No-Bake Strawberry Ice Box Cake

April 29, 2012
No-Bake Strawberry Ice Box Cake ~ The flavor of fresh strawberries shine in this easy creamy no-bake dessert.  A drizzle of chocolate ganache puts this tasty dessert over the top!

No-Bake Strawberry Ice Box Cake with Graham Crackers and Whipped Cream Image


 It's strawberry season in my neck of the woods!  And I'm very excited about it.

I absolutely love fresh strawberries, straight from the field.  I'm so fortunate that my husband passes by a local farm stand every day on his way home from work.  So what did I do with my first delivery from my sweet hubby this past week?  Whipped up this delicious No-Bake Strawberry Ice Box Cake.

As soon as I came across this recipe, I knew it was right up my alley.  Creamy.  Fresh strawberries.  A touch of chocolate.  Yes, please!

I'm happy to report it was a fabulous choice for my first strawberries of the season.

The flavor of fresh strawberries shine in this easy creamy no-bake dessert.  A drizzle of chocolate ganache puts this tasty dessert over the top!

The method to make this icebox cake is very similar to the No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert I posted a little bit back.

Except, this no-bake cake uses real whipped cream laced with a touch of almond extract (soooooo good!) instead of Cool Whip between the graham cracker layers.  I love Cool Whip, don't get me wrong ... but I really need to whip up the real stuff more often.  Real whipped cream is such a little bite of sweet treat heaven!

So to make this tasty layered dessert, whip up some whipped cream.  Then layer it with graham crackers and sliced fresh strawberries.

No-Bake Strawberry Ice Box Dessert with Fresh Strawberries Image

You'll end up making three graham cracker layers, which form the structure of the icebox cake.

Once the graham crackers, whipped cream, and strawberry layers are done, make a really simple chocolate ganache.

Place some chopped dark chocolate {I used Dove dark chocolate} in a small bowl, and pour a little bit of warmed whipping cream over the top of it ...

Making Chocolate Ganache Image

Let the warm cream melt the chocolate and then whisk it until it's smooth.

Then drizzle the ganache all over the top of the cake.

Drizzling No-Bake Strawberry Ice Box Dessert with Chocolate Ganache Image

Refrigerate the cake over night to allow the flavors to meld and to let the graham crackers become nice and soft.  It may be tempting to skip the "refrigerate over night step," but believe me ... the creamy result is worth the wait.

Once everything's melded together over night, cut yourself a big piece to enjoy.  No ... cut yourself a huge piece.  With it's delicious strawberry and chocolate flavor, and it's comforting creaminess, you'll be so glad you did.

No-Bake Strawberry Ice Box Cake Image

Now, a note to my blogging friends.  {And just a plain old funny note for my non-blogging readers.}

If you make this and happen to want to photograph it, remember to save a couple of your most gorgeous strawberries to garnish your photo shoot plates. 

If, by chance, you happen to forget to save any strawberries and decide to stop at a vacant lot on your drive home from work to "borrow" a few flowers ... you know, so you'll have something red for the side of your photo shoot plate .... make sure not to stand in a fire ant hill while picking said flowers.  Especially while wearing flip-flops.

If, by chance, you happen to accidentally stand in a fire ant hill while "borrowing" flowers and wearing flip-flops, try to refrain from eating all three pieces of this you cut for the photo shoot to help drown out the fire ant "fire" burning in your swollen toes.

It may be tempting to skip the "refrigerate over night step," but believe me ... the creamy result is worth the wait.

Then, if by chance, you happen to decide to place a bag of frozen vegetables on your burning swollen toes as an ice bag to help soothe the fire ant "fire," make sure the bag of frozen vegetables doesn't have a hole in it.

Because if the bag of frozen vegetables does have a hole in it, as the vegetables inside thaw you'll end with green asparagus-water seeping out onto your carpet leaving a lovely pea-greenish stain.  Which you'll end up spending some time the next day steam-cleaning out.

You know, not that any of this happened or anything.

I'm just sayin' ... be sure to save out a couple of your most gorgeous strawberries to garnish your plates.

