Cooking Exceptionally With Gin Lee

Discover the Rich Flavors of Southern Hospitality with Buttermilk Pound Cake Welcome to my blog, where we celebrate culinary traditions and elevate everyday baking to an art form. As part of Taste of Authentic Southern Treats Week, today’s feature is a classic that embodies comfort, richness, and nostalgia — the Buttermilk Pound Cake. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just beginning your journey in the kitchen, this recipe promises a luscious, velvety texture and a delightful tang that’s truly Southern at heart. Table of Contents Why Use Buttermilk in Pound Cake? Ingredients & Key Tips Step-by-Step Baking Instructions Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips Conclusion Why Use Buttermilk in Pound Cake? Adding buttermilk to your pound cake isn’t just a flavorful choice; it’s a strategic one. The acidity in buttermilk tenderizes the gluten in the flour, resulting in a moist, soft crumb. It also imparts a subtle tang that balances the richness of butter and eggs, giving the cake a comp...

Celebrating Southern Sweetness: Your Ultimate Recipe for Coconut Cream Pie with Cookie Crumb Crust (Using Splenda) Welcome to a week-long celebration of authentic Southern treats here at Cooking Exceptionally With Gin Lee! Today, we're diving into one of the South’s most beloved desserts: the luscious Coconut Cream Pie. This version features a crispy cookie crumb crust and a rich, creamy coconut filling—sweetened with Splenda for a lighter, guilt-free indulgence. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Table of Contents Introduction Why Southern Coconut Cream Pie? Ingredients Step-by-Step Instructions Tips and Tricks Conclusion Why Southern Coconut Cream Pie? Southern desserts are renowned for their comforting flavors and hearty textures, and Coconut Cream Pie is no exception. It embodies the warmth and hospitality of Southern cuisine—think creamy, sweet, with a hint of tropical coc...

Indulge in Southern Charm: A Rich and Creamy Chocolate Silk Pie with a Cookie Crumb Crust Welcome to a week-long celebration of authentic Southern sweet treats with Cooking Exceptionally With Gin Lee! Today, we’re diving into a classic favorite—Chocolate Silk Pie. Perfectly rich, silky smooth, and decadently satisfying, this dessert embodies the soulful charm of Southern comfort food. Best of all, our recipe features a delightful cookie crumb crust made with Splenda, making it a delicious choice for those seeking a lower-sugar indulgence without sacrificing flavor. Table of Contents Introduction to Southern Chocolate Silk Pie Ingredients Overview Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions Tips for Success Serving Suggestions & Final Thoughts Introduction to Southern Chocolate Silk Pie There’s something truly special about Southern desserts—rich, comforting, and often infused with nostalgia. The Chocolate Silk Pie is no exception. Its velvety filling, paired with a crunchy cookie crumb crust,...

Sweeten Your Day with Southern Honey Buns: A Step-by-Step Recipe with Gin Lee If there’s one thing that never fails to bring a smile to a crowd, it’s a warm, freshly baked treat. Today, Gin Lee is sharing her beloved recipe for Southern Sweet Honey Buns — a comforting, irresistible bakery classic that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any moment when you crave a little sweetness. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this step-by-step guide will help you craft homemade honey buns that are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Table of Contents Introduction Ingredients Needed Preparing the Dough Assembling the Honey Buns Baking to Perfection Glazing and Serving Tips for Success Final Thoughts Ingredients Needed Gather these essentials to start your Southern sweet honey bun journey: 2½ cups all-purpose flour 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons) ½ cup warm milk ¼ cup granulated Splenda or regular granulated sugar ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted 1 large egg ¼ tea...

Delight in Every Bite: Southern Cinnamon Rolls Recipe There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, freshly baked cinnamon roll—especially when it’s made with love and a touch of Southern charm. If you’ve ever wanted to master this classic treat without fuss, you’re in the right place. Today, I’ll guide you through an easy Southern cinnamon rolls recipe, complete with helpful tips to ensure they turn out irresistibly soft, gooey, and full of flavor.  Whether you’re making breakfast for a family gathering or just indulging in a sweet moment for yourself, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite staple in your kitchen. Table of Contents Ingredients You Need Step-by-Step Preparation Helpful Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls Final Thoughts and Serving Suggestions Ingredients You Need 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet) 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F) ⅓ cup granulated Splenda or granulated sugar ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted 1 teaspoon salt 3 ½ cups all-purpose flo...

Indulge in the Rich Flavors of Southern Pecan Sweet Rolls: A Gin Lee Favorite There's something truly special about Southern comfort food—layers of tradition, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia. For Gin Lee, one of her treasured recipes that embodies her deep South roots is her beloved Southern Pecan Sweet Rolls. These irresistible treats are more than just a breakfast pastry; they’re a celebration of flavor and heritage, crafted with care and a whole lot of love. Today, I’ll guide you through a full step-by-step recipe that guarantees to make your mornings sweeter and your family’s hearts fuller. Table of Contents Ingredients Overview Preparation Steps Baking & Finish Pro Tips & Variations Conclusion Ingredients Overview To bring this Southern classic to life, gather the following ingredients: For the dough: 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F) ½ cup granulated Splenda or sugar ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted 1 teaspoon salt 2 large eggs 3 ½ cups all-p...

