Baking 30 Minute Desserts

These 3 quick desserts are perfect for those last-minute guests or when you need a quick dessert recipe.

Candy Bar Imitations

1/2 cup butter

1 package devil's food cake mix

1 cup butterscotch chips

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup coconut

1 cup chopped pecans

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

Mix the butter and cake mix in a large bowl until crumbly. Evenly sprinkle this mixture into a jelly roll pan (15 x 10 x 1-inch). Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Put the butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans over the top of the mixture in an even layer. Add the sweetened condensed milk over the entire mixture. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes. The top should be light golden brown. Allow it to cool and cut it into bars.

Caramel Brownies

1 package (14 ounces) caramels

1 can evaporated milk

1 package German chocolate cake mix

2/3 cup melted margarine

1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped pecans

In a small saucepan over low heat melt the caramels and 1/3 cup of the evaporated milk. While those are melting, mix together the cake mix, margarine, and 1/3 cup of the evaporated milk. Put half of the cake mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Put it into a 350 degree oven for 6 minutes. Add the chocolate chips and pecans in an even layer over the baked cake mix. Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the chocolate chip/pecan layer. Then pour the other half of the cake mix over the caramel layer. Bake for 20 additional minutes. Allow brownies to cool and cut into bars.

Easy Lemon Bars

1 package lemon cake mix

1 egg

1/2 cup oil

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese

1/3 cup sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

In a medium bowl, mix the cake mix, egg and oil together. Reserve 1 cup of this cake mixture. Put the remaining cake mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. While this is baking, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice. Mix well. Spread this mixture over the baked cake mixture. Take the 1 cup of reserved cake mixture and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 15 additional minutes. Allow it to cool and cut into bars. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Delicious Desserts

A "Dessert" is a meal course that usually comes after dinner. Most often Dessert foods are of sweet food but can also be of a strongly flavored food, such as cheese, like cheese cake. The world dessert comes from the Old French word "desservir", which means 'to clear the table'. Often times in the English language dessert is confused with the word desert(note only one "s"), which is a baren peice of land normally with sand as soil.

It wasn't until after the 19th-century where the rise of the middle class, and the mechanization of the sugar industry, brought the privilege of sweets into the general public and unreserved it exclusively for the aristocracy, or as rare holiday treat. This was because sugar became cheaper and more readily available to the general public. As sugar was widely spread, so was the development and popularity of desserts.

In today's culture dessert recipes [http://www.dessert-1.com] have become a popular item for discussion, as they are a winning way to win people over at the end of any meal. This is partly because if you serve a mediocre meal, with an excellent dessert, people will remember you for the dessert and forget about the meal.

Most cultures, have a seperate final distinction between the main course, and the sweet course. This is not true however in some cultures such as Chinese, who will mix in sweet and savoury dishes throughout the entire meal. Dessert is, often times seen as a separate meal or snack, rather than a course, and can be eaten some time after the meal by many individuals. Because of it's wide spread popularity there are even some restaurants that specialize in desserts.

Some of the most common desserts are:

- Biscuits or cookies

- Ice creams

- Meringues

- Fruit

- Cakes

- Crumbles

- Custards

- Gelatin desserts

- Puddings

- Pastries

- Pies or tarts

Welcome to the World of Italian Desserts

We're going to tour the sensational and tantalizing world of Italian Desserts. We'll tread softly through acres of light and crispy Pizzelles, hopscotch down sidewalks of biscotti and streets lined with cannoli. Under skies dotted with clouds of gelato, feeling the breezes of chocolate, anisette, and almond blowing through our hair, let's stroll through quiet, quaint streets lined with hedges of tiramisu and view lawns dotted with clumps of Farfellete (bow ties) and Italian Love Knot cookies.

Have you ever wondered how and why some of the cultural foods emerged over the years?

We'll explore some of the folklore and the history behind Italian Desserts and compare foods which originated in Northern Italy with foods from Southern Italy and learn the reasons they differ. We'll discover how fresh fruits, chocolate and cheeses can be combined to create desserts that will delight your taste buds. We will discover that there really is a "healthy ice cream" when we dive into mounds of gelato and sorbets. We'll even discover how adding alcohol enhances the flavors of your dessert creation! There will be tips for using left over breads to make bread puddings, enhancing them with Italian Liquor like Limoncello, to make luscious desserts.

Try some of the recipes along the way.

Experiment with them, adding or changing ingredients as you desire - maybe even create something new and exciting of your own! Surprise your family with new and interesting desserts that both taste awesome and are exciting to behold! Watch the kids marvel as you put their favorite fruits, puddings or ice creams into "Pizzelle bowls" that they can eat when the filling is gone. Hey...no dishes to wash....you gotta love that, Mom!

