Patriotic Petit Fours and a FIght Against Cancer

So excited...today is the day I get to share a recipe over at Frosting for the Cause.  Go on over and check it out.  Bakers from all over the web are helping raise money for the fight against cancer.

When I found out Paula, from Frosting for a Cause, assigned me the 4th of July, lets just say I was a wee bit nervous. I mean...no pressure or anything...it's only one of the most festive days a baker turned blogger like myself has to showcase her talent obsession. 

But really, if the truth be told, I was thrilled to join Frosting for the Cause not because of all the yummy recipes (although they were a bonus) but because it was a tangible way for me to help fight the battle against cancer. It's a battle worth fighting for...I know you agree.

Semi-homemade desserts are some of my favorite ways to prepare treats for big events or holidays.  I like to spend my time actually WITH my family and friends...not by myself, cooped up in the kitchen. 

Here is a dessert that will look fabulous at your next party but takes less than 20 minutes start to finish.

Patriotic Petit Fores

Place 1 bar of soften cream cheese into mixing bowl.  Now listen up people...when it comes to cream cheese, the brand DOES make a difference (at least in my humble opinion).  I always use the name brand and I NEVER use low fat.  It just doesn't make sense to me...but you do what ya want!

Add 1 cup sugar.

1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp of almond extract.  Mix together (with wisk attachement) on medium speed until well combined.

Slowly add in 2 cups of Heavy Whipping Cream. 

Beat together on medium high until stiff peaks form.

Your icing is now done!

Grab a package of brownie bites from your local grocery store.  My favorite store down here in Texas (HEB) as the best brownie bites!  You can certainly make your own but if you can save time, why not?

Grab some toppings...I chose raspberries and non-perils in red, white and blue.

Now it's time to grab a plastic bag...

fill it with the whip cream cheese frosting.  Seal it and snip off a tiny corner.

Now you are reading to pipe on the frosting.  PLEASE remember that it does not have to be perfect.  No one but you will notice AND you can cover up any mishaps with the topings.

They look purrrty just as they are but for a festive touch I added a raspberry to the top.

And on the others, I sprinkled the colorful non-perils.

I had intended to put blueberries on the tops of some, but apparently my family got to the container faster than I did.

There you have it...patriotic petit fours!  Keep them in the fridge (no need to cover) until you are ready to serve.  Seriously...don't they look like I slaved all afternoon on them?  We'll just keep it as our little secret...umkay?

Me, Mary and Syd when she was 3 months old

This post is dedicated to my friend Mary...a courageous woman with a contagious laugh. She may have lost the battle with cancer but she won in the race of life.

Mary...no doubt Christ spoke the blessed words "Well Done Good and Faithful Servant" when he called you home. Thanks for always telling this awkward 12 year old that she was beautiful...I finally see what you saw so many years ago.
Patriotic Petit Fours

Ingredients:
1 bar soften cream cheese
1 cup white sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp almond extract
2 cups heavy whipping cream
Raspberries, sprinkles or anything else you like for toppings
Browning Bites

Mix together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and almond on medium speed until well blended.  Slowly add in the heavy whipping cream and beat on medium high until soft peaks form.

Fill plastic baggie with frosting and snip a tiny corner off of the bag.  Gently pipe frosting onto the brownie bites.  Top with raspberries and sprnkles.