​How you doin’? I try to have a small bowl of blueberries every morning. Here’s why…
 
Blueberries are often called a “superfood.” This small but mighty berry is loaded with nutrients. They may help lower blood pressure, improve memory, aid in exercise recovery, and more.
 
Blueberries are one of the top antioxidant foods. Antioxidants protect your body from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage your cells and contribute to aging and diseases, such as cancer.
 
Blueberries have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all common fruits and vegetables. The main antioxidant compounds in blueberries belong to a family of polyphenol antioxidants called flavonoids. One group of flavonoids in particular—anthocyanins — is thought to be responsible for much of these berries’ beneficial health effects.
 
Blueberries reduce DNA damage, which may help protect against aging and cancer. Oxidative DNA damage is an unavoidable part of everyday life. It is said to occur in every cell in your body every day. DNA damage is part of the reason we grow older. It also plays an important role in the development of diseases like cancer. Because blueberries are high in antioxidants, they may help to neutralize some of the free radicals that damage your DNA. However, further research is still needed to confirm this link.
 
Blueberries may lower blood pressure. Blueberries appear to have significant benefits for people with high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. A 2024 study found that regularly eating blueberries every day for a month could significantly improve blood flow and blood vessel dilation.
 
Blueberries can help maintain brain function and improve memory. Oxidative stress can accelerate your brain’s aging process, negatively affecting brain function. A 2023 study found that consuming blueberry powder (equivalent to about 1 cup of fresh blueberries) each day could help maintain brain function and improve memory in older adults.
 
Anthocyanins in blueberries may have anti-diabetes effects. Blueberries provide moderate amounts of sugar compared to other fruits. One cup holds 14 grams of sugar, which is roughly equivalent to an orange. The bioactive compounds in blueberries may be helpful for managing blood sugar. Research suggests that anthocyanins in blueberries have beneficial on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
 
Blueberries may reduce muscle damage after strenuous exercise. Strenuous exercise can lead to muscle soreness and fatigue. This is driven partly by local inflammation and oxidative stress in your muscle tissue. Blueberries may lessen the damage that occurs at a molecular level, minimizing soreness and reduced muscle performance.
 
Summing it all up… Blueberries can be a healthy and nutritious snack. Now, couple that with chocolate which is known to have over 300 beneficial natural chemical compounds that have several potential benefits such as boosting your heart health, brain function and numerous other aspects of your body, and you’ve got a win-win.
 
So, putting it all together, my Blueberry-Chocolate Pie with Cookie Crust is both healthy and delicious as it sounds. It contains a cookie dough crust sprinkled with dark chocolate chips and a sweet blueberry filling. You may end up with more cookie crumbles than you need when you're finished creating this dish, but don't worry. You can save extra crumbles for topping ice cream or enjoy them as a tasty snack on the side.
 
Prep time: 45 minutes
Bake time: 20 to 22 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
 
Ingredients 
For the pie
1 recipe Sour Cream Cookie Dough, divided
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
6 cups fresh blueberries, divided
 
For the Sour Cream Cookie Dough
1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
 
Directions
To make the pie 

1. Read the recipe all the way through before starting. Measure all ingredients and have at your side.
2. Preheat your oven to 375° F.
3. Prepare cookie dough crust by placing half of the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll to a 12-inch circle.
4. Remove one piece of parchment; carefully flip dough circle into a 9-inch pie plate.
5. Trim the crust and flute edge as desired.
6. Line the crust with a double thickness of foil.
7. Bake 10 minutes; carefully remove foil. Bake until golden, 4 to 5 minutes more.
8. Remove from oven; sprinkle crust with chocolate chips.
9. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Crumble remaining dough on prepared cookie sheet. Bake until crumbles are golden, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; cool completely.

To make the filling

1. In a large saucepan stir together sugar, flour, and lemon juice.
2. Add 4 cups of blueberries.
3. Cook and stir over medium until thickened, bubbly and deepened in dark blue color, 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining 2 cups berries.
5. Pour the filling into crust.
6. Top with baked cookie crumbles.
7. Cool completely. If you like, serve with additional fresh blueberries.

To make the cookie dough crust

1. In a large bowl beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with a mixer on medium to high 30 seconds.
2. Add 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon. baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon baking soda and a dash salt; beat until combined.
3. Add 1 egg yolk, 1/4 cup sour cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla; beat until combined.
4. Beat in 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour.
5. Divide dough in half; wrap and chill, if necessary, until easy to handle.

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ChefSecret: Did you know that chocolate is also a super food.  Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, may offer several health benefits, including improved heart health, better brain function and reduced inflammation. It is rich in antioxidants and can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation.
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Quip of the Day: Q. What’s a blueberry’s favorite song?  A. “Blueberry Hill” by Fats Domino, of course!
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to
[email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food.
 
