How To Make Low Carb Dark Chocolate Mug Cake (Keto Friendly, Sugar Free, Flour Free, Gluten Free)

Have you jumped onto the low carb bandwagon yet? If not, you might really want to considered that.  Ever since I cut down on sugar and refine carbs, I feel more energetic than before!  I used to feel super tired and sleepy after lunch; Now, not anymore!  Well, it doesn't mean that I wouldn't want an afternoon "pick-me-up".  It's just that I don't NEED it.  I would enjoy one just because I can.  And this Low Carb Dark Chocolate Mug Cake is definitely a perfect afternoon pick-me-up!

This  Low Carb Dark Chocolate Mug Cake is super delicious.  The cake itself is soft, tender, and fluffy.  Best of all, it's sugar free, flour free, gluten free, and you just simply feel guilt-free after eating one!  In this video, I topped the cake with a little sugar free chocolate shaves.  But it's just as awesome if you add berries on top!  And if you haven't watch the video tutorial yet, you need to head right to my YouTube channel and watch it!  It's super easy to prepare and only need a few simple ingredients (I'll list them at the end of this post).  In fact, my kids know how to make these on their own!  That's how easy these Mug Cakes are.

If you tried this recipe, please let me know how it goes and tag me on Social Media! It truly makes my day when you try my recipes.  Stay tuned for more easy and healthy recipes. Wish you all a wonderful start of Summer Holidays!

Tools and Ingredients List:

Closed Star Piping Tips
https://amzn.to/2MCKKe2

Pastry Bags
https://amzn.to/2IxFpQ6

Organic Vanilla Extract
https://amzn.to/2QXJWir

Lakanto Sugar Free Chocolate Bars
http://bit.ly/2Xe3aCU
(Use Code: UTRYIT15 For 15% off Regular priced items)

Tea Cup and Saucer Set
https://amzn.to/2MJQG5c

Valrhona Cocoa Powder
Ihttps://amzn.to/2WUqAjI

Lakanto Monkfruit 2:1 Powder Sugar
https://amzn.to/2MxX3bz

Organic Almond Flour
https://amzn.to/2I451oD

Disclosure: uTry.it is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake - Super Easy Recipe

Last month, I celebrated my birthday, my 29th birthday!  Oh wait, I think I’m just getting too old that I simply stop counting since my 29th birthday!  What did I do on my birthday?  Besides enjoying a lovely dinner with my family in the evening, I baked myself a birthday cake!  This Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake, to be exact. 



Some of you might think that it’s not right that I have to bake my own cake for my birthday.  But actually, I don’t mind at all.  In fact, it’s quite the opposite.  I quite enjoy spending time in the kitchen, even on my birthday!  Plus, this Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake is super easy to prepare, I promise.  It’s pretty much a foolproof recipe to any beginning bakers out there.  It’s super easy to make, thanks to this secret ingredient!  Although this secret ingredient doesn't usually show up in my pantry (as I mostly bake from scratch), it is easy to find and it might appear in the pantry of many homes!  Watch my video tutorial above to find out what it is!  



This cake turned out to be very moist and tender.  It’s packed with decadent dark chocolate flavor and refreshing orange zest.  Dark chocolate and orange flavors are simply the perfect classic combination, in my humble opinion.  I made a chocolate crust on top for a contrast of texture as well.  Each bite, is simply heavenly!  If you’re still looking for a dessert recipe to end your Valentine’s Day dinner with the perfect sweet note, this is THE recipe to make! 



If you make this cake and share with someone, be prepared that they will ask for the recipe!  Yes, this cake is that good!  I’ll leave it up to you to decide if you want to reveal the secret ingredient!  They might be shock that it’s the main ingredient in the cake!  If you have any recipe requests or suggestions, feel free to leave me a comment below.  I would love to hear from you.   Wish you and your loved ones a warm and sweet Valentine’s Day!  Stay tuned for more fun and easy recipes next week!




