The Best Chocolate Cake You Ever Ate

Ahh chocolate cake, doesn't it just make life good? And what makes life really good? A moist, lightly fudgy, perfectly chocolaty, slightly dense, kissed with cinnamon piece of the perfect chocolate cake frosted in a rich, fudge-like frosting. Haha I'm kidding, kind of. I know if someone were to hand me a piece of this cake on "one of those days" it would rapidly change from being "one of those days" into being a fabulous day =).

I got this recipe from my sister, whom got it from allrecipes. I'm quite certain it's a recipe for chocolate cake that cannot be topped. There's not outdoing this one. It is simply as it's named "The Best Chocolate Cake You Ever Ate." I may call it The Best Chocolate Cake You Will Ever Eat, because it's likely to be a lifelong favorite. Everything about this cake is divine. I made several of my own adjustments to the recipe, just follow the allrecipes link above to view the original recipe. 

I almost forgot to mention the best part of this recipe (after it's incredible taste of course), you frost it right out of the oven while it's hot. No waiting an hour for the cake to cool to frost it! Amazing no? Just one more reason this is truly the perfect chocolate cake.

The Best Chocolate Cake You Ever Ate
Yields about 16 servings

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup applesauce 
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 Recipe Chocolate Fudge Frosting, recipe follows

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and cinnamon, set aside. Melt butter in a saucepan then stir in applesauce, cocoa powder and water and bring mixture just to a boil, whisking constantly. Pour hot butter mixture into flour mixture and stir. Add in buttermilk, eggs and vanilla and whisk mixture until well combine. Pour mixture into a buttered 13x9 baking dish and bake 25-28 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, prepare frosting during the last 5 minutes of cake baking. Immediately after removing cake from oven, pour (or dollop frosting by the spoonfuls) over hot cake and gently spread over entire cake.

Chocolate Fudge Frosting

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup milk
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:
In a medium saucepan, combine butter and cocoa powder and bring mixture just to a boil, stirring constantly to break up cocoa powder. Remove from heat and stir in milk, powdered sugar and vanilla and mix until well combine. If mixture is too thick to stir by hand beat it with an electric hand mixer on low speed until well blended.  Immediately spread over hot cake before frosting begins to set. (Also, note if you are adding sprinkles the frosting does begin to set quickly so you will want to garnish with sprinkles immediately or they don't stick well).

Recipe Source: adapted slightly from allrecipes

Cookies and Cream Chex Mix

Don't worry people, yes Cookies and Cream Chex Mix was a limited edition (Dear General Mills, why would you make the best Chex Mix you've ever created a limited edition?) but the good news, I've figured out how to make them at home! And it's so easy and think they are even better (everything fresh home-made is better isn't it?). Also, I never thought I'd say it but these are even better than muddy buddies! I could eat the whole batch on my own. It takes 4 ingredients and they can honestly be made in under 5 minutes! I made these twice in the last two days (yeah they are that good), the second time around I did an equal ratio powdered sugar to Oreo and it was perfect. I ate these while eating cookies and cream ice cream and I think I may just like these more, that is SERIOUSLY saying something! How could one of my easiest recipes be one of my favorite =)? Sometimes the simplest things are the best. Warning: the following recipe is highly addictive, prepare at your own risk.

Cookies and Cream Chex Mix

Ingredients:

6 cups Corn Chex Cereal

1/2 cup very finely crushed Oreos (8 original Oreos)*

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 (12 oz) bag Vanilla Candy Melts, such as Wilton

Directions:

Measure 6 cups Corn Chex Cereal into a large mixing bowl, set aside. Pour crushed Oreos and powdered sugar into a large ziploc bag, seal bag and shake to combine mixture, set aside. In a microwave safe bowl, melt Vanilla candy melts in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted and smooth. Pour melted candy melts over Corn Chex and toss mixture with a rubber spatula until evenly coated (scrapping down the sides of the bowl as stirring, don't waste any of that melted candy). Pour or scoop coated Corn Chex into ziploc bag containing crushed Oreo mixture. Seal bag and shake until the cereal is evenly coated. Store in an airtight container up to one week (but don't kid yourself they won't be around for a week =).