We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. No matter which side of the aisle you reside, please say a prayer for the U.S. men and women in uniform who protect this nation every day.

#Dessert #OMG-Blueberry-Chocolate-Pie #Blueberries #DarkChocolateChip #LowerBloodPressure #SuperFood #Antioxidants #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #ThreeSquare #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 

                                                                                 ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026

How you doin’? We are getting into county fair time around the country. Joan and I love county fairs, especially for the crazy food and gadgets. The kitchen gadget guys are always johnny-on-the-spot with a wide array of gizmos you never knew you needed. But I digress…
 
The first food we look for is the cinnamon roll truck. The two of us have a passion for great cinnamon rolls. You can smell the good ones when you first go through the county fair gates.
 
Mother’s Day is next Sunday, and I want to share our love of cinnamon rolls so all of you and your mothers can have the great cinnamon roll experience without all the fuss. I always gets a ton of compliments and recipe requests when I bring my Mother’s Day Cinnamon Roll Cake home or to outside gatherings.
 
Here’s the best thing… you can bake up these soft rolls in a 9 X 13-inch pan — no rolling, proofing or shaping required. Everyone raves about the cinnamon topping texture that's uniquely gooey and aromatic. This is a fantastic recipe the whole family will love, including every mom in the world.
 
Prep time:  25 minutes
Bake time:  25-30 minutes
Yield: 1 (9x13-inch cake) 12 servings
 
Ingredients 
For the white cake layer
3 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup melted butter

For the cinnamon layer
1 cup softened butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
 
For the glaze
2 cups confectioner’s sugar
5 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
 
Directions

1. Read the recipe all the way through before starting. Measure all ingredients and have at your side.
2. Preheat an oven to 350° F.
3. Grease or spray or a 9 X 13-inch baking pan.

To make the white cake layer

1. Mix 3 cups of flour, 1-1/2 cups milk, white sugar, eggs, baking powder, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and salt together in a large bowl until well-combined.
2. Stir in 1/4 cup melted butter.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.

To make the cinnamon layer & bake

1. Beat 1 cup softened butter, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon together in a large bowl until smooth.
2. Spread the cinnamon layer over the cake batter in the baking pan.
3. Bake the cake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out nearly clean, 25 to 30 minutes.

To make the glaze

1. Mix confectioners' sugar, milk, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm Mother’s Day Cinnamon Roll Cake.
3. Cut and serve warm.

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ChefSecret: It only takes a minute to make this cinnamon roll cake look really cool.  Take a sharp knife and run it through the cake right before baking to give it a cinnamon roll swirl.
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Quip of the Day:  Q. What did the cinnamon roll say to the cup of coffee?  A. I’m really starting to feel the heat between us!
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food.
 
We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for.
-------------------------------------------
To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well and be kind. No matter which side of the aisle you reside, please say a prayer for the U.S. men and women in uniform who protect this nation every day.
#Baking #MothersDayCinnamonRollCoffeeCake #CinnamonRollCoffeeCake #EasyCoffeeCake #HappyMothersDay #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #ThreeSquare #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 
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                                                                                     ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026

How you doin’? Dupar’s Restaurant in Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles is over 100 years old. This is the place to get a slice of pie… smooth, creamy custard with a crisp, flaky pie crust. It is a winner and a winner you can have at home, too.
 
You can use a homemade or store-bought crust. The delicious Egg Custard Pie is a Southern favorite, often a nostalgic family recipe transcending generations. It’s simple, classic, and incredibly comforting. If you grew up in the South (or in Southern California), you probably have a relative who makes egg custard pie time and time again, but even those of us who don't have a time-honored family recipe can now make this comforting classic at home.
 
This is the original dessert from which many other custard pies are derived. Switch out whole milk for buttermilk and you have buttermilk pie or thicken the custard with cornmeal and you have chess pie.
 
Egg custard pie is made with a basic custard baked in a flaky, all-butter pie crust. The flavors are simple: aromatic vanilla and nutty ground nutmeg. But its simplicity is the basis for its reassuring comfort. That, and the marriage of two contrasting textures: a smooth, creamy custard and a snappy, flaky crust.
 
While there is no shame in using a store-bought crust (it’s such a time saver!), there’s nothing quite like a buttery, flaky pie crust made from scratch. These tips will make you a pie crust expert so you can achieve the perfect pie crust every time.
 
