Irresistible White Chocolate Lemon Popcorn

Someone please take this popcorn from me, I can't resist it =)! How I love specialty popcorn. This is definitely one of my new favorites. It taste like lemon cream pie, in sweet, crunchy, popcorn form. Basically, it's literally irresistible.

The method of preparing this popcorn recipe may seem a bit odd. That is due to the way the oils and acidity of the lemon juice and zest react with the white candy melts. I made four different batches, knowing ahead of time what I was getting into. I thought the lemon juice probably would cause the white candy melts to seize up after melting and they did. I wasn't sure if the lemon zest would do it too, but it did. So, I found the best method was as listed. I coated the popcorn in the plain white candy melts without mixing the lemon juice and zest into the candy melts. Then while the coating over the popcorn was still moist I added the lemon zest so it would stick well, then I let the coating dry a bit before adding the juice so it would kind of create a shell over the popcorn so the lemon juice wouldn't make it soggy and stale, and just be absorbed into a few pieces of popcorn. Then lastly, I baked it to create a perfect crunch, and again to get rid of the of any stale-like popcorn. 

The entire family loved this popcorn! I'm definitely going to be trying it in a lime version too. Enjoy!

Oh and I thought I better mention, I took these photos just before baking the popcorn (because I didn't decide to bake it until after taking the pictures) so the finished product should look a bit more golden.

White Chocolate Lemon Popcorn

Ingredients:
1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernals
12 oz. white candy melts (such as Wilton)
2 1/2 Tbsp lemon zest
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Directions:
Pop popcorn in a popcorn popper, according to manufacturer's directions, into a very large bowl. Melt white candy melts in a microwave safe bowl, on 50% power, in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted and smooth. Pour melted white candy melts over popcorn and toss with a rubber spatula until evenly coated. Sprinkle lemon zest over popcorn and toss until evenly distributed. 
Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Allow coated popcorn to dry at room temperature, about 10-15 minutes, then drizzle lemon juice over popcorn and toss well to evenly coat. Spread popcorn onto a rimmed cookie sheet and bake in preheated oven for 15 - 20 minutes until lightly golden. Allow popcorn to cool completely, store in an airtight container or large ziploc bag (note: this is best enjoyed the day it's made or one day following).

Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

Lemon Belgian Waffles with Blueberry Syrup

I can't believe I've had this blog for nearly 10 months and I haven't posted one waffle recipe yet! Breakfast foods are some of my favorites to make (and blog) so I can't tell you why I've waited until now to do a waffle post. 

In my home I make pancakes and french toast more often than waffles and I think one reason I prefer to do so is because with Belgian waffles you can only make one at a time. With pancakes and french toast I can make like 6 at a time. I've been wanting to buy one of the Belgian waffle irons that cooks two at a time. I have a long list of kitchen gadgets I want, you'd think the list would get shorter as I get more things but it just gets longer. I don't get into fancy clothes and home decor just fancy kitchen accessories =). I'm running out of kitchen storage space.

Anyway, thanks to this recipe I know waffles are going to make their way into my home far more often, even if it means cooking one at a time until I get a double Belgian waffle iron. These are crisp on the outside, moist and tender on the inside. Just as a waffle should be. You get a perfect flavor combination when you pair the vibrant, citrus flavor of the lemon waffle with the sweet, mellow flavor of the fresh blueberries. I decided to add a little bit of applesauce in this recipe rather than doing all oil. I like to be just a little healthy when I can =). If you want to you could replace the applesauce with more oil or butter but I do love them just as they are. Also, if you didn't notice I added the lemon poppy seed variation at the bottom. All you have to do is add poppy seeds since these are already lemon. Enjoy!

Lemon Belgian Waffles
Yields 5-6 waffles


Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup milk 
2 Tbsp vegetable oil (or melted butter, cooled)
2 Tbsp applesauce
2 large eggs, separated
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 1/2 tbsp lemon zest
2 Tbsp lemon juice


Directions:
Preheat a Belgian waffle iron (and butter if necessary). In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, milk vegetable oil, applesauce, 2 egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice. In a small mixing bowl, using and electric hand mixer, beat 2 egg whites until soft peaks form.
While whisking, slowly add flour mixture to buttermilk mixture and whisk just until combine (don't over-mix, batter should be slightly lumpy). Using a rubber spatula, gently fold egg whites into batter just until combine. Cook batter (mine fit about 3/4 cup) on waffle iron according to manufactures directions, until golden (cooking time will vary depending on brand and model of waffle iron). Slowly lift lid when removing waffle from iron so waffle doesn't split. Serve warm with Blueberry Syrup, Vanilla Cream Syrup, Maple Syrup or butter and powdered sugar. 

