Cute Christmas Reindeer Goodies

Melt almond bark, and dip nutter butter cookies. add edible eyes or make them with white and black icing.Use a red m&m for the nose.  Before the chocolate dries add  broken pretzels.  Idea from Munchkin Munchies

 

Bake cupcakes  and frost.
Use pretzel for antlers.  You can also break them

Use a Vanilla Wafer for the face,

White white candy for the the eyes or make from icing.

Use red candies for the nose  or Chocolate balls

Photo: With Sprinkles on Top

Reindeer Candy Bars are made by covering a candy bar with a plain wrapper and cutting out red noses, antlers, and gluing wiggle eyes.  Photo: Kerry's Paper Crafts.

Use a roll of sugar cookies found in the dairy section. Cut sugar cookies into triangles and bake.  Frost triangles with chocolate and decorate with pretzels and round candies.  Photo: All you.
More Christmas Ideas

Fun Graduation Food

Here is a cool idea for graduation parties.  This photo and cheese diploma is from Family Fun.

• Sandwich Meat (1 slice per diploma)
• Sliced cheese (Swiss or provolone work best)

• Scallions
• Red, orange, and green bell pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. For each diploma, stack a slice of sandwich meat on a slice of cheese.
2. Roll them up and tie each diploma with a scallion.
3. For a festive presentation, jazz up the plate with chopped pepper confetti.
   

Lasagne Cupcakes

How clever is this is....personal size lasagne.  I've had puff pastry in my freezer for months.  I keep looking at the box and thinking, what can I make with you. 
 There are a lot of easy, fast recipes at Tablespoon.Com.  I love easy recipes with few ingredients.  Nothing turns me off faster than a list of 20 ingredients, or even 10 ingredients.  If you are like me, you want easy and you want it fast.  Check out the website for the recipe.  I can't wait to try it.  We just had homemade lasagna yesterday.  These would be great for a potluck dinner.  I can't see a single one of them coming back home....lol

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Recipe for Snicker Cake

I found a recipe for a snicker cake at Six Sisters Stuff.  I recently posted a snicker bar recipe but I couldn't resist this one for a snicker cake.  I love the simplicity of this recipe.  It uses German chocolate cake mix and Kraft caramels.  Oooy gooy goodness and pretty simple to make.  It has no topping but who needs it with all the good stuff in this cake.  Be sure to visit the site to get the instructions for this luscious chocolate cake.

 

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Homemade Snicker Bars

OMG...I'm in love!  These homemade snicker bars are from a site called Brown Eyed Baker.  You can go there to get her step by step recipe to make these delicious looking bars.  The good part is no stove is needed.  This would be the perfect summer (fall, spring, and winter) dessert.   They would be good frozen too.  You could cut them into small  bite size pieces.  Portion control, unless you eat the whole recipe.

Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

My son got out the cheese grater the other day and asked if I would make some mac and cheese.  I tried to get him to make it because I was busy.  He's 21 and very capable of cooking.  Of course he said, Mom no one can make Macaroni and Cheese like you.  To make a long story short, you know who ended up making the dish.
I make most of my favorite dishes without a recipe.  Here is how I make my Mac and cheese.  For the sake of readers, I will add the measurements.


2 cups of cooked pasta
1 can of cheddar cheese soup
1 egg
Milk  (add a little heavy cream-optional)

Salt and pepper
Lots of cheese


Drain pasta, add cheddar cheese soup, egg, salt, pepper, and mix.
Now I add the milk and cream, I use no measurement on this.  I add it to the noodles until they float (alot).

Put half the pasta in a dish and put shredded cheese on top.  Add remainder of pasta and end with cheese on the top. 

Bake at 350 degrees for an hour or until golden brown.
I cook mine uncovered but adding a cover makes it cook up softer.

 
Floating the noodles with the  milk is the secret to a creamy  dish.  Who wants to cut mac and cheese.


This dish takes no time to cook and assemble and is always the star of the dinner table.

Pepperoni Rolls

  Ran across this recipe the other day and it is definitely a must try soon so I can impress my family recipe.  It come from the What about Pie blog. She shows step by step how to set up this mouth watering dish.  She uses frozen loaf rolls.  Here are some variations:

• use refrigerated pizza crust
• add spinach (yum, yum)
• add tomatoes
• dip in marinara sauce
• use frozen rolls to make individual-sized ones
• use mozzarella cheese
• add deli meats
• use olive oil on bread to keep from sogging
• use crescent rolls
• use refrigerated pie shells (the rolled kind)

There are so many ways to make this recipe a hit with your family.  You will look like a Culinary Goddess.

