When we think of Timeshare Cooking, we usually don’t think too much about desserts. I guess the reason for that is because one of the best desserts in the world is also the easiest. Of course, I’m talking about ice cream! This is our default dessert, whether on vacation or at home. The most difficult part about it is deciding what flavor to buy. I tend to favor the chocolate varieties, while John usually goes for any other kind. Sometimes we have to break down and buy 2 half gallons, so we can each have our favorite!
Occasionally, though, we want a special dessert for guests. Also, some resorts do a potluck as one of their weekly activities. Treetops in Gatlinburg has a potluck every Monday night, complete with a country band and prizes. (This is a great resort, by the way—if you ever have the opportunity to trade in, do it!). So we’ve come up with a few favorites to prepare for those potlucks or special occasions. We’ve tried to follow the old stand-by rules: few ingredients, easy to prepare, and good taste.
LEMON BLUEBERRY PIZZA
1 pkg. (18 oz.) refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1 8-oz. bar cream cheese
2 T. sugar
1 6-oz. container of lemon yogurt
2 C. fresh blueberries (Strawberries or raspberries would also be good).
Press cookie dough onto ungreased 12” pizza pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Cool.
Beat cream cheese and sugar. Stir in yogurt. Spread over crust to within ½ inch of edges. Sprinkle with blueberries and pat down. Cut into wedges.
We always carry a pizza pan in our Timeshare Tub, but many resorts now have them in their kitchen equipment. Not sure where this recipe came from, but it might have been Simple & Delicious Magazine.
YUMMY ICE CREAM CAKE
16 ice cream sandwiches
1 16-oz. container Cool Whip or similar topping
1 12-oz. jar fudge topping at room temperature
1 chocolate candy bar (1.5 oz.) grated
Place 8 of the ice cream sandwiches in a 9 x 13 pan .Spread with half of the fudge topping, then half of the Cool Whip. Repeat layers and sprinkle with the grated candy bar. Cover and freeze for at least an hour or two. You can freeze the remainder, if there is any left. Makes up to 16 servings. This recipe appeared on the Kraft Allrecipe site.
It seems to me that when I make this dessert, I usually use a few more ice cream sandwiches than what it calls for. Of course, it never hurts to have extra ones in the freezer!
SPECIAL FRUIT TARTS
1 envelope Dream Whip Topping Mix
½ C. cold milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 8-oz. cream cheese
½ C. confectioners’ sugar
12 graham cracker tart shells
Assorted fruit
In small bowl, beat Dream Whip, milk and vanilla on low until blended, then on high until soft peaks form (about 4 minutes). In large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in the Dream Whip mixture. Spoon into tart shells and top with fruit. Refrigerate.
Fruit suggestions: blueberries, raspberries, pineapple tidbits, cut-up strawberries, mandarin oranges, kiwi, etc.
This last recipe uses a few more ingredients, but looks spectacular! We always use the leftover fruit in a salad or for breakfast. The recipe came from Quick Cooking Magazine (which is now Simple & Delicious).
Stay tuned for more delicious recipes to enhance your timeshare cooking!
