German Chocolate Cream Cheese Bars

With 3 kids, I know the week before Halloween can be busy – finishing the perfect costume and all the Halloween parties – and of course they always signed me up for their class party snack duty! For a fun twist on one of my favorites, German Chocolate Cream Cheese Bars become festive when food coloring is added to the cream cheese layer to make them Halloween orange. These days you can find orange food coloring but you can always mix yellow and red for the perfect shade.  I always have bowl of chili or hearty soup on the stove to feed everyone leisurely and easily.  This year I am preparing my Southwestern Shrimp, Corn and Sweet Potato Soup  from Too Hot in the Kitchen, my new cookbook, as whenever I make it on TV, people are going home that day to make it for their family.  I have the orange theme going on, for sure!  For more healthy Halloween goodies you and your kids will have fun with, such as Creepy Crawlers and Jack-O’-Lantern Sandwiches, I have them all on  www.thismamacooks.com

German Chocolate Cream Cheese Bars

It’s like having two desserts in one with this simple to make bar cookie that combines German chocolate and cheesecake all in one bite. 

Makes 48 squares

1 (18.25-ounce) box German chocolate cake mix

1 egg

1/3 cup flaked coconut

1/3 cup butter, melted

1 (8-ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese

1 (16-ounce) box confectioners’ sugar

3 egg whites

1 teaspoon coconut extract

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1.  Preheat oven 350°F.
2.  In large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, 1 egg, coconut, and butter.
3.  Pat mixture into bottom of 13  9  2-inch baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray.
4.  In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, egg whites, and coconut and vanilla extracts until mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour over mixture in pan.
5.  Bake 35–40 minutes or until top is golden brown. Cool and cut into squares.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories 108, Calories from fat (%) 26, Fat (g) 3, Saturated Fat (g) 2, Cholesterol (mg) 11, Sodium (mg) 116, Carbohydrate (g) 19, Dietary Fiber (g) 0, Sugars (g) 15, Protein (g) 1, Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 carbohydrate, 1/2 fat

Terrific Tidbit: For a festive Halloween twist, use red and yellow food coloring to make orange in the cream cheese mixture.

Healthy Halloween Recipes: Move Over Pumpkin

Last year was the first “Head To Toe” Event and wow, was it a success!!!  Once again, I am delighted and honored to serve as the Honorary Chairman for this fun day!!  If you missed it last year, this is a special day to spend with your friend, mother or anyone.  I am especially excited as my mother will be in town from Ft. Worth so she will be my special guest.  I will be giving a seminar with Matt Saurage of Community Coffee at 9:00am, “Stay “Hot” in the Kitchen with Community Coffee” and then the lunch menu will be from my cookbook, Too Hot in the Kitchen.  The luncheon will be the Kiwi and Mixed Green Salad topped with Grilled Chicken and Spiced Walnuts and for dessert, everyone’s favorite, cheesecake, with Lemon Cheesecake Squares.  You can pick up a jar of lemon curd in the grocery so this really is an easy recipe.  I like to serve with fresh berries.

Head To Toe Event in Baton Rouge

Chocoalate Cola Cake

If you have popped in to a book-signing for my newest cookbook, Too Hot in the Kitchen, then you have tasted my favorite and oh-so-easy Chocolate Cola Cake. They are my go-to taste-test recipe and definitely feed and please a crowd. And you know I can’t show up without food! I don’t mind because not only are they simple to whip up, but the best part is I get to eat a few hot out of the oven! And if you have to bring dessert for lots of people, this makes a big pan.  It is a cross between a brownie and cake; and always a talked about recipe.  Whenever you hear I have sample, this is usually my recipe of choice.  After all, I have decided CHOCOLATE speaks!

Also, this is the recipe that I used in my diet coke southern promotion several years ago that I wouldn’t give out.  It was all the rage.  I also love it because the recipe makes a large pan which serves a lot of people.  Let me know what you think?

Easy Crowd Pleasing Chocolate Cola Cake-with diet Coke

Glazed Ham with Pecan Crust

Looking for the perfect menu to entertain guests this Easter? Holiday meals are known for their classic dishes and these have a delicious twist!  Just wait until you taste this classic Glazed Ham with Pecan Crust – you don’t have to make an extra trip to the ham store. And of course with my sweet tooth I have to include a dessert!  The Tropical Yam Trifle is an incredible finish to your meal and includes the fabulous Louisiana yams.

Glazed Ham with Pecan Crust from Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Home Entertaining the Easy Way

No need to buy a honey baked ham at the store with this stunning ham with incredible taste, yet, so simply prepared.

