Christmas Recipes

Christmas is almost here and there are so many delicious recipes floating around...one of my old time favorites is to make my family "Magic Cookie Wonder Bars" that was my mom's traditional recipe....I love them but can only eat a few as they are so rich...there are many versions of these wonderful bars this is the one I use...

Magic Cookie Wonder Bars

• 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate pieces
• 1/2 bag coconut
• 1/2 bag chopped walnuts
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 package of graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup margarine

1. melt margarine in the bottom of a 9" x 9" glass baking dish in microwave [or melt margarine and pour in a metal 9" x 9" baking pan 
2. spread graham cracker crumbs and use a fork to dampen all the crumbs spreading them a little up the sides
3. pour the sweetened condensed milk over the crumb crust
4. sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate pieces over the milk
5. sprinkle the coconut over the chocolate pieces
6. top with the nuts
7. bake @ 350' till the top is browned a little and the sides bubbling about 20 minutes
8. let cool on a rack 
9. refrigerate about an hour
10. cut into squares and serve
11. About 12-15 servings depending on how large a piece you want [my hubby eats 3 at a time, lol]

I love these for lunch, they are easy and taste great, they remind me of the little pizza bits I used to make when I was younger, I would make them on a 1/2 a bagel with tomato sauce and a little shredded cheese with a bit of pepperoni, only now my tummy cannot handle the pepperoni so I eat it plain.. but just as good!!! If you haven't tried these you should if you're a pizza lover as I am!

One of the gals in my Red Hat  group Social Butterflies  brought this cake to our Christmas party. It was fantastic, so I am sharing it here as it is easy and everyone loves it.                                  

    

 

APPLE CAKE

3 eggs                                           ¼  t. salt

2 C sugar                                      1  C oil

2 C flour                                       ½ C  walnuts ( I slightly toast)

2 t. cinnamon                                3-4 apples diced ( green, medium

1 t. baking soda                                                           sized)

Mix all ingredients together, add 3-4 apples.  Batter will be thick.

Bake 350 degree for 45 minutes in lightly greased  9 x 13 pan … while cooling and after DO NOT COVER SEALED – or be sure air can flow around it otherwise it gets damp !!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

Red Wine and Its Positive Benefits on Your Brain and Body

I read today about Red Wine and how if you start drinking 8oz or less a day by the end of the week you will gain more energy and feel better and have better thinking than you did before..hmmm now I am not fond of Red Wine but I am going to test this out and will report back on my findings....

Most of the pathogens that threaten humans are inhibited or killed off by the acids and alcohols in wine. Because of this, wine was considered to be a safer drink than much of the available water up until the 18th century.
Wine is a mild natural tranquilizer, serving to reduce anxiety and tension. As part of a normal diet, wine provides the body with energy, with substances that aid digestion, and with small amounts of minerals and vitamins. It can also stimulate the appetite. In addition, wine serves to restore nutritional balance, relieve tension, sedate and act as a mild euphoric agent to the convalescent and especially the aged.

ANTI-CANCER & CORONARY BENEFITS 
Moderate consumption of red wine on a regular basis may be a preventative against coronary disease and some forms of cancer. The chemical components thought to be responsible are catechins, also known as flavonoids and related to tannins . Catechins are believed to function as anti-oxidants, preventing molecules known as "free-radicals" from doing cellular damage. One particular form of flavonoid, called oligomeric procyanidin, recently proved to prevent hardening of the arteries.
There are also compounds in grapes and wine (especially red wine, grape juice, dark beers and tea, but absent in white wine, light beers and spirits) called resveratrol and quercetin. Clinical and statistical evidence and laboratory studies have shown these may boost the immune system, block cancer formation, and possibly protect against heart disease and even prolong life.  Red Wine is cn be considered a "youth" drink and a great food for the brain!!


There's 125 calories in one 6 oz glass of red wine...so drink up!!! IT's good for you. 

