• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Soul Snacks
  • Contact

Ciao Chow Bambina logo

Dessert

Chocolate Stout No-Churn Ice Cream with Homemade Toffee Crumble ciaochowbambina.com

March 10, 2017 By Annie 65 Comments

Chocolate Stout No-Churn Ice Cream with Homemade Toffee Crumble

This super quick and super easy Chocolate Stout No-Churn Ice Cream with Homemade Toffee Crumble will be the hit of your St. Patrick’s Day celebration!

Chocolate Stout No-Churn Ice Cream with Homemade Toffee Crumble ciaochowbambina.com

Well, this, and a multitude of other fabulous St. Patrick’s Day recipes that are just minutes away… You’ll find them at the end of this post! 😉

Remember when I told you that today’s post was sure to be EPIC?! Now you know why! A bunch of blogger friends and I have come together to create a virtual St. Patty’s Day Extravaganza! How ’bout that?

Chocolate Stout No-Churn Ice Cream with Homemade Toffee Crumble ciaochowbambina.com

Directly following our Valentine’s Day Event, Lynn, from The Road To Honey, reached out and asked if we’d like to join forces once again. I responded as quickly as I could with a resounding YES! These round ups are always so mirthful and scrumptious!

Speaking of mirthful and scrumptious…

Chocolate Stout No-Churn Ice Cream?

Are you kidding me?

Chocolate Stout No-Churn Ice Cream with Homemade Toffee Crumble ciaochowbambina.com

Have you ever tried stout aka beer in your ice cream?

I realize at first thought you might be thinking, “Ummmm, no. Nope. No thank you, Annie.”

But this. Oh man you guys…

Let’s see, how do I describe it? It’s kind of like lifting a stone to discover a gorgeous new color and having to describe what you see. Difficult, right?

…I will do my best…

Chocolate Stout No-Churn Ice Cream with Homemade Toffee Crumble ciaochowbambina.com

It is creamy and cold (of course it is, it’s ice cream), however, there are warming undertones of dark chocolate and coffee flavors.

Warming undertones of dark chocolate and coffee.

  • Undertones.
  • Dark chocolate.
  • Coffee.

Warming undertones in something that is creamy and cold is quite the sensory experience.

Chocolate Stout No-Churn Ice Cream with Homemade Toffee Crumble ciaochowbambina.com

How’d I do?

And with the addition of Homemade Butter Toffee crumble…well, I just might be at a loss for words, again.

Chocolate Stout No-Churn Ice Cream with Homemade Toffee Crumble ciaochowbambina.com

But, not for long…

This dessert will finish any meal on St. Patrick’s Day in fine fine fashion!

Chocolate Stout No-Churn Ice Cream with Homemade Toffee Crumble ciaochowbambina.com

My friends and I have given you a week to plan your party and gather your supplies for what I’m sure will be a sensational celebration! #saintpatricksdayfeast2017

Let’s go!

Virtual St. Patrick’s Day Party:

Guinness Irish Stew Mini Pot Pies from The Road To Honey

Traditional Irish Soda Bread with Orange Butter from What Should I Make For

Get Charmed By Double Spice Chocolate Cookies from The Sweet Nerd

Shepherd’s Pie {with Guinness Lamb & Horseradish Mash} from Girl Heart Food

Sour Apple Tequila Cocktail – The Lucky Shamrock from No Spoon Necessary

Bangers and Mash with Guinness Onion Gravy from The Beach House Kitchen

St. Patrick’s Lemon Cucumber Martini with Fresh Basil from Beyond Mere Sustenance

Irish Spice Bag from Seasons & Suppers

Chocolate Stout No-Churn Ice Cream with Homemade Toffee Crumble from Ciao Chow Bambina

Lucky Charms Churros & Real Pistachio Pudding from The Busy Spatula

Raspberry Chocolate Milk Porter Pudding Shooters from Beer Girl Cooks

Colcannon Irish Mashed Potatoes from Kevin Is Cooking

Black Lentil Roasted Broccoli Shephard’s Pie  from Calizona

Bailey’s Chocolate Caramel Tarts from Sugarhero

Vegan Mint Chocolate Bark from Salted Plains

Boozy Irish Coffee Milkshake with Bailey’s Caramel Drizzle from Meg Is well

Chocolate Stout No-Churn Ice Cream with Homemade Toffee Crumble ciaochowbambina.com

Have a great time, my friends!

The luck of the Irish to you!

Buon Appetito!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chocolate Stout No-Churn Ice Cream with Homemade Toffee Crumble ciaochowbambina.com

Chocolate Stout No-Churn Ice Cream with Homemade Toffee Crumble

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
  • Category: Dessert
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

This super quick and super easy Chocolate Stout No-Churn Ice Cream with Homemade Toffee Crumble will be the hit of your St. Patrick’s Day celebration!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pint heavy whipping cream
  • 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup chocolate stout beer
  • Homemade Butter Toffee – broken into pieces

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl add the whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and chocolate stout beer.
  2. Using a hand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip until stiff peaks form.
  3. Spoon ice cream into a freezer safe container. (I use a loaf pan lined with parchment paper.)
  4. Freeze overnight.
  5. Serve with toffee pieces.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

 

Chocolate Stout No-Churn Ice Cream with Homemade Toffee Crumble ciaochowbambina.com

CIAO! #eattheholidays2017

Homemade Butter Toffee ciaochowbambina.com

March 6, 2017 By Annie 47 Comments

Homemade Butter Toffee

This Homemade Butter Toffee, Part I of an inspiring St. Patrick’s Day offering, is set to make its mark on the World Wide Web, this Friday, March 10th!

Homemade Butter Toffee ciaochowbambina.com

If I were you I’d stop everything immediately and mark my calendar to visit Ciao Chow Bambina, this Friday, March 10th, for what is sure to be an historical event.

That’s all I’m at liberty to reveal in this moment.

Homemade Butter Toffee ciaochowbambina.com

But just know this – EPIC is not too big a word to describe what we’re guaranteed to experience this Friday, March 10th.

If you’re one who can’t get enough of St. Patrick’s Day, then, this Friday, March 10th (have I mentioned that?), will be an exciting day for you.

Homemade Butter Toffee ciaochowbambina.com

And this Homemade Butter Toffee, in all of its buttery toffee goodness, will play a role in what will undoubtedly be a day to remember.

You won’t want to miss it.

Homemade Butter Toffee ciaochowbambina.com

So I’ll see you this Friday! March 10th. Bright and early. 🙂

Buon Appetito!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Homemade Butter Toffee ciaochowbambina.com

Homemade Butter Toffee

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
  • Category: Dessert
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

This Homemade Butter Toffee, Part I of an inspiring St. Patrick’s Day offering, is set to make its mark on the World Wide Web, this Friday, March 10th!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 10 oz. bittersweet chocolate chips (I use Ghirardelli 60% cacao)
  • 1/2 cup Virginia peanuts, chopped

Instructions

  1. In a 2 qt. saucepan, combine butter, sugar, and vanilla, over medium heat.
  2. Cook, whisking constantly until butter melts and mixture turns brown, about 8 – 10 minutes.
  3. Immediately pour toffee onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
  4. Quickly spread the mixture to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  5. Sprinkle with chocolate chips; let stand for about 1 minute then spread the chocolate in an even layer until smooth.
  6. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
  7. Let stand at room temperature for 1 – 2 hours or refrigerate until firm.
  8. Break into small pieces.
  9. Store in airtight container.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

 

Homemade Butter Toffee ciaochowbambina.com

Toffee recipes from around the web…

Chocolate-Toffee Shortbread Hearts from Tutti Dolci, All Sweets

Salted Caramel Chocolate Almond Clusters from Love In My Oven

CIAO!!