So come on along; join me in this adventure in dessert cuisine and history. It is a trip you will not soon forget!

Desserts to Die For

Having a sweet tooth is so underrated. Pizza--delicious. Cheeseburgers and fries--yes, please. But if you really want to indulge, nothing beats a flourless chocolate cake, bread pudding with extra caramel sauce or a slice of pecan pie with vanilla ice cream. Why not do as writer Ernestine Ulmer once said, "Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first"? After all, 'tis the season for keeping warm via comfort food. There are many hidden treasures, along with restaurants already known for their sweets, and they are all right in your backyard. Here are some great desserts to live, or perhaps die, for.

Hot Chocolate

1747 N. Damen, 773-489-1747

Although the name suggests otherwise, there's something for chocolate and non-chocolate lovers alike at this sleek and hip, Bucktown hotspot. Mindy Segal, MK alumna and acclaimed pastry chef, centers the menu around fabulous desserts, but there are also solid brunch and dinner options, such as a hamburger made with farm-raised beef and aged cheddar, a tuna melt and entrees including free-range chicken and fresh fish. Chocolate lovers won't have a hard time ordering dessert here, as there are several cocoa-heavy treats like the "percentages." The Chocolate 72% is a chocolate fudge mint cake that tastes like a rich brownie made of Girl Scout Thin Mints, accompanied by more fudge mint in the form of a small, shooter-sized shake. Another winner is the Chocolate 35%, a rich, Valrhona milk chocolate and peanut mousse terrine that has a caramel center and sides of peanut brittle and malted milk foam. Too much? How about just a cup of the famous house hot chocolate made with real cocoa and marshmallows. Or opt for one of the fruity desserts, such as the Black and Blue, a sandwich made with citrus shortbread and lemon curd, served with sour cream sorbet and poached, organic blueberries and blackberries.

Osteria di Tramonto

601 N. Milwaukee, Wheeling, 847-777-6570

There comes a time in everyone's life when they must try something sweet made by Gale Gand, pastry queen of Chicago--and the country, for that matter. Gand's stellar reputation and award-winning prowess comes from her success as executive pastry chef at Tru, the legendary, four-star downtown restaurant she runs with longtime culinary partner and acclaimed chef Rick Tramonto. Gand also hosts "Sweet Dreams" on the Food Network. Now, she and Tramonto have teamed up to open this lively Italian restaurant tucked in the Westin Chicago North Shore hotel. Ordering at least two of Gand's ethereal desserts here are a must. If in a bind over which to pick, try this: close your eyes and point to anything on the menu--you're guaranteed to wind up with something extraordinary. The profiteroles, four pastry shells filled with unique flavors of gelato, such as caramel, hazelnut or espresso, are all doused in a rich, warm chocolate sauce. Or try the orange ricotta cannoli--deep-fried wonton shells filled with citrusy ricotta, atop a dusting of pistachios and white and dark chocolate shavings for dipping. With a buttery crust, seasonal apples, a silky-rich caramel sauce and vanilla gelato, the apple crostata is another crowd favorite.

Sweets and Savories

1534 W. Fullerton, 773-281-6778

At this cozy, intimate spot in Lincoln Park, the menu lives up to the restaurant's name. Sweet chocolate finds its way into a savory beef tenderloin dish, mashed potatoes mix with mascarpone and a fig "ketchup" accompanies duck fat fries. And the sweet stuff doesn't stop there--David Richards, executive chef, is also known for his scrumptious desserts. A bestseller is the chocolate fondant cake--a warm, molten chocolate cake baked to order and accompanied by a scoop of chocolate sorbet and generous drizzling of rich chocolate ganache sauce. Another favorite is the milk chocolate, warm pecan pie with a burnt caramel- and brandy-accented soft center, marbled with melted chocolate and large pecan chunks and enveloped by a flaky butter crust. That alone would be superb, but the pie is then topped with a scoop of cocoa-dusted, Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream, which balances the sweetness of the caramel sauce on the plate.

Angelina Restaurante

3561 N. Broadway, 773-935-5933

You truly have not lived or you haven't lived well until you've had the bread pudding at this romantic, hidden gem in East Lakeview, which serves homemade and authentic Italian fare. Their traditional Italian bread pudding has a milk chocolate twist. Many bread puddings can be soggy and too wet, but this pudding stays semi-firm, yet moist and rich, studded with the chocolate chunks, which, having only slightly melted, maintain their shape and add a surprise factor to every bite.

Luxbar

18 E. Bellevue, 312-642-3400

If you're going to order dessert, you might as well go all out. The Snickers pie at this Gibsons-owned hotspot in the heart of the Gold Coast will knock your socks off--in terms of both its size and taste. The massive heap of ice cream embedded with layers of Snickers bits, chocolate, caramel and peanuts, serves at least eight people. Although the pie sounds like it would be too sweet, lovers of the treat swear by the stuff because of the good balance of ice cream to candy bits.

