Brownie Shortcake with Berries

This is a quick and simple dessert, topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries.

Ingredients:
1 (19.5 ounce) package brownie mix
1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
1 Tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups cut strawberries and blueberries, mixed, not each, 1 1/2 cups of each

Whipped Cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Prepare brownie batter as directed on package; stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream. Spoon into greased and floured 9 inch round cake pan.
2. Bake 45 minutes; cool 10 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack, cool completely.
3. Make your whipped cream by adding the heavy cream to a mixing bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks are about to form, then add the vanilla and sugar until peaks form. Make sure to not over-beat because the cream may become butter like or lumpy.
4. Add remaining sour cream, sugar and vanilla to the whipped cream, stir to combine. Cut brownie horizontally in half. Place bottom half on plate; spread with half of the whipped cream mixture. Cover with top of the brownie, spread remaining whipped cream mixture and top with the mixed berries. Store in the refrigerator.

This is a wonderful dessert and nice alternative to the traditional shortcake dessert. The chocolate brownie pairs so nicely with the fresh fruit. I made and brought this over to a friends house for dinner and they loved it, I got rave reviews. This is a simple and quick dessert, I used the brownie mix for convenience, but you could also use your favorite brownie recipe as a substitute. Enjoy!

*Camala*

Blueberry Bliss Smoothie

Blissfully, Antioxidant Packed, Blueberry Smoothie.

Ingredients:
12 ounces water
2 scoops protein powder
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1 Tbsp raw almond butter or 1 Tbsp flax seed oil

Directions:

1. Mix in blender for 30 seconds.

I got this Blueberry Bliss Smoothie recipe on the back of my Vanilla Jay Robb Whey Protein Powder. This is a great tasting smoothie and is loaded with antioxidants from the blueberries and lots of protein from the 2 scoops of protein powder. We like to add almond butter to our smoothies around our house, it adds a nice nutty flavor…that statement totally reminded me of the Austin Power’s movie where Mike Myers drinks Fat Bastard’s poo and said “MMMM, NUTTY”! After totally being grossed out now let’s get back to Bliss, Try the Blueberry Bliss Smoothie today…thanks for the recipe Jay Robb=}

*Camala*

Berry Medley Smoothie

A Simple, Sweet and Smooth Berry Medley Smoothie.

Ingredients:
4 ounces frozen berry medley fruits (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries)
1/2 – 1 Tbsp honey
3/4 cup orange juice (preferably fresh squeezed)
1 Tbsp light cream or whole milk (optional)

Directions:

1. Put the frozen fruit, orange juice and honey into a blender. Blend until smooth, adding a little more orange juice if the mixture is too thick.
2. Pour the smoothie into a tall glass and add the cream, if desired, swirl with spoon. Optional: Top with partially thawed fruit. (1 tall glass serving).

This smoothie is simple and quick to make, the swirl of cream just adds a pretty touch. I get a little bit of cream on top of my milk so I just scoop that off and swirl it into this smoothie. This smoothie has a delicious fruity taste and being a wonderful summer smoothie, with summer fruits, it is just perfect to cool you down from a hot day!

*Camala*

Honey, Lemon Bran Muffins with Blueberries

Bran muffins are my favorite of all muffins and these muffins get even better as the day goes on. I have tried and tested so many bran muffin recipes its ridiculous.  This one I made up and with three trial and error I finally came up with the most perfectly delicious bran muffin in the whole world!!!   Well I thinks so at least, (smile).  There is a lemon/honey glaze that goes over the top after baking that just adds to the slightly sweet taste.  The honey lemony combination is so yummy.  And it was my youngest daughter Lili (who at 18 is an amazing and very creative cook)  suggested I toss in some blueberries!!!  Then there’s the bran that makes them healthy..  I use a combination of oat and wheat bran in mine.  And viola’–the bestest most perfect bran muffin!!!

INGREDIENTS
1  1/4 cups unbleached ap flour
2  1/4 cups bran
1  tsp baking powder
1  tsp baking soda
1/8  tsp salt
1  1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/4  cup lightly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup honey
1  cup buttermilk
2 beaten eggs
grated rind of 1 lemon

2 Tablespoons honey
juice of 1/2 lemon

Preheat oven to 350F degrees
Line 12 cup muffin pan with paper muffin cups

Put the butter, sugar, eggs, lemon rind, 1/4 cup honey   and buttermilk in small bowl and mix to combine.

 In a large bowl stir together to combine the flour, bran,  baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Add the blueberries.  Make a well in center of the flour mixture and add the buttermilk mixture.  Gently mix together, but do not over mix.  Batter may be thick and lumpy. 

Fill 12 muffin cups and bake for 20-25 minutes.  While the muffins are in the oven, mix lemon juice and honey in small bowl.  Remove muffins from oven and place on wire rack to cool.  While the muffins are still hot, dip the tops into the lemon honey mixture or drizzle over the top.  Give the muffins a couple of minutes to absorb the lemon honey drizzle before serving
So good with my favorite cup of peppermint tea!!!
    *Christine*