 

Snowflake Sugar Cookies ciaochowbambina.com

February 16, 2017 By Annie 36 Comments

Snowflake Sugar Cookies

I have the sweetest and softest snowflake sugar cookies for you!

Snowflake Sugar Cookies ciaochowbambina.com

Between college sports, food festivals, a happening theatre and music scene, first-rate restaurants and notable vineyards, we’re rarely at a loss for things to do in our town. And although there’s no denying that each of these has put Central New York on the map, there’s one thing that consistently lands Syracuse on a Top Ten if not Number One spot on any list ——> SNOW.

Snowflake Sugar Cookies ciaochowbambina.com

We find ourselves at the top of many Snowiest City lists each year thanks to geography. Syracuse gets hit consistently by three major types of snowstorms: Nor’easters, Lake Effect and Alberta Clippers. You could call it a ‘triple threat’ in the world of weather. (syracuse.com)

And although there are times when I wonder if I can handle even one more day of Ugg boots and down-filled jackets taking up precious real estate in my closets – there’s something so satisfying about sitting inside where it’s toasty while peering outside at gently falling snowflakes where it’s cold.

Snowflake Sugar Cookies ciaochowbambina.com

I suppose I can handle it for a few more years…

Snowflake Sugar Cookies ciaochowbambina.com

So we were in another snowy town recently, one that also happens to be known for its icy accumulation – Lake Placid…(we must really like snow)…when I stumbled upon this adorable cookie cutter.

Snowflake Sugar Cookies ciaochowbambina.com

Snowflake Sugar Cookies ciaochowbambina.com

Snowflake Sugar Cookies ciaochowbambina.com

It came with a simple recipe for sugar cookies, which I modified a bit, and then I proceeded to have fun playing with color.

Snowflake Sugar Cookies ciaochowbambina.com

As you know, I’m not much of a baker, but I do enjoy my sweets every now and again, and when they’re this cute – all the better!

I made a double batch of white icing and used half to create the icy blues for decorating. Just a couple drops of blue food coloring for the lighter and a few more drops for the darker.

I painted the cookie with a solid color, white or blue, then made snowflake designs using the other colors by using toothpicks to dot and swirl.

And no two are the same! Of course…

Snowflake Sugar Cookies ciaochowbambina.com

Have I mentioned how fun this is? This is fun!

A great activity with the kids should you get hit by Ol’ Man Winter, too!

Buon Appetito!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Snowflake Sugar Cookies ciaochowbambina.com

Snowflake Sugar Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
  • Category: Dessert
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • Cookies
  • 1 cup butter, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Icing
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 Tbsp. butter, melted
  • 2 Tbsp. milk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp. lemon juice
  • blue food coloring

Instructions

  1. For the cookies, add butter and sugar to a large bowl and mix until light and fluffy.
  2. Next, add the egg, vanilla, salt and flour. Mix until fully combined.
  3. Chill dough for about an hour.
  4. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  5. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick, and using the cookie cutter, form cookies.
  6. Place on cookie sheets and bake for about 10 minutes or until cookies are firm.
  7. Remove cookies from sheets and cool on wire racks.
  8. For the icing, combine all ingredients and beat until smooth.
  9. Separate frosting in individual bowls and add food coloring to create different gradations of color.
  10. Frost, decorate, and eat!

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

 

Snowflake Sugar Cookies ciaochowbambina.com

In need of a few more cookie recipes? Here you go!

Amaretti & Nutella Sandwich Cookies

Pignoli Cookies

Italian Anise Cookies

Have a great weekend, my friends!

CIAO!

Milk Chocolate Valentine's Pizza ciaochowbambina.com

January 26, 2017 By Annie 31 Comments

Milk Chocolate Valentine’s Pizza

Nothing says romance like Milk Chocolate Valentine’s Pizza!

Milk Chocolate Valentine's Pizza ciaochowbambina.com

Now this is a pizza!

Milk Chocolate Valentine's Pizza ciaochowbambina.com

I wish I could take credit. The brilliant idea for chocolate pizza comes from a CNY company that made its mark on America’s tastebuds about three decades ago. What began as a small local business has since grown by leaps and bounds! This unique confection is now found in retail locations all across the country.

And every year around this time in my belly!

Milk Chocolate Valentine's Pizza ciaochowbambina.com

The Chocolate Pizza Company uses creamy gourmet chocolate combined with homemade English toffee and is shaped into a pizza.

It can be topped with all sorts of things:

  • Nuts
  • M&M’s
  • Sprinkles
  • PB Cups
  • Pretzels

The list could go on forever…

And then it’s presented in – you guessed it – a pizza delivery box. How cute is that?

Milk Chocolate Valentine's Pizza ciaochowbambina.com

I mean, come on!? This is one of those -“Why didn’t I think of that?”

I’m singing its praises but this is not a sponsored post. The recipe I’m using is mine, although the ‘pizza’ concept is theirs.

To begin, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (making sure no water comes in contact with the chocolate), then pour it into a 10″ springform pan making sure the chocolate spreads evenly in the pan.

Milk Chocolate Valentine's Pizza ciaochowbambina.com

From there, it’s all about the toppings.

I went with a sweet and salty mix…pretzels, Valentine colored M&M’s, sprinkles and cinnamon hearts.

Once you’re satisfied with the amount of toppings, melt white chocolate wafers (using the same double boiler method as the milk chocolate) and drizzle over everything.

Set aside in a cool area for a couple of hours or in the refrigerator for half an hour until firm.

Milk Chocolate Valentine's Pizza ciaochowbambina.com

Of course I had to make a pizza for my guy.

Milk Chocolate Valentine's Pizza ciaochowbambina.com

It’s our language of love!

Buon Appetito!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Milk Chocolate Valentine’s Pizza

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
  • Category: Dessert
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz. good milk chocolate (like Ghirardelli)
  • 4 oz. white chocolate wafers
  • Toppings: pretzels, Valentine M&M’s, red and pink sprinkles, cinnamon hearts

Instructions

  1. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (making sure no water comes in contact with the chocolate).
  2. When melted, pour into a 10-inch springform pan.
  3. Sprinkle candy and pretzels over top.
  4. Using the same method as for the milk chocolate, melt the white chocolate wafers.
  5. Drizzle over top the candy.
  6. Set aside in a cool area for a couple hours until firm or in the refrigerator for a half an hour.
  7. Serve at room temperature.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

 

Milk Chocolate Valentine's Pizza ciaochowbambina.com

CIAO!

vanilla-bean-butter-balls cioachowbambina.com

December 22, 2016 By Annie 14 Comments

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas…

Whatever is beautiful…

Whatever is meaningful…

Whatever brings you happiness…

vanilla-bean-butter-balls cioachowbambina.com

May it be yours this Holiday Season

And throughout the coming year!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, my friends!

