Tag Archives: dessert

Crumb Toppings for your Baked Goods

Bread, Dessert, Fun Stuff May 21, 2026 Leave a comment
Nine different homemade mini fruit pies with various toppings on a wooden board
a variety of crumb toppings for desserts

Imagine a tasty treat called a crumble, also known as a brown betty. It comes from Britain and is now enjoyed worldwide. This dish can be sweet or savory, but the sweet version is most popular. Its history dates back to American cuisine during European colonization. The magic happens when it’s baked until the topping becomes crispy. It is often served warm with cooked fruit, custard, cream, or ice cream, making it a perfect cozy dessert. I enjoy trying different toppings, like toasted coconut, chocolate chips, or raw coconut, to add extra flavor. Whether you want a comforting dessert or a savory snack, crumble toppings are a fun way to improve your recipes. I’ve collected creative topping ideas to inspire your cooking. Get ready to enjoy a crispy, delicious treat that is both nostalgic and exciting—happy baking!

#1 BASIC CRUMB TOPPING

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup light-brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 sticks chilled butter, cut into pieces

Directions

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, light-brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
  2. Cut chilled butter into pieces.
  3. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix the butter into the sugar until it forms large crumbs.
  4. Refrigerate until ready to use.

#2 FRENCH CRUMB TOPPING:

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cups of chilled butter
  • 1/3 cups of brown sugar
  • 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of chopped nuts

Directions

  1. Mix sugar, flour, and nuts together.
  2. Cut in butter with a fork or pastry cutter until blended.
  3. Refrigerate until ready to use.


#3 WALNUT CRUMB TOPPING:

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt  
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, walnuts, brown sugar, and salt.
  2. Cut in butter with a fork or pastry cutter until blended.
  3. Refrigerate until ready to use.

#4 OAT CRUMBLE

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup pecans or almonds, chopped
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup whole-wheat flour or all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 5 tablespoons canola oil

Directions

  1. Mix dry ingredients together, then stir in canola oil.
  2. Mix with a spoon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Refrigerate until ready to use.

#5 BAKED CRUMB TOPPING

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Brown sugar
  • ½ cup flour
  • ¼ cup chilled butter
  • ¼ cup of nuts, coconut, flaxseed, or sunflower seeds (all optional but make great texture)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. degrees
  2. Mix ingredients together; it should stick together and form crumbs.
  3. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes.
  5. Crumble any pieces that are clumped together and put the crumbs on everything in sight!

Cook’s Notes:

Add any of the following ingredients to your crumb toppings for extra flavor or texture.

  • Nuts
  • Coconut
  • Flax seed
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Cinnamon
  • Cardamom
  • Toffee
  • Chocolate chips
  • Peanut butter chips
  • Cream cheese chunks
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (great on apple anything)
  • M & M’s
  • Drizzle your crumb topping with caramel sauce, and sprinkle lightly with sea salt.

The sky is the limit where your dessert is concerned.

Mini Fresh Berry Bread Puddings

Dessert, Breakfast, Bread, Side, Fun Stuff May 18, 2026 Leave a comment
Four square desserts with mixed berries and berry sauce on a round gray plate with a spoon
Fresh Berry Bread Puddings

Imagine a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat—welcome to the world of bread pudding! This treat has a rich history, dating back centuries when clever cooks needed to rescue stale bread from the trash. Instead of wasting it, they turned it into hearty, flavorful dishes, both savory and sweet. Today, bread pudding has evolved into a luxurious delight, often made with fancy breads like brioche and infused with indulgent ingredients such as vanilla beans, bourbon, Gruyère cheese, or crunchy pecans. It’s a versatile dessert that can be dressed up with luscious sauces or fresh fruit, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood or impressing guests with a gourmet twist, bread pudding offers a perfect blend of history, comfort, and elegance. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a fun, flavorful masterpiece that celebrates both tradition and decadence.

