Thanksgiving Treats

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November 17, 2009  

“Marshmallow Pilgrim Hats!”  Aren’t they adorable?  I wanted to post this because they are absolutely fabulous, easy and so fun!  I did make one mistake.  I bought icing gel instead of real icing. Thankfully I had some white frosting and food coloring on hand so that the buckle would show up.  I will also make the melted chocolate smoother on the marshmallow. So here is what you need:

  1. Chocolate Striped Shortbread Cookies
  2. Melting Chocolates
  3. Marshmallows
  4. Tube of Yellow Decorating Icing

Turn the cookies upside down and after dipping the marshmallow in chocolate place it in the center of the cookie.  Then pipe the buckles on each one.  Once the chocolate sets it will be stuck to the cookie.  It is so delicious!  The kids love them and so do we. Enjoy!  And may God bless you and your family as we approach this Thanksgiving!

Idea from Family Fun magazine

Here is a version with peanut butter cups

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Holidays, Recipes

Homemade Fortune / Scripture Cookies

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May 8, 2009  

Some friends of mine and I were going to get together for some chinese food.  I wanted to bring a special treat for dessert and of course one of my favorite cookies came to mind.  Fortune Cookies!!!  I sought out how to make them myself.  I decided I would make them “scripture cookies”  with inspiring words from God.  I read so many stories about how difficult they can be and so I wasn’t sure if this was going to work out.  Wow! To my surprise they were so easy.  I would only recommend making them for a small group or just your own family unless you don’t mind being a slave to your oven all day.  It took me about an hour to make 16.  You can only make 2 at a time and must move swiftly. Here are my darling little Scripture Cookies:

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What could possibly make these better?  Drizzling chocolate over them, of course!  Yes, I did!  And they are so fun and yummy!  This was a fun experience and I will definitely make them again.

The recipe I used is from Paula Dean at the Food Network:

  • Nonstick spray
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/2 cup superfine sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Pinch salt
  • Fortunes written on strips of colored paper
  • Special equipment: silpat

Cook’s Note: using a silpat makes it easier to remove the cookies from the sheet tray.

Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.

On a half sheet tray, spray a silpat with nonstick spray. In a medium bowl whisk egg whites until foamy. Add the flour, sugar, almond extract, water, and salt to the egg whites and beat until smooth, about 30 seconds. Pour or spoon 1 tablespoon of batter onto prepared silpat and spread with the back of a spoon into a very thin 4-inch circle. Repeat on the other half of the sheet, making only 2 cookies per sheet tray. Bake the cookies on middle rack of oven until golden brown around edges, about 8 minutes. Remove from oven and working very quickly, with an offset spatula, remove cookie from baking sheet and place a fortune in the center of the round. Fold to create a half circle. Bend pointed edges of cookie toward each. This should be done quickly since the cookie will become hard and brittle within 10 seconds. Let cool.

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Recipes

Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

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March 7, 2009  

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All I can say about this recipe is that it is super tasty and my whole family loves it.  Over the years I have experimented with all sorts of cheeses and this has been the best combination for us.  It is very easy to adjust the recipe to your liking by substituting cheese and spices for ones you prefer or happen to have on hand.  I have also made this and continued into a baked version by topping with cheese and breadcrumbs and baking for about 25 minutes for a thick crunchy layer. It is a simple meal to prepare.

5 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
5oz.pkg. plain goat cheese
1 pound favorite macaroni pasta
Package Fine Bread Crumbs

In a saucepan set over medium heat, heat the milk. Melt butter in a high-sided skillet over medium heat. When butter bubbles, add flour. Cook, stirring, 1 minute.

Slowly pour hot milk into flour and butter mixture while whisking. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and becomes thick.  This can take up to about 15 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in salt, nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne pepper and cheeses.  Set aside.

Cook pasta according to directions and then transfer the macaroni to a colander, rinse under cold running water, and drain well. Stir macaroni into the reserved cheese sauce.  Sprinkle with bread crumbs and a bit of cheese.  Super comfort food! Yummy!

