Desert Anyone?

As the winter months have been mild, it nevertheless has catapulted me into the kitchen as cooler weather always does. My husband has been on a "behavior modification" but this does not deter me from preparing sumptuous foods and deserts. I have a couple to share and a few more which I am still in the process of testing. Enjoy!

SCARLETT O'HARA's BROWN SUGAR POUND CAKE

 

3 Cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups butter, softened

1 pound brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

5 eggs, at room temperature

3/4 cup milk

1/4 cup dark rum (plus 2 T more)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup chopped pecans

Sweetened whipped cream 

Sliced berries (add 2 T rum and let them sit for 30 minutes)

 

Preheat over to 325 degrees F.  

Grease and flour a 12 cup Bundt pan.  

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt; and set aside.  In mixer bowl cream butter until light.  Gradually add sugars and continue beating until very light and fluffy.  Beat in eggs one  at a time, beat well after adding each additional egg.  Combine milk, rum and vanilla.  Add to batter alternately with dry ingredients.  Fold in nuts last.  

Pour into prepared pan.  Bake 1 hour 45 minutes, or until toothpick  inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool in pan on wire rack 30 minutes; remove from pan and cool.  

Wrap and store at room temperature 24 hours before serving.  Before serving combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 T rum and stir till smooth. Drizzle over the cake. Serve with sweetened whipped cream and sliced berries.  

Makes 20 servings, ~ 400 calories each without sweetened cream.

Fast and Dirty Lava Brownies

1 Box your favorite brownie mix

3 eggs, room temp

3 egg yolks, room temp

3 Tablespoons coffee or coffee liqueur

1 stick butter

1 cup chopped chocolate, good quality (you may substitute Toll House)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Put butter in microwave bowl and nuke for 1 minute in your microwave. Stir mixture well and melted and creamy. Set aside.  

Using an electric mixer add eggs and egg yolks to a medium bowl. Beat for 6 minutes. Add brownie mix to the eggs and mix, add coffee and stir in the chocolate mixture. Grease 12 muffin cups and add mixture 3/4 full. Bake for 12 minutes.

Brownies should be soft, warm and gooey in the middle. Serve with ice cream and more chocolate.