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Showing posts with label Desserts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Desserts. Show all posts

pure MAPLE SYRUP desserts


Smooth, luscious Maple syrup in its purest form enhances any dessert.
Transformations take place from the simple to the more complex of treats.



This year more than ever, I've been craving Maple syrup enjoyed at Sugar Shacks.
Due to personal reasons, I've had to forgo some of my favourite Spring outings.
Therefore, I set out to please myself with this indulgence while trying out different desserts.

Since, for many, Easter is around the bend, I thought you may enjoy making these as well.
From a simple cookie bar to the more time consuming pastry cream topped cupcake…you choose.




butter Pecan Almond Maple Syrup bars
makes 16 pieces

PRINTER VERSION

INGREDIENTS:
(American measures)

Pastry crust base:
. 1 xLarge egg yolk
. 3 Tbsps. water
. 1 Tbsp. grapeseed oil
. 1/2 tsp. pure Vanilla extract
. 1/2 tsp. pure Almond extract
….
. 1 cup All-Purpose flour
. 1/2 cup ground almonds
. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
. 1/4 tsp. sea salt
….
. 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, chilled, cubed

Topping:
. 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
. 1/3 cup Maple syrup (or mild honey)
. 1/4 tsp. sea salt
....
. 1 cup Pecan halves
. 1/2 cup sliced almonds
. 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional garnish)


PREPARATION:

. Pre-heat the oven to 400F.
. Position the rack in the center of the oven.
. Line a 9 inch (or 8x11inch) baking dish with aluminium foil going up the sides.  Grease it with a little vegetable oil.
Pastry crust base:
1.  In a very small bowl, whisk the egg yolk, water, oil and the extracts.  Set aside.
2. In a food processor, place all the other DRY ingredients excluding the butter. 
3. Pulse a few times before adding the chilled, cubed butter through the spout.  Pulse a few more times until the mix looks crumbly. 
4. Keep the food processor on while pouring the egg yolk mixture through the spout.  Run the machine only until the dough comes together and off the sides.
5. Press the dough evenly throughout the bottom of the greased dish.  Dock it with a fork.  
BAKE it for 12 minutes.
...Meanwhile:
Topping:
6. In a small saucepan, melt the butter, syrup and salt on LOW-MED heat.  After a few minutes, remove the liquid from the heat and stir in the nuts until completely coated.
7. Add this topping evenly over the base crust.   BAKE another 10 minutes.  Let it cool for at least 2 hours before lifting out the foil in order to cut the 16 pieces.
. Store in an airtight container for a week at most or freeze within parchment paper.










PECAN butter Maple Syrup mini tarts

24 mini tarts or 12 medium tarts

PRINTER VERSION

INGREDIENTS:
(American measures)

Pastry Dough:
. 1 cup All Purpose flour (plus for dusting work surface)
. 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
. 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
. 1/4 tsp. sea salt
. 1/2 cup cold, unsalted butter, cubed
. 1 oz. cold cream cheese, cubed

Filling: 
. 2 Tbsps. unsalted butter, softened
. 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
. 1/4 cup Maple syrup
. 1 xLarge egg
. pinch of sea salt
. 1 tsp. pure Vanilla extract
. 1 Tbsp. orange peel zest (optional)
. garnish: 24 raw pecan halves
    (1 per mini or 2 per medium tart)



PREPARATION:

Pastry Dough:
1. In a food processor, on LOW speed, whirl together the flour, sugar(s) and salt.  Add the butter and cream cheese.  Immediately, start the PULSE action about 5 times before whirling on MEDIUM speed just until dough is combined and detaching from the sides.  Do not over mix. 
2. Form dough into a log and wrap with plastic. Refrigerate until firm for at least 1 hour or up to 1 week.

. Pre-heat the oven to 350F.
. Position the rack in the center of the oven.
. Use a non-greased muffin (12 or 24 mini) pan.

… Afterwards:
3. FILLING: Cream together the butter and sugar on MEDIUM speed.  Add the Maple syrup, egg, salt and Vanilla, (optional orange zest).
... ASSEMBLY:
4. DIVIDE the dough into units (12 / 24) desired.
5. Roll the dough pieces into balls and flatten them slightly before placing them into each muffin cavity.  Gently press into the bottom and sides of each cavity to form tart shells.
6. Evenly pour the filling into each cavity.  Garnish with one pecan per mini tart or two for the medium tarts.
7. BAKE for about 30 minutes for the mini tarts and 40 minutes for the medium tarts. 
8. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before gently nudging them out of their cavities.  Serve at room temperature.  Store in open air for a few days or freeze for up to a month.  Lightly warm before serving.





