Review: Aroma ARC-914SBD Digital Rice Cooker and Steamer

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Are you tired of having to add butter and oil to your rice to stop it from burning on the bottom of your pan? Would you love to have a kitchen appliance that can double as a vegetable steamer as well? With this Aroma rice cooker, you’re going to get an appliance that will help you solve these problems and many more! Holding up to 4 cups of uncooked rice at a time and coming in silver or white, you can even steam meat in this appliance because of its size.

Now here’s the best part: it’s only $30 on Amazon right now!

What Are the Features of This Digital Rice Cooker?

If you’re used to entry-level rice cookers that just have a basic on/off switch that automatically turns on when you plug the appliance in, then you’ll love the digital controls of this Aroma unit. You can quickly cycle through the various cooking options and even set a programmable delay if you want of up to 15 hours. Why set the delay? Because you can even soak beans in this rice cooker and have them come out softer and faster than traditional soaking methods!

Here are some of the other advantages of this helpful kitchen appliance:

  • it offers functions that will let you cook soups or brown rice in addition to the traditional rice cooker settings of which you may be familiar;
  • the rice cooker will automatically switch to a stay warm mode once the cooking process is completed for easy meal planning; and
  • this rice cooker is incredibly easy to clean as the inner cooking pot and the other accessories, like the steaming tray, are all removable.

Instead of having to sit over a hot stove to watch the rice so the water doesn’t boil over too much or you don’t burn the starch, you really can just toss it into this kitchen appliance and let it do all the work for you. You just might find yourself wanting to eat more rice and soups with this rice cooker in your kitchen!

Are There Any Advantages To Using This Product?

It’s not a particular feature that gives this appliance an advantage. It’s the simple fact that this rice cooker is so easy to use! The kids can cook rice for dinner because you literally just have to put in the right amount of water to the amount of rice you put into it. Then you just turn it and and the rice cooks up perfectly every time. It takes almost zero cooking skills, which means virtually anyone can improve the quality of their diet with this one affordable kitchen appliance.

As with any rice cooker, however, you must remember to either stir the rice or tend to it after the cooking cycle as the rice near the bottom can toast off at times. That’s a small price to pay, however, for the ease of use that you’ll get with this particular appliance!

This rice cooker receives one of our highest recommendations because it is built with the average home cook in mind. You might just find that this is the best $30 you’ll ever spend on yourself!

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Aroma ARC-914SBD.

Review: Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender

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Have you tried immersion blenders in the past and found them to be too uncomfortable to use? Would you love to have a blender that can be immersed into 8 inches of liquid so you can blend soups, drinks, or even make mashed potatoes in the pot without difficulty? With a grip that is best described as a natural pistol grip with a control configuration much like a trigger, it’s not going to hurt your hands to use this kitchen appliance, even over an extended period of time. Best of all, you can save up to 33% on the MSRP of the Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender just by shopping on Amazon.

What Are the Features of the Breville Blender? 

The primary feature we really enjoyed with the Breville immersion blender is the design of the base. It’s shaped like a bell, which naturally reduces the splatter that other appliances in this price point can cause. There is also internal ribbing with the interior of the bell so that there is less needless suction occurring while the blender is being used, allowing for more efficient blending and better control.

There are also these additional features to consider with this kitchen appliance:

  • the motor on this immersion blender is 280 watts, giving you more power for blending that other similar appliances at this price point;
  • variable speed control of 15 settings allows for even better results thanks to the flexibility in design; and
  • there is a long power cord equipped with this blender so that you get the affordability of a directly powered unit, but the versatility of a battery-powered immersion blender.

With the exceptions of the whisk gear box, the chopper lid, and the motor, everything on this immersion blender is also dishwasher safe on the top shelf. All of this combines to deliver a kitchen appliance that was designed with the average home user in mind.

Are There Advantages to Using This Breville Blender?

The primary advantage that this blender provides is a good one: it is outfitted with a non-scratch base so that it can be used on all of your pots and pans. You won’t have to worry about scratching up your expensive cookware with this immersion blender! With 8 inches of depth, you can even blend in a deep sauce pan and still come up with an excellent result. Weighing less than 4 pounds, it’s also lightweight enough for most people to be able to use it.