Check out these other super tasty no-bake desserts:
No-Bake Strawberry Ice Box Dessert Image
Thank you for stopping by The Kitchen is My Playground.  We'd love to have you back soon!

no bake desserts, no bake strawberry dessert, no bake strawberry icebox cake recipe, strawberry desserts, strawberry recipes
Desserts
American
Yield: about 10-12 servings

No-Bake Strawberry Ice Box Cake

No-Bake Strawberry Ice Box Cake

The flavor of fresh strawberries shine in this easy creamy no-bake dessert. A drizzle of chocolate ganache puts this tasty dessert over the top!
prep time: 20 Mcook time: 5 Mtotal time: 25 M

ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. fresh strawberries, washed and sliced into thin slices
  • 3 ½ c. whipping cream, divided
  • 1/3 c. confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp. almond extract
  • 1 (14.4 oz.) box graham crackers (about 24 to 28 whole graham crackers)
  • 4 oz. dark chocolate, finely chopped

instructions:

How to cook No-Bake Strawberry Ice Box Cake

  1. With an electric mixer, whip 3 cups of the whipping cream until it just holds stiff peaks. Add confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and almond extract and whip to combine.
  2. Spread a small spoonful of whipped cream in the bottom of a 9x13" dish. Place down a layer of graham crackers. Spread on a thin layer of the whipped cream over the graham crackers, and then top with a single layer of sliced strawberries.
  3. Repeat with two more layers of graham crackers, whipped cream, and strawberries; then top with the last of the whipped cream.
  4. To make the ganache, heat the remaining 1/2 cup whipping cream until bubbles just begin to form around the edges in the pan. Immediately pour over the chopped dark chocolate. Let stand for a couple of minutes, and then whisk until combined and smooth. Drizzle over the top of the layered cake.
  5. Refrigerate overnight.
TRACEY'S NOTES
  1. This recipe can easily be halved and prepared in an 8x8" pan, which is what I did.
  2. The almond extract is optional, but it makes the whipped cream so delicious! I highly recommend including it.
  3. I use Dove dark chocolate.
  4. This is best eaten the day after it is made. While it was still good on the second day, the strawberries do start to "wilt" and lose some of their "perkiness." Our family can't really speak for the 3rd day. :-)
Created using The Recipes Generator


You might also like these other no-bake favorites:


No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert

No-Bake Snicker Bar Pie

{Easy} No-Bake Peach Yum Yum

Classic Oreo Icebox Dessert

No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie



No-Bake Strawberry Ice Box Cake ~ The flavor of fresh strawberries shine in this easy creamy no-bake dessert.  A drizzle of chocolate ganache puts this tasty dessert over the top! #nobake #nobakedessert #strawberry #strawberrycake #strawberrydessert #strawberries  www.thekitchenismyplayground.com
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24

Guacamole Grilled Cheese

April 27, 2012
The surprisingly delicious combination of guacamole and cheddar make for one great grilled cheese, indeed! With its simple homemade guacamole and sliced sharp cheddar filling, Guacamole Grilled Cheese comes together in a flash to deliver up truly amazing flavor.

Guacamole Grilled Cheese Cut in Half and Stacked to Show Inside Image
15

Ham & Cheese Grits Casserole (... & kissing a giraffe)

April 23, 2012
For breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner ~ Ham & Cheese Grits Casserole is true Southern comfort food at its best.

Ham & Cheese Grits Casserole


I kissed a giraffe.  Well, kind of.  

See?

Actually, during our class field trip last Friday, I fed a giraffe a leaf out of my mouth.  But his lips gave me a little peck (read that *slobber*) on my chin ... so, I consider that getting a big ol' kiss from good ol' Mr. Giraffe.

As you can see in the photo, I was a bit apprehensive about my giraffe feeding adventure.  It's just a tad unnerving to see this giant giraffe head (look at his head! ... it's huge!!) coming straight at your face.  To block this out, as you can also see in the photo, I closed my eyes.  As if this makes a giant giraffe head coming straight at your face any better.  But despite my apprehension, I really wanted to feed the giraffe.   I mean, how often do you get the chance to feed a giraffe from your mouth??

Plus, my students thought I was the coolest teacher.  Ever


So, what does me feeding a giraffe have to do with Ham & Cheese Grits Casserole?  Nothing.  Absolutely nothing at all.  I just couldn't pass up sharing that story with you.

Now let's look at some Ham & Cheese Grits Casserole, shall we?

