Carrot Cake

Ingredients:

4 eggs
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups grated carrots
1 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans


Directions:

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.

2.In a large bowl, beat together eggs, oil, white sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Stir in carrots. Fold in pecans. Pour into prepared pan.

3.Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.

4.To Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped pecans. Frost the cooled cake.

Maple Cake with Maple Syrup Frosting

This delicious dessert gets a double dose of maple flavor: one in the cake, another in the cream cheese-maple frosting. Keep in mind that maple syrup affects the baking time of this cake (it takes almost an hour to bake).

10 servings

by Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito


Ingredients:

Cake
3 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tablespoons non-hydrogenated solid vegetable shortening, room temperature
2 cups pure maple syrup (preferably Grade B)
3 large egg yolks
1 large egg
1 1/4 cups whole milk
1 cup walnuts, toasted, coarsely chopped

Frosting:
3 cups powdered sugar
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (preferably Grade B)
Toasted walnut halves (for garnish)

Needed:
Two 8-inch-diameter cake pans with 2-inch-high sides


Directions:

Cake

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 325°F. Butter two 8-inch-diameter cake pans with 2-inch-high sides. Line bottom of pans with parchment paper; butter parchment. Dust pans with flour; tap out excess. Sift 3 cups flour, baking powder, and salt into medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter and shortening in large bowl until light and fluffy. Add maple syrup and beat until smooth, about 3 minutes. Add egg yolks and egg 1 at a time, beating until well blended after each addition. Beat in flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with milk in 2 additions. Fold in walnuts. Divide batter equally between prepared pans (about 3 1/2 cups for each); smooth tops.

Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes. Cool cakes in pans on racks 20 minutes. Run small knife around sides of cakes to loosen. Invert cakes onto racks; remove parchment. Cool cakes completely.


Frosting

Sift powdered sugar into medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter in large bowl until smooth. Add powdered sugar and maple syrup and beat just until smooth (do not overbeat or frosting may become too soft).

Using serrated knife, trim off domed top of each cake layer, creating flat surface. Place 1 cake layer, trimmed side up, on platter. Spoon 1 cup frosting in dollops over top of cake layer; spread evenly to edges. Top with second cake layer, trimmed side down. Spread remaining frosting evenly over top and sides of cake. Arrange walnut halves around top edge of cake. DO AHEAD Can be made up to 1 day ahead. Cover with cake dome and chill. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Cut cake into wedges and serve.


Nutritional Information:

One serving contains the following:

Calories (kcal) 668.3
% Calories from Fat 41.6
Fat (g) 30.9
Saturated Fat (g) 19.6
Cholesterol (mg) 122.7
Carbohydrates (g) 90.1
Dietary Fiber (g) 1.4
Total Sugars (g) 54.1
Net Carbs (g) 88.7
Protein (g) 7.0

Guy Fieri's Golden Pound Cake

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups, plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
3 cups sugar
6 eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3 cups cake flour
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 cup Cranberry Citrus Glaze, recipe follows


Directions:

In a stand mixer, fitted with the batter blade, cream the butter and the sugar for 8 minutes on medium speed, scraping down the sides often with a rubber spatula. Lower the speed to medium- low and add the eggs, 1 at a time, combining well after each addition. Add the vanilla and the orange and lemon zest.

Add half of the flour, with the mixer off, then turn the mixer on low speed to combine. Add the buttermilk and cream and when well combined add the remaining flour. Continue to mix for an additional 3 minutes on medium-low speed.

Butter and flour a tube pan. Pour the batter into the pan, tapping the pan on the counter a few times to eliminate air bubbles and put in a cold oven. Set the oven to 325 degrees F and after 45 minutes, carefully rotate the cake and continue to bake another 30 to 40 minutes. Check by inserting a wooden skewer into the center and when it comes out dry, remove the pan from the oven. The cake will fall a bit, but let it rest for 30 minutes. Run a sharp, thin knife around the edges of the pan and let rest for 10 minutes more.

Invert the cake onto a parchment lined cooling rack.

Cook's Note: Put a piece of parchment paper on top of the cake and pan, then flip gently over and allow to cool to room temperature.

Dust with the confectioners' sugar, then slice and serve with Cranberry Citrus Glaze.


Cranberry Citrus Glaze:

2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
2 oranges, zested and juiced
1 lemon, zested and juiced

In a small saucepan, over medium heat, add the cranberries and water. Cook until the cranberries start to pop, about 3 minutes, then add the remaining ingredients and reduce the heat to low. Simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes. Puree with stick blender and strain into a serving bowl. Serve or refrigerate until ready to use.

Cook's Note: This glaze can be made ahead.

Paula Deen's Monster Cookies

Ingredients:

3 eggs
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 12-ounce jar creamy peanut butter
1 stick butter, softened
1/2 cup multi-colored chocolate candies
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup raisins, optional
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)


Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.

In a very large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugars. Mix well. Add the salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and butter. Mix well. Stir in the chocolate candies, chocolate chips, raisins, if using, baking soda, and oatmeal. Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not overbake. Let stand for about 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool. When cool, store in large resealable plastic bags.