If there was one place where we’d look for an improvement in the design of this immersion blender, it would be with the whisking attachment. It seems a little fragile at the higher speeds that the blender can provide, yet is needed in order to create the stiff peaks and sweet cream that might be needed. There are also just 4 plastic tabs that hold the accessories to the unit and these can wear out with extensive changes over time.

For the overall picture, however, this is one quality kitchen appliance that will provide you with consistent, outstanding results. It is for this reason that the Breville immersion blender receives one of our highest recommendations.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Breville Control Grip Immersion Blender.

Review: Cuisinart CBK-100 2 Pound Breadmaker

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Are you looking for a bread maker that will provide you with a lot of versatility? Do you want your new appliance to be flexible enough to cook different types of bread, yet provide you still with consistent results? With the Cuisinart Breadmaker, that’s exactly what you’re going to get! The design of this appliance allows you to make 1 lb, 1.5 lb, or 2 lb loaves of bread quickly and easily. You just put in your ingredients and the machine does the rest! You can even save up to 46% off the MSRP of this particular Cuisinart model just by shopping on a website like Amazon!

What Features Come With This Kitchen Appliance?

It’s the preprogrammed menu options that really stand out on this Cuisnart. You’re going to get 3 crust settings that will give you a light, soft crust or a dark and crunchy one. There are also 9 additional bread specific settings that you can utilize so that the perfect loaf of bread can be baked whether it is sourdough or classic Italian. Add in the delay timer that can let you program up to 13 hours of wait time and you’ll find a lot value in this small appliance.

There’s these additional features to consider as well:

  • there are stay cool handles affixed to the side of the appliance so you can quickly move it if necessary, even during the baking process in an emergency;
  • the design features a viewing window that will let you track the progress of the dough mixing so you can see if flour or water might need to be added; and
  • the paddle, pan, and lid are all easy to remove so that all of your cleaning chores are a simple task.

With the measuring cup and spoon that are included, along with the recipe book, you can have a loaf of bread baked in about 4 hours from scratch once you receive this machine. That’s a tremendous benefit for many homes today!

Does This Kitchen Appliance Have Any Advantages?

The primary advantage that comes with using this particular bread maker is the fact that there are gluten-free baking options included with this bread maker. Although you won’t want to alternate between gluten and gluten-free breads, you won’t aggravate a gluten sensitivity if you bake with this appliance with safe options form the very start. It won’t overmix your dough to give you that terribly dense consistency that is so typical of gluten-free recipes either.

The one issue that comes up with this bread maker is that you’ve really got to watch it. In some ways, it’s a lot like a temperamental 2 year old. It throws a temper tantrum and you end up with a brick instead of a loaf of bread. Keep an eye on the mixing and baking cycles, make sure it hasn’t reset to an earlier cycle before starting to bake, and you’ll find that this bread maker will help you solve your bread baking needs.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Cuisinart CBK-100 Breadmaker.

Review: Aroma 10 Cup Digital Rice Cooker

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Do you need a rice cooker that can provide you with a high capacity of cooked food? Would you like the ability to create one pot meals quickly instead of through a slow cooking process? With the Aroma ARC-150SB Digital Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, the company has produced an outstanding kitchen appliance that will meet many of your cooking needs with ease. Holding up to 10 cups of uncooked rice, you’ll have a large enough inner pot to steam meats and veggies at the same time if you wish.

Now imagine if you could save a ton of money… on Amazon you’ll save up to 63% off the price of this rice cooker right now!

What Are the Features of This Aroma Rice Cooker? 

The primary feature that we really enjoyed with this rice cooker where the digital controls right on the front of the unit. Available on the silver and black models, you can set a delay timer for up to 15 hours so that you can prepare your food now and then have dinner waiting for you when you get back home from work. It works really well with the extended cooking times with brown and wild rice as well thanks to the one-touch menu settings.