Ham & Cheese Grits Casserole

This is an original recipe of mine, based on this Shrimp & Grits Casserole adapted from Cooking Light magazine.  I figured if Shrimp & Grits Casserole was so yummy, then Ham & Cheese Grits Casserole would be too.  I was right.

Just like with the Shrimp & Grits Casserole, start by whipping up some creamy grits.  Then stir in lots of ham, lots of cheese, an egg, and some seasoning.

Ham & Cheese Grits Casserole

Bake it up until its set and lightly golden brown on top.

Ham & Cheese Grits Casserole

Finally, dig in and serve up a big bowl.  Hmmmm, I wonder if my new friend the giraffe would like it?

Ham & Cheese Grits Casserole


Ham & Cheese Grits Casserole
Source:  A Tracey creation
(Printable recipe)
Ingredients
2 c. milk (I use whole milk, but any 'slimmer' variety is fine too)
3/4 c. chicken broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 c. quick-cooking grits
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
2 T. butter
4 oz. cream cheese (less fat Neufchatel-type is fine)
1 or 2 T. chopped fresh chives (you can also use dried)
3 T. fresh parsley or 1 T. dried parsley
1 T. lemon juice
1 egg
2 c. chopped ham


Directions
1.  Bring milk, chicken broth, and chopped onion to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Gradually add grits and salt to pan, stirring constantly with a whisk. Cook 5 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly.

2.  Remove grits from heat. Stir in cheddar, butter, and cream cheese until melted; then stir in remaining ingredients.

3.  Spoon grits mixture into a 11x7" baking dish generously coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes, or until set and the top is just starting to get some golden brown areas.

Enjoy!


Please enjoy these other ham dishes from The Kitchen is My Playground ...




13

Pico de Gallo

April 14, 2012
Refreshing fresh Pico de Gallo ~ Loaded with Roma tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, and fresh lime, it's so easy to make your own restaurant-style Pico at home.



Whew - I've had a string of cooking flops lately.  Hate it when I have a run like that.  I've been trying out some new recipes, making a couple of things from my "30 for 2012 Project" list, and working on a new frosting.  Well, after three runs at the new frosting, I don't have it nailed yet (but I'm close!).   Made a terrible salad for my family's Easter get-together.  Had two disappointments from my "Project" list.

I felt the need to have a success.  So I decided to bring you one of my all-time, pretty-much-fool-proof favorites ... pico de gallo (aka - salsa fresca).  Mark and I love this stuff.  We eat it the traditional way with tortilla chips, straight from a spoon, spooned over Mexican dishes, or over brown rice as a meatless main dish.  And I swear Mark can eat a quart of it in a single sitting.

We love it made with Roma tomatoes ...


... and LOTS of cilantro and fresh lime.  Oh, and don't forget the jalapenos!  Mark can never get enough jalapenos.


Mark loves jalapenos so much, we ... and by 'we', I mean Mark ... have a joke about them now.  Whenever I cook something Mark says, "It needs more jalapeno."  Give him pico de gallo? ... "Needs more jalapeno."  Give him spaghetti? ... "Needs more jalapeno."  A brownie?  ... "Needs more jalapeno."  You get the point. 

Well, last night, I actually came up with something for which he DID NOT say "Needs more jalapeno."  Yay!  You'll have to wait to see what it was ... I'll post it soon.  Until then, enjoy some pico de gallo.  You decide if it needs more jalapeno!





homemade pico de gallo, pico de gallo recipe, fresh salsa recipe, how to make pico de gallo
Appetizers & Snacks
Mexican
Yield: about 3-4 cups
Author:
Print
Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo

Refreshing fresh Pico de Gallo ~ Loaded with Roma tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, and fresh lime, it's so easy to make your own restaurant-style Pico at home.
Prep time: 1 hourCook time: Total time: 1 H

Ingredients:

  • 8 Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 large jalapeno peppers, finely chopped, seeded to taste
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 1 to 2 tsp. salt

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
  2. After chilling, taste and adjust salt if needed. 
  3. Serve with tortilla chips, alongside main dishes, or over rice as a meatless meal.
TRACEY'S NOTES:
  1. I remove the seeds from 1 & 1/2 peppers, and leave the seeds in the other 1 & 1/2 peppers. Adjust as you'd like to get your desired spiciness. The more seeds, the more "heat."
Created using The Recipes Generator


12

Traditional Granola {Oven & Microwave Methods}

April 11, 2012
Make your own granola at home ... in the oven or the microwave.  {Yes, you can make it in the microwave!}



It's spring break week for me, and hubby took three days off too so we could do stuff together.  Isn't that sweet?

