Passover Desserts

Passover commemorates the story of the Exodus, in which Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. It is the best known Jewish holiday. Passover starts with the seder - a family ritual meal. These desserts are perfect to enjoy with your family and friends during this holiday.

Sources & Recipes:
1. Pecan Torte with Strawberries and Cream
2. Pistachio Pavlovas with Lemon Curd and Berries
3. Almond Thumbprint Cookies
4. Passover Lemon Cheesecake
5. Chocolate, Walnut and Prune Fudge Torte
6. Almond-Coconut Tart

Spring into Dessert

Strawberries (a personal favorite) are finally in season, so stock up and make a special strawberry treat for you to enjoy. Rhubarb is also in season, it's tartness pairs nicely with sweeter fruits such as raspberries or strawberries. Take full advantage of spring by enjoying these wonderful spring inspired desserts.

Sources & Recipes:
1. Strawberry Cream Cake
2. Strawberry Shortcake Jellies
3. Strawberry-Almond Cream Tart
4. Strawberry Panna Cotta with Strawberry Compote

Sources & Recipes:
1. Rum-Spiked Grilled Pineapple with Toasted Coconut
2. Plum Oatmeal Tart
3. Fresh Grape and Champagne Sorbet
4. Rhubarb Raspberry Crisp

Sources &  Recipes:
1. Lemon Angel food Cupcakes
2. Cream Puffs with Lemon-Cream Filling
3. Lemon Meringue Pie with Graham Crust
4. Frozen Blackberry-Lemon Chiffon Pie

Power Fruits - Part 2

The BLUEBERRY

Studies have shown that the antioxidants in blueberries make it a potent protector against heart, brain and age-related maladies. Blueberries are one of the most potent antidotes to oxidative stress, a process that ages you. Blueberries also help your brain produce dopamine, a chemical that enhances memory, coordination, and feelings of well-being.

Recipes: 

Blueberry Tart 

Blueberry Muffins 

Blueberry-Buttermilk Pancakes 

Cheesecake with Blueberry Topping 

The CHERRY 

Cherries are a top source of perillyl alcohol, which kills cancer cells but spares healthy cells. Cherries are also believed to reduce inflammation. Tart cherries (particularly Montmorency) contain significant amounts of melatonin, a hormone that helps normalize your sleep cycles. Melatonin also scavenges free radicals (molecules that attack healthy cells), and having low levels of this hormone has been linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Recipes:
Oregon-Chocolate Cherry Cookies 
Fresh Cherry Tart 
Tiny Cherry and Almond Tea Cakes 
Cranberry-Cherry Crumble

The STRAWBERRY ! (my favorite) 

Strawberries have many nutrients, such as: vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, folic acid, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. They also have added benefits of fighting cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis -- and they keep you in optimum health for decades to come. 

Recipes: 

Strawberry Cream Cake 

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries 

Fresh Strawberry Pie

Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Strawberries

Thin French Apple Tart

This tart is a dramatic 12 inches! It will definitely impress your guests. For best results, make sure to cut the apples very thin.

Thin French Apple Tart Recipe (adapted from myrecipes.com)

Ingredients

• 1/2  (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie dough (such as Pillsbury)
• 1/4  cup  sugar
• 1/2  teaspoon  ground cinnamon
• 2  pounds  Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 2 1/2  tablespoons  honey
• 1/2  teaspoon  vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 425°.
Place dough on a lightly floured surface; roll into a 12-inch circle. Place on a 12-inch pizza pan. Combine sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of sugar mixture over dough (just enough to lightly coat dough). Arrange apple slices spokelike on top of dough, working from outside edge of dough to the center. Sprinkle apple slices with remaining sugar mixture. Bake at 425° for 30 minutes.

Combine honey and vanilla in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at high 40 seconds. Brush honey mixture over warm tart.

This tart is best served warm, enjoy!