Makes 20 – 25 (5-ounce) servings

1 10-pound fully cooked bone in ham

2 cups apple cider

1 cup light brown sugar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.  Insert meat thermometer into center of ham without touching bone.  Place ham in baking dish, pour cider over.
2. Roast in oven, basting with cider every 30 minutes for total cooking time of 12 – 15 minutes per pound or until thermometer registers 140°F.
3. Meanwhile, in bowl, combine brown sugar, mustard and pecans.  Remove ham from oven last 40 minutes, firmly pat sugar pecan mixture all over ham.  Return to oven, continue roasting until crust is brown and ham is done.
4. Slice and serve with sauce.  Some of topping falls into sauce making it the perfect accompaniment to ham.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories 306, Protein (g) 35, Carbohydrate (g) 12, Fat (g) 13, Calories from fat (%) 38, Saturated Fat (g) 3, Dietary Fiber (g) 1, Cholesterol (mg) 75, Sodium (mg) 1824, Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 other carbohydrate

Terrific Tip:  Garnish ham with crab apples or pomegranates while in season.

Planning your Easter Meal – Glazed Ham with Pecan Crust

One thing comes to mind when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day – Green! I love to serve green foods on the March 17^th holiday, and the Frozen Pistachio Pie is a fun and delicious way to eat green!

Decorating is a snap too – now that Mardi Gras has passed, just separate out all of those green beads and fill up various sizes of glass containers for a festive centerpiece.

Frozen Pistachio Pie from Holly Clegg trim&TERRIFIC Freezer Friendly Meals

This pie, laced with nuts in a chocolate crust and topped with hot fudge, is refreshingly indulgent.

Makes 8 servings

1 1/2 cup crushed chocolate graham crackers
2 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup chopped pistachios or cashews
1 quart fat free vanilla ice cream or yogurt, softened
1 (4-serving) instant pistachio flavored pudding and pie filling
1/2 cup chocolate fat free fudge topping, warmed

1. Preheat oven 375°F.
2. In 9-inch pie plate, stir together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter, press on bottom and up sides. Bake 8 – 10 minutes. Cool completely.
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, quickly combine the pistachios, ice cream, and pudding until well mixed. Transfer mixture into cooled crust.

To Prepare and Eat Now:  Freeze, covered for at least 4 hours or until firm.  Serve with warmed chocolate fudge topping on each slice.

To Freeze: Freeze, covered for at least 4 hours or until firm.
To Prepare After Freezing: Serve from the freezer. Drizzle warmed chocolate topping on each piece when serving.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 339, Protein (g) 6, Carbohydrate (g) 63, Fat (g) 8, Calories from Fat (%) 21, Saturated Fat (g) 3, Dietary Fiber (g) 1, Cholesterol (mg) 11, Sodium (mg) 441, Diabetic Exchanges: 4 other carbohydrate, 2 fat

Green! St Patrick’s Day Frozen Pistachio Pie

For Valentine’s Day this year, I had a dinner party on Saturday night for 10 people.  I don’t like forced holidays so on February 14th I will be home relaxing and not fighting crowds.  I keep the decor simple but theme based with red everywhere and each of my guests was told to wear red!  The menu-tried three new appetizers which all came out fantastic-love to have people to test my recipes.  And, we had tenderloin, salmon, Asparagus Wraps. Seafood Stuffed Potatoes, Salad, Salmon Bisque (True North sent me fresh salmon which was the hit of the night).  Dessert-Red Velvet Cake, Valentine shaped King Cake and homemade chocolate peanut candies to take home for favors.  What a fun night with lots of wine!!  Of course, I used recipes from Too Hot in the Kitchen!

Valentine’s Day Dinner 2011

Easy Red Velvet Cake or Trifle

Planning on making a special Valentine’s Day meal? Last year I had a few couple friends over for a red and pink themed dinner and it was so fun! Even if you have no plans for February 14^th, make it fun for the whole family with this Easy Red Velvet Cake. Perfect this time of year, the dessert also holds one of my favorite “make-it-work” stories. When my Mother was making this cake for a family gathering, the layers fell apart. My motto is ‘if a chocolate soufflé falls, serve it as a chocolate pudding…never start over!’ She was upset, but I told her just to grab a trifle bowl, and the outcome was the most popular dessert of the night, Red Velvet Trifle. Add fresh fruit, such as red strawberries for a stunning presentation everyone will love. I can never decide which way to make it so the choice is yours!

Easy Red Velvet Cake from Holly Clegg’s trim&TERRIFIC Gulf Coast Favorites

Perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any special occasion, this southern classic never goes out of style. Take a short cut by using cake mix to effortlessly prepare a beautiful and deliciously rich luscious cake.

Makes 16–20 servings

1 (18.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix

2 tablespoons cocoa

1/4 cup canola oil

1 egg

3 egg whites

1 (1-ounce) bottle red food coloring

1 cup skim milk

1 tablespoon vinegar

Cream Cheese Icing (recipe below)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat three 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, cocoa, oil, egg, egg whites, and food coloring. In a small bowl, combine milk and vinegar, and add to mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.

3. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 15–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool layers on a rack and ice with Cream Cheese Icing.

Cream Cheese Icing

1 (8-ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, softened

3 tablespoons butter

1 (16-ounce) box confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar and beat until light. Add vanilla. 

Nutritional information per serving

Calories 272, Calories from fat 29%, Fat 9g, Saturated Fat 4g, Cholesterol 23mg, Sodium 246mg, Carbohydrate 45g, Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 35g, Protein 3g, Diabetic Exchanges: 3 carbohydrate, 2 fat

Terrific Tidbit: For another fantastic dessert option, turn this cake into a trifle by layering cake, cream cheese icing, and nonfat whipped topping in a trifle or glass bowl.

Easy Red Velvet Cake – One of my Favorite Cakes

Are you making a special dinner for Valentine’s Day? Even if you are not, this fun playful cake will make your Sweetheart’s day extra sweet! Spouse, kids, friends, or coworkers – all ages will appreciate this delicious festive cake this Valentine’s Day.  Last year I had a Valentine’s party at my house…and really got into the Valentine’s Day theme with inexpensive decorations.  We all had so much fun and here is a glimpse of our fun night!

Strawberry Heart Cake from The New Holly Clegg Trim & TERRIFIC Cookbook

This awesome cake is too good to save for only Valentine’s Day. Turn into a round layered cake year-round with 9-inch round pans. It begins with a cake mix and is easy to make.

Makes 16 servings

1 (18.25-ounce) box white cake mix

1/4 cup canola oil

2 eggs

2 egg whites

1 (3-ounce) package strawberry gelatin

1/2 (10-ounce) package frozen sliced strawberries (1/2 cup) (reserve extra for frosting)

1/2 cup skim milk

Strawberry Frosting (recipe follows)

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat one 9 x 9 x 2-inch square pan and one 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In mixing bowl, combine cake mix, oil, eggs, egg whites, strawberry gelatin, 1/2 cup strawberries, milk, mixing until well blended. Divide batter, pour into prepared pans. Bake 25 – 30 minutes, or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from pans, cool completely.

3. To form heart: Place square cake on large platter. Cut round cake in half, place each half with cut side next to square side. You may need to trim corners. This now makes a heart. Turn cakes so square cake’s pointed end is down and round halves are at top. Frost heart cake with Strawberry Frosting (see recipe below).

Strawberry Frosting

3 tablespoons butter

1 (16-ounce) box confectioners’ sugar

1/2 (10-ounce) package frozen sliced strawberries (1/2 cup)

1. In medium mixing bowl, mix together butter, confectioners’ sugar, remaining strawberries until well blended.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 336, Protein (g) 3, Carbohydrate (g) 60, Fat (g) 9, Calories from Fat (%) 25, Saturated Fat (g) 2, Dietary Fiber (g) 1, Cholesterol (mg) 27, Sodium (mg) 262 Diabetic Exchanges: 4 other carbohydrate, 2 fat

Steal Your Heart for Valentine’s Day with this Strawberry Valentine’s Day Heart Cake

Click here to view the embedded video.

         

1 (18.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix

1 (4-serving) box instant white chocolate pudding and pie filling

1 cup fat-free sour cream

1/4 cup canola oil

2/3 cup fat-free milk

1 egg

3 egg whites

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

1/4 cup skim milk

1 tablespoon almond extract

1. Preheat oven 350° F. Coat 10-inch nonstick Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In mixing bowl, combine cake mix, pudding, sour cream, oil, milk, egg, egg whites, mixing until well mixed. Stir in white chocolate chips and pecans.

3. Pour in Bundt pan and bake 40-50 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

4. In small bowl, mix confectioners’ sugar, milk almond extract; set aside.

5. Cool cake on rack 10 minutes before inverting on serving plate. Drizzle glaze over warm cake.

To Prepare and Eat Now: Slice and serve.

To Freeze: Cool to room temperature, wrap, label and freeze. Recommended freezing time: up to 4-6 months.

To Serve: Defrost, slice and serve.

Note: Different shaped Bundt pans allow for fun types of cakes.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 318, Protein 4 g, Total Carbohydrate 51 g, Total Fat 11 g, Calories from Fat 31%, Saturated Fat 3 g, Dietary Fiber 0 g, Cholesterol 18 mg, Sodium 338 mg, Diabetic Exchanges: 3.5 other carbohydrate, 2 fat

Easy White Chocolate Bundt-Need Quick Easy Cake?

In May I was so fortunate to be invited to the Head to Toe Event to present a coffee and dessert pairing with Matt Saurage of Community Coffee. It was a weekend all about women…fun, sassy, and of course, filled with divine divas! The seminar was a big success… I mean, what woman doesn’t love coffee and dessert? I know I do! I know the event will be just as wonderful next year!

Holly and Matthew

Holly Signing Books

Head To Toe Event: Coffee Pairing with Community Coffee