Keep it cold: Mixing the dough with cold ingredients, and chilling the mixed dough before rolling, will help create an extra flaky crust that’s a breeze to roll out. It can help to dice the butter ahead of time, then chill or freeze it for 20 minutes before mixing the dough. This prevents the butter from melting into the flour during mixing so you can achieve a flakier crust.
Make ahead: After mixing the dough, refrigerate it for at least one hour before rolling. This extra time in the fridge not only chills the dough but also allows the flour to hydrate and the gluten to relax. Chilled dough is much easier to roll out and better maintains the distinct layers of butter in the dough.
 
A food processor makes quick work of preparing a pie crust and cuts the butter into the flour without melting it. Don't fret if you don't have a food processor; pie dough is easy to mix by hand with a pastry cutter or just the tips of your fingers.
 
Add ice water one tablespoon at a time. You know you’ve added enough water to the dough when a small handful of the crumbly dough holds together when pinched with your fingers.
 
Blind bake the crust before adding the filling. With a liquid filling like custard, blind baking the crust ensures it’s crisp, flaky, and sturdy enough to support the filling. Without blind-baking, the crust would be too soggy.
 
The custard filling for this pie is an easy mix of milk, butter, eggs, sugar and flour with a bit of vanilla extract and ground nutmeg for flavoring. The custard ingredients are whisked together in a large bowl and poured into the pre-baked pie crust. Then it’s carefully placed into the oven and baked at a low temperature so the custard can thicken slowly to help prevent curdling the eggs by cooking them too quickly.
 
When the pie is ready, the custard will just have begun to turn golden. The edge of  the custard will be set, but the middle will still jiggle. You may think it's underbaked, but the custard continues to thicken and drop as it cools. If you want to be extra sure, you can check with an instant-read thermometer. The center of the custard should register between 170°F and 180°F.
 
While the custard filling cannot be prepared in advance, you can get a head start on the crust. The pie crust can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator tightly wrapped with plastic. The pie dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out the crust.
 
You can even freeze the par-baked crust. After the crust has cooled completely, double wrap it in plastic and store it in the freezer for up to one month. Let the crust thaw in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for 1 hour before pouring in the custard filling.
 
The baked and cooled pie will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator covered tightly plastic wrap. The custard filling does not freeze well, resulting in an unpleasant texture once thawed.
 
Prep time:  30 mins
Bake time:  90 mins
Cool time:  60 mins
Yield:  1 (9-inch) pie / 8 servings
 
Ingredients 
1 store-bought crust or your own homemade pie crust recipe
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 large eggs, plus 1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
 
Directions

1. Read the recipe all the way through before starting. Measure all ingredients and have at your side.
2. Preheat an oven to 350° F.
3. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven.
4. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie pan with butter.

To roll out the homemade crust

1. Dust your countertop lightly with flour.
2. Use a rolling pin to roll the pie crust dough to a 12-inch circle, about 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick.
3. To roll the dough, start at the center and roll outwards to the edges. Rotate the dough as you roll to keep the dough circular. If the dough starts to stick, lightly dust the dough or the rolling pin with more flour.
4. Carefully transfer the dough into a 9-inch pie dish. To do this while minimizing the risk of tearing the dough, use the rolling pin to roll up the dough, then unroll it into the pie dish.
5. Gently press in the dough to line the lightly greased pie dish.
6. Roll and fold the overhang of dough to build up the edges, trimming any excess dough as you work around the pie dish. Use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges of the pie dough.
7. Transfer the crust to the freezer, unwrapped, to chill until the oven is preheated.

To prepare the crust for pre-baking

1. Remove the chilled crust from the freezer.
2. Line the inside of the crust with enough heavy-duty aluminum foil or parchment paper that extends over the edges. These make convenient handles for easy removal later and protect the rim of the crust from over-browning.
3. Fill with pie weights or dry beans about two-thirds full. This ensures the crust doesn’t puff up while baking.
4. Bake the crust for 45 to 50 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove the foil and pie weights and let the crust cool slightly while preparing the filling.
5. Reduce the oven temperature to 325° F.

To make the custard

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, salt and nutmeg.
2. Whisk in the eggs, followed by the melted butter, then the milk and vanilla extract. The filling will be quite liquid and pale yellow.

To bake the pie

1. Place the pie onto a sheet pan before adding the filling into the parbaked crust (this will ensure that there is no spillage in your oven.
2. Pour the filling into the parbaked crust.
3. Carefully transfer the pie to the oven and bake, 50 to 55 minutes. The custard should be set at the edges, but still jiggly in the center. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the pie should read 170°F to 175°F. The custard may appear too liquidy, but it will set further as it cools.
4. If the edges of the pie start to get too dark, you can cover them with a pie shield or strips of aluminum foil.
5. Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
6. When it’s completely cool, store the pie in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

ChefSecret: To make the pie crust from scratch, allow for an additional 15 minutes  of hands-on time plus 1 hour to chill the dough. Use an oven thermometer to check the temperature of your oven. The gentle baking the pie at 325° F ensures the custard bakes evenly, which keeps it from sinking and curdling.

