Travel Destinations & Culinary Adventures

blueberries

Angel Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Blueberry Sauce

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When I make desserts, I get a little crazy. Good kind of crazy. My creativity runs wild and before I know it, I’ve swirled blueberries inside angel food cake and topped it with vanilla icing and ….yes, more vanilla blueberry sauce. Total decadence.

My Angel Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Blueberry Sauce is an recipe idea that came to me during a daydream. I thought, “How can I combine light and airy cake with decadent blueberries?”

So when the boyfriend (who doesn’t eat desserts – uh, what the heck?) was away, I made a mess of the kitchen and started preparing the Vanilla Blueberry Sauce so it could cool before baking the angel food cake. Wanting to swirl the sauce through the cake batter, I knew the sauce couldn’t be added to the batter while the berries were warm.

Now, don’t be fooled. When I’m making a dessert on a work night, it’s a semi-homemade one. I simply used Betty Crocker’s Angel Food Cake box mix by combining 1 1/4 cups water with the dry mix and then added a few tablespoons of cooled Vanilla Blueberry Sauce to the cake mix. Then, I used a wooden skewer to pull the sauce throw the cake mix until swirls appeared. Using a ice cream scoop, I portioned wet cake mix into paper line cupcake baking pans.

If you fill the cupcake liners all the way to the top with the swirled batter, expect them to rise over the edge when you bake. Only fill the cupcake wells about 3/4 full.

Bake the angel food cupcakes at 350 degrees for 11 minutes (or until a toothpick pulls clean from their centers.) I prefer to remove the paper liners from the cupcakes prior to decorating and servings. Allow the cupcakes to completely cool before icing them with store-bought vanilla icing. Drizzle with more Vanilla Blueberry Sauce and top with a couple of fresh blueberries and garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.

Look at light beautiful glory! You might need a fork, but I just ate mine over the sink and let the oozy blueberry sauce drip down my arm. That’s my style.
Do you see that bottom swirl layer too?

This dessert would be a good one to make with kids and allow them to decorate their own cupcakes with the sauce and berries. You never know. Maybe they’ll even try the mint!

I grew that mint!

What dessert do you daydream about? Tell me in the comments below! I may just need to do a little recipe research on it.

Angel Food Cupcakes with Vanilla Blueberry Sauce

onedelightfullife.com
Pillowy soft angel food cupcakes are the perfect platform for homemade vanilla blueberry sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert, fruit
Cuisine American
Servings 12 -14 small cupcakes

Ingredients
  

  • Vanilla Blueberry Sauce Ingredients:
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/4 c. water
  • 1/4 c. sugar
  • 1 T. lemon juice
  • 1 T. cornstarch
  • 1 T. cold water
  • 1 T. vanilla extract
  • pinch lemon zest
  • Angel Food Cake: Make according to box directions

Instructions
 

  • Combine the first 4 ingredients in a small saucepan and stir gently over medium heat. Do not allow it to boil.
  • Meanwhile, stir together the cornstarch and cold water in a small ramekin.
  • Add the cornstarch slurry to the blueberry mixture stirring slowly while it thickens.
  • Stir for about 3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Add vanilla and lemon zest.
  • Pour into a small glass bowl and leave uncovered in the refrigerator to cool until used in the cake mix.
  • Once cooled, add 2-3 tablespoons of the vanilla blueberry sauce into the already prepared wet angel food cake mix.
  • Using a wooden skewer, pull the vanilla blueberry sauce through the cake batter until large swirls form.
  • Using a ice cream scoop or large spoon, portion the finished cake mix into paper lined cupcake pans.
  • Bake cupcakes at 350 degrees for 11 minutes.
  • Allow cupcakes to cool completely before topping with vanilla icing and blueberry sauce.
  • Garnish with more (fresh) berries and a sprig of mint.

Pink Lemonade Blueberry Splash

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Some of the best tasting recipes are simply made and cocktails are no different.

Made with Bacardi Limon Rum this boozy Pink Lemonade Blueberry Splash cocktail uses fruit that is in season and doesn’t require you to make fresh lemonade. Simply add citrus flavored rum over ice, fill the glass 3/4 of the way full with store bought pink lemonade, top with lemon seltzer water, a squeeze of lemon wedge and stir. I prefer to cut the citrus sour flavor with a teaspoon of sugar or Splenda. Then, garnish with a sprig of mint, a slice of lemon and you’re on your way to happy hour!

Here’s the recipe rundown quick list:

  • 1 travel sized bottle of Bacardi Limon Rum
  • 1 small bottle of store bought pink lemonade
  • 1 can of lemon seltzer water
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp sugar or Splenda
  • ice
  • garnishes = sprig of mint, slice of lemon

Don’t forget to add a fancy Nancy straw. Now that’s one pretty drink. Pretty delightful that is…;-) Cheers!