There are these additional features to think about with this kitchen appliance too:

  • the inner pot is coated with a nonstick cooking surface so that rice sticking is prevented and cleanup chores will take just a couple minutes;
  • this rice cooker also comes with a serving spatula, a measuring cup, and a steam tray to maximize the use of this appliance; and
  • it produces a consistent result with a number of different foods so that you can spend less time cooking on the days where you don’t really feel like doing anything.

Because this inner cooking pot is a nonstick surface, you’ve got to be really careful about what you use to stir the rice. Any nonstick surface will scratch and this may leave chemicals in your food over time or affect the integrity of the rice cooker itself.

Are There Advantages to Using This Rice Cooker?

If you’ve been using rice cookers for awhile, then you likely know that the secret to a good cooking experience is to soak the rice for a bit first to remove the extra starch build-up on the grains. With this rice cooker, you can actually skip this step if you are cooking the 4 cup minimum or up to about 6 cups. You’ll still get that starchy overflow building up, but it is controllable and you’ll still get fluffy rice as an outcome!

The one place where an improvement could be made on this particular model is in the design of the lid. There’s a plastic hinge there that has to be cleaned regularly and it’s not very easy to access. You may even need to remove the lid at times to do so, which means taking the screws out that affix the lid to the body of this kitchen appliance. Needless to say, it’s not necessarily an easy task if you don’t stay on top of this!

For the most part, however, this highly affordable rice cooker will provide a tremendous amount of value to any home. It receives a strong recommendation from us today because it really does make your cooking chores a lot easier to complete!

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Aroma ARC-150SB Digital Rice Cooker and Food Steamer.

Review: Bodum Bistro 5 Speed Hand Mixer

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Are you looking for a hand mixer that is as stylish as your kitchen? Do you want a hand mixer that will still deliver a consistent result every single time without compromise? That’s exactly what you’ll get with the Bodum Bistro. This 5 speed hand mixer might not offer some of the bells and whistles that other kitchen appliances in its class can provide, but it does offer one thing you’ll want to consider: innovation. Available on Amazon right now, you’ll see that the $80 price for this mixer is quite nice.

What Are the Features of the Bodum Bistro?

The one feature we really liked with the Bodum Bistro is the design of the cord storage. It’s built-in, so you won’t have issues with storing your hand mixer once you’re done with it. If you just have a need to get something mixed quick fast and in a hurry, there’s a fold-out hand crank that will help you improve your speed for a fast cooking chore. Coming with a 2 year limited warranty, this is a unique hand mixer that will definitely compliment your style with its 4 amazing colors!

There’s also these additional features to consider with this kitchen appliance:

  • it has a 170 watt motor that provides a user with 5 speed settings so you can have some control over the mixing process;
  • it comes with 3 mixing attachments so you can knead dough, whip wet ingredients, or combine dry ingredients with ease; and
  • the unique rubberized outer shell makes this hand mixer really easy to clean afterward.

Although the limited speed settings tend to create some splatter when using this device on certain loose ingredients, the overall results are equal to other hand mixers that have more profound brand names. If style is just as important to the baking process as function, then this is definitely a kitchen appliance to consider owning!

Are There Any Advantages With the Bodum Bistro?

The design of the Bodum Bistro also ends up being its primary advantage. It’s an elongated design that admittedly takes some getting used to, but the design gives you the advantage of being versatile in the kitchen. You just use the mixer, set it down when you’re done, and add the next step of the recipe into the mixing bowl. Others can do this through a heel stand, of course, but tipping always seems to be a problem with those. Not with this small appliance!

If there was one improvement that could be made, it would be in the speed settings. Specifically the low speed setting as it is a bit too fast for some of the more gentle tasks of baking that may be required. Splatter isn’t usually a problem, but there can be issues with condensing a batter so that the baked goods end up being dense and heavy instead of light and fluffy.

If you’re just getting into baking or want a small appliance that compliments the style of your kitchen effectively, then the Bodum Bistro is definitely a hand mixer to consider owning. It delivers a might punch that can help you get all of your baking chores done quickly.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Bodum Bistro Electric 5 Speed Hand Mixer.