Quip of the Day:  Q. If five kids can eat ten custard pies in an hour, how many pies can two kids eat?  A. Zero since the five kids ate all the pies.
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food. We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well and be kind. No matter what side of the aisle you reside, please say a prayer for the U.S. men and women in uniform who protect this nation every day.

#Baking #EggCustardPie #DuparsPie #EggCustard #HomemadePieCrust #LosAngelesFarmersMarket #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #ThreeSquare #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 

                                                                              ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026

How you doin’? Zabaglione is one of my favorite Italian desserts. Yes, you can enjoy Zabaglione even after a large Italian meal.
 
Zabaglione is an Italian dessert that dates back to the 15th century (no, I’m not that old). The earliest known recipe appears in manuscripts attributed to the culinary traditions of Naples. The dessert is believed to have originated in the Piedmont region of Italy.
 
Zabaglione has evolved over the centuries, transitioning from a beverage to a dessert. It is traditionally made with egg yolks, sugar and sweet Marsala. The French adopted the recipe in the 1800s, calling it "sabayon," which has since been used to describe both sweet and savory sauces.
 
Zabaglione remains a popular dessert in Italy and is enjoyed in various forms around the world. Its versatility allows it to be served warm or cold, making it a cherished treat in many culinary traditions. In this classic Italian dessert, sweet, juicy strawberries are enveloped in a rich but impossibly light and delicious custard.
 
Prep Time:  10 minutes
Cook Time:  10 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Yield:  4 servings
 
Ingredients 
1 cup hulled, halved and sliced strawberries
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
6 large egg yolks
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup dry Marsala wine
 
Directions

1. Read the recipe all the way through before starting. Measure all ingredients and have at your side.
2. Gently stir the strawberries and 2 teaspoons of sugar together in a bowl.
3. Cover and let sit at room temperature until juices release, about 1 hour.
4. Divide fruit between 4 small, clear serving bowls or stemmed cocktail glasses.
5. Place egg yolks, sugar and marsala into metal mixing bowl. Set over burner on low heat. Hold rim of bowl with a potholder. Whisk until mixture forms loose peaks, 7 or 8 minutes. Mixture should feel warm to the touch.
6. Spoon custard over the strawberries. Serve while custard is still warm.

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ChefSecret:  Instead of placing the metal mixing bowl over low heat to whisk the custard, you can set the bowl over a pot of slowly simmering water.
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Quip of the Day:  Q. What do you call a Roman with a cold?  A. Julius Sneezer.
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food.
 
We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind.

#Dessert #Custard #Zabaglione #EggYolks #Marsala #ItalianDessert #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #ThreeSquare #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 

                                                                       ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC. 2026

How you doin’? Butter tarts are a Canadian staple. My English Butter Tarts are fantastic with a sweet, homemade crust, but are my favorite treat to whip up quickly when I have shells pre-made. A fantastic spring or Easter treat, they're delicious with a cup of tea.
 
Butter tarts are a quintessential Canadian dessert, with their roots traced back to Ontario. The earliest known recipe was published in 1900 in a cookbook from Barrie, Ontario, entitled "The Women's Auxiliary of the Royal Victoria Hospital Cookbook.” This recipe is often cited as the first printed version, but the creation of butter tarts likely predates this publication.
 
The development of butter tarts is believed to be influenced by the arrival of young women from France to Quebec between 1663 and 1673. These women brought traditional recipes that evolved over time, adapting to the ingredients available in Canada. The butter tart is thought to be a variation of the sugar pie, a simple dessert made with similar ingredients.
 
Today, butter tarts are celebrated as a symbol of Canadian cuisine, particularly in Ontario. They are enjoyed across the country and have become a staple at family gatherings and special occasions. Various festivals and tours, such as the Butter Tart Festival in Midland, Ontario, highlight their popularity and cultural importance.
 
Prep time:  10 minutes
Bake time:  25 minutes
Additional:  10 minutes
Yield:  24 2-inch tarts or 1 9-inch deep dish pie shell
 
Ingredients 
24 (2 inch) unbaked tart shells
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup (I prefer Karo corn syrup)
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
 
Directions

1. Read the recipe all the way through before starting. Measure all ingredients and have at your side.
2. Preheat an oven to 400⁰ F.
3. Place the tart shells on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the tart shells in the preheated oven until the edges of the crust are golden, about 10 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Set aside.
5. Lower the oven temperature to 350⁰ F. Position a rack in the upper 1/3 of the oven.
6. Whisk the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, eggs, vanilla extract and salt together in a bowl until smooth.
7. Fill the pastry shells with the custard mixture about 2/3-full.
8. Bake in the preheated oven until the filling foams and is bubbly and golden, about 15 minutes.
9. Remove the pan and cool for a few minutes on a wire rack; serve warm or at room temperature.