PECAN PIE with GRAHAM CRUST
...with a few sweet modifications




Maple Syrup pudding cake
Pouding chômeur a la Bosc Pear
Poor Man's Pudding (aka French "Pouding Chômeur")







Vanilla cupcakes
topped with Maple Syrup Coconut Cream
and Syrup coated roasted almonds


yields 12 cupcakes

PRINTER VERSION

INGREDIENTS:
(American measures)

Cupcake (Vanilla):
. 1-1/4 cups All-Purpose flour
. 1 tsp. baking powder
. 1/8 tsp. sea salt
. 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
. 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
. 1/4 cup Maple syrup
. 2 xLarge eggs, room temp.
. 2 tsps. pure Vanilla extract
. 1/2 cup milk (of choice) room temp.

Maple syrup Coconut Pastry cream:
. 2 xLarge egg yolks
. 2 Tbsps. confectioners' sugar
. 6  Tbsps. All-Purpose flour
. 1/4 cup Coconut cream milk
. 1 cup milk (of choice)
. 1/2 tsp. pure Vanilla extract
. 6 Tbsps. pure Maple syrup

Coated garnish:
. 1/2 cup roasted almonds, coarsely chopped
. 3 Tbsps. pure Maple syrup



PREPARATION:

Cupcake (Vanilla):  Made same day as serving
. Pre-heat the oven at 350F. 
. Position the rack in the center of the oven.
. Line a muffin pan with paper liners.

1. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.  Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter with an electric beater.  Keep beating while adding in the sugar(s) along with the Maple syrup.  Combine and scrape down bowl for about 2 minutes.  Then, beat in one egg at the time until the mix feels fluffy.  Beat in the Vanilla last.
3. Afterwards, on LOW speed, beat in the flour mix and milk in alternate stages while scraping down the bowl.  Do not over mix.
4. With the aid of an ice-cream scoop, evenly distribute leveled spoons into each lined cavity.
5. BAKE for only 17 minutes.  Then, once removed, cool cakes in the pan for 1 hour before transferring onto a rack.  Leave at room temperature.

Maple syrup Coconut Pastry cream: Can be made the day ahead
6. In a small-medium saucepan, hand whisk the egg yolks, confectioners' sugar, flour and a little milk to create a fairly smooth paste.
7. Then, whisk in the remaining milk until all is combined.  
8. Over MEDIUM-HIGH heat, whisk the custard until a light thickening appears.  Immediately take the pot off the heat.  Add in the Vanilla and Maple syrup.
9. Let the cream rest for about 15 minutes more while giving it a stir every so often.
10. Transfer cream into a strainer over a medium bowl and cover it with a plastic wrap touching the surface with a tiny opening.  Transfer the warm bowl to the refrigerator for a few hours to set until cold.  Note: This cream keeps well for 2-3 days.

Coated garnish: Can be made the day ahead
11. Toss the roasted almonds into the Maple syrup. 
Assembly:  To be done fresh, right before serving:
. Dollop a generous amount of pastry cream over cupcakes. Gently top each cupcake crown with the nut garnish.





For now, I'll have to let this enticing list go…off to concocting my next Maple syrup delight.

Hopefully one of these desserts has given you the excitement you needed to plan dessert for this coming weekend.  Enjoy it in company of those who make you happy and who bring out the best you.


Flavourful wishes,
Foodessa

Comments ... ??? ... or suggestions ... write me :o)
Claudia at:  foodessa [at] gmail [dot] com

Go HERE for more SWEET creations.




Please take note on how I bake and cook...
Here’s a 101 of sorts to make sure that there are no disappointments when trying my creations.  
Also...just so you know...feel free to increase the salt and sweet factor since I'm not high on either of them ;o)

. Use DRY cup measurements for...you guessed it...all DRY ingredients.
Anything DRY gets measured by spooning the overfilled ingredient (never shake the cup) and then level off with a flat edged tool.  Exception...Brown sugar should be packed in and leveled.
. Use LIQUID cup measurements for...all LIQUIDS that cannot be leveled like for example butter, yogurt...etc.  Measure the liquids at eye level to avoid overdoing what the recipe truly needs.
OVENS are unfortunately not created equal.  Mine is so old that it has reached many degrees off it's norm.  It's really worth investing a few dollars to test yours with an appropriate oven thermometer.  You'd be surprised how many ovens I've heard about not being where they should have been.  Before you lose any more ingredients and much time preparing a new recipe...run to the store...you'll thank me later.




