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Steak Teriyaki Tacos with Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Steak Teriyaki Tacos with Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Steak Teriyaki Tacos with Pineapple Pico de Gallo are one of our favorite summer dinners. We love these tacos for several reasons. First of all, I can make these tacos in less than a half hour! That means, after a busy day, I can still …

Lemon-Chive Lobster Salad Plates

Lemon-Chive Lobster Salad Plates

Lemon-Chive Lobster Salad Plates are one of our favorite summer dinners. I love this recipe for several reasons. First of all, I love that I can make this meal in just fifteen minutes. Secondly, I love that this can be made up to a day …

Cannoli French Toast Topped with Mini Cannoli

Cannoli French Toast Topped with Mini Cannoli

Cannoli French Toast Topped with Mini Cannoli are one of our favorite summer breakfasts. To start, I bake up a homemade challah. Below, I’ve attached my recipe. Next, I stir together a sweet and creamy cannoli filling. After that, I make a quick Chocolate Syrup. Then, I stuff mini cannoli shells with the filling. And, the mini cannoli look just adorable perched on top of the French toast. Then, I dip the bread in beaten eggs, and fry it until it’s golden brown. Finally, I make French toast sandwiches filled with the cannoli cream and chocolate chips. These get topped with the Chocolate Syrup and fresh strawberries. While there are a few steps, this whole recipe can be made in a half hour.

The Equipment I Used

  • A Nonstick Skillet- Use this to fry your French toast.
  • A Two Quart Saucepan- I use this to simmer the Chocolate Syrup.

The Ingredients Needed for Cannoli French Toast Topped with Mini Cannoli

  • Fresh Ricotta Cheese- If you can find it, fresh ricotta cheese will really add great fresh flavor and texture to your cannoli filling.
  • Mascarpone Cheese- You can find this in the gourmet cheese section of your market.
  • Powdered Sugar- This is for the cannoli filling.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips- I use Ghiradelli mini chips, when I can find them.
  • Corn Syrup- Use light corn syrup for the Chocolate Syrup recipe.
  • Heavy Cream- This is also for the Chocolate Syrup.
  • Cannoli Shells- I bought these at the bakery of my supermarket. They’re easy to make, though. See my recipe for Cannoli filled with Pumpkin Cream.
  • Challah- You could also use a good sandwich bread or brioche.

How I Made my French Toast

  • First, I made my Cannoli Filling. You could add more sugar, if you like.
  • Next, I made the chocolate syrup. Along with the cannoli filling, this can be made a day ahead.
  • Finally, I fried the French toast. Use medium heat. Be careful to not over soak the bread, and then take care to not burn the toast.

If you like cannoli, you need to try this decadent and delicious Cannoli French Toast Topped with Mini Cannoli.

Cannoli French Toast Topped with Mini Cannoli
Cannoli French Toast Topped with Mini Cannoli
Cannoli French Toast with Chocolate Syrup

Cannoli French Toast Topped with Mini Cannoli

Challah French Toast stuffed with chocolate chip cannoli cream, and topped with chocolate syrup and mini cannoli.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 slices of challah, sliced a half inch thick (recipe attached)
  • 4 eggs
  • 4 tbsp. heavy cream
  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 4 mini cannoli shells
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 2 cups halved strawberries

For the Cannoli Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup mascarpone cheese
  • ½ cup powdered sugar

For the Chocolate Syrup:

  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp. light corn syrup
  • ¾ cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Begin by mixing up the Cannoli Filling: Simply mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
  • Next, make the Chocolate Syrup: In a small saucepan, heat the cream and corn syrup until barely simmering. Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips. Stir until they're completely melted and smooth. This can be reheated in the microwave, stirring at ten second intervals until heated through.
  • Next, stuff the mini cannoli: Place about a half cup of Cannoli Filling in a small zip lock sandwich bag. Cut off a corner and squeeze some filling into each shell.
  • Next, make the French Toast: In a bowl, mix together the eggs and cream. Melt one tablespoon of the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Dip each slice of challah briefly in the egg mixture. You don't want to soak the bread in the egg.
  • Fry each slice on both sides until they're golden brown. Add more butter, as needed.
  • Spread four of the slices with some of the Cannoli Filling, and sprinkle with some chocolate chips. Top the filling with another slice of challah, to form a sandwich. Drizzle each sandwich with some Chocolate Syrup and some strawberries.
Keyword breakfast
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Bread Machine Challah

