Strawberry Shortcake Skewers

Try saying that three times in a row. Not so easy, huh? I promise preparing this dessert skewer is a whole lot easier. This twist on a classic dessert is perfect for a party with lots of people because there is no assembly involved! The guests get to have all the fun making their own Strawberry Shortcake Skewers and you won’t even have to wash dessert plates! Are you wondering if this could possibly get any better? Because it does. Homemade whipped cream takes this basic dessert to the next level. Again, super easy but it will knock your guests’ socks off. You could also add a few more elements to this sweet kabob like brownies, other fruits, marshmallows, and even some melted chocolate for drizzling!

Strawberry Shortcake Skewers

You will need:

Strawberries, washed and quartered

Pound cake, cut into 1/2 inch squares (I purchased my cake from Whole Foods)

8 oz. heavy whipping cream, chilled

2 Tbsp. granulated sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Homemade Whipped Cream

1. In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, mix together heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla on medium speed until firm peaks form.

The cream is still frothy here, but after a couple minutes, the magic happens….

The cream becomes firm, forming ripples.

Food on a stick is just so much more fun! Have you made any unusual skewers or kebabs that work well for parties?

Recipe Redux: Honey-Sweetened Fruit & Ricotta Toast

It seems as though spring has finally come in Tennessee. Trees are flowering, flowers are popping up here and there, and more and more people are gathering in the parks to enjoy the warmer weather. That means honey bees are hard at work to produce one of the greatest natural sweeteners we have. And this months’ Recipe Redux theme asked us to make either maple syrup or honey the star of our monthly creation.

Honey is really the perfect sweetener for this breakfast/dessert/appetizer because a little bit goes a long way, and it doesn’t over-power the natural sweetness of the fruit. And it goes so well with ricotta cheese….who knew?! If you’re limiting bread in your diet, or don’t have any on hand, this still tastes great mixed together in a bowl!

While it’s still a little early for strawberries in most states, strawberry picking actually begins in December for Florida (which is where these strawberries were grown). If you plan on using peaches instead of strawberries, I suggest waiting until they’re in season (June-August) so you get the best flavor. I only buy peaches at the local farmer’s market because store-bought peaches have just disappointed me in the past. For more variety, I would imagine blueberries, raspberries, and cherries would also be delicious alternatives/additions to strawberries and peaches!

Ingredients:
Slice of a hearty wheat bread, toasted (I used Seeduction Hearth Bread from Whole Foods)
Strawberries or peaches, sliced
Ricotta cheese
Cinnamon
Honey

Directions:
1. Spread desired amount of ricotta cheese on toasted bread and sprinkle cinnamon on top of ricotta cheese.
2. Place sliced fruit on top of ricotta cheese, then drizzle honey over fruit. Sprinkle more cinnamon if desired.

getthe InLinkz code

Watermelon-Mojito Poptails

I’ve had an obession with popsicles this summer. Fruity, savory, creamy….whatever it is, I’ve wanted to try it. But today I had everything I needed on hand to make these Watermelon-Mojito poptails (popsicle+cocktail). Best part, it only took about 10 minutes to throw together!

Watermelon-Mojito Popsicles
Makes: 4
Ingredients: 
2 cups cubed watermelon (seeds removed)
Juice of 1/2 a lime
1 1/2 Tbsp. chopped mint
1 oz. light rum
1 tsp. agave nectar

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze for at least 8 hours.

*Does any one know how to prevent the fruit and alcohol from separating? The popsicles were still delicious, but it would be nice if they stayed mixed. Please leave a comment if you have a suggestion!