Tag Archives: Chocolate

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Whipped Chocolate Decadence Dessert -HaliPawz

For the last three or four years, my mom had made a dessert to take out to her cousin’s house for the 4th of July. I think it’s one that has been passed around for years with a bunch of different names.  She always used the recipe in a family cookbook where different members submitted different recipes.  Over the years, I’ve made a couple changes to it to suit MY taste.  Sadly, my mom couldn’t join us for the 4th because she is going out of town with different family members later in the week, but I’m still heading out and I decided to still make this dessert to take, along with my pasta salad I shared previously.

I don’t know the original name of the dessert, so I named it what it is to ME with the changes I have made!

All I know is…it’s pretty simple to make and not that expensive. Win win for me!

Let’s start with the CRUST

Ingredients

1 Cup Flour

1/2 cup pecans finely chopped

1/2 cup (1 stick) Butter

Pre-Heat the oven to 350

Set the butter out to let it get to room temperature. In a bowl, mix the ingredients well. It will be crumbly.

Grab a pan….I use a half sheet disposable pan so I don’t have to worry about collecting a pan at the end of the night.  You can use any 9″x13″ pan though.

Pat the mixture down into the bottom of the pan well making sure to cover the entire bottom. I’m not the neatest baker, so I try to be specific for others like me!

Place the pan in the oven for 15 min. If you know your oven takes a little longer, try 17 min.

Take the pan out and let it cool completely.

Or…for a laugh, you can watch my video explaining the crust! LOL

Pecan Dessert Crust

Ingredients for the filling (the good stuff!)

First Layer:

1 package 8oz Cream Cheese.

1 cup powdered / confectioners sugar.  (May also be called 10X sugar depending on where you live)

1 1/4 cup Cool Whip (I buy an 8 oz container and it works perfectly)

Now, the baking for dummies side note….the cream cheese needs to be at room temperature (left out) and the Cool Whip needs to be thawed completely but left in the refrigerator.  Funny story, I tried to make this once and only the top was thawed.  Ended up being a mess and I had to keep stirring it to thaw it! Took forever!

Beat the Cream Cheese and powdered sugar together.  Then slowly add the Cool Whip. It should be nice, light, and somewhat fluffy.  Spread it over the cooled crust evenly.

First Layer: Cream Cheese & Cool Whip

Now, because I’m not a quick baker and I’m convinced these few minutes make a difference (yes, I know it probably doesn’t) I put the pan in the refrigerator while I’m mixing the second layer. Ok, really I have to take the time to wash the mixing bowl and measuring cups because I don’t have a lot of them! 😊

Second Layer:

2 packages Jello Instant Chocolate Pudding. (Rumor is you can do any flavor, but I never have.  You could try Butterscotch, Lemon, Pistachio….any flavor you would like in a cool treat)

3 cups milk

Another funny story….make sure it is INSTANT pudding.  Yes, I made that mistake.  To the expert bakers who are still reading this, I’m sure you’re laughing at me.  To the non-bakers, don’t worry about it, just make sure it’s INSTANT! Trust me!

Beat the two ingredients together. It will thicken, takes about 2+ minutes. Then carefully spread over the first layer, being careful to try not to mix them.  Not that it really matters, I’m sure it wouldn’t affect the taste, but just don’t do it! 🙂

Second Layer: You can see the thickness on the spatula

2nd Layer: Instant Pudding and Milk

2nd Layer: Instant Pudding and Milk

Once you have the second layer done, you’re ready for the third layer, it’s pretty difficult, but you can handle it….

Spread the remainder of the Cool Whip over the second layer.  That’s it. Super simple.

I like to sprinkle pecan pieces over the top to make it pretty but also to make it clear there are nuts in it.  You can also put chocolate shavings on it. If you do lemon pudding, you could do something lemony, to indicate what flavor it is.

Whipped Chocolate Decadence Dessert with Pecan Topping

Whipped Chocolate Decadence Dessert with Pecan Topping

When done with the top, put a lid on it (another reason I use the disposable pan, so I can cover it with the lid and write on it with a permanent marker!)
Place in the refrigerator until time to serve.