Ingredients and Tools Used:

10-inch Bundt Pan (Click here for more information)
Edible Gold Leaf (Click here for more information)
Microplane Zester (Click here for more information)
Cooking Spray (Click here for more information)
Whisk (Click here for more information)
Measuring Spoons Set (Click here for more information)
Cooling Racks (Click here for more information)
Baking Sheets (Click here for more information)
Devil’s Food Cake Mix (Click here for more information)
Kerrygold Butter (Click here for more information)
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Click here for more information)
Food Decorating Tongs/Tweezers (Click here for more information)



Disclosure: uTry.it is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

How to Make Chinese Steamed Cakes – 2 Ways 傳統雞蛋糕 原味+朱古力味

Ready for Chinese New Year?  This year, Chinese New Year falls on February 16th.  It’ll be the Year of Dog.  To celebrate the occasion, I’ve created this authentic and traditional Chinese dessert that you'll love: Chinese Steamed Cakes – 2 Ways 傳統雞蛋糕 原味+朱古力味!



Streamed Cake in Chinese “蒸糕”, resemble the well wished we say during the Chinese New Year. “蒸蒸”日上,步步”高”升 means getting better and better (higher and higher), such as school grades or promotion at work.  Therefore, this is one simple treat that is often prepared during the Chinese New Year.



Chinese New Year is one of the biggest festival celebrated in Asia countries.  There are many other treats and dishes that we make during Chinese New Year.  Such as Pot Stickers, Turnip Cakes, Matcha Cookies, Firecracker Shrimps, Glutinous Rice Cake, Vegetarian Chop-Suey, Pork Jerky, Sesame Dumplings, Hello KittyRed Bean Dumplings, and Osmanthus Jelly, just to name a few.






These Chinese Steamed Cakes are super spongy and fluffy.  It's slightly sweet and packed with egg-y flavors.  My kids enjoy the chocolate version a lot (which is not quite traditional).  But I personally adore the original flavors as they bring back so many childhood memories.  It's definitely a nostalgic treat for me!  What are some of your childhood food that you miss?  Share with me in the comment below.  I can't wait to hear from you!










Ingredients and Tools Used:
Organic All-Purpose Flour (Click here for more information)
Whisk (Click here for more information)
Measuring Spoons Set (Click here for more information)
Organic Vanilla Extract (Click here for more information)
6 ounces Ramekins (Click here for more information)
Valrhona Cocoa Powder (Click here for more information)
Grapeseed Oil (Click here for more information)
Bamboo Steamers (Click here for more information)
Baking Powder (Click here for more information)
Cupcake Liners (Click here for more information)
Ice Cream Scoop (Click here for more information)










Disclosure: uTry.it is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

How to Make Chocolate Lava Cakes 朱古力心太軟

What is your all time favorite dessert?  Let me rephrase it.  If you can only enjoy just 1 type of dessert for the rest of your life, what would you pick?  I’m sure my whole family would have the same answer….THIS, Chocolate Lava Cake 朱古力心太軟!  



If you get to taste this cake, I’m sure you would have agreed to my previous statement.  This Chocolate Lava Cake is rich, decadent, and so satisfying.  The edges of the cake is slightly crunchy, similar to the edges of a good brownie.  And the center of the cake is light and tender.  When you spoon into the cake, you’ll see the warm chocolate 'lava' oozing out!  The cake itself is not overly sweet but definitely rich and deep in chocolate flavor.  I love pairing it with a scoop of homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream for a contrast of temperature and texture.  



This cake might look fancy and difficult to make, but it’s quite easy to prepare.  I have a foolproof recipe for you and if you follow my tips and tricks in the video tutorial, you can definitely make it too.  If you make this dessert for your sweethearts, you’ll definitely melt their hearts!  Shhh….no one has to know it’s actually so easy to make.  Let them think you spend all day in the kitchen to make this for them!  Since this recipe yields 4 cakes, it might be too many for a romantic dinner for 2.  If you are not planning to bake all 4 cakes, you can prepare the batter the same way and keep unbaked ones in the ramekins in the fridge until you are ready to bake.  So, if you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at home, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and bake off the cakes at a later time.



