A Berry-Licious Holiday Dessert

 Good Morning & Happy Fourth of July!

Hopefully, wherever you are you’re experiencing the same beautiful weather that we’re having in CT.  Anyone around here who is hosting a party today definitely lucked out!  The weather couldn’t be better!

Before running out to enjoy the weather and some festivities I wanted to leave you with a quick dessert you can throw together for the Fourth or really anytime you want something that’s quick, delicious and can be made up to look pretty.  Behold My Fourth of July Berry Trifle…..

I’m not really sure where the original recipe came from.  My aunt (Hi Aunt Patty!) made this one Thanksgiving for us using chocolate cake, chocolate pudding and cherries.  I believe she also brushed some liqueur on the cake pieces before layering.   This is my lighter spin of her version of the dessert.  It’s always a hit and it’s addictive, so proceed at your own risk.

Fourth of July Berry Trifle

Ingredients:

• 1 Pound Cake Loaf* (light if you can find it) or Angel Food Cake
• 1 Box Pudding Mix* (I use the Instant Fat Free/Sugar Free version that makes 4 servings)
• Skim Milk (to make the pudding with)
• Large Tub of Cool Whip (I use the fat free)
• Fruit (I used strawberries, blueberries & banana)

*Depending on the size of your serving bowl you may have to increase the amount of pudding you make.  Mine was rather large so I made 2 boxes of pudding and used about 1 1/2 loaves of the cake.

Instructions:

1. Make the pudding and put it in the fridge to set.
2. Cut your cake loaf into bite sized cubes.
3. Slice the strawberries and banana.

Once your pudding has set (about 5-10 minutes but I usually wait longer):

 4.  Layer a large container or individual serving bowls/glasses (get creative) with the cake pieces.

5.  Spread a layer of pudding over the cake pieces.

6.  Top the pudding with your fruit of choice.  Sprinkle it around so that each serving will contain a good mixture of each fruit.

7.  Smooth a layer of Cool Whip over the berries.

8. Repeat steps 4-7 one more time.

9.  Decorate the top of the trifle as you wish or just leave a smooth layer of the Cool Whip and do nothing more.

10. Keep refrigerated until serving.

Serve & Enjoy!

Have a wonderful, safe & happy Fourth!!

<3

Kim

To Bake or Not To Bake?

Somehow the evening got away from me.  After my marathon morning I got home from work and immediately took a shower to wash away the day.  On hot days, the commute just makes me feel grimy.  After washing up and coming out smelling like a rose, I headed to the kitchen to whip up a quick dinner.  Mexican was on my mind, so I made a burrito with veggie crumbles, zucchini, lettuce, tomato, onion, salsa & a little mexican blend cheese.  I had a some roasted broccoli on the side, to up the veggie factor. 

Before Wrapping Up

Water was also a must.  I’ve been feeling really dehydrated lately.  Drinking the water from my new butterfly etched glass made me happy.  It’s the little things, right?   I’m pretty easy to please.

Love Butterflies

Overall, this meal was tasty, filling and quick to throw together!

Afterwards, there was only one question on my mind.  To bake or not to bake?  I hopped onto twitter and Lisa helped me figure out my answer.  To the store I went.  I needed a few things for tomorrow’s lunch, anyway.  While roaming the aisles I spotted a box of No Pudge Fudge Brownie Mix.

I know these have been out for a while now, but I’ve never made them before and decided to give it a shot.  The side of the box gave you options, such as: making only an individual serving, making your brownies cake-like, baking a double batch and gave freezing suggestions.  I like my brownies cake-like, so I followed their suggestion to cut down on the yogurt and add one egg white. 

At first it seems like you need more liquid, but eventually you get a nice, smooth batter.  I spread it out on a sprayed brownie pan and baked for 30 minutes.  Eventually, the smell of brownies filled my apartment and I couldn’t wait for the timer to go off.  When it did, it took all it had in me to wait for them to cool a bit before cutting them.  I probably should have waited a little longer, but couldn’t hold off another second!

The box makes 12, nice sized servings.

Who Stole My Brownie?!

I Confess....It Was Me

I decided to have my brownie a la mode, with a lil whipped cream on top.  The brownie was moist and definitely cured my chocolate craving.  I loved having it still a little warm with the ice cream beginning to melt on top.

Perfection in a Bowl

Perfect ending to such a whirlwind of a day!

Now, I’m off to chill before bed.  Enjoy the rest of your evening.  The weekend is almost here!

<3

Kim