Lemon Poppy Seed Variation: simply mix in 3 Tbsp poppy seeds into flour mixture and prepare as directed. I would recommend serving them with Vanilla Cream Syrup and if you want to make it Lemon Vanilla Cream Syrup just add a little bit of lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Blueberry Syrup


Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1 cup cold water
2 cups fresh blueberries (frozen works too, I use frozen when not in season)
1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice


Directions:
Whisk together sugar and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Stir in water, add blueberries and lemon juice. Cook mixture over medium high heat, stirring frequently until mixture reaches a boil. Once mixture reaches a boil, reduce heat to medium low and allow to gently boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour syrup into a blender, cover and blend on low speed about 1 minute until well pureed. Alternately, if you don't want skins and seeds, force mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Store in refrigerator up to one week (You will likely have some left over, it makes great blueberry lemonade. Just add cold blueberry syrup and lemon juice to sparkling water to taste).


Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

Cheesecake Swirled Lemon Butter Cake

Cheesecake collides with lemon butter cake and creates this rich, creamy, lemony, dense and irresistible cake that won't easily be forgotten. This cake is full of that fresh, zesty lemon flavor and with its cheesecake combination its sure to satisfy that decadent dessert craving. There are several ways to serve this cake which I listed below. You could even come up with your own variation, maybe something blueberry or coconut. Anyway you serve this cake, at room temperature or chilled, with or without sweetened whipped cream or simply with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, I think you are really going to enjoy this recipe!

Cheesecake Swirled Lemon Butter Cake
Yields about 10 servings


Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
2 Tbsp heavy cream
1 egg yolk
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest


1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 large egg
1/4 cup sour cream
3 Tbsp lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract


Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, whip together cream cheese and 1/3 cup granulated sugar until fluffy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Stir in sour cream and heavy cream. Add in egg yolk, 1 Tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest and mix until combine, set aside. 
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, set aside. In another mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, whip together butter and 2/3 cup granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Stir in egg. Mix in sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla extract. Add in dry ingredients and mix just until combine. Pour cake batter into a buttered 9 inch springform pan and spread mixture into an even layer. Pour cream cheese mixture over cake batter layer and spread cream cheese mixture into an even layer (you don't need to swirl the cake, it did it on it's own while baking). Bake in preheated oven for 35 - 40 minutes until edges are golden and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Allow to cool before cutting into slices.
I tried serving and eating this a few different ways:
1. Serve warm garnished with lots of powdered sugar
2. Allow to cool at room temperature 30 minutes, then cover and chill 1 hour. Slice and serve with sweetened whipped cream and optional fresh raspberries.
3. Allow to cool at room temperature 30 minutes, then cover and chill 1 hour. Slice and serve with raspberry sauce and sweetened whipped cream.

Blueberry Crumb Bars

Smitten Kitchen in my opinion should be known as one of the greatest food blogs ever. Not only are Deb's (the Genius behind Smitten Kitchen) recipes amazing but her photos are equally amazing. To say they are drool worthy would be speaking lightly. I love how you can always tell each photo is hers, she has her own unique style. Also, she has a way with instantly selling me. I always wish I was holding in my hand, ready to blissfully dive into whatever it is she posts. The Blueberry Crumb Bars she posted looked simple yet ever so stunning. I've had them on my to do list for about a year now. Why I waited this long I can never tell you. These things are unbelievable! A dessert so good you will nearly be at a loss for words when describing it's goodness. Yet, I will attempt. 

You get a melt in your mouth, buttery and tender shortbread, layered with fresh, sweet, juicy blueberries and then it's sprinkled with more of that delicious, buttery cookie goodness (then here is where my addition came in to play), and finally it's sprinkled with one of my very favorite things, Raw sugar. So, with that said, how could these not be simply fantastic? 

I did add some vanilla extract into the recipe to amp up the flavor of the dough just a bit, I think it compliments the blueberry perfectly. The original recipe, from allrecipes.com listed you could optionally add a pinch of cinnamon, so feel free to add that as well.

I am so in love with these bars because my favorite part of a blueberry muffin is the crumb topping (as well as the blueberries) and basically that is what these are. The crumb topping of a muffin with blueberries sandwiched in the middle. So, yes indeed, these are one of the best things I've ever eaten. These should definitely hold a spot on the Food Networks "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" and I should definitely be doing the spot lighting haha just joking but that would be awesome =). Enjoy these ever so dreamy Blueberry Crumb Bars! I know I did.

