Punch Bowl Cake

Punch Bowl Cake

This is one of my favorite recipes.  I used to make this as a teenager to take to picnics and outings.  It is simple to make and the taste is out of this world good! This recipe makes enough to fill a large punch bowl, but if you want to make one for just your family just half the filling and berry topping recipe and it still works fine. I made one in 2 large bowls and shared some with my neighbors. This cake is heavenly! You can make this cake a day ahead and keep them in the refrigerator. Cake: 1 Angel Food Cake (baked or bought) cut or tear into one inch pieces Filling: 2 (8 oz) bars cream cheese 1 cup lite sour cream 1 1/2 cups sugar 12 oz. whipped topping (can use fat free too) In a mixer, combine cream cheese and sugar until blended.  Add sour cream and mix.  Fold in whipped topping.  Refrigerate until you are ready to assemble the cake. Berry topping: 2 pints strawberries 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup cold water 3 tablespoons cornstarch Wash and hull berries.  Mash enough berries to make 2 cups. (running them through the food processor works too)  Slice remaining berries and place all berries in a stock pot.  Add sugar to berries and stir.  Combine water and cornstarch in a measuring cup and stir until cornstarch is dissolved.  Add cornstarch mixture to berries and heat over medium heat stirring constantly until juice has thickened.  Cool completely. When all your parts are done, simply layer the cake in a punch bowl starting with a layer of cake, then a...
Macaroni Salad

Macaroni Salad

This cool refreshing salad is great anytime.  Using Greek Yogurt helps keep this dish lighter than using a ton of mayonnaise without compromising the flavor.  Make this dish the day before a cookout or family gathering to give the flavors time to combine. 8 oz small shell pasta (or any kind you like) 4 green onions cleaned and chopped (i think northerners call these scallions) 1 large celery rib, chopped 2 large boiled eggs, chopped 1/3 cup mayonnaise 2/3 cup Greek Yogurt 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander seeds 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 to 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes Cook macaroni according to package directions.  Drain rinse and cool pasta.  When pasta is cool combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir to thoroughly combine.  Cover and refrigerate.  This dish is actually better if prepared a day in advance to let all the flavors marry.  Serve plain or on a bed of salad...
Apple Berry Crisp

Apple Berry Crisp

This crisp is so good!  It is nice to take advantage of summer harvests and use fresh berries instead of frozen.  The flavors compliment each other nicely and it doesn’t take all day to put this one together.  Try it, you’re whole family will be glad  you did. 2 large Apples (i used red delicious since the berries would be tart.) peeled and chopped into bite-size pieces 1 cup sugar 12 ounces fresh raspberries 12 ounces fresh blackberries 1 teaspoon lemon zest Juice of half a lemon or about 2 Tablespoons 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) 1 teaspoon vanilla Topping: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) 1 cup quick oats (not instant) 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup plain flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 stick unsalted butter Preheat oven to 350 degrees In a large bowl,  combine apples, sugar,  berries, cinnamon, lemon zest & lemon peel, stir gently to avoid breaking berries.  Place in a 13 x 9 inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.   Set aside. For topping combine all ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. Place on top of berry mixture making sure berries are covered evenly.  Place into preheated oven and cook for 35 -45 minutes. Cool on cooling rack for at least 20 minutes.  Serve with ice cream if desired. ~Marsha...
Cherry Lemon-Limeade

Cherry Lemon-Limeade

If you are looking for something a little different try this fruity drink.  My whole family loved it, yours will too. 1 package cherry or black cherry fruit drink mix 1/3 cup lemon juice 1/3 cup lime juice 1 cup sugar water Pour all ingredients into a 2 quart pitcher.  Add enough water to finish filling your pitcher and stir. ~Marsha...
Strawberry Mango Smoothie

Strawberry Mango Smoothie

My whole family loves smoothies but I have one family member that does not like bananas.  I created this recipe for him, but you will never miss the banana. 1 cup frozen strawberries 1 cup plain yogurt or strawberry yogurt 1/4 cup strawberry syrup (the kind you make strawberry milk with) 1/3 cup mango nectar 1/4 cup milk (any kind  you like) 1/4 cup sugar (optional) Place all ingredients into blender and blend on highest speed until smooth.  Makes 24 ounces or enough for 3 – 8 oz...
Mocha Frappé

Mocha Frappé

There is nothing better than a cool refreshing drink on a hot summer day.  This Mocha Frappé really hits the spot.  It’s easy to make and absolutely delicious! 4 cups ice 1 2/3 cups milk 2 heaping Tablespoons hot fudge sundae sauce 1/4 cup chocolate syrup 3 or 4 Tablespoons premium instant coffee dissolved in 1/2 cup water 1/3 cup sugar Place all the above ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Serves 4. *TIP* You can lighten up this drink a little by using skim milk.  If you do not drink caffeine, try using decaffeinated instant coffee. ~Marsha...