See you next year!

Love,

Annie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

chocolate-italian-meatball-cookies ciaochowbambina.com

December 5, 2016 By Annie 58 Comments

Chocolate Italian Meatball Cookies

The Chocolate Italian Meatball Cookie is a quintessential Christmas cookie!

chocolate-italian-meatball-cookies ciaochowbambina.com

The meatball cookie is ‘the cookie’ that harks back to Christmases of yesteryear.

For us, the meatball cookie was to Christmas what turkey is to Thanksgiving and colored eggs are to Easter.

Mema, my maternal gram, was a wizardess in her teeny-tiny galley kitchen everyday, but even more so at the holidays. Memories of her chocolate meatball cookies, her vanilla meatball cookies, her ‘pink’ sweets, her bon-bons…ahhhh – these are the cookies that come first to mind when I reminisce about the holidays of long ago…

chocolate-italian-meatball-cookies ciaochowbambina.com

So when I was invited to participate in the Sweetest Season Cookie Exchange with a bunch of blogger friends, it didn’t take me long to figure out that this was the cookie I needed to share.

chocolate-italian-meatball-cookies ciaochowbambina.com

Here’s the thing….not only are they delicious, they’re addicting!

Even when we thought we couldn’t eat one more bite, there was a Christmas <—- (a Christmas, I say it as if it happened only once…) that my sister and I literally ate an entire plate or, I don’t know, maybe it was a platter (ahem), a small platter, of Mema’s pink and white meatball cookies. We must have been pre-teen-ish, and thought we could resist the temptation, especially after a meal of pasta and meatballs and cutlets…you get the picture…however the universe had a different plan for us.

chocolate-italian-meatball-cookies ciaochowbambina.com

Was our need for our Mema’s cookies satiated? You bet! Did we have any regrets? Gosh no. I still remember looking across the table at my sister, crumbs falling from our faces, with shared expressions of disbelief mixed with utter joy…

chocolate-italian-meatball-cookies ciaochowbambina.com

Now you might be thinking, “Did these two eat all the cookies?” Of course not – they were made by an Italian grandma…there were plenty more where they came from!

chocolate-italian-meatball-cookies ciaochowbambina.com

Now here’s the thing about this recipe…I’ve added no clove. I know, I know. If you’re a fan of the clove flavor in the traditional cookie – by all means, add it. However, I love the quiet, just enough spice that using cinnamon, nutmeg and Allspice offers. It’s enough and it’s spectacular. I also used shortening versus butter to give it more of the lift that you want in a meatball cookie. These meatball cookies puff up perfectly and maintain a tender crumb all the way through to the last bite.

chocolate-italian-meatball-cookies ciaochowbambina.com

And the chocolate? Oh yeah, it’s in there. In the form of cocoa and wait for it………….chocolate chips!

chocolate-italian-meatball-cookies ciaochowbambina.com

I hope you’ll check out the selection of fabulous holiday cookies included in the Sweetest Season Cookie Exchange by following the hashtag #sweetestseasoncookies on social media! There’s something for everyone…

Drop cookies, hand-formed cookies, bar cookies, brownies, sandwich cookies, cutouts, shaped cookies, no-bake cookies… See what I’m saying?

Buon Appetito!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Chocolate Italian Meatball Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
  • Category: Dessert
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

The Chocolate Italian Meatball Cookie is quintessential Christmas!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups butter flavored shortening
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup 1% milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 5 cups All-Purpose flour
  • 5 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 Tbsp Allspice
  • 3/4 cup Hershey cocoa
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 Tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • Holiday colored sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. In a large mixing bowl cream sugar and shortening.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, slowly mixing after each addition.
  4. Add milk and vanilla and mix again.
  5. Add dry ingredients. Mix well.
  6. Add nuts and chocolate chips and mix.
  7. Roll the dough into meatball sized balls (or use a small ice cream scoop).
  8. Place on parchment lined cookie sheets. 12 per sheet.
  9. Bake for 13 – 15 minutes.
  10. Cool on racks.
  11. In the meantime prepare glaze.
  12. In a small bowl combine powdered sugar, milk and vanilla.
  13. When cookies are cool, dunk in glaze and place them back on racks.
  14. Sprinkle with colored sprinkles and let dry.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Cooking with Nonna

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

 

chocolate-italian-meatball-cookies ciaochowbambina.com

chocolate-italian-meatball-cookies ciaochowbambina.com

CIAO!

 

 

olive-oil-bundt-cake-with-orange-dark-chocolate-drizzle ciaochowbambina.com

November 10, 2016 By Annie 40 Comments

Olive Oil Bundt Cake with Orange & Dark Chocolate Drizzle

Olive Oil Bundt Cake with Orange & Dark Chocolate Drizzle…

olive-oil-bundt-cake-with-orange-dark-chocolate-drizzle ciaochowbambina.com

So, here’s the thing. I had planned a completely different conversation for today’s post. I had imagined I’d be celebrating the victory of our first female President.

I had imagined a post filled with ticker-tape-type words declaring Hillary the winner with nothing but glee in our hearts and cake on our plates.

olive-oil-bundt-cake-with-orange-dark-chocolate-drizzle ciaochowbambina.com

Except, it didn’t go that way. I imagine for those of you who were also rooting for Hillary, there was ‘the’ moment of realization that a sad and slippery slope was underfoot. And when that impending outcome became pretty obvious, I left the room. I couldn’t stay and watch it happen. I thought to myself, if I leave now, I can sleep with a tiny shred of hope that when I wake I could wake to a surprise ending. So upstairs I went and sat for a spell in the quiet. I reflected on the almost certain outcome and sent a text message to my family before putting away my phone and all media sources.

In short I said we must keep internal peace…we can’t let the negative aspects of others change who we are as individuals…that when others shed their darkness we need to reflect our light…

olive-oil-bundt-cake-with-orange-dark-chocolate-drizzle ciaochowbambina.com

Then, I grabbed my bedside book, Mary Oliver’s, “Felicity”, which helped me drift off to sleep on fluffy words made of cotton balls and downy feathers rather than the sharp and searing words of CNN and ABC.

olive-oil-bundt-cake-with-orange-dark-chocolate-drizzle ciaochowbambina.com

Of course the tiny flicker of hope that I fell to sleep with was extinguished upon waking. So you know what I did? I let grief bubble up. I felt the feelings that go along with losing something that meant so much. I imagine I’ll continue to have moments like this – but I’ve decided to let them fuel me. Fuel me to hold fast and true to my values.

And now a bit about cake…

I know there wasn’t much talk of cake today, so I’d like to say this… This olive oil cake perfumed with orange and dripping in dark chocolate is delightful. It’s not overly sweet. It’s a nice sort of dense cake. You feel like you’ve eaten something when you’re done. It’s perfect with a strong cup of coffee. And works well for breakfast and dessert.

olive-oil-bundt-cake-with-orange-dark-chocolate-drizzle ciaochowbambina.com

I know cake can’t answer our questions or speak to our concerns, but it can help bring people together…

Cake gives us a reason to sit long enough to ponder questions like: How does a nation, or any unit of people, comprised of individuals who see things so differently, unite, when each of their truths are so vitally different, so vitally real, and so vitally important? How do we remember that despite our differences, we are all on the same team? How?

