Monthly Archives: February 2015

Hilarious Kitchen Aid Mixer Review

Kitchen Aid MixerI blew the motor in my electric mixer when I was making the frosting for Eden’s  birthday cake a few weeks back. No kidding….I’m sure this must be at least the 6th mixer I’ve gone through in the past 10 years. It doesn’t seem to matter whether I buy a really cheap one or something a bit more expensive. Of course, my dream is to own a heavy duty Kitchen Aid mixer with the stand and bowl. Although I’ve always been too cheap to pay $400 for a mixer,  I must admit I’m starting to see it more as a necessity than a luxury.  Anyway, I was checking out mixers on the Costco site and thought I would read some product reviews, as there were a few different models to choose from. I came across this review and just had to share it. It is too funny…way to go “Geek Dad”!
Kitchen Aid Review

Apple Bavarian Torte

Like most people, I have a set of my favourite “go to recipes” and this delicious Apple Bavarian Torte has been part of my repertoire for about 20 years. I’m not sure where it originated, but I got it from a colleague a few decades ago. It is easy to make, super tasty and visually appealing. A great dessert to serve at any dinner party!

Apple Bavarian Torte

This recipe is a quick and easy dessert that only takes about 20 to 30 minutes to prepare (plus 35 minutes of cooking time). It serves 8 generous pieces, but up to 12 depending on the serving sizes.

Recipe Ingredients:

Bottom Layer:

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Middle Layer:

  • 1 – 8 ounce package  of cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Top Layer:

  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 5-1/2 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples (about 6 medium)
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Optional Toppings:

  • whipping cream or vanilla ice cream

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 450°.
  2. In a small bowl, cream butter and sugar together. Add the vanilla followed by the flour. Beat until blended. Press the soft dough onto the bottom of an ungreased 9 inch springform pan.
  3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until soft. Add the balance of the “middle layer” ingredients and continue beating until well mixed. Pour over the bottom layer.
  4. Peel and slice the apples into a large bowl. Sprinkle them with the sugar and cinnamon. Toss to coat. Spoon the apples over the cream cheese layer. .
  5. Bake 10 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 400°; bake 25 minutes more. Sprinkle the almonds over top and bake 10-15 minutes longer or until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack before removing the sides of the pan and slicing the dessert. Store in the refrigerator.

Yield: 8 to 12 servings

Although this dessert really doesn’t need anything extra, I usually serve it with a dollop of whipping cream. When serving warm, vanilla ice cream is a delicious alternative.