Dunlay's on the Square

3137 W. Logan, 773-227-2400

Remember those chocolate chip cookies your mom or perhaps grandma used to bake that you'd eat right out of the oven with a glass of milk? The giant cookie at this Lincoln Square, friendly neighborhood restaurant is the same idea, except the milk is replaced with a generous scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. Crispy on the bottom and warm and oozing velvety chocolate on the inside, this giant cookie bakes in a cast-iron skillet, gets a drizzling of caramel sauce and then goes directly to your table. You will think you have died and gone to heaven.

Fat Willy's Rib Shack

2416 W. Schubert, 773-782-1800

Nothing beats washing down a plate of barbequed ribs from with this popular North Side rib shack better than the house apple fritter dessert. Unlike traditional, bite-sized apple fritters, this treat is giant-sized and looks like a rectangular doughnut. Stuffed with apple chunks, deep-fried to a golden brown, the fritter is served with generous amounts of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

BB's

22 E. Hubbard, 312-755-0007

Ever had banoffee pie? If you haven't, you're missing out. This pudding-pie dessert with English origins suits the menu at this recently opened "gastropub" in River North, which features many British-inspired offerings. So what's in a banoffee pie? Whipped cream mixes with a sticky custard of toffee and sliced bananas. The bananas are fresh, the crust is flaky and the custard is rich and has some coffee-flavored notes. What more could you ask for?

Grand Lux Cafe

600 N. Michigan, 312-276-2500

A story about desserts in Chicago wouldn't

be complete without cheesecake. While some say Eli's is the best cheesecake in the city,
many favor the Cheesecake Factory's delectable cakes. By choosing the Grand Lux down the street, a more upscale offshoot of the Factory, you can avoid some of the tourist crowds and bump up the ritz. Grand Lux's cheesecake selection is limited compared to its sister restaurant, but still features old favorites like the original, fresh strawberry and white chocolate raspberry truffle. Dense and rich, understated yet divine, the cakes are sure to please. For a unique treat, try the fluffy and delicious Dulce De Leche, a heavenly and lighter caramel cheesecake.

Naha

500 N. Clark, 312-321-6242

At this minimalist, modern eatery in the heart of River North, culinary experts and cousins Carrie and Michael Nahabedian touch on their Armenian roots with their creative dishes, which also have Mediterranean and contemporary American influences. Those flavors carry through to the desserts by Elizabeth Buettner, the pastry chef. Look for savory ingredients mixed with the sweet, such as the unique Manjari chocolate sandwich made with Pinot Noir poached pears, thyme and olive oil ice cream. Don't pass up the rich goat's milk cheesecake with grape gelee, roasted walnut ice cream and shredded, caramelized filo dough, similar to baklava. The panna cotta is heavenly on its own, but also comes with hazelnut ice cream, milk chocolate crunch and candied orange caramel. Although the types of desserts stay the same, many of the ingredients change seasonally, so there's always a reason to stop in.

Chocolate Bar at the Peninsula

108 E. Superior, 312-337-2888

If you really want to gorge yourself on chocolate and sweets, head over to the beautiful Peninsula Hotel, which hosts the Chocolate Bar in the lobby on Friday and Saturday nights. For a flat fee of $30, you get an all-you-can eat ticket to the expansive buffet that's loaded with goodies. Choose among little cakes like German Chocolate variations or the more savory brie cheesecake bite with a buttery crust. Then there's an endless assortment of chocolate covered treats--peanut brittle, strawberries, pretzels and more. Wash it all down with one of the chocolaty or creamy, specialty martinis. If you order one of those, you get a discount on the chocolate bar. Just a suggestion--you might want to skip dinner or just have a salad before showing up at the buffet.

Make Simple Desserts Recipes - How To

A collection of desserts recipes ready in 30 minutes, including step-by-step clear instructions, estimated preparation times. Make simple and fast delicious recipes like chocolate desserts and ice-cream in no time.

You will get expert help, tips, clear instructions for great dessert creations in the least time. Impress your family and friends with these desserts standards which you quickly do at your home.

And to prove to you how easy these recipes are to make, just take a look here...

Chocolate Fondue with Fresh Berries

Time To Table: 30 minutes

Serves: 10

Ingredients

1/2 cup(s) organic whole milk
1/4 cup(s) organic cream
6 ounce(s) organic bittersweet chocolate
2 tbsp(s) organic unsalted butter
1 pint(s) organic raspberries
24 whole organic cherries, pitted
12 medium organic strawberries
1 Tbsp(s) organic erythritol

Preparation

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, cream and erythritol and bring to a boil. Add the chocolate and remove the pan from the heat. Let stand until the chocolate melts, about 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Stir in the butter. Bring the fondue to the table in the pan with the fresh fruit let everyone dip their own fruit.