Makes 6

Ingredients

  • 5 cups of mixed fresh berries, such as blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries (about 3 pints)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons of water
  • 1 vanilla bean split lengthwise
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 18 thin slices of white sandwich bread (Challah bread can be used; roll out a slice to make thin)

Directions

  1. In a saucepan, cook berries, water, and lemon juice over medium heat until berries release their juices but still hold their shape, about 2 minutes. Slice a vanilla pod down the center and scrape the beans; add the beans to the berry mixture. Stir in sugar and salt; cook until the sugar is dissolved, 3 to 5 minutes. Strain the sauce into a bowl through a sieve or colander; do not discard the berries. Set both aside to cool.
  2. Take a piece of plastic wrap that is 6 inches longer than the cupcake tin. Press it into the cups of the tin. Alternatively, place another muffin tin on top of the plastic wrap to help press it into the cups.
  3. Using a 2-3/4-inch cookie cutter, cut six rounds from the bread slices and set one round in the bottom of each muffing tin.
  4. Using a smaller 2-1/4-inch cookie cutter, cut twelve rounds from the bread and set aside.
  5. Pour 1 tablespoon of sauce into each cup; add 1 tablespoon of reserved cooked berries. Top with smaller bread rounds; add another tablespoon each of sauce and berries. Make another layer of bread, sauce, and berries; top with remaining bread rounds. Press down firmly with the bottom of a glass.
  1. Cover the puddings with plastic wrap. Place a baking sheet on top and add a heavy skillet to weigh it down. Keep it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
  2. To serve, pull up the plastic wrap, and gently unmold each pudding onto plates; drizzle with leftover sauce.

Cook’s Note

Using a cupcake tin lined with plastic wrap makes it easy to form, transport, and unmold the chilled puddings. Spray the tins with cooking spray to help the plastic wrap stay in place.

Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Breakfast, Dessert, Fun Stuff May 17, 2026 Leave a comment
Fresh strawberry shortcakes topped with whipped cream and mint leaves on a wooden board
Delicious fresh strawberry shortcakes topped with whipped cream and mint leaves.

This refreshing old-fashioned recipe for Strawberry Shortcakes is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the light, fluffy texture of freshly baked shortcakes. This classic treat is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or any occasion where a cool, fruity dessert is desired. The key to a perfect strawberry shortcake lies in selecting fresh, juicy strawberries, which are sliced and often lightly sweetened to enhance their natural flavor. The shortcakes themselves are made from tender biscuit-like dough, baked until golden, then split open to hold the luscious strawberries and whipped cream. For an added touch of freshness, some recipes incorporate a hint of lemon zest or a splash of vanilla into the shortcake batter. This dessert is not only visually appealing with its vibrant red strawberries and fluffy layers but also offers a harmonious balance of sweetness and acidity.

Ingredients

Filling

  • 6 cups of fresh strawberries, sliced
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • ¼  cup of powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Biscuits

  • 2-3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 cup of cold butter, cut up
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 (8-oz.) container of sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

  1.  Combine strawberries, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla extract. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 2 hours.
  2.  Beat whipped cream at medium-high speed with an electric mixer until foamy.
  3. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until stiff peaks form. Note: do not overbeat or the whipped cream will become butter! Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Biscuits

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with raised edges with parchment paper.
  3. Combine flour, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl;
  4. Cut butter into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or two forks until crumbly.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until blended
  6. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened.
  7. Drop dough into 10 mounds on an ungreased baking sheet; flatten each mound with the back of a spoon until about ¾ inch thick.
  8. Bake for 10 – 12 minutes until golden.

Presentation

  1. Cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Cut shortcakes in half horizontally. Spoon half of the berries and whipped cream over the bottom layers.
  2. Replace the top layers and cover with the remaining strawberries and whipped cream.