Review: Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer

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Do you want the ability to cook restaurant quality rice at home every single time? Are you looking for a rice cooker where you can just load it up and then forget about it until the cook cycle has completed? Then what you’re going to want is the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy rice cooker and warmer! It holds up to 5.5 cups of uncooked rice in a 1 liter inner cooking pot that will provide you a number of cooking selections. Best of all, you can save over $80 on the price of this kitchen appliance right now just by shopping on Amazon!

Are There Good Features With This Rice Cooker?

The multiple menu options are definitely one of the best features that you’ll receive with this Zojirushi rice cooker. The automatic setting is so simple that all you’ve got to do is load up the appliance and push the button. It will automatically keep your rice warm for you, give you an extended cycle of warmth, and even offers a reheat cooking cycle in case you had to save some rice in the refrigerator overnight.

There’s also these additional features to consider as well with this kitchen appliance:

  • the inner pan of this rice cooker is spherical in shape and is specifically designed to provide a better, uniform cooking surface than similar makes and models;
  • there are 2 measuring cups that come with the purchase of this rice cooker, as well as a nonstick rice scoop and access to recipes; and
  • this rice cooker is powered with advanced Neuro Fuzzy Logic technology to improve the overall cooking experience.

With an LCD clock and a timer, along with a retractable cord holder, this rice cooker is specifically designed to make cooking rice an easier task in every kitchen. If you’re tired of having to spend time watching over your rice, even in a cheaper rice cooker, then this is definitely the appliance you’re going to want.

Does This Rice Cooker Come With Any Advantages?

The primary advantage that you’ll find with this rice cooker is how easy it is to clean. It all just comes apart so you can wipe it down and be done with it in just a couple minutes. If you need to move your rice cooker, there’s a movable handle that will help you easily carry it around your kitchen. This rice cooker will also let you pre-soak your rice automatically so your counter isn’t deluged with that starchy, bubbly run-off that so many rice cookers produce.

The one issue we’d like to see improved with this particular rice cooker is the ability for the mChip tech within it to recognize when a cycle has been interrupted and to start it from the leave-off point. Instead it just starts over from the beginning.

From an overall standpoint, there’s a lot of good things going on with this rice cooker. It will take care of you over the years when you need some rice and in return, you’ll be able to spend less time on your kitchen prep work. That’s a winning combination!

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer

Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream With Fudge Biscuit Swirls

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“irresistible chocolate cream biscuit sundae”

 

Imagine having a s’mores sundae on a chill summer night – if that’s not heaven, what is? Actually, when I think about it more, whenever you decide to have this delicious chocolate marshmallow ice cream with fudge biscuit swirls, it’s going to feel like you’re in heaven because it’s that good. The name might be a mouthful, but you’ll definitely remember the taste.

Whenever we’re talking about a chocolate ice cream dessert, we’re not counting the calories, right? However, if you’re in the mood for a healthier option, I shared this amazing single-serving raspberry ice cream a few days ago, you can check out. I love healthy options for typically high-calorie meals, but sometimes I enjoy turning simple ice cream scoops into rich-flavored desserts. So, thinking along those lines, this time I asked myself “can I turn the popular s’more treat into a refreshing sundae?” It turns out, I can. This yummy ice cream recipe is a s’mores sundae with a twist.

I used cocoa powder, vanilla, hot chocolate fudge, and vanilla bean biscuit crumbs to make the ice cream. The vanilla reduces the bitterness of the cocoa powder and makes it sweeter, while the biscuit crumbs give the ice cream a denser and crisp quality. As a contrast, melted marshmallows are soft and chewy. This is why the layers of marshmallow and ice cream make each bite a perfect balance of the flavors used.

To make this recipe you’ll spend only 15 minutes in preparation, but unfortunately, you’ll have to wait a lot longer before you can eat it! I like to leave the ice cream in the freezer overnight, then layer the marshmallows the next morning. This way, by the time I’m done with my breakfast, I can enjoy this amazing treat. However, I do believe this dessert is best enjoyed in the afternoon, so if you can resist for that long, after lunch would be a perfect time to treat yourself.

You’ll need a saucepan, one big bowl, freezer-safe plastic container, and a rectangle glass dish.

