Dark Chocolate Cake w/Whipped Cream & Berries

This was soooooo yummy, looked so FANCY, and was pretty simple.

1 box mix cake (dark chocolate)& egg, oil & water per instructions
chocolate chips
whipping cream (I used two of the small cartons, but had some leftover)
powdered sugar
strawberries (stems removed and sliced)
chocolate syrup

Prepare batter as directed. Add a handful of chocolate chips to batter. Bake in two 8 or 9 inch rounds as directed. (I sprinkled a few more chips on top before baking)
*tip: for BEAUTIFUL, non-sticking bottoms, trace your pans on parchment/wax paper and line your pans. When you invert/cool, the paper will just peel right off leaving you with such a nice surface to frost.

Let cool completely.

I suggest waiting until the last minute possible to frost with whipping cream so that your cream is fresh/fluffy. Prepare whipping cream, adding powdered sugar to sweeten. (*tip: put metal bowl/beaters in freezer prior to beating. The chilled beaters/bowl make for wonderful whipped cream)

Spread a layer of whipping cream on your first cake top, add strawberries. Top with second cake. Spread whipping cream on top layer. Add strawberries. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and drizzle with syrup. So delicious. Everyone had seconds (and some had thirds...) I think I would LOVE this cake with raspberries.

Strawberry Shortcakes

While I was looking at the recipe for "Ultimate Chicken Fingers", I saw the recipe for shortcakes as well and remembered my strawberries that we picked this summer just waiting in my freezer to be put to good use. So, we made these. YUM-O!

4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 c sugar
2 1/3 c Original Bisquick Mix
2/3 c milk
3 Tbsp sugar
3 Tbsp butte or margarine, melted
cool whip, whipped cream, ice cream, etc.

Mix strawberries and 1/2 c sugar; set aside.

Stir Bisquick mix, milk, 3 Tbsp sugar and the butter until soft dough forms. Drop by 6 spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes at 425 degrees. Split warm shortcakes; fill and top with strawberries, ice cream, whipped cream, etc.

Strawberry "Ice Cream" Makeover

Good housekeeping has a healthy makeover recipe in each issue. This month, it was a strawberry ice cream makeover. I would consider it a cross between frozen yogurt and sorbet. And the bonus...you don't even need an ice cream maker/freezer.

1 pound frozen strawberries
1 c 2% plain Greek yogurt (we used fat free)
1/4 c sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

In food processor with knife blade attached, pulse 1 cup strawberries until finely chopped. Transfer chopped berries to large metal bowl.

In food processor, puree yogurt, sugar, vanilla, and remaining strawberries until smooth. Transfer to bowl with strawberries; stir until well combined. Cover and freeze about 1 hour, until firm but not hard. Garnish with additional berries, whipped cream, etc.

Strawberry Upside Down Cake

I am a follower of the blog "Leca, Unplugged". Last week, she had a guest blogger from "Smashed Peas and Carrots", another awesome blog. Her timing couldn't be more perfect. Her Strawberry Upside Down Cake post was published the same week that we went strawberry picking. Peyton wanted to make it.

Here's the link:
http://lecaunplugged.blogspot.com/2010/06/blog-swap.html

The fun thing about this post was that she took pictures of each step, which made it really easy for a 6 year old to "read along". Peyton was able to make the entire recipe with very little help. It was a great bonding time in the kitchen. We took the cake along to family movie night at church. Everyone LOVED it. Thanks Aleca & Maggie!

Strawberry Pretzel Torte

I love this dessert in the summer because there is no baking involved. AND is great b/c one of my favorite things about summer is fresh strawberries. So yummy, not too much work, and no heating up the house by turning on the oven. EVERY time I've made this, I've had to give out the recipe.

(Made in a 9 X 13 pan)

Crust: 1 1/2 c crushed pretzels (I put mine in my mini food processor)
3/4 c sugar
1/2 c + 2 tbls melted butter

*combine and press into pan

Layer 1: Sliced Strawberries

*cover crust with sliced strawberries

Layer 2: large instant vanilla pudding
2 cups milk
1 c cool whip
2 tsp almond extract

*combine and spread over strawberries
*put in refrigerator and let pudding set

Layer 3: top with additional cool whip