I can’t believe it is the end of the week.  I have been buried in work all week and it feels like I am just coming up for a breather to write this post.

I am craving this DIP.

This could be a great Mother’s Day snack prior to dinner….. seriously.

I decided a little apple dip would be a nice touch to round out the week.  A simple mixture of caramel, cream cheese and brown sugar makes a nice dip for crisp granny smith apples.  Super easy to make and always a great crowd pleaser.  The one thing to look out for with this dip is you want to give it plenty of time to chill in the fridge and set up.  As far as leftovers, this should be safe in the fridge for 3-4 days after (but there is no way in he** it will last that long).

Ingredients

• 350 g Caramel ( Found in the produce section )
• 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
• 8 Oz. Cream cheese ( softened)
• 2 Skor bars ( broken up in small bits)

Method

1. Beat cream cheese and brown sugar together until smooth.
2. Fold in caramel.
3. Stir in Skor bits, reserving some for the top.
4. Add remaining Skor bits on top
5. ENJOY!

Zesty Tip: Another alternative presentation is to use a large serving dish and smear the cream cheese and brown sugar on the bottom, then add the caramel mixture on top of that creating two layers.  Top the caramel with the Skor pieces and you are complete.

Weight Watchers Info – Because I was featured on Friends For Weight Loss as recipe of the week,  I added the weight watchers information for you to have on hand.

Makes 4 cups or 64 tablespoons

Note: You can lighten up the recipe and save on points plus by substituting fat free cream cheese.

• 2 points plus per 2 Tablespoon serving using full fat cream cheese
• 1 points plus per 2 Tablespoon serving using fat free cream cheese

Alright, I am going to drop my head and get back to work.  If you have any questions on anything zesty, drop me a note and I will be happy to help. Have a super weekend.  I am just dying for sun and to cut the lawn.  How lame is that?  I think I really need to get a life.

Take care

zesty

Download my Free Recipe Book: Simply Zesty

Hi All Happy Monday!  Funny story as to why I picked this post.  I am a little tight on time as a last minute trip to Vancouver sprung on me Friday evening with a sudden retrun trip from Vancouver came right after on Saturday morning.  I arrive home Saturday night to pack for my conference in Philadelphia starting on Sunday.  We are at Blue Bell PA staying at Normandy Farm.  Ever been?  It is quite nice so far.

There are about 9 of us who traveled together and as I was sitting on the plane I could hear one of my colleagues behind me asking his seat buddy this… Hey ever spend any time in Philadelphia?  My other buddy says ” No but I hear they make one heck of a cream cheese”

I turned around with a smile and said…. this is going on Zesty!  So as I am a little pressed on time – I wanted to share this post with you to get your taste buds grooving for the week.

Hey Zesty Cook readers, it’s Jenny over at Picky Palate.  I am thrilled to be guest posting here at Zesty’s!  At Picky Palate, I create simple family friendly meals and desserts for even those picky little eaters, come on over for a visit sometime

I am sharing one of my all time favorite sinful desserts today that I think you will love!  Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Cookie Bars.  I was even lucky enough to be featured on Bettycrocker.com with these bad boys!

The best part of this recipe is that it’s a breeze to whip up, the kids can help and you can find all of the ingredients at any grocery store.  Hope you all enjoy!!

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons melted butter
• 3 Cups Golden Graham Cereal, ground in food processor
• 1 Roll Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough
• 8 oz softened cream cheese
• 1/4 Cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 21 oz can apple pie filling
• 1 -  5 oz package Nature Valley Oats N’ Honey Crunchy Granola Bars (2 count), crushed (I use a rolling pin to crush them right in the bag before opening)
• 9 -  5 oz Kraft Caramels
• 1/2 Cup half and half

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Combine melted butter and ground cereal into a large bowl; press into an 8×8 inch baking dish lined with foil that’s been sprayed with cooking spray.
3. Bake for 10 minutes then remove from oven.  Crumble half of the cookie dough over partially baked crust.
4. Place cream cheese, sugar and vanilla into a mixer; beat until smooth.  Pour over crumbled cookie dough layer.
5. Bake for 25 minutes then remove from over.  Top with 3/4 of the apple pie filling (I chose to just add part, but you can add the whole can if desired).
6. Next top with remaining cookie dough, breaking off into little pieces evenly over top.
7. Sprinkle with crushed granola bars and bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes clean from center.
8. Let cool completely then cut into squares.
9. Melt caramels and half and half according to package directions.
10. Drizzle over each bar.
11. ENJOY!

Take care

zesty

Download my Free Recipe Book: Simply Zesty

I hope that your week is going great so far.  Today, I want to share with you a super simple dessert that’s perfect for when you are in a pinch or when you are simply craving a sweet treat.   Beat the HEAT with this simple and easy dessert for a crowd.

I don’t do this very often but I went with a frozen pastry tart as the base of this dessert. For one, they are simple to use and second they are very tasty and flaky.

This dessert literally only takes 17 minutes to prepare and yet it’s a delicious simple treat that you can dress up whatever way you like it.

Ingredients

• 12 Pastry Tart Shells
• Ice Cream
• Caramel Sauce
• Blueberries

Method

1. Prepare the tart shells as per instructions.

.

2. Let tarts cool.



3. Drizzle bottom of tart with caramel.



4. Add ice cream.
5. Top with blueberries.
6. Drizzle with more caramel.
7. Set back in the freezer to harden.
8. ENJOY!

Zesty Tip: How to ensure a tender pastry crust? Minimal handling helps to achieve a tender crust. Think of your fingers as feathers, gently mixing the dough. Handle the dough just enough to mix it and roll it- it’s that simple. Lots of handling lengthens the gluten in the flour, making a chewy pie crust.

Before I leave for another day,  I was wondering - what is your favorite flavor of ice cream? For me I am pretty plain on most days and love vanilla ice cream.  Sometimes, when I’m feeling adventurous, I branch into Neapolitan.  Have a great hump day – the weekend will be here before you know it.

Stay tuned for some house pictures on Monday.  The landscaping is complete and looks great!

Take care

zesty

Download my Free Recipe Book: Simply Zesty