2011 - Read The Power with these Shot Glass Desserts

Dessert Shot Glasses for New Year's Eve 2011




The Power - by Rhonda Byrne

 Cheers to 2011!  I'm a little behind in my postings in 2011, but I wanted to get in a post while it is still the month of January! I'm not sure where the month of January went, but it is almost February, which is a fun month of birthdays for my friends and family!

For 2011, I decided my New Year Resolution would be to see the positive in things more often. I randomly saw the book, The Power, by Rhonda Byrne while wandering Costco (when bored, I go there way too often).  It's the same author who wrote The Secret, another popular book in the self help category. I've never read The Secret, but I figured I'd jump right into the sequel.  Overall, the book is about how to see life through a different angle, through feelings, and positive energy.  While at times, a little "new wave," it is definitely a worthwhile read.  The premise is that if you give off positive energy, it will be returned through "the universe" back to you as all energy is related and intertwined. Each chapter of the book has a summary of the high points and has several quotes throughout the book from famous leaders and thinkers.

One of my favorite quotes in the book:

"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances."

Martha Washington (1732-1802)
First Lady, Wife of George Washington
First President of the United States

You can learn more about the book at: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=the+power

On New Year's Eve, I brought different dessert shot glasses (inspired by the Seasons 52
 Mini Indulgences dessert shot glasses)

The Mini Indulgences at Seasons 52 Restaurant in Atlanta

I made three kinds:
1) Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
2) Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
3) S'more Inspired Layers

Where to find the shot glasses: I purchased small plastic shot glasses at the "dollar store" and it was about $1 for 20 glasses - I bought three packs. You can also use glass shot glasses, or they make special dessert shot glasses if you are making a smaller quantity. These were 1.25 oz glasses, but I think it would work even better if you can find 1.5-2 oz glasses.

Key Lime Pie:

1. I purchased a pre-made key lime pie from the bakery section at Publix and used that as the pie filling.  I layered in graham cracker crumbs (you can buy a box of graham cracker crumbs in the grocery store where they sell the pre-made pie crusts). 
2. I scooped out all the key lime pie filling and put into a zip lock bag, and cut a small tip off
3. I then put in a spoon of graham cracker crumbs into the shot glass, and then piped in the filling, and repeated until the glass was filled.
4. I garnished before serving with cool whip and a lime wedge

* Note:  Next time, I would mix melted butter into the crumbs and then press into the glasses instead of just putting the cookie crumbs in dry.

Red Velvet Cake:

1. I purchased a pre-made red velvet cake from the bakery section at Publix and used that as the cake filling.  I layered in a homemade cream cheese frosting in between the cake.
2. To make the frosting, you basically use a mixer to mix a softened block of cream cheese with 3/4 a stick of softened butter, a box of confectioner's sugar, and 1 tsp of vanilla. I put the icing in a zip lock bag and cut a small tip off to pipe in.
3. I took a small spoonful of the cake and put into the glass and then pressed it down (you kind of have to pack it in) and then alternated between cake and icing until full.  I garnished with more icing on the top and red velvet crumbs.

S'more

1. I layered graham cracker crumbs, then marshmallow fluff (piped in using zip lock technique), then jarred chocolate fudge sauce, then repeat.
2. The marshmallow fluff is sticky, so you may want to mix the fluff with something like cool whip to loosen it up (next time I will do this).
3. Garnish with cool whip and marshmallows/chocolate chips - whatever you want.

* Note: I would also add melted butter to the graham cracker crumbs and pack them into the glass vs. putting the crumbs in dry next time.

More Pictures: