We'll miss you! Me,too. =(

Christina Aguilera - Candy Man

Barbados Punch ✿⊱╮

Original recipe yield 1 cocktail

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ounce Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
• 1/4 ounce triple sec
• 1 ounce lime juice
• 2 ounces pineapple juice
• 1 slice lime
• 1 slice pineapple

1. Add Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, triple sec, lime juice, and pineapple juice in a blender with crushed ice.
2. Blend until smooth and pour into glass.
3. Garnish with lime slice and pineapple slice.

Cherry Limeade I ✿⊱╮

PREP TIME	5 Min
READY IN	5 Min

INGREDIENTS

• 2 (12 fluid ounce) cans frozen limeade concentrate
• 1 (2 liter) bottle lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
• 1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and juice reserved
• 1 lime

Pour both cans of concentrated limeade into a large pitcher. Mix in lemon-lime soda. Stir in reserved cherry juice. Squeeze juice from lime into mixture, then slice and set aside. Stir well and serve over ice. Garnish with cherries and lime slices.

Grilled Peaches and Cream ✿⊱╮

PREP TIME	15 Min
COOK TIME	8 Min
READY IN	23 Min

INGREDIENTS

• 4 peaches, halved and pitted
• 2 tablespoons clover honey
• 1 cup soft cream cheese with honey and nuts
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1. Preheat a grill for medium-high heat.
2. Brush peaches with a light coating of oil. Place pit side down onto the grill. Grill for 5 minutes, or until the surfaces have nice grill marks. Turn the peaches over, and drizzle with a bit of honey. Place a dollop of the cream cheese spread in the place where the pit was. Grill for 2 to 3 more minutes, or until the filling is warm. Serve immediately.

Beauty tips by Tyra Banks

Marshmallow Cake

PREP TIME 15 Min COOK TIME 5 Min READY IN 3 Hrs 20 Min

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 (10.5 ounce) package marshmallows
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust

1. In a saucepan on low heat, combine marshmallows and milk. Cook until marshmallows are melted, and mixture starts to boil. Remove from heat.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in egg yolk. Fold in 1/3 of the melted marshmallow mixture, then quickly fold in remaining marshmallow until no streaks remain. Stir in lemon juice.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain. Spread into graham crust. Refrigerate for 3 hours.

Coconut Snacks

PREP TIME 10 Min READY IN 10 Min

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
• 4 tablespoons water
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups flaked coconut

In a mixing bowl, beat peanut butter, sugar, milk and water until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips. Form into 1-in. balls; roll in coconut. Chill until firm.

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OREO® Caramel-Dipped Apples

PREP TIME 20 Min READY IN 1 Hr 15 Min

INGREDIENTS

• 5 medium apples, washed, well dried
• 1 (14 ounce) package KRAFT Caramels
• 12 OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, coarsely chopped
• 1 square BAKER'S Premium White Baking Chocolate, melted
• Yellow and red food coloring (optional)

1. Insert wooden pop stick (from bag of caramels) into stem end of each apple; set aside.
2. Place caramels and 2 tablespoons water in large saucepan; cook on medium-low heat until caramels are melted, stirring frequently.
3. Dip apples into melted caramel, spooning caramel over apples to coat. Roll in chopped cookies, pressing cookies gently into caramel to secure. Place on wax-paper-lined baking sheet; let stand 25 minutes or until caramel is set.
4. Stir 4 drops yellow food coloring and 1 drop red food coloring into melted white chocolate to tint orange. Cool 15 minutes. Drizzle over apples; let stand until firm. Store in refrigerator up to 2 days.

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Gourmet Root Beer Float

PREP TIME	2 Min
READY IN	2 Min

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 pint vanilla ice cream
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle root beer
• 1/2 cup whipped cream
• 4 maraschino cherries

1. Place 1 scoop of ice cream into each of two tall glasses. Pour root beer carefully over the ice cream. Add another scoop and repeat. If possible, repeat again.