Let's Make a Halloween Drink

Wouldn't you love to serve a "Spooky Drink" to everyone? There are a ton of Spooky recipes like "Spider Web Brownies" and "Vampire Blood Smoothies" in a fantastic book by Linda Sadler’s "101 Spooktacular Halloween Party Ideas.

Try this easy "Black Magic Punch" recipe that will cool down all your guests at your unforgettable Halloween party.

Black Magic Punch

• 1 liter bottle Ginger Ale (refrigerated in advance)
• 1 small envelope unsweetened orange soft drink mix
•  1 small envelope unsweetened grape soft drink mix
• 2 cups white sugar
• 3 quarts cold water

1. In a large punch bowl, mix together orange and grape mixes, sugar and water—stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add the ginger ale.
3. Serve and enjoy. Makes 20-1/2 cups of punch.

An Easy Way To Shuck Corn

This is so simple and so clean I had to post this since I had posted the easy way to cook them in your cooler

What is Cooler Corn?

I received this recipe for cooking corn on the cob from my daughter and I have to say as life long camper I have never heard of this way of cooking corn? But WOW what a revelation, and not only for camping either. I mean what about large family gatherings or parties? No more struggling to fit the corn into a pot or finding a pot big enough to even accommodate all the corn. Now its easy and I don't have to cut the cobs in half anymore either. I am truly a "Happy Camper" as the saying goes!!!! 

The Best Way to Cook Corn on the Cob    "It's Cooler Corn"   All you need is  1 large cooler clean it out fill with the corn [shucked of course] add 2 pots of boiling water close cooler  let it sit for 30 minutes then eat Voila!!! That's it....and it will last perfectly cooked for about 2 hours.  Has anyone else heard of "cooler corn"? A real genius method for cooking loads of corn on the cob perfectly every time. And there's no fuss or dirty pots This is so easy to do. Opps I guess there is a pot because you have to have boiling water...but at least its easy to clean. Turns out, Cooler Corn is pretty well known among the outdoorsy set (I found a handful of mentions on various camping websites). But for those of us who avoid tents as much as possible, it's perfect for large barbecues and way less of mess than grilling. In fact, I may even buy another cooler just so I'm ready for the next corn fest!!! Yummy...

Fun and Pumpkin Pie Easy to Make!!

Ok I have not been posting lately, my life seems to have been put in a whirlwind and seems like I just cannot get caught up. :( So before I post a Halloween Recipe lets have some fun thanks to Chatty Crone.

Moo Shoe Pork

Answer Below

Thank you Chatty Crone

An Easy Pumpkin Pie:
INGREDIENTS


3/4cup sugar1 1/2teaspoons pumpkin pie spice1/2teaspoon salt1can (15 oz) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)1 1/4cups evaporated milk or half and half2eggs, beaten1Pillsbury® Pet-Ritz® frozen deep-dish pie crustDIRECTIONS

1 Heat oven to 425°F. In large bowl, mix filling ingredients. Pour into pie crust. 2 Bake 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F; bake 40 to 50 minutes longer or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool 2 hours. Serve or refrigerate until serving time. Store in refrigerator.











Cow-e-socky

French Toast

I love French Toast...and this recipe for Cream sounds GREAT!!!  (from All Recipes)

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
6 slices French Bread
5 eggs
1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon brandy-based orange liqueur (Grand Marnier)
14 teaspoon salt
(note--I think a pinch of cinnamon would be good)
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Mix in brown sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved.
Pour mixture into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.

Remove crusts from bread (note--I thought this step was silly, so I skipped it).
Arrange bread in the baking dish in a single layer.

In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, vanilla, orange brandy, and salt.
Pour over bread.
Cover and chill at least 8 hours, or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Remove dish from refrigerator and bring to room temperature.
Bake uncovered 35 to 40 minutes, or until puffed and lightly browned.