If you’re not interested in adding alcohol and want to drink a poolside mocktail instead, simply add more lemonade or seltzer water in place of the rum.

Pink Lemonade Blueberry Splash

A big fan of seasonal blueberries? Try my take on a warm Vanilla Blueberry Sauce that goes great over lemon bars or ice cream. Still craving blueberries? Add them to fresh fruit to create a last minute picnic side Watermelon Blueberry Salad with Feta and Mint. 

Berry Rum Smash with Lime Cocktail

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Determined to create a cocktail that I could use to raise a glass in honor of those who served during Memorial Day, I created Berry Rum Smash with Lime Cocktail, a blender drink topped with carbonated soda. It’s a refreshing drink that is prepared with aged rum, berries, lime juice, and lemon-lime soda.

A liter of Cruzan Aged Rum cost me $14.99, a value!

I love a cocktail that stretches my creativity. This recipe requires you to use a blender to make a smooth juice from fresh blueberries, pitted sweet cherries, lime juice, aged rum (you can use silver rum), the juice of half of a lime, and Stevia for sweetness. After blending the above ingredients on high until the pulp of the fruit is minimal, pour it into a glass filled with crushed ice.

You can find these festive straws and garnish picks for $1 at Target. (not an affiliate)

After pouring the berry mixture into the glass of crushed ice, top the glass with lemon-lime soda water until filled. That’s it! It’s a fruity, cool drink to serve to guests at your next outdoor deck party or just because you want to delight in a new cocktail made from your home bar.

Cheers, my dears!

Berry Rum Smash with Lime Cocktail

onedelightfullife.com
This refreshing cocktail doubles down on berries, aged rum, lime juice, and lemon-lime soda.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course cocktail, Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 2 glasses

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 oz. aged rum I used Cruzan
  • 2 tsp Stevia
  • 1/2 c. pitted sweet cherries
  • 1 c. fresh blueberries reserve a few for garnish
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • crushed ice
  • 1 can lemon lime sode

Instructions
 

  • Blend all of the ingredients except the ice in a blender on high until very smooth.
  • Fill a glass with crushed ice.
  • Pour berry mixture into glass.
  • Top with lemon lime soda until full
  • Garnish with blueberries and a lime wedge.

Notes

You can use frozen fruit for this blended cocktail. Add 1 tsp of honey for added sweetness.

 

Meyer Lemon Bars with Vanilla Blueberry Sauce

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I love lemon bars.

I fell in love with them as a child when visiting my best friend’s grandmother’s house. She made THE BEST homemade lemon bars. But, here’s the thing. I don’t bake. Oh, I can whip up delicious cookie bars, brownies, and cakes but they come from a box so I often doctor them up with my twist. I thought I’d squeeze in one last summer dessert recipe before fall arrives by making Meyer Lemon Bars with Vanilla Blueberry Sauce. 

meyer-lemon-bars-with-vanilla-blueberry-sauce2

I cheated and used Krusteaz Meyer Lemon Bars Supreme Mix which is incredibly simple to make and then added homemade, thick blueberry sauce on top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. I scored a pint of blueberries at Leeker’s for 99 cents and the box of lemon bars mix was on sale for $1.49. That’s less than 41 cents a bar for this recipe!

Gently mix the blueberries so they don't mash up.
Gently mix the blueberries so they don’t mash up.

Pairing blueberries with lemon flavor is hands-down delicious thanks to the sweet and tangy combination but I wanted to add that vanilla essence that completes the flavor profile.

Lightly topped with powdered sugar these lemon bars are just plain gorgeous. Do you see that warm blueberry sauce running down the side on the bright white plate? They’re “good grief” good! This recipe yields one cup of sauce that can also be used on top of cheesecake, angel food cake, or buttermilk pancakes.

Extra blueberry sauce is an ideal compliment to buttermilk pancakes, muffins, or on top of your overnight oats.
Extra blueberry sauce is an ideal compliment to buttermilk pancakes, muffins, or on top of your overnight oats.

As we say goodbye to summer, tell me what your favorite summer dessert was this year using the comment section below. Help me brainstorm recipe ideas for next June!