Purple Cow Smoothie ✿⊱╮

PREP TIME 10 Min
READY IN 10 Min


INGREDIENTS

* 1/2 cup grape soda
* 2 cups vanilla ice cream
* 10 cubes ice
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* milk


1. In a blender, combine grape soda, ice cream, ice cubes and vanilla. Blend until smooth. If mixture is too thick, add milk until desired consistency is achieved. Pour into glasses and serve.

White Chocolate Fruit Tart

PREP TIME	30 Min
COOK TIME	25 Min
READY IN	55 Min

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• FILLING:
• 1 (10 ounce) package vanilla or white chips, melted and cooled
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, undrained
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 2 kiwifruit, peeled and sliced
• GLAZE:
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

1. In a small mixing bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour; mix well. Press into an ungreased 11-in. tart pan with removable bottom or 12-in. pizza pan with sides. Bake at 300 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.
2. For filling, in a small mixing bowl, beat melted chips and cream. Add cream cheese and beat until smooth. Spread over crust. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Drain pineapple, reserving 1/2 cup juice; set juice aside. Arrange the pineapple, strawberries, oranges and kiwi over filling.
3. For glaze, in a small saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in lemon juice and reserved pineapple juice until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Cool; brush over fruit. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.

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Raspberry Tart ✿⊱╮

PREP TIME	1 Hr 10 Min
READY IN	2 Hrs 10 Min
Original recipe yield 1 - 9 inch tart INGREDIENTS 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup butter 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar 4 cups fresh raspberries 1 (8 ounce) jar raspberry jam In a medium bowl, blend together the flour, butter and sugar. Chill mixture for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Pat chilled mixture into a 9 inch tart pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once out of the oven, allow to cool. Arrange raspberries in crust. Heat jar of jam in microwave until it begins to boil. Pour jam over fruit. Cover and refrigerate tart for about 1 hour.

Inchworm bug cake

The Best =)

Candied Apples III ✿⊱╮

PREP TIME	5 Min
COOK TIME	10 Min
READY IN	20 Min
Original recipe yield 12 apples INGREDIENTS 1 2/3 cups cinnamon red hot candies 2 tablespoons water 12 apples Insert craft sticks into apples. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, pour candies and water. Occasionally brushing down sides of pan with a heat-resistant pastry brush, heat candy to 300 to 310 degrees F (149 to 154 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms hard, brittle threads. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Dip apples in hot liquid and place on waxed paper to harden.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups ✿⊱╮

PREP TIME	2 Hrs
READY IN	2 Hrs

NGREDIENTS

• 1 (11.5 ounce) package milk chocolate chips, divided
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

1. Trim 12 paper muffin cup liners to half of their height.
2. Place 1/2 chocolate chips in a microwave safe container. Microwave for 2 minutes, stirring after each minute. Spoon melted chocolate into muffin cups, filling halfway. With a spoon, draw the chocolate up the sides of the cups until evenly coated. Cool in the refrigerator until firm.
3. In a small bowl, mix together peanut butter, confectioners' sugar and salt. divide into the chocolate cups. Melt the remaining chocolate, and spoon over peanut butter. Spread chocolate to edges of cups.

Pineapple Orange Sorbet ✿⊱╮

PREP TIME	20 Min
COOK TIME	10 Min
READY IN	3 Hrs

NGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest

1. In a medium saucepan, bring water and sugar to a simmer over medium high heat until sugar is dissolved.
2. In a food processor, puree pineapple with its juice until smooth. Transfer to a metal bowl, and stir in syrup, lemon juice, orange juice, and orange zest. Freeze until slightly firm, but not frozen.
3. Process mixture again in the food processor or beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Transfer to a freezer container and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.