Here's a slightly different version by Smitten Kitchen, using brioche. Yum!http://smittenkitchen.com/2011/05/creme-brulee-french-toasts/

Cool Snacks

ARE YOU HOT???

Here are 10 great snacks to keep you cool................

1. Try some cooled hard boiled eggs with a little sea salt
2. a Smoothie is great it will fill you up and give you energy along with a quick cool down
3. Frozen Grapes are great they give you a cool mouth and also are sweet without any milky base
4. Cold Noodle dishes are delicious and have terrific filling attributes
5. Of Course Ice Cream is a favorite, any flavor does the trick
6. Ice cold Water is the best for filling you up so you don't eat too heavy and also to cool your insides, plus add a lemon or orange slice for a little flavor
7. Spicy foods are another way to go, they make you sweat and then cause a cooling feeling with the outside winds or a fanning
8. Jerky, homemade is the best, it is a good one for substance and fills you up
9. Watermellon is terrific it not only cools you up but you can eat a ton and not gain a lot since it is mostly made up of water. :)
10. Spring Rolls are great just roll them up and fill your tummys!

Enjoying Sweets Without The guilt!!!

                                                 

                        Over at "Sweet Tea makes Three" she has the recipe for this wonderful no bake Banna Cake....

Ok here is a favorite of mine: 
                                     Oreo Pudding Dessert

 

This one without the vanilla pudding

Ingredients:

• crumbled Oreos [light]
• 1 whole Oreo
• light chocolate [dark fudge] instant pudding
• light vanilla instant pudding
• semi sweet chocolate chips
• light whipped cream

Make small dessert cups, pour 3 of Oreos in bottom of cup, layer with semi sweet chips, chocolate pudding, whip cream, vanilla pudding, and top with whipped cream and sprinkle a little Oreos over top! Yummy...ok maybe not real "light" but sure is good!!!  :)

Is Summer Here??? A Fresh Salad

Its suppose to be summer today....hmmmmm but in summer a wonderful crisp and refreshing salad is a great thing to have...when I was younger my mom always had Gargonzo Beans around but she called them "Chi Chi Beans" I always popped them into my mouth as a snack..here is a salad to treat yourself too...

Ingredients:


1 can (8 – 10oz) "chi-chi" beans[garbonzo]
1 cup bean Sprouts

1 small onion diced

1 small tomato diced

1/2 tbsp lime or lemon juice

A few sprigs of fresh cilantro chopped
Salt as per taste




Directions:


Mix all the ingredients together except cilantro and cover it with a plastic wrap and refrigerate it in the morning if you would like to eat it in the evening. The lime juice tends to tenderize the sprout and makes it a little soft and blend more well into the salad. Serve chilled by garnishing with cilantro. You will be so glad you tried this recipe which is as simple as this yet so fulfilling and delicious.
Enjoy!!!

Smores Slumber Party

Smores are a favorite of mine...So last Saturday when the gals and I got together for a stitchin Slumber Party I made some for us to munch on while we enjoyed watching "Welcome to Mooseport" with Ray Ramone and "Housesitter" with Steve Allen and Goldie Hawn...yummy...

This is the easy way...

You'll need:

• a jar of Marshmellow cream
• some graham crackers
• 1 bag of semi sweet chocolate pieces

Directions: 

• break the graham crackers in half
• spread some marshmellow cream on one half
• sprinkle with chocolate pieces
• top with 2nd half
• microwave for 33 seconds [depending on your microwave]

Enjoy and watch out they are addictive!!!

Pasties Yummy....

I found a wonderful recipe called "Pasties" on a new blog friend's blog "Crochet and Orchids" and I just had to share it with you all here....This is a true winner and one I want to make for my upcoming "Summer Party" with my stitching group in 3 weeks....Enjoy.........

Pastie Recipe.





The ingredients are: 

• 500 grams lamb mince [or chicken]
• 2 large swedes
• 3 large carrots
• 4 large potatoes.

