CRISTINA'S LAW

So my husband left Thursday afternoon and is out of town for the weekend. My hubby isn't a huge fan of sweets and always seems to be my voice of reason in not baking anything that is unhealthy (i.e. he prevents me from packing on the pounds). Since he is gone for awhile, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to do a little baking for myself...and so I didn't eat them all, I took them to work today for my co-workers.

Overall a huge success! Everyone at work loved them, especially the cream cheese frosting. And since I like only easy-to-make dishes, this is a shortcut recipe.

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Source: Kraftfoods.com

1 pkg. (2-layer size) white cake mix
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 Tbsp. red food coloring
1 pkg.  (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted
1 pkg.  (16 oz.) powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Prepare and bake cake mix as directed on package for 2 (9-inch) round cake layers (or cupcakes), adding chocolate and food coloring with water, eggs and oil; cool completely. 

Beatcream cheese and butter with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gradually add sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in pecans or use as garnish (optional).

Fill and frost cake layers with cream cheese frosting.

Sorry the pictures are so shoddy....I'm just learning about food photography. Plus, it was about 9:30 when I finished so I only had the kitchen lighting.

I found this recipe on Kraftfoods.com. I know not everyone is a fan of that website but I like their easy ideas when I don't feel like cooking. I used canned chicken and it was ok but I'd recommend using a normal chicken breast and either shred it or cut it up. Overall the hubby gave it a big thumbs up so it's a keeper!




Southwest Chicken Salad Panini
2 cups chopped cooked chicken breasts
1-1/2 tsp. chili powder (I used a bit more)
2 tbsp. Miracle Whip Light dressing or mayonaise
2 tbsp. Ranch light dressing
8 slices of italian bread (I used whole wheat)
tomato slices
sliced cheese (I used colby but whatever you like best)

Heat panini grill (I used a George Foreman) to medium-high heat. Mix cooked chicken, chili powder, Miracle Whip, and Ranch. Place a slice of cheese on one slice of bread, load up the chicken salad, and put on tomatoes and another slice of cheese if you like. Grill about 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and sandwich is golden! Slice and eat!