You will find over 40 simple to make desserts like this one in GuiltFreeDesserts.

Also each recipe offers nutritional information listed as Benefits. You will be amazed when you learn just how good-for-you these desserts can be.

Could gourmet desserts be so simple to make?

I believe it will be hard to find ! Start baking now.

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Great Desserts For Any Table

Despite all the options out there, many of us find that we fall back on the same old desserts week after week. While they taste great at first, you can quickly get sick of pies, ice cream, or cake. If you are looking for the next great dessert, but find yourself intimidated by some of the recipes out there, you are not alone. Sometimes it seems like food journals and magazines fall on either side of two extremes - difficult and time consuming or the same things we always make.

The good news is that there are a lot of interesting and tasty desserts out there, and they do not need to be hard to make. Some may require a few unusual ingredients or techniques, but once you make them once or twice; you will get the hang of it. Here are a few ideas for great desserts to mix things up a little at your house.

Dessert Pizza

We see them at restaurants, but it rarely occurs to us to make these pizza-shaped desserts at home. However, they can be quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive. Try making sugar cookie dough or brownie batter from scratch, or buy prepackaged versions for a quicker crust. Top sugar cookie crusts with fresh fruit in season (apples and brown sugar are a real winner), chocolate, nuts, and lots of other tasty choices. Just remember to cook crusts entirely or partially before topping to avoid sogginess.

Ethnic Desserts

American cuisine has gone on to include a lot more dishes from other cultures in recent years. Many households regularly include Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and even Indian, Thai, and Japanese food for dinner. If you serve a meal based in another culture, never forget to include the desserts. Cultures throughout Asia have variations on Sweet Mango Sticky rice, for instance. Indian fruit lassis are a delight, and gelato makes a nice change from ordinary ice cream. 

If you or your family is a little concerned about strange foods, start by including some exotic ingredients in more ordinary dessert dishes. Lychee fruits, while strange looking, are a pleasant addition to the standard fruit salad, as are pineapple, mango, kiwi, and passionfruit.

Forgotten Favorites

Of course, you do not have to search far for new desserts. Some of them are old favorites that we just have not made in a while. Check out your older cookbooks for easy desserts your mother or grandmother used to make, and remember not to be afraid to experiment a little. Just be sure to do it when you have plenty of time - a deadline is never a good match for creativity in the kitchen. However, even desserts as humble as Jello, bread pudding, and cobbler can be a real treat without being difficult.

comprital doppiosenso hot sauces on gelato & desserts

how to use hot sauces on gelato & desserts



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqsj2NfJBrY&hl=en

Two Delicious Lemon Cake Desserts

Sunday dinners and holidays were always a special treat at my mother-in-law's house. She was famous throughout the county for her wonderful desserts. Here are two lemon cake recipes she enjoyed making. Sadly, we lost her in April 2008, but these and other recipes bring us sweet memories of her joy in serving her family nutritious meals and delicious desserts. Happy mealtimes bring a family together through memories shared. Build some memories for your family and try these wonderful lemony desserts today.

Lemon Meringue Cake
(makes 12-16 servings)

1 pkg. Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme Deluxe Cake Mix
1 regular-size package lemon pudding and pie filling
2 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar

Using 8 inch round cake pans, make and cool cake as directed on the label. Cook lemon pudding and pie filling as directed for pie filling. Cool 30 minutes according to the box instructions; stir several times. Beat egg whites until frothy; gradually add sugar; beat until stiff but not dry. Split each cake layer into 2 thin layers. Stack on cookie sheet or oven-proof plate, spread lemon pudding between layers and on top of cake. Spread meringue around sides of cake. Bake at 450 degrees F for about 5 minutes, until light brown. Cool to room temperature before serving. Store cake in the refrigerator.

Lemon Pound Cake

1 package Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme Deluxe Cake Mix
1 Package lemon instant pudding mix (4 serving)
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 cup Crisco oil
1 cup water
4 eggs
10 lemon drop candies

Blend all ingredients in large bowl, then beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Bake in a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan at 350 degrees F for about 45-55 minutes, until center springs back when touched lightly. Cool right side up for about 25 minutes, then remove from pan.

Glaze: Blend 1 cup confectioner's sugar with either 2 tbsp. lemon juice. Drizzle over cake. Press lemon drops into the glaze at equal distances.

Kid Approved Gluten Free Desserts

Whether you have a child who is allergic to wheat or you just want your kids to avoid wheat products for another reason altogether, there are many gluten free desserts and snacks that are kid approved. We've checked out some of the best ones and listed them here.