Triple Berry Sorbet ✿⊱╮

PREP TIME	10 Min
COOK TIME	10 Min
READY IN	4 Hrs 30 Min
Original recipe yield 1 quart INGREDIENTS 1 3/4 cups white sugar 1 3/4 cups water 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries 1 (12 ounce) package frozen unsweetened raspberries 1 1/2 cups cherry juice 1/2 cup lime juice 2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate Bring the sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. When the sugar is dissolved, stir in the cranberries, and cook and stir for 5 minutes. Add the raspberries, and simmer for 5 more minutes, until the raspberries have softened and the cranberries have popped. Strain the mixture through a sieve or strainer, discard the pulp, and refrigerate the mixture for 2 hours. Mix in the cherry juice, lime juice, and orange juice concentrate, and pour the mixture into an ice cream maker. Freeze according to directions. Pack the sorbet into a freezer container and freeze for about 2 hours, until the sorbet is firm. Remove from the freezer about 10 minutes before serving.

Pentecost

It's nearly there.
Pentecost is an public holiday here in Germany.
All the Christian are celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.
And also there's no school for us.
Lol. =)

More information?
Check this out!

>>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost

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Banana Crumb Muffins

PREP TIME	15 Min
COOK TIME	20 Min
READY IN	35 Min
Original recipe yield 10 muffins INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 bananas, mashed 3/4 cup white sugar 1 egg, lightly beaten 1/3 cup butter, melted 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon butter Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers. In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins. Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

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Almond Chocolate Coconut Cookies

PREP TIME	10 Min
COOK TIME	13 Min
READY IN	25 Min
Original recipe yield 4 dozen INGREDIENTS 1 cup butter 1 1/2 cups white sugar 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 4 eggs 4 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 5 cups semisweet chocolate chips 2 cups flaked coconut 2 cups chopped almonds DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt, stir into the creamed mixture until well blended. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips, coconut and almonds. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Dark Chocolate Cake

PREP TIME	30 Min
COOK TIME	30 Min
READY IN	1 Hr 20 Min
Original recipe yield 3 - 9 inch round pans INGREDIENTS 2 cups boiling water 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup butter, softened 2 1/4 cups white sugar 4 eggs 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 3 - 9 inch round cake pans. In medium bowl, pour boiling water over cocoa, and whisk until smooth. Let mixture cool. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at time, then stir in vanilla. Add the flour mixture alternately with the cocoa mixture. Spread batter evenly between the 3 prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Allow to cool.

Best Cherry Pie

INGREDIENTS

• 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
• 1 (20 ounce) can pitted sour cherries
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
• 1 egg yolk
  

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 C). Make pastry and refrigerate.
2. Drain cherries, reserving 1 cup liquid. In a saucepan combine sugar, flour and salt. Stir in cherry liquid and bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Mixture will thicken.
3. When mixture is thickened, add butter, almond extract, food coloring and cherries. Cover and refrigerate.
4. On lightly covered surface, roll out half of the pastry into an 11 inch circle. Put into 9 inch pie dish. Roll other half of pastry into another 11 inch circle. With a knife or pastry wheel, cut eight 1/2 inch strips.
5. Pour cooled cherry filling into pie dish. Place pastry strips horizontally, then vertically, across the top of the pie and lightly brush with egg yolk. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, and cool before serving.

http://www.superweddings.com/cakegallery.htm

Ice Cream Cone Treats

Original recipe yield 30 cones (approximately)

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
• 1 (16 ounce) package vanilla frosting
• 1 ounce colored candy sprinkles

1. Prepare cake mix batter according to directions, or make any standard cake recipe batter (i.e. white, chocolate, etc.).
2. Place flat-bottomed ice cream cones in the cups of a regular muffin pan. Pour enough batter into each cone to fill from 1/2 to 2/3 full.
3. Bake at time and temperature as recommended for cupcakes. After they have cooled, frost with your favorite canned or home-prepared frosting recipe. Decorate with sprinkles or other decorations of your choice.