TOP 10 dates with CHOCOLATE


Touted for its health benefits…
dating chocolate emphasizes heart-healthy happiness most of all.



It hasn't even been a month since posting waistline friendly recipes and…
the dessert magnet is again pulling me back in.  

I did however make a special effort to create a chocolate delight which…
promises to offer a guilt-free sweet tooth satisfaction.

Did I mention how simple it was to put together?

Chocolate Date Coconut Chia mousse
(Gluten-free as well as a dairy-free alternative)

serves 6-8 depending on portions


INGREDIENTS:
(American measures)

. 5 Medjool dates, pitted
. 1 cup of water *
. 1 tsp. pure Vanilla extract
. 2 Tbsps. Chia seeds ** (very finely ground)
. 1/2 cup Cocao powder, Dutch processed
. 1/4 cup Maple syrup
. 1 can (14oz./400ml) Coconut milk (cream-like)

Garnish suggestion:
. shredded or flaked coconut
. crushed, roasted nuts of choice
. crushed granola
. fresh berries


The water is used to soak the dates.  When drained,  reserve 1/4 cup of the date water for the mix.
** Chia seed can be replaced by finely ground flaxseed.

PREPARATION:
1. In a small bowl, soak the pitted dates in water.  Cover for about 1 hour. 
Later, drain while making sure to reserve the 1/4 cup of date water.
2. In a high-speed blender, pour the reserved water along with ALL the remaining ingredients. 
3. Initially pulse a few times on lower speed.  Then, blitz everything on HIGH speed for about 30 seconds or until the mix has become smooth.
4. Pour the mix into individual vessels or just one container.  Cover with plastic wrap.  
Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving or up to 4 days to keep its freshness.
. Either serve as is or with the suggested garnishes.
........................................................................
Variation for a PUDDING texture. 
Add an extra 1/4 cup of the reserved date water

***

From the practically effortless to the slightly more complex…
here are recipes I've shared in the past to delight your palate.




Effortless…with only 4 ingredients.
 With all recipes of the typical Chocolate Fondues combined...
none have come close to this light, scrumptiously decadent version.
***



Chocolate Walnut cloud cookie crackles
Tickle your chocolate palate with a flourless and easy to make last minute cookie.
***



 Chocolate frozen MOUSSE
Practically effortless…with only 3 ingredients.
It has the silky smoothness of a rich Chocolate gelato.
***



cake box BISCOTTI trick CHOCOLATE treat
By no means a simple tasting chocolate crunch treat, just simply made easy.
A few ground anise seeds and roasted almonds chime into this long awaited biscotti.
***



Café Latte Chocolate Caramel cream cake - No Bake
 Embrace a café latté chocolate caramel chilled cake.
Dazzle your loved ones with a slice of this flavourful and mouth-watering ice-box cake.
***



Chocolate Pudding Oat Nut Spice cookies
Soft chocolate pudding interiors blend perfectly with oat flakes, nut and spices.
Crispy, rustic exteriors create a welcomed bite of pleasure and hope for better days ahead.
***




CHOCOLATE amaretti cookie AMARETTO almond torte
Celebrating a mouthful of chocolate decadence with a particular flavour combination.
Ground almonds and bite size Amaretti cookies crumble their way into a slice of pleasure.
***



Chocolate Dulce de Leche mini cakes
A cross between chocolate soufflés and moist brownies lures me in every time.
Injections of sea salt and Dulce de Leche centers just gave them a deserved ooh la la.
***



Chocolate Almond TORTA CAPRESE flourless cake
This tamed semi-sweet chocolate paradise has become one of my favourite indulgences.
It's an absolutely gluten-free dessert and an added bonus for our tummies ;o)





My four legged friend may not be able to have chocolate…
however, he does enjoy how happy I am embracing it.  
Win, win.  Happy Mom, happy life.  


Live to the fullest and enjoy a 'super food' morsel of chocolate as soon as possible. 

Flavourful wishes,
Foodessa

Comments ... ??? ... or suggestions ... write me :o)
foodessa [at] gmail [dot] com

Go HERE for more SWEET creations.