The first step is to heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. After two minutes, stir in the vanilla powder (or extract), sugar, cocoa powder, and egg yolks. Continue to cook while stirring constantly. Once the mixture starts to thicken (around 5 minutes of cooking), remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the ice cream blend in a big bowl. Set it aside to rest at room temperature.

After this, make the hot fudge. If you have your own preferred fudge recipe, then feel free to use it. What I like to do is simply melt two cups of chocolate chips together with one cup of milk over medium to high heat for a few minutes. I found that this is the easiest and fastest way.

Once the hot fudge is done, pour it in the ice cream mixture and stir well until the ingredients blend. Then, crush the Viennese vanilla bean swirls and fold in the crumbs into the mixture. You can use different kinds of sweet, vanilla-flavored biscuits, or crackers. Graham cracker crumbles will also work for the recipe, although I personally like the vanilla-flavored biscuits better.

The next step is to transfer the ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe plastic container and let the ice cream freeze over the next five to six hours. You can also leave the ice cream in the freezer overnight and continue the recipe the next morning. Also, I like to point out that I specifically mentioned plastic containers for storing the ice cream, because glass is a poor conductor of heat and it can take a very long time for the ice cream to reach the desirable solid consistency. Here’s a few examples from Amazon.

When the ice cream is completely frozen, we can continue with the second part of the recipe.

Take a saucepan and place it over medium to high heat. Spray the saucepan with cooking oil and add the marshmallows. Cook for five minutes while stirring constantly. The marshmallows won’t melt completely, but you’re looking for a nice and creamy texture. Remove from heat and set the saucepan aside. Take the ice cream out of the freezer and leave it next to the marshmallow creme.

Take a glass rectangular dish and line it with the graham crackers. Pour half of the marshmallow creme over the crackers, then spread a layer of the ice cream. Repeat the layering process and spread marshmallow creme again then ice cream over it. Finally, take a knife and make swirls in the ice cream dish.

Return the dish in the freezer and let it cool for at least two to three hours. If you let the ice cream freeze overnight, then make the marshmallow creme in the morning and then let the dessert freeze again while you have your breakfast and get ready for the day. The time will pass before you even notice it. On the other hand, if you’re at work, you’ll know that when you get home, there will be a chilled dessert waiting for you as a reward for all of your hard work.

When you take it out of the freezer, cut the ice cream dish into eight equal squares. Place a piece of the ice cream on a serving plate and sprinkle with chocolate curls. Garnish with one Viennese vanilla bean swirl biscuit and serve with ice coffee. Share this delicious treat with your friends or family to enjoy it even more.


Prep Rest time Total Servings
15 minutes 8-10 hours 10 hours, 15 minutes 8

Ingredients

For the ice-cream:

  • 2 cups marshmallows
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • 3 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla powder
  •  ¼ cup hot chocolate fudge (chocolate chips + milk)
  • ¼ cup of Walkers’ Viennese vanilla bean swirls (crushed)
  • ½ cup of Graham crackers

For the topping:

  • 1 tbsp chocolate curls
  • 1 or 2 Viennese vanilla bean swirls

Instructions

  • Take a saucepan and heat the heavy cream over medium temperature.
  • After two or three minutes, add the vanilla powder (or extract), sugar, cocoa powder, and egg yolks.
  • Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the blend becomes smooth.
  • Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let it chill at room temperature for a few minutes while you prepare the hot fudge.
  • Take a small saucepan, place it over medium heat, and whisk together 1 cup of milk with 2 cups of chocolate chips to make the chocolate fudge. Once the chocolate is completely melted and the fudge starts to thicken, remove from heat and stir it into the ice cream mixture. Mix well.
  • Crush the Viennese vanilla bean swirls and add the crumbs into the mixture.
  • Transfer the ice cream mixture into a plastic, airtight container and put it in the freezer.
  • After five to six hours (or overnight), take a saucepan and melt the marshmallows over medium to high heat. Stir constantly and add two to three tbsps of plain water to aid the melting process. After five minutes, remove from heat.
  • Take a rectangle glass baking dish and line the graham crackers in one layer.
  • Pour half of the marshmallow creme over the crackers and pour half of the ice cream over the marshmallow creme.
  • Repeat the same process with the rest of the marshmallow creme and ice cream. Spread a layer of marshmallow creme, then spread ice cream on top.
  • Use a knife to make swirls between the layers of marshmallow and ice cream.
  • Place the sundae in the freezer and let it rest for another two to three hours.
  • Before serving, sprinkle chocolate curls over the ice cream piece and garnish with a Viennese vanilla bean swirl cookie.

