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Berry Pudding Cake

Berry Pudding Cake

berry2 cups fresh blueberries, rinsed
2 cups fresh raspberries, rinsed
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar

In a 9- by 13-inch baking dish, mix blueberries and raspberries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Spread level. In a bowl, whisk eggs, olive oil, orange peel, vanilla, and remaining 1 cup granulated sugar. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Pour batter evenly over berry mixture and gently spread to cover berries. Bake cake in a 350° regular or convection oven until top springs back slightly when gently pressed in the center, 28 to 35 minutes. Let cool at least 10 minutes; serve warm or cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving, and scoop portions onto plates.

Kangaroo Pancakes

Kangaroo Pancakes

Pancake Mix
Cocoa
1 Marshmallow
Chocolate Chips

Start out by making your pancake mix according to directions. Pour a little bit of the mix into a small bowl. This will be the baby. Pour a little bit of cocoa in the rest of the mix. Pour your chocolate pancake mix into a pan on low heat making 3 medium size pancakes & 1 small pancake. Use the small pancake for the head. Use one of the med. pancakes for the body. Cut another one in half & place that on top. This will create the pouch. Cut out the other features like the ears, tail, etc.. Using kitchen scissors with the other half. We cut the feet & hands out the last pancake using round cookie cutters. You can also just use your kitchen scissors. Cut a marshmallow in half for the eyes. We used chocolate chips for the face, hands, & feet. Pour the rest of your regular pancake mix in the pan & make a small circle. Cut out the baby kangaroo & place in the pouch.

Perfect Blueberry Pancakes

Perfect Blueberry Pancakes

Blueberry-Pancakes1 C. buttermilk
1 egg
2 T. canola oil
juice of 1/2 a lemon
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 C. all-purpose flour
1 T. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
blueberries
butter for cooking

Mix all wet ingredients together (milk, egg, oil, lemon juice and extracts). Combine the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt) separately, and whisk them into the wet ingredients. Heat a pan and add butter to coat. Make the perfect size pancake by ladling 1/3 C. batter onto the pan, and add a few blueberries to each cake. Cook on one side until bubbles form and the edges become crusty, about 3-5 minutes, then flip and continue cooking until pancakes are golden brown.

School Morning Waffles

School Morning Waffles

untitledPam
2 C. Bisquick
1 ½ C. Buttermilk
1 large Egg
2 T. Canola Oil

Preheat waffle iron until hot. Mist with cooking spray. Heat oven to 250 degrees with a baking sheet inside (for keeping waffles hot while you prepare more). Mix biscuit mix, buttermilk, egg and oil in mixing bowl and stir until well incorporated. Ladle appropriate amount for your waffle iron into the hot waffle iron and cook until finished (about 1/3 C. for 3-5 minutes). Transfer to oven to keep warm while you repeat with remaining batter. Serve

Dippy Eggs with Cheese-Fried Toast Soldiers

Dippy Eggs with Cheese-Fried Toast Soldiers

Dipper-Eggs-003Note: The recipe indicates to use a cast-iron skillet, but we found a non-stick skillet was easier to use and clean.

2 thick slices sturdy sandwich bread
1½ tablespoons mayonnaise
¼ cup finely grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional)
2 to 4 eggs, depending on appetite
Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Smoked paprika

Fill a saucepan with water deep enough to cover the eggs by 2 inches. Bring the water to a simmer, then reduce the heat so that the water is only quivering. Meanwhile, heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. On a board, spread one side of each slice of bread with a thin coating of mayonnaise. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the slices, then press gently to secure the fleecy layer of cheese. Flip the bread over. Spread the second side with more mayonnaise and cover with the remaining cheese, patting down again. Fry the bread in the hot pan until evenly golden brown and crisp, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Sprinkle with the chives while hot, then set aside to keep warm if needed. Meanwhile, once the water is at the proper temperature, use a strainer or slotted spoon to carefully lower the eggs into their bath. Cook for exactly 6 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain the barest simmer, with tiny bubbles just breaking the surface. When the timer dings, remove each egg with the slotted spoon and place in an egg cup. Lop off each top with a knife. Season with salt and pepper and paprika. (Alternative: If you don’t have egg cups, run the eggs under cold water until cool enough to handle, then rap the fat end against the counter and peel gently. Place in a small bowl, split, and dip away.) Cut the toasts into strips and have at it. Be sure to keep seasoning the eggs as you devour them.

