Photograph by Joyce Oudkerk Pool from French Toast: Sweet and Savory Dishes for Every Meal by Donna Kelly.  Reprinted with permission by Gibbs Smith.

Chocolate Decadence Stacks

THESE SWEET AND CREAMY CONCOCTIONS ARE A CHOCOLATE LOVER’S DREAM.

1 cup heavy cream, whipped

1/2 cup sugar

8 ounces whipped cream cheese, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon gourmet cocoa powder, divided

3 large eggs

1 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

12 (1/2-inch-thick) slices day-old angel food cake

8 ounces dark Swiss chocolate, grated

Using a hand mixer, mix the whipped cream, sugar, cream cheese, vanilla and 1/2 cup cocoa powder in a bowl; chill. In a pie pan or other shallow pan, whisk together the eggs, milk, remaining cocoa powder and salt. Soak cake slices in egg mixture for about 30 seconds on each side. Heat a small frying pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray to medium heat. Place soaked cake slices in pan and cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned; remove and cool to slightly warm. Toast slices in a toaster and then cool to room temperature. Place a cake slice on a plate and spread a thick layer of cream cheese mixture over top. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon grated chocolate over cream cheese and then repeat for a second layer.

Makes 6 servings.

Here are some tips :

- Bake what you need and freeze the rest. They still come out fresh, just add a little baking time.
- You can always cut down on the margarine. It doesn’t take much for the cinnamon mixture to stick to the dough
- Use plastic wrap to help you roll the dough forward, it eliminates any finger indention

Better Than Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls via Food.com

Clockwise: Mint Julep Cake from Alexander’s Kitchen, Derby Pie Bars from theKitchn and Bourbon Pecan Pie from SheKnows

Photo Credits Clockwise: Alexander’s Kitchen, theKitchn and SheKnows

Photograph by Joyce Oudkerk Pool from French Toast: Sweet and Savory Dishes for Every Meal by Donna Kelly.  Reprinted with permission by Gibbs Smith.

8 cups sliced fresh strawberries

1 cup sugar, divided

3 large eggs

1 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla, divided

6 slices pita bread (8-inch diameter)

2 cups heavy cream

In a bowl, mix strawberries with 1/2 cup sugar and set aside. In a pie pan or other shallow pan, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Soak each pita in egg mixture for about 2 minutes, or until softened. Heat a 9-inch frying pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray to medium-high heat. Cover and cook soaked pitas 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned. Cool and then sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar on each pita. Whip cream with remaining vanilla and sugar until thick and peaks form. Place a pita on a 10- to 12-inch serving platter. Spread 2/3 cup whipped cream and 1 cup sliced strawberries over top. Repeat layers to make one tall stack, ending with whipped cream and then a strawberry on top to garnish. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

1.  Don’t stress! This is the most important tip. Don’t bake? There are boodles of bakeries around. Pick up an assortment of the prettiest treats and bring them home.

2. Use height to create interest on your table. Three tiered serving trays, cake plates, even a platter sitting on glass blocks looks gorgeous sitting on your tea party table. Arrange all your goodies on the plates, filled the table with vases of flowers (either store bought or from your garden – even potted herbs look and smell lovely), for a feeling of abundance.

3. Do you have service for 12? No? Most people don’t. It’s not a problem. You have a few options. Use what you have and borrow the rest, or hit your local thrift shop. If you find a bevy of  assorted tea cups and saucers, all the better. It makes the table look perfectly charming.

4. Strapped for time and can’t find the perfect tablecloth? Peek into your linen closet for a bit of help. I once had a friend throw a birthday dinner in my honor and she used antique quilts to cover the table. It was so pretty and cozy, I just loved it.

5. And once again, the most important tip is – no stress. Set your table the night before and set out the food and tea (or cocktails) right before your guests arrive. A calm hostess makes for the perfect party. If you are having fun, everyone will relax and enjoy themselves.

Have a marvelous tea party!

Clockwise: Marshmallows via Not So Humble Pie; Gooey Cake Bars via Picky Palate ; Berry Yogurt Popsicles via skinnytaste.com and Rice Crispy Treats via The Partiologist