Mar 3

Cinnamon and Pineapple Carrot Cake

by Anita

Low Calorie Carrot Cake

A dozen years have passed since I snipped this recipe from now an unknown magazine. The recipe gives no credit to the creator. And the backside of the recipe is an advertisement for “2004 medical breakthroughs.” It’s a mystery! I’m not even sure I’d given the recipe a try until now. I just love the ingredients. Well, it does have a cake mix. Yikes! But take a look at the ingredients and see what you think.

One reason this recipe is low calorie is the frosting which, of course, I didn’t use. I used my standby Butter Cream. I have included the Marshmallow Creme Frosting Recipe … simple.

This is a recipe worth trying! And I’ve made a few changes just because it’s simpler.

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Feb 23

Breakfast Bars

by Anita

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Oats, Apples, & Raisins Breakfast Bars

If you like oatmeal, apples and raisins for breakfast you will surely like this! Ah yes, it works as a lite dessert, too. This recipe makes 8 large bars with minimal sugar and a bit of butter for richness. No added sugar to the Granny Smith apples … even my sweet tooth finds it just sweet enough.

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Feb 14

Bread with Heart

by Anita

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Banana Bread with Heart!

Recipe and How to

Just a fun thing to do! My daughter loves fresh flowers, me too, and while I baked this bread she put together flower arrangements to place around the home.

I used my Banana Bread Recipe but you can use just about any quick bread recipe to make this Bread with a Heart. It was so much fun and what smiles it brought when sliced … And eaten, of course. For the heart I made my Peanut Butter Cake and added a little chopped chocolate. You can use pound cake, make a single layer cake of your choosing, or use cake without frosting or filling from your favorite bakery.

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Feb 6

Apple Pie Pastry

by Anita

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Apple Pie for a Crowd

Easy Sheet Apple Pie

Two of my favorites, apples and my Carolina china. Can’t go wrong with this for guests. Opportunities for cooking during my North Carolina days were slim to none … my road warrior days. I look back at it fondly now but haven’t forgotten the long hours of commuting to the New England States, the Midwest, South, West Coast … well, everywhere in the US … except Hawaii which was given to those with more time at the company. 60 hour work weeks left little time to cook and I missed the cooking.

When I had some time I’d satisfy my gourmet needs by visiting Southern Season. Southern Season “has been known for the breadth and quality of its gourmet food, wine, houseware and cookware.” I picked up my special china during one of my visits. I loved the place!

My life in Raleigh, North Carolina was enriching and I wouldn’t change it. Okay, I agree it was a sacrifice for a friend to drive 1200 miles to visit. That was one way! Boy, were we young and crazy in those days!

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Feb 4

Valentine’s Day Cookie Cakes

by Anita

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Worthy of Valentine’s Day

This is my absolute favorite Decorated Cookie Recipe. It tastes like a mini-cake. Decadent! If your sweetheart is not into coconut … it’s still amazing!

Oatmeal Raspberry Cookies Just so you know, this is no backup! You know what I mean, don’t you? Who wants a backup! Different look, different taste but oh so delicious! Oatmeal Raspberry Valentine’s Day Cookies

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Jan 23

Devil’s Food Cake

by Anita

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Devil’s Food Cake

A Cake To Soothe A Broken Heart

You might be thinking your broken heart deserves something much more decadent … maybe a chocolate cheesecake. I’ve been there! But at a quarter after one and I need you now … This is much more practical. It’s easy & quick, makes a 9 inch square cake (or on other days two 8 inch layers), moist and best of all, chocolatey.

We’ve all had heartbreak or so I’ve been told. And dealing can be unpleasant and miserable especially if it’s twice with the same guy. Just ask me! And I know about the appetite disappearing, you’ll find as you age this step goes missing, but somehow keeping busy helps. Whether you’re brokenhearted OR you decide to make this for your sweetheart for Valentine’s it won’t disappoint.

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Jan 17

Easiest Yellow Cake

by Anita

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Quick Easiest Yellow Cake

Guest Perfect

A quick uncomplicated dessert that’s ready in no time. Nothing like something fresh from the oven! Versions of this yellow cake have been circulating for years and you still can’t beat it for ease and taste results. Thank you Betty or Good Housekeeping or whoever you are.

This simple yellow cake, actually one layer, with your favorite filling is perfect for last minute guests. Fill it with jam or jelly, lemon curd, whipped cream and fruit or as I’ve done here, date-nut filling. Top with buttercream or cream cheese frosting. Easily serves 8 generously.

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Jan 8

Oatmeal Cookies

by Anita

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Slice N Bake Oatmeal Cookies

The 2015 resolution is still on! But you know as I … Complete deprivation often leads to resolution failure … with respect to dietary changes.

Here is a cookie with, in my opinion, the nutritional value outweighing the calories. My secret to not overindulging … Bake only the amount that will be eaten and shared. The remainder of dough, wrap tightly in parchment paper then foil, label and freeze. Need more for unexpected guests? Just remove from the freezer, slice and bake what you need. Easily keeps in the freezer for several months.

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Jan 4

Thumbprint Cookies

by Anita

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Thumbprint Cookies In A Hurry

Inspired by Bothof’s Bakery and Betty Crocker! Chocolate or Jelly Thumbprint Cookies from Bothof’s were a childhood favorite. The convenience of the bakery vanished with our move to the country. The option became, bake them! Betty Crocker lived in our house in those days. With Betty Crocker’s help a simple recipe was created.

This is a quick recipe with few ingredients. Top it with a candy kiss or peanut butter cup or Rolo. My favorite is still a small dollop of chocolate or raspberry jam or jelly. This cookie is so basic in flavor any number of toppings can be used. Love it!

BTW low sugar.