Sunday, January 19, 2014

Easy Apple Jell-O Poke Cake



 
 
This cake is one of my favorites to do in a pinch. The best part is the combinations are literally endless. But the main staples are a box of cake mix, a box of instant pudding mix and a packet of dream whip.
Normally I do a chocolate cake with some kind of berry Jell-O, but this time I saw the Jolly Rancher Apple Jell-O and thought I'd give it a try. Next time I will probably add some caramel syrup to the pudding/frosting to make it a caramel apple cake.
This cake is super easy to make, made even easier by using the throw-away pans.
Tip: I make this cake the night before it's needed, just to make sure it's nice and cold/set. If you're in a hurry though, you can do it about 5 hours ahead of time.


Step 1: prepare cake mix as usual, you don't need to grease the pan. 35 minutes at 350 in my oven and it's perfect. When the cake is almost done baking, prepare your Jell-O. I use the smaller box, but if you have a big box, go for it, it'll just make the cake more Jell-O-y.









Jell-O is ready to go!
 Step 2: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, go nuts and poke a bunch of holes in it.
Then pour on your Jell-O, cover it and stick it right in the fridge



 

Step 3: The Frosting- These directions are also on the back of the Dream Whip box- With an electric mixer, combine 1 packet of instant pudding mix (4 serving size), 1 packet of Dream Whip and 1.5 cups of cold milk. Mix on high until stiff peaks form (if you're using skim milk this might take awhile) That's your frosting, it's that easy. Keep in mind, this cake needs to stay refrigerated, so only take it out when you're ready to serve. Enjoy!!
 
 


Some flavor combos:
Vanilla cake - Orange Jell-O , vanilla frosting w/orange rind it takes like a Creamsicle
Chocolate cake- Raspberry Jell-O, chocolate frosting
Vanilla cake- Lemon Jell-O, vanilla frosting
Chocolate cake- Cherry Jell-O, chocolate frosting - a family favorite!

One thing I've been wanting to try but haven't yet is to layer the Jell-O. If someone wants to try this let me know how it comes out!

*You could also make an adult version and instead of the cold water in the Jell-O add some Vodka for a Jell-O shot cake! *

Friday, January 3, 2014

Easy Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

 
 
 
I made this for Thanksgiving and again for Christmas and I had to share. It's so yummy, and quick, and super easy. It's fattening as all hell but oh well, it's that damn good.
Now, I did this in a 9x13 pan because we have a large family but if you want to cut the ingredients in half you can and it will fit nicely into an 8x8. Also a nice variation is to add cauliflower. It is so good.

Ingredients:
2 Bags frozen broccoli - the steam-able ones work great.
1 Cup Mayo
1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
 Velveeta - I use about 4 oz, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 packet Shake N Bake seasoning mix -chicken or extra crunchy varieties work well.

Preheat oven to 350, lightly grease pan.
Steam broccoli in microwave, drain. then combine with mayo, soup, shredded cheese and about 1/2 of the shake n bake packet. melt Velveeta in microwave until it is soft and combine with other ingredients. Top with more of the shake n bake crumbs. Bake for 45 minutes or until cheese is brown and it is bubbly.

Seriously, one of the best recipes for broccoli casserole I've ever had.