Recipe Roundup :: Something sweet

Anyone who knows me know that I've got a sweet tooth. Like I've said before, I have favorite pastry shops or ice cream shops in almost every city I've spent more than a couple days in. And my sister is a pastry chef who she makes the most delectable treats. Of course I would love to live closer to her, but I know if that happened I'd have to develop some serious self control because I wouldn't be able to help myself from eating her sweets all the time.

Chocolate chip sour cream coffee cake
I always like to start my week off on the right foot, and what better way to do that then with a great breakfast. With that in mind, Monday morning I made this coffee cake I found on Smitten Kitchen. I allowed myself to sleep in a bit, so it was more like a late brunch by the time the 45-minute baking time was through. But my apartment was filled with the smell of chocolate and I soon learned it was worth the wait. The freshly baked coffee cake was rich and moist, but the cinnamon covered chocolate in every bite left me wanting another piece. Deb claims this coffee cake "might make you feel unintentionally wronged by every other coffee cake" that came before it. I don't think she was kidding, it's that good.

Apple cider donuts
Yesterday was the first day of fall, and for me that means apples. I love hot spiced cider, apple pie, and apple butter. I've been meaning to attempt a homemade donut project for a while now, and these apple cider donuts I found on Food 52 seem like the perfect opportunity. My mouth waters just reading the recipe. Maybe my friends are adventurous enough to let me try the recipe on them for brunch.

Funfetti cake
From scratch, that is. Food 52 shares the secrets to making everyone's favorite birthday cake at home, no box necessary. Little did I know the complexity of our beloved funfetti cake, it's all about the right balance to get the sprinkles to suspend in the cake batter. This recipe is worth trying for an upcoming birthday, as I really hate using store-bought mixes when I bake anything. Baked good just taste better when you make them homemade.

Mini blueberry tarts
A fresh dessert with some hearty oats added to the topping. This would be another good option for a brunch or cocktail party or shower, as the tarts look adorable! Hopefully I'll find an event that lets me give this recipe a try.

Blueberry Oat Pancakes

Ingredients
1 cup flour
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup half & half
1 egg
2 tbsp oil
1/2 cup oats
1/3 cup cup frozen blueberries

Steps
1. Preheat griddle on stove.
2.  Combine flour, brown sugar and baking powder in a large mixing bowl.
3. In a separate bowl combine half & half, egg and oil and beat well. Add all at once to dry ingredients.
4. Mix in oats and blueberries.
5. Pour 2 inch circles onto griddle. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. 

Serves 2

Berry Citrus Smoothie

While I love adding yogurt or ice cream to smoothies for a creamier consistency, what's great about this smoothie recipe is that it packs a lot of flavor but only includes fruit and fruit juice. It's a nice healthy alternative for a post-workout pick-me-up or to jump start your day. Enjoy!

Ingredients

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1/2 cup orange juice

1/3 cup strawberries

1/3 cup blackberries

1/3 cup blueberries

1 cup ice cubes

Steps

1. Combine pineapple and orange juice with berries in a blender.

2. Blend until well mixed.

3. Add ice cubes and continue to blend until smooth. Add additional ice if needed until consistency is thick.

Serves 1-2

Bluberry Lemon Cream Tarts

Ingredients:

1 jar lemon curd

6 oz heavy whipping cream

6 miniature graham cracker pie crusts

8 oz fresh blueberries

Steps:

1. Beat heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks begin to form.

2. Fold in 1/2 jar (about 4-5 oz) lemon curd into whipped cream.

3. Spread 1-2 tbsp lemon curd on each pie crust.

4. Top with whipped cream, evenly distributing it amongst the tarts.

5. Arrange blueberries on top of each tart, pressing each carefully into the cream.

** To make this into a blueberry lemon cream pie, use 1 regular graham cracker pie crust. Spread lemon curd onto bottom before adding whipping cream.

Mixed Green & Fruit Salad

Ingredients:1 head Endive
1 head Radicchio
1/2 head Romaine Lettuce
1 can Mandarin Oranges
1/4 cup Dried Blueberries
1/4 cup Dried Cranberries
1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano Cheese
Brianna's Champagne Caper Vinaigrette

Steps:1. Cut or tear lettuces into small pieces.
2. Add fruit and walnuts.
3. Add desired amount of dressing.
4. Toss salad and top with grated cheese.

Serves 6-8
Special thanks to my mom for her help and inspiration with this recipe.

Berry Breakfast Smoothie

Ingredients:
2 tbsp. Frozen Apple Juice (canned, from concentrate)
1/4 cup Water
5 Ice Cubes
1/8 cup Blackberries
1/8 cup Blueberries
1/2 Banana
2 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream

Steps:
1. Combine ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.

Serves 1-2