Peach Bundt Cake

I made this dessert for the 4th of July holiday and it did not disappoint!
I have really come to LOVE peach anything lately and this doesn't have a powerful peachy flavor. It is subtle and just the right amount of flavor!
I also had never made a bundt cake before, so if I can do it....you can too!
I chose to add some vanilla ice cream and diced up strawberries and smashed raspberries, but you can add any fruit you like!

You will need:

If you use fresh peaches, just make sure they are peeled.
Frozen won't work because the water content is too high.

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

1 (16 oz.) can of sliced peaches, drained and roughly chopped

3 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 cup buttermilk or whole milk

nonstick vegetable oil spray

What to do:

Preheat oven to 350 F.

With a hand mixer on high speed or stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar for 5 minutes, until it is light and fluffy. It will look like whipped cream in texture and color. As you do that, scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure all butter is incorporated.

Add in the eggs one at a time while continuing to beat on high. Add the vanilla and beat mixture on high speed 4-5 minutes.

In a medium bowl, toss peaches with 1/4 cup of the flour, coating the fruit.

Add the peach/flour mixture to mixing bowl and beat on high until peaches are incorporated.

In a separate bowl, combine remaining 2 3/4 cups flour with salt and baking powder.

Turn hand mixer down to low speed. Add about half of the dry ingredients. Add buttermilk and continue to mix. Finish by adding the rest of the dry ingredients and incorporating it into the batter. 

Spray nonstick bundt pan with nonstick vegetable spray. Pour in the cake batter & bake 50-55 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out dry. Remove from oven and let cool 15 minutes. Flip onto plate to serve.



Slice it up and serve with ice cream and your favorite fruit.

Source: The Busy Mom's Cookbook by Antonia Lofaso

Banana Split Bites

I had a girls night and thought these would be the perfect little treats to make.

They were so simple, but so tasty.

Perfect for when I'm craving a banana split, but don't want to eat all those calories!

You will need:

strawberries

bananas

pineapple

toothpicks

chocolate, {i used dove chocolate squares}

To Make:

You can either put the chocolate in a double boiler and put it on the stove and stir until it melts, or you can just put it in the microwave until just melted and then stir.

Cut up all the fruit, slide a toothpick in the middle of the fruit, and then dip one side into chocolate.

Set on wax paper to cool and wa-lah! you've made a delicious treat!

Party Ideas

I found these great party food ideas that we've used around our house.

I love the fruit on a stick, it is so easy and yet so beautiful!

Then I saw this idea for veggie cups. You just put the dip in the bottom of the cup and then add veggies!

Perfect and no one has to wait in line to scoop dip on their plate!

We did burgers with chips, veggie cups, and fruit sticks.

Perfect for a get together or BBQ!

Strawberry and Feta Salad

Strawberry and Feta Salad

I was looking for a really good summer salad and I came across a few different recipes that all looked really good. This was the first one. I would never think to put fruit in my salad and I typically don't like them together, but this salad was just the perfect blend. The dressing adds just a hint of tang which makes it irresistible!

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup slivered almonds

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 cup raspberry vinegar

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

1 head romaine lettuce, torn

1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

DIRECTIONS:

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the almonds, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted. 

Remove from heat, and set aside.

In a bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, raspberry vinegar, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.

In a large bowl, toss together the toasted almonds, romaine lettuce, strawberries, and feta cheese. 

Cover with the dressing mixture, and toss to serve!

Source: Allrecipes.com