Strawberry Trifle

I realized the perfect way to not waste a cake that falls in the middle is to use it in a trifle! Just trim off the edges and/or any part that isn't done, cube it, and add some macerated fruit and whipped cream. It's delicious! I made this trifle during graduation weekend when we had 19 people at our house to help us celebrate, and it was a big hit. For once, I didn't use a recipe, but I'll explain what I did.

I used leftover Strawberry Cake that I had intended to use as a birthday cake for a friend's daughter. Since the middle fell (it was pitifully embarrasing...it looked awful), I trimmed the edges, cubed it, and froze it until I needed it. I thawed and macerated some strawberries (just spooned sugar over them and let them sit in the fridge overnight) and layered cake, fruit, and whipped cream in a glass bowl with straight sides. (After all, the presentation is really pretty, too!) I topped the whipped cream with a few blueberries, and voila! Easy, tasty dessert with rave reviews.

Rice Krispies Treats

I was feeling somewhat nostalgic this weekend (while craving something sweet), so I decided to make some Rice Krispies Treats. I haven't had them in years, but they brought back many pleasant memories, mostly of my mom, my sister, and me making them on Friday nights while watching tv. Isn't it amazing how certain smells and foods can bring back memories so strongly? Anyway, while the recipe certainly isn't new, it's a classic. Make some with your kids/grandkids/spouse/significant other, and enjoy.

Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats (Original)

3 Tbsp. butter (or margarine)
10 oz. (about 40) regular marshmallows OR 4 cups miniature marshmallows (or 7 oz. marshmallow creme or fluff)
6 cups Rice Krispies

Melt margarine in large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Add KELLOGG'S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated.

Using buttered spatula or waxed paper, press mixture evenly into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cut into 2-inch squares when cool. Best if served the same day.

Yield: 24 squares


Recipe courtesy Kellogg's

Sausage Balls

I love sausage balls, not only because they can be prepared ahead of time, but also because they're simple to make and tasty. This is another recipe that brings me back to my childhood as my mom made these frequently for receptions and parties. These didn't turn out as well as hers, though the ingredients were the same. Perhaps I made them too small so they dried out. I need to tweak this a bit (perhaps using less Bisquick), but they're still good. And, they're even better if you let them sit (no need for refrigeration) for a day or so before eating them.

Sausage Balls

3 cups Bisquick
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 lb. sausage (I prefer hot, otherwise they can be somewhat bland)

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. (I do this with my hands and it takes a few minutes to get everything consistently mixed.) Roll into 1-inch balls, place on a baking sheet, and bake 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and serve.

Feeding a Multitude

At least, we had enough food this weekend to do just that. My husband graduated from medical school, and we had plenty of family on hand to help us celebrate. Last week was filled with cooking and baking preparations so we'd be able to avoid going out to restaurants and dealing with all of those logistics. It was enough to try to get everyone transported to and from the graduation events! But, we had a wonderful time, and it was great to see some family that (a) we hadn't seen in a while, (b) we have never met, and (c) could help me out in the kitchen! :) I made Indiana Garden Salad, Chinese Noodle Salad, Banana Bread, Sausage Balls, KFC Clone Coleslaw, and lots of other yummy stuff. I'll post the recipe for the sausage balls later this week (they're super easy and get better the longer they sit). For now, here's the recipe for the KFC Clone Coleslaw. I can't remember the website from where I retrieved it, but we thought it was pretty close to the Colonel's. I think I would add a bit more pepper, but that's it.

KFC Coleslaw Clone Recipe

8 1/2 cups chopped cabbage
1/3 cup shredded carrot
1 tsp. onion, chopped fine
Dressing:
3/4 cup buttermilk (can substitute 1 tsp. white vinegar + 3/4 cup regular milk)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/8 cup milk
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/3 cup granulated sugar

Mix cabbage, carrot, and onion. Whisk together all dressing ingredients except salt, pepper, & sugar and mix well. Add the salt and pepper; stir. Add the sugar and whisk until well-mixed. Pour dressing over cabbage and carrots and refrigerate overnight.