LET'S GET COOKIN'!

To show my appreciation for the overwhelming response I received for my decadent dessert, I'm sharing my (Valentine) recipe for Foodie Friday. Hosted by the gracious Gollum. Take a stroll over to see the other Foodie fun spots.

The acclaimed day of Amor is right around the corner. It's the time of chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. Who am I to go against tradition. I'm prepared to sacrifice my die-it for the sake of "chocolate love." They say... "the way to a persons heart is through their stomach." I agree. So, I thought in the spirit of the occasion I'd share one of my secret desserts with you. I've been known to be a tad protective of my recipes.

I've been collecting them since childhood.

Before we head over to my recipe box....you need to put a little something on with your apron. It's a bit dusty where we're going.

This entails a short trip, but I'll do the driving. I know, not very efficient on gas mileage, but it's sure to get us there. We're looking into downsizing, possibly to a Hummer.

We're here....see that wasn't to far.

The (recipe box)entrance is down at the end of the hallway. Please excuse the appearance. We haven't gotten around to decorating this end of the house yet. It'll be in a future redo post. You'll be amazed to see what a little TNT &TLC can do!

Oops, looks like we've got some company...they'll just have to wait their turn.

A quick spin of the dial, the turn of a knob and voila!

While I grab the recipe. I'll have a couple friends show you around.

They'll be more than happy to give you a peek at my most cherished recipes.

Followed with a preview of the latest design in kitchen thermometers

How did you like the tour of my recipe box?

What? Vague you say......Hmmmm, you must have low blood sugar, so we'd better make our way to the kitchen and start cooking .

The best way to describe my style of cooking is; to have the plated presentation appear as if Ive had the chefs of a five star restaurant cooking in my kitchen all day. When in actuality, it took only simple ingredients in a minimal amount of time. The Valentine recipe that I've chosen to prepare......Napoleons!

No, not this kind

or this one either

These Sweet Delights!

More so like this...

and that

Here's what you'll need .

1. Puff Pastry Sheets -1 pkg.
   
2. Fresh Strawberries -1 pint
   
3. Mascarpone -8oz.
   
4. Whipped Topping - 1/2 cup
   
5. Powdered Sugar - 1/4 cup
   
6. Strawberry Jam (Seedless) 2-3 Tbls.
   
7. Nutella 4-6 TBLS.
   
8. Heart Shaped Cookie Cutters(optional)
9. (click links for product detail)
   

To truly appreciate this dessert click on and enlarge. I promise the pictures are calorie free.



Defrost dough at room temp 15-25minutes.
The pastry will still be slightly firm to the touch, but pliable. Cut heart or desired shape.
Pierce holes with fork. This will help keep puffiness to a minimum.
Bake at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes (lightly brown)

In bowl combine, 8oz. Mascarpone, 1/4 cup Powder Sugar, 1/2 cup whip topping. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

The fluff is dense enough to use an ice cream scopper. Put a generous scoop on your (baked) pastry heart.





Cut Strawberries lengthwise(looks like a heart shape). Rinse and drain leaving the berries slightly wet. Add the 2-3 (heaping)tablespoons of Seedless Strawberry Jam. Stir until all the berries are coated and the jam thins to a glaze consistency.

Spoon the berries on to the cream fluff. Top with another puff heart and more berries.
Put 4-6 tablespoons of Nutella in Ziploc bag (heat in microwave 10 seconds). Snip a corner of the bag. Pipe across the plate over Napoleon.

Dust with powder sugar. I like to plate the dessert with my specialty dipped strawberries. Coconut, macadamia nut, toffee, pecans,white and dark chocolate.

***I wasn't sure if there was a need for instruction on chocolate dipped strawberries. If you want me to post a "how to dip berries with toppings" Leave a comment or email me***

BON APPETITE!

So there's my top secret Napoleon Dessert. Now, if you would be so kind and stop over to the "Men in Black" They're gonna show you that cool thermometer again........

I want to show you the Sweet Surprise I received from Miss Laura at Decor to Adore.

A dainty glassine bag with Laura's original (design) charm bracelet inside.

(click to enlarge)

The miniatures are a soft blue as are the pearls. Every detail from the tinniest leaves to the flowers are all so precious . The watering pail adds the perfect touch. I don't think I'll be waiting till spring to wear it.

Laura~ You truly touched my heart! Thank you my sweet friend .