Please take note on how I bake and cook...
Here’s a 101 of sorts to make sure that there are no disappointments when trying my creations.  
Also...just so you know...feel free to increase the salt and sweet factor since I'm not high on either of them ;o)

. Use DRY cup measurements for...you guessed it...all DRY ingredients.
Anything DRY gets measured by spooning the overfilled ingredient (never shake the cup) and then level off with a flat edged tool.  Exception...Brown sugar should be packed in and leveled.
. Use LIQUID cup measurements for...all LIQUIDS that cannot be leveled like for example butter, yogurt...etc.  Measure the liquids at eye level to avoid overdoing what the recipe truly needs.
OVENS are unfortunately not created equal.  Mine is so old that it has reached many degrees off it's norm.  It's really worth investing a few dollars to test yours with an appropriate oven thermometer.  You'd be surprised how many ovens I've heard about not being where they should have been.  Before you lose any more ingredients and much time preparing a new recipe...run to the store...you'll thank me later.

Best DESSERTS for MOM


My Mommy's Birthday always falls on or next to Mother's day.
She may somehow feel a little cheated in her celebration events.
Well, no more...cause here are some of her favourites...just pick one.



In her young 70ish stage of life...she still manages to look wonderful.
At fifty...I still want to grow up to embrace life the way she has.

I dedicate these selected sweets to her.
I'm sure she wouldn't mind sharing some with you as well ;o)







TiraMiSù Galliano LEMON special
This lusciously creamy and decadent LEMON TiraMiSù gets an added 'Pick-Me-Up' from the smooth and aromatic spirited GALLIANO liquor.

















PEACH cookie PINEAPPLE cake No-Bake 
Here's one of my favourite no-bake fruity fresh and sumptuous dessert.
Layering PEACHES and PINEAPPLE with a COOKIE crunch into a creamy indulgence.













LEMON mousse frozen PIE no bake
Creamy smoothness experienced in every sweet and tangy bite from this cool mousse decadence.












TiraMiSù ExtraOrdinario (chilled cake) - (a classic with a unique twist)
Swooning over a sumptuously spirited gourmet Italian TiraMiSù.  Fluffy, creamy and possessing a lighter velvety texture than most versions.  The spirited use of Tia Maria and Grand Marnier are only a part of this dessert's fabulous outcome.















Café Latte Chocolate Caramel cream cake - No Bake
Dazzle your loved ones with a slice of this flavourful and mouth-watering ice-box cake.
















ORANGE spice ALMOND flourless torte cake
Subtle sweetness extracted from Navel oranges found their way into a distinctive flourless almond cake.  This delightful cake was assembled with orange compote and almonds.  The addition of perfectly paired spices was enhanced by a spirited boost from an orange-based liquor.











Fruit Melody velvety-smooth CHEESECAKE
This sumptuous multi-ethnic inspired Fruit Melody CHEESECAKE got the Spa and Star treatment. 
















Citrus Chocolate Coconut Ginger Nut flourless torte cake
Mr. LEMON joined the line dance with his circle of friends: Ms. CLEMENTINE, Chocolate, Coconut, Ginger and Almonds.  This aromatic cake, turned out to be an incredibly delicious success.  

















PUFF choux PASTRY ricotta cream ZEPPOLE style
Fellow Canadians provided insight on the PUFF in Choux PASTRY.  BAKING from the perspective of SCIENCE to get the perfect pastry puff.




Adorably, elegant offerings found within...apple and chocolate filled pastry parcels.




Flaky butter pastry gently wraps and rolls with caramel, nuts and tender apples.  From a bud, a delicate treat appears onto your sweet table as a pastry rose. 










Personality is screaming out of this cake.   The flavours all came together divinely without an overpowering sweetness.   It may have been longer to put together than the usual baking I do...however, seeing the look on my Mom's face, made it all worth while. A little patience and tons of love go a long way.














Celebrate your Mom anytime of the year.
A created dessert just for her goes a long way to tell her how much she's loved.
She'll certainly appreciate the attention and efforts sent her way.

Here's to celebrating Mom.

Flavourful wishes,
Foodessa


Comments ... ??? ... or suggestions ... write me :o)
Claudia at:  foodessa [at] gmail [dot] com


Go HERE for more SWEET creations.




