Salted Butter Caramel Lava Cake, a READY TO BAKE LIQUID BATTER

My guess is that, more than once, you are going to find yourself in a situation similar to the one I was in yesterday. I had just slipped into my coat, grabbed my purse, and was ready to head out shopping when the doorbell rang. Fully prepared to collect the next stack of boxes delivered by our able-bodied UPS man, Brian, and head out on my way, I was, instead, greeted by a good friend who had just returned from a trip out west, and was stopping by for a visit.

I quickly shed my coat and kicked it into the laundry room as I ushered him inside to a cozy, half-decorated home with only a few grounds of coffee left to make a pot, and cupboards virtually bare. “Come on in!” I greeted him enthusiastically as my mind raced over what I could throw together with some limp celery and a couple of slick slices of salami. And then it hit me! I had three packages of ready-to-bake French baking mixes that were touted to be ready in 10-15 minutes. Not 10-15 minutes prep time, mind you, 10-15 minutes TOTAL time.

Raising my eyes to the heavens, I mentally thanked esteemed French dessert maker PrePat'33 for creating what is surely the ultimate in convenience foods, and started preheating the oven while entertaining my guest. As I served the coffee I poured the ready-to-bake liquid batter into six ramekins, crossed my fingers, and popped them into the oven.

Fifteen minutes later, dusted with powdered sugar, I served a delicious salted caramel dessert to my very impressed friend.

People, these are the convenience food of the century! Filled with wholesome real ingredients, READY TO BAKE LIQUID BATTERS are inspired by actual French recipes. The handy pouches keep for up to a year in your cupboard and bake in 10 – 25 minutes, depending upon which delicious treat you prepare. And the best part is that no additional ingredients are needed. Simply pour the READY TO BAKE batter into a cake pan or muffin tin, and bake. That is it! Is your mind blown yet? It should be! These mixes are going to make life so much easier. From the casual situation that I was in to your fanciest soiree, consider serving one of these easy, delicious desserts, that you can dress up with ice cream and toppings, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply a sprinkling of powdered sugar as I did.

A variety of these fabulous desserts at under $4.00 per pouch, are available in stores across the Unites States, including Central Market stores in Texas, WINN DIXIE stores in Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina, Meijer stores in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois, and Fairway stores in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The products are also available online through igourmet.

I have personally tried, and can highly recommend, the Caramel Salted Butter Lava Cake -- based on a traditional French recipe, it contains gourmet salt from Brittany, Chocolate Cake -- indulgent and loaded with real cocoa, and Gluten-free Brownies. I am now champing at the bit to try the other varieties: Chocolate Lava Cake, Brownies, and what will surely be breakfast saving, Blueberry Muffins, that are loaded with real blueberries.

Now is the time to stock up, for you, and for everyone on your gift list. Imagine stuffing stockings with French baked goods. Ooh la la!

Disclaimer: I received complimentary samples of this product in exchange for an honest review.