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Recipes

Friendship Bread

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February 21, 2009  

fbread

“What is this stuff?” That was my first question when I saw the goop in a ziplock bag.  It’s the way to a beautiful, fragrant, delicious loaf of bread! “But you add milk, flour, and sugar and just let it sit on the counter for days? Eeeww!!”  But seriously, I have researched it enough now to be completely confident that this is a natural process of bread making. Traditionally this starter is used for sour dough, artisan, or Amish Friendship Bread.  Some of the greatest bakeries use starters that are over 100 years old.

The directions for the bread are not as restrictive as you might think. If you miss a day of mushing or stirring it isn’t going to “kill” the starter.  Also, you do not have to feed it right on day 6 or 10.  It is really just a guideline.  You want to make sure you feed the yeast to keep it alive and active.  Think of it as your new pet, if you will.  Give it some pats and feed it and all will be good!  ;o)

This is a fun way to do a chemistry experiment with the kids!  What is yeast?  How does it live?  Why can you leave it on the counter with milk and eggs in the mix?  You get the idea.

Also, don’t get stressed out by the whole idea of finding friends to pass it on to.  If you can’t,  either freeze the starter so you can have tasty bread later or just dump it.  It’s really just a fun experience.  Pray over the friend who passed it on to you.  Make it fun and enjoy!

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Fun, Recipes, Science

Perfect BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

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February 21, 2009  

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My husband and I absolutely love this sandwich.  When he told me how to put it together I thought it seemed odd to put cold coleslaw on top of a hot meat sandwich, but it was fantastic!

Sprinkle Pork Sirloin Tip Roast (pork butt, shoulder or whatever you fancy it) with kosher salt and put in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours.  After cooking, shred the pork right in the crock so that the meat soaks up the juice.  Add some of your favorite BBQ sauce to the meat.  I like to cook up 2 pork roasts and use half for pulled pork tacos with taco seasoning (need to post that one).

For coleslaw I use shredded cabbage, purple cabbage and carrot.  I add mayonnaise to my favorite consistency and then I add apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.  Sorry I do not have exact measurements for this.  I just add a little at a time until I like the taste.

So now it is time to design the sandwich.  Take your fresh bun and load it with your pulled pork.  Take a few tablespoons of BBQ sauce and spread it on top.  Top the bun and microwave for about 30-50 seconds (depending on your microwave).  Then top with a slice or two of cheddar cheese and a heap of coleslaw.  Enjoy the best BBQ pulled pork sandwich ever!

***Tip:  Costco sells Pork Sirloin Tip Roast for about $1.99 lb. in three packs which average about $12.  Business Costco sells a coleslaw kit for a few dollars or less.  It is a huge bag of perfectly shredded cabbage with a seperate pack of shredded carrot and purple cabbage included.  It can be overwhelming large but a whole lot cheaper than the grocery stores.  This meal is perfect for large groups too~ Have some friends over and try it out!

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Recipes

Steak and Two Potato Soup

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February 15, 2009  

soup

“Tender chunks of steak are joined by potatoes and Cheddar cheese in a creamy base”

1 1/2 pounds lean boneless round steak, cut into 1″ cubes
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 celery ribs, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups beef broth
3 Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled and cut into 3/4″ cubes (about 1 1/4 pounds)
1 medium sized sweet potato, peeled and cut into 3/4″ cubes (about 8 ounces)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)

Add all ingredients up through the potatoes to your slow cooker.  Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.

Combine flour and 1/4 cup of water, stirring until smooth. Gradually stir into meat mixture; cook.  Stir in cream, cheese and, if desired, herbs; stir until until cheese melts. Sprinkle each serving with freshly ground pepper just before serving.

This is a modified version of the same titled recipe from Christmas with Southern Living 2001 and adapted for the slow cooker.