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ChefSecrets:  They are called Butter Tarts for a good reason—Do not substitute anything  for the butter; this will affect the taste and consistency. Margarine will make them oily and wet.  Good Canadian Butter Tarts should have a light brown, bubbly, soft-crust, and should be gooey, with a bit of liquid (syrup) inside. They should not be jelly-like, or 'jammy'. The tarts will fall as they cool. Similar butter tarts are seen in other cultures—Dan Tat in Cantonese Dim Sum Restaurants and Pastéis de Nata in Portuguese specialty bakeries.
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Quip of the Day:  I threw a custard pie at my soon-to-be ex-wife after we had an argument. She took me to court over who should look after the kids after we divorced.
She got custard-y
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross.

#Dessert #CanadianButterTart #ButterTart #DanTat #EggCustardTart #EasterDessert #HappyEaster #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #ThreeSquare #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 
 
                                                  ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026

How you doin’? St. Patrick’s Day is tomorrow so you still have time to whip up this delightful dessert. It works well as morning coffee companion, too!
 
This take on a traditional Irish apple cake uses a mix of whole-wheat and all-purpose flours in the base, while yogurt adds richness. Tart Granny Smith apples provide a fresh, sweet-tart bite in every slice. A buttery oat streusel topping brings crunch and warmth to this cozy dessert, perfect with a cup of tea or a shot of Irish whisky.
Prep time:  20 minutes
Bake time:  45 minutes
Cool time: 1 hour
Yield:  8 servings
 
Ingredients 
For the cake
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup room temperature whole-milk Greek-style yogurt
2 large room temperature eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 pound Granny Smith apples, unpeeled, cut into half-inch pieces
 
For the Streusel topping
6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon almond extract
 
Directions
To make the apple cake

1. Read the recipe all the way through before starting. Measure all ingredients and have at your side.
2. Preheat an oven to 350° F.
3. Coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray.
4. Whisk the whole-wheat flour, 1 cup all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon and nutmeg together in a medium bowl.
5. In a separate large bowl, combine softened butter and granulated sugar; beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 1 minute.
6. Add the yogurt, eggs, vanilla and lemon juice; beat just until combined.
7. Add the flour mixture and beat until just incorporated.
8. Fold in the chopped apples.
9. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth off the top.

To make the streusel topping

1. Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, oats, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, cinnamon and almond extract in a small bowl; stir until no dry spots remain.
2. Crumble evenly over the batter in the pan.
3. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean with only a few crumbs and the top is golden brown, about 45 minutes.
4. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour.

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ChefSecret:  This cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
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Joan’s Quip of the Day:  Q. What do you call an Irishman who bounces off walls? A. Rick O’Shea.
Ed’s Quip of the Day:  Two Irishmen walk out of a pub… hey, it could happen!
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food. 
We have hundreds of archived Covid Era recipes which you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide
-------------------------------------------
To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross.

#Dessert #IrishAppleCake #GrannySmithApples #Yogurt #StPatricksDay #Cake #CoffeeCake #Streusel #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #ThreeSquare #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 
 
                                                                     ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026

How you doin’? My latest great barbecue restaurant find in the Las Vegas area is Mission Barbecue. That doesn’t mean I am discounting Fox Smokehouse in Boulder City—they still have the best beef ribs. But now I must declare Mission has the best smoked brisket.
 
They also have an easy-to-duplicate Blueberry Cake Cobbler Extreme.  It only takes two store-bought ingredients, but you would never know it.  Actually, my recipe tastes even better than the Mission Barbecue rendition.
 
You need to purchase 2 cans of blueberry pie fruit and a box of Duncan Hines Yellow Batter Cake Mix, plus a few pantry ingredients that will turn this dessert into an all-time favorite.
 
Prep time:  15 minutes
Bake time:  35 to 40 minutes
Cool time: 10-15 minutes
Yield:  8 to 10 servings
 
Ingredients 
Nonstick spray
2 cans (21-ounce), store-bought blueberry pie filling (I used Kroger house brand)
1 box (15.25 ounce) yellow cake mix (I used Duncan Hines)
1 cup milk (the box called for water)
3 large eggs
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter (the box called for oil)
1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
 
Directions

1. Read the recipe all the way through before starting. Measure all ingredients and have at your side.
2. Preheat an oven to 350° F.
3. Arrange an oven rack in the middle of the oven.
4. Spray a 9 X 13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
5. Spread the blueberry pie mix on the bottom of the prepared baking dish and set aside.
6. Blend the cake mix, milk, eggs and butter in a large bowl on low speed until moistened about 30 seconds.
7. Add the vanilla (or almond) extract.
8. Continue to mix the batter on medium speed for 2 minutes.
9. Evenly pour the batter over the blueberry pie fruit. Place it in the pre-heated oven.
10. Let the cake bake for about 35-40 minutes.
11. Let it cool for about 10-15 minutes, scoop and serve.
12. Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
13. Store leftover cobbler, covered, in the refrigerator, for up to 4 days.