Sweet Southern Bliss: Mastering the Art of Perfect Southern Sweet Rolls After a delightful week celebrating the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine here at Cooking Exceptionally With Gin Lee, I thought it was the perfect time to shift gears and indulge in a classic Southern favorite. Today, we’re diving into the comforting, sweet, and utterly irresistible world of Southern Sweet Rolls. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, these soft, fluffy rolls are guaranteed to become a treasured staple in your baking repertoire. Let’s explore what makes these sweet rolls so special and how you can create them from scratch with ease. Table of Contents Why Choose Southern Sweet Rolls? Ingredients and Essential Tools Step-by-Step Baking Guide Baking Tips & Tricks Serving Suggestions & Variations Conclusion Why Choose Southern Sweet Rolls? Southern sweet rolls are more than just a breakfast treat—they’re a symbol of comfort and tradition. With their tender crumb, bu...

Indulge in Tradition: A Delicious Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe with Splenda Welcome to Cooking Exceptionally With Gin Lee, where we celebrate authentic Southern sweet treats all week long! Today, we're diving into a classic that warms hearts and spreads smiles: the iconic Southern Sweet Potato Pie. But this isn’t just any recipe — we're making it healthier without sacrificing flavor, using Splenda to satisfy your sweet tooth guilt-free. Whether you’re preparing for family gatherings or simply craving a cozy dessert, this full recipe will become a new favorite in your culinary collection. Table of Contents Why Southern Sweet Potato Pie? Ingredients & Substitutions Step-by-Step Instructions Tips for Perfecting Your Pie Conclusion Why Southern Sweet Potato Pie? Southern Sweet Potato Pie is more than dessert; it’s a tradition passed down through generations. With its creamy filling, warm spices, and flaky crust, it embodies the heart of Southern hospitality. The use of swee...

Celebrating Authentic Mexican Flavors: Delicious Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Welcome to Cooking With Gin Lee’s special edition during Authentic Mexican Cuisine Week! Today, we’re exploring a beloved traditional treat that perfectly blends the sweetness of American dessert favorites with the warm, comforting flavors of Mexico — Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, these bars are sure to impress with their creamy, flaky texture and irresistible cinnamon sugar topping. Let’s dive into the history, preparation tips, and why this dessert deserves a spot in your recipe collection. Table of Contents The Rich Heritage of Sopapillas Why Cheesecake Bars Make a Perfect Fusion Ingredients & Essential Tools Step-by-Step Recipe for Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Pro Tips and Variations Conclusion & Invitation to Try The Rich Heritage of Sopapillas Sopapillas are a traditional fried bread that holds a special place in Mexican and ...

Indulge in a Deliciously Fresh Apple Dump Cake: A Homemade Twist on a Classic Favorite There's something truly satisfying about a warm, flavorful dessert that combines the comforting aroma of baked apples with the crispy topping of a cake.  Today, we're diving into a delightful recipe for Apple Dump Cake — but with a twist. Instead of relying on canned apples, we'll be crafting a fresh filling from scratch, making this treat even more special. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a dessert that's both simple and irresistibly delicious. Plus, I’ll share some nifty tips to help you Cook Exceptionally With Gin Lee and elevate your baking game!' Table of Contents Why Use Homemade Apples? Ingredients You’ll Need Preparing the Homemade Apple Filling Assembling Your Apple Dump Cake Baking Tips & Tricks Serving Suggestions & Final Tips Why Use Homemade Apples? Pre-made canned apple p...

Christmas Fruit Salad Create a festive and refreshing addition to your holiday spread with this delightful Christmas fruit salad recipe. Perfect for bringing a burst of color and flavor to your table, this salad combines a medley of fruits, including fruit cocktail, apples, bananas, cuties, and grapes, all topped with sugar-free Cool Whip. Whether served as a side dish, dessert, or potluck contribution, this easy-to-make dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. In this article, we will explore the ingredients needed, preparation steps, serving suggestions, nutritional benefits, variation options, and storage tips for this delicious Christmas treat. Introduction to Christmas Fruit Salad Recipe Tis the season for a refreshing and festive twist on the classic fruit salad! This Christmas fruit salad brings together a delightful mix of flavors and colors to brighten up your holiday table. Say goodbye to boring fruit salads and hello to a merry medley that will have your taste buds ...

How to Make Delicious Chocolate Mousse Hey there! Are you looking for a yummy summer dessert that's a nice cold treat? Well, look no further because I've got the perfect recipe for you: chocolate mousse! This delicious dessert can be chilled, then layered in dessert cups with whipped cream, chocolate cookie crumbs, and nuts. It's a wonderful dessert to make for holidays such as the 4th of July. Ingredients: 1 cup of heavy cream 8 ounces of semisweet chocolate, chopped 3 large eggs 1/4 cup of granulated Splenda, granulated monk fruit, or sugar 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract Instructions: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it is simmering. Remove from the heat and add the chopped chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and granulated Splenda, granulated monk fruit, or sugar together until light and fluffy. Slowly pour the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, stirring constantly. Add the pure vanilla ...

Pineapple meringue pie Ingredients: 1 Graham cracker pie crust (baked for ten minutes) 2 tablespoons of cornstarch ½ cup of Splenda 1/2 teaspoon salt 20 ounce can of crushed pineapple 1 tablespoon of lemon juice 1 teaspoon of lime juice 3 eggs, separated (the egg yolks are for the pineapple mixture, reserve the egg whites for the meringue) ¼ cup of Splenda (for the meringue) ¼ teaspoon of cream of tartar (for the meringue) ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla (for the meringue) Chocolate Graham cracker crust: Ingredients: 24 Graham crackers, crushed (1 ½ cups) 1/4 cup of Splenda  1/3 cup of melted butter Instructions: Crush the Graham crackers in a food processor, or with a rolling pin. Place the crushed Graham crackers into a medium bowl.  melt the butter in a microwave oven for about 10 seconds. Now, add the melted butter, and Splenda to the Graham cracker crumbs and stir well. Next, add this mixture to a buttered pie pan with a removable bottom. With your fingers, press the graham cr...