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Recipes

Indoor S’mores

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February 6, 2009  

smore

8 Cups Golden Grahams Cereal (you could just break up graham crackers into small pieces)
6 Cups Mini Marshmallows
1 1/2 C Chocolate Chips
5 T Margarine or Butter
1 Teaspoon Vanilla

Melt 5 cups marshmallows, the chocolate chips and margarine in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until completely melted and blended.  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.  Measure cereal into a large bowl; butter 13″ by 9″ pan.  Pour mixture over cereal until coated.  Stir in 1 cup marshmallows.  Press in pan .  Let stand until firm.

This is a quick and easy dessert!

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Recipes

Fresh Hot Donuts!!!

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December 29, 2008  

 

These donuts are a fun treat and super easy. All you need is a can of refrigerator biscuits (I prefer Pillsbury), a cap from a bottle, oil, cinnamon and sugar. Simply cut out the donut holes with the cap and drop biscuits in med to high heated oil (only enough to come up half way on the donut), cook both sides until golden brown and then drench in cinnamon sugar immediately out of the pan. They must be consumed fairly quickly which usually is not a problem!
Hint: If you have the giant biscuits you will want to split them in half  or flatten them  out a bit before cooking because they are too thick and they will finish cooking on the outside before the inside is done.

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Recipes

Treats on a Stick

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December 4, 2008  

 

It seems to me that I like to make treats on sticks.   And, it also seems that marshmallows seem to be popular around here.  I love dipping anything in chocolate.  My favorites are mandarin oranges, strawberries, pretzels and of course marshmallows.  They are fun, simple and darling!   The dipped marshmallows make a great centerpiece too.  The ones I made here are dipped in mint chocolate with sprinkles.  You can make them for any occasion.  I have made red ones for Valentines Day and light blue ones for a baby shower.  You could do any color and any type of sprinkle or topping.  I still want to try making them with crushed cashews and malt to have a homemade Rocky Road candy, one of my favorite candy bars.

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Recipes

Kris Kringle Cookies

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December 1, 2008  


Kris Kringle  Cookies

From My Great Grandma Wolcott

Makes A LOT! Depending on your cookie cutters I would guess about 6 dozen.  I will post more accurate amount this next week when we make them.  They freeze very well so I suggest making the whole batch.  They are terrific unfrosted too, anytime of year.  They will all be eaten, guaranteed!!

 

  • 2 cups butter
  • 4 cups sugar
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • 3 tsp. baking soda dissolved in 4 tbs. milk
  • 6 eggs, well beaten
  • 3 tsp. cream of tartar
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 8-10 cups flour

Cream butter and sugar together.  Add vanilla, baking soda/milk, eggs, salt and tartar.  Add 6 cups of the flour, 3 at a time.  Then add 2 more cups until the dough forms a nice ball.  Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. 

Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to rolling. Roll out on a well floured board to about 1/4 inch (the thicker the softer) and cut.  Bake at 400F for 8-12 minutes.

** I suggest that you plan rolling, cutting and baking to be done on a separate day than decorating.  This is a large batch that will be quite time consuming.  

** Alright, I have had a few requests for a frosting.  I tried to avoid this one because some people will be appalled but this is truly the best way to frost these cookies.  It is a simple icing glaze of powdered sugar and water.  I have done many buttercream frostings and all sorts of alternatives but I always come back to this basic glaze.  It is the perfect match to this cookie recipe.  I just make a big batch and add water to a desired consistency.  Then divide into separate bowls and add food coloring.  I have occasionally added some vanilla but really think the that it masks the taste of this great cookie.  A tip for frosting quickly would be to have the cookies on a cooling rack and to pour the glaze over all of them at once and then add sprinkles.  For this you would have the glaze be fairly thin.  After awhile of decorating and many cookies to go it is sometimes fun to finish the rest of them off this way.  I think they taste best after they have set for a few hours. Have fun!

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Holidays, Recipes

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