Ricotta Cheesecake

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“If happiness is a piece of cake, then ricotta cheesecake is pure ecstasy”

Roll up your sleeves because you’re about the find out one of the most delicious cheesecake recipes ever invented, and I’m not exaggerating! Okay, maybe just a little, but this is my way of expressing just how ridiculously delicious this pomegranate ricotta cheesecake is.

The two main ingredients that set it apart from other common cheesecake recipes are the ricotta cheese and pomegranate seeds (pomegranate molasses for the topping).

The ricotta cheese is an Italian cheese that’s very smooth and creamy with a mild taste. Because it has a light flavor and low salt content, it’s the perfect ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes. Now, combine the ricotta cheese with pomegranate, and you have magic! The pomegranate molasses has a familiar sweet-and-sour taste (if you have ever tried pomegranate juice, you know what I’m talking about!), just a lot more intense as it’s boiled. When poured over the white chocolate curls, it feels really refreshing. You’re in for a unique treat!

The ricotta cheesecake is a perfect dessert for special occasions, when you want to show off to your friends and family, or when you have decided it’s time to reward yourself with a sweet delight. Best of all, it’s really easy to make, and you won’t spend more than an hour in the kitchen.

You’ll need a 9” springform pan (alternatives: cake pan 9” round or 8” square), parchment paper, two mixing bowls, and the ingredients listed below.

The first step is to preheat the oven to 180°C degrees (356°F). Don’t forget this in the beginning, as it’s not the same to cook the cake for 7 minutes in an unheated and preheated oven.

After that’s out of the way, take a large mixing bowl and combine all the dry ingredients together. This includes flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set it aside and take another mixing bowl to combine the rest of the ingredients for the base (except the pomegranate seeds), including the butter (melted), eggs, ricotta, and vanilla extract. Stir until all the ingredients are well blended, then add them to the first mixing bowl with the dry ingredients. Continue to stir until you get a batter with a dense consistency. Finally, add the pomegranate seeds and mix again.

Now, prepare the springform or cake pan by lining it with a parchment paper and then spraying it with olive oil. Carefully spread the batter into the pan and let it cook for 50 minutes.

Once the cooking is complete, remove the pan from the oven and transfer the ricotta cheesecake into a serving plate. Let the cake cool at room temperature around 20 minutes.

Finally, decorate it before placing it in the fridge or serving it immediately. What I like to do is melt white chocolate and cover it with a very thin layer, just enough so that the white chocolate shavings can stick. Then I pour pomegranate molasses over the chocolate in what I think is a very artistic line. But hey, we’re here to judge the taste, not the look, so simply pour a light layer of the pomegranate molasses on top.

It’s probably best to leave the cake in the fridge for an hour or two before serving, but if you can’t resist the temptation (I never can), it’s completely okay!

Enjoy!


Prep Cooking time Total Servings
6-7 minutes 50 minutes 57 minutes 8

Ingredients

For The Base: 

  • 150g flour
  • 200g of sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 113g butter
  • 3 eggs
  • 350g ricotta
  • 200g pomegranate seeds
  • A pinch of salt
  • Olive oil (for greasing)

For The Topping:

  • pomegranate molasses
  • white chocolate shavings

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C degrees (356°F).
  • Line a 9” springform pan with parchment paper and then spray it with olive oil.
  • Take a mixing bowl and add the dry ingredients – the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt.
  • Take another mixing bowl and combine the butter, eggs, ricotta, and vanilla extract. Stir well until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps.
  • Transfer the mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir all the time.
  • After all the ingredients are well-combined, add the pomegranate seeds. Beat the batter once again before spreading it into the springform pan.
  • Place the pan in the oven and bake for one hour.
  • When cooking is complete, remove the cake from the pan to a serving plate and let it chill.
  • Decorate with white chocolate shavings, pomegranate seeds, and a very light layer of cocoa powder.

