7 Slow Cooker Desserts For the Time-Pressed

Slow cookers aren't just for stews and soups (Wikipedia)

You've been craving that peach cobbler you devoured at the church banquet, a friend's party or your mother's table. Deep down inside, you know you're not a baker. More important, you either don't have the time or don't want to invest the time to make this down-home dessert. But that doesn't stop your cravings for a warm, slice of cobbler topped with yummy ice cream.

You're stuck with going to a grocery store and buying a frozen cobbler or praying someone has pity on you and bakes you one. Well, not quite.

Even though my first love of cooking comes through baking, I don't always have the time or energy to prepare desserts for myself or guests. I, too, have had to dash to the local grocer to grab a cake, pie or tort for parties or because I was time-pressed. To solve that problem, I've found or created different recipes for really simple, quick desserts. They're just as satisfying as the ones that take several hours to prepare and bake and, in some cases, are less fattening. One of my favorites in peach cobbler in 15 minutes. I'll have to share that one with you later.

But I've found several dessert recipes for those facing similar time, talent and mood challenges. What I like about these desserts is they are all baked in a slow cooker. Yes, the kitchen gadget, sometimes called the crock pot, best known and appreciated for cooking soups, chili and stews. This makes having that dessert accessible just about anytime for the most baker-challenged and busiest among us. You whip up the ingredients put them in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you shop, study, nap, clean up or finish whatever else you need to do.

Now, that brings a smile to my face.

All Hail A Big Cheesy Smile For Cheesecake Day

Sweet Potato Cheesecake (photo credit: Toni)

I know I'm a bit late for National Cheesecake Day, which was Wednesday, but this delightful dessert deserves a post and my commentary. Seriously though, I planned to post something earlier, but life happens. What can I say.

I admit I learned late (the day before) there even is a National Cheesecake Day, an American observation every July 30. While I'm not surprised, I can't believe I didn't know that and not because I'm a walking ball of food knowledge. It's because so many of my friends and relatives absolutely salivate over this decadent treat. And I do mean salivate. I, on the other hand, enjoy an occasional slice of smooth, rich cheesecake. But I wouldn't put myself in the addict-lite camp. I use that description lovingly, my friends and guests.

So in homage to the cheesecake, which was the preferred cake of Greek brides and grooms a long time ago, I offer these humble but popular recipes. I also recommend you give this enjoyable sweet potato cheesecake a try at Tamarind, a local Thai restaurant in the South Loop. A review on the restaurant is coming shortly (a few days).

Tamarind's sweet potato cheesecake is smooth, creamy and pleasant. The baker definitely got the texture right for this dense cake. Its flavor is more savory than sweet, which is to say if you like the taste of a sweet potato sans any flavorings and butter you will love this cheesecake.

I like Tamarind's cheesecake, which offers a pleasant departure from the super-sweet desserts offered at many restaurants. If I were to change anything, I suggest they increase the amount of caramel sauce and sweeten the cheesecake a tad. After all, we are talking about the sweet potato. Must I explain more.

Read about the History of Cheesecake
Cheesecake Fun Facts

Try These Cheesecake Recipes:
Cheesecakes by Eli's
Cheesecakes by Junior's
Cheesecakes by Kraft's
Cheesecake bars for the children

Simple Desserts In Less Than 30 Minutes

Key Lime Pie with Strawberries

Everyone has a little "Betty Crocker" inside of them. Your Betty may not be as knowledgeable as the home cooks' pseudo kitchen coach, but she surely has as much ingenuity as the dame synonymous with baking.

Don't believe me? Try making this simple recipe for Key Lime pie.

Ingredients: 1 graham cracker pie shell, 1 can of Key Lime pie filler. 1 container (16 oz or so) of whipped cream. Optional: Fruit or lime slices to top.

Instructions: Mix (with a spoon) the pie filler and about 1/3 of the whipped cream until blended. Pour the mixture into the pie crust. Cover and let cool in the freezer for at least 5 hours. When ready, top with garnish or fruit then serve.

Hmmm, you think. I know. I thought the same thing. But I gave it a try because truth be told I don't like Key Lime Pie. I've had it twice -- both were made using the longer more involved recipes -- and I did not like it.

But I really wanted to give this popular pie another chance. I reasoned perhaps the bakers were not up to snuff. And because a relative had given me the pie filler, which he said was pretty good, I decided to try making the pie myself. I also reasoned that perhaps the can-made pie might be tastier.

