About Cineca Keck-Newburn

Cineca is a self-proclaimed 'foodie' and sugar addict. She reads cookbooks for fun and loves putting her own spin on traditional recipes. When not cooking, reading recipes or watching cooking shows, she's a busy event coordinator with her wedding and party planning business, Dreamin' N Details. Cineca received her degrees in Political Science and Psychology from the University of Arkansas. She is also a wife, mommy, music lover, traveler and contributor to the party inspiration site, Piggy Bank Parties.

{Baker Interview} Food Network Champion, Jennifer Matsubara

March 31, 2012 by Cineca Keck-Newburn 6 Comments

I was so excited about the idea of interviewing a baker. I knew right away that I wanted to pick the brain of Jennifer Matsubara, owner/designer of Shelby Lynn’s Cake Shoppe. Jennifer is from my hometown of Springdale, Arkansas. And around here, we consider her a local celebrity. Not only is she an adorable hometown girl who makes beautiful & delicious cakes, but also an award-winning Food Network Champion. Jennifer’s motto says it all, “Imagination+Love=CAKE”

Shelby Lynn’s Cake Shoppe was established in 2001. Jennifer had never baked or decorated a cake; she simply had the determination to open her own successful business in Northwest Arkansas. Jennifer began entering cake decorating competitions in 2004, and gained national attention in 2007 with her first appearance on the Food Network’s cake decorating challenge. Continue Reading »

{Recipe} Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Shooters

February 26, 2012 by Cineca Keck-Newburn 2 Comments

Although we haven’t had much of a winter in Arkansas, it hasn’t stopped me from indulging in my LOVE for hot chocolate! Call me crazy, but I drink it all year long. A big cup of hot chocolate is the perfect way to get relaxed & cozy before bed.

While planning the menu for an annual Christmas/ Birthday Party a few months ago, I decided I wanted to make Cheesecake Shooters. BUT instead of a graham cracker crust, I wanted to use a Hot Chocolate Cookie crust. (See full party here)

YUM, right?!?!

{Recipe} Mixed Berry Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle

February 17, 2012 by Cineca Keck-Newburn 2 Comments

Recently, my step-mother made the most delicious, traditional mixed berry trifle. My munchkin devoured the light & fluffy treat and I knew I had to make this yummy dessert for my family. But, in true Cineca fashion, I wanted to put my own spin on it. I substituted the yogurt for Cheesecake & the Angel Food cake for Devil’s Food cake. It turned out amazing! It was a rich & creamy little piece of heaven! Feel free to play around with the ingredients to suite your own tastes. Enjoy!

Mixed Berry Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle

[print_this]

Ingredients

1 box Devil’s Food Cake mix
1- 3.4 oz package instant Cheesecake mix
1- 3 oz package Raspberry or Strawberry Jello
1 bag frozen mixed berries
1 tub whipped topping

Directions

~Prepare cake according to box directions
~While cake is baking, prepare cheesecake & refrigerate
~Prepare jello according to package directions
~Add whole bag of frozen mixed berries before jello sets, then refrigerate
~Once cake has baked & cooled, begin building your trifle
{I made 4 individual servings with this recipe}
~Layer cake, then cheesecake, then berries…repeat
~Top with whipped topping, a berry & ENJOY!

[/print_this]