Easy Cheese Biscuits with Garlic Spread

 Here is a simple recipe for Cheese biscuits with a garlic spread. I just want biscuits, but the garlic spread sweetens the deal.  This comes from the Duggar Family. I love biscuits but I just can't grasp how to make them.  My husband says practice makes perfect, I think he just wants biscuits..... I believe this is a recipe that is do-able even for me.... Can't wait to Wow him with these.


Biscuit:

1 1/4 lbs. Bisquik

3 oz.  shredded cheddar cheese 

11 oz. cold water

Garlic Spread:

1/2 cup melted butter 

1 t. garlic powder 

1/4 t. salt 

1/8 t. onion powder 

1/8 t. dried parsley

 Mix Bisquik™, cheese and water until dough is firm. Using a small scoop, place the dough on a baking pan lined with baking paper. Bake in 375° oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. While biscuits bake, combine all spread ingredients. Brush baked biscuits with the garlic topping.

Duggar Family Recipe
Photo by Greek Philosopher

Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

Here is a Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake I just made.  Why this delicious cake is called dump cake I will never understand.  It is sooo good, and though easy to make, it certainly isn't dumped into the dish.  I made this dessert to take to a friend.  Why is it everything leaving your house smells so good and it is just begging for you to taste it...

Here is a step by step tutorial 

  In a mixing bowl add
    1 can of cherry pie filling
    1 can of crushed pineapple (drained)
Mix well and add to a greased or sprayed casserole dish

Next put a box of yellow cake mix(dry) on top and spread evenly.

 This is the secret to a beautiful cake...butter squares (1quarter).  Next time I will not line them up so neat but spread them over the top of the cake so i won't have that boxy look.
Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes until golden brown.  I used the broiler the last few minutes.  I got it a little browner than I would have liked.  Tip...never eat last night's left overs while you have anything on broil.

       Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe

1 can of cherry pie filling
1 can of crushed pineapple (drained)
1  box yellow cake mix
1  stick butter or margarine


Mix together pie filling and pineapple and put in the bottom of a greased casserole dish
Put dry cake mix on top and spread evenly
Cut butter into squares and place on top of cake mix

Cook at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes.  Make sure the top is browned well to get that crunchy texture.

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Love, love, love this recipe from Farm Chicks.  I'm making this to take to a Fall Festival this weekend.  See those layers, it's graham crackers.  What I'm going to do is to take a boxed cheesecake and add pumpkin pie filling to it and layer it with the graham crackers.  I can only see it working.... I'm always adding something to the plain cheesecake kits.  I'm so excited about this cake.
My husband is always telling me not to take something to a get together that I have never made before...I say  take risks, change things up, try something new.  Will update you after the festival...We will see who is right, him or me.
Click on Farm Chicks for her recipe.


UPDATE I won runner up with my pumpkin cheesecake (Jello Cheesecake) that I added the pumpkin pie filling to.  The judge had a hard time deciding between mine and a pumpkin pound cake (that was delicious).  The pound cake was from scratch so she deserved to win....but mine was really good.  The next time I will use 2 boxes and add just a touch more pumpkin.

Fast and Easy Mexican Casserole

I love this casserole on hot days when you don't want to crank the oven up.  This is a microwavable dish that takes only 6 minutes cook time.  I found this recipe at Southern Plate and couldn't wait to try it.
Here is how to make this delicious dish. You will need:

• Line a pie plate or shallow microwave dish with a 10" tortilla.
• 2 or more cups of shredded chicken (Rotisserie chicken works well)
• 8 oz sour cream
• 2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro
• pack taco seasoning
• 2 cups Shredded cheese-divided
• 1 French fried onion rings- divided

In a mixing bowl, Put chicken, sour cream, half of cheese, half of onions, taco seasoning and cilantro, mix well.  Tear one of the tortillas into small pieces and add to mixture. Mix again.
Line a pie plate or dish with a tortilla, put the mixture on top.  Cook 5 minutes in the microwave.  Top with the other half of cheese and fried onion rings and microwave until cheese is melted.  Everything is already cooked so the microwave is just heating and melting the cheese.   Add a salad and dinner is served. This is a dish Chef Gordon Ramsey would approve.

4th of July Cake

 What a gorgeous cake this is.  The perfect cake for a Fourth of July celebration or a birthday.  The recipe is below, but you can visit
 Recipe Girl to get more tips on the frosting for the cake.  Love the sprinkles and I know kids will.  That was one thing that my children loved when they were growing up.  Their cakes and  cupcakes had to have sprinkles.  I have to admit, they add a festive flair to any dessert.
What a sweet mom, she set up a website for her 10 year old son.  Be sure to visit Recipe Boy too.

Here is her recipe for this beautiful cake.

