Everyone loves a good cheeseball, right? Well…. Even if you’re not a fan of the traditional cheesy, rolled-in-nuts kind of cheeseball, you’re going to LOVE this one. It’s a dessert cheeseball. I don’t actually roll it into a ball. I cheat and make it in a pretty glass bowl. (Actually, I use lower-fat ingredients, and they don’t like to set up into a ball-ish consistency.) Either way, it’s pretty yummy! We eat it with graham crackers (regular or chocolate), Nilla Wafers, or shortbread cookies.

Chocolate Chip Cheeseball

1 8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 tsp. vanilla
2 T. brown sugar
3/4 c. powdered sugar
3/4 c. mini chocolate chips

1. Beat softened cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla until creamy.
2. Slowly add brown sugar and powdered sugar until blended.
3. Stir in chocolate chips.
4. Place mixture onto a piece of waxed paper and form into a ball.
5. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.
6. You can roll this into crushed pecans if you wish. I’m not a fan of nuts, so I just go with the bowl.
7. Serve with graham crackers or cookies of your choice.

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My mind has been anywhere but here lately.  I have been thinking ahead in about 15 different directions.  I am trying to get mentally prepared for Homeschooling to start again, and how I am going to find time for it all.  Then, I am thinking about Baking with Betty, and leaving my kids for 2 days.  To some, this may not sound like a problem, but I have attachment issues.   It is hard for me to trust someone else to take care of my babies as well as I do.    I think I am having a panic attack just typing about it!

Then,  everyone around me seems to be having babies lately.   I love the little cuties!  I have a new nephew, and one of my best friends is due any day.  I wish she was closer but her hubby is stationed in Italy.  Makes it difficult to stay in touch, but thank goodness for facebook and the telephone.  We were talking about babies, and pregnancy the other day.  I was telling her how much I loved food while I was pregnant.   Ok, I know you aren’t supposed to go crazy with food while you are pregnant, but you have to throw caution to the wind sometimes, right?!

In the strange way my mind works, I was thinking desserts, and Italy, and….TIRAMISU! OH, I haven’t had Tiramisu in such a long time!  It is one of those things I typically only order out!  Not anymore!  I came up with a quick and easy Tiramisu anyone can make in under 15 minutes!  Pop it in the fridge, and it is ready for dessert!  Wanna see?

ShortCut Tiramisu

ShortCut Tiramisu Printable Version

• 1 pkg ladyfingers divided
• 1 Tbsp. Instant Coffee
• 1 tsp. Sugar
• ½ cup boiling water
• 1 (8 oz.) Pkg Cream Cheese Softened
• 1 tbsp. almond flavored liqueur (optional)
• 1 Cup Cool Whip thawed
• 1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions

Arrange ½ pkg of ladyfingers on the bottom of a 9×9 or 8×8 baking dish.

Dissolve instant coffee and sugar in boiling water. (I used instant mocha coffee for the flavor) Brush ¼ cup of the coffee mixture over the ladyfingers in the dish.

Beat cream cheese, sugar, and liqueur with mixer on medium speed until it is smooth.  Gently stir in whipped topping.

Spoon ½ of the cream cheese mixture over the ladyfingers in the dish.

Top with another layer of ladyfingers.

Brush with remaining coffee.

Couldn’t resist a close up of the coffee soaked ladyfingers! YUM!

Spoon the remaining cream cheese over ladyfingers.

Dust with Cocoa powder.

Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Makes 4-6 servings.

Now, please explain to me why everyday isn’t “Snack”urday??

Want more recipes?  Visit the recipe tab at the top of the page.  They are all categorized for you!

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Hi! My name is Amanda, and I am addicted to fruit!  I love the stuff! I eat it by itself. I eat it frozen. I eat it in desserts, & with dinner.  Really, I haven’t met a fruit I didn’t like!  My girls are the same way.  My oldest went with me to the store this week and we walked out with Plums, nectarines, blueberries, grapes, & bananas.  We would have bought more, but I have to draw the line somewhere.

