chocolate – Urban Retro Recipes

You Don’t Even Need an Oven To Make This Showstopper Dessert

Marci Seither — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 22:57:49 +0000

Every single layer is totally amazing. Put all three together and this will knock your socks off!

Ever have those days when you could really go for something absolutely amazing? I love that these bars don’t even require an oven to make! Three layers of absolute mint and chocolate bliss.

I LOVE mint. Just unwrapping a small rectangle foil off an of Andes mint is a soothing experience that reminds me of going out to dinner at a steakhouses when I first got married. Andes mints always came with the check.

It has been years since I thought of those little treats, but seeing this yummy easy to make dessert brought back some memories.

Isn’t it great that you don;t have to make a reservation and go to a steak house to recapture the flavor of those melt in your mouth chocolate covered mints?

This dessert is super easy to make. Hello? Only twenty minutes! And it makes a small pan, but since I noticed that this can be frozen for a few months. This can easily be made a few batches at a time. Next time there is an event with a lot of people. BAM! Dessert is ready without any mess!

Baby shower? Wedding shower? Make sure to make these simple to make, beautiful to serve, and fantastic flavors that people will definitely be talking about long after the party is over!

This is what Ashley of The Recipe Critic

The husband and I love the mint chocolate combo. We disagree on our share of things, but generally dessert is not one of those things. Unless it’s pumpkin — then he’s all in and I’m on the edge somewhere.

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: My son isn’t the biggest fan of coconut, so feel free to leave that out of this minty chocolate recipe. Face it, there is a heck of a lot going on already with all the flavors.

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Ashley at the Recipe Critic

The post You Don’t Even Need an Oven To Make This Showstopper Dessert appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Graham Crackers and Chocolate? A Match Made in Heaven

Marci Seither — Sun, 27 Aug 2017 22:58:49 +0000

Nothing says LOVE like a homemade cake from scratch.

It had never ever occurred to me to make a cake from scratch until a few years ago. I mean, we have boxed cake mixes right?

Even the boxed mixes call for at least 2 eggs, oil and water. And we actually time the mixing on medium speed. But I was wrong. A boxed cake and a cake made from scratch are two totally different things.

We don’t even love cake in our family, we tend to be more Cookie lovers, but when I started making cakes from scratch that was a totally different thing.

This cake not only is made from scratch, it combines nostalgic flavors together. Guess what I want for my birthday cake!

This is what Julia of Savory Tooth has to say about this scrumptious recipe.

The two layers are separated by frosting and graham crackers. Let me talk about the graham crackers: they are toasted in the oven and have this amazing smoky crunch and flavor. Definitely reminds me of s’mores. Hard to resist gobbling them up right then and there.

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: If milk chocolate is too sweet for you, try using semi-sweet or dark cocoa powder.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Julia from Savory Tooth.com

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I Admit, I love Samoa Cookies Just a Smidge More Than Thin Mints.

Marci Seither — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 02:52:33 +0000

No need to wait for the Girl Scouts to set up their table outside a grocery store or knock on your door.

You can have the wonderful taste of the Samoa Cookies anytime you want with this “to-die-for” recipe.

What a commitment! I mean those little girls in the cute green outfits and decorated sashes are really serious about sales. And we are not talking about cashing in on a few crumbs.

Revenue from the sales of Girl Scout cookies has been around $700 million since 1999.

You go Girl Scouts! Way to learn some valuable sales skills, as well as make a whole lotta people happy!

People look forward to their cookies all year and for good reason. They are amazingly memorable.

Just like this dessert.

This is what Alyssa of the Recipe Critic has to say about this creative recipe.

A chocolate Oreo crust with creamy cheesecake in the center and topped with coconut caramel and drizzled in chocolate. All of the things that you love in a Samoa Cookie in a delicious cheesecake dessert!

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: Now all I have to find is a dessert recipe that tastes like Thin Mints and I will be one happy camper!

Recipe and Photo courtesy of Alyssa Of The Recipe Critic

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Raising the BAR on Chocolate Chip cookies.

