Food

Lime Icebox Cake

If you love cake like I do but don’t want to turn on the oven during the hot summer months, then an icebox cake will do the trick. What is an icebox cake? It’s a no-bake cake made from layers of cookies and whipped cream. The cookies soften as it sits in the refrigerator overnight creating a cake-like texture. This scrumptious cake tastes a lot like a key lime pie.

Carlota de limón (Mexican lime icebox cake) uses Maria cookies and that’s what I use. Maria cookies are similar to graham crackers. The Mexican version of this cake uses evaporated milk, which you can use. I chose heavy cream. Both are very good. If you cannot find Maria cookies use graham crackers instead.

This easy yet impressive dessert will delight your family and friends.

Happy Eating!

And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

Lime Icebox Cake

Yield: 9 servings

Ingredients

One (14 oz.) can of sweetened condensed milk

One (8 oz.)  cup of heavy cream

¼ cup fresh squeezed lime juice (3 to 4 limes)

1 tsp. lime zest (1 lime)

1 ½ sleeves of Maria cookies (10 oz.) 

Optional Garnish:

Whipped cream

Lime zest

Lime slices

Maria cookies 

Instructions

  1. Zest 1 or 2 limes to get 1 teaspoon. Juice 3 to 4 limes to get ¼ cup. 
  2. Add the sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream to a mixing bowl and gently whisk for a minute. Add the lime zest and juice. Whisk for an additional couple of minutes until the mixture is thickened.
  3. Using an 8×8 baking dish pour a small amount of the filling on the bottom. Add a layer of the Maria cookies, breaking them into smaller pieces if needed to fill in.
  4. Pour another layer of the filling, approximately ¼ to ⅓ cup on top of the cookie layer. Continue layering cookies and lime filling until it’s all gone, ending with just the lime mixture on the top. You should have 3 to 4 cookie layers, depending on your preference.
  5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours up to overnight.
  6. Enjoy your delicious icebox cake within a few days.

Notes:

  • The filling will thicken as you whisk everything together, but it will still be a little runny. It will thicken as it sets up in the fridge.
  • Use a pie plate, or any baking dish you prefer.
  • One sleeve of Maria cookies will make 3 layers in an 8×8 pan.

Food

Peppermint Bark

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If you love peppermint like I do, then you will enjoy this very simple holiday treat. This would make a great addition to a cookie platter, or a very nice homemade gift. I made it with a semi-sweet chocolate base and a white chocolate top, but you could just use one type of chocolate. I like the contrast of the two chocolates with the mint.

Need a last minute gift, or treat for a party? Peppermint bark will save the day. Delicious, chocolatey, minty goodness all in one super easy no bake dessert. Only four ingredients for this fantastic recipe. Here is my last minute gift to you.

Merry Christmas!

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

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Peppermint Bark

Ingredients

1 bag white chocolate chips (11 oz.)

1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips (11 oz.)

½ teaspoon peppermint extract

6 candy canes, crushed

Instructions

  1. Line a large baking sheet (9 x12, or larger) with parchment going up the sides of the pan.
  2. Put a freezer bag inside another freezer bag and place the candy canes inside. Break them into small pieces using a rolling pin. Set aside.
  3. In a small glass bowl put the semi-sweet chips. Microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring between until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
  4. Pour the melted semi-sweet chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread out evenly using a rubber spatula.  Place in the refrigerator for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is almost set.
  5. Melt the white chocolate in a small glass bowl while the semi-sweet chocolate layer is setting up in the fridge. Heat in the microwave for 20 seconds at a time, stirring in between until the white chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in ½ tsp peppermint extract. Pour the melted white chocolate over the semi-sweet layer. Carefully spread out the white chocolate using a rubber spatula.
  6. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the white chocolate and gently press the candy canes into the chocolate. 
  7. Refrigerate the bark until completely set, about an hour. 
  8. Break into pieces and enjoy!

Notes 

  1. The semi-sweet layer should be a little bit soft when you pour the melted white chocolate on top. This way the layers will adhere together. If the semi-sweet is completely set the two chocolate layers can separate. 
  2. White chocolate chips are a bit temperamental and want to harden fast after melting. Work quickly so the candy canes will stick to the chocolate before it sets up. 
  3. The microwave is the easiest way to melt the chocolate but a double boiler is ideal. 
  4. My bark is thin since I used a large pan, spreading my chocolate thin. Use a smaller pan for thicker bark. 
  5. Store bark in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. It can be left at room temperature for a few days, but it will get soft.

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Photo Credits: Meghan E. White

Food, mustard seed sentinel

Kool-Aid Pie

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My childhood included consuming large amounts of Kool-Aid. With five children this was an inexpensive way for my mom to give us a fun drink, and we drank a lot of it. So I was very excited to find this Kool-Aid pie recipe. 

One of my favorite childhood drinks in the form of a pie. The nostalgia. The wonderful memories. I had to try this fun dessert, and it did not disappoint. I made cherry for my first attempt, and it packs a punch just like the Kool-Aid Man. It is a bit on the sweeter side but still very good.

Kids will absolutely love making this easy no-bake dessert. Choose any flavor you like. It comes together within minutes. No special equipment is required. You just need a large mixing bowl and a rubber spatula. 

Only four ingredients are used for this delightful pie that will make you feel like a kid again. The flavor options are plentiful. I have also made a tropical punch flavored pie and that too is a winner. Kool-Aid pie will add a little sunshine to your day. Who doesn’t need more of that.

Happy Eating!

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 

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Kool-Aid Pie

Ingredients 

1 (14oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

1 packet of Kool-Aid (any flavor)

1 (8 oz.) container whipped topping

1 store bought graham cracker pie crust

Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl pour the sweetened condensed milk. Add Kool-Aid and mix with a rubber spatula until combined and the color is uniform.
  2. Fold in the entire container of whipped topping until everything is mixed evenly and there are no streaks of color. 
  3. Spread mixture into graham cracker crust. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Notes

  • You can use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip. 
  • Reduce the amount of sweetened milk to bring down the sweetness. 
  • Freeze the pie during the summer for a cool treat.

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You can find this recipe and all of my recipes that I share on Mustard Seed Sentinel, Meghan’s Corner.

https://www.mustardseedsentinel.com/post/meghan-s-corner-kool-aid-pie