I hope you have enjoyed today’s recipe and tutorial and will try this recipe soon.  Thank you so much for stopping by and stay tuned for more fun recipe.

Ingredients and Tools Used:
6 ounces Ramekins (Click here for more information)
Valrhona Cocoa Powder (Click here for more information)
Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate (Click here for more information)
Heart Shape Stencil (Click here for more information)
Measuring Spoons Set (Click here for more information)
Organic Vanilla Extract (Click here for more information)
Cooling Racks (Click here for more information)
Baking Sheets (Click here for more information)
Powdered Sugar Shaker (Click here for more information)
Whisk (Click here for more information)
Kerrygold Butter (Click here for more information)
Powdered Sugar (Click here for more information)
Oven Mitts (Click here for more information)
Organic All-Purpose Flour (Click here for more information)
Silicone Pastry Brush (Click here for more information)

Disclosure: uTry.it is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Chocolate Cupcakes with Swiss Meringue Buttercream Flowers - Featuring Russian Piping Tips

Have you heard of Russian Piping / Icing Tips before?  They are my latest discovery and obsession!  Think about it, for someone who is not very good at decorating with buttercream and frosting, I actually managed to create these gorgeous flower cupcakes!  It’s got to be a foodie blogger’s dream comes true!



The piping tips are quite easy to use and the results are simply stunning!  Look at these cupcakes for a second, aren’t they gorgeous?  I say they are definitely the most beautiful cupcakes that I’ve ever created!  



The icing/piping tip set that I’ve got online comes with 10 metal tips, and one plastic tip that allow you to put 3 different colored icing in 1 pastry bag.  In this recipe and video tutorial, I’m only testing 2 of them and the rest have got to wait for another time.  The 2 piping tips I used for this post are the roses and tulips shaped ones.  The buttercream flowers that I created using these piping tips are simply breath taking!  If I can do it, anyone can definitely do it as well!



Besides trying out new icing tips, I’m also testing out these “Color Cups” cupcake liners for the very first time.  I’m definitely in love with them.  As you can see, the cupcake liners truly stay vibrant even after baking!  They are just as easy to use when compared to everyday paper cupcake liners.  They are only slightly more expensive than the regular liners. In my humble opinion, they are totally worth the extra bucks especially if you’re baking for parties and gatherings!



These cupcakes are simply scrumptious!  The cupcakes are dark chocolate cupcakes using my favorite Valrhona Unsweetened Cocoa Powder for the deep chocolatey flavors.  The cupcakes are super easy to put together and they are moist and fluffy!



The cupcakes are topped with Vanilla Bean Swiss Meringue Buttercream that are smooth and silky!  I dyed it into 4 different colors using some store-bought all-natural food coloring.  You can see all the products that I used in today’s video tutorial above and I’ll also list them out at the end of this post for your convenience!  If you’re not sure about creating your own gorgeous cupcakes for your next tea party or for someone’s birthday, think again!  These Russian Piping Tips definitely boosted my confident in cake/cupcake decorating and I can foresee more cupcakes in my kitchen in the near future!



Thank you so much for stopping by today!  Remember, Eat, Drink, and Be Happy!  See you all next week with another fun recipe!

Tools and ingredients used:
Cupcake Pan (Click here for more information)
Color Cups Cupcake Liners (Click here for more information)
Valrhona Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Click here for more information)
Cake Flour (Click here for more information)
Ice Cream Scoop (Click here for more information)
Whisk (Click here for more information)
Russian Piping Tips Set (Click here for more information)
Wilton #67 Leaf Piping Tip (Click here for more information)
Disposable Piping Bag (Click here for more information)
All Natural Food Coloring (Click here for more information)
Organic Vanilla Extract (Click here for more information)
Measuring Spoons Set (Click here for more information)
Stand Mixer (Click here for more information)
Cooling Racks (Click here for more information)
Baking Sheets (Click here for more information)
Kerrygold Butter (Click here for more information)
Heat Proof Measuring Cups (Click here for more information)