Riceworks® Crisps - Kids love crunchy foods and these crispy treats come in a variety of flavors, such as Baked Cinnamon and Parmesan and Sundried Tomato. Perfect for quick snacks on the run.

Fresh Fruit With Sour Cream Sauce - Many children love all sorts of fresh fruits. Combining their healthy natural sugars with a twist of sour cream is scrumptious! By combining one cup of sour cream, one teaspoon of lemon zest, one teaspoon of lemon juice and one-half cup powdered sugar you'll have an awesome topping that goes with any fresh fruit.

Chocolate Cupcakes with Marshmallow Filling - Chocolate, cupcakes, and marshmallows! What a combination of fun eating for kids everywhere. All you need is bittersweet chocolate, gluten free sugar and flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, milk, sour cream, canola oil and eggs. These ingredients are mixed in standard amounts and by baking them with marshmallow cream in the middle. To create the frosting, mix cream cheese, vanilla, powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa. What a delight for those young taste buds.

Apple Crisp - What child doesn't love apples? Using tart apples, gluten free flour and sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter you can create a delicious apple crisp. All kids like this dessert recipe topped with whipped cream. This is also a good recipe your children can get involved by mixing the dry ingredients while you cut the apples into small bite size pieces.

Angel Food Cake with Strawberries - You can choose to make your own angel food cake or find a gluten-free angel food cake at your grocer. The natural sugars in the cut-up strawberries are a great topping to satisfy the children's taste buds.

Banana Brittle - If your children are fond of bananas, this is the gluten free recipe for them. All you'll need is butter, vegetable oil, sugar, ground cinnamon, unsalted peanuts and bananas. This is an easy and quick way to create a great gluten free dessert for the banana lover in your family.

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies -What kid doesn't like sugar cookies, especially if it's near the holidays? Mix them with pumpkin and you've got a gluten free cookie recipe that will be passed down for generations. You will need unsalted butter, sugar, salt, 4 egg yolks, orange zest, vanilla, gluten free flour, and pumpkin. Try a gluten free twist on your sugar cookies this year.

Super Hot Chocolate - With all these delicious gluten free desserts, you'll need a super drink for your kids. Using milk and chopped semi-sweet chocolate create a scrumptious hot chocolate and top with whipped cream or marshmallows. You, along with your kids, will enjoy this warm drink on a cold winter day.

When coming up with kid's gluten free desserts and snacks, you can check your grocer or natural food store for gluten free flours and other necessary ingredients. Don't forget to search the Internet for gluten free websites too. Many offer free newsletters that include tips on creating delicious and healthy desserts for your kids. If your kids are allergic to wheat or other ingredients, a gluten free diet is a good and healthy way to satisfy their taste buds, even their dessert and snack taste buds.

We recommend the above desserts as well as gluten free cookbooks, websites, and newsletters to help you create fresh and healthy gluten free desserts.

Recipes For Quick and Easy Desserts

When you need a tasty dessert but you don't have a lot of time to put into it, try one of these simple recipes that produce a dessert fit for company. Berries and Cookie Desserts are served in individual dessert dishes and are light enough to enjoy after any meal. They also look impressive. The Crispy Rice & Granola Treats are more of a treat than dessert but would be fine for a family dessert. They are also perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, after school treats, etc.

BERRIES AND COOKIE DESSERTS

2 cups quartered fresh strawberries
1 1/4 cups fresh raspberries
1 1/4 cups fresh blackberries
2/3 cup fresh blueberries
4 tbsp sugar, divided
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
4-oz reduced fat cream cheese
1 1/2 cups fat-free frozen whipped topping, thawed
Dash of ground cinnamon
12 miniature meringue cookies, quartered

In a large bowl, combine all the berries, half of the sugar, lemon juice; let stand at room temperature about a half hour.

In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the whipped topping, remaining sugar, and cinnamon until combined. Just before serving, divide the berries evenly between six dessert dishes. Top with the whipped topping mixture and sprinkle with the cookie pieces.

CRISPY RICE & GRANOLA TREATS

1 package (10-oz)regular marshmallows
1/4 cup butter
4 cups granola with raisins
1 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal
1/2 cup shelled unsalted sunflower seeds

Line a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with foil leaving foil hanging over the short sides. Butter the foil and set aside.

In a large saucepan, combine the marshmallows and butter. Cook and stir the mixture until the marshmallows are melted. Stir in the granola, cereal, and sunflower seeds. Press mixture into the prepared pan. Cool. Remove foil lining with uncut bars from the pan. Cut into 24 bars.

Evaluating Free Recipes For Italian Desserts

Lurking beneath the surface of many recipes, however, is disaster more ferocious and inevitable than a hurricane over warm Gulf of Mexico waters. Poorly written or shakily tested recipes can turn a counter full of expensive, high-quality ingredients into a bowl full of meaningless goo unfit for human consumption.

