You can say that recently I've entered into panic mode. My savings are dwindling, and I still don't have a job...or at least a job that pays enough to let me live somewhat leisurely. I did recently however, land a job at a sushi house. I havent started yet, but it should pay enough to make sure I make my student loan payments on time. I guess a very large downside is that I still have to be a budget penny pincher; I've already told myself that I cant buy any more baking supplies -- thus the lack of dessert posts. I've been sticking to cookies and un-frosted desserts, but ever since I ran out of butter, its been rather difficult to figure out what to bake.
Thank goodness for the family I live with though. They bring home all sorts of goodies that I can turn into a delicious dessert. Today's feat: Strawberry IceBox Cake!
Strawberry Icebox Cake
2 Graham cracker sleeves (18 whole graham crackers)
1 White Chocolate flavored Jello pudding mix (small box)
2 Cups fat free milk, cold
1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
approx. 1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 pound strawberries, rinsed, hulled and sliced
Make jello pudding according to package directions. Chill.
Place 1.25 cups heavy whipping cream and 1/3 cup powdered sugar into a mixing bowl. Whip with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. chill.
Spread half of the pudding mixture at the bottom of a 9x13in pan. Top with 6 graham crackers, arranged to fit in the pan. I used two columns of 3 graham crackers laying horizontally. Spread the graham crackers with half of the whipped cream mixture and topped with 1/3 of the strawberries. Top with 6 more graham crackers. Spread remaining pudding mixture, and top with 1/3 of the strawberries. Top with the remaining graham crackers, whipped cream, and remaining strawberries.
Heat the 1/4 cup of whipping cream until scalding. Pour over the chocolate chips. Allow to stand a few minutes, then stir until thick, smooth and shiny. Drizzle onto cake.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably 24 hours to let flavors meld and graham crackers to become soft. Serve within 2 days.
This is actually a very versatile cake and is great for beginners. No baking required means it is also great for summer. Try it with different ingredients as you please. Peaches, Nilla wafers, and a lemon custard mixture sounds great right about now.
Enjoy!