Marci Seither — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 15:54:05 +0000

Why didn’t I start making these earlier? Say goodbye to your cookies sheets!

I have a reputation with our kids’ friends. They know that at anytime, if they stop in, there will always be cookies in my cookie jar.

In fact, sometimes I get special requests for baked goodies from the friends my kids eat lunch with.

They know that whatever is packed for lunch or snack break, it will be worth trading for.

Come to think of it, my cookies are pretty much the Gold Standard around the cafeteria :~D

Years after my older son graduated when he sees his friends they will tell him to say “Hi” to me, and let him know how much they miss my cookies!

Baking cookies is a bit of a commitment. Of course it probably didn’t help that I usually made three to four batches at once. What didn’t fit in the cookie jar I put into zip lock bags and saved in the freezer.

Every 12 minutes the timer went off. Cookies were put onto a cooling rack and more scooped onto the hot pans, ready to be popped back in the oven. Another 12 minutes.

I think it is time to stream line my baking operation. These bars look amazing and I LOVE the fact that they have the salted top. Plus, the triangles look so cute that I think the kids , and their friends, won’t mind the difference!

I know being able to bake all these at once, I won’t mind not standing in the kitchen for an hour..or two!

So apron up! There are cookies to bake and lunches to pack.

This is what Kelly of Just a Taste has to say about this cookie recipe.

These tasty triangles are an updated take on my go-to recipe for Secret Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies. The chocolate chip cookie bars also contain the secret ingredient, plus a touch more flour for a slightly sturdier cake-line consistency. So if you’re going for the ooey-gooey end result, all you have to do is underbake these bad boys and you’ll be golden.

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: I love to mix my chips! Try half white chocolate chip and half semi-sweet, or add in butterscotch chips. What the heck..go for a triple combo!

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Kelly at Just a Taste.

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Hey, Why Should Pirates Get All the Fun?

Marci Seither — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 15:09:52 +0000

I love that this recipe starts with a BOXED cake. Talk about keeping life Simple! I’ll drink to that!

It isn’t actually a full drink, only a few tablespoons per serving, but if you are a rum lover, that is enough to give this cake an extra kick of flavor.

I know there are people who get kind of upset when alcohol is in the mix, but have you checked the ingredients on your vanilla bottle? Yep, if it is a high quality vanilla it is probably about 45% alcohol which means it is 90 proof.

I should know, I make my vanilla all the time with vanilla beans and a bottle of cheap Vodka.

The alcohol cooks off so you don’t have to worry about underage eaters!

Having a few boxed mixes on hand is always a good idea. Why? Because you never know when someone will invite you over for dinner or stop in. However; since this cake requires a good soaking I suggest making this in advance..perhaps even the day before.

This recipe is also one that can be somewhat modified.
For Example: I rarely have heavy cream in the fridge and might want to go with a lower fat content. I usually have half & half. So why not just sub out the whipping cream and fat free milk for 1 1/2 cups of that? See what I did there? And you can do.
Get creative Matey or walk the plank!

This is what Connie of Urban Bakes has to say about this yummy cake recipe she adapted from the Betty Crocker The Big Book of Cakes.

When life gets tough from extended shifts at the job, several projects with close deadlines and obligatory family functions over the entire weekend, whippin’ up something fast is just what I need with the least amount of kitchen time. For this reason, I always resort to my never-fail friends of Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines and Pillsbury and I’m not ashamed to say it.

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: I am not the biggest rum fan. There I said it! But if you want to add in another flavor such as red wine to the cake and go with a whipped cream frosting sans the rum..go right ahead!

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Connie at Urban Bakes

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This is the Kind of Easy Recipe I Would Have Served Julia Childs!

Marci Seither — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 01:39:45 +0000

This Molten Lava Cake is EXPLODING with flavor!

Recently my daughter in law told me about a molten lava cake she baked. It sounded so good and I wondered how she was able to keep the inside runny without allowing the cake to be raw in the center.
Before I had a chance to get the recipe from her I found this gem. Peanut Butter and Chocolate! Two classic flavors combined to make one very impressive lava dessert.