Bread Machine Challah

An easy and beautiful braided bread machine bread.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting time 2 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine Jewish
Servings 10

Equipment

  • Bread Machine

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp. sugar
  • 1¼ tsp. salt
  • 3 cups flour (360g)
  • 2 tsp. active dry yeast

For Egg Wash:

  • 1 beaten egg
  • 1 tbsp. water

Instructions
 

  • Add all the ingredients in the order suggested by your bread machine. Set your bread machine for the dough cycle, and let the machine run that full cycle.
  • When the dough is ready, divide it into 3 sections and braid it and place it on a parchment covered baking sheet. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise 20 minutes.
  • Brush it all over with the egg wash and bake it at 375° for 25 minutes.
Keyword bread
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Pumpkin Cream Filled Cannoli

Pumpkin Cream Filled Cannoli Dipped in Chocolate

Crispy cannoli shells dipped in chocolate and filled with pumpkin ricotta.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 cannoli

Equipment

  • cannoli forms

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all purpose flour (120g)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 2 tbsp. white wine
  • 2 cups vegetable oil
  • 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp. cinnamon
  • ½ tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese

Instructions
 

  • Begin by making the dough for the cannoli shells. Sift together the flour and sugar, and then using a pastry cutter cut in the butter. When it's the consistency of sand, stir in the egg and wine. Stir until a ball of dough is formed. Wrap the ball in plastic and chill for thirty minutes.
  • Cut the ball of dough into six pieces and on a well floured board, roll each ball into a six inch circle.
  • Wrap each circle of dough around a greased cannoli form, using a little water to seal edges of the dough.
  • Heat an inch and a half of oil to 365 degrees in a three quart saucepan. Fry one cannoli at a time for about two minutes, turning it over after one minute. Remove it to a rack to drain. Repeat with next 5 cannoli.
  • Melt the chocolate in a small bowl in the microwave. Check and stir it frequently. It should take a total of three minutes.
  • Dip the ends of each cannoli shell into the chocolate, and then let it dry on a waxed paper lined plate. Chill it in the refrigerator to harden.
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat the pumpkin, cinnamon, and sugar together. Cook for five minutes. Then in a small bowl, mix the ricotta and vanilla. Add the pumpkin and sugar to the ricotta and stir to combine. Using a small plastic bag with the corner cut off, stuff both sides of the cannoli.
Keyword cannoli, pumpkin
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Rosemary Steak and Burrata Salad Bowls

Rosemary Steak and Burrata Salad Bowls

Rosemary Steak and Burrata Salad Bowls are one of our favorite summer dinners. To start these bowls, I place some baby arugula in the bottom of each bowl. Next, I add roasted baby potatoes, rosemary skirt steak, and creamy Burrata cheese. Also, I add red …

Watermelon Feta and Arugula Salad

Watermelon Feta and Arugula Salad

Watermelon Feta and Arugula Salad is one of our favorite summer salads. On a hot August day, what could be better than a cold and refreshing salad? In addition, this is a great salad to make ahead of time. Just toss together the watermelon, strawberries, …

Strawberry Vanilla Cream Trifles Topped with Whipped Cream

Strawberry Vanilla Cream Trifles Topped with Whipped Cream

Strawberry Vanilla Cream Trifles Topped with Whipped Cream are the quintessential British summer dessert. And, they’re also one of the prettiest ways to end a meal. I start this dessert by baking a Hot Milk Sponge Cake. Next, I simmer up a vanilla cream. This is essentially a vanilla pudding. Finally, I layer the cake and Vanilla Cream in trifle dishes. I also put in layers of strawberries and whipped cream. All in all, this is a showstopper of a dessert.