Red, White and Blue Cake

Yield: 10 to 12 servings

Prep Time: 20 min

Cook Time: 20 min

A festive cake for a red, white and blue holiday celebration...

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups cake flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
4 large egg whites
1 1/2 cups granulated white sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
red and blue gel paste coloring

Directions:

1. Center two racks in the oven and preheat oven to 350°F. Spray three 8 or 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick spray. Add a spoonful of flour to each, shake it around and tap out the excess.

2. To Make Cake: Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk together buttermilk and egg whites in a medium bowl. In a large separate, large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend together butter and sugar; beat at medium speed for a full 3 minutes, until the mixture is very light. Beat in the extract, then add one third of the flour mixture, still beating on medium speed. Beat in half of the buttermilk-egg mixture, then beat in half of the remaining dry ingredients until incorporated. Add the rest of the buttermilk and eggs, then add the last of the dry ingredients. Finally, give the batter a good 2 minute beating to ensure that it is thoroughly mixed and well aerated. Divide the batter evenly between three glass bowls. Color two of the bowls of batter- one dark red and one dark blue. Just add the color a little at a time until you reach the hue you'd like. Scoop each of the batters into their own prepared pan.

3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes for 8-inch rounds (15 to 20 for 9-inch), or until the cakes have risen and are springy to the touch- a toothpick inserted into the centers should come out clean. Transfer cakes to cooling racks and cool for about 5 minutes, then run a knife around the sides of the cakes. Invert and cool to room temperature right side up on wire racks. When cooled, frost the cake as you would a 3-layer cake, frosting each layer before adding the next, and then covering the whole cake with frosting too.

Father's Day Grill Cupcakes

Cute cupcakes for Dad for any occasion, but especially great for Chef Dad on Father's Day. What dad wouldn't smile when he receives these special cupcakes for his special day.  See instructions below to make each grill looking cupcake.

Ingredients

• Brownie batter
• Black food coloring
• White frosting
• Orange sugar

• Caramel creams
• Red, yellow, and green candy fruit slices
• Hot Tamales candies

Instructions

1. To make a batch of 12, place liners in a muffin pan, oil them, and fill them two thirds full of your favorite brownie batter, then bake according to the recipe directions. Let the brownies cool.
   
2. In a small bowl, mix one or two drops of black food coloring with 1/4 cup white frosting. Transfer the frosting to a ziplock bag and snip a small section from the corner. Pipe grate lines onto each brownie and let them set for 20 minutes. Add embers with a sprinkle of orange sugar.
   
3. Prepare the grill food as instructed below and press it in place atop each brownie.
   
   Kebabs = A caramel cream and red, yellow, and green candy fruit slices, cut into small pieces + toothpick skewers
   
   Pork chop = two thirds of a caramel cream, molded with fingers + black food coloring, applied with a toothpick
   
   Hot dogs = Hot Tamales candies + black food coloring, applied with a toothpick
    
   From Family Fun
   

Fruit Kabobs for The Fourth of July

This  4th of July Idea is from Frugal Girls and I like it. I'm dieting and trying to add more fruit into my diet.  I have to trick myself into eating fruit .I  think  marshmallows may help. Anything with sugar helps.  We have a blueberry bush in our yard and I hate them, but with a marshmallow right smack behind it, I just may be able to swallow it.  They used colorful star marshmallows and it  really sets this dish off. To all fruit lovers, enjoy....to the rest of us good luck.

Cookies made with Pop Tarts

OH MY GOSH....this woman is a genius...cookies make with delicious pop tarts. Heaven on Earth.  Here is the recipe but visit her site for other great ideas. I'm making this for the concession my son runs for Relay for Life...we are predicting they will be a hit.  

* white chocolate chips (I used half of the bag but you can use as much as you like.)
* 2 1/4 cups flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup butter, softened
* 3/4 cup brown sugar
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 2 large eggs

Preheat over to 325. (This is if you are using a muffin top pan. If you are not, preheat over to 375.)

* Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
* Beat butter, sugar and brown sugar and vanilla until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
* Gradually beat in flour mixture.
* Stir in white chocolate chips.
* Then I crumbled up the pop tarts and folded them into the dough.

Baked Banana

Here is an interesting recipe for a banana.  I never thought a baked banana would a"peel" to me but this sounds like something I could sink my teeth into....ooey gooey goodness for few calories. This recipe is from Joy the Baker who just has some of the greatest recipes and a sense of humor to match.

Here are the instructions on how to assemble and bake this surprising treat.