Disclosure: uTry.it is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Rainbow Dark Chocolate Bars–Healthy and All Natural Toppings

Next Thursday, March 17th, is St. Patrick’s Day.  I love special occasions because they give me reasons to indulge, without feeling too guilty.  That’s the only time of the year when I prepare Corned Beef and cabbage for my family.  Yes, only once a year.  How about you?  Do you serve Corned Beef more often than once a year?  Speaking of celebration and indulgence without guilt, this Rainbow Dark Chocolate Bar definitely fits these categories!  Click on the YouTube video tutorial above to check out how to make it.  It’s super easy and fun!
 


My Daughter and I were working on her school project “Trap the Leprechaun” for St. Patrick’s Day.  She decorated her project with a hugh 3D rainbow across a shoebox (a.k.a. the trap).  My Daughter’s plan was to put gold pots at the end of the rainbow and doubled sided tapes inside the shoebox to “trap” the Leprechaun.  Will this trap work?  I am not sure.  But one thing I know for sure is that the colorful rainbow makes me feel happy and its so pleasant to look at!  That inspired me to create these Rainbow Dark Chocolate Bars.



These Rainbow Dark Chocolate Bars are topped with colorful and all natural toppings that are healthy and good for you.  You can use any ingredients that you like to create the rainbow color pattern.  I simply used whatever I had on hand.  Also, I tempered the dark chocolate to make the chocolate bars, click here to read more about tempering chocolate if you’re interested.    Did you know that there are many health benefits of eating dark chocolate?  It’s packed with antioxidants and can help lower blood pressure.  Of course, moderation is the key to any treats.  You can read more here if you’re interested.  



Here are the ingredients that I used to create the rainbow pattern; freeze dried strawberries for the red; orange zest for the orange; lemon zest for the yellow; Matcha (Japanese green tea powder) for the green; dried Blue Mallow for the blue; and dried lavender buds for the purple!  Also, be sure to use organic oranges and lemons especially when you’re using the zest.  As for the dried blue mallow, I got them from a tea shop.  It creates the most beautiful and dreamical blue colored tea!  You can read more about its benefits here if you’re interested.  The flavor is subtle and slightly floral.  I’ll list all the ingredients and tools that I used at the end of the post for your reference.



I hope you enjoy today’s recipe and video tutorial.  Thank you for reading and stopping by!  Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Tools and ingredients used:
Chocolate bar mold (Click here for more information)
Dried Lavender Buds (Click here for more information)
Dried Blue Mallow Tea (Click here for more information)
Freeze Dried Strawberries (Click here for more information)
Matcha Powder  (Click here for more information)
Dark Chocolate (Click here for more information)




Disclaimer: Health and General
No information, ingredient or product mentioned on this site is meant to diagnose, treat or replace professional medical advice.  They are my experience, my journey, and my opinions.  Please consult with your doctor before using any of the ingredients or products mentioned here. 

Strawberry Sweetheart Meringue Dessert Cups

Ready for Valentine’s Day?  Oh, don’t panic, the V-day is exactly a month from now.  But I guess being prepared is always better than rushing at the last minute, right?  That’s especially true if you’re trying something new, such as making this gorgeous and fun dessert to share with your Valentine!  Let me present to you: Strawberry Sweetheart Meringue Dessert Cups!

These gorgeous dessert cups are easier to prepare than they look.  AND, they are gorgeous?   I think strawberries and dark chocolate go hand in hand, when it comes to the ultimate dessert.  Together, I also think they are perfect ingredients for Valentine’s Day!

At the base of this Sweetheart Dessert Cup is a strawberry meringue cup, which is crispy and light.  Yet, it is slightly sweet and tart at the same time.  I covered the inside of the meringue cup with a thin layer of dark chocolate.  The dark chocolate adds a nice bitter sweet flavor while preventing moisture (from the cream) from getting into the meringue.  This way, the meringue cup stays nice and crispy.