Here was my idea of what to do with our days off.



Here was my hubby's idea.  He's practical like that.




Unfortunately, I didn't win.

But between spreading wheelbarrow-full loads of mulch in our yard beds and taking in a viewing of The Hunger Games, I did manage to whip up a couple of batches of this tasty granola.  It's on my "30 for 2012 Project" list, so I'm very glad to have gotten to it.  I'm moving a little bit slow on my list!


This granola can be made in either the oven or the microwave.  So I tested both.  When there's an option like that, I like to know how both do.  I'm curious like that.

Both methods worked just fine.  The oven method gave a bit crisper-crunchier result, while the microwave method produced a bit softer-chewier granola.  Microwave is definitely much faster.  Either way, you use the same yummy ingredients ... but start just a tiny bit differently.

With the oven method, you start with melted butter and combine it with honey and vanilla ...
(that's our own honey, by the way ... isn't it gorgeous??)


... before adding the oats and other ingredients.



With the microwave method, you don't melt the butter.  You just chop it into small pieces and combine it with everything else in a microwave-safe bowl.


The only caution I give with the cooking is to watch your granola closely with the oven method ... as you may end up with some "extra-crispy" pieces if you're not careful.  See my "crispies" near the edges??  I wasn't watching closely enough toward the end of the baking time.  Oops!


I like the result of each method equally well ... so I'll probably go with the microwave method in future batches, just for ease and the time factor.


The best method for you? ... Just ask yourself ... "Crunchy or chewy?"  And there you'll have it!

Check out these other super tasty granola recipes:

Thank you for stopping by The Kitchen is My Playground. We'd love to have you back soon?



granola recipe, basic granola recipe, microwave granola recipe, baked granola recipe, how to make granola in the microwave
Breads
American
Yield: about 3 cups
Author:

Traditional Granola {Oven & Microwave Methods}

Traditional Granola {Oven & Microwave Methods}

Make your own granola at home ... in the oven or the microwave. Yes, you can make it in the microwave!
prep time: 10 Mcook time: 20 Mtotal time: 30 M

ingredients:

  • 1/4 c. butter
  • 1/2 c. honey
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 1/4 c. old-fashioned oats
  • 1/4 c. wheat germ (optional)
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 c. coarsely chopped walnuts (or other nut of choice)
  • 1/2 c. raisins or currants (I use currants)

instructions:

How to cook Traditional Granola {Oven & Microwave Methods}

Microwave Method:
  1. Cut butter into small pieces. 
  2. Combine butter pieces, honey, vanilla, oats, wheat germ, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts (which is all ingredients EXCEPT raisins/currants) in a large microwave-safe bowl.   Gently stir together.
  3. Microwave on high for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. 
  4. Stir in raisins/currants. 
  5. Spread onto a baking sheet to cool. Let cool completely. Store tightly covered.
Oven Method:
  1. Melt butter in a large bowl. Add honey, vanilla, and cinnamon; stir to combine.
  2. Add oats; stir until oats are well coated with butter mixture. Add chopped nuts and stir to combine. 
  3. Spread mixture onto a baking pan. 
  4. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring about every 5 minutes.
  5. Remove from oven and stir in raisins/currants. Let cool completely. 
  6. Store tightly covered.
Created using The Recipes Generator

15

Baked Spaghetti Squash Gratin

April 4, 2012
Baked Spaghetti Squash Gratin ~ Tender spaghetti squash topped with a quick-simmered tomato sauce & creamy, cheesy gratin topping.  So full of flavor you'll want to make it again and again!
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Baked Spaghetti Squash Gratin ~ Tender spaghetti squash topped with a quick-simmered tomato sauce & creamy, cheesy gratin topping.  So full of flavor you'll want to make it over and over!


I'm not good with New Year's resolutions.  Not good at all.  So I don't make them.  Therefore, I declared (not resolved) to try to eat healthier this year.

Well, it's not going so great so far this year.  Case(s) in point ... these German Chocolate Cupcakes, this No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert, and these Mocha Swirl Cookies.  Oh, how I love my sweets.
11
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