Sticky Honey Chicken Drumsticks

Sticky Honey Chicken Drumsticks

6 mediustickym chicken drumsticks (about 120g each)
Dash of freshly ground black pepper

3 T. honey
2 T. light soy sauce
2 T. tomato ketchup
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. sweet chilli sauce
1 tsp. garlic (crushed)
1 tsp. grated ginger

Roasted sesame seeds (optional)

.Remove the papery skin from a clove of garlic. Squeeze the garlic through a garlic crusher. Peel a piece of root ginger and grate it on a fine grater. Combine all the ingredients for the marinade in a bowl and set aside. Slash 2 lines on the drumsticks with a knife and season with freshly ground black pepper. Pour the marinade over to coat the drumsticks and transfer all (together with the liquid) to a ziplop bag. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least two hours, or overnight (for best results). 30 minutes before baking, remove the drumsticks from the fridge. Preheat the oven at 200°C. Place the marinated drumsticks (together with the marinade) on a baking dish and bake for 40 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown, turning (with a pair of tongs) and basting (note 3) the drumsticks every 10 minutes or so. After baking, filter the leftover sauce through a sieve. Pour the sauce over a small sauce pan and simmer until thicken. Pour over the chicken drumsticks and sprinkle the roasted sesame seeds before serving.

Parmesan Chicken Strips

Parmesan Chicken Strips

cs8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fat-free Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon chili powder or Hungarian paprika or to taste
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 egg, beaten

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut the chicken into 1-inch strips. Mix the cheese, chili powder, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Dip the chicken in the egg and coat with the cheese mixture. Arrange the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and light brown, turning once. Serve with fat-free ranch salad dressing, if desired.

No-Bake Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars

No-Bake Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars

chocpbgranolabars-72/3 cup light corn syrup (brown rice syrup to keep vegan or honey may be substituted)
Heaping 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt, optional and to taste
2 cups quick cook oats (Quaker, Bob’s, or similar; don’t use whole-rolled oats, pulse/grind briefly if that’s what you have)
2 cups crispy rice cereal (Rice Krispies, Erewhon, or similar)
1 cup mini semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, divided

Line an 8×8-inch pan with aluminum foil leaving overhang, spray with cooking spray; set aside. In a large, microwave-safe bowl combine corn syrup, peanut butter, brown sugar, and heat on high power for 1 minute; stir to combine. Return bowl to micro and heat for 1 more minute on high power, and stir to combine. Add vanilla, cocoa, optional salt, and whisk to combine. Add oats and stir to combine. Add 1 cup rice cereal and gently stir to combine so cereal doesn’t become too crushed. Slowly add the second cup of cereal, stirring while adding to incorporate. Mixture will be very thick, which is good so bars hold together after they’re set up. However, if your mixture seems extremely thick or dry, and doesn’t quite need the entire second cup or cereal, refrain from adding it all. Add 3/4 cup chocolate chips and stir to combine. The mixture is warm and chips will likely begin to melt, which is okay but the less stirring, the less melting. Reserve remaining 1/4 cup chips. Turn mixture out into prepared pan and pack it down firmly with a spatula or hands. Evenly sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips and very lightly tap them down with a spatula. Cover pan with a sheet of foil (to prevent fridge/freezer smells) and place pan in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours or in the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until bars have set up. Using foil overhang, remove bars from pan, place on cutting board, and slice. Mine are sliced 4-inches long by 1/2-inch wide, similar in size and shape to Quaker Chewy Granola Bars. Wrap bars individually in plasticwarp. Bars will keep wrapped in plasticwrap inside a large ziplock at room temperature for up to 1 month, in the fridge for up to 2 months, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Pancake Apple Rings

Pancake Apple Rings

applepancakeApple cider
Lemon juice and zest
Cinnamon
1 C. Bisquick Baking Mix
1 Egg
1/2 C. Milk
1 Tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
Zest of 1/2 Lemon
2 Medium Apples, pared and cored

To make hot apple cider syrup: Add apple cider, lemon juice and zest, and cinnamon to a saucepan and bring to a boil. (Use your own comfort/judgement with how much to mix.) Reduce the liquid to a syrup consistency, by half. Beat baking mix, egg and milk with rotary beater until smooth. Add pumpkin pie spice and lemon zest to batter and mix until incorporated. Grease griddle. Core and cut apples crosswise in 1/8-inch slices. Using a toothpick dip slices into batter. Cook on hot griddle until golden brown, turning once. Serve hot with apple cider syrup.