I filled the cups with a strawberry cream, which consists of strawberry preserves for the aroma, whipping cream for the light texture, and some mascarpone cheese (Italian sweet cheese, comparable to American cream cheese) for a smooth and silky richness.   Last but not least, I garnish these cups with a strawberry in sweetheart shape and a spring of mint (please see the Youtube video above on how to easily cut the strawberries into heart shapes).  These components are similar to a pavlova, but in a dessert cup form. 

These Strawberry Sweetheart Meringue Dessert Cups will surely win your Valentine’s heart!  In my humble opinion, preparing a treat for someone is a wonderful way to show your love, don’t you agree?  I wish you all a wonderful Valentine’s Day celebration in advance.  If you don’t have a Valentine yet, you can still make this treat for your family, friends or someone you care about.   Wish you all a sweet and warm V-day.

Tools and ingredients used:

Wilton #22 Piping tip (Click here for more information)
Pastry Bag (Click here for more information)
Silpat Baking Mat (Click here for more information)
Stand Mixer (Click here for more information)
Baking Pans (Click here for more information)
Cooling Rack (Click here for more information)
Vanilla Powder (Click here for more information)
Strawberry Preserves (Click here for more information)
Vanilla Extract (Click here for more information)
Mascarpone Cheese (Click here for more information)
Heavy Cream (Click here for more information)
Dark Chocolate (Click here for more information)
Strawberry Jell-O (Click here for more information)
Oxy-Sorb Packages to keep food dry (Click here for more information) 

Snowflakes Chocolate Peppermint Bark

When I was at the dentist earlier this week, the hygienist asked me if I’m ready for the holidays.  I immediately answered, “oh yes I am, more than ready!”  She was quite surprised and said, “oh, so you’ve finished all your holidays shopping?”  I paused for a few seconds and said I haven’t even started yet!  I guess I’m mentally ready for the holiday and time off to hang out with my family.  But the reality is that majority of people would associate the holidays with gifts and presents!  I can’t blame them though, especially these days the holiday is pretty much commercialized.     



It’s true that I still haven’t done my holiday shopping yet.  Am I procrastinating?  Maybe.   Laziness is also part of it, too.  Knowing that I can purchase pretty much anything online these days is another factor.  Although I might have been influenced by something that I read recently.  I don’t recall the exact wording but it means something like this, “I have the most because I needed the least.”  That really got me into thinking twice over my priorities. 



Will my kids still get gifts from me and Santa this year?  Oh yes they will!  But I guess the gifts will be practical or educational ones, rather than “luxury” gifts.  After all, time spend together as a family is way better than anything that money can buy!  It’s so true that the most precious things in life are usually free, such as love, family, friendship, health, etc.  So, don’t get stressed out this holiday!  Simply enjoy the time you have with your family and loved ones.  But just in case that you are already stressed out, check out this Snowflakes Chocolate Peppermint Bark video at the YouTube link above and I have a tip for you to release some stress!



Back to these Snowflakes Chocolate Peppermint Barks!  My Little Boy loves anything minty!  I created these for him and he loved them so much.  I used an adorable snowflake silicone mold for these peppermint barks (check out the link at the end of this post on where to get it).  It makes these chocolate barks more festive and gorgeous.  Isn’t it?





Please click here to read more on tempering chocolate, detailed in a post that I shared a while ago.  This simple step will not only make your chocolate shines, it will also make your chocolate more stable at room temperature!



Simply put these peppermint barks in little treat bags and tie them up with a pretty ribbon.  These peppermint barks make wonderful homemade treats for your friends and family.  I always cherish homemade gifts and love sharing them as well.




Last but not least, I wish you all a blessed and Merry Christmas in advance.  Stay tuned for more fun and festive treats for the holidays.  And don't forget to enter the current Giveaways: $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway (Open to U.S. only, ending 12/31/2015)


Tools and ingredients used:
Snowflakes Silicone Mold (click here for more information)
Dark Chocolate (Click here for more information)
White Chocolate Chips (click here for more information)
Small White Cake Stand (see similar product here)
Small Treat Bags (Click here for more information)
Christmas Ribbons (Click here for more information)