Buon Appetito

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Olive Oil Bundt Cake with Orange & Dark Chocolate Drizzle

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
  • Category: Dessert
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • Butter, for greasing
  • 2 cups Pastry Flour, plus more for dusting
  • 5 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • Finely grated zest and juice of 2 oranges
  • 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • Bittersweet Chocolate, melted, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 F.
  2. Butter and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan.
  3. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the eggs, sugar, orange zest and juice at medium-high speed until smooth.
  4. Gradually beat in the olive oil until creamy, about two minutes.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk the pastry flour with baking powder and sea salt.
  6. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture in 3 batches, beating at medium speed between additions.
  7. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the middle of the oven for about 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
  8. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a rack. Let the cake cool completely.
  9. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cake.
  10. Serve.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

{Recipe adapted from Food & Wine}

olive-oil-bundt-cake-with-orange-dark-chocolate-drizzle ciaochowbambina.com

CIAO!

Rustic Pear Crostata ciaochowbambina.com

October 4, 2016 By Annie 46 Comments

Rustic Pear Crostata

The lovely thing about this Rustic Pear Crostata is that it works on so many levels for so many occasions. Whether it’s dessert or a dessert-like breakfast you’re going for…this crostata will serve you well!

Rustic Pear Crostata ciaochowbambina.com

The day called for a Rustic Pear Crostata.

It all began with my morning run…

Rustic Pear Crostata ciaochowbambina.com

I slept a little later than usual…roused at 7:30 instead of 6:00 for my early morning ritual. Because they let me sleep in, my two partners in crime were already on with their day, so I washed up, laced up, and headed down myself. It was a short but soothing ride to the canal. Vince Guaraldi kept me company as I drove the winding tree lined road that I swear would make the perfect setting for a car commercial. The trees, still mostly green with the tiniest hints of red; the sky, gray, with blue fighting to be seen but losing its battle; and with the slightest mist of rain and calming ripple-y water in my peripheral, I was ready.

Rustic Pear Crostata ciaochowbambina.com

I popped in my earbuds and set out for a jog that I hoped would be longer than my last. With an even pace and awareness of my breathing, I accomplished my goal. It was a very good morning.

While running, no – actually, it was before that – while driving and listening to Linus & Lucy, I was thinking that it was the kind of day that called for rustic cooking. Imperfectly perfect. And the run confirmed it.

Rustic Pear Crostata ciaochowbambina.com

I got home and pulled out my 20 year old recipe for pie dough and decided in that moment that I wanted to play with the recipe a little. I guess after my run I was feeling fearless. It’s taken me this long to even attempt to modify the recipe as it’s one I scored from the church ladies of our community. I mean, how could it ever be better, right? Well, with a few minor adjustments, I was pleased with the result.

Is it better?

I’ll say this…it’s just as good…maybe even a little more buttery-tasting with a gorgeous flakiness that can’t be denied. But better? Ummm, I would feel guilty saying so…so I won’t say it.

You can perceive that any way you’d like.

Rustic Pear Crostata ciaochowbambina.com

So, yes, this buttery dough made a perfect vessel for my Italian free-form tart. A tart filled with paper thin sliced Bartlett pears, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and a splash of lemon juice.

Rustic Pear Crostata ciaochowbambina.com

If your mouth is watering and your lips are smacking – there’s good reason…

Rustic Pear Crostata ciaochowbambina.com

The thing I like about using pears vs. apples is they don’t produce as much liquid while baking. They hold together beautifully, they actually melt into each other while the crostata crust bakes up to a perfect crispy and buttery bite.

Rustic Pear Crostata ciaochowbambina.com

Whether it’s dessert or a dessert-like breakfast you’re going for…this Rustic Pear Crostata will serve you well.

Buon Appetito!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Rustic Pear Crostata

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
  • Category: Dessert
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

The lovely thing about this Rustic Pear Crostata is that it works on so many levels for so many occasions. Whether it’s dessert or a dessert-like breakfast you’re going for…this crostata will serve you well!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cups salted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. ice cold water
  • 4 large Bartlett pears, sliced paper thin
  • Heaping 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/8 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp. freshly ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp. flour
  • 2 – 3 Tbsp. milk
  • Sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, place the flour, butter and water.
  2. Mix with your hands until everything is combined and the dough becomes one solid mass.
  3. Turn the dough onto a well-floured board and form into a disk.
  4. Wrap the disk with plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  5. Preheat oven to 400 F.
  6. In a large bowl combine pears, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice and flour.
  7. Remove dough from the refrigerator.
  8. Place a piece of parchment on a baking sheet then roll out the dough on the parchment to form a 12 inch circle.
  9. Leaving about 1 1/2 inches around the perimeter of the dough, pile the pear mixture in the center.
  10. Gently fold the border up and around the pears, pleating to make a circle.
  11. Brush milk around the edges of the dough and sprinkle the entire crostata with sugar.
  12. Bake for 40 minutes until the crust is golden and the pears are tender.
  13. Allow to cool.
  14. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

 

Rustic Pear Crostata ciaochowbambina.com

Speaking of pears…. You might also like these pear recipes:

Maple Roasted Bosc Pears with Pumpkin Granola & Walnuts

Poached Pears with Hot Caramel Cinnamon Sauce

Pork Pot Roast with Pears

CIAO!

Strawberry Cheesecake No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

July 20, 2016 By Annie 63 Comments

Strawberry Cheesecake No-Churn Ice Cream

Strawberry Cheesecake No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

Goodness. When’s the last time I shared a no-churn ice cream recipe with you guys? Too long, I’d say. It seemed for a while, it was all I could think about, but hey – you can’t eat ice cream every week, or can you? Anyway, this Strawberry Cheesecake No-Churn Ice Cream has been quietly sneaking into my consciousness and I was more than ready to respond!

Strawberry Cheesecake No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

The idea for this creamy delight actually began with fireflies. True story.

It seems that Dom and I have been pretty busy in the evenings lately as we find ourselves driving home after dusk a lot, and the winding road that leads to our abode has provided quite the spectacle. Fireflies, like dainty fireworks, gather and crowd the edges of our path as if to light the way home. And once home, a welcoming committee of fireflies are there to greet us. They beckon us to sit and enjoy their light show along with the chatter of the crickets, the rare hum of a mosquito (luckily, we live in a place where mosquitos don’t frequent), and a frosty summertime treat or two.

Strawberry Cheesecake No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

Enter Strawberry Shortcake No-Churn Ice Cream.

Fresh strawberry ice cream says summer to me. It’s as summer as cotton candy clouds set against feathery periwinkle skies…long sunlit days….short starlit nights…$3 flip flops…and the sounds of a crackling campfire…

Strawberry Cheesecake No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

I’ve made a lot of no-churn but this is the first time I’ve used cream cheese as part of the base. Of course we’re using cream cheese – it’s cheesecake ice cream after all.

For the strawberry – I made a strawberry sauce reminiscent of my blueberry sauce.

Strawberry Cheesecake No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

Once the base for the ice cream is ready, you’ll swirl the strawberry sauce into the ice cream along with a healthy scattering of graham cracker crumbs.

Strawberry Cheesecake No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

After that, it’s all about the freeze. I find it’s best when allowed to rest overnight in the freezer.

Then – nothing left to do but munch.