This dessert is not a make ahead type of event, but for a special occasion, this will really leave a lasting impression.

You know what..skip that last notion of waiting for a special occasion. Every day is worth celebrating in some small way so grab your apron and let’s get this volcano started!

Add a scoop of vanilla bean icecream on the side, and your guests won’t even care what you had for dinner.

This is what Cathy of Lemon Tree Dwelling has to say about this showstopping dessert.

I’ve always had a thing for chocolate + peanut butter. I mean….who hasn’t?? It’s the original salty/sweet combo….and even though we’ve invented thousands more since, nothing quite compares to the marriage of creamy peanut butter and sweet, rich chocolate. AmIright??

GO THE THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: If you have a large muffin pan..( the one that makes the size of the huge Costco muffins) Go ahead and double the recipe and use that. Four might not be enough.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Cathy at Lemon Tree Dwelling

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Gluten Free? You can have your Cake and Eat It too!

Marci Seither — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 20:57:57 +0000

When it comes to rich flavor this recipe really takes the cake..Literally!

We were just at a huge family reunion where there were dozens of cousins. The tables were filled with food, laughter filled the air, and being together created enough memories to last a lifetime.

I was surprised to find out that one of John’s cousins is gluten free. No wheat flour. At all. She brought her own hamburger buns, her own chips, and while we snacked on baked goodies she watched.

If I had known about this recipe, I totally would have made this flourless cake. In fact, I am going to send this recipe to Gina right now!

I think having options for those with dietary restrictions is a great idea. The last thing you want when people come over for a big event is to make someone feel excluded. And who knows, this cake might be so yummy, you will want to serve it to everyone on your guest list!

This is what Nagi of Recipe Tin Eats says about her scrumptious cake.

Fudgey and decadent, this is my (extremely) easy flourless chocolate cake made using almond flour. No beating egg whites – I find it works better to use a touch of baking powder instead. The surface of the cake stays level rather than rising then collapsing into a crater, and the inside has a tender crumb instead of being dense. And the added bonus is that it’s ridiculously fast to make!

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: Make one of these cakes into small cupcakes and put into freezer so you always have something on hand for guests who happen to be gluten free.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Nagi at The Recipe Tin Eats

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The Zin-ful Vice Cake is almost Too Good To Be True!

Marci Seither — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 01:09:50 +0000

Wine.. dark chocolate..butter..in one cake? Simply decadent.

“WOW” I am pretty sure if taste buds could talk that is what they were shouting after my first bite of this amazing cake.

I mean seriously, how could you go wrong with butter, dark cocoa, and a glass of wine? Be still my beating heart! And then, it is drizzled with the glaze, followed by the light dusting of powdered sugar, and joined by a few fresh berries, the perfect dessert!

When our daughter asked if she could make this cake I was a little skeptical. When she told me she was going to need to put almost 2 cups of wine in it, I hesitated again. That is a lot of wine in a cake.

But, the results were amazing.

The wine really brought out the rich cocoa flavor without being a super sweet or heavy cake.

For those who are not comfortable with consuming alcohol, have no fear, the alcohol in the cake bakes off, but the frosting is a different story. I have added a milk substitute that is a bit more creamy, but wine free.

This is what my family had to say about this cake.

“When are you making this again!”

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: This is good with a red zin or even a red blend wine. It doesn’t need to be expensive wine. Trader Joes has a super good sale on wines and if someone brings you a bottle as a gift that you would rather not drink..here you go! A recipe that even non -wine drinkers love!

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Marci

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Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups Like You Have NEVER seen them before.

Marci Seither — Sat, 10 Jun 2017 04:24:25 +0000

This dessert brings two favorite flavors together. A match made in heaven. Seriously.

It seems like there will always be a a commercial jingle that gets stuck in someones memory or a saying that just pops up in casual conversation.

Who can forget “Where’s the beef?” and even” Plop..plop..fizz ..fizz..ooh what a relief it is!”