Blueberry Crumb Bars
Yields 9-12 bars (this recipe is half the original recipe)


Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp lemon zest
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup salted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
2 tsp cornstarch
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 cups fresh blueberries, at room temperature
1 1/2 Tbsp Raw Turbinado sugar


Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter an 8x8 baking dish, set aside. In a large mixing bowl whisk together flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, salt and lemon zest. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolk and vanilla until combine. Add egg mixture and cold butter cubes to flour mixture and using a fork or a pastry cutter (or even your fingertips), cut mixture together until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gently press 2/3 of the mixture evenly into prepared 8x8 dish. 
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 2 tsp cornstarch. Stir in lemon juice then add blueberries. Toss mixture to evenly coat then pour and spread coated blueberries evenly over crust in baking dish. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over berry layer (I pressed some of the mixture together in my hands while sprinkling to make larger crumbs). Sprinkle 1 1/2 Tbsp Raw Turbinado sugar evenly over top. Bake in preheated oven for about 38 - 42 minutes until top is golden brown. Allow to cool for about 20 - 30 minutes before cutting into squares (or serve warm with vanilla ice cream, yum). Store bars in an airtight container in refrigerator (Note: I tried these cold, straight out of the refrigerator and I preferred them warm vs cold. Just a personal preference. I would say if you like cold berry pie then you would like cold bars but I like my berry pies warm so I loved these bars warm. So, with that said, when I would eat one I would heat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to rewarm it first).


Recipe Source: adapted from Smitten Kitchen and allrecipes.com

Chewy Almond Poppy Seed Granola Bars (Lemon Poppy Seed variation too)

Time to ditch that almond poppy seed muffin your having every other morning for breakfast and reaching for this healthier, equally as delicious almond poppy seed granola bar instead! I'm ecstatic about this recipe that I came across from Rachel Ray. You can make a full batch of better tasting (and better for you) than store bought granola bars at home in about 5 minutes. I now have no excuse for buying the preservative filled granola bars at the store =), but after trying these I no longer have the desire to buy the store bought ones either. The possibilities with the recipe are endless! I can't wait for all the variations I'm going to try on these in the future. Here are some ideas ahead of time because I can't resist sharing =):

• Chocolate chunks, freeze dried raspberries and chopped almonds
• Dried apples, chopped, baking caramel pieces (I'd freeze them first then add to oat mixture or press into the top) and cinnamon/nutmeg
• White chocolate chunks, dried cranberries and macadamia nuts
• Lime zest/juice, coconut, coconut extract and chopped macadamia nuts
• Toasted coconut, candied pineapple, chopped macadamia nuts and dried bananas 
• Dried blueberries, chopped almonds, white chocolate chips and almond extract
• White chocolate chips, orange zest and orange juice
• Pretzels, peanut butter and chocolate chips
• Peanuts, peanut butter and freeze dried raspberries (I love the flavors of a PBJ)

That's just a random list, I haven't tested them yet but they are combinations I can't wait to try in the future. If you try them let me know how you like them or let me know of any variations you come up with and love. Have a great day! 

Chewy Almond Poppy Seed Granola Bars
Yields 12 bars


Ingredients:

2 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup Rice Krispies Cereal
1/3 cup (heaping) dry roasted almonds, chopped
1 Tbsp poppy seeds
4 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/8 tsp salt
3/4 tsp almond extract


Directions:
In a mixing bowl combine quick oats, Rice Krispies Cereal, chopped almonds and poppy seeds, set aside. Melt butter in a medium saucepan then stir in brown sugar, honey and salt. Bring mixture to a boil over medium high heat stirring constantly, then reduce temperature to medium low and simmer 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, stir in almond extract. Pour sugar mixture over oat mixture and toss mixture until evenly coated. With buttered hands, firmly press mixture into a buttered 11 x 7 baking dish. Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate 15 minutes. Cut granola into bars and store in an airtight container at room temperature.


Lemon Poppy Seed Variation


Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup Rice Krispies Cereal
1 Tbsp poppy seeds
4 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup light-brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp lemon zest
1/8 tsp salt


Directions:
In a mixing bowl combine quick oats, Rice Krispies Cereal and poppy seeds, set aside. Melt butter in a medium saucepan then stir in brown sugar, honey, salt, lemon juice and lemon zest. Bring mixture to a boil over medium high heat stirring constantly, then reduce temperature to medium low and simmer 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour sugar mixture over oat mixture and toss mixture until evenly coated. With buttered hands, firmly press mixture into a buttered 11 x 7 baking dish. Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate 15 minutes. Cut granola into bars and store in an airtight container at room temperature.


Note: I also tested these with lemon extract and didn't like them as much. The lemon juice did make a softer bar vs. extract so be sure to press them in the pan firmly.


