Prize Winning Desserts

 First Place - Chocolate Dessert Contest

Chocolaty Chip Angel Food Cake

1 1/4 cup sifted cake flour
1/2 cup plus 1 1/3 cups sugar, divided
1 1/2 tablespoons dark cocoa
1 1/2 cups egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoons cream of tarter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips, divided
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans, divided

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In medium bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and dark cocoa. Mix well.  In large bowl. combine egg whites, salt, cream of tarter, and vanilla extract.  Using an electric mixer, beat egg mixture until soft peaks form.  Sprinkle half of the 1 1/3 cups sugar into egg mixture.  Mix well.  Add remaining sugar.  Mix well.  Gently fold in half of flour mixture.  Add remaining flour mixture and 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips and 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Gently fold to combine.  Pour into an ungreased tube pan.  Bake 35 to 40 minutes.  To check if it is done, insert a toothpick, if is done if it comes out dry.  Cool completely.    Place on serving dish.  Drizzle chocolate glaze over top (recipe below).  Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips and pecans over top.

Chocolate Glaze

1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons dark cocoa
1 to 2 teaspoons water, as needed

In medium bowl, combine all ingredients.  Add milk and water until desired consistency.  Drizzle over cake. 

Second Place - Chocolate Dessert Contest

Chocolate Mint Brownies

Brownie Layer

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 large eggs
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In metal bowl, set over a pan of barely simmering water, melt chocolate and butter.  Stir until smooth.  Remove bowl from heat.  Cool until lukewarm.  Add sugar and vanilla. Mix well.  Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.  Add flour and salt.  Mix until just combined.  Fold in pecans.  Pour mixture into buttered and floured 13x9 inch baking pan, spread smooth. Bake 22 to 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out with crumbs attached.  Cool completely.

Mint Cream Cheese Frosting

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sifted confectioner's sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon mint extract

In large bowl, combine cream cheese and butter, using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.  Add confectioner's sugar, vanilla, and mint extract.  Mix well.  Spread frosting over brownie layer.  Chill 1 hour.

Glaze

6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

In small saucepan, combine chocolate, butter, and cream over low heat, stirring constantly until chocolate melts.  Remove from heat.  Add vanilla.  Drizzle over cream cheese frosting.

Third Place - Chocolate Dessert Contest

Triple Tier Brownies

1 box fudge brownie mix, plus ingredients to prepare

1 (16 ounce) can cream cheese frosting

1 (11 1/2 ounce) package milk chocolate chips

1 cup peanut butter

3 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Prepare brownie mix according to package directions.  Bake brownie mix in 13x9 inch baking pan.  Cool.  Spread frosting over brownies.  In large bowl, combine chocolate chips and peanut butter.  Microwave for 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds.  Repeat until melted and smooth.  Add cereal. mix well.  Spread over frosting.  Chill 1 hour.

I have been at the Iowa State Fair for over a week now.  I am having so much fun talking to people about my cookbooks, and judging cooking contests.  

The three recipes I have posted won a dessert contest that I did not judge, but was lucky enough to try and get the recipes.  My favorite recipe of the three winning ones is the Triple Tier Brownies.  I love the chocolate and peanut butter flavors that are blended into this easy recipe. 

Visit my friends blogs!

You will love Bo and his blog,  Bo's Bowl.  Not only does he host great giveaways,  his recipes are incredible!  One visit to his blog and you will see why I faithfully follow it.

Also visit my friend Pam's blog, Pam's Midwest Kitchen Korner,  for more great recipes!  Once you read her blog, she will be your friend too!