 

Raspberry Chia Seed Pudding

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“an amazingly nutritious and tasty cup of raspberry pudding”

Chia seed pudding is one of the most versatile foundations for a sweet treat. This is because chia seeds have no taste, so the pudding will acquire the taste of the ingredients used in combination. As a big fan of this light and healthy delight, I have tried so many flavors including, strawberry coconut, peanut butter cookie dough, blueberry, matcha, cinnamon roll, and all the possible variations with chocolate. Trust me, I can write a mini-book for all the ways you can make chia seed puddings. However, today I’m sharing with you this raspberry chia seed pudding recipe that is definitely a finger-licking flavor and one of my favorites.

I would choose a chia pudding over any other type any day because of three main reasons. First, it’s ridiculously easy to make. Everything that you’ll need for this recipe is a blender (one of these immersion blenders will do), the ingredients listed below, and two small bowls or one bowl and a glass/jar/mug or whatever you have. The preparation time is less than five minutes, although you’ll need to leave it in the fridge for a couple of hours. My tactic is to leave it in the fridge overnight, so that way I have a sweet and refreshing breakfast waiting for me when I get up.

Second, you can adjust the flavor to suit your taste. When you’re making a chia pudding the final result is a very light but also dense and creamy consistency. The taste comes from whatever you put inside the mixture. If you’re a fan of chocolate, you can add cocoa powder with honey as a sweetener, and sprinkle chocolate chips on the top. Raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are the stars of the fruity, sweet, and sour flavor, while peanut butter is an amazing ingredient when you like something nuttier. In this recipe, I added vanilla and dates as the main sweeteners, but feel free to substitute if you have a specific preference. Just be careful not to overpower the raspberry flavor with other strong ingredients.

Finally, this raspberry chia seed pudding is the only dessert that you can truly enjoy without feeling guilty. It’s good for our health, incredibly nutritious, and it’s low in calories.

Did you know that chia seeds are high in fiber, protein, B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and Omega 3s? Yes, you can get all that in this tasty dessert, so without further ado, here’s how to make it!

The first step is to add the milk, vanilla extract, dates (without seeds!), and raspberries in a blender or a food processor. Mix until you get a smooth consistency without lumps.

After this transfer the mixture into a small bowl, glass container, mason jar, ice cream jar, or a simple mug. Fill two-thirds of the container, leaving space for the topping. Next, fold in the chia seeds. Stir well until they’re incorporated in the mixture.

Place the chia mixture in the fridge and let it rest for at least 2 hours so that you can let the chia seeds absorb the liquid and get a gel-like consistency. Leaving it overnight is also a great option, especially if you plan to make this recipe for breakfast.

After you put the chia mixture in the fridge, make the topping. Simply place the blueberries, raspberries, and milk in the blender and mix until smooth. Transfer the blend into a small bowl and refrigerate. You can also prepare the topping right before serving the chia pudding, but I like to do leave it cool in the fridge. I find it a lot more refreshing and delicious when it’s cold – it actually reminds me of ice cream.

Once the chia pudding is ready for serving, take it out of the fridge and pour the raspberry-blueberry mixture over it. Finally, sprinkle chocolate curls and garnish with two or three fresh raspberries and one mint leaf between them. This way, not only it tastes delicious, but it looks spectacular too. So, don’t forget to snap a picture and show off in front of your friends and family.


Prep Rest time Total Servings
5 minutes 2 hours 2 hours 5 minutes 1

Ingredients

For the pudding:

  • ⅓ cup chia seeds
  • 1 cup milk (alternative: plant-based milk)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-3 dates
  • ½ cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)

For the topping:

  • 2 tbsp blackberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tbsp raspberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tbsp milk

Optional:

  • 1 tbsp chocolate curls
  • 2-3  fresh raspberries
  • 2-3 blueberries
  • 1 mint leaf

Instructions

  • Pour the milk, vanilla extract, dates, and raspberries into a blender. Blend for a minute or two.
  • Transfer the cream into a small bowl or a glass container. Fill only two-thirds of the container, so you have room for the topping.
  • Add the chia seeds and stir until the seeds are incorporated into the mixture.
  • Place the container in the fridge and let it rest for at least 2 hours.
  • Add the blackberries, raspberries, and milk into the blender. Mix until smooth.
  • Transfer the mixture into a small bowl and refrigerate.
  • Before serving, pour the blueberry and raspberry mixture over the chia pudding and sprinkle with chocolate curls.
  • Garnish with 2-3 fresh blueberries and raspberries on top and one mint leaf.