Baked Bananas

Makes:  one banana

1 banana

2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips

1 tablespoons white chocolate chips

1 tablespoon sweetened shredded coconut

1 tablespoon roasted and salted peanuts

Place a rack in the center of the oven and place a baking sheet on the rack.  Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Cut the head and butt of of a whole banana.  Slice lengthwise down the peel (not through the entire banana, just the peel) and open the peel, revealing just the top of the banana.

Stuff banana with chocolate chips, coconut  and cuts.  Wrap loosely in foil and place on baking sheet to cook for 15 minutes.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before unwrapping and enjoying straight from the peel.  Get in there.
Gifts for  Chefs, Cooks, and Bakers

Strawberry Tuxedos

How adorable are these?  This would be great for Bridal Parties or at a wedding reception. Here are the directions from  pastry chef  Elizabeth LaBau. Though the recipe seems long, it is only 4 basic steps. Love these.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large strawberries
• 12 oz chocolate candy coating
• 12 oz white chocolate candy coating

Preparation:

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil or waxed paper and set aside for now. Wash the strawberries and dry them carefully, as excess water can interfere with the dipping process.
2. Melt the white chocolate candy coating in the microwave, stirring after every 30 seconds to prevent overheating. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
3. Dip a strawberry into the white chocolate until it is almost submerged, but leave about 1/2-inch of undipped berry at the top. Allow excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl, and scrape the bottom of the berry against the lip of the bowl to remove excess white chocolate that might pool around the bottom of the berry. Place the berry onto the foil-lined baking sheet, and repeat with remaining berries, until all have been dipped in white chocolate.
4. Place the dipped berries in the refrigerator to set the white chocolate while you prepare the dark chocolate for dipping. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and melt it, stirring after every 30 seconds to prevent overheating. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
5. Once the white chocolate is completely set on the berries, take one berry and dip it into the dark chocolate at a 45-degree angle, so that the chocolate covers one side of the berry on the diagonal. Now turn it in the opposite direction and dip the other side on a 45-degree angle. The final result should be a berry that has a white "V" of chocolate showing through a darker outer coating.
6. Allow excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl, and scrape the bottom of the berry against the lip of the bowl to remove excess chocolate that might pool around the bottom of the berry. Place the berry onto the foil-lined baking sheet, and repeat with remaining berries, until all have been dipped in dark chocolate.
7. Now it's time to give your berries bow ties and buttons. To pipe these on, you can use a piping bag fitted with a small round attachment, a paper cone, or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off. Whichever method you choose, spoon some melted chocolate into your tool of choice. Make a bow tie by drawing two connected triangles at the top of the white V. Below this, place two or three dots for buttons. Repeat until all of your strawberries are decorated.
8. Place the tray back in the refrigerator to set the dark chocolate, for about 10 minutes. Your Tuxedo Strawberries are now ready to eat! They will keep in the refrigerator for several days, but I think they are best soon after they are made. If you do save them for 2-3 days, expect to see some condensation on them as they come to room temperat

Holiday Mexican Fruitcake

I don't know why this cake is called a Mexican Fruitcake but let me assure you it is delicious. This is my sister in law Jeannie's recipe  but I think it originally came from my mother in law who is a fabulous southern cook. 
When I was pulling it out of the oven I told my husband I forgot to flour the fruit, but as you can see it didn't drop to the bottom of the cake. This is a great cake to have during the holidays
when family and friends are dropping by. Here is the recipe :



1 spice cake mix
4 eggs
2 cups applesauce
1 container of mixed dried fruit 
1 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup raisins
1 tablespoon vanilla flavoring
4 cups chopped pecans


Mix cake mix, eggs, and applesauce in a large mixing bowl. Add vanilla and mix
Flour fruit and nuts and add to mixture
Grease and flour cake pan
Pour mixture into pans and bake at 275 degrees for 1 hour before opening the oven. Test with a toothpick.  When it comes out clean, it's done.

Donut Burgers

Unbelievable....using a doughnut as a hamburger bun. I've heard of sweet and salty, but sweet, salty and greasy....uck!!! Just my opinion but I wanted to share this new concoction that has surfaced...Paula Deen tried it too, adding an egg. Not sure if she had the burger on there too. This was the brain storm of a Decatur GA chef.
Moving on....getting a little queasy....

*This article from Take Part News

Food Blog

Just found this great blog...Joy the Baker....Fun site with alot of great recipes. I like simple recipes and lots of photos and she has both. This is a berry cobbler that I'm going to try since I have a lot of blueberries in my freezer.
Another one I want to try is the black pepper cheddar biscuits. I've never been lucky at making biscuits, but I believe I can do this...Check out this site...find a recipe you love, get the apron and bake, bake bake. Great recipes and a sense of humor...pure Joy. Be sure to check the recipe Index