*when I say very finely crushed I mean very finely crushed, as in nearly powder. It's the larger clumps that will tend not to stick the the coated cereal.

Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

My Secret Ingredient Brownies

My latest obsession... BROWNIES! I go through phases of dessert cravings lately, you'd think I was pregnant or something. A few weeks ago it was ice cream for a few weeks, then I moved on to cookie dough and now it's brownies. I'm in love with them, I can't stop thinking about them. I've been stopping by a local bakery way too often this past week to get one of their delicious brownies. I decided I needed to create my own brownie recipe at home rather than getting them from the bakery so often. Also, I happened to have some left over evaporated milk in the refrigerator I didn't want to just toss out and needed to find a use for it. Brownies + evaporated milk, it was meant to be. Hence the secret ingredient.

This brownie has everything I want in a brownie. Its perfectly chocolaty, chewy, fudgy, dense, tender, sweet, decadent and it has that heavenly, thin, crisp layer on the very top (ahh) and last but not least it's such a convenient recipe using ingredients that you likely always keep on hand. I am a milk chocolate lover but if you are a semi-sweet chocolate lover you may want to increase the cocoa amount to 1/2 cup (and add an extra 1/2 Tbsp oil) rather than using 1/3 cup. 

The perfect brownie needs no upgrades, no added caramel, chocolate chunks, mints, frosting or even powdered sugar, it stands confident all on it's simple own and I'd have to say I think this just may be it! Enjoy!

Secret Ingredient Brownies
Yields 9 - 12 brownies


Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
3 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 large eggs, cold
1 tsp vanilla extract


Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa and salt until well blended and cocoa clumps have all broken up, set aside. In a small saucepan, melt butter with evaporated milk over medium low heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly (I just did this by whisking it for 1 minute, alternately the butter can be melted in microwave with evaporated milk in a microwave safe bowl in 20 second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted). Pour melted butter mixture into a large mixing bowl and whisk in sugar and vegetable oil. Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix until well blended. Add in dry ingredients and mix, using a wooden spoon, until combine. Pour and spread batter evenly into a buttered 8 x 8 baking dish. Bake in preheat oven for 32 - 36 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Allow to cool for about 15 - 20 minutes before cutting into squares.


Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

Sonoma Chicken Salad Sandwiches

If you like poppy seed salad dressing then this is the chicken salad of your dreams! This chicken salad is amazing and so simple! I was shopping at Sam's Club several weeks ago and taste tested some Sonoma Chicken Salad, it was delicious so I had to figure out how to make it at home. Following is the recipe I've come up with. It is my new favorite chicken salad. I'm going to start using the dressing to drizzle over green salads as well. My recommendation for the easiest way to make this is to cook the chicken in a slow cooker over night, toss it in an airtight container in the morning and refrigerate it, then by lunch time it will be cool enough to shred or chop and toss into the salad. I know this is going to be my new favorite dish for picnic lunches this summer. Just be sure after eating this chicken salad to smile real big... and check your teeth for poppy seeds =).
Note: some other good substitutions for the dried cranberries would be diced apples or grapes and another good nut option would be almonds or cashews, but I would recommend trying the recipe as written at least once. The ingredients listed are a perfect combination together. When served over some fresh rustic bread this sandwich is to die for!

Sonoma Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Yields 5-6 servings



Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast halves)
1 cup diced celery (about 3 stalks)
2/3 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup dried cranberries, such as Craisins, roughly chopped
2 Tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese
Sliced bread, for serving (here is a great recipe) 


Dressing:
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup apple juice
3 Tbsp honey
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp prepared yellow mustard (optional)
1 Tbsp poppy seeds
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste


Directions: 
In a large mixing bowl toss together shredded chicken, celery, pecans, dried cranberries and Parmesan cheese, set aside. In a separate mixing bowl whisk together all ingredients listed for the dressing until well blended. Pour dressing mixture over chicken mixture and toss to evenly coat. Serve over sliced bread, croissants or rolls. Store in refrigerator.


Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

Banana Bread Pancakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Syrup

I admit it I'm pancake crazy =). I should start a food blog dedicated to pancakes. That's just how much I love pancakes. There are endless flavor possibilities and who doesn't love a warm fluffy pancake smothered in syrup to wake up to first thing in the morning? The great thing about this version is that they have all the flavors of banana bread but they are ready to eat in less than half the time. Plus you get this amazing Cinnamon Cream Cheese Syrup generously smothered over them which you don't get on banana bread. This pancake recipe will very likely keep you coming back for more. You can now have another use for the overripe bananas in your home, so move over banana bread you aren't the best thing for speckled bananas anymore. 

Banana Bread Pancakes

Yields about 1 dozen 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 Tbsp granulated sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp milk

1 cup mashed well, overripe bananas (about 2 bananas)

1/4 cup sour cream

1 egg

2 Tbsp butter, melted

banana slices, for garnish (optional)

chopped walnuts or pecans, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Preheat a non-stick griddle to 325 degrees. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt, set aside. In a separate mixing bowl whisk together buttermilk, milk, mashed bananas, sour cream, egg and melted butter. Add dry ingredients to milk mixture and whisk just until combine (batter should be slightly lumpy, don't over-mix or your pancakes won't be as fluffy). Pour about 1/4 cup mixture onto buttered preheated griddle and using the measuring cup slightly spread the batter outward keeping a circular form (this helps them to be more even so you don't get the fat center and thin sides). Cook until bubbles begin to appear on the surface and bottom is golden, then flip pancake and cook opposite side until golden. Serve immediately with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Syrup and garnish with optional banana slices and chopped nuts.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Syrup

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/3 cup buttermilk

4 oz cream cheese

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium low heat. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, buttermilk and cream cheese. Cook mixture, whisking constantly until cream cheese has melted. Stir in baking soda and whisk for about 10 seconds until very frothy. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Serve warm. Store in refrigerator up to 1 week. 

Note: leftover syrup is delicious over oatmeal, especially with a ripe banana mixed in.

Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

15 Minute Stove Top Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese - comfort food at it's finest and with this recipe at it's fastest! I love how simple this recipe is. How could something so easy yield such rich, flavorful results? Who could ever make a box mix again after making it homemade? 
When creating this recipe I added a few unusual ingredients because I love adding just a bit more excitement to food. The liquid smoke flavor, Dijon mustard, onion powder and garlic powder blend in so well you hardly know they are there. They just enhance the dish, not overpower it. I love the combination of Cheddar and Monterrey Jack cheese, they are my two favorite cheeses so of course they had to be the two cheeses I used to make this recipe. They both melt so smoothly to create a perfectly silky, decadent macaroni and cheese. Enjoy!

15 Minute Stove Top Mac and Cheese
Yields about 4 servings


Ingredients:
8 oz. elbow macaroni noodles
3/4 cup milk (I'd recommend 1% or 2%, whole was too rich)
1 Tbsp butter
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp garlic powder
6 drops hickory smoke flavor, such as Liquid Smoke
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (or 1 tsp if you like more mustard flavor)
1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
2 large egg yolks
1/2 cup evaporated milk
4 oz. Medium or Sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
3 oz. Monterrey Jack cheese, grated
Freshly cracked black pepper or cayenne, for garnish (optional)


Directions:
Cook pasta according to directions listed on package until cooked through (just past al dente), and drain. 
Meanwhile (in order to make this a 15 minute recipe I made the sauce as the noodles were cooking), in a medium saucepan combine 1% milk, butter, onion powder, garlic powder, liquid smoke, Dijon mustard and salt then scald mixture over medium heat. In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks with 1/2 cup evaporated milk. Add 1/4 cup scalded milk mixture to egg yolk mixture and whisk, then pour and whisk mixture into saucepan. Cook mixture over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture coats the back of a wooden spoon, about 3 minutes. Add cheese and drained pasta to sauce mixture and gently toss mixture with a rubber spatula until cheese has melted. Serve immediately sprinkled with optional black pepper or cayenne pepper. 



Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

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