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ChefSecret:  I changed out the water for milk and the oil to melted butter for a richer, more like a scratch-made cake. You can do that with most any boxed cake mix.
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Quip of the Day:  What do you do if you can't find a cobbler?  You get the baker to fix your choux.
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food. 
We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross.
#Dessert #BlueberryCakeCobbler #Blueberry #BlueberryCobbler #DuncanHines #PieFilling #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #ThreeSquare #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup  
                                                                                 ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026

How you doin’? Luscious, intensely chocolaty, and easy to make, my 20-minute stovetop custard is the perfect dessert to serve after a special meal.
 
This quick, super-silky chocolate custard used to appear regularly on the Palm Grill dessert menu at the beloved Burlingame Palm Grill. Our pastry chef served it only slightly chilled so that the flavors and smooth texture of the chocolate can shine through. You never want to serve chocolate when it is too cold.
 
For this custard, use three ounces of bittersweet chocolate, plus more for the garnish. Look for chocolate with about 70% cacao to provide deep flavor without being overly sweet or chalky; for the best texture, avoid using chocolate chips here. Be sure to chop the chocolate finely, as directed—this way, it will melt quickly and evenly when added to the hot milk mixture.
 
Whole milk is the best choice for making rich, velvety custard; however, 2% will also work, just not as well. This dessert is perfect to cap a romantic dinner for two, but it can easily be scaled up to serve a larger group. To ensure the cream whips properly, keep it cold until you're ready to use it—also chill the bowl and whisk beforehand beating as well.
 
Prep time: 10 minutes
Whisk time: 5 minutes
Chill time: 5 minutes
Total Time:  20 mins
Yield:  2 servings
 
Ingredients
1/4 cup whole milk (2% will also work)
3 tablespoons sugar, divided
1 large egg yolk
3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped, plus shaved chocolate, for serving
Pinch of kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup heavy cream
Pinch of ground cinnamon
 
Directions

1. Read the recipe all the way through before starting. Measure all ingredients and have at your side.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the milk and 2 tablespoons of the sugar; heat until steaming and the sugar is dissolved. Put the egg yolk in a small bowl, temper it while gradually whisking in the hot milk.
3. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over moderate heat, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
4. Off the heat, add the chopped chocolate and salt and whisk until smooth.
5.  Whisk in the butter. Pour the custard into 2 shallow bowls and refrigerate briefly, about 5 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream with the cinnamon and the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar until softly whipped.
7. Drops dollops the whipped cream on the custard tops
8. Sprinkle the chocolate shavings on the cream and serve.

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ChefSecret:  The chocolate custards can be prepared the day before through Step 4 and refrigerated overnight. Be sure to cover the surface of the custard with food film. Serve the custards lightly chilled or at room temperature.
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Quip of the Day:  Q. What do you call Chewbacca when he has chocolate stuck in his hair?  A. Chocolate Chip Wookie.
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food. 
We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for.
-------------------------------------------
To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross.

#Dessert #ChocolateCustard #BittersweetChocolate #WhippedCream #NotAnyOldChocolatePuddin #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #ThreeSquare #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 
 
                                                                                    ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026

How you doin’? An Apple Dumpling is a pastry filled with a peeled and cored apple, cinnamon, spices and occasionally raisins and lemon or orange zest.
 
After the apples are first peeled and cored, they are placed on a portion of prepared dough, then filled with cinnamon and sugar. The dough is delicately folded over the apples and the dumplings are baked until tender.
 
My apple dumplings are warm, flaky, apple sweet and tart, drizzled with a sauce that makes itself right within the dumplings. Apple Dumplings are just a little time-consuming, can be a bit fussy, but are not really difficult to make. Serve ‘em up warm, with spooned on sauce and topped with whipped cream or ice cream.
 
Where did Apple Dumplings originate? Though the first recorded Apple Dumplings were made in England in and around the 18th century and can be traced throughout history across many communities in the United States, they've really become known as an iconic Amish food. On our continent, they are believed to be native to the northeastern United States, near Pennsylvania. Often found among the delicious Amish recipes, it is frequently eaten as a breakfast item in their communities. However, they are also regularly eaten as a dessert and sometimes served with vanilla ice cream… my personal favorite way to eat them!
 
