup (or enough chocolate and cream to make a little bit of ganache)

First, whip the cream and sugar in an electric mixer or hand mixer.

In each parfait, put one crunched up vanilla wafer at the bottom of glass. Then, after putting whipped cream in a plastic bag, then cutting of the end (to create a piping bag), squeeze about 1-2 Tbs. whipped cream on top. Add two strawberry slices, a bit of chocolate syrup or chocolate ganache on top, more cookie crumbles, two more strawberry slices and whipped cream. Then, add another dollop of whipped cream and one additional strawberry slice on top for a garnish.

Banana Cream Pie Parfait

Makes 6 parfaits

Vanilla pudding (made according to package directions and refrigerated until set)
1 banana, cut into small slices
6 vanilla wafer cookies
6 vanilla wafer cookies, smashed up into smaller pieces
1/4 cup whipped cream
1 Tbs. whipped cream

First, whip the cream and sugar in an electric mixer or hand mixer.

Put one whole cookies at the bottom of the parfait dish, then about 1/2 Tbs. vanilla pudding, then 2 banana slices, enough vanilla pudding to cover all banana slices, one crumbled cookie, three or four more banana slices, then enough pudding to cover all banana slices. Add a big dollop of whipped cream on the top of the whole dessert.

Mac and Cheese Tasting Party for 12 February 27, 2011

First, let me say that a dinner party for 12 is not an easy task – and I couldn’t have been prepared (or sane) without the boyfriend’s help. Don’t try a multi-course party unless you have someone else there to help you out. And, it was also made better because my friends are good sports: no one questioned my weird desire to have a mac & cheese tasting party, and everyone–even friends and significant others I just met–participated in ranking the dishes at the end of the night, even though it was corny.

Nacho mac in progress

So, for my (mostly) vegetarian dinner party, we had Pumpkin Gruyere Mac, Nacho Cheddar Mac, and Three Cheese Mac. See below the break for recipes and group decision on which mac was the best!

One of the tasting dishes (!!!) - best feedback I got.

We started with Chicken Brochettes with Garbanzo Puree, and had green salad, pickles, and some delicious nuts between courses as palate cleansers. We ended with a delightfully refreshing lemon-lime sorbet made by my friend.