How to Make Dog Bread

How to Make Dog Bread

Dog Breads

Make the dough from your favorite bread recipe, using a bread maker. Select DOUGH mode. When it’s done, push all the air out of the dough with your hands.  Divide it into 10 (if you make the dough with about 250g flour) and roll each into a ball. Cover with wet paper towels and rest for 15 minutes. Make each into an oval shape.  Cut with a knife to make the ears of the dogs, and let the dough rise until about double in size.  After the rise, make eyes and noses with black beans.  Bake for about 10 minutes at 400F.

French Toast on a Stick

French Toast on a Stick

1bdd21c00605e098019edcde300965151 cup milk (any kind of milk will work)
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cups brioche, French or sandwich bread (cut into 2 inch cubes)
1 tablespoon butter or oil
16 strawberries, stems removed
2 bananas, sliced into 1/2 inch coins
8 wooden skewers

In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, honey and cinnamon. Dip the bread cubes in the milk mixture to coat each side. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the bread for 1 1/2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Skewer the French toast cubes, strawberries and bananas and serve with maple syrup for dipping.

Green Punch

Green Punch

2 .13oz packets unsweetened lemon-lime soft drink mix, such as Kool-Aid
2 C. sugar
1 46oz can pineapple juice
12oz frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
32oz (1qt) ginger ale

795c40b5-0506-4f26-9f41-86c93d0605be

Put 2 quarts of water in a 1-gallon container. Add the drink mix and sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the pineapple juice and lemonade concentrate and stir well. Just before serving, add the ginger ale.

French Toast Roll-Ups

French Toast Roll-Ups

QB2A1929-500x3568 slices white sandwich bread
Softened cream cheese, diced strawberries, or Nutella
2 eggs
3 tablespoons milk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 heaping teaspoon ground cinnamon
Butter, for greasing the pan

Cut the crust from each slice of bread and flatten it out with a rolling pin. Place about 1-2 teaspoons of your chosen filling 1 inch from one end of the bread in a strip. Roll the bread up tightly and repeat with the remaining pieces of bread. I really like cream cheese with diced strawberries as one combination and Nutella with diced strawberries as another combination. In a shallow bowl whisk the eggs and milk until well combined. In a separate shallow bowl mix the sugar with the cinnamon. Heat a skillet set over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter. Dip each bread roll in the egg mixture coating well and then place them in the pan seam side down. Cook in batches until golden brown, turning them to cook and brown on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Add butter to the pan as needed. Add cooked rolls immediately from the pan to the cinnamon sugar and roll until completely covered in sugar. You can serve with syrup for dipping but I think they’re perfectly good all by themselves.

Easy Pull Apart Pizza Bread

Easy Pull Apart Pizza Bread

1605740f46d196aaf34e77cfb0277d0a2 Cans of Pizza Dough or Biscuits
2 cups Mozzarella cheese (or your favorite cheese)
2 tablespoons of a really good Italian seasoning (link in post) or parsley flakes
â…“ cup olive oil
8 oz. package of pepperoni
1 cup Parmesan cheese
Optional: Add a ½ teaspoon of fresh garlic or garlic powder (it’s amazing)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut pizza dough or biscuits into quarters (as shown in the photo). Cut the pepperoni into smaller pieces. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and toss so that the oil is spread evenly on each piece of dough. Bake for about 30 minutes (or until the top is brown and the center is thoroughly cooked) TIP: Be sure to check it in the middle before you pull it out. If the middle is still not cooked thoroughly be sure to leave it in another 5 minutes at a time until it’s done. Flip over on to a plate while it’s still hot. Serve with a side sauce and enjoy!

Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza

Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza

132faafbf-0a51-494e-8cc1-825a84ef9f05 loaf (1 pound) unsliced French bread
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 jar (14oz) pizza sauce
1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
8 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
2 C. finely shredded pizza cheese blend (mozzarella and Cheddar)

Heat oven to 400. Cut bread loaf horizontally in half. Cut bread halves crosswise in half to make 4 pieces (to fit on cookie sheet). Arrange on large ungreased cookie sheet. Cook beef and onion in 10″ skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain. Stir in pizza sauce. Spread beef mixture over bread. Sprinkle with tomato, bacon and cheese. Bake 12-15 minutes or until pizza is hot and cheese is melted.

Color Changing Galaxy Lemonade

Color Changing Galaxy Lemonade

Color Changing Galaxy Lemonade

 

5 T. tea containing butterfly pea

10 C. boiling water

1 C. lemon juice or lemonade

Sugar or honey, as desired

Star sprinkles

Ice

 

Prepare the tea at least one hour in advance and allow to cool. Boil water, add the butterfly pea-containing tea and let steep at least 5 minutes. Remove tea leaves and allow tea to cool for at least 15 minutes. Then place the pitcher of tea in the fridge to cool completely. Fill tall glasses with ice and fill 3/4 of the way with iced butterfly pea tea. Stir your sweetener of choice into the lemon juice (sugar, honey or other). Pour about 1/4 C. sweetened lemon juice into each glasses and watch the color change. Add star sprinkles, if desired, to complete the galaxy effect and enjoy!

Instant Pot Stovetop-Style Mac n Cheese

Instant Pot Stovetop-Style Mac n Cheese

Instant Pot Stovetop-Style Mac n Cheese

 

3 T. unsalted butter

1 medium onion, finely chopped (optional)

1 pound short pasta, such as shells or elbows

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

2 tightly packed cups shredded Cheddar-jack-mozzarella cheese blend

11⁄4 tightly packed cups shredded Gruyère, sharp Cheddar, or Gouda

1⁄4 cup grated parmesan cheese 1⁄2 cup whole milk

2 tsp. Dijon mustard (optional)

1⁄2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed

Fine sea salt

Pinch of paprika (optional)

Add the butter, onion (if using), pasta, and broth to the inner pot of the pressure cooker. Lock on the lid and Pressure Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Release the pressure manually (be careful—it will sputter; cover the valve with a cloth to catch some of the mess).  Open the lid and stir in all the cheese, the milk, mustard (if using), and 1⁄2 tsp. pepper. Add salt to taste.  Let the pasta stand in the cooker on the Keep Warm setting for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve warm, with a sprinkle of extra pepper and the paprika, if desired.

Cook’s Note:  Bubbly Cheese-Topped Mac: If you like your mac ’n’ cheese full-on in the cheese department, transfer the finished dish to a buttered 2-quart casserole, preheat the broiler and cover the casserole with 4 thin slices sharp Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of the two. Place on the lower rack and broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Craving a Golden Cracker: If you’re in the crispy bread- crumb topping camp regarding your mac ’n’ cheese, this make-ahead is for you. Preheat the broiler. Combine 1 cup panko bread crumbs with 2 T. melted butter in a small bowl. Spread out on a sheet pan and broil until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Let the crumbs cool completely, then use or store in an airtight container for up to 5 weeks. This topping is great sprinkled over mac ’n’ cheese but also on creamy beans or atop perfect soft-boiled eggs.

Pizza in a Bowl

Pizza in a Bowl

pizzabowl2 cups dried corkscrew macaroni
1 3 1/2-ounce package thinly sliced pepperoni
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 15 -ounce can pizza sauce
1 8 -ounce can tomato sauce
1 6 -ounce can tomato paste
1/2teaspoon sugar
1/8teaspoon pepper
1/8teaspoon garlic salt
1/8teaspoon onion salt
1 8 -ounce package shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, except omit the salt; drain. Meanwhile, cut half of the pepperoni slices in quarters; set aside. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until meat is brown and onion is tender; drain off fat. Stir in pizza sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, pepper, garlic salt, and onion salt. Stir in the cooked macaroni and quartered pepperoni slices. Spoon half of the macaroni mixture into a 2-quart casserole; sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and remaining pepperoni slices. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F oven about 40 minutes or until heated through and cheese is lightly browned. Makes 6 servings

Mini Crispy Hot Dogs (Piggies in a Blanket)

Mini Crispy Hot Dogs (Piggies in a Blanket)

piggies1 sheet Puff Pastry, thawed
25 Lil Smokies / Cocktail Pups
1 Egg beaten with 1 tsp. water for egg wash

Preheat oven to 375. Use pastry sheet as is. Do not roll or stretch. With a sharp knife, cut into 25 2×2” squares. Place each square on an oiled or parchment lined baking sheet. Brush each square with egg wash. Place a mini hot dog on each square and fold pastry around sausage. Do not wrap completely (encase like a taco). Repeat for each hot dog. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until puff pastry is golden. Serve with mustard and catsup.

Perfectly Pink Beet Pancakes

Perfectly Pink Beet Pancakes

IMG_44931 egg
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup applesauce
1/4 cup