Kristen Massad, Author at Test Advocate Magazine

Q: Sweet recipes: Fizzy summer soda

[caption id="attachment_62321" align="aligncenter" width="647"] Homemade Soda: Photo by Kristin Massad[/caption] A backyard summer barbecue is the perfect place to sip on a refreshingly fizzy homemade soda. Although this fruity drink is called Italian cream soda, it was originally created in the United States, flavored with well-known Italian syrups. This recipe gives the option to make your own syrups from scratch, which provides endless flavor possibilities for a quick and easy summer drink. Grocery List 2-3 tablespoons homemade blueberry or strawberry simple syrup ½ cup sparkling water 1 tablespoon half-and-half Simple Syrup Recipe 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup water 1 cup fresh strawberries or 1 cup fresh blueberries Directions Combine granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Once sugar has dissolved, add fresh fruit and boil for 10 minutes or until syrup thickens. Strain the mixture to remove fruit, and keep the juice. Allow the simple syrup to cool completely before using. Add 2-3 tablespoon of simple syrup to a glass filled with ice. Pour sparkling water on top of the simple syrup until the glass is almost full. Top off the soda with a splash of half-and-half. Stir to combine, and enjoy immediately.

Q: Sweet recipes: Make this fancy restaurant dessert at home

[caption id="attachment_80404" align="aligncenter" width="690"] No-bake crème brulee: Photo by Kristen Massad[/caption] Fancy dessert recipes tend to scare us out of the kitchen, but with only a few ingredients, no oven and no water bath, stovetop crème brûlée makes it easy to recreate a favorite restaurant dessert at home. With its rich and silky texture and crunchy caramelized sugar topping, this will be your go-to dessert. Grocery List 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream 1 vanilla bean, split 4 large egg yolks ½ cup granulated sugar 2 Tablespoons corn starch Turbinado sugar or granulated sugar (to brulee) Directions In a medium saucepan, combine cream and vanilla bean (scrape seeds out of pod) and bring to a simmer. While cream is heating, whisk egg yolks, sugar and cornstarch in a bowl. Slowly add hot cream to the egg mixture and continue whisking until fully combined. Pour mixture back into the saucepan and cook until it starts to thicken (do not bring it to a boil). Once the custard is thick, remove the pan from the heat and transfer to a bowl. Continue whisking for 2-3 minutes to make the custard extra silky. Spoon custard into individual glass ramekins and refrigerate for 1 hour. When ready to serve, sprinkle the top of the custard with sugar and torch until sugar is caramelized. Serve immediately.

Q: Sweet recipes: Finger food that pops

[caption id="attachment_43569" align="aligncenter" width="690"] Herb goat cheese poppers: Photo by Kristen Massad[/caption] A table covered in gourmet appetizers provides the perfect setting for a spring gathering. At the beginning of this new season, freshen up your menus with bite-size finger food, ideal for sharing or passing. With only five ingredients, herb goat cheese poppers keep it simple and small but full of flavor. Grocery list 1 (8 ounce) log soft herb goat cheese 1 large egg ½ cup flour ½ cup panko breadcrumbs 2 cups canola oil Directions 1. Place flour, whisked egg and panko breadcrumbs each in individual bowls (do not mix together). Roll goat cheese into 24 balls (1 heaping teaspoon each). 2. Dip each goat cheese ball in flour, dip in egg and roll in panko; place each ball on a baking sheet and refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes. 3. Heat oil in a small deep saucepan until it reaches 350 degrees F. Drop goat cheese balls into oil in batches of 4-6 at a time until golden and crisp on the outside. Remove balls with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to drain. 4. Serve goat cheese poppers immediately with your choice of dipping sauce. Optional dipping sauces: Blackberry honey (pictured) Marinara sauce Balsamic reduction Sweet chili sauce Read all of Kristen Massad's recipes here .

Q: Sweet recipes: 6 healthy ingredients to add to your pantry in 2015

[caption id="attachment_42682" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Photo by Kristen Massad[/caption] As we ring in the New Year, many of us look for a new start, whether it’s de-cluttering the house or adopting a healthier lifestyle. You can achieve both by cleaning out your pantry and swapping processed junk for whole foods. Here are five ingredients to kick-start a year of clean eating. 1. Almond flour If you are taking a break from grains or just want a replacement every now and then, almond flour is the perfect substitute for traditional flour. It adds good nutrients and a mild nut flavor to your recipe. 2. Whole almonds If almond flour is good for you, so is its source. Keep the pantry stocked with whole, unsalted almonds for a variety of protein-packed recipes. 3. Coconut oil Coconut oil replaces any high-heat cooking oil and has many health benefits. This oil is one of the most versatile and can be used in baking as a dairy-free butter replacement. 4. Coconut flour Used in small amounts but full of fiber, protein and healthy fat, coconut flour is a perfect substitute for wheat flours. 5. Coconut milk Creamy and full of flavor, coconut milk can be added to smoothies, soups and sauces. It also can replace milk or cream in baking. This ingredient is one of the best to have in your pantry. 6. Coconut sugar A simple and easy baking substitute, coconut sugar looks more like brown sugar but can replace all sugar for baking. It adds an earthy flavor boost to any dessert that you want to lighten up.

About Kristen Massad

Kristen Massad writes a monthly column about sweets and baked goods. She graduated from the French Culinary Institute in New York City and owned Tart Bakery in Dallas for eight years. She blogs about food and lifestyles at inkfoods.com.com.

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