Curds & Ways by Jane Jarrell

A couple of summer's ago we did a taste test of lemon curds at The Dallas Morning News photo studio, we wanted to see just what was the best curd to use for quick desserts. After a panel of tasters did the job the product winning the ribbon was Wilkes and Son, a smooth yet tart thick pudding-like treat just begging to be part of someones dessert repertoire. Layer between chunks of angel food cake. Mix two tablespoons with a can of store-bought frosting and ice cupcakes, layer in parfaits with whipping cream and fruit, slather a bit on thin gingersnaps and top with a second snap and top a rich vanilla cheesecake with curd.

For a beautiful tart, buy a prepared pie crust and bake according to package directions, fill with lemon curd and refrigerate, garnish with powdered sugar. For an interesting "tart art" look cut a design into a piece of paper, lay the paper over the surface of the filled pie shell and finely dust with powdered sugar. Gently remove the "template" from the tart and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with raspberries.

Let these ideas "jump start" your creativity to make quick and tasty tart treats in minutes.



Conversation starter:
Lemon curd is tart, smooth and delicious. Given the ideas above what else might you consider as a dessert option using this product?

Photos--Evans Caglage

March 17: Fudge Truffles

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2 Tbs salted butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbs. vanilla extract
bakers cocoa powder



Place all ingredients in a microwave proof bowl. Place bowl in microwave on high for thirty seconds. Take it out and stir thorougly. Place it back in for thirty additional seconds. Stir.

Do this until mixture is completely melted through. Cool mixture in refrigerator until it it relatively hard. With a teaspoon, scoop out a ball. Roll it in your hands until it is perfectly round. When you have rolled all the balls (about thirty), roll them in bakers cocoa powder (non-sweetened). Keep refrigerated. Serve in little paper or foil cups with hot coffee and ice cream.

Conversation starter: If you were going on a trip and had to pack so light that you could only take three personal items, what would they be?

Velvet Painting

This super easy pie is packed with a powerful flavor punch. Each bite taste like a smooth and creamy chocolate bar. The flavors are mix and matchable try substituting mint, orange or coconut extract instead of vanilla. Let your creativity and preferences be your guide. To add style to your slice match your garnish with the extract stirred into your ingredients. Fresh mint leaves, orange zest or coconut shavings atop a tall layer of cream will give your guests a hint of what they are about to enjoy.


Chocolate Velvet Pie

1 (8-inch) prepared chocolate crumb crust
1 (11.5-ounce) package Nestle Chocolate Morsels
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped

Sweetened whipped cream topping
1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Melt the morsels according to package directions. Microwave morsels in a medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on medium-high power for 1 minute; stir. The morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10 to 15-second intervals, stirring just until melted. Cool to room temperature. Beat melted chocolate, cream cheese and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until light in color. Fold in whipped cream. Spoon into crust. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. Top with sweetened whipped cream.

In a separate bowl, beat whipping cream slowly adding the powered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread the sweet whipped cream on top of pie and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Conversation Starter:
Have you ever thrown a pie at somebody? Ever seen it on TV? Google some classic pie throwing scenes from old shows/movies. Discuss how you would feel if someone hit you in the face with a pie and why.

By Jane Jarrell

Sunday Samplings

Store bought Goes Glam
By Jane Jarrell


Need some simple secrets for styling with store-bought items? The taste is sensational, but the time spent in preparation is minimal. The keys to success with this fast and fancy dessert are doable: create your own chocolate cake topper ideas and add it to a cake someone else made. Come up with your own designer name for your culinary treat, and always serve on an interesting cake plate or platter.

Here’s how:

Order a three layer cake from your favorite bakery. Have the cake iced in your favorite color, just the icing, and no borders or flowered top. Plain Jane is the order of the day here. Purchase a couple of packages of chocolate morsels for making hearts. YOU add the “wow factor” with your own creative style.

Chocolate hearts


White morsels - Microwave 2 cups (16 oz) morsels in small, microwave-safe bowl on medium-high (70% power) for 1 minute; stir. Then microwave at additional 10 to 20 second intervals if needed, stirring until smooth.

Semi-sweet morsels - Microwave 2 cups (16 oz) morsels in a small microwave-safe bowl on high (100% power) for 1 minute; stir. Then microwave at additional 10 to 20 second intervals if needed, stirring until smooth.

Place a sheet of wax paper on a cookie sheet. Pour the melted chocolate on the wax paper. Using the back of a tablespoon smooth the melted chocolate to a ¼ inch thickness. Place in the refrigerator until the chocolate is almost firm. When the chocolate is firm cut out heart shapes with various sizes of heart cookie cutters. (If the chocolate has set to long warm the cookie cutters by placing the cut side into warm water; wipe off the water and cut.)

Place your chocolate heart shapes on a clean sheet of wax paper. Decorate the perimeter of the hearts with thick white icing. When the icing is dry gently press the pointed ends of the hearts into the store-bought cake.