Single Serving Carrot Cake Mug

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“sometimes a bite-size sweet delight is all you need”

Do you remember the last time you tasted rich-flavored and exquisitely moist carrot cake? Yes, memories like that make our mouth water, but who has the time to make a whole carrot cake anytime a craving kicks-in? It’s so impractical and what about our health and weight?

Leaving big cakes for birthdays and special occasions only, the perfect answer to all these worries is this little single-serving carrot cake in a mug! It takes less than 5 minutes, and barely any effort, yet it will satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, you can’t overeat when you only have cake for one, right?

Aside from the practical reasons, I personally love making this single-serving carrot cake mug because the mug keeps it warm, adding to its moisture. The outer layer is a little crunchy, so when you add the cold vanilla icing, it becomes pure heaven for the taste buds, which is a little bit weird as I never thought I would say vanilla and carrots taste like heaven.

I know that when I first heard about a carrot cake it didn’t make any sense. Why would someone put carrots in a cake, what would that taste like? But, if you’ve ever made a carrot cake, then you know carrots make the dough incredibly soft and moist, unlike the drier brownie-dough, while the subtle flavor of the carrots is completely overpowered by the cinnamon, nutmeg, and the caramel scent of the brown sugar. And, here’s how to make it!

The only thing you’ll need for this recipe is a microwave-safe mug, a small mixing bowl for the icing (optional), and the ingredients listed below. The whole procedure is a piece of cake, or in this case – a mug of cake!

If you’re going to make the icing, then my suggestion is to start from there. It will take you like a minute or two to make it, but you can let it cool in the fridge while you make the carrot mug cake. This way when you’re ready to serve it, the cold icing will give a nice contrast to the warm cake.

Start by mixing in the milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer, or whisk it by hand until you get a creamy consistency. If you like the icing to be a little bit thicker and creamier, use more powdered sugar. Once you’re happy with the density of the icing, let it cool in the fridge.

The next step is to mix the ingredients for the mug cake. Use the mug directly, or take another small mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Once the ingredients are well combined, stir in the wet ingredients – the milk, vanilla extract, and oil. Finally, add the grated carrot and mix the blend again. If you used a mixing bowl, transfer the mixture into the mug and place it in the microwave. I like to add a muffin liner for presentation, but you don’t have to. Let the cupcake cook for about 3 minutes on a low setting (30% power).

Once the little mug delight is ready, leave it at room temperature for another minute or two to cool down. Don’t give in to the temptation just yet! It’s a lot better when it’s not burning hot and when it’s covered with the delicious vanilla icing. So, after the carrot mug cake is a little bit chilled, pour the icing over and serve! Enjoy!


Prep Cooking time Total Servings
2 minutes 3 minutes 5 minutes 1

Ingredients

For the carrot cake:

  • 1 small finely grated carrot
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • ¼  tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp allspice
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional: coconut, almond, sunflower oil)
  • 2 tbsp milk

(Optional) For the icing:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • ½  tbsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Take a small mixing bowl and combine all the ingredients for the icing – the milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir well until you get a creamy consistency, then place the mixture in the fridge.
  • Take the mug and grease it with oil or butter.
  • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice inside. Stir well until all the ingredients are combined.
  • Add the vanilla extract, oil, and milk. Stir again until you get a smooth mixture.
  • Fold in the carrot. Mix again.
  • Place the mug into the microwave and cook on a low setting (30% power) for 3 minutes.
  • When done, leave it at room temperature for 2-5 minutes, to cool.
  • Before serving, pour the icing over the carrot cake and sprinkle some cinnamon.
  • Serve and enjoy!

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