Superb Mixed Berries Bar

Today I wanted to prepare something sweet for my family that I wouldn’t make me feel guilty about it. I didn’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen either. I came up with a recipe turned out really great. It’s perfect with vanilla ice cream! On top of that, it is healthier than a traditional pie crust. I used whole wheat and all purpose flour for this recipe but I am confident it will be delicious with only whole wheat flour, if you prefer.

Berries Oats Bar

Ingredients:

1 cup of flour, plus 2 tablespoons

1 ½ cups of brown sugar

2 ½ cups of quick oats

1 teaspoon of canola oil

½ cup of butter at room temperature

½ teaspoon of vanilla extract

2 cups of orange juice

1 teaspoon of orange zest

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

22oz of fresh berries (black berries, raspberries, blue berries)

Preheat the oven to 375F. Grease a 8 inch square baking pan with cooking oil. Set aside.

Place 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of brown sugar, quick oats, orange zest, oil and vanilla extract in a food processor bowl. Pulse for about 20 seconds or until combined. Add butter and orange juice. Pulse for another 20 to 30 seconds or until fully combined. Remove and reserve 1 ½ cup of the crumb mixture.

In a clean bowl, combine the berries, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of flour and ½ cup of brown sugar. Toss gently with a spatula just until combined.

Spread the crumb mixture evenly on the bottom of prepared baking pan then add berries mixture. Top it with reserved crumb mixture.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Cool for about hours. Storage in the fridge in an air tight container.

Easy and elegant Fruit Tarts

To make your life easier, use frozen tart shells and a vanilla pudding mix. I have a recipe for a tasty homemade vanilla pudding, in case you have the extra time to make your own. This summery dessert is always a big hit among kids and adults. It can be served on garden parties, cookouts, brunches and dinner parties.

 

Ingredients:

16 frozen tart shells, thawed and baked
3 cups vanilla pudding
3 cups assorted seasonal fruit
1 ½ cups strawberry or raspberry gelatin, cooled and slightly thickened but not set
Whipped cream (optional)

Mint leaves for decoration (optional)

Slice or halve large strawberries, if you are using any. If you are going to add fruits like peach or plums, cut them into thin wedges after they are pitted. You can use thin and small slices of avocado as well.

If you are using a mix to make your vanilla pudding, prepare it according to packaging instructions. Please click here to see my vanilla pudding homemade recipe.

Fill ½ of pastry shells with vanilla pudding. Gently arrange fruit on top. Pour a thin layer of gelatin over the fruit. Chill 6 hours or overnight. Top with whipped cream, if desired, before serving.

Have a Brazilian cocktail to celebrate the weekend!

Today is Friday, my favorite day of the week! The weekend is just starting and to celebrate I gave a simple cocktail recipe for you to unwind. It is fun version of the traditional “caipirinha” (the most famous Brazilian cocktail drink).  This drink is traditionally made with “cachaça” – Brazil’s national spirit made from sugar cane juice – but if can use a good quality vodka if you prefer.

Kiwi & Strawberry "Caipirinha":

Ingredients:

3 oz of “cachaça” or vodka

1 pint of fresh strawberries, sliced

¼ cup of fresh lime juice

½ kiwi, sliced

1 ¼ tablespoons of sugar or sweetener

½ cup of crushed ice, plus ice cubes for serving

Blend on high speed half of the strawberries, lime juice, ice, sugar and liquor until smooth. Strain it if desired.  Place remaining strawberry slices and kiwi on 4 glasses half filled with ice cubes. Distribute blended mixture evenly and serve.