Directions:

1. grate the potatoes
2. rinse thoroughly through a sieve and squeeze dry [You can use a clean tea towel or paper towel for this]
3. 2 chicken stock cubes or 2 tspns stock powder, black pepper (lots)
4. 6 sheets puff pastry rolled as thin as possible
5. cut out circles. [you can an ordinary soup or cereal bowl for the shape]
6. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl
7. Wet half the edge of a circle with water and place a small dessert spoon of mix on half the pastry
8. Fold over until the edges meet and press together

1. crinkle the edges with your fingers or a fork
2. Preheat oven to 220o c.
3. Place pasties on tray covered with baking paper and place in oven turning oven down to 180o c.
4. Cook for 30 mins.
5. Allow to cook slightly before sampling. Enjoy!!

She says she likes to grate all her ingredients.

Ready to go into the oven.

Try this one with Beef:

Pasty Recipe


2 lbs ground beef (uncooked)
3-4 good size potatoes
½ large onion
4-5 celery stalks
½ rutabaga (optional, but I suggest at least trying it.)
½ turnip (optional)
12-15 baby carrots
Salt and pepper to taste

Makes 8-10 pasties

1. Chop potatoes into small squares. About the size of a French fry, cubed.
2. Chop rutabaga, carrots, and turnip into smaller squares. Chop onion into small pieces.
3. Combine everything in a large mixing bowl. (By hand is easiest.)
4. Roll out pie crust to approx. 9” diameter circles, one for each pasty. [Store-bought pie crust works fine too, and is much easier]
5. For each crust, put in about 1 cup of the mixture of veggies and ground beef, onto one half of the crust.
6. As you scoop it into a cup, it’s easy to see that you get a good variety of all ingredients.
7. Fold over the crust. Pinch together the edges.
8. Place small slits in the top of the crust.
9. Bake at 375 for one hour.

They are ready to eat! Enjoy. They can also be frozen if they won’t be eaten in the next couple days. For frozen pasties, they can be heated in an oven at 350 for about 40-45 minutes. After about 20 minutes, you might want to cut them in half, to help the middle of the pasties thaw and heat thoroughly. As a variation, add a can of Cream of Celery soup to the beef and veggie mixture to help moisten it.

Now for those of you that have a sweet tooth try this scrumptious
Pumpkin Filled Pasty

 Make your dough from scratch or from a store bought pie crust....
Pumpkin filling


You’ll probably have leftovers so go ahead and halve this if you want, or make a little pie with the leftovers.


1 cup raw cashews[or walnuts]
Water to blend cashews
1 16 oz can pumpkin
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
½ cup sugar
¾ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger


Place cashews in a food processor, add ¼ cup water and mix on high speed until a paste has formed. Add more water 1 Tablespoon at a time if necessary. (You could also try soaking and draining the cashews before hand so not as much water will need to be added or leave whole for a crunchier taste)


Add pumpkin and cornstarch and blend again until smooth and no cashew chunks are visible. Add a little extra water if necessary. The key is to make sure the filling is thick enough so that it doesn’t ooze out of the little pies. Add in the sugar and spices and blend to combine.


*** Or if you're lazy like me buy a can of pumpkin filling and add some of your favorite nuts and more spices if you want....

• Assemble
• Preheat oven to 400 F
• Roll out dough to a little less than ¼ inch thick and cut into 3 ½ to 4 inch circles using a biscuit cutter or a drinking glass.
• Take one round and stretch it out a bit
• place about 2 tsps of filling in the center.
• Fold circle over into a half moon shape and press down the edges with a fork to close.
• Make a little slit in the top and sprinkle with a little sugar if you want
• Transfer to greased or parchment covered baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes until pasties are golden brown.

Yummy....................

***Some Variations for any Pasty..

• apple pie filling
• homemade cream corn [make thick]
• thin sliced tri tip
• peach pie filling
• ham and cream cheese
• and here's a different one....peanut butter and/or apple butter

Bon Appétit~~~~~