Chocolate Buttermilk Cake

PREP TIME	30 Min
COOK TIME	1 Hr
READY IN	2 Hrs
Original recipe yield 9 inch 3 layer cake INGREDIENTS 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1/4 cup water 2 1/4 cups cake flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup butter, softened 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 3/4 cups white sugar 3 eggs 1 cup buttermilk 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1/4 cup honey 2 tablespoons water 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 cups heavy whipping cream Grease three 9 inch cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small pan over low heat, combine 1cup chocolate chips and 1/4 cup water. Stir until chocolate chips have melted, and mixture is smooth. Allow to cool to room temperature. Sift together flour, soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter or margarine with the sugar. Add vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in chocolate mixture. Stir flour mixture into creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Blend until smooth. Divide batter into three 9 inch pans, and smooth tops. Bake for 25 minutes, or until pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 to 15 minutes, then invert on wire racks; turn right side up to cool completely. Place 1 cake layer upside down on cake platter. Spread with 1/2 inch layer chocolate whipped cream. Repeat with another cake layer. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost with remaining cream. To Make Chocolate Whipped Cream Frosting: In small saucepan over low heat stir 1 cup chocolate chips, honey, 2 tablespoons water and 1/8 teaspoon salt until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth; cool completely. In medium bowl beat cream until it holds its shape. Gradually fold about 3 large tablespoons cream into chocolate mixture, then fold chocolate mixture into remaining whipped cream until blended.

Black Forest Cake

Original recipe yield 1 - 9 inch 3 layer cake

INGREDIENTS

• 2 1/8 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 (20 ounce) cans pitted sour cherries
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 inch, round, cake pans; cover bottoms with waxed paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, 2 cups sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and 1 tablespoon vanilla; beat until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pans.
3. Bake for 35 minutes, or until wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool layers in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Loosen edges, and remove to racks to cool completely.
4. Drain cherries, reserving 1/2 cup juice. Combine reserved juice, cherries, 1 cup sugar and cornstarch in a 2 quart saucepan. Cook over low heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Cool before using.
5. Combine whipping cream and confectioner's sugar in a chilled medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form.
6. With long serrated knife, split each cake layer horizontally in half. Tear one split layer into crumbs; set aside. Reserve 1 1/2 cups Frosting for decorating cake; set aside. Gently brush loose crumbs off top and side of each cake layer with pasty brush or hands. To assemble, place one cake layer on cake plate. Spread with 1 cup frosting; top with 3/4 cup cherry topping. Top with second cake layer; repeat layers of frosting and cherry topping. Top with third cake layer. Frost side of cake. Pat reserved crumbs onto frosting on side of cake. Spoon reserved frosting into pastry bag fitted with star decorator tip. Pipe around top and bottom edges of cake. Spoon remaining cherry topping onto top of cake.

Red, White and Blue Strawberry Shortcake

PREP TIME 20 Min COOK TIME 30 Min READY IN 50 Min Original recipe yield 1 - 9x13 inch cake INGREDIENTS * 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix * 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed * 1 pint blueberries, rinsed and drained * 2 pints fresh strawberries, rinsed and sliced 1. Prepare cake according to package directions and bake in a 9x13 inch pan. Cool completely. 2. Frost cake with whipped topping. Place blueberries in a square in the corner, and arrange sliced strawberries as stripes to make an American flag. Chill until serving.

Love Ida xx3

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PHILADELPHIA Double-Chocolate Cheesecake

PREP TIME	20 Min
READY IN	5 Hrs 5 Min

INGREDIENTS

• 24 OREO Cookies, crushed
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 4 (8 ounce) packages PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 (8 ounce) package BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup blueberries

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Mix crumbs and butter; press onto bottom of 13x9-pan lined with foil. Bake 10 min.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, flour and vanilla with mixer until blended. Add chocolate; mix well.
4. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low after each just until blended. Pour over crust.
5. Bake 45 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool. Refrigerate 4 hours. Use foil to lift cheesecake from pan. Top with berries.