Strawberry Cheesecake No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

Here’s an endorsement for you – pretty sure Dom has liked everything I’ve made (that he’s tried) for the blog. I know – I can’t believe it either. (Thanks, honey!) But – he did say – this strawberry cheesecake is, by far, his favorite of my no-churns.

So there you have it!

Buon Appetito!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Strawberry Cheesecake No-Churn Ice Cream

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
  • Category: Dessert
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • Strawberry Sauce
  • 1 – 16 oz. pkg. fresh strawberries, hulled
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • Juice from 1/2 lemon
  • Ice Cream
  • 1 pt. heavy whipping cream
  • 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup crushed graham cracker

Instructions

  1. For the strawberry sauce, combine strawberries, sugar, vanilla and lemon juice in a medium saucepan.
  2. Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves and the strawberries soften, 6 – 8 minutes. You may need to break the strawberries down a bit with a fork or a potato masher.
  3. Transfer sauce to a bowl and refrigerate until cool.
  4. For the ice cream, using a hand held mixer, begin by whipping the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and continue beating until smooth.
  5. In a separate bowl, using the hand mixer with whisk attachments, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
  6. Fold whipped cream ever so gingerly into the cream cheese mixture.
  7. Pour half the whipped cream mixture into a 9×5 loaf pan.
  8. Drizzle with strawberry sauce and 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers and using a butter knife, swirl.
  9. Pour remaining whipped cream mixture on top.
  10. Drizzle with remaining strawberry sauce and graham cracker.
  11. Swirl again.
  12. Freeze for 4 – 8 hours or overnight.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

 

Strawberry Cheesecake No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

 

CIAO!

 

 

 

Sticky Gingerbread with Orange Icing

June 25, 2016 By Annie 38 Comments

Sticky Gingerbread with Orange Icing

HAPPY NATIONAL LEON DAY!!

Sticky Gingerbread with Orange Icing

In case you’re wondering, Leon = Noel spelled backward, making today, June 25th, exactly six months ’tillllll (drum roll please) Christmas! (But who’s counting?!)

And what’s more ‘Christmas’ than Sticky Gingerbread with Orange Icing?

Guys, I know I said I’d only be posting once a week during the summer, and this is now my third post this week, but sometimes things require that we break our own rules. Are you with me? I mean – six months ’til Christmas….I couldn’t resist!

Leon Day is a day that some crafters begin planning their homemade gifts and decorations. Now, I’m not much of a crafter – though I’ve tried my hand at little country hat refrigerator magnets and there have been others over the years…card-stamping, calligraphy…but nothing that has really stuck. So, instead of a glue gun, I rolled out the baking pans, parchment paper, molasses and ginger…this is more my idea of getting ready!

Sticky Gingerbread with Orange Icing

I had the idea to post on Leon Day back in May. I was doing a little research and came across a recipe for Thanksgiving Turkey, which, upon reading, filled my stomach with butterflies. So of course I had to text My Ladies aka Lauren and Chels, to report my reaction and to ask if I was crazy. To which they replied, “No, that just gave me butterflies!!” said Chels. While Luc followed with, “No, it’s amazing! The other day I heard a Christmas song and I got a little too excited about it!” So, you see, I am not crazy and the apples don’t fall far from the tree!

Sticky Gingerbread with Orange Icing is, in my mind, the quintessential holiday dessert.  I mean, when I think of old-fashioned Christmases (which I love to do) and the nostalgic aromas that are attached to my vision of hearth and home and real trees and strung popcorn and glass bulbs and cranberry punch – the aromas of sweet cinnamon and warm spices are front and center…

The main ingredients for this ultimate dessert hold the secret to its amazing flavor…butter, molasses, dark corn syrup, dark brown sugar, fresh and ground gingers and cinnamon…

Sticky Gingerbread with Orange Icing

Now, I don’t want the list of ingredients to scare you. It might be lengthy but the hardest part of this recipe for me, was trying to read it without my reading glasses (cough). Once you have everything lined up on your counter, it’s pretty foolproof.

I will note, please make sure to whip the icing for as long as the recipe suggests. This is the creamiest cream cheese frosting you’ll ever have. And I promise you’ll never not whip your icing for seven minutes again. With its citrusy notes and tiny bursts of orange zest – you’ll be hard-pressed to keep from eating it before you need it. Let’s just say the icing alone is a lesson in self-restraint.

Sticky Gingerbread with Orange Icing

The other note I have is not to worry if the batter is very liquid. It will be and still bakes up beautifully.

Sticky Gingerbread with Orange Icing

So whether you’re serving this for dessert, enjoying a piece with a cup of coffee while writing Christmas cards, or just indulging in a little ‘me’ time during the havoc of the holidays…this gingerbread will serve you well.

Buon Appetito!

PS) Please check out my Holiday themed Pinterest boards! Lots of great ideas for entertaining and decorating!

Christmas Dinner & Dessert

Merry Christmas

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Sticky Gingerbread with Orange Icing

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
  • Category: Dessert
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 stick plus 3 Tbsp. butter
  • 3/4 cup dark corn syrup
  • 3/4 cup molasses
  • 2/3 cup packed soft dark brown sugar
  • 2 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 eggs, beaten to mix
  • 1 tsp. baking soda, dissolved in 2 Tbsp. warm water
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Orange Icing
  • 8 oz. softened cream cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp. orange extract
  • Zest of one orange

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Line a 13×9 baking dish with parchment paper.
  3. In a saucepan, over low heat, melt the butter with the corn syrup, molasses, brown sugar, fresh and ground gingers and cinnamon.
  4. Take off the heat, add the milk, eggs and baking soda. Stir to combine.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, place the flour then add the liquid ingredients.
  6. Beat until well mixed. It will be a very liquid batter.
  7. Pour mix into prepared pan and bake for 45-60 minutes until risen and firm on top.
  8. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let gingerbread cool.
  9. For the icing, place cream cheese in a large bowl and using an electric mixer, beat for 2 minutes.
  10. Add the powdered sugar and mix on low speed until it comes together.
  11. Turn the mixer to high and beat for another 4-5 minutes.
  12. Add the orange extract along with the orange zest and gently mix through.
  13. Once the cake is cooled, ice, slice and enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

{Recipe adapted from Nigella Lawson}

Sticky Gingerbread with Orange Icing

CIAO!

Chocolate, Peanut & Coconut Frozen Banana Pops ciaochowbambina.com

June 22, 2016 By Annie 38 Comments

Chocolate, Peanut & Coconut Frozen Banana Pops

Chocolate, Peanut & Coconut Frozen Banana Pops ciaochowbambina.com

With all the popsicles flying around the web this week, I needed to get in on the action! I, however, took the road less traveled….rather than icy pops prepared with, ohhhh-so-delicious, sangria, gin, or limoncello…. I’ve come up with Chocolate, Peanut & Coconut Frozen Banana Pops (sans booze).

Chocolate, Peanut & Coconut Frozen Banana Pops ciaochowbambina.com

First of all, I have no molds. I’ve been talking about getting molds for too long – and now that I really need them – in this 95 degree weather – I got nothin’.

So, I needed to get creative, and I knew if I could come up with something cold sporting a stick….I could proudly join the crowd. At least I hoped so.