This dessert came to mind since the plums are in season and really affordable right now!  This is so simple, yet ….elegant!  You could serve this at a dinner party and impress everyone!  You don’t have to tell them it only took you 5 minutes to make!  Just grab  some vanilla ice cream to serve on the side and you have some seriously happy guests, or family members!  This came out of the oven and in 30 minutes it was gone! The entire thing.  The vultures flew into the kitchen when they heard the buzzer.  I had to fight them off for a piece.  I am already getting requests for another.

Grab some plums and get baking!

Simple Plum Tart

• Frozen puff pastry
• 3 plums
• 2 Tbsp Sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Thaw out Puff pastry dough according to directions.  You will only need half a package or one sheet of pastry.

Roll the puff pastry dough out on a parchement lined baking sheet.

Slice all three of the plums into thin pieces.

Lay them out onto the Puff pastry.

Take a butter knife and make an indention around the outside where the crust would be, being careful not to cut through the dough.

Sprinkle plums and pastry with sugar.

Bake at 375 for 20 minutes or until pastry has risen and is golden brown.

Serve with ice cream or by itself!

Check out my other great “Snack”urday Recipes

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I am so behind schedule, which I know is the story of my life!  I made this last night, and now I am up at the crack of dawn typing it up, so please forgive any typos

Pizza night just isn’t complete without this bad boy on the table.  There are no words to describe how good this is!  I tried to place it last night, and it kind of reminds me of a cheese danish, with tropical fruit, but better!  If you are going  to have a pizza night anytime soon, this should hands down, be on the menu for dessert!

I decided to make this after I was conned into buying a fresh pineapple this week by my 9 year old.  I love fresh pineapple, but I rarely buy it.  I have fallen for the stereotype that pineapples are hard to cut.  They aren’t !  They are so easy, and you will get atleast 3 cans worth of pineapple out of one whole pineapple.  They taste indescribably sweet!  I just can’t get enough of them. They are fabulous on the grill.  I eat it right out of the bowl, or in a fruit salad.  Or, you  could put some on your pizza!

Tropical Dessert Pizza

• 1 dessert pizza crust (recipe below)
• 1 8oz pkg of cream cheese
• ¼-1/3 cup of sugar
• Diced pineapple
• Sweetened flaked coconut
• 1 kiwi fruit sliced
• Macadamia nuts (optional)

Directions

In a small bowl mix together the cream cheese and sugar.

Spread on to the dessert pizza crust like a sauce.  Use it all!

Sprinkle the coconut shreds on top of the pizza like cheese.

Then, add the fruit and nut toppings.

Bake at 425 for 10 minutes or until coconut starts to brown.

Homemade Dessert Pizza Crust

• 1 pkg quick rise dry yeast or (1 TBSP)
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. Honey (you can substitute sugar)
• 1/8 tsp Cinnamon
• 2 ½ cup flour

Directions

For detailed photos see my Homemade pizza post

Mix yeast in warm water, and let sit for a couple minutes.

In large bowl mix the flour, cinnamon,  honey, and olive oil.  Stir in yeast mixture.

You will have to finish mixing by hand; let sit for 5-10 minutes covered by a towel.

Flatten on greased pan, or parchment covered pan.

Use a fork to poke holes in the center of the crust so it doesn’t rise.

Bake empty crust at 425 degrees for 10 minutes

Add whatever sweet topping you want.

Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes or until pizza is finished

How to Cut a pineapple

I am full of info today!  Here is a quick tutorial on how to cut a pineapple!

Twist off the top

Cut it in half

Cut it in half again

Cut of the rind, and slice!

It’s that easy! There is a core that you may also want to cut out too, but it is much easier to do after it is cut!

Want to see more Dessert?  There are lots of “Snack”urday posts available!

I linked this recipe up over at…

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I remember a few months ago I was complaining how bizarrely cold it was here.  It just isn’t supposed to get that cold in Florida!  Well, somebody heard me cause it is hot now!  The heat index has been hanging around 100!  The air conditioner is running, and things are back to normal.