Recipe Source: Inspired by Rachel Ray

Blueberry Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Frosting and Blueberry Sauce

Why?? Why do I keep making cupcakes to just have around to temp me so all day long? Well, I love them so I'm not going to stop making them. I guess I'm just going to have to gift them a lot =). 
These cupcakes will basically leave you speechless! I made this recipe because the lemon blueberry combo is one of my new favorites. I'm so proud of the how the results turned out with this recipe (sorry I just have to brag a little about these)! You get a fluffy, moist, blueberry cupcake generously covered with an amazingly delicious, fluffy and flavorful lemon buttercream frosting and then to finish it off its drizzled with a nearly pure blueberry blueberry sauce. Yes, they melt in your mouth! 
P.S. if you're like me you may want to serve them with a side of blueberry sauce. I've never done it with a cupcake before but I kind of served it up like a pancake. I kept drizzling each bite with more blueberry sauce. I just couldn't get enough of it! I should be the new thing in cupcakes if you ask me, cupcakes with a side of sauce for dunking or drizzling.
Good luck stopping at just one cupcake with these...

Blueberry Cupcakes
Yields 12 cupcakes


Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp lemon zest (the zest of about 1 large lemon or 1 1/2 small lemons)
1/4 cup sour cream
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 cup frozen blueberries


Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt, set aside. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, blend together melted butter, vegetable oil and granulated sugar until well blended, about 30 seconds. Stir in egg, vanilla and lemon zest. Blend in sour cream. Add in flour mixture alternating with buttermilk in two alternate batches, blending until combine after each addition. Fold in frozen blueberries. Divide mixture evenly among 12 paper lined muffin cups, filling each one about 3/4 full. Bake cupcakes 20 - 25 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely then frost cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Frosting and drizzle with chilled blueberry sauce. For best results, serve immediately after drizzling with blueberry sauce. Store in an airtight container.


Lemon Buttercream Frosting


Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 - 3 Tbsp heavy cream
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp lemon zest
Yellow food coloring, optional


Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer blend together until smooth and fluffy about 1-2 minutes. Tint with yellow food coloring if desired.


Note: if you don't want the piled high style of frosting (if you don't like a lot of frosting) then half a batch would be enough. Personally I don't normally like a lot of frosting but this frosting is so good that I liked the piled high style for these, plus it made for prettier piping with the blueberry sauce =).


Blueberry Sauce


Ingredients:
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp cornstarch
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4 cup water


Directions:
In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and cornstarch. Mix in blueberries and water. Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once mixture reaches a boil, reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour mixture into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth (I blended about 30 seconds on low speed in the blender). Cool mixture completely in the refrigerator or freezer before drizzling over cupcakes.


Note: I made this recipe to be more than enough sauce for drizzling the cupcakes. I liked it so much that I piped some of the sauce over the top then I served the cupcake with additional blueberry sauce. I loved it just that much =), but if you don't want that much blueberry sauce then half of the batch listed would be enough. You could always make the full batch and if you have left over you could use it for pancakes, smoothies or drizzle it over your favorite Greek yogurt (or just eat it by the spoonful its basically just pureed blueberries, yum).


Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

Blueberry Lemon Brownies with White Chocolate Glaze

I have the feeling this are going to be my new favorite summer dessert. Simply said, I want to stop everything I'm doing and devour the entire pan =). I thought it would be exciting to create a fun brownie recipe that's not your average chocolate brownie, something different that people haven't tried before. I've seen several different lemon brownie photos on Pinterest so I decided I wanted to create my own version.  What goes better together then lemon, blueberry and white chocolate? My husband said these are one of his new favorites, which I was excited by because normally he doesn't care much for lemon. Guess these are just that good =), even those who don't like lemon love these brownies.

Blueberry Lemon Brownies with White Chocolate Glaze

Yields 9 brownies

Ingredients:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 large egg

2 large egg yolks

3/4 cup granulated sugar

6 Tbsp butter, softened

1/4 cup sour cream

1 Tbsp lemon juice (the juice of about 1/2 lemon)

2 tsp lemon zest (the zest of about 1 lemon)

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 cup fresh blueberries

1 Recipe White Chocolate Glaze, recipe follows

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt, set aside. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat egg and egg yolks on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add in sugar, butter, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla, mix until well blended. Add in dry ingredients and mix just until incorporated. Fold in blueberries. Pour mixture into a buttered 8x8 baking dish and spread into an even layer. Bake 30-34 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached (I used chilled blueberries so mine took about 33 minutes).  Allow Blueberry Lemon Brownies to cool completely, then pour White Chocolate Glaze over top and spread evenly over brownies (I poured it in the center so it didn't all run down the sides of the bars, then I spread it out near the edges). Cut into squares (for cleaner cutting you can freeze bars for about 10-15 minutes to help glaze set before cutting).

White Chocolate Glaze

Ingredients:

1/2 cup white chocolate chips, or 3 oz. chopped white chocolate

1 1/2 Tbsp milk or half-n-half

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave mixture on 50% in 20 second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted and smooth.