The Equipment I Used

  • An Electric Mixer- You will need this to make the cake.
  • A Three Quart Saucepan- Use this to cook the Vanilla Cream.
  • A Food Scale- For best results, please weigh your flour and sugar.
  • 8 Trifle Dishes- You could also use stemless wine glasses, or goblets. You could also just make this in a large trifle dish.
  • A Strawberry Corer- I don’t consider myself much of a gadget person, but I really find the strawberry corers helpful.

The Ingredients Needed for Strawberry Vanilla Cream Trifles Topped with Whipped Cream

  • Flour- Use all purpose flour for making the cake.
  • Eggs- Be sure and use large eggs for both the cake and the Vanilla Cream.
  • Milk- Use whole milk for both the cake and the Vanilla Cream.
  • Butter- Make sure to use unsalted butter.
  • Cornstarch- This is essential for thickening the vanilla cream.
  • Vanilla Extract- Be sure and use pure vanilla extract for best flavor.
  • Heavy Cream- Use heavy cream, not half and half.
  • Strawberries- These are the star of the show, so get the best that you can.

How I Made my Trifles

  • First, I made my cake. In the middle of mixing, I realized I only had two eggs. So, next, I went to the store to get more.
  • Then, I made the Vanilla Cream. It’s important to whisk the cream constantly, to avoid lumps.
  • Next, I whipped the cream.
  • Finally, I layered everything in the trifle dishes.

If you like strawberries, you need to try these lovely and delicious Strawberry Vanilla Cream Trifles Topped with Whipped Cream.

Strawberry Vanilla Cream Trifles Topped with Whipped Cream
Strawberry Vanilla Cream Trifles Topped with Whipped Cream
Strawberry Vanilla Cream Trifle

Strawberry Vanilla Cream Trifles

A trifle layered with sponge cake, fresh strawberries, vanilla cream, and whipped cream.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine English
Servings 8 trifles

Equipment

  • electric mixer
  • 13×8 rectangular cake pan
  • 8 trifle dishes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Hot Milk Sponge Cake (recipe attached)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • 2½ cups whole milk
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 quart strawberries, sliced plus one tablespoon of sugar
  • 2 cups heavy cream plus four teaspoons of sugar

Instructions
 

  • First, make the Hot Milk Sponge Cake and let it cool. When it's cooled cut out rounds to fit your trifle cups. Place one round in each cup.
  • Next, make the Vanilla Cream: In a three quart saucepan whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly whisk in the milk. Then, whisk in the eggs. Whisking constantly, cook over low heat, until the mixture comes to a simmer. Cook for one minute. Remove it from the heat and add the butter and vanilla. Set aside to cool.
  • Next, mix the strawberries with the sugar. Set aside.
  • Then, in an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream and sugar together, until it's whipped together.
  • Top each cake round with a spoonful of berries and some Vanilla Cream. Top each trifle off with some whipped cream.
Keyword Dessert
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Chocolate and Espresso Mascarpone Tiramisu

Hot Milk Sponge Cake

An easy and light vanilla cake.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Equipment

  • 13×8 nonstick rectangular cake pan
  • an electric mixer

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all purpose flour (240g)
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups sugar (400g)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 5 tbsp. unsalted butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Use vegetable shortening to grease the pan. Sprinkle it with flour and then shake out the excess.
  • Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, with a whisk attachment, beat the eggs on high speed for four minutes, until they are pale yellow and thickened. Slowly add the sugar, while beating the mixture, four more minutes. Add the flour mixture and stir until it's just combined in the batter.
  • In a two quart saucepan, on low heat, heat the whole milk and butter on low heat, just until the butter is melted. Add it to the batter, beating until just combined into the batter.
  • Bake for twenty minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack for ten minutes. Remove from the pan and cool on the rack.
Keyword Dessert
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Quick and Easy Blueberry Muffins

Quick and Easy Blueberry Muffins

Quick and Easy Blueberry Muffins are one of our favorite summer breakfasts. Also, they’re the perfect snack after a morning of swimming or tennis. I love these muffins for several reasons. First of all, I can mix these muffins up in less than fifteen minutes. …