Well, no such luck. I'm still no fan of the Key Lime pie. It has nothing to do with the pie, which came out perfect. It was smooth and firmly molded. I've come to accept the fact I just don't like Key Lime pie.

But what I do like about this pie is it's incredibly easy to make, which makes it perfect for parties and last-minute gatherings whether you like Key Lime or not. You can set your "Betty" loose with this easy dish and be the toast of the event. Wink.

More longer Key Lime pie recipes:
Lagasse's recipe
All Recipes

3 Ingredients To A Tasty Summer Treat

Blue-Cherry Yogurt Pops

Yes, all you need are three readily available ingredients to create what I call pops of happiness. I call them that because once you taste this blueberry treat you can't help but smile.

I originally planned to share a recipe for Key Lime pie, but I saw this frozen treat and switched gears. It's too easy not to share. All you need: handful of blueberries, 2 cups of plain yogurt and 1/4 cup a sweetener. No lie.

This isn't my creation or idea though I plan to co-opt the base ingredients and make something distinctively mine soon :-). Credit goes to Splenda. See the Sweet Swaps, No. 128 recipe here.

Blueberries and Cherries

Once the mixture is done, pour into a mold. Now is a good time to buy the molds, which are available at most dollar stores. Freeze for at least 5 hours.

Options:
Sweetener: I use and prefer agave. You can try honey also.
Mold: Use an ice cube tray and add wooden Popsicle sticks.
Fruit: I used blueberries and cherries. Use fruit that will "hold up."

Mixture in molds

Ingredients mixed

                                               

Calling All Miso Masters: Trader Joe's Contest Will Crown A Winner

   Miso Soup by Adonis Chen

So you think you have what it takes to win a recipe/cooking contest? You don't know, you say. Ha, me either! But I MIGHT enter Trader Joe's Miso Master contest to test my skills.

The grocer is accepting entries for its Master-at-Miso Recipe Contest, which ends 11:59 p.m. May 27, 2014. The recipe must showcase the store's mild yellow miso in anything from appetizers and desserts to meats and soups.

You must use the grocer's ingredients, no more than 7. The dish can take no longer than 30 minutes to prepare. Read more here. 
Winner gets a $100 Trader Joe's gift card.

A Sweet and Tangy Salsa To Try

 Salsa is one of the quickest and easiest dishes you can make completely or partially from scratch. Once you start, it is difficult to return to store-bought options because they don't seem to measure up to anything you can make.

 I make salsa from scratch using tomatoes, cilantro, onions and peppers all grown in my garden. It is the freshest and tastiest salsa I've eaten. Partially-homemade scratch salsa includes canned ingredients such as chiles and tomatoes.

  I also have grown strawberries, but I've yet to use them in a recipe. I don't think I would have thought to add strawberries in the salsa, but the recipe below has inspired me to try a few different twists.

 I have plenty of salsa at the moment. It will be awhile before my tomatoes are ripe so I won't be trying this recipe any time soon. But I hope someone else will and shares their thoughts on the blog.

How To Make Strawberry Margarita Jello Shots

Happy Cinco de Mayo! For followers who want to party today.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Bring Grins and Great Memories

It's Chicago weather like we've had of late -- cloudy, gray skies and intermittent rain -- that makes me yearn for simple comfort food. On that list is probably one of the first items I learned to cook successfully as a youngster: Grilled Cheese sandwiches.

Just saying, "Grilled Cheese sandwich" makes me smile and recall fond childhood memories. There is nothing complex or over complicated about this sandwich, probably explaining why it always feels like the right meal at the right moment.

Oh, but don't be fooled by its simplicity. Your imagination can run wild (as mine is now) with the various ingredients you can use to make a sandwich. Kraft Foods offers several variations worth trying.

I think I'll first try Kraft's Grilled Cheese Margherita, a delicious spin using basil --one of my favorite herbs-- as an ingredient.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo With Cupcakes

Americans will celebrate Mexican heritage and pride primarily by drinking and eating on Cinco de Mayo. Though alcohol will flow freely and tacos, enchiladas, nachos, etc. will be plentiful here, Mexico designates Cinco de Mayo (Fifth of May) a minor holiday.

Because Cinco de Mayo falls on a Monday this year, some will mark the occasion on Saturday, May 3. Chicago, home of one of the largest Mexican populations in the country, will celebrate with a weekend of activities in the Little Village neighborhood.

Regardless of when you celebrate it, I encourage you to try this Cinco de Mayo-inspired treat: Strawberry Margarita Cupcakes. Yum!