Refrigerated Banana Pudding

Ingredients:

3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 2 tablespoons
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
2 cups whole milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces and chilled
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
45 vanilla wafers
4 ounces banana liqueur
3 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup heavy whipping cream, very cold


Directions:

Combine 3/4 cup of the sugar, the cornstarch and salt in a 3-quart saucier. Add the eggs and egg yolk and whisk to combine. Add the milk and whisk until well combined, about 30 seconds. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches 172 to 180 degrees F, approximately 5 to 10 minutes. The mixture will begin to thicken and bubble around the edges. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter, 1 piece at a time, being sure each piece is fully incorporated before adding the next. Whisk in the vanilla extract. Cover the surface of the pudding with a round piece of parchment and refrigerate until the pudding reaches 45 degrees F, approximately 2 hours.

Lay the vanilla wafers on a half sheet pan. Slowly and evenly pour the banana liqueur over the cookies. Set aside for 10 minutes.

Toss the banana slices with the lemon juice in a small bowl and set aside.

Spread a small amount of pudding in the bottom of a 1 1/2-quart glass mixing bowl. Cover with a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of banana slices. Spoon 1/3 of the remaining pudding on top of the bananas and repeat, ending with a layer of pudding.

Put the whipping cream in the bowl of a stand mixer, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and whisk just until stiff peaks form. Spoon the whipped cream over the cooled pudding and spread to cover completely. Top with any remaining soaked cookies. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for the work surface
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
coarse decorating or turbinado sugar, for sprinkling


Directions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, and salt.

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and confectioners’ sugar on medium-high until fluffy; beat in the vanilla. Reduce speed to low and gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined (do not overmix).

On a lightly floured surface or piece of parchment paper, roll the dough out ¼ inch thick. With a 2-inch cookie cutter (preferably fluted), cut the dough into rounds, flouring the cutter and rerolling the scraps as necessary. Arrange 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Refrigerate on the baking sheets for at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.

Heat oven to 350° F. Sprinkle the rounds generously with the coarse sugar and bake, rotating the sheets halfway through, until set, 20 to 22 minutes. Cool slightly on baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Applesauce Spice Cake

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the pan
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 stick unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
1 cup granulated sugar
1 2/3 cups jarred chunky applesauce
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
pinch ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup dark or golden raisins
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
2 pints vanilla ice cream


Directions:

Heat oven to 350° F. Butter and flour a 9-inch springform or round cake pan.

In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar, applesauce, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, and eggs. Add the flour mixture and stir just until combined. Stir in the raisins. Pour into the prepared pan.

Bake the cake until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Using a knife, loosen the cake from pan. Invert it onto the rack. Turn it over again onto a serving plate. Sprinkle the cake with the confectioners' sugar, slice into wedges, and serve with the ice cream.

Mocha-Walnut Brownies

Ingredients:

nonstick vegetable oil spray
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
2 large eggs
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips


Directions:

Heat oven to 350° F. Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with the nonstick spray. Line the pan with a piece of parchment, leaving an overhang on two sides; spray the parchment with the nonstick spray.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter and chopped chocolate with the espresso powder, stirring occasionally; remove from heat.

With an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and mix in the melted chocolate mixture, then the flour and salt just until incorporated. Fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips.

Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 minutes.

Cool completely in the pan. Holding both sides of the paper overhang, lift the cake out of the pan, transfer to a cutting board, and cut into 16 squares.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 pound cream cheese, softened
2 sticks butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
Chopped pecans and fresh raspberries or strawberries, for garnish


Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld electric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.

Garnish with chopped pecans and a fresh raspberry or strawberry.

Cook's Note: Frost the cupcakes with a butter knife or pipe it on with a big star tip.

Tiramisu

Ingredients:

6 large egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup whole milk
Four 8-ounce containers mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups espresso or strong coffee, at room temperature
1/2 cup brandy or cognac
30 to 32 crisp Italian ladyfingers (savoiardi)
1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
Bittersweet chocolate, for shaving


Directions:

Line an 8-inch-square baking dish with plastic wrap, leaving a 3-inch overhang on all sides. Fill a large bowl with ice water.

Make the custard: Whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water (do not let the bowl touch the water) until the sugar dissolves. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook, whisking constantly, until the custard is light and foamy, about 10 minutes (a thermometer inserted into the mixture should register 170 degrees F).

Remove the bowl from the saucepan and set in the bowl of ice water; whisk until the custard is cool, about 1 minute. Put the mascarpone in a large bowl. Fold the custard into the mascarpone with a rubber spatula until almost combined, then whisk until just smooth (do not overmix or the custard will be grainy).

Combine the espresso and brandy in a shallow bowl. One at a time, dip the ladyfingers in the espresso mixture until soaked but not soggy; arrange 2 rows of about 5 biscuits each in the baking dish. Spread one-third of the mascarpone custard over the ladyfingers. Repeat with a second layer of espresso-dipped ladyfingers, arranging them in the opposite direction. Top with another one-third of the custard. Repeat with the remaining ladyfingers, alternating directions. Spread the remaining custard on top and dust with the cocoa powder. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Invert a plate on top of the tiramisu, then flip the tiramisu with the plate. Remove the baking dish and plastic wrap. Invert a serving plate on top of the tiramisu and flip again so it is cocoa-side up. Remove the remaining plastic wrap. Shave curls of chocolate on top with a vegetable peeler.