Please take note on how I bake and cook...
Here’s a 101 of sorts to make sure that there are no disappointments when trying my creations.  
Also...just so you know...feel free to increase the salt and sweet factor since I'm not high on either of them ;o)
. Use DRY cup measurements for...you guessed it...all DRY ingredients.
Anything DRY gets measured by spooning the overfilled ingredient (never shake the cup) and then level off with a flat edged tool.  Exception...Brown sugar should be packed in and leveled.
. Use LIQUID cup measurements for...all LIQUIDS that cannot be leveled like for example butter, yogurt...etc.  Measure the liquids at eye level to avoid overdoing what the recipe truly needs.
OVENS are unfortunately not created equal.  Mine is so old that it has reached many degrees off it's norm.  It's really worth investing a few dollars to test yours with an appropriate oven thermometer.  You'd be surprised how many ovens I've heard about not being where they should have been.  Before you lose any more ingredients and much time preparing a new recipe...run to the store...you'll thank me later. 


twirl MANGO mousse SORBET chill


MANGO cold MOUSSE 
as well as a 'soft-serve' 
MANGO frozen SORBET 


Many luscious refreshing treats will be joined by this superb dual-purpose dessert.
Three ingredients is all that's required to get remarkable results from this tropical fruit.
Ripe MANGO...a touch of SWEETENER...and a pre-frozen EGG WHITE is all there is to it.
Of course, since you won't be creaming the...
frozen mango pieces by hand, you'll also need a very powerful machine.
 This power tool will certainly come a long way in realizing this creamy smooth indulgence.

Mangoes originated in East India.  
Persian traders took the mango into the middle east and Africa...
from there the Portuguese brought it to Brazil and the West Indies.  
Mango cultivars arrived in the other warm climate countries:
California, Hawaii, Florida and Mexico among many others.

Known globally as the ’King of tropical fruits’...
the MANGO is rich, sweet, with a slight tangy flavour equalled by no other in its circle.

There are many (at least 1000+) varieties of MANGOES on the world market.  
Apparently the Mango accounts for about half of all tropical fruits produced globally. 
India alone produces at least a third of the world's mangoes.
However, since India consumes most of its output...
other cultivators are counted upon to export these delicacies.
***
Here's my treat in the initial cold MOUSSE state...
admittedly, my very favourite way of serving it.


Acquainting yourself with the mango may give your health a real boost:
. Very rich in Vitamin C...even beats out the orange.
. An average sized mango can contain up to 40% of your daily fibre requirement.  
. A source of Potassium as well as a generous amount of Vitamin A (Beta Carotene).
. They contain an enzyme with stomach soothing properties similar found in papayas. 
The Mango is also actually a distant relative of the cashew and pistachio family.
Others include poison oak and poison ivy...more on this worrisome characteristic later. 
***

Public market: Montego Bay

Lately we've been treated to Mangoes from Mexico.
Well, maybe not as much as we were in Jamaica at their Montego Bay's Market. 
Here I am with my 'Mango Mania Mammita'. 
Can you tell how crazy on mangos we were even then?
Well, actually, Mom was.  
Before this trip...I actually had never eaten a Mango before!

  
Public market: Montego Bay

We had taken this very special trip countless years ago...just the two of us.
What a fantastic Mommy--Daughter time we had together...we still talk about it

Dunn River Falls in Ocho Rios

***
Once a very ripe mango was offered to my taste buds...
I never forgot the dreamy textured sweetness that opened my tummy towards tropical fruits.
Now that I'm closely acquainted with the sweet, highly aromatic Mango...
I just can't get enough of it.
***
. Contrary to popular belief...color is not really the indicator of how ripe the mango is. 
. Actually, give the Mango's 'nose tip' a gentle squeeze...if there's no give, it's not ready.  
. It’s suggested that Mangoes can easily stay at room temperature until fully ripened. 
They can later be refrigerated to extend their life for about another week. 
Also remember, an unripe mango is incredibly unpleasant.
 It will deter a first timer from trying it again...and that would be a real shame.
***
As to my experimenting with various fruits...
Mango is certainly one of my preferred choices for this dual-purpose dessert.  
You can use this same recipe with apricots, berries, cantaloupe, papaya and peaches. 
Note: 
Sweetener adjustments should be made according to different personal tastes and...
of course considering the naturally powered sweetness of the fruit itself.


Once you've enjoyed serving this Mango mousse...
you may freeze it and it will morph itself into a smooth sorbet.
  