Prep time:  30 minutes
Bake time:  1 hour
Yield:  6 dumplings
 
Ingredients 
1 recipe pastry for double-crust pie (see below)
6 large Granny Smith apples (or other tart baking apple), peeled, cored, held in cold water with lemon juice
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces, divided
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 cups water
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
turbinado sugar or sugar in the raw
 
Directions

1. Read the recipe all the way through before starting. Measure all ingredients and have at your side.
2. Preheat your oven to 400⁰ F.
3. Butter a 9 x 13-inch pan.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll the pastry into a large rectangle, about 24 x 16 inches.
5. Cut into 6 square equal pieces.
6. Remove the apples from the water and ensure they are fully drained. Place one apple on each pastry square with the cored opening facing upward.
7. Cut the butter into 8 pieces. Place 1 piece of butter inside the opening of each apple; reserving remaining butter for the sauce.
8. Divide brown sugar equally between the apples, poking some inside each cored opening and sprinkling the rest over and around the base of each apple.
9. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the apples.
10. With slightly wet fingertips, bring one corner of pastry square up to the top of the apple, then bring the opposite corner to the top and press together. Bring up the two remaining opposite corners and seal. Slightly pinch the dough at the sides to completely seal in the apple. Repeat with the remaining apples.
11. Place the pastry-wrapped apples in the prepared baking dish.
12. In a saucepan, combine water, granulated sugar, vanilla extract and reserved butter. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved. Carefully pour over dumplings.
13. Just before baking sprinkle the tops of the pastry with turbinado or sugar in the raw for sweet added crunch. 
14. Bake in a preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Place each apple dumpling in a dessert bowl and spoon some sauce over the top.

ChefSecrets:  Don’t have time to make the dumpling crust? You can use a couple of rolls of Pillsbury Crescent Sheets. Lower the baking temperature to 350⁰ F and bake until golden brown.

                               Ed’s Perfect Flaky Pie & Dumpling Dough
                                                  Use this recipe for dumplings or pie crusts.
Prep time:  15-30 minutes
Chill time: Minimum 30 minutes
Yield:  2 single or 1 double (9-inch) crust
 
Ingredients 
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, chilled
1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 large egg yolk whisked with 1 tablespoon warm water
 
Directions

1. Read the recipe all the way through before starting. Measure all ingredients and have at your side.
2. Remove the butter from the refrigerator and cut into several small cubes.  Refrigerate while preparing the flour mixture.
3. Place a few ice cubes in a small measuring cup (1 cup) and fill it with cold water.  Stir and set aside.
4. Combine the flour and salt in a chilled bowl of a food processor and pulse a few times to combine.  If making crust by hand, whisk the flour and salt together in a large mixing bowl.
5. Scatter half the cubes of butter over the surface of the flour.  Attach the food processor lid and pulse 15 to 20 times until the mixture resembles cornmeal with pieces of butter no larger than pea size. Alternatively, cut the butter into the flour using a pastry cutter, a fork, or your fingertips.
6. Remove the lid of the food processor and sprinkle about 1/4 cup of ice water over the surface of the butter-flour mixture. 
7. Scatter the remaining butter cubes over the water-flour mixture.  Pulse 4 times to combine.
8. You can check to see if the dough is holding together by squeezing a bit in your hand; if it holds together and feels tacky, it's ready. If it breaks apart easily, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time as needed.  The final dough should have large clumps of dough, small pebbles of butter and should hold together when pressed.
9. Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface sprinkled lightly with flour. Divide the dough into two piles (about 13 ounces each). Use the palm of your hand to quickly gather and press each mound into a thick disk. Wrap in food film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 days.
10. Unwrap 1 of the disks and place on a work surface dusted with flour. Sprinkle a rolling pin with flour. Working from the middle of the dough outwards, roll the dough out as directed above.  Work the dough as little as possible.

If the dough cracks when you first start rolling, let it stand for one minute to warm slightly before rolling again.  Use more flour if the dough starts to stick. Use a pastry scraper to lift the pastry from the work surface and make sure it's not sticking.
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ChefSecret:  You can substitute lard or shortening for all or some of the butter in this recipe. Leftovers can be wrapped in food film and kept on the counter for up to 3 days.
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Quip of the Day:  Since I am newly married and work with my wife every day, I always read her horoscope in the morning paper to find out what kind of day I’m going to have.
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food.
We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for.
-------------------------------------------
To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross.
#Dessert #JohnnysAppleDumplings #AppleDumplings #GrannySmithApples #BakedApples #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #ThreeSquare #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 
                                                                                 ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026

How you doin’? This Italian Love Cake might look complicated, but as striking as it looks, the layers are easy to pull together.
 