The No. 1 Drink To Make During Summer

Lemon-Lime-Blueberry Infused Water by Toni

Summer is just around the corner, and I --  like most people who have survived the long winter that is nipping away at spring --  am looking forward to the sunny days. I'm also looking forward to enjoying some of my favorite drinks while sitting in my garden (more about that later) after a long day of work.

Homemade sweet tea and lemonade along with Mojitos and Daiquiris are among my favorites. This year, I'm adding homemade infused water to the list. It's super simple and refreshing!

I don't have to tell you how important it is to stay hydrated, especially during the warmer months, or how good water is for your skin and hair. You know those things I'm sure. That doesn't make water any sexier or appealing.

But water, like anything else you've consumed repeatedly, needs an occasional upgrade. Homemade infused water is the way to go. Not only do you select the ingredients you prefer, fruit or vegetable, you save money by using items you already have on hand or use regularly and you help the environment by recycling a bottle for the infused water you make.

How could you not give it a try after learning about all those benefits?

Ingredients:
Any available fresh fruit in your refrigerator: I used lemon and lime slices and blueberries
1 re-purposed bottle: I reused a cherry juice bottle
Water
Splenda sweetener or something similar is optional. I passed on the sweetener, just a personal choice.

How Anyone Can Make Simple, Healthy and Quick Meals

Given the number of cooking shows and contests flooding the media, you would think a culinary degree with a specialization in exotic spices is required to make an eye-pleasing, delicious yet quick and healthy meal. Not so. 

As much as I enjoy watching the cooking shows and chefs with engaging personalities, sometimes the recipes offered are overly complicated, time-consuming and costly. Even the "quick meals" they often touted have way too may steps or ingredients. It can take the fun out of cooking and enjoying the meal, which is counter to A Single Table's purpose. 

All you really need is curiosity, a willingness to experiment and an appreciation for good food. Some of the most satisfying meals I've eaten also have been the simplest to make with common (items found in most cupboards) ingredients and a few steps. 

So today I offer this salmon salad with dried cranberries and a fruit bowl. This meal contains the flavors, textures and items I like. 

On the plate:

Pan-fried (in olive oil) salmon steaks

Romaine lettuce

Dried cranberries

Sliced almonds 

Homemade pomegranate vinaigrette (instructions here)

All the items purchased at the Dollar Tree store except for the lettuce, which I got from a local grocer.

In the bowl:

1 sliced banana

2 sliced strawberries (mine were extras from a previous dessert I made)

One memorable meal within 30 minutes for pennies. Yeah!

How Do You Spice Up The Sausage Sandwich?

We've all been there: You're hankering for something different, beyond the routine. You peer into the refrigerator and find only the standards --eggs, bacon, milk, sausage. Still, nothing comes to mind. 

You close the frig in frustration and wait until an idea hits you or you give in and cook something that doesn't require much thought. 

You eat, yet you're left unsatisfied. 

It's often those times when you spend money unnecessarily -- buy additional food or order out to fill that craving. With a little patience and creativity, you can spin your standards into something special like this basil-sausage sandwich. Mmmm, mmmmm good. 

Basil-sausage Sandwich

How'd I do it?

Well, I didn't give up so easily though in the past I had. I asked myself how can I step up a sausage sandwich -- make it urban sophisticated like the ones restaurants change more than $10 for?  I grabbed the tomato-basil-flavor sausage, French roll bread, Ranch dressing, fresh basil, tomatoes, butter and worked my magic.

Cut the sausage lengthwise and grill the halves. Butter both sides of the roll. Grill the buttered-sides. Spread Ranch dressing or a similar cool-flavored condiment on the bread. Slice tomatoes and put on the bread. Top with the cooked sausage then fresh basil. Pour an individual-size bag of Cool Ranch Doritos in the tray. 

Now serve your new sassy sausage sandwich. 

Plop In A Chair, Kick Off Your Shoes & Sip On A Slushee Mojito

Aaah, it's finally Friday. It's been a long week, and I need  -- no deserve -- a drink. Usually, I'd open a bottle of Merlot or Shiraz, pour a glass of wine, lean back on my couch and celebrate Happy Friday!

Once a bottle of wine is open, it has to be consumed in a couple of days. That isn't always ideal for times when I just want one drink. So I've found a new drink to try just for those moments. It has just a tad of liquor and plenty of mint, another herb grown in my garden.

Create Simple Pleasures: Berries Bowls

Not every delicious meal or snack has to be complex, complicated or time-consuming. It's easy to forget the most enjoyable pleasures often are the simplest ones such as a berries bowl.

