Showing posts sorted by date for query Desserts. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query Desserts. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Summer 2025 ~ My Favorite Kitchen Gadget Reviewed

Okay, okay,  I have more than one favorite item in the kitchen, but for purposes of this review I'm sticking my neck out and picking my go-to item.

Now, just to be certain, coffee makers are not included here because that is my all time favorite kitchen gadget all year around.  Without my "rocket fuel" also known as coffee, this person would not be able to function.  Maybe that's because of my Brazilian roots, who knows for sure?

So back to the most favorite kitchen gadget for 2025 and beyond!  I'll fill you in on all the reasons why this great item made the top of my list. 

The WINNER in my books has got to be the INSTAPOT!

https://amzn.to/4okPMc6


Did you guess this or is it a surprise?  There could have been many different items here, but this one tops my list.  The reasons are simple.

  1. Even when it's hotter than Hades outside, you don't need to spend hours in a hot kitchen preparing something for dinner.
  2. This past summer with temperatures up around 80+ and feeling like 100, you can still make dinner without melting right along with the butter.
  3. It takes up little counter space when in use.
  4. It's easy to clean up, one pot does it all!
  5. It's great for chicken, pork. beef and just about anything else you want to make.
  6. It's not just for dinner (although with us, that is it's major use)
  7. There are recipes galore for you to try out.
The only thing I would not do in the Instapot is a great steak ( T-bone, porterhouse, sirloin, those IMHO should remain a staple for the grill).   

This particular Instapot can easily make dinner for one, two or more people.  Or you can make enough for two days, especially when the weather is super warm. If you have a small family you could get the 3 quart size and if you have a larger family there is even an 8 quart sized Instapot.  We have a 6 quart sized one and find that it is perfect even though there are only two of us in the household. It also seems that this is the favorite size as it is an Amazon Choice product.

So here are some of the features according to the Product Description.

  1. It has 7 different functions, you can pressure cook, slow cook, saute, steam, ,make rice, yogurt or simple keep your meals warm. (all in the same pot, but not all at once)
  2. Customizable programs, you can make everything from soup to desserts.
  3. Safe and easy steam release 
  4. Cooks up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
  5. Pro-Grade cooking pot: stainless steel with a tri-ply bottom
  6. Family sized capacity: the 6 quart is perfect for 6 servings and batch cooking
  7. Quick Clean UP.  The lid and inner pot are dishwasher safe.
Now the added bonus that you don't hear about too often, is that it uses so much less energy than stove top cooking. 

Cleaning the Instapot is easy too, the face of the pot just needs a wipe down after use with warm soapy water.  Rinse and it's done!

https://amzn.to/4okPMc6

So there you have it folks.  All my reasons why this has become my favorite Kitchen Gadget for 2025 and beyond!  

Of course my Coffee Maker will remain in top spot for beverages, but the Instapot is #1 for everything else!




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Wednesday, August 13, 2025

The Protein Advantage Cookbook — A Delicious, Healthy New Cookbook

The Protein Advantage Cookbook is a collection of 100 high-protein, low-carb recipes and tips from bestselling author Carolyn Ketchum, the deservedly popular recipe developer and blogger behind All Day I Dream About Food. Ketchum’s newest cookbook blends quick weeknight meals with make-ahead basics and treats, wrapped in her pragmatic, low-carb approach, this time with a focus on high-protein recipes.

Its official launch date was yesterday, August 12, 2025, but I was lucky enough to get an advance review copy courtesy of the author and the publisher, Fair Winds Press (an imprint of Quarto). It’s a terrific cookbook for anyone interested in increasing their protein intake, and I’m delighted to share my review.

The Protein Advantage Cookbook by Carolyn Ketchum

Who It's For

This low carb, high protein cookbook is for anyone looking to improve their health through “weight loss, blood sugar management, building lean muscle mass, or simply having more energy for daily life” while eating delicious, easy to prepare, wholesome food.

Ketchum’s stance of prioritizing protein aligns with the current science: increasing protein intake can improve satiety and support lean mass, especially alongside resistance training. And for adults 40+, adequate protein becomes increasingly important.

What's Inside

Ketchum opens with a concise science and strategy overview, including what “protein-forward, low-carb” means, why prioritizing protein matters from a health perspective, and how to stock a high-protein, low-carb pantry with healthy, tasty ingredients.

True to its name, of course, the majority of The Protein Advantage Cookbook is devoted to the recipes. I was delighted to see Ketchum's signature format: clear, easy to follow, step-by-step instructions, lots of full-color photos (although not every recipe has a photo), and practical tips, such as for swapping ingredients or scaling portions.

