Mama Rae's Soul Food Kitchen & Catering

03/09/2025

Okay, but why haven’t I made this sooner?! 🤭 This cottage cheese pasta sauce is next-level creamy, packed with protein, and ridiculously easy to make. No heavy cream, no flour, just pure deliciousness in 10 minutes!

02/20/2025

02/19/2025

White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center
This decadent cake features a creamy cheesecake layer nestled between soft white cake and topped with a rich coconut-pecan frosting, creating a showstopping dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Cheesecake Center:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
¼ cup sour cream

For the Cake:
1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
Ingredients required by the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, water)
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
½ cup chopped pecans

For the Frosting:
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks
½ cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

2. Prepare the cheesecake filling by beating cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in sour cream until combined. Set aside.

3. Prepare the cake batter according to the package instructions. Fold in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans.

4. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Gently spread the cheesecake filling over the batter, then top with the remaining cake batter.

5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

6. Prepare the frosting by combining evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, coconut, and pecans.

7. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Allow to set before slicing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Baking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 slices | Kcal: 480 kcal per slice

02/16/2025

Lemon Herb Shrimp & Veggie Skillet 🍤🍋

A light, fresh, and flavorful one-pan meal!

Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:
1️⃣ Sauté Shrimp: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Add shrimp, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook Veggies: Add remaining olive oil, garlic, zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes to the pan. Sauté for 5 minutes until tender.
3️⃣ Combine & Finish: Return shrimp to the skillet, add lemon juice & Italian seasoning, and toss everything together. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy! Garnish with fresh parsley.

⏱ Total Time: 20 min | 🍽 Servings: 4

🌟 Quick, healthy, and delicious! Perfect for a light dinner. 💚✨

02/10/2025

Last fall, I used this recipe for a dessert contest at work and came in 1st place! My whole family loved it too. So of course I'll be making it again this year!
Recipe in First (c.o.m.m.e.n.t ).👇👇

01/28/2025

Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

1 box white or vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
1/4 cup strawberry gelatin mix (dry)
1/2 cup diced fresh strawberries (optional, for extra flavor)

Full recipe in First (𝒞.𝒪.𝑀.𝑀.𝐸.𝒩.𝒯) 👇👇

01/19/2025

Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
2 large chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Prepare the base: Divide the cooked brown rice or quinoa evenly among four serving bowls.
Add the protein: Slice the grilled chicken breasts and layer them on top of the grains.
Assemble the toppings: Arrange the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red onion, and feta cheese around the chicken in each bowl.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the bowls.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle each bowl with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 3 days for meal prep.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

01/12/2025

01/12/2025

Rich Chocolate Slice 🍫🍰

A decadent slice of moist chocolate cake with rich chocolate ganache.

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup melted chocolate for ganache

Instructions:

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cake pan.
2️⃣ Combine dry ingredients, whisk in eggs and oil for a smooth batter.
3️⃣ Pour into the pan and bake for 25 minutes. Spread melted chocolate over cooled cake.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

01/12/2025

🍫🎂 Decadent Dark Chocolate Cake 🍰🍫
If you’re a chocolate lover, this Decadent Dark Chocolate Cake will take your taste buds to the next level! Rich, moist, and intensely chocolatey, this cake is a dream come true for anyone who craves a luxurious dessert. Whether for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this cake will impress with its deep chocolate flavor and velvety texture.
Must express something to keep getting my recipes...
Recipe in the top C.O.M.M.E.N.T. 👇"

01/12/2025

🍫 Layered Chocolate Dream Cake
Indulge in this show-stopping chocolate cake with layers of moist chocolate sponge, velvety chocolate frosting, and a shiny chocolate glaze. Perfect for celebrations or whenever you need a chocolate fix! 🍴

📝 Ingredients:

For the cake:
1️⃣ 2 cups all-purpose flour
2️⃣ 2 cups granulated sugar
3️⃣ 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4️⃣ 2 tsp baking powder
5️⃣ 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
6️⃣ 1 tsp salt
7️⃣ 1 cup buttermilk
8️⃣ 1/2 cup vegetable oil
9️⃣ 2 large eggs
🔟 2 tsp vanilla extract
1️⃣1️⃣ 1 cup hot water

For the chocolate frosting:
1️⃣ 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2️⃣ 4 cups powdered sugar
3️⃣ 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4️⃣ 1/4 cup heavy cream
5️⃣ 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the chocolate glaze:
1️⃣ 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2️⃣ 1/4 cup heavy cream
3️⃣ 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For garnish:
1️⃣ Chocolate shavings
2️⃣ Fresh berries (optional)

🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Bake the cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Gradually add hot water and mix until the batter is thin.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.

2️⃣ Make the frosting:

In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream. Mix in vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.

3️⃣ Assemble the cake:

Slice each cake layer in half horizontally to create 4 layers. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread with frosting. Repeat with the remaining layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake.

4️⃣ Prepare the glaze:

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.

5️⃣ Finish the cake:

Pour the chocolate glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Garnish with chocolate shavings and fresh berries (if using).

6️⃣ Serve:

Slice and enjoy this dreamy, chocolatey masterpiece! 🍴

01/12/2025

Low calorie chocolate cake!

Craving a rich, indulgent chocolate dessert without blowing your Weight Watchers points? This Decadent Dark Chocolate Cake is your dream come true! It's moist, flavorful, and has the perfect balance of sweetness and intense chocolate flavor—all while being surprisingly low in points. Ingredients D...

01/08/2025

Last weekend, I whipped up this Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding for a family get-together, and it was an instant hit! Everyone was asking for seconds (and the recipe)! 🍓🍌🍰 Definitely adding this to my must-make list for every occasion.
Recipe in First (c.o.m.m.e.n.t).👇

01/05/2025

01/04/2025

Decadent Chocolate Fudge Cake

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup hot water

For the Fudge Frosting

- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to medium and beat until smooth. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of fudge frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.

01/04/2025

Strawberry Cheesecake Cups

Ingredients

Crust:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks

Topping:

1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Divide the mixture evenly among serving cups (about 6 small cups or jars), pressing it firmly into the bottom to create a crust layer.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until fully incorporated.
Fold in the whipped cream gently until the filling is light and fluffy.
Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the crust in each cup.

3. Prepare the Strawberry Topping

In a small bowl, toss diced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release their juices.

4. Assemble the Cups

Spoon the macerated strawberries and their juices over the cheesecake layer in each cup.
Optionally, garnish with crushed graham crackers or a small dollop of whipped cream.

5. Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cups for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cheesecake layer to set.

01/01/2025

📌Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Brown the Butter:
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter foams, then turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 5–7 minutes).

Remove from heat, pour into a bowl, and let cool for 10 minutes.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until smooth.

Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined.

Fold in the chocolate chips.

4. Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor).

5. Bake the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.

6. Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are chewy, nutty, and packed with rich chocolatey goodness! Perfect for any occasion. ゚ ゚

01/01/2025

01/01/2025

12/29/2024

I baked the NYC Chocolate Chip Cookies from Modern Honey’s recipe today, and they were a hit! I followed the recipe exactly this time to decide if there’s anything I’d tweak in the future. The cookies turned out amazing—definitely worth trying if you’re interested! I shaped the dough into 5oz portions and baked them at 410°F for about 10 minutes, skipping any chill time and baking straight after mixing.
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat cold cubed butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms.
Fold in chocolate chips or chunks for that gooey chocolate goodness.
Scoop large dough balls (about 3 tablespoons each) and place them onto the baking sheets, leaving enough space for spreading.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the center remains soft.
Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

12/25/2024