Chocolate, Peanut & Coconut Frozen Banana Pops ciaochowbambina.com

And then it dawned on me – fruit. Frozen fruit. My eureka occurred as I was slurping away on my morning cereal complete with vanilla almond milk and sliced banana. Dingdingding. Banana. Of course!

Chocolate, Peanut & Coconut Frozen Banana Pops ciaochowbambina.com

Guys – who wants to wait any longer than they have to for a chilly pop-type treat? I mean, most need to freeze overnight; am I right?

Frozen bananas drizzled with dark chocolate sauce then sprinkled with crushed peanuts and flakes of sweetened coconut does the job in mere minutes. Minutes.

Chocolate, Peanut & Coconut Frozen Banana Pops ciaochowbambina.com

And as much as I would love this, this, this or this (oh boy, would I!)…these chocolate, peanut and coconut frozen banana pops satisfy my little sweet tooth just perfectly.

Chocolate, Peanut & Coconut Frozen Banana Pops ciaochowbambina.com

And come on – try to deny the health benefits we have going on here…banana, nuts, dark chocolate…. You can’t…

Chocolate, Peanut & Coconut Frozen Banana Pops ciaochowbambina.com

My hunch is you have everything you need, except for maybe the sticks, in which case I’m guessing there’s a Michaels or a Target not too far from where you live. Grab a bag of sticks and get going on a treat that’s sure to please the family!

Chocolate, Peanut & Coconut Frozen Banana Pops ciaochowbambina.com

As a matter of fact – the entire family can get in on the act…I’d venture to guess that even kids as young as three could get in on the assist!

Buon Appetito!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Chocolate, Peanut & Coconut Frozen Banana Pops

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
  • Category: Dessert
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 3 – 4 Tbsp. dark chocolate sundae sauce
  • 4 Tbsp. chopped peanuts
  • 2 – 3 Tbsp. sweetened coconut flakes

Instructions

  1. Cut banana in half, crosswise.
  2. Insert a craft stick halfway into each banana.
  3. Place bananas in a parchment lined freezer safe container.
  4. Freeze for 45-60 minutes or until desired frozenness.
  5. Remove bananas from the freezer and drizzle with chocolate sauce.
  6. Sprinkle with peanuts and coconut then return to the freezer for another 15 minutes or until firm.
  7. Enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

 

Chocolate, Peanut & Coconut Frozen Banana Pops ciaochowbambina.com

Caramel Apple Dessert Nachos ciaochowbambina.com

June 15, 2016 By Annie 44 Comments

Caramel Apple Dessert Nachos

Caramel Apple Dessert Nachos are a cinch to make and a treat to eat!

Caramel Apple Dessert Nachos ciaochowbambina.com

Rather than typical tortilla chips, we’re going with homemade cinnamon-sugar pita chips as the base for this sweet version of nachos.

Dom and Nick were working hard the other day chipping away at some household projects when I had the idea to surprise them.

Knowing that Nick loves nachos – I thought it would be neat to throw together a dessert version of his favorite savory snack and see how he likes it. And since our boy…man…son is turning 21 (today), yep, our youngest is 21…I’m happy to make all of his favorites this week! Do you celebrate birthday ‘weeks’, too? Our house can’t be the only place where this idea is trending…

Caramel Apple Dessert Nachos ciaochowbambina.com

So, as I witnessed the fellas shifting, hauling, moving heavy (heavy) stuff – I suspected that caramelized apples on top of sweet and crispy cinnamon pita chips with a couple dollops of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel would be just the thing to get them through to the end. I mean – aren’t dessert nachos the first thing that comes to mind after a long day of physical labor? Maybe not – but I bet if someone made them for you, you’d feel differently!

I’m happy to report that it worked!

Caramel Apple Dessert Nachos ciaochowbambina.com

These nachos are fun! And so easy. The only cooking involved includes baking the pita chips and sautéing the apples in a little butter and brown sugar. Then it’s all about the layers!

Line a platter with your cinnamon-sugar chips, spoon your apple mixture over top, add vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and a healthy sprinkling of pecans.

Caramel Apple Dessert Nachos ciaochowbambina.com

Happy Birthday, my boy…I mean, my man… (Who am I kidding – he’ll be 100 years old and still be my boy!)

Buon Appetito!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Caramel Apple Dessert Nachos

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
  • Category: Dessert
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pita rounds
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
  • 6 Tbsp. butter, divided
  • 3 cups diced apples (2 medium apples)
  • 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1/4 chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1 – 2 cup vanilla ice cream
  • 1/4 cup caramel topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. In a small bowl combine sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. Cut pitas into 8 triangles each.
  4. Melt 4 Tbsp. butter.
  5. Brush pita pieces with melted butter then dip in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
  6. Place pita chips on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until browned and crispy.
  7. In the meantime, melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  8. Add apple and brown sugar.
  9. Sauté for 10 minutes or until apple is tender and caramelized.
  10. When pita chips are ready, arrange them on a platter.
  11. Spoon apple mixture over pita chips then dollop small scoops of ice cream over top.
  12. Drizzle with caramel.
  13. Sprinkle with pecans.
  14. Serve immediately.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

 

Caramel Apple Dessert Nachos ciaochowbambina.com

CIAO!

Boozy Root Beer Float with No-Churn Vanilla Bean Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

May 11, 2016 By Annie 71 Comments

Boozy Root Beer Float with No-Churn Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

“Set wide the window. Let me drink the day.” ~Edith Wharton

Boozy Root Beer Float with No-Churn Vanilla Bean Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

…as well as this Boozy Root Beer Float with No-Churn Vanilla Bean Ice Cream…but that’s just a small part of this story.

…

Read More

Orange Scented Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cream Dip with Pizzelle Chips ciaochowbambina.com

April 22, 2016 By Annie 52 Comments

Orange Scented Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cream Dip with Pizzelle Chips

I could give Dom orchids, the modern anniversary gift for twenty-eight years of marriage, or I could give him Orange Scented Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cream Dip with Pizzelle Chips. What do you think?

Orange Scented Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cream Dip with Pizzelle Chips ciaochowbambina.com

I’ll let you in on a little secret – I already gave it to him…and I am here to tell you – I chose right! Fyoooo!

I sent him a text the other day and declared that he was about to fall in love with me all over again when he sees what I had made him. And you know what? Right again!

Orange Scented Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cream Dip with Pizzelle Chips ciaochowbambina.com

My guy’s a real foodie. He loves most everything he tries, but he loveloveloves his Italian food. I am guaranteed a smile when anything Italian is on the menu, which, let’s face it, is most of the time. He chose right in marrying me (winkwink)…and I definitely chose right in marrying him…

Twenty-eight years, tomorrow (actually thirty-two years if we count our dating days)… each a testament to love and friendship.

Though no two of our 10,220 days married have ever looked the same, the one thing that has remained constant since day one is how lucky I feel to be on this journey with him.

Okay, I’m about to get as sugary as this cannoli cream dip is sweet but I have to share the day I fell head over heels for my big guy… It was a radiant September day, a magnificent fall day all dressed up in rustling leaves with the hint of a glow of late day sunshine casting its perfect amber glimmer over campus. My boyfriend came all the way from Staten Island to visit me in Buffalo for a weekend less focused on academics and more focused on fun. Showing up in his newly whiskered face, baby blue pinstriped shirt, Levi jeans, cowboy boots, wearing cologne that would soon become his signature scent, with his beaming smile and easy manner…something shifted. In the time it took for us to walk from the dorm parking lot to Neumann Hall, my adolescent crush had turned into something more. This was the day, actually the moment my world shifted. I was done. He was it. And I’ve been thanking my lucky stars ever since.