Sour Cream Pound Cake

Dessert May 14, 2026 Leave a comment
Freshly baked bundt cake in a metal pan with a slice on a plate nearby
Glazed Sour Cream Pound Cake served with lemon curd

This is a dense pound cake crafted with a rich blend of ingredients. This variation incorporates sour cream and beaten egg whites, which contribute to its moistness and subtle tanginess, enhancing the overall taste experience. The use of sour cream not only adds a creamy richness but also helps in tenderizing the crumb, resulting in a dense yet soft texture that melts in the mouth. Beaten egg whites, on the other hand, introduce air into the batter, providing structure and stability without compromising the cake’s substantial density. This combination ensures the cake remains moist and flavorful, with a fine crumb that is ideal for pairing with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Ingredients

  • ½ pound of butter (2 sticks)
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 6 large eggs – separated
  • 3 cups of all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond or coconut extract

Process

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
  2. Grease and flour a 9- or 10-inch tube pan.
  3. Separate the egg yolks from the whites and put the whites aside.
  4. In a mixer bowl, cream the sugar and butter until fluffy and white.
  5. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  6. Add sour cream, mix thoroughly.
  7. Add flavorings.
  8. The flour is added in two parts: add the first cup to this sour cream mixture.  (The remaining amount with the baking soda and salt is added later).
  9. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form (do not over-beat).
  10. Fold egg whites into the sour cream mixture.
  11. Lastly, stir in remaining dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt).
  12. Turn into a greased tube pan.
  13. Bake 1 to 1-1/2 hours (or more) until a pick inserted comes out clean.

Cream Puffs with Mascarpone Whipped Cream Filling

Dessert May 9, 2026 Leave a comment
Tray of small cream puffs filled with cream, topped with powdered sugar, raspberries, blueberries, and mint leaves
A tray of cream puffs dusted with powdered sugar, fresh raspberries, blueberries, and mint leaves

Old-fashioned cream puffs are a timeless dessert that evokes a sense of nostalgia and elegance. These delicate pastries are made from choux pastry, which is baked to achieve a light, airy, and crisp exterior. For Mother’s Day, cream puffs are an ideal choice for a light and airy dessert that can be both elegant and satisfying. Their fluffy interior and this creamy Mascarpone cheese whipped cream filling make them a perfect treat to celebrate the special occasion without feeling overly heavy. Additionally, cream puffs can be customized with various fillings and toppings, such as chocolate glaze, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.

Ingredients

Pastry

  • 1 cup of water
  • 1/2 cup of butter (4 ounces)
  •  1 cup of all-purpose flour
  •  1/4 teaspoon salt
  •  4 large eggs

Process

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and salt; set aside.
  3. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
  4. Add the butter. 
  5. When the butter has melted, add the flour mixture all at once and stir vigorously. 
  6. Continue stirring until the mixture forms a ball that doesn’t separate.
  7. Remove from the heat and cool slightly (about 1 minute).  Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each one until the dough is smooth.
  8. Place spoonfuls of dough, about 2 inches apart, onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Alternatively, put the batter into a pastry bag fitted with a round tip and pipe circles approximately 2 inches wide and 1 inch apart onto the baking sheet.
  9. Bake the puffs for about until they are golden brown and puffy, about 25 to 30 minutes.
  10. If the puffs are mini-sized, bake for about 17 to 20 minutes. 
  11. Remove the cream puffs from the oven and cool on a cooling rack.

Mascarpone Cheese Filling

  • 2/3 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 5 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla

Process

  1. In a chilled bowl, beat the Mascarpone cheese and vanilla until creamy.
  2. Add the heavy whipping cream, and beat until thick.
  3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mix until fully incorporated.
  4. Beat mixture on high speed until thick and fluffy.
  5. Cut cooled puffs in half, and set the top half of the puff aside.
  6. Fill the bottom halves of the puffs with the cream mixture, then replace the tops.
  7. Drizzle with melted bittersweet chocolate or dust with powdered sugar.
  8. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Angel Food Summer Fruit Cake

Dessert May 7, 2026 Comments: 2
Layered vanilla cake with white frosting, strawberries, and blueberries on top
A beautifully decorated layered cake filled with strawberries and cream.

Experience the light and airy delight of our Angel Food Summer Fruit Cake, expertly layered with fresh seasonal fruit and luscious filling. This elegant dessert combines the fluffy texture of angel food cake with vibrant fruit toppings and a smooth filling, making it a perfect centerpiece for summer gatherings or a special treat. Its delicate sweetness and refreshing flavors are sure to please every palate.