But how can you tell the difference between a great recipe that will earn a spot among your most favorite creations and one that is fit only for the trash heap of culinary failure? How can you justify sinking premium bucks into high quality ingredients when you don't know if the result will be edible? If you have just a little cooking savvy, it's not all that hard to do.

First off, what are you trying to make? Is your search for free recipes for Italian desserts after cheesecake? Cannoli? Gelato even? It helps a lot if you've eaten what you're trying to make at least a few times, so you know what the finished product should look like.

The next thing to look at is the list of ingredients. Are you familiar with all of them? If there are any you don't know, do you have research sources available that will give you sufficient knowledge to let you continue? Then take each ingredient and make sure it appears in the text of the recipe. This is one of the most common failures in recipe writing and editing, especially with free recipe content. Sometimes, your own cooking savvy will tell you where and when to add in a missing ingredient, but don't proceed unless you are dead sure.

Finally, go over the directions. If it is a baking recipe, does it start with preheating the oven? That should be your first step unless the dough or batters need to be refrigerated. Is there equipment mentioned in the direction the ions, such as an ice cream maker, that you do not own? Are you familiar with all the cooking terms used? If you've never made a reduction, for example, you might want to do some additional research.

Once you've done your research, you're ready to set off into the world of free recipes for Italian desserts!

Why Are There So Many Free Recipes For Italian Desserts?

Turn on any food show today and you'll find a huge assortment of ethnic offerings. From Chinese and other Asian cuisines to French, German and even British cooking, every corner of the globe where people put food to fire is represented. Most of these are relative newcomers to the global food scene, whereas Italian food has been on every cook's slate for decades. This explains why there are so many free recipes for Italian desserts around: they're delicious, and there is a dizzying variety available.

Cheesecake, of course, is by far the most popular Italian dessert. That's curious, as it actually is not terribly Italian in its composition. It's an American invention, although Italian-Americans are most often credited with both finding and perfecting the recipe and preparation methods. No reputable Italian restaurant would ever be caught without at least one cheesecake on the menu, and very often you'll see competitions within a city between the top-tier Italian joints to build the highest, richest and best creations. It's no surprise that some of these recipes make it into the vaults of free recipes for Italian desserts available online.

The true heart of Italian desserts, however, are the gelatos, those ice cream-like creations that come in an insane variety of flavors and top the finest efforts of frozen treat confectioners from around the world. In Italy, gelato shops are almost as common as Starbucks coffee houses are here in United States, and the sweets they purvey are like no others. From the classic hazelnut or chocolate to more exotic flavors like mango, lime and graham cracker, you'll find something for every palate.

My personal favorite Italian dessert, however, is the cannoli. There's a reason why "Leave the guns, take the cannoli," is one of the most identifiable quotes from the "Godfather" movies. This mystical synergy between a crunchy pastry shell and a lightly sweet pastry cream, sometimes with nuts or a drizzle of chocolate added, is simply unbeatable to many Italian food connoisseurs.

All of these have made it into the archives of free recipes for Italian desserts. With a little hunting, you can find whatever you seek!

Mexican Desserts - The Joys of Discovering

For many people, the words "Mexican Food" evoke a mixture of heavenly smells and tastes as well as colorful blends of flavors and spices. While this is all true, one of the "best kept secret" is just how delectable and varied these desserts actually are. In fact, in Mexico, many will tell you that nothing finishes off an authentic Mexican meal quite as well as a Mexican dessert.

Mexican desserts have been influenced by such varied cultures as the Mayans and the Aztecs, with a little bit of Europe thrown in. However the main influences can be traced back to Spain and France - both countries having heavily impacted Mexico's view of food and how to grow and prepare it.

Many authentic desserts contain sugar, fruit and milk as their base ingredients. Other delectable items such as vanilla and nuts are added to create some mouth watering traditional desserts such as flan (or creme caramel), Calabaza Dulce and Bunuelos. While these may sound complicated to make, they are surprisingly easy and fast with ingredients that are readily available in any kitchen.

Certainly, one of the great joys, when creating and cooking a Mexican dessert, is the fact that you can whip up a scrumptious recipe without having to worry about finding all the necessary ingredients, which is not always the case when you choose to make a recipe from other countries. Don't forget that freshness is a must when it comes to Mexican food and this includes the desserts.

As with most cultures, food and desserts are highly associated with traditional events and, of course, traditional desserts can be found at both small and large gatherings. What would a party be without a sweets table?

If you are intrigued by Mexican Desserts, but feel a little intimidated, you are encouraged to visit a number of online websites that offer both more information and lots of easy to make, yummy dessert recipes.