So how could I not create something I knew he’d love?

Orange Scented Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cream Dip with Pizzelle Chips ciaochowbambina.com

I’m going to let you in on another little secret – I’m not always in the mood for cannoli. There, I said it. However, I’m always in the mood for cannoli cream with mini chocolate chips, so – I thought to myself, why not make a dip and serve it with say fresh fruit or pizzelle chips? So, that’s what I did.

Orange Scented Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cream Dip with Pizzelle Chips ciaochowbambina.com

To make the cream extra special I added orange extract and zest which creates a gorgeous punch of citrus, along with my favorite mini chips. Yep, this is a dip I’ll be serving on the days I don’t want to make cannoli shells but still want to enjoy the flavor of cannoli. It hits the spot in every which way.

Orange Scented Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cream Dip with Pizzelle Chips ciaochowbambina.com

Creamy, sweet and delicious…perfect for an evening shared by love birds.

Buon Appetito!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Orange Scented Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cream Dip with Pizzelle Chips

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
  • Category: Dessert
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • Cannoli Cream Dip
  • 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste
  • 1 tsp. orange extract
  • zest from one orange
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2/3 cup mini chocolate chips
  • Pizzelles
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 2 tsp. vanilla bean paste
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp. baking powder

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together until smooth, ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, extracts and orange zest. Set aside.
  2. Using a hand mixer, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  3. Fold into the ricotta mixture.
  4. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  5. Chill until ready to eat.
  6. In the meantime prepare pizzelles.
  7. In a medium bowl, beat eggs and sugar until fully combined and light in color.
  8. Add oil and vanilla and mix again.
  9. Sift flour and baking powder, add to egg mixture and mix a final time.
  10. Batter will be thick and dough like.
  11. Follow directions given for use of the pizzelle maker.
  12. When machine is preheated, drop by heaping tablespoons on the center of the grid.
  13. Bake for approximately 35 – 40 seconds (depending on your preference for browning).
  14. Remove pizzelle from the grid and place on the counter to cool.
  15. Serve pizzelle pieces (chips) with the chilled cannoli cream dip.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

 

Orange Scented Chocolate Chip Cannoli Cream Dip with Pizzelle Chips ciaochowbambina.com

We’re not finished yet….

Don’t forget to enter the $300 Amazon Gift Card giveaway! There’s still time! Good luck! (Instructions below!)

CIAO!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Banana Split Cake ciaochowbambina.com

April 15, 2016 By Annie 53 Comments

Banana Split Cake

This no-bake Banana Split Cake has your name written all over it!

Banana Split Cake ciaochowbambina.com

Some years ago, in a corner conference room adorned with college banners and inspirational posters, where everything from parent meetings to student mediations to annual celebrations took place, I was treated to my first Banana Split Cake.

This space, which sat kitty-corner to my office, was the setting for important school related happenings. Study groups…department meetings…annual reviews…birthday parties…you name it…

As part of the counseling team, my agenda was filled with events and small group activities that took place in this space. One such event that occurred a few times each year, was the birthday party we would take turns planning for each member of the department. I clearly recall the celebration that included this amazing cake.

You know the expression, It’s a keeper…?

Banana Split Cake ciaochowbambina.com

This recipe proves that statement true.

Banana Split Cake ciaochowbambina.com

Walk with me…

Banana Split Cake ciaochowbambina.com

There it was, at the bottom of a small drawer filled with a hodgepodge of items collected through the years…half-packs of birthday candles, cocktail napkins which ask the question, ‘Why limit happy to just one hour?’, paper straws the color of balloons, and recipes on torn pieces of paper in a scrawl that only I can read. As I chipped away at organizing the drawer (in the name of spring cleaning), there it was –  the email from Kathleen with the recipe from September 2011 that I so loved but had forgotten all about until this moment.

Five years later and I still had it…‘keeper‘…

Banana Split Cake ciaochowbambina.com

And such a timely moment to make this discovery…

Today is Lucy’s 26th birthday! Wooohoooo!

Banana Split Cake ciaochowbambina.com

I’d love to tell you that we’re sharing this cake tonight, however, our girl is celebrating with her sister on the west coast…in the sunshine (yay!!)…which means one thing…FaceTime… and I eat two pieces…mine…and hers…

Banana Split Cake ciaochowbambina.com

I’ll do anything for my kids.

Buon Appetito!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Banana Split Cake ciaochowbambina.com

Banana Split Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
  • Category: Dessert
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

This no-bake Banana Split Cake has your name written all over it!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (8 oz. pkgs.) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup sugar, divided
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • 1 – 20 oz. can crushed pineapple, completely drained
  • 6 – 8 medium sliced bananas, divided
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 2 pkgs. (4 serving size) vanilla flavor instant pudding & pie filling
  • 2 1/2 cups thawed cool whipped topping, divided
  • 1 cup chopped peanuts
  • Chocolate sauce
  • Maraschino cherries

Instructions

  1. Remove cream cheese from the refrigerator to soften. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar and the butter.
  3. Press crumb mixture firmly onto bottom of a 13×9-inch pan. Freeze for 10 minutes.
  4. In the meantime, beat softened cream cheese and remaining 3/4 cup sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.
  5. Spread cream cheese carefully over (frozen) crust. Freeze for 10 minutes.
  6. Top with pineapple.
  7. Slice 4 bananas and arrange over pineapple. Freeze for 10 minutes.
  8. In a medium bowl, pour milk and the two boxes of dry pudding mix. Beat with whisk for about 2 minutes, or until blended.
  9. Gently stir in 1 cup of the whipped topping.
  10. Spread mixture over banana layer.
  11. Top with remaining 1 1/2 cups whipped topping.
  12. Refrigerate for 5 hours.
  13. When ready to serve, add more slices of banana.
  14. Sprinkle with nuts, a drizzle of chocolate sauce and cherries.
  15. Store leftover cake in the refrigerator.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

(I did a little investigating and it appears the recipe originated from Kraft. I adapted it to meet my needs for chocolate and peanuts and cherries…I’m sure you understand…)

Banana Split Cake ciaochowbambina.com

Have a great weekend, my friends!! XO

CIAO!

Blueberry Mascarpone Pound Cake with Marinated Berries ciaochowbambina.com

March 31, 2016 By Annie 66 Comments

Blueberry Mascarpone Pound Cake with Marinated Berries

I didn’t ask hubby what kind of cake he’d like for his birthday but I know I’m safe with this little beauty.

Blueberry Mascarpone Pound Cake with Marinated Berries ciaochowbambina.com

Tell me – when does this happen in real life? From the blueberries to the mascarpone, the balsamic to the brown sugar, I had absolutely everything I needed. Every last ingredient. There they were – all giving me the stink eye – as if to say – “Hey lady – use us, we’re here, don’t let us get lost behind the vanilla almond milk and nectarines… We’re available now, we’re fresh and we’re ready…”

…

Read More

Strawberry & Black Pepper Oatmeal Crunch Squares ciaochowbambina.com

February 5, 2016 By Annie 48 Comments

Strawberry & Black Pepper Oatmeal Crunch Squares

Sweet. Heat. Strawberry & Black Pepper Oatmeal Crunch Squares are my new fave!

