Dessert: Toblerone Caramel Cheesecake

Yum Yum Yum! I love Toblerone! There is something festive about them. I know they are sold year-round, but I seem to indulge in them during the Christmas season. I made this cheesecake for my grandma's birthday. She isn't big on cake so this was the perfect alternative. Its super easy to make, but you definitely need to be organized ahead of time for prep, cook time, cooling, and topping.




Toblerone Caramel Cheesecake

Recipe:

1 1/4 cup Oreo Baking Crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 pkgs cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tbsp vanilla
3 eggs
1/3 cup caramel topping
1 bar Toblerone, coarsely chopped

Recipe adapted from: Kraft Foods - What's Cooking 2010

Springform Pan

 

Kraft Foods - What's Cooking 2010

When the cheesecake cracks, it is ready.

 

Directions:

1. Mix together Oreo Baking Crumbs and melted butter. Press firmly into a springform pan.

2. Beat together softened cream cheese, brown sugar, and vanilla. Slowly beat in one egg at a time until completely smooth.

3. Pour cream cheese mixture over Oreo crust and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

4. Refrigerate for at least four hours.

5. Top with caramel topping and crushed Toblerone. Serve and Enjoy!

Study Drinks: Vodka Slushies

 

Need a drink to get through a long study session? I found the solution: Vodka Slushies. I got this recipe from The Food Network but I changed it significantly and didn't bother measuring.

 So it was a little of this and a little of that...basically whatever we could find in the fridge.

My Recipe (roughly):

1 pitcher of cranberry juice
1 can of concentrated orange juice
2 cups of raspberry lemonade
1 cup of vodka
1 cup of cherry brandy
1 cup of frozen raspberries

1. Mix all ingredients in a shallow pan (will freeze faster).
2. Place in the freezer for 2 hours. It will have a slushie consistency because of the alcohol.
3. Serve up in glasses and enjoy!

Doggie Cupcakes: My Dog's 15th Birthday!

My Little Pumpkin turned 15 the other day! I have had Buddy since I was nine-years-old. He has been such a good dog over the years and its hard to remember a time before he wasn't stomping around.

I'll admit that he wasn't always good. He had a tendency of hopping fences, running around the neighbourhood creating chaos, and once he even smashed the front window when he saw a squirrel outside. However, in the last five years, he has embraced his senior years and has calmed significantly.

Now normally I wouldn't be so dog crazy, but 15 is pretty monumental for a Lab/Shepherd. So I had to go big for what will likely be his last birthday (sadly). He is having more trouble getting up and climbing the stairs. Unfortunately the end is nearing though I hate admitting it.

I decided to make him dog-friendly cupcakes for his birthday. The recipe yielded four large cupcakes, which was perfect for two large dogs to share (yes, we also have a Lab/Alaskan Malamute who is gigantic).

Not happy about the hat that my sister made him wear.

Peanut Butter Carrot Dog Cupcakes

1 cup white flour
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup shredded carrots
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg

Mix all ingredients together. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

Adapted from Dog Treat Recipe Exchange

What? - Onyx

Cinnamon Frosting

12 oz. light cream cheese
3 tbsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. vanilla

Pipe frosting onto cupcake and top with a Milkbone. And let them enjoy :)

Best Friends

Stealing Buddy's Hat

*Note: Buddy passed away 15 days after this was posted. It happened very suddenly and quickly. He has been so missed. I am happy to say that this is actually my most viewed post! I am glad he is living on through this blog  :)