Actually, Italian Love Cake was invented in the USA along with many of the other magic layer cakes. It uses ricotta cheese, a classic Italian ingredient used in many Italian cheesecake desserts.
 
Here’s how it all comes together… A ricotta cheese filling is layered over a chocolate cake batter, and as the cake bakes, the ricotta layer sinks to the bottom and the chocolate cake rises to the top—it’s magic. The cake is topped with a whipped chocolate topping that tastes light and indulgent. The finished cake has three eye-catching layers that look much harder to achieve than they actually are.
 
You can bake my Italian Love Cake with your own favorite chocolate cake or, do what I do when I’m short on time—take a couple of shortcuts with chocolate cake mix and chocolate pudding mix.
 
Italian Love Cake is a perfect dessert for making ahead of time… and perfect for Valentine’s Day. You can make the whole cake from start to finish in one day and hold it in the fridge overnight, or you can bake, cool, and refrigerate the cake, then add the topping just before serving.
 
Prep time:  30 minutes
Bake time:  45 minutes
Cooling and chilling time:  8 hours
Yield:  15 servings / 1 9x13-inch cake
 
Ingredients 
For the chocolate cake layer
Nonstick cooking spray
1 (15.25-ounce) box chocolate cake mix (I prefer Duncan Hines)
1 cup room temperature black coffee
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
 
For the ricotta filling and chocolate topping
1 (32-ounce) container whole-milk ricotta cheese
4 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
 
For the chocolate topping
1-1/2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
1 (3.9-ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix (I prefer Jello)
1-1/2 cups cold whole milk
Garnish with a chocolate dipped strawberry
 
Directions

1. Preheat an oven to 350° F.
2. Spray a 9x13-inch cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.

To mix the cake batter

1. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, coffee, eggs and oil.
2. Beat the cake batter according to the package directions and set aside.

To make ricotta filling

1. In a second large bowl, combine the ricotta, eggs, sugar and vanilla extract.
2. Beat with a hand mixer on low speed until the mixture is homogeneous, about 1 minute.
3. Scrape the sides of the bowl and ensure everything is fully mixed.

To assemble the layers

1. Scrape the cake batter into the bottom of the prepared cake pan in an even layer.
2. Spoon the ricotta mixture over the chocolate cake batter, starting at the edges and working your way to the middle. Use an offset spatula to spread the ricotta filling into an even layer, fully covering the cake batter.

To bake the cake

1. Bake the cake until the chocolate cake layer has risen to the top of the cake and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, 45 to 60 minutes. The ricotta mixture may stick to the knife slightly but shouldn’t be wet.
2. Be careful not to overbake this cake. Remove the cake from the oven when a knife comes out clean.
3. Cover the cake with foil in the last 15 minutes if you notice the edges browning.
4.  Place the cake on a cooling rack and cool until the pan is no longer warm, 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

To make the pudding topping

1. In a clean large bowl, whip the cold heavy cream on medium speed to stiff peaks, about 2 to 3 minutes, and set aside.
2. Pour the pudding mix into a medium bowl and whisk to remove any clumps.
3. Pour in the cold milk and whisk until smooth and thick, about 2 minutes.
4. Fold half of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture.
5. Once the first half has been incorporated, fold in the remaining whipped cream. The mixture should be completely homogeneous and fluffy.

To finish the cake

1. Spread the chocolate topping evenly over the cooled cake. Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate until fully chilled, at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Once the cake is thoroughly chilled, cut into squares and serve. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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ChefSecret:  Boxed chocolate cake mixes are generally pretty similar. The only one I would avoid using in this recipe is the Betty Crocker cake mix that includes pudding—it tends not to rise over the ricotta mixture as well as other chocolate cake mixes.
 
Whole-milk ricotta cheese is ideal for this recipe. It’s the creamiest and tastes the best in the finished dessert. Make sure to whip the ricotta mixture on low speed. You want it to stay dense so that it falls to the bottom of the cake during baking.
 
The cake can become overbaked at the edges if the batter isn’t covered in a thick layer of ricotta, so I like to start spooning the ricotta mixture along the edges first and work my way into the center. Then, I use an offset spatula to ensure the layer is even before baking it.
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Quip of the Day:  How to you silence an Italian? You tie their hands behind their back!
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food.
-------------------------------------------
To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross.

#Dessert #ILoveItalianLoveCake #RicottaCheese #ChocolateCake #ChocolatePudding #WhippedCream #MagicCake #HappyValentinesDayDessert #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #ThreeSquare #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 
 
                                                                                        ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026