Some of you may think I am crazy, but I would much rather it be warm than cold.  I can’t handle the cold!  My body just wasn’t made for it.

When it is hot outside we can enjoy some of our favorite activities; hitting the beach, swimming, playing in the sprinkler, Popsicle on the porch, and slushies! OH, I love the Strawberry Slushes from Sonic!  They are my favorite.  With the little chunks of ice and strawberries.  Give me one of those any day!  Then, I got to thinking, how hard can they be to make?  I have my handy dandy new blender with dispenser.  I figured it was worth a shot!

Strawberry Slush

• 2 cups frozen strawberries
• 1/3- 1/2 cup sugar (or Splenda ) Thanks Cathy
• 1 cup ice
• 2 cups Strawberry Soda

Just toss the strawberries, sugar, ice, and soda in the blender on high and serve.

This is my favorite feature on this blender!

‘I know what you are thinking, “Does it need the sugar?”  The answer is yes!  I tried it without first, and it wasn’t sweet at all.  Just that little bit makes all the difference in the world!

These tasted just like the real thing, brain freeze and all!  My kids all agreed! I didn’t hear a peep for 5 minutes!

You can see all the ice crystals! So amazingly delicious!

I am sure you could try this with other flavors.  Strawberry just so happens to be my favorite, so that is what you got today!

Plus, to make it even better there is a deal at Publix with the soda

Fanta Strawberry Soda (coke product) 2 liters are 3/$5.

• Use Buy2 Get 1 Free Fanta Publix coupon (yellow advantage flyer)
• Use Buy 2 Coke 2 Liter Get a free Coke Zero 2 Liter (hang tag)
• Use Buy 2 Coke 2 Liter Get a free bag of Snyders Pretzels Publix (tearpad)

Pay $3.33 and get (4) 2 liters and a bag of Pretzels

I found all the coupons in the store today!

Like  Tide You Over Tuesday???  You’ll Love “Snack”urday!  Come back Saturday to see what treat is baking up!

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I usually have an idea of what I am going to say with a post.  This time…I am speechless!  That seems to be a theme this week.  I was speechless earlier when A Few Short Cuts hit 1400 facebook fans.  A Few Short Cuts gained over 100 fans this week!  I don’t know what to say! I was/am in shock!  It amazes me everyday that you guys come back for more of my recipes, and tips!  It’s just little ole’ me!

I was speechless when I was invited to attend Baking with Betty in August at General Mills in Minneapolis.  I am still trying to get my brain to grasp that one. I have my plane ticket, and can’t wait to go!  Who knows what fun info I will come back with for you guys! I have never been that far north!  That is almost to Canada in my book!

Now, back to these little beauties!  They made me speechless.  I forgot about the recipe.  I dug it out of my cabinet of cookbooks, and recipes earlier today.  See, I thought I was going to organize it.  Instead, I ended up baking…with betty none the less!   These are so good.  I will have to come hunt you down if you don’t try them!

Lemon Crème Cupcakes

Lemon Creme Cupcakes Printable Version

• 1 box Lemon Cake Mix
• 1 (8oz) Pkg cream cheese
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• Icing (optional)

Preheat oven to 350.  Line a cupcake pan with liners.

Mix cake batter according to directions.

Fill cupcake cups 2/3 of the way full and set aside.

Now, in a small bowl mix together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and egg.

Once it is all mixed drop a Teaspoon full in the center of each cupcake.  You don’t need to push it down.  Just drop it right on top.

Now bake cupcakes according to package.  About 20 minutes.

Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool.

If desired you can ice the tops!

Makes 24 cupcakes

Tip!

You can get creative with these and use different flavored cake mixes, or flavor the cream cheese filling!  Yum!

Once they are baked it tastes like a little bite of cream cheese in the center!  YUM!

I have lots of great dessert recipes! Check them all out!

I linked up at

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Since the 4th of July is Sunday I thought I would treat you all to some goodies!  Some for you, some for the kiddos, some to share.  Whatever floats your boat!  I thought I would show you how to make some really great (and easy) Patriotic cupcakes.

Plus, we can’t forget about all the recipes of the past that are perfect for the 4th!  You may find something else you would like to make!

I hope you guys enjoy the holiday weekend.  Enjoy your family, the festivities, the fireworks, and your freedom!

Patriotic Cupcakes

• 1 Yellow cake mix ( I used Betty Crocker Gluten Free)
  • You could also make your own Gluten Free Yellow Cake
• Red food coloring
• Blue Food Coloring
• Icing
• Sprinkles

Directions

Make cake according to directions.  Separate batter into 2 equal bowls.

Add red food coloring to one, and blue to the other.

Line you cupcake pan with paper liners.

Fill cups half way with one color.

Then finish them off with the other.

Bake as directed.

Cool, ice and decorate.  You will have the coolest cupcakes on the 4th!

*——————————————————-*

Looking for some other great recipes?? Check these out!

Patriotic Blueberry Pie

Gooey Banana Boats

Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Strawberries and Cream Gooey Butter Cakes

Super Easy Cheesecake

Banana Blueberry Muffins

Have a fun and Happy Fourth of July!

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I just couldn’t resist!  After all of the free blueberries this last week at Publix, and with the Fourth of July coming up I just had to bake this pie!  Now, I have warned you before and I will warn you again, I don’t make pie crusts.  I have tried every recipe known to man, fourteen different ways.  It is just something I am not good at.  I have come to terms with it, and I am ok with it!

The prep time for this pie was less than 5 minutes, seriously!  Mostly because I bought a store bought crust, but nobody else has to know that.  I take help where I can get it! By the way, Publix brand pie crust is Dairy Free!  Just in case anyone in your house is allergic!

This pie looks so festive,  like it took hours to make.  It is perfect for any cook out, picnic, or family celebrations that may be coming up!  I love the stars and stripes on the top!  It really makes the pie look fancy!

You may notice a couple strawberries that made there way in the picture.  I thought how cool it would be to decorate the top with just a couple for the whole “Red White and Blue” thing.  They taste delicious, but after the pie bakes you can’t see them because they absorbed the blue from the blueberries!  It was worth a shot, right?!

So, grab some vanilla ice cream and a bowl.  Let’s have some pie!

Patriotic Blueberry Pie

Patriotic Blueberry Pie Printable Version

• 4 cups fresh blueberries
• 1 box of pie crusts
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon water

Directions

Line a pie plate with one of the crusts from the box.

In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, cornstarch, and lemon.

Add the blueberries to the sugar mixture to the blueberries and gently toss to combine.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pie shell.

Take the second pie crust from the box and lay it on a lightly floured surface. I used a small star cookie cutter to cut out several stars and then cut strips from the crust for across the pie.

Lay the strips across first, and then place the stars.

Then, in a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water.

Lightly brush the top of the pie crust with the egg wash, making sure that it does not pool.

Place the assembled pie back in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place the oven rack in the lower third of the oven.  Remove the chilled pie from the fridge and place on a larger baking pan, to catch any spills.

Bake the pie for about 20 minutes and then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees.  Continue to bake the pie for about 35 minutes or until the crust is a deep golden brown color and the juices are bubbling and thick.  If the edges of the pie are browning too much during baking, cover with a foil ring.

Place the baked pie on a wire rack to cool for several hours.  Serve at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.  Store any leftovers for 2 – 3 days at room temperature.

This pie is naturally dairy free as long as you use a dairy free crust. You could also make this pie with a gluten free crust if necessary!

Let’s all cheer with excitement!  This pie is low in calories too!  WOO HOO! Bring on the swimsuit!

Want more great dessert recipes??  I have a ton of them in my dessert tab under recipes!

I linked this recipe up over at Life as Mom!

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