MANGO cold MOUSSE 
as well as a 'soft-serve' 
MANGO frozen SORBET

serves 6-8

Click HERE to get a PRINTER version


INGREDIENTS:
(American / Metric measures)

. 4 large Mangoes, cubed [yields about 6 cups (750ml)]
. 1/4 cup (52g) superfine fruit sugar (a.k.a. fructose) 
. 1 large egg white, pre-frozen






More about these ingredients:
. Sweetener alternatives: either 'caster' sugar, ‘Agave' or 'Maple syrup’ can replace the superfine ‘Fructose’ fruit sugar.    You may have to adjust according to your personal preference.  Just keep in mind that the preparation gets sweeter as it freezes. 
. Egg white:   In order to avoid any forming bacteria, it is best to pre-freeze the egg white in a small glass container and thaw it slightly right before adding it into the fruit mix.
. Note about the Mango’s sticky lingering SAP and PEEL:  In order to avoid any forming bacteria, it is best to pre-freeze the egg white in a small glass container and thaw it slightly right before adding it into the fruit mix.
The naturally produced skin-irritating chemical ’Urushiol’ (also found in ’Poison Ivy and Sumac’) can cause ’dermatitis’ in  susceptible people.  Therefore...before cutting into the mango fruit, please assure that the skin has been properly scrubbed clean with a mix of white vinegar and salt.  Some may want to use hand soap.







1...Preparing the Mango pieces...(two options):
... the ‘hedgehog’ crosshatch way:
Start with the side cheek of the fruit and slice off by curving the knife lengthwise and around the center seed.  Now, cut the fruit's flesh in a crosshatch pattern.  Hold the piece with both hands as your thumbs push the skin out...which will place the flesh part outwards.  Cut away the cubes off the peel. 
OR... the regular 'peel and cube' way:
Simply peel all the skin off the mango.  Stand it upright and slice off by curving the knife lengthwise and around the center seed.  Repeat the same for the remaining other sides.  Cut the pieces into cubes.
.  Place the cubes onto a flat surface and freeze for about two hours or until hardened.  Note: This could have also been prepared ahead of time...pre-frozen and placed into an airtight freezer bag.

2...Food processing the fruit:
. Place the cubes into the container and let stand for 30 minutes before processing.  Afterwards, purée the mango pieces until chunks are no longer visible.  Keep the blade circulating on medium-high speed and gradually pour in the sweetener.   Once that has whirled into the fruit, add the pre-frozen and slightly thawed egg white that was initially placed in a small glass container.  
. Serve right away as a lusciously smooth mousse and/or freeze in two medium freezer containers in order for the mix to turn into its 'Sorbet' state which will take about  two hours to achieve.  Also note: Depending on the sweetener chosen, you may have to pull the sorbet out at least 15 minutes before serving.  Enjoy.







If the aromatic essence of Mango is a tropical fruit you enjoy...
then, this refreshing treat will delight your sweet devouring palate for sure.

If ever you have a chance to go to Jamaica...
take the time to meet the charismatic people who make this island so special.

Flavourful wishes,
Foodessa


Comments ...???... or suggestions ... write me :o)
Claudia at: foodessa [at] gmail [dot] com


Go HERE for more SWEET creations.


Please take note on how I bake and cook...
Here’s a 101 of sorts to make sure that there are no disappointments when trying my creations.  
Also...just so you know...feel free to increase the salt and sweet factor since I'm not high on either of them ;o)
. Use DRY cup measurements for...you guessed it...all DRY ingredients.
Anything DRY gets measured by spooning the overfilled ingredient (never shake the cup) and then level off with a flat edged tool.  Exception...Brown sugar should be packed in and leveled.
. Use LIQUID cup measurements for...all LIQUIDS that cannot be leveled like for example butter, yogurt...etc.  Measure the liquids at eye level to avoid overdoing what the recipe truly needs.
OVENS are unfortunately not created equal.  Mine is so old that it has reached many degrees off it's norm.  It's really worth investing a few dollars to test yours with an appropriate oven thermometer.  You'd be surprised how many ovens I've heard about not being where they should have been.  Before you lose any more ingredients and much time preparing a new recipe...run to the store...you'll thank me later. 
.....
Please note: the information text in purple was loosely referenced from: 
www.allaboutmangoes.com
Book reference:  The Science of Good Food, by David Joachim



Other refreshing DESSERT delights that may interest you:
- LEMON mousse frozen PIE no bake 
- BUTTERSCOTCH caramel ice-cream...no ice-cream machine 
- FIG chocolate PORT nutty GELATO ice cream...no ice-cream machine
- LEMON coconut ginger MOUSSE GELATO...no ice-cream machine