The 100 recipes are organized into chapters with straightforward labels:

  • Breakfast
  • Breads and Muffins
  • Appetizers and Snacks
  • Soups and Salads
  • Main Dishes
  • Desserts
The Breakfast chapter includes 22 tasty recipes, such as Loaded Breakfast Casserole (29.5g of protein), Chocolate Protein Pancakes (19.7g of protein), Hot Maple Cereal (29.7g of protein), and Everything Bagel Smoked Salmon Toast (26.5g of protein).

    Loaded Breakfast Casserole recipe from The Protein Advantage Cookbook

    The Breads and Muffins chapter has 10 yummy high-protein recipes including Easy Protein Bagels (13.3g of protein), Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread (11g protein), Cheddar Jalapeño Biscuits (12.9g protein), and even Chocolate-Glazed Donuts (10g protein)!

    Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread

    The Appetizers and Snacks chapter caters to both savory and sweet cravings, including 17 recipes such as Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms (12.8g protein), Taco Bites (18.7g protein), Frozen Hot Chocolate (17.6g protein) and Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (9.8g protein).

    Asian Chicken Noodle Soup recipe from The Protein Advantage Cookbook

    The Soups and Salads chapter features 13 simple yet satisfying recipes such as Asian Chicken Noodle Soup (31.1g protein), Chicken Chile Verde (35.3g protein), Turkey Club Salad (29.1g protein) and Old Bay Shrimp Salad (23.3g protein).

    Easy Steak Fajitas recipe from The Protein Advantage Cookbook

    The Main Dishes chapter contains 22 terrific recipes to suit a wide range of tastes, such as Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs (33.3g protein), Easy Steak Fajitas (25.2g protein), Pork Tenderloin with Dijon Cream Sauce (33.4g protein), and Teriyaki Salmon (30.2g protein).

    If you have a sweet tooth, never fear! Carolyn Ketchum is also the author of The Ultimate Guide to Keto Baking, and The Protein Advantage Cookbook includes 16 luscious desserts with a high-protein twist, such as Deep Dish Brownies (16g of protein), Lemon Cheesecake Bars (12.3g of protein), Coconut Candy Bars reminiscent of Mounds bars (10.4g of protein), and Strawberry Lemonade Ice Pops (10.1g of protein).

    There's also a chapter called "A Day in the Life" which chronicles what Ketchum ate over the course of a few typical days, along with the workouts she did on those days. As a very active, extremely fit woman, her calorie limits are much higher than mine, but it was still helpful to see how she incorporates the cookbook recipes into her daily meal plans.

    Why It Deserves a Place in Your Kitchen

    The Protein Advantage Cookbook delivers exactly what it promises: approachable, protein-centric low-carb recipes anchored in sensible nutrition guidance. For those of us who want to feel more satiated, lift heavier weights, or simply be stronger as we age, while eating delicious, nutritious food and without spending all day in the kitchen, this book will be an excellent, much-used addition to our cookbook collections.


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    Wednesday, July 2, 2025

    You Will Love These Moist, Delicious, Low Sugar Protein Brownies

    A delicious brownie that treats your tastebuds and supports your wellness goals? Yes, please.

    As someone who prioritizes health without sacrificing enjoyment, I’m always on the lookout for snacks and desserts that feel indulgent but support my body, especially my skin, joints, and energy. So when I came across Prime Bites Protein Brownies, I was intrigued. A brownie with 19 grams of protein, 5 grams of collagen, a moist, fudgy texture and fairly low in added sugars? That definitely caught my attention.

    After trying several flavors and incorporating them into my daily routine, I’m ready to share my honest thoughts. Here's my product review.

    The Best Moist, Delicious, Low Sugar Protein Brownies

    What Are Prime Bites Protein Brownies?

    Prime Bites are individually wrapped high-protein brownies created by Alpha Prime. Each brownie is:

    • Generously sized (my husband and I sometimes split one)
    • Packed with 19g of whey protein
    • Enriched with 5g of collagen
    • Low in added sugars, sweetened using a blend of erythritol and other sweeteners
    • Around 200–240 calories, depending on the flavor
    • Available in fun dessert-inspired flavors: As of this writing (July 2, 2025), the flavor choices are:
      • Peanut Butter Candy Crunch
      • Glazed Cinnamon Roll
      • Glazed Chocolate Donut
      • Chocolate Cookie Monster
      • Cookies & Cream Blondie
      • Banana Nut
      • Cookie Dough
      • Blueberry Cobbler
      • Birthday Cake Blondie
      • Red Velvet
      • PB&J
      • Variety Pack
    • Crafted in small batches in the company's Miami bakery for quality control
    • Absolutely delicious!