Chicken Fajitas with Salsa Verde and Avocado

Chicken Fajitas with Salsa Verde and Avocado

Chicken Fajitas with Salsa Verde and Avocado are one of our favorite summer meals. I love this meal for several reasons. First of all, the Salsa Verde adds so much incredible flavor to the fajitas. This is great, because chicken breast can sometimes be bland …

Easy Maple Blueberry Crème Brûlée

Easy Maple Blueberry Crème Brûlée

Easy Maple Blueberry Crème Brûlée is our new favorite summer dessert. For a long time, my kids ordered crème brûlée every time they saw it on a restaurant menu. On vacations, they would order it twice a day! Finally, I bought my own ramekins and kitchen torch. Since then, I’ve made almost every imaginable flavor of this classic dessert. I love this pudding for several reasons. First of all, I love that this dessert uses basic ingredients that I always have in the house. Secondly, I love how easy this is to make. And, lastly, I love that this takes barely any time to prepare. Technically, this pudding tastes better if chilled for several hours. But, it tastes pretty great right out of the oven, too. However, feel free to bake it the day before. Then, right before serving, just torch the top.

The Equipment Needed

  • Ramekins- I use six three ounce ramekins. But, you can also use six ounce ramekins. Just make sure your ramekins are oven proof.
  • A Kitchen Torch- Today I used the Culinary Jo Chef kitchen torch, since they sent it to me. It worked really great!
  • A Baking Pan- I used an 11 by 9 baking dish to cook my puddings in.

The Ingredients Needed for Easy Maple Blueberry Crème Brûlée

  • Blueberries- Make sure your blueberries are nice and dry.
  • Heavy Cream- Don’t use light cream.
  • Maple Syrup- Use pure maple syrup.
  • Eggs- You’ll just need the yolks. Try and use room temperature eggs.
  • Sugar- Use granulated sugar to sprinkle on the top of the puddings. It torches the best.

How I Made my Dessert

  • First, I whisked together the yolks and syrup.
  • Next, I added them to the hot cream.
  • Then, I baked the puddings for almost thirty minutes.
  • Next, I chilled them for four hours. Actually, we skipped the chilling on a couple of them, because we really wanted to eat them. But, they do taste better when chilled for several hours.
  • Finally, we used our torch to brown the tops.

If you’re a pudding lover, you need to try this rich and delicious Easy Maple Blueberry Crème Brûlée.

Easy Maple Blueberry Creme Brulee
Easy Maple Blueberry Creme Brulee
Maple Blueberry Creme Brulee

Easy Maple Blueberry Crème Brûlée

Maple creme brulee with blueberries.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 6 3 ounce ramekins
Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

  • 6 three ounce ramekins or 6 six ounce ramekins

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup blueberries, rinsed and well dried
  • 5 egg yolks
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp. granulated sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Place the six ramekins in a large baking dish. Divide the blueberries between the ramekins.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the yolks and maple syrup.
  • In a three quart saucepan, over medium heat, cook the cream just until it starts to steam. Slowly, while whisking the yolk mixture, pour the cream through a sieve into the yolks. Take care to pour the cream in very slowly so as not to scramble the eggs. Pour this all into a measuring cup or pitcher to make the next step easier.
  • Divide the cream and yolk mixture between the ramekins.
  • Place the pan in the oven, and then pour cold water into the pan, so that it comes three quarters of the way to the top of the ramekins. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. They should just be slightly jiggly in the middle. Place them in the refrigerator for four hours.
  • Sprinkle a teaspoon and a half of sugar over each pudding. Using a kitchen torch, brown the tops of the puddings. Serve right away.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcal
Keyword Dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp with Creamy Grits

New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp with Creamy Grits

New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp with Cheesy Grits is our new favorite shrimp dish. Recently, we traveled to Mississippi, where we saw this on almost every menu. We tried it, and fell in love with their rich, spicy flavor. Ever since that trip, I’ve been making …