Ingredients

  • 1 Angel Food Cake
  • 2 pints of fresh strawberries (see note below)
  • 1 Large container of Cool Whip
  • 1 regular-size box of instant vanilla pudding
  • 1 stick of butter (soft)
  • 2 cups of powdered sugar

Cake Filling

  1. In a mixer bowl, add 1 cup of milk to 1 regular-size box of instant vanilla pudding – beat for 2 minutes.
  2. Add half of the container of Cool Whip, blend the pudding mix and Cool Whip with a spoon, and refrigerate until ready to assemble the cake.
  3. Refrigerate the remaining Cool Whip to use for frosting.

Process

  1. Prepare cake according to box directions, cool completely.
  2. Slice the cooled cake into 2 layers.
  3. Slice strawberries into thin pieces.
  4. Spread half of the pudding filling onto the bottom layer.
  5. Spread sliced strawberries on top of the filling.
  6. Cover with the first layer of cake.
  7. Repeat the filling and strawberry layers, then place the top cake layer on and press gently to set.

Frosting

  1. Beat the butter until it becomes smooth and creamy.
  2. Add powdered sugar and mix until combined.
  3. Fold in the remaining half of the container of Cool Whip.
  4. Frost the sides of the cake and then the top. Decorate with sliced fruit.
  5. Keep cake refrigerated until ready to serve.

Note

You can use any fruit for this cake. The original recipe used canned mandarin oranges, sliced lengthwise.

  • Mandarin oranges (canned), sliced lengthwise
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Blackberries
  • Any mix of the above

Bourbon Peach Cobbler

Dessert, Fun Stuff May 2, 2026 Leave a comment

Baking dish with steaming peach cobbler and golden crust
A warm bourbon peach cobbler straight from the oven, ready to serve

Two of my favorite things, peaches and bourbon, are together in this wonderful recipe.  Peaches will be in season in a couple of months, and I look forward to enjoying them in my cereal, pies, and this cobbler.  Bourbon is in season all the time. What does good Bourbon taste like?  Flavor descriptors such as toffee, pralines, vanilla, and dried fruit describe the initial rush of flavors in a good, well-aged Bourbon. The charred oak barrels give Bourbon a distinctive, spicy, oak-firmness unique to American whiskeys. All this wonderful flavor in a sweet cobbler, who could ask for more? 

Note: While fresh peaches are always preferred, canned or frozen will work just as well.

CRUMBLE TOPPING

  • 4 tablespoons of butter
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt
  • 1 dash black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 lemon (zest and set aside)
  • 1/2 cup of brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Directions for Crumb Topping

  1. Mix the crumb topping ingredients in a bowl with a fork or pastry cutter until the butter chunks are evenly incorporated into the dry ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to bake.

PEACH FILLING

  • 5 Large peaches, pitted and sliced
  • 1-1/2 Tablespoon of pure Maple Syrup
  • 1/2 lemon – juiced
  • 1/3 cup of dark brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 ounce of fine bourbon

Process

Preheat oven to 375°F.

1.     In a bowl, combine peaches with the remaining ingredients and mix well.

2.     Layer in a pie plate.

3.     Cover with crumb topping.

4.     Bake for 30 – 40 minutes or until bubbly.

5.     Serve with vanilla bean ice cream and enjoy!

Cottage Cheese Chocolate Truffle Protein Bites

Dinner Ideas April 27, 2026 Leave a comment
Rows of chocolate truffles coated with shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and pink raspberry powder on a slate board.
An assortment of cottage cheese chocolate truffles coated in coconut, nuts, and raspberry powder.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 scoop protein powder (optional, chocolate or vanilla)
  • 1 cup toasted coconut (see below)

Optional Add Ins

  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon of PB+ powder
  • 1 tablespoon of Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
  • 1 tablespoon of chopped nuts
  • ¼ cup coconut, toasted or plain