Strawberry Cake

PREP TIME	10 Min
COOK TIME	30 Min
READY IN	40 Min
Original recipe yield 2 - 9 inch cake layers INGREDIENTS 2 cups white sugar 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin 1 cup butter, softened 4 eggs (room temperature) 2 3/4 cups sifted cake flour 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 cup whole milk, room temperature 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup strawberry puree made from frozen sweetened strawberries Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar and dry strawberry gelatin until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Combine the flour and baking powder; stir into the batter alternately with the milk. Blend in vanilla and strawberry puree. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a small knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in their pans over a wire rack for at least 10 minutes, before tapping out to cool completely.

New York Cheesecake

PREP TIME	30 Min
COOK TIME	1 Hr
READY IN	7 Hrs 30 Min
Original recipe yield 1 - 9 inch springform pan INGREDIENTS 15 graham crackers, crushed 2 tablespoons butter, melted 4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese 1 1/2 cups white sugar 3/4 cup milk 4 eggs 1 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9 inch springform pan. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press onto bottom of springform pan. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Blend in milk, and then mix in the eggs one at a time, mixing just enough to incorporate. Mix in sour cream, vanilla and flour until smooth. Pour filling into prepared crust. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour. Turn the oven off, and let cake cool in oven with the door closed for 5 to 6 hours; this prevents cracking. Chill in refrigerator until serving.

Licorice Gummies

Licorice Gummies combine the flavors of anise and cherry for a fun, vibrant red licorice candy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
• 3 (.44 oz) packages sugar-free cherry Jell-O
• 4 cups diet cherry soda
• 2 tsp anise extract

Preparation:

1. Prepare a 9 x 13-inch pan by lightly wetting it with water.

2. Combine the gelatins and ½ cup of the soda in a small bowl and stir until combined. Allow the gelatin to soften for 5 minutes.

3. Place the remaining 3.5 cups of soda in a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil.

4. Add the gelatin and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the extract.

5. Pour into the pan and refrigerate until set. Once set, cut into squares, strips or shapes of your choice using a sharp knife or cookie cutters.

Chocolate-Dipped Apricots

Chocolate-Dipped Apricots are light, elegant candies that are surprisingly easy to make. These bite-sized treats taste sophisticated and none too sweet, since they are made with unsweetened dried fruit and dark chocolate. If you prefer a sweeter candy, substitute milk or white chocolate instead.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 24 whole dried apricots
• 2 ounces (1/2 cup) toasted almonds, finely chopped
• 6 ounces dark chocolate

Preparation:

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil. Place the chopped almonds in a small bowl.

2. Temper or melt the chocolate in a medium bowl.

3. Holding an apricot by the tip, dip most of the fruit into the melted chocolate, swirling to ensure even coverage. Remove it from the chocolate and drag it along the lip of the bowl, removing excess chocolate.

4. Pat both sides of the chocolate-dipped apricot on the chopped almonds, covering both sides with nuts.

5. Place the candy on the prepared baking sheet, and repeat for the remaining apricots.

6. Place in the refrigerator to set the chocolate for approximately 10 minutes. If the chocolate has been tempered, the candy can be served at room temperature, but if it has not, it should be kept refrigerated until served.

English Toffee

This classic toffee is buttery and rich, and pairs very well with dark chocolate. Do not substitute margarine for the butter—you will sacrifice essential flavor. Be sure to check out the photo guide with step-by-step instructions showing how to make toffee.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup almonds
• 1 pound of dark chocolate
• 2 cups (1 pound) butter
• 2-2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup

Preparation:

1. Toast the nuts by spreading them on a cookie sheet and placing them in a 325-degree oven for approximately 10 minutes. Stir them every 3-4 minutes, and remove them once they darken and become fragrant. Let the nuts cool, then chop them finely.

