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Friday, November 9, 2012

Cherry Danish (from a Lunatic)


Hi folks.

You want this, don't you? Yes, you do!
First I would like to take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Kim and I blog at Cravings of a Lunatic. My food is, let's say, indulgent most days. The blog has everything from Krispie Treats to Slow Cooker meals and everything in between. I would go out on a limb and say I tend to excel at quick and easy meals. I

've been a stay at home mom for 24 years and with 2 very busy kids I've picked up a thing or two about whipping up great food fast. Otherwise we would never eat. Or it would have been tons of take-out. And let's face it, who can afford take-out all the time.

I am pleased as punch to be guest posting for Donna today. I just adore this woman and wanted to help out in some small way. Since I'm really far away the best I could do it offer my guest post services. It's not much but I know when I'm busy having someone guest post on my blog helps out so much.

Life throws curves balls at all of us and the best thing we can do is try to help each other out when the need is there. I think that is what I love so much about the food blogging community, the people just all rally around each other to show support when life gets complicated.

Initially I wanted to make some bread for today. Then I realized that bringing bread to "The Queen of Bread" was sort of odd. And I am odd, but that one didn't even make sense to me after I thought about it. Then I considered some long drawn out meal. But then I realized Donna doesn't have time in her life right now for long drawn out meal prep if she wanted to make it herself. So I put my thinking cap on and remember seeing this amazing dish in a cookbook I bought not long ago. I did a search online and the recipe is also on the web at Kraft Philadelphia site.

It occurred to me that this might be a recipe Donna could whip up quick to take to the hospital. Or maybe one of her friends could whip it up for them. It's super easy and delicious. The only downside is it's a bit messy to photograph. If you are a food blogger the best advice I can give you is take the photos after this has cooled. While its way better to eat hot, it's super tricky to take nice photos when it's all ooey and gooey. If you are not a food blogger then my best advice it to make this and scarf it down while it's piping hot. Trust me, you'll thank me.

Cherry Danish Dessert:


Ingredients:
2 can (8 oz size) of crescent dinner rolls, divided
2 packages (8 oz size) of cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided
1 egg white
1 teaspoon cherry extract (vanilla if you don't have cherry)
1 can (20 oz) size of cherry pie filling
3 tablespoons milk

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Spray a 9 x 13 pan with non stick spray.

Unroll 1 package of the crescent rolls and press into the bottom of the pan. Make sure you smooth any seams. The original recipe does not call for it but go ahead and stick this is the oven for about 3 to 4 minutes. I find it helps keep the next step from making this soggy which no one wants. Almost like prebaking a pie crust before adding the wet part.

While that's baking you want to combine the cream cheese and 3/4 cup of the powdered sugar (remember you divided this, half of it now and half is for later), egg white and extract  in your mixer and whisk till well blended.

Remove the crescent rolls and spread the cream cheese/sugar mixture over top. The heat of the pan will also help this spread beautifully.

Now pour the cherry pie filling over top and smooth out.

Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and place them over top. Make sure you smooth the seams as best you can. Press it as far to the edge as possible.

Stick it back in the oven and cook for another 20 to 28 minutes, depending on your stove and how brown you like the top of your pastries. Just lightly golden is nice in my opinion but everyone has a personal preference.

Remove from oven and let stand.

Mix remaining 3/4 cup powdered sugar with the mix using a whisk. You can adjust the thickness to your own taste. I tend to like mine thick so I'll add a little more powdered sugar. Now drizzle this glaze over top while it's still warm.

Cut into squares.

Serve with a big old cherry smile!

Thank you so much to Donna for letting me take over today. My heart goes out to you and your hubby for all that they've been through and continue to go through. You are one brave lady and I admire you for your courage. Your grace under pressure is impressive.

I wanted to do something else for Donna so since I was drawing names for my fudge giveaway I decided to ask Donna if she would send me her address so I can send her some as well. I'll be whipping up fudge all weekend long and cannot wait to pop some in the mail for Donna and Bob. I sure hope they like it.

Toodles and smoochies! xx