Make sure you use a serving utensil that will cut through the crust.  If you don’t, people tend to “scoop” it out and miss the crust. If you use a disposable pan and pre-cut it, be careful not to cut right through the pan. It has happened!

I use disposable utensils as well.  If I get them back, great. If not, no big deal.  I get the pans, lids, and utensils from Sam’s Club.

When it’s time to serve, make sure you are close to the front because it goes quickly and you want to eat some!

Enjoy!

Example of a prepared dish to pass….My Pasta Salad ready to take complete with serving spoon taped to lid

If you like this and want to stay up to date with my posts, follow me on Twitter @HaliPawz  or Like me on Facebook.com/HaliPawz

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Do you know the dangers in your home for your dog? Top 10 Dangerous Toxins – HaliPawz

Items you may see everyday in your home could be potentially deadly for your dogs.  It is important to be aware of them and teach others in your home about them.

  • Chocolate – This seems to be one many know about but yet it happens all the time.  I have to admit, I have even been guilty of leaving chocolate where my sneaky brats Bella and Zipper have managed to find.  It is amazing how great they are at opening those wrappers to eat the chocolaty goodness!  Dark chocolate and chocolate with a higher cacao is worse, but depending on the size of your dog, any chocolate can be deadly.  The stimulants in chocolate can stay in your dog for up to 72 hours so if  you feel your dog has consumed chocolate, it is best to talk to your vet to discuss what they ate, their size, and breed and let them determine the best course of action.
  • Ibuprofen – (Found in Advil, Motrin, etc)  While it may be used under veterinary supervision to help with pain or inflammation, too much can cause moderate to severe toxicity, including death.  It can lead to stomach ulcers, kidney failure, liver failure, or even seizures.  DO NOT ASSUME CHILD PROOF MEANS PET PROOF!  I can attest that my animals have easily opened up a child proof cap.  Yes, I know I’m starting to sound like a bad pet owner….I can assure you, I try to take great care, but when you have large dogs in your home and large dogs visiting often, things happen.  I was not aware of these dangers then, so I’m trying to help prevent it with others.
  • Acetaminophen – (Found in Tylenol)  This carries more severity than the Ibuprofen.  It has a narrower margin of danger.  If you think your dog has consumed some acetaminophen, call your vet immediately.
  •   Amphetamines – (Such as ADD / ADHD Medication, prescription weight loss medication,  Ecstasy, meth-amphetamines, etc)   Yes, I know the last two are illegal street drugs, but it’s important to still be aware of the dangers around your pets.  This over stimulates your dogs central nervous system and could do severe damage, up to death, in your dog.
  • Insect Bait Stations
  • Rodenticides – (Rat and mouse poison)  As someone who has had a mouse problem in the past, I know how difficult it is to get rid of them.  Please be aware of the choices you are making regarding how to eliminate them.  You may put them in a place where you think your animal can not reach, but you will be amazed the small spaces they can get their paws into.  While not a rodenticide, even traps should be enclosed so if your pet does hit them with a paw, it may set them off, but not on their paw.
  • Fertilizers – It is important to be aware of how dangerous fertilizer can be for your dog.  Most companies will put flags out on lawns where fertilizer has been used, but the average homeowner doing their lawn their selves may not. Be aware when you are out walking your pet be aware of the potential dangers.  Fertilizer isn’t just on lawns.  Some people spray trees, bushes, etc.  Always be alert.
  • Xylitol-containing products –   This is a popular sugar substitute but is made from wood and cellulose.  Items you may find it in some sugar free items, including  gum, candies, baked goods, toothpaste, and other items.  While it has no effect on humans, it can be detrimental to dogs.  It can affect them as soon as 30 minutes after ingesting.  Because it is a sugar substitute, dogs could be very interested in it, so it is important to leave them in areas completely away from your dogs.
  • Household Cleaners
  • Plants – both household and outside plants can be toxic to dogs.  For a complete list of toxic and non toxic plants for dogs, cats, and horses, click here.

While this list contains the top ten dangerous toxins for dogs, it is not a complete list.  For safety, keep ALL medication, both human and veterinary, up and away from all of your pets.  If your dog consumes something you are not sure about, please double check.  It is important to err on the side of safety when it comes to keeping your pet safe.