Lemon Blueberry Trifle

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Curd.*

What an unpleasant sounding word. Really, I do not care for it. Maybe it's because it rhymes with turd. Curd ranks right up there with the words luxurious and snacks.** I don't know why, but I don't like those words either.

Am I weird? Yeah, probably.

Why do I reveal this about myself? Well, I have wanted to make lemon curd for a long time now. I've read about it in books, watched people use it on TV, and seen in mentioned on multiple food blogs.

It really sounds incredibly yummy.

Costco had amazing blueberries for sale. I couldn't resist and bought a container. And since Costco sells everything in bulk, I needed to start using them up soon before they went bad.

What to do? Hmmm... Lemon goes well with blueberries, right?

That's it! This is my opportunity to try making lemon curd, and I'll find a way to combine it with blueberries.

But, I'm changing the name. From now on, lemon curd will be known as lemon butter (like peanut butter, apple butter, or honey butter).

I found this recipe online for Lemon Blueberry Trifle. With a couple of minor modifications, I made it for the summer party at work. It turned out to be a show-stopping creation earning rave reviews all around.

Since I made this dessert from scratch, I admit it took a while. However, you could easily use frozen pound cake and store bought lemon curd spread. Then, you'd have this spectacular dessert ready in about 30 minutes. Really. Give it a try, and wow the crowds.

*Some people have been known to affectionately call me Curd as a nickname. Yeah, I still love 'em anyway.
**A friend of mine wrote a funny blog post about this. Check it out here.

Ta-dah! And no, this is not a luxurious snack.

The one thing about trifles, no one ever wants to be the 

first to dig in. But once someone does...watch out!

Sunshine Boont (or Bundt)

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I've been away for a while. We went camping for a week on the beach in California, and afterward, it's taken me a week to get caught up in the real world. I made this cake before leaving but am just now getting around to posting it.

Late one night, I checked Facebook and saw that my colleague, Julie, was having a birthday the following day. I had to bake something because Julie is the one at work who always seems to remember everyone else's birthday. She probably even knows my kid's birthdays, and I wouldn't be surprised if she knew my dog's. Julie is also the kind of colleague who is there to lend a hand with everyone's projects. And, she's certainly helped me out on a number of stressful occasions at work.

Since it was late, whatever I was going to make needed to be quick and easy. After skimming through recipes, I found a citrus Bundt cake that sounded really good. It uses a cake mix, which is generally a major sin in our home, but when you're short on time, ya gotta do whatcha gotta do. I modified the recipe some according to the ingredients on hand, but it turned out great—very moist and a nice change from all the chocolate desserts I tend to make.

Everyone at work loved it, too. And, the scene from My Big Fat Greek Wedding was quoted numerous times throughout the day.

Boont?

Bundt.

Boont?

Bundt.

BOONT?

BUNDT......

OH, ITS A CAKE.

"There's a hole in this cake."–Maria Portokalos.

Happy birthday, Julie! 

Boont? Bundt? Let's snarf!

S’More Cookies with Tomas

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Today, I was the sous chef, and Tomas, my six year-old, was boss. Give him a stool, and he loves helping out in the kitchen. We decided to make S'More cookies because we actually had all the ingredients in the house. And for the most part, it's a kid friendly recipe.


Tomas can now read the recipe mostly by himself and only needs help with some of the cooking terminology. We also had fun learning some math with the measuring cups. It looks like Tomas has inherited a math gene that didn't come from me.

While making the cookies, I decided to conduct an interview with the little head chef. My comments are in brackets.

So Tomas, when did you first begin cooking?

When I was 5 1/2, I think. I don't remember.

What kinds of things do you like to make?

I like to make eggs with my mom and stuff with chocolate with my dad.

What is your favorite part of cooking?

I like to crack the eggs. But, I also like to lick the beaters and bowl.

What is your favorite kitchen utensil?

I like the thing that cuts the tops off of [hard boiled] eggs. [Are you sensing a theme here?]

What advice do you have for the beginning baker?

Don't put the mixer on 10 with the flour. [He learned this from Dad's mistake.]

Why do you like this recipe?

I like marshmallow creme, and I love chocolate.

Why should people try this recipe?

Because they're so good I could eat the whole pan. And, I made them. If you eat them fast [meaning warm], the chocolate and marshmallow are still gooey.

Well, there you have it. If Tomas says they're good, they're good. So, try these out. And, I highly recommend involving a kid. It's much more fun.

Give this guy his own cooking show!