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Vanilla Blueberry Sauce

onedelightfullife.com
It doesn't get much better than warm blueberry sauce cascading down lemon bars as an end of summer sweet treat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert, fruit
Cuisine American
Servings 1 cup

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/4 c. water
  • 1/4 c. sugar
  • 1 T. lemon juice
  • 1 T. cornstarch
  • 1 T. cold water
  • 1 T. vanilla extract
  • pinch lemon zest

Instructions
 

  • Combine the first 4 ingredients in a small saucepan and stir gently over medium heat. Do not allow it to boil.
  • Meanwhile, stir together the cornstarch and cold water in a small ramekin.
  • Add the cornstarch slurry to the blueberry mixture stirring slowly while it thickens.
  • Stir for about 3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Add vanilla and lemon zest.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

I prefer a heavy vanilla flavor. If you don't, cut it to 1/4 tsp vanilla extract.
If you don't like lemon, try orange juice instead.
Some cooks strain the sauce through a sieve, but I like my sauce with softened berries.
Stores best in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Watermelon Berry Slushie

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We were just at the farmer’s market this morning and the watermelons were HUGE! It’s definitely time you tried by Watermelon Berry Slushie before summer produce is out of season. It couldn’t be simpler to make either especially if you wash your fruit when you purchase it. Then, you can just get up in the morning or come home from the gym and fire up the blender.

Why pay for a blender drink from a smoothie bar when you can make this at home and benefit from having leftover melon in the fridge? If you’re not sure what to do with leftover melon, check out my recipes for Watermelon Blueberry Feta Salad with Mint. It’s gorgeous-looking (great to take to a summer potluck) and it’s easy on the waistline.

This cold slushie includes tastes of the season with ripe watermelon and berries. It's like a hug in a glass.
This cold slushie includes tastes of the season with ripe watermelon and berries. It’s like a hug in a glass.

Watermelon Berry Slushie

onedelightfullife.com
Cool, refreshing and full of seasonal fruit flavor without any heavy dairy product.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course non-alcoholic drink
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 c. ripe watermelon cubes
  • 1 c. crushed ice
  • 1/4. c. blueberries
  • 1/4 c. strawberries
  • Garnish with more berries.

Instructions
 

  • Pour all ingredients into a blender.
  • Blend until well mixed.
  • Pour into a glass.
  • Garnish with a sliced strawberry, mint, or more blueberries.



Watermelon Blueberry Feta Salad with Mint

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The perfect piece of watermelon isn’t in the shape in a half-moon. It’s a cube! Cut up your ripe watermelon into one inch cubes of juicy goodness so you can pop them straight into your mouth. (I think cubed watermelon is get-in-the-tummy-yummy after it has sat in a Rubbermaid container in the fridge for at least a day.)

Tip: When selecting a watermelon at the grocery store or farmer’s market, turn it over. Look it over and check for a yellow area. This yellow spot means that it sat on the ground long enough to ripen up. Did you know a watermelon is over 90% water? The heavier the melon, the better! (It’s hydrating and you can eat it guilt-free.) Buy fresh mint in the produce section at the grocery story OR you can grow it quite easily in partial sunshine in a container pot. Don’t forget to water it, but don’t flood it. My mint grows tall and sits happily next to basil.

Watermelon Blueberry Feta Salad with Mint takes this ordinary summer fruit and makes it extraordinary. Besides, July is National Watermelon Month!

The flavor of the slightly tangy dressing coats the salad. Ribbons of mint leaves elevate its flavor giving it a brightness and the little blueberries pop with sweetness in your mouth. And who doesn’t love cheese? Add feta to this salad and its taste reaches heavenly status. You can serve this as a summer salad or as a dessert, a favorite in our household.

watermelon-blueberry-feta-salad-with-mint

Tip: Buy your berries from Aldi, if you have one in your area. These blueberries were only 99 cents a quart.

Make the salad's dressing separately and then add fruit and combine flavors.
Make the salad’s dressing separately and then add fruit and combine flavors.

Watermelon Blueberry Feta Salad with Mint

onedelightfullife.com
These watermelon squares are like little presents of juicy flavor. Combine them with blueberries, feta, and mint to make this ordinary summer fruit extraordinary.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cubed watermelon remove rind
  • 1/2 package blueberries
  • 2 T crumbled feta cheese
  • 4 small springs sliced fresh mint
  • 1/4 c. watermelon fruit salad dressing
  • Watermelon Fruit Salad Dressing:
  • 3 T light olive oil
  • 1 1/2 T. lime juice
  • 2 T. honey
  • 1/4 tsp. apple cider vinegar

Instructions
 

  • Remove rind from watermelon and cube the fruit into one-inch pieces.
  • Refrigerate watermelon to chill in a large bowl plastic covered in plastic.
  • Layer mint leaves on to each other and roll into a cylindrical shape. Run a sharp knife through the mint several times to cut the herb into ribbons. Set aside.
  • To make the dressing, combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Remove the watermelon from the refrigerator and drain any residual juice.
  • Add the dressing, crumbled feta, blueberries, and mint to the watermelon and toss with your hands until well incorporated.
  • Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve chilled.

Notes

You could also use honeydew or cantaloupe instead of watermelon.
Don't trash the watermelon rind! It can be pickled in jars with and used later in a salad or as a condiment.

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