Raspberry Cake (Jerica)

Okay I am a little embarrassed about this recipe because it is SO easy and I wouldn't even put it on here but its time for a new post. Anyways its an easy way to make a boring cake look a little more fun!

Take a bag of frozen raspberries and let completely thaw. Then drop them in a blender, add about 1/2 cup sugar and blend until smooth. Pour into a plastic bag and cut a tiny hole in the corner (that's my favorite trick). Set aside. Bake a cake using the directions on the back of the Betty Crocker box, and top with a cream cheese frosting. Drizzle that raspberry delight on top!

Okay so I stole the picture from google and my cake would never look like that but you get the idea right?

Calling you out!!!

I have decided to call a few of you out for your recipes, after tasting such deliciousness on Saturday at our CUZ party! So here is the line-up.......
Jordan-KC BBQ chicken(the best I have ever had!!) and your cute flag cake
Jaclyn-7 layer dip
Jerica-raspberry cake
Sunnie-fruit salad
Alex-peanut butter cookies
Mags already shared with us her fabulous salad recipe, it was full of goodness!

Here is a slideshow featuring our fun night at Jordan's. Thanks again to Mike and Jordan for hosting a great night! We hope to see you all at the next one in July hosted by Sunnie for GIRLS ONLY!!!

Most Romantic Meal (Jerica)

Okay, Emily, sorry it took me so long. I just had to wait for a reason to cook a romantic meal for Mitch. Since yesterday was the two-year anniversary, I made him shrimp because he loves it! I am not a big fan but you said to do something that would impress a guy so here is my best shot...

Brandied Shrimp
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, finely minced (I buy the kind already minced for you)
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)
Salt and fresh black pepper
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
2 tablespoons brandy (I used a substitute)
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until it is fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often. Stir in the shrimp, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt and pepper and let the mixture simmer until the shrimp are partially cooked through and beginning to curl, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the ketchup and the oregano and simmer until the shrimp are opaque and just cooked through, 2 more minutes. Add the brandy and parsley, stir to combine, remove from the heat and serve.

Emerald Rice
2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves (I would probably half this and the parsley because it was a little overwhelming)
1/4 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon lime zest (I left this out)
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat your broiler to high.
Heat the rice in your microwave until it's warmed through. Place the rice in a heatproof casserole or baking dish and toss with the melted butter, the chopped cilantro, parsley, lime zest and Parmesan. Place the dish under the broiler for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is browned. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
1/2 bag dove milk chocolates
1/2 carton of strawberries
6 squares Ghirardelli white vanilla chocolate

Melt milk chocolates in a pan until melted and roll/dip strawberries into the pan until they are covered. Set on chilled plate to cool. Put white chocolate in a Ziploc back and put into microwave for about one minute until completely melted. Cut a small hole into the corner of the bag and drizzle it over the chocolate covered strawberries. Now just go ahead and close your eyes, take a bite, and go to heaven.

Serve with steamed veggies, a candle, champagne glasses and you have got yourself one romantic meal!

And now for the opposite effect, I am tagging Emily, Maggie, and Adrianne for the best messy meal! Show me what you got, girls!

Caramel Popcorn (Beth)

1 cup butter
1 cup light Karo syrup
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3 1/2 cups light brown sugar

Bring to a boil over medium heat and let boil for 5 minutes.
Add 1/2 cup miniature marshmellows and 1/8 teaspoon baking soda.
Stir until marshmellows are melted, then pour over 4 bags of popped microwave popcorn (or pop 2 cups popcorn kernels).

This makes a lot!!! And it stays soft for days!!! Just be sure to follow the instructions exactly! And watch out when you add the baking soda, it foams up and may boil over.

If you don't have all of this stuff, my husbands family does a simpler version.

PEANUT BUTTER POPCORN

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup maple syrup
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Bring to a boil and let simmer for a couple of minutes. Pour over 2 bags popped microwave popcorn.