You can't go wrong. 

Berries Bowl

Ingredients/tools:
1 bowl (small)
Several strawberries
Several blackberries
Mix together and chill (preferably for at least an hour for the freshest taste)
Eat, Smile and Enjoy.

Make The Perfect Panini Sandwich

I'm no longer a big bread eater. Though when I do eat bread, I want it to be part of an unforgettable sandwich. I made just that sandwich after discovering panini slims, bread sold at Trader Joe's. I've made this sandwich for dinner and lunch, and I've varied the contents depending upon what's in my refrigerator. Each time, the sandwich was spectacular if I may say so myself. 

If you have 15 minutes to spare, you can make this sandwich, too. Here are the instructions:

Coat the inner side of bread with butter. I used my homemade basil-flavored butter. Grill both sides of the bread, about two minutes on each side.

 

Add a layer of cheese then a layer of spinach. Cook for a minute. Add a layer of meat on one slice of panini, and add cheese on the other slice. Cook 30 seconds before placing the slices together. Press the slices together and cook on each side for about 30 seconds. Serve whole or cut in half or quarters.

Meatless Dinner: Try This Egg-Drop Soup

I've been searching for quick, easy recipes for egg-drop soup for a while. Finally, I found two.

Not only are the steps easy to follow, the ingredients are likely to be in your refrigerator. Even if you have to go to the grocery store, you'll find these ingredients on most store shelves.

I've posted both videos on making egg-drop soup. Check out both and let me know which one you like best.

Recipe 1: Egg-Drop Soup in 15 minutes

Recipe 2: Egg-Drop Soup with homemade stock

Try These Cookies For Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

 Cookies often are relegated to the role of snack-time treats or desserts. Nothing wrong with desserts. I enjoy eating them when I can. And that's how some cookies, like these Oatmeal Maple Cookies, should be viewed.

  I typically will cook two dozen oatmeal raisin cookies and divide them into snack baggies. Some I store in my car for quick, energy-boosting snacks when I'm running errands and don't have time for a sit-down meal. Some I keep for lunch. Some I give away to family and friends.

  If you don't have maple syrup called for in this recipe, don't worry. These cookies are a treat with or without it.

 Keep in mind you can adapt this recipe to your taste. I add dried cranberries or brown and golden raisins.  Give it a try and share your thoughts here.

Silky Smooth Salad Dressing

One of the best ways to keep salad exciting or to avoid becoming bored with eating it is to switch up the salad dressing.  I did so with my recent batch of homemade salad dressing. My secret ingredient this time? This glorious find from Trader Joe's: Pomegranate Vinegar.

2 parts olive oil (I used cold-pressed, Greek Kalamata)
1 part pomegranate vinegar
Salt (a dash)
Pepper
Dijon mustard
Minced garlic

Whisk ingredients into olive oil one at a time. Pour mixture into a container with a tightly sealed top. Shake aggressively for 15-20 seconds. Chill for 30 minutes or serve immediately. Enjoy.

Six Ingredients, Ten Minutes One Unforgettable Meal

Just as I was looking for a recipe for the pancetta I bought, I found this yummy meal. I'm not fond of the eggs in this spaghetti carbonara recipe, but I'm willing to go with the flow.

I love pasta and bacon so if this dish falls short, I'll definitely let you know. If you have a better recipe for this dish, please share it.

Salad Dressing In 60 Seconds Flat!

I eat veggies daily and among them there usually is a fresh salad I make almost daily. I've been told and read that homemade salad dressing is healthier. I've also heard dressing is super simple to make and far fresher than those sold in stores.

I waited until my store-bought dressing was nearly gone before giving this a try. I made a balsamic vinaigrette dressing within 60 seconds  -- all before going to work. It turned out well if I may say so myself.

WHAT I USED:
1/2 cup of olive oil
1/4 of a cup of balsamic vinegar
Dash of salt and pepper
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard (acts as an emulsifier or binding agent)

WHAT I DID: 
I mixed the ingredients in no particular order (though next time I'll add the mustard then the vinegar). Mixed with a whisker until the consistency was smooth. I put the dressing in a seal-tight container and stored in the refrigerator. If you don't like mustard, use a fresh egg as the binding agent.

I plan to refine and vary my ingredients during the next rounds. I'm also looking for a jar so I can shake the ingredients to combine them. The jar also will be the storage container. The dressing will last about a week.

As for store-bought dressing, I'll still buy at least one bottle. But the homemade recipe has found a permanent spot in my kitchen.

Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing