Strawberry Pretzel Salad

I'd personally never heard of this recipe before, until some of my friends at college introduced me to it. Apparently, it had been a personal favorite for a lot of them. Don't let the name of it fool you!! It may seem like a strange combination, but if you are a fan of salty-sweet combo's this recipe is one for you!!

Ingredients:
2 cups crushed hard pretzels
3/4 cup melted butter or margarine
3 tablespoons sugar
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping
1 package (6 oz) strawberry gelatin
1 package (10 oz) frozen strawberries, thawed
2 cups boiling water
1 cup sugar

Preparation: Mix together the crushed pretzels, butter or margarine, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Put into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish; bake at 400° for 8 to 10 minutes. Mix together the cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and whipped topping. Mix gelatin into boiling water, then add frozen strawberries. Spoon over cream cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh strawberries.
Serves 10 to 12.

They Won't Know Raspberry Coffee Cake

Absolutely delicious!! My mom made this one morning for breakfast and I couldn't help but go back for seconds. Low calorie, low fat and yummy....I don't think it can get any better than that!!

45 min/10 min prep
8 slices

1 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1/2 low-fat plain yogurt
2 tbsp butter or margarine, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 cup unsweetened raspberries (fresh or frozen...but fresh are definately better!!)
1 tbsp sliced almonds

Glaze
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tsp nonfat milk
1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1. In a bowl, combine the flour sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Combine the egg, yogurt, butter, and vanilla: add to dry ingredients just until moistened.
3. Spoon two-thirds of the batter into an 8-in round baking pan (a pie or cake pan work great for this) coated with non-stick cooking spray.
4. Combine the brown sugar and raspberries; sprinkle over batter.
5. Spoon the remaining batter over the top.
6. Sprinkle with almonds.
7. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched and is golden brown.
8. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.
9. In a small bowl, combine the glaze ingredients.
10. Drizzle over coffee cake.
11. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Note: Recipe found at www.recipezaar.com

Spiced Mocha Mix

Something that I tried off on a whim. Turns out it is really good, and not to mention, really easy to make! Even my sister liked it and she doesn't even drink coffee!! Tasty warm drink that works great as an alternative to hot chocolate for coffee drinkers and non coffee drinkers alike!! Would also work as a simple, great holiday gift for those on a tight budget.

Spiced Mocha Mix
1 cup sugar
3/4 instant nonfat dry milk powder
2/3 cup cocoa
1/2 cup powdered nondairy coffee creamer
1/3 cup instant coffee granules
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
Marshmallows (optional)

Combine first 8 ingredients. Store in airtight container. To serve, spoon 3 heaping tbsp into a mug. Add 1 cup hot milk, stirring until dissolved.Top with marshmallows, if desired.