Well I think this is a perfect example of marketing that has helped keep this classic candy on the top of any chocolate lovers list.

In the Reeses Peanut Butter Cup ads a peanut butter lover was always colliding with a chocolate lover. Bringing the two flavors together in a twist of fate type of hype.

As cheesy as some of the scenarios were, the truth of the matter is that something amazing happens when you combine those two distinct flavors and textures.

Be still my beating heart!

This is what Vera from Vera’s Kitchen Corner has to say about this twist on the classic candy treat.

If there’s nothing you love more in the world than the combination of chocolate and peanut butter you must try this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake recipe! Oreo crust, creamy peanut butter cheesecake filling loaded with chocolate chips, milk chocolate ganache with a pile of chopped Reese’s cups on top=pure bliss!!!

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: If you are super pressed for time go ahead and buy a pre-made Oreo crust.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Vera of Vera’s Kitchen Corner and OMG Chocolate Deserts

The post Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups Like You Have NEVER seen them before. appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

chocolate – Urban Retro Recipes

You Don’t Even Need an Oven To Make This Showstopper Dessert

Every single layer is totally amazing. Put all three together and this will knock your socks off!

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Ashley at the Recipe Critic

Graham Crackers and Chocolate? A Match Made in Heaven

Nothing says LOVE like a homemade cake from scratch.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Julia from Savory Tooth.com

I Admit, I love Samoa Cookies Just a Smidge More Than Thin Mints.

Recipe and Photo courtesy of Alyssa Of The Recipe Critic

Raising the BAR on Chocolate Chip cookies.

Why didn’t I start making these earlier? Say goodbye to your cookies sheets!

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Kelly at Just a Taste. AmpedSense.OptimizeAdSpot('BP')The post Raising the BAR on Chocolate Chip cookies. appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Hey, Why Should Pirates Get All the Fun?

I love that this recipe starts with a BOXED cake. Talk about keeping life Simple! I’ll drink to that!

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Connie at Urban Bakes AmpedSense.OptimizeAdSpot('BP')The post Hey, Why Should Pirates Get All the Fun? appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

This is the Kind of Easy Recipe I Would Have Served Julia Childs!

This Molten Lava Cake is EXPLODING with flavor!

Photo and recipe courtesy of Cathy at Lemon Tree Dwelling AmpedSense.OptimizeAdSpot('BP')The post This is the Kind of Easy Recipe I Would Have Served Julia Childs! appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Gluten Free? You can have your Cake and Eat It too!

When it comes to rich flavor this recipe really takes the cake..Literally!

Photo and recipe courtesy of Nagi at The Recipe Tin Eats AmpedSense.OptimizeAdSpot('BP')The post Gluten Free? You can have your Cake and Eat It too! appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

The Zin-ful Vice Cake is almost Too Good To Be True!

Wine.. dark chocolate..butter..in one cake? Simply decadent.

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Marci AmpedSense.OptimizeAdSpot('BP')The post The Zin-ful Vice Cake is almost Too Good To Be True! appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups Like You Have NEVER seen them before.

This dessert brings two favorite flavors together. A match made in heaven. Seriously.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Vera of Vera’s Kitchen Corner and OMG Chocolate Deserts AmpedSense.OptimizeAdSpot('BP')The post Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups Like You Have NEVER seen them before. appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Kelly at Just a Taste.

The post Raising the BAR on Chocolate Chip cookies. appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Connie at Urban Bakes

The post Hey, Why Should Pirates Get All the Fun? appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Cathy at Lemon Tree Dwelling

The post This is the Kind of Easy Recipe I Would Have Served Julia Childs! appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Nagi at The Recipe Tin Eats

The post Gluten Free? You can have your Cake and Eat It too! appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Marci

The post The Zin-ful Vice Cake is almost Too Good To Be True! appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Vera of Vera’s Kitchen Corner and OMG Chocolate Deserts

The post Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups Like You Have NEVER seen them before. appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.