    These aren’t dry, chalky protein bars pretending to be brownies. They’re surprisingly soft and satisfying.

    3 boxes of Prime Bites Protein Brownies

    What I Love About These Protein Brownies

    Excellent Texture and Flavor

    I was honestly surprised by how moist and rich these brownies are. (They're even better after a quick 10-second warm-up in the microwave.) The texture is soft and slightly dense, much like a traditional fudge brownie. My husband and I have enjoyed all the flavors we have tried so far: Glazed Chocolate Donut, Chocolate Cookie Monster, Banana Nut, Cookie Dough, and Red Velvet brownies. (The Banana Nut isn't quite as indulgent as the other flavors we've tried.)

    These taste like indulgent bakery treats, minus the sugar crash. They’re especially good when you’re craving something comforting but want to stay on track.

    Packed With Protein and Collagen 

    Getting enough protein, especially as we age and lose muscle, can be a challenge. The combination of whey protein and collagen makes these brownies more than just a snack; they’re also nutritionally beneficial. I love knowing that I’m supporting my skin, joints, and lean muscle while indulging in something that tastes like dessert.

    For those of us over 50, this collagen boost is especially welcome, since natural collagen production declines with age and affects everything from skin firmness, hair health and nail health to bone health.

    Portability and Convenience

    Each brownie is individually wrapped, which makes it easy to throw one into a handbag, gym bag, or even your car’s center console for a mid-day boost. They don’t melt or crumble, and they are much more delicious and feel more satisfying than typical protein bars.

    A Few Things to Consider

    Flavor Preferences Vary

    Some flavors lean sweeter than others, and a few have a noticeable sugar-alcohol aftertaste. If you're sensitive to erythritol or similar sweeteners, you might want to sample one or two before buying a full box.

    Not Budget-Friendly

    These come in boxes of 12 individually wrapped protein brownies. At around $3–$3.50 per brownie, these are on the pricier side, but you are paying for high-quality protein, added collagen, and convenience, as well as supporting a small business. 

    I try to wait for a promo code or sale and stock up on the flavors we love.

    Four flavors of individually wrapped Prime Bites Protein Brownies

    Nutrition Snapshot

    Per brownie (approximate):

    • Calories: 200–240
    • Protein: 19g
    • Collagen: 5g
    • Added Sugar: ~4–11g
    • Net Carbs: 7–14g (varies by flavor)
    • Sweeteners: Erythritol, allulose, and others

    Where to Buy

    I find the best promos are usually directly from the brand's website, where you can also create a custom assortment box with four flavors of your choice. You can also order the Brownie Variety Pack that includes all the flavors for you to try.

    I love these brownies (and the brand new muffins) so much that I became an affiliate partner. You can save 15% when you order Prime Bites Protein Brownies through my affiliate link. 

    If you prefer to order Prime Bites Protein Brownies on Amazon, you can. You can also sign up for a Subscribe & Save subscription on Amazon. 

    Final Thoughts

    I’ve tried dozens of high protein snacks and desserts over the years, and most have been too dry, too chalky, lacking in taste, texture, or both. But Prime Bites Protein Brownies stand out. They satisfy my sweet tooth, deliver meaningful nutrition, and support my healthy aging goals with that bonus dose of collagen.

    If you're looking for a protein-rich treat that aligns with your skincare and wellness routine, these are absolutely worth trying—especially when you want a little indulgence without the guilt.


    You Will Love These Moist, Delicious, Low Sugar Protein Brownies by Margaret Schindel


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    Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


    Friday, June 13, 2025

    Lap Desk or Serving Tray with Detachable Cushion Reviewed

    Lap Desk or Serving Tray with Detachable Cushion
    I prefer the comfort of my recliner to the straight back chairs at our dining tables or counter top, but I need a flat surface table top for paperwork and my smaller craft projects.  

    Several years ago, I purchased a long, flat finished board that lays across the arms of my recliner to create a table top.  Unfortunately, it has no sides which limits its uses.  I recently went in search of a lap desk with sides and came across a serving tray that offers exactly what I need for paying bills, processing paperwork, and working on my small craft projects.  It even has an indention to keep a cup from sliding around on the table.  I use that recessed indentation in the top for holding pins and beads when crafting & my coffee cup when working on my paperwork.  It has proven to be perfect for my needs.

    The lap tray I selected has a detachable cushion on the bottom of the tray which takes the full weight off my legs and serves to raise the height of the tray to a better position for writing.

     

    Bamboo Lap Tray with Detachable Cushion

     Pickmesh Bamboo Lap Tray with Detachable Cushion Wood Bed Serving Tray - 16.9 x 13 Inch Wood Lap DeskCheck PriceI have several trays throughout my home, but none have been suitable for my lap writing desk needs until I found this lap tray with a cushion.  I hadn't previously considered how a cushion under the tray could make such a big difference.  The fabric on the cushion keeps the smooth tray from sliding around, plus it lifts the tray high enough to work on. 

    The side handles allow me to easily pick up and carry the tray without disturbing whatever is laying on it.  Since it is so lightweight, I can grab the handles and stand straight up from a sitting position without straining under the weight to maintain balance.  

    At 16.9 inches wide, it sits perfectly on my lap between the arms of my recliner.  Plus, the raised edges keep pens, craft supplies, silverware, plates, etc. from sliding off the tray.

    I don't personally use it for "breakfast in bed", but I can see how it would be ideal for that use too.  Just as the cushion's fabric keeps the tray in place on my lap, I am sure it would keep the tray in place on top of sheets or bedspreads.

    The cushion cover does have a zipper and the cover can be hand-washed.  I have not needed to wash my cover yet, but it is nice to know that I can when needed.

    Of course, the cushion can be removed so the tray can be used for serving, if desired.  When we have company, I like being able to carry coffee and desserts to our guests without making several trips back and forth to the kitchen.  

     

    lap desk

     



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    Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


    Saturday, May 10, 2025

    Black Bear Diner Review

    My favorite style of restaurant can best be described as ‘simple and plentiful’. In other words, just home-style comfort foods. I do not care for spicy or fancy or exotic. Just give me simple plain food in a family friendly atmosphere. My family calls me ‘Plain Jane’ due to my boring food preferences. 🙂


    Because of my food likes and dislikes, finding restaurants I enjoy is not always easy. But last week I found the perfect one and after two visits in less than a week, it has now become my ‘go-to’ favorite. 


    In case you are thinking you would not be able to enjoy my new favorite restaurant, you will be pleased to know that it is part of a franchise which includes 161 diners in 13 states…. And growing.  It’s called the Black Bear Diner.


    Black Bear Diner


    The Black Bear Diner Celebrates Thirty Years 


    The first Black Bear Diner opened in September 1995 in Mt. Shasta, California. The owners, Bruce Dean and Bob Manley, believed in a welcoming place where friends and families could gather for abundant portions of quality food at a fair price. 


    Each Black Bear Diner has a bear-themed, cabin-like cozy environment. They believe in serving large portions of favorite homestyle meals of good old-fashioned comfort food such as homemade meatloaf, chicken fried steak, chicken pot pie, pot roast and fish & chips. Naturally, there are also hamburgers and chicken fingers and specialty sandwiches, soups and salads on the menu. Plus, they also serve fantastic breakfast meals and breakfast is available all day! 


    A favorite line from the Black Bear Diner advertising says:

    If your big bear-sized dinner just didn’t quite fill you up, don’t forget to check out their amazing display of desserts for just $5-6  


    Check out a sample menu at Black Bear Diner - Menus.  


    Personal Opinion


    Black Bear Diner Coffee Mug
    My first visit with my family was for brunch on Easter Sunday where I had a platter of delicious french toast made with sourdough bread. Yum! 

    Later that week, we returned to our local Black Bear Diner for dinner. I had the Fish & Chips served with French fries, homemade coleslaw and homemade tartar sauce. The tarter sauce was fantastic and the lightly battered and fried Cod fillets were the best I’ve ever had. 


    Each of the meal choices of the rest of my family (son, daughter-in-law, and two grandsons) were just as well received and definitely thoroughly enjoyed, even though their food preferences include a much wider range of foods than mine do. :) And, because of the very generous portions served, we each brought home leftover takeaways! 


    Summary


    The 160+ chain of Black Bear Diners are currently serving the Western side of the United States. Since the chain began in California, the largest number (over 60) can be found there, particularly in the northern part of the state. Quite a few Black Bear Diners are found in Arizona, Colorado, Washington State, Utah and Oregon. 


    Another large grouping of these diners are now found in Texas, with a smaller number in Nevada, Idaho and Oklahoma. At last count, we discovered there are two Black Bear Diners each in Kansas and Missouri. 


    *It is interesting to me to note that the two Kansas diners are in the two Kansas towns I have lived in (Garden City where the hubs was from and where two of our children were born, and Olathe ~ a suburb of Kansas City ~ where I currently live). 


    The Black Bear Diner concept states that they are always growing and continuing to expand east with a goal of being coast-to-coast.  Meanwhile, if you live in or are traveling to one of the western states which have Black Bear Diners, I highly recommend them. 


    • Click here for a list of Black Bear Diner locations. 


    Black Bear Merchandise


    *Black Bear Diner Restaurant Review was written by Wednesday Elf

     




    Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


    Friday, March 21, 2025

    Easy Chocolate Fondue Recipe

     Few Desserts bring people together like chocolate fondue. This is a family favorite of ours. We like getting together several times a year for some delicious chocolate fondue. Following is a review of our Valentine's Day chocolate fondue.

    Chocolate fondue recipe

    A Brief History of Chocolate Fondue:

    Fondue, originally a Swiss dish featuring melted cheese, inspired the idea of dipping foods into a shared pot. The concept of chocolate fondue emerged in the 1960s, made popular by Swiss restaurateur Konrad Egli in New York.

    Fondue is a perfect time to gather and enjoy some great conversation with the family while enjoying some delicious dessert or food.

    Many times we use steak and chicken cut into small pieces. Our daughter Jamie coats the chicken with Shake N Bake. We dip into hot oil until the pieces are cooked and serve with various dipping sauces.

    Ingredients for Chocolate Fondue:

    1 bag of chocolate chips 11.5oz.

    1 bag of dark chocolate chips 11.5 oz.

    1 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream

    1 tablespoon butter

    1 tablespoon vanilla extract

    First, you need a fondue pot. Jamie has two Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pots. For the chocolate fondue, we only use one of them.

    Melting the chocolate

    Set the pot to medium heat and add the chocolate chips. Add the butter and keep stirring so the chocolate begins to melt.

    Add heavy whipping cream

    Add the vanilla, and the heavy whipping cream a little at a time, and keep stirring until all is combined. When it's ready, the chocolate will look like the intro photo.

    Goodies for chocolate fondue

    Here are our prepared goodies for dipping into the chocolate. We cut up strawberries, pineapple, bananas, marshmallows, and pound cake.

    Dip and Enjoy: We used the skewers that came with the fondue pot to dip our favorite treat into the rich chocolate.

    Click here for more recipes on Review This:

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    You will find a large selection of fondue pots on Amazon. The one featured below is the one Jamie has, and she has had it for many years.

    Cuisinart Fondue Pot, 3 Quart, For Chocolate, Cheese, Broth, Oil, Stainless Steel, CFO-3SSP1Cuisinart Fondue Pot, 3 Quart, For Chocolate, Cheese, Broth, Oil, Stainless Steel, CFO-3SSP1Check the Price

     




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    Friday, November 29, 2024

    How to Decorate Cheesecake Reindeer Reviewed

    Reindeer Cheesecake
    Cheesecake is one of my favorite desserts to make.  When I saw the slices of cheesecake decorated like reindeer on the cover of the Kroger magazine last year, I knew what we would be making on Christmas Eve. 

    A week or so before Christmas, I purchased the several types of chocolate covered pretzels for the antlers, spice drops, and eyes to use for decorating.  I made the cheesecake the day before and refrigerated it overnight so it would be firm and easy to decorate.

    When my parents arrived, we pulled the cheesecake from the refrigerator, grabbed our supplies and went to work.  We tried a few different shapes and sizes of pretzels before we decided we preferred the broken pieces off the larger pretzels.  My mother and son, who also decorated Easter eggs together, jumped right into action, not hesitating to "play" around with the design.  I was content to take the pictures.  My father and husband were happy to sit back and watch the fun while offering suggestions.  

    As the reindeer started taking shape, my son decided there should only be one Rudolph with a red nose.  I pulled out the chocolate chips so all of the other reindeer would have plain, yet delicious, noses.  

    Needless to say, we had fun and laughed a lot together.  It was the perfect family "event" for Christmas Eve and not one we will forget, especially since we have lots of pictures.


    Supplies We Used to Make the Cheesecake Reindeer


    cheesecake reindeer supplies
    1. Cheesecake - baked the day before
    2. Chocolate Pretzels
    3. Pre-made Eyes
    4. One Red Spice Drop
    5. Chocolate Chips 

    Those are the supplies we used, but now that you have seen the pictures and the idea, you may come up with a version your own family prefers.  It doesn't matter!  The fun is in decorating them together and creating a fun family memory.

     Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps Milk Chocolate Covered Pretzels 5.5 OunceCheck Price Wilton Edible Candy Eyeballs, 0.88 oz.Check Price NESTLE TOLL HOUSE MORSELS SEMI SWEET CHOCCheck Price Zachary Cinnamon and Spearmint Flavored Spice Drops, 24 ozCheck Price

     

    ______________

     

    Last year, I made Chocolate Hot Cocoa Bombs as our special treat.  We enjoyed watching them "explode" inside our festive snowman mugs.

    Chocolate Hot Cocoa Bombs



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    Cheesecake Reindeer Written by:
    House of Sylvestermouse





    © 2024 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
     




    Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


    Tuesday, September 24, 2024

    A Review of Sock It To Me Cake

     

    Sock It To Me Cake

    I was looking through recipes over the weekend and I saw a recipe that brought back some great memories from when I was a teenager.

    Sock It To Me Cake

    Back in the 70's, (yes, I was a teenager in the 70's!) Bundt cakes were a huge thing....you remember the round cakes with a hole in the middle? The pans were pretty funny looking:

    Bundt Pan

    Back then, my Mom used to make this really delicious Bundt cake that she called a "Sock It To Me Cake."  I used to laugh at the name, she said she got the recipe out of a magazine and decided to try it because my dad was a fan of cinnamon and nutmeg.  It quickly became one of my father's favorite desserts.

    This cake doesn't have the consistency of most Bundt cakes.  It is more coarse and heavy, but still moist and soft.  It also had a different flavor than most cakes, the sour cream and brown sugar, along with the spices just makes it different.  It doesn't taste like any other cake I've ever had.  It also makes great coffee cake!

    This cake is made from scratch, no cake mix here, and it has a lot of ingredients.  It is not inexpensive to make but the good news is, most of the ingredients are things you probably already have in your kitchen.  


    Cake Ingredients

    3 cups all-purpose flour

    1/2 teaspoon baking soda

    1/2 teaspoon salt

    2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature

    2 cups sugar

    6 large eggs

    1 tablespoon vanilla extract

    1 8-ounce container full fat sour cream

    1 1/2 cup chopped, toasted pecans

    3 tablespoons packed light or dark brown sugar

    2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

    1/2 teaspoon nutmeg


    Glaze Ingredients

    2 cups powdered sugar

    3 tablespoons whole milk

    2 tablespoons maple syrup


    Instructions

    1.  Preheat the oven to 325° F. 

    2. Grease and flour a Bundt cake pan 

    3. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Whisk to combine. 

    4. Cream butter and sugar - to do this put your softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on medium for one minute.  Slowly pour in the sugar and continue to beat for 6 to 7 minutes or until the combination is light and fluffy.

    5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat on medium until just combined.

    6.  Reduce the speed to the lowest setting. Add the flour mixture, alternating with the sour cream, in three additions. Mix until just combined, DO NOT overmix.

    7. Remove the bowl from the stand mixer, and pour half of the batter into the Bundt pan.

    8. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of the chopped pecans, the brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon. Stir to combine. Then, sprinkle the brown sugar and nuts evenly over the cake batter.

    9. Pour the remaining cake batter over the nuts and brown sugar. Smooth the top.

    10. Bake for 60-70 minutes, until a butter knife stuck deep into the center of the cake comes out clean.

    11. Remove the cake from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

    12. Use a butter knife or small spatula to go around the edges of the pan. Then, invert the pan so that the cake comes out. Let the cake cool to room temperature.

    13. In a clean bowl whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and maple syrup until creamy. Drizzle the glaze over the cake before topping with the remaining ¼ cup chopped pecans. 

    14. You can leave Sock It To Me Cake unrefrigerated on the counter for several days as long as it is in an air tight cake cover.  If you need to store it for more time, place in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to six months.

    Sock It To Me Cake


    This is what it looks like on the inside from putting the pecans and brown sugar in the middle.


    This cake is pretty special to me, it always reminds me of my Mom, and eating with my family.  Those were happy times.  Why not try making this cake and creating some special times with your family?  It's also a great cake to take to holiday gatherings that will be coming up before you know it.  When they ask you why you made a Bundt cake.....just tell them it's "that 70's cake!"






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