Strawberry & Black Pepper Oatmeal Crunch Squares ciaochowbambina.com

That’s what this is all about. The black pepper in these bars creates a food-mood.

The heat that’s happening here makes our oatmeal crunch feel a little dangerous…these squares come to the table with a bit of an attitude.

Strawberry & Black Pepper Oatmeal Crunch Squares ciaochowbambina.com

Have you had strawberries with black pepper? Sure you have.

Have you ever topped a salad with berries and then seasoned your salad with salt and pepper? Of course.

Did you like it? I bet you did.

Strawberry & Black Pepper Oatmeal Crunch Squares ciaochowbambina.com

The strawberry jam and black pepper are the yin and yang of this dessert. They exemplify how contrary forces actually complement one another. They interact to form a system where the whole is greater than its parts.

Strawberry & Black Pepper Oatmeal Crunch Squares ciaochowbambina.com

We’ve got crunch. We’ve got sweet. We’ve got heat. Together, we’ve got ridiculously good.

I wish this was the kind of demonstration my instructors would have used to teach about magnetic forces and opposites attracting. I would have looked much more forward to 7th period science.

Strawberry & Black Pepper Oatmeal Crunch Squares ciaochowbambina.com

So there you have it.

Delectable. Crumbly. Scrumptious. Sweet. Heat.

And if you don’t believe me…ask science.

Strawberry & Black Pepper Oatmeal Crunch Squares ciaochowbambina.com

Sweet strawberry jam and spicy black peppercorn enveloped in crunchy oatmeal crumbles…

Strawberry & Black Pepper Oatmeal Crunch Squares ciaochowbambina.com

A match made in heaven.

Buon Appetito!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Strawberry-Oatmeal Crunch Squares

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
  • Category: Dessert
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup firmly packed golden brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
  • 1 cup strawberry jam
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla paste
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 325 F.
  2. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan
  3. In a food processor, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar and cinnamon.
  4. Pulse 2 or 3 times until blended.
  5. Add the butter and pulse 8 – 10 times until the mixture forms large, course crumbs the size of small peas.
  6. Remove 2 cups of the crumb mixture and set aside.
  7. Press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of the prepared pan.
  8. In a small bowl, combine strawberry preserves, vanilla paste and black pepper.
  9. Drop teaspoons of the jam evenly over the crust, then spread it gently with the back of a spoon to cover the crust.
  10. Sprinkle the reserved crumbs evenly over the jam layer.
  11. Bake until the top is lightly browned, 50 – 55 minutes.
  12. Transfer to a rack and let cool until firm, about 2 hours.
  13. Using a large, sharp knife, cut into squares.
  14. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

 

Strawberry & Black Pepper Oatmeal Crunch Squares ciaochowbambina.com

ADDENDUM:

I had every intention of including this link before posting but it slipped right by me…I guess one cup of coffee this morning wasn’t enough!

CIAO!

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cordial No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

January 29, 2016 By Annie 48 Comments

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cordial No-Churn Ice Cream

If Mr. Darcy were eating this Dark Chocolate Cherry Cordial No-Churn Ice Cream I’m pretty confident he would have only one thing to say… “You have bewitched me, body and soul and I love, I love, I love you.”

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cordial No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

This is a treat, my friends.

A funny thing happened on my way to making chocolate cake. Sweetened condensed milk caught my eye and it was over.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cordial No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

I mean, how long has it been since I’ve made my beloved no-churn ice cream? Too long? I agree.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cordial No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

So, do you guys share with me in the nostalgic memory of receiving a Russel Stover heart-shaped box filled with all sorts of lovely confections? I remember Dad would get Mom the extra-large sized heart, and my sisters and I would get the perfect little baby hearts. Pretty sure we received our treats before school as we were packing up our decorated brown paper bags filled with Disney themed or Peanuts’ Valentine’s that would soon be exchanged at our holiday parties.

Do you also recall how the selection of candy in the heart box always seemed to have a cherry filled dark chocolate amongst the bunch?

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cordial No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

Back then, I didn’t much care for the cherry filled or the nougat but kept cracking those babies open looking for the soft caramel…did you do that, too?

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cordial No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

Well, times have changed and taste-buds have grown and I love the cherry (and nougat) filled morsels, which got me to thinking; Wouldn’t that be a delicious ice cream? And here we are.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cordial No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

Though cordial connotes liqueur, we’re going sans liqueur today. I suppose I could have added a splash of something fun to our cherry pie filling but I opted out this time.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cordial No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

What I won’t opt out of is inviting my favorite Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennett, Harry Sanborn, Erica Barry, the Banks family, and Noah & Allie to our Valentine’s weekend. So much romance…so much ice cream. That sounds like a perfect weekend to me.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cordial No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

With just four ingredients in the ice cream, it’s hard to say no to the experience of homemade when it’s this simple. You’ll begin by melting dark chocolate in the microwave, yep – no double boiler needed; while the chocolate is cooling, mix your heavy whipping cream with sweetened condensed milk until stiff peaks form then fold in the chocolate and a can of your favorite cherry pie filling. It’s that easy. Pour into a 3 quart container, cover and freeze for at least six hours.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cordial No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

You and your loves deserve this. Well, maybe not all your loves…if you have a puppy – they shouldn’t eat chocolate.

Buon Appetito!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cordial No-Churn Ice Cream

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Ciao Chow Bambina
  • Category: Dessert
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10.5 oz. dark chocolate bar, broken into pieces
  • 1 pint heavy whipping cream
  • 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
  • 21 oz. cherry pie filling

Instructions

  1. Place chocolate pieces in a microwave safe bowl and on fifty percent power, melt the chocolate, should take about 4 minutes.
  2. Remove from microwave and set aside to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer with a whisk attachment, slowly mix heavy cream with sweetened condensed milk until stiff peaks form.
  4. Fold cooled melted chocolate and cherries into whipped cream mixture until fully combined.
  5. Pour into a 3 qt. loaf pan.
  6. Cover and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

 

Dark Chocolate Cherry Cordial No-Churn Ice Cream ciaochowbambina.com

Have a great weekend!

~Annie

XO

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Page 6
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe

Get updates & recipes by email!

Terms & Conditions *

Thank you for subscribing to Ciao Chow Bambina! Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Meet Annie

Hi, I'm Annie! Welcome to my blog! Whether you hunger for spaghetti and meatballs, pesto arancini, fresh-baked biscotti, or homestyle frittata - we're here to satisfy your cozy cravings! At Ciao Chow Bambina you'll discover simple, seasonal, mostly Italian-American recipes, plus so much more! Read More…

Footer

Connect With Us!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Appetizers
  • Soul Snacks
  • Soups/Sides/Salads
  • Vegetables
  • Breakfast
  • Comfort Food
  • Family
  • Main Dishes
  • Dessert
  • Empty Nester’s Journey
  • Thoughts…

This website may contain affiliate links and advertising, please see our privacy policy for details.

Copyright © 2026 · CiaoChowBambina.com · Privacy Statement