Find out for yourself just how truly scrumptious and easy these "little dessert gems" really are to make and, of course, to eat!

Candida Diet Friendly Desserts

Although the words diet and dessert aren't typically the best partners, it is possible to enjoy some sweet treats while sticking to a candida diet. It is true that sugar and white flour are still foods to avoid, but there are carefully crafted candida dessert recipes designed to keep your body on track, fighting off candida overgrowth.

Studies have shown that people tend to fail on overly restrictive diets because they cannot stick to the plans long term. It may be possible to muster up the will power to succeed for a couple of weeks or even a couple of months, but soon the cravings start calling and it is important to have healthy alternatives to satisfy your desire.

However, the fact remains that sugar and white flour feed candida overgrowth. Even in small amounts of foods containing these items can trigger symptom flare-ups and make life miserable, making a sugar splurge hardly worth it.

The great thing is that once you start cutting back on processed foods, refined carbohydrates and excess sugars, your intense cravings for these foods will subside. Yet it may be unlikely that you will never desire another dessert again. After all, something sweet is an excellent end to a delicious meal and a perfect pairing to a cup of gourmet coffee or tea.

The key to sticking with a candida diet while enjoying dessert is to find recipes that do not promote candida growth. Many people have had success utilizing artificial sweeteners to get their sweet fix without ingesting sugar. However, certain sweeteners have earned a bad reputation and can cause side effects or even illness.

One sweetener that seems to stand above the rest in that it cooks and bakes well and does not appear to cause the same reaction as other artificial sweeteners is Stevia. This plant-derived extract has nearly 300 times the sweetness of sugar, so a little goes a long way. Stevia is popular now, because not only does it not spike blood glucose but also medical studies have shown it may treat conditions like obesity and high blood pressure.

So Stevia may be a way to have something sweet without feeding the candida like sugar does. Using it as an additive to shakes, puddings and cheesecakes, means you can experience real dessert while sticking to your candida diet plan.

Below are some dessert ideas to get you started:

Crustless Peanut Butter Pie

Combine equal parts of sugar-free natural peanut butter and cream cheese and then mix in whipped heavy whipping cream to provide a lighter texture. Sweeten with Stevia to taste. Pour into a pie pan or bowl and refrigerate until chilled.

Frozen Chocolate Pudding Dessert

Mix a package of sugar-free instant chocolate pudding (4-serving size), 1.5 cups milk, and 1 cup whipping cream. Add a small amount of stevia to taste. Pour into a pan, cover and freeze for at least four hours. Remove from freezer approximately 1 hour prior to serving.

Berries and Cream

Select fresh or frozen berries and pour heavy whipping cream on top. Add a small amount of Stevia and vanilla extract to taste. If the berries are frozen the whipping cream will freeze, creating a delicious, ice cream-like dessert.

Just because you are living with a candida condition does not mean you can't enjoy a dessert from time to time. Treat yourself on special occasions and when a major craving calls and you will be less likely to binge on damaging processed, sugary desserts.

Fourth of July Desserts

People had been so creative and innovative in making use of color mixes to signify nationalism and patriotism for the Fourth of July desserts. It does not matter what type of recipe you are making for as long as it has a scheme of red, white or blue in it, then it is as good as the American Independence itself. Dessert choices ranging from cheesecakes, cupcakes, puddings and other pastries are but some of the wide range of dessert recipes applicable for the festivity. With a simple application of white icing, you can already fashion your own cakes and cupcakes into a U.S. flag of some sort. Fruits as well can be arranged strategically to mimic the flag. These sumptuous dishes are very easy to prepare and not to mention, most have cheap ingredients that are readily available in the market or even in your own backyard.

With simple ingredients such as ice cream, syrup, berries, whipped cream and sugar, one can already create a Yankee Doodle Sundae. With the warm atmosphere in the air, carry along desserts are just perfect anytime anywhere. These may include a Margarita Pie and Dirt. The latter is especially recommended for picnics having lots of kids in attendance while the Margarita pie's tasty pretzel crust really makes ones mouth water. One can also use a certain colored butter cream and other cake decorators like strawberries to mimic the Star - Spangled Banner. For storage purposes, these cold foods can be placed and kept in coolers with lots of ice to maintain the coolness of it all. Overall, these foods are just perfect to be one of the Fourth of July desserts.

Easy Desserts For Special Occasions

We all have special occasions that need a fast easy dessert. Whether it is for a birthday, the holidays or to celebrate something special like your child learning to ride a bike, sometimes you just need to be able to throw together a special dessert on short notice. Serving a dessert for various accomplishments makes your family feel special and makes the day memorable, especially if dessert is not a daily event at your house.