Instructions

  1. In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, honey, and vanilla. Blend until smooth.
  2. Transfer mixture to a bowl. Stir in cocoa powder and protein powder until thick and smooth.
  3. Using a small cookie scoop, scoop 1-inch balls. Roll the ball in the coating of your choice.
  4. Roll bites in toasted coconut, crushed nuts, cocoa, or Freeze-Dried Strawberry or raspberry powder for a gourmet look and taste.
  5. Place on parchment-lined tray.
  6. Refrigerate for 1 hour (or freeze for 30 minutes).
  7. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Makes 16 1-inch balls

Toasted Coconut

  • 1 cup of coconut flakes
  • 1 ceramic dish (do not use plastic)
  • microwave
  1. Spread the coconut flakes evenly on a plate. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir.
  2. Do not leave the coconut unattended, as it can burn quickly. Continue stirring the coconut on the plate every 20 seconds until it turns golden brown and toasted.

Notes

  • For a thicker batter, add more cocoa or protein powder.
  • For a softer texture, mix in a teaspoon of almond or toasted coconut milk.

Cottage Cheese Apple Cinnamon Kuchen

Dinner Ideas April 23, 2026 Leave a comment

Enjoy the Cottage Cheese Apple Kuchen, a healthy dessert that combines the natural sweetness of fresh apples with creamy cottage cheese. This recipe is ideal for health-conscious people because it contains no added sugar, letting the natural flavors stand out. Made with almond flour or rolled oats, it is a gluten-free option that provides a slight nutty taste and a soft, tender texture. This Kuchen is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert. It is not only tasty but also nutritious. Cottage cheese adds protein and calcium, while apples provide fiber and antioxidants. Since it has no added sugar, it is suitable for those watching their sugar intake or on a low-sugar diet. Whether you want a healthy treat or a comforting baked good, this Cottage Cheese Apple Kuchen is a great choice. It offers a good balance of health benefits and delicious flavor, making it a satisfying and nutritious option for any time of day.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup almond flour or rolled oats
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 apple, peeled and finely chopped

Process

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. (175°C)
  2. Grease 2 2-cup (472 ML) ramekins
  3. Whisk together cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth.
  4. Add almond flour, or oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Stir in the apples.
  6. Bake for 30 – 40 minutes or until set and lightly golden. The batter should be firm to the touch in the center.
  7. Cool and Serve

Optional Add Ins

  • ¼ cup chopped Walnuts
  • ¼ cup blueberries

Coconut Cream Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream

Dinner Ideas April 19, 2026 Leave a comment
Two-layer strawberry shortcake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries on a plate

Creating vegan-friendly vanilla bean coconut cream whipped cream is a delightful process that combines plant-based ingredients to produce a rich, creamy topping suitable for a variety of desserts. This alternative to traditional whipped cream is not only dairy-free but also offers a unique flavor profile enhanced by the natural sweetness of coconut and the aromatic essence of vanilla beans.

Ingredients

  • 1 14oz can of full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean pod

Process

  1. Refrigerate the unopened can of coconut milk in the refrigerator for 24 – 48 hours. This separates the cream from the liquid.
  2. Chill your mixing bowl and beater in the refrigerator or freezer for 10 – 15 minutes.
  3. Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds out of the pod and set aside.
  4. Open the can and carefully scoop out the thickened cream into the chilled bowl, leaving the liquid in the can (can be used for other food purposes)
  5. Using a mixer, beat the coconut cream on medium-high speed for 2 – 3 minutes until it becomes fluffy. 
  6. Add the scraped vanilla beans and powdered sugar into the cream and mix until incorporated for another 1 – 2 minutes. Stop once soft peaks form. Use a tablespoon of liquid from can to lighten the whipped cream if it is too thick.

Tips for Success

  • Use Full-Fat Coconut Cream milk. Light or low-fat coconut milk will not whip properly due to insufficient fat content.
  • Avoid liquid sweeteners, stick to powdered sugar to prevent the cream from becoming runny.
  • Be sure your tools are cold. Chilled cream, bowl and beaters help achieve the best volume and texture.
  • Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Re-whip if it separates or hardens.
  • Coconut Milk recommendations include Savoy Coconut Cream, Aroy-D Coconut Milk, and Nature’s Charm Coco Whipping Cream. These are suggested for the best results.