2. Prepare a 12x16 inch cookie sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.

3. Combine the butter, sugar, water and corn syrup in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly to dissolve the sugar and melt the butter. Insert a candy thermometer and bring the candy to a boil, periodically brushing down the sides with a wet pastry brush to prevent crystallization.

4. Continue to cook the candy, stirring frequently, until it reaches 300 degrees. If the candy appears to separate (with a layer of melted butter on top) stir vigorously to make it come back together again. Watch the candy as it approaches 300, since it cooks quickly and can scorch at high temperatures.

5. Once the candy reaches 300 degrees, remove from heat and pour it onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the candy to an even thickness. Allow the toffee to begin to set, then spray a knife with nonstick cooking spray and score the toffee into small squares or rectangles. Allow the toffee to cool completely.

6. Once the toffee is cool, break it apart on the scored lines into small squares. The toffee can be left plain, or dipped in chocolate.

7. To dip the toffee in chocolate, begin by melting the chocolate. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it in one-minute increments, stirring after every minute to prevent overheating.

8. Dip each piece of toffee in the chocolate, either submerging it completely or dipping it halfway in, according to your preference. Place dipped toffee pieces on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the top generously with chopped nuts. Repeat with remaining toffee, chocolate and nuts.

9. Place the toffee in the refrigerator to set the chocolate, about 30 minutes. Once set, toffee can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Creamy Caramels

These smooth candies are what most people think of when they hear the word "caramel"; Rich with cream, they are great as-is, or even better when dipped in chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cream
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 6 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
• 1-1/3 cups light brown sugar

Preparation:

1. Prepare a small (6x6 inch) square pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Combine the sugar, cream, butter, vanilla, and 1 TB water in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir with a spoon over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the butter is melted.

3. Bring to boil and cover for 3 minutes.

4. Uncover, but do not stir! Continue boiling until a candy thermometer reads 250 degrees.

5. Pour the caramel into the prepared pan and let it cool down.

6. When it is still slightly wet, score the top into squares, and then leave to harden completely.

7. Once firm, cut into pieces and wrap individually in waxed paper or cling wrap. Candies can be store in an airtight container at room temperature (not refrigerated) for up to one week.

Fall Medallions

These quick drop candies combine dark chocolate, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, pecans and cocoa nibs for an elegant after-dinner treat. The fruits lend a tart bite to the chocolate, while the nibs and the pecans add a dark, earthy undertone. Fall medallions would make a great finish to an adult dinner party, or light refreshment with midday coffee or tea.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 36 toasted pecan halves
• 36 dried cranberries
• 2 tbsp cocoa nibs
• 1/3 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
• 8 ounces dark chocolate

Preparation:

1. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil.

2. Temper the chocolate.

3. Spoon teaspoon-sized circles of chocolate on the aluminum foil. The chocolate will spread, so leave at least 1.5 inches of space between them.

4. Arrange the pecans, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, and cocoa nibs on the chocolate. I used 1 pecan half, 1 dried cranberry, a sprinkling of nibs, and 2-3 pomegranate seeds per medallion, but you can adjust depending on the size of your chocolate circles. I would suggest keeping these approximate ratios so all of the elements are in balance.

5. Place the medallions in the refrigerator to harden for at least 20 minutes.

6. The chocolates can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. They should be kept cool until just before serving, to preserve the seeds and ensure the chocolate does not melt.

Note: Cocoa nibs are a specialty item that can be found in some upscale baking stores, kitchen supply shops, or ordered online. They are the roasted bits of the cocoa pod from which we obtain cocoa powder. Although they smell deliciously chocolaty, their taste is actually that of unsweetened chocolate, and thus they can be quite intense if not moderated with other, sweeter flavors. In the context of this candy, they are balanced with sweet-tart fruit flavors and sweetened chocolate, so they add an interesting depth without overpowering the rest of the ingredients.