Easy desserts should consist of ingredients you have readily at hand. By having a few mixes and fresh ingredients on hand, it will be easy to pull together a nice dessert for any special occasion. Cake mixes, jello, instant pudding and other ingredients that keep well are a good place to start. By keeping a few in your pantry, you will be ready for any occasion.

Easy Parfaits

There is nothing more elegant or simple than a parfait. Served in a wine glass, everyone will ooh and ahh when you set them out on the table. You can make a simple parfait out of Jello cubes. Choose your favorite flavor, and let your Jello chill in a shallow pan. Once it has set, slice it into small cubes. Mix up a box of vanilla or banana pudding. Alternate layers of Jello cubes and pudding and top it off with whipped cream. Add a cherry, a couple berries, or some sprinkles on top for a finishing touch. You could also substitute fresh fruit for the Jello cubes for layers in the parfait.

If you prefer creamy desserts, you can make a wonderful parfait with chocolate pudding and whipped topping by alternating layers of each ingredient in a wine glass. Top it with more whipped topping and add a few shaves of chocolate. The shavings will make your parfait look like it came from an expensive restaurant. Everyone will be amazed at how much time you spent (but you didn't!) preparing such an elegant dessert.

Easy Baked Desserts

If you prefer something baked, a simple gingerbread can easily be put together using a mix. It can even be baking during dinner, as hot gingerbread makes a lovely, easy dessert. Hot gingerbread is a wonderful easy dessert served plain, with sprinkle powdered sugar on top, or served with hot lemon pudding poured over it. If the gingerbread has time to cool first, you can serve it with whipped topping and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elegant touch. Cold gingerbread is also very good with hot lemon pudding poured over it.

If your family prefers chocolate, you can easily bake a chocolate cake and serve it simply with either whipped topping and chocolate curls on top or with powdered sugar sprinkled over the top. To make it appear even more elegant, add a couple fresh strawberry slices beside the cake, set into a small dollop of whipped topping.

These easy desserts can make any meal special, and they take very little time to make. Your family will be astounded at the care you have shown by making their accomplishment even more special by celebrating with dessert.

Holidays and special occasions often call for an easy dessert. Find one that fits your menu at JelloRecipes.net that will be suitable for any occasion. Whether you are looking for that traditional recipe, you remember from your childhood or a contemporary recipe to fit special dietary needs, this site will serve up something special.

Quick and Easy Holiday Desserts

These simple and stress-free dessert ideas will have you out of the kitchen in no time and enjoying the holiday season.

1. Banana Coconut Cream Pie. Slice two bananas and layer half on the bottom of a prepared graham cracker crust. Prepare two packages of instant vanilla pudding according to package directions for pie filling. Stir 2 cups whipped topping into pie filling. Spread half of this mixture over bananas. Layer remaining bananas and then rest of pie filling. Top with 1 cup toasted coconut. Chill about two hours or until set.

2. Mini Pies. Using two prepared pie crusts, cut three inch circles (I use the top of a glass as my "cutter"). Fit each pie crust into a muffin cup. Prick the pie bottoms and bake according to package directions. After pie crusts are cooled, fill with assorted pudding flavors. Use either package mixes or even easier, already prepared pudding flavors. Top each pie with fresh fruit, chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles or chopped candies depending on the pudding flavor.

3. Mini Tarts. Fill mini phyllo cups with fresh fruit and whipped topping.

4. Parfait Cups. Layer berries and whipped topping in small plastic cups. For a more formal presentation use wine or cordial glasses.

5. Mini Cheesecakes. Prepare a no bake cheesecake mix according to package directions but instead of using a pie plate, divide mix evenly among 12 cupcake papers. Top with fresh fruit, pie filling or candy morsels.

6. Decorated Cookies. Mix confectioner's sugar and a small amount of milk until spreading consistency. Use to frost store bought sugar cookies. Decorate with seasonal sprinkles or sugars.

7. Chocolate Strawberries. Wash and dry 1 pint of fresh strawberries. Chill for 20 minutes. In a microwavable bowl melt 12 oz. milk chocolate and 1 tsp shortening at 15 second intervals until melted, stirring each time. Dip strawberries into milk chocolate covering half of the fruit. Place on foil lined baking sheet and cool in refrigerator.

8. Gourmet Brownies. Prepare one box of brownie mix. Add to prepared mix 6 ounces of chocolate chips. Spread in pan. Top with 1 cup chopped nuts. Bake according to package directions.

9. Chocolate Nut Fudge. Combine a 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk and 12 ounces of chocolate chips in a bowl. Microwave one minute. Stir until smooth. Add ½ cup chopped nuts. Pour into a greased 8 X 8 pan. Chill until firm.

10. Cupcakes. Using a simple box mix, prepare cupcakes according to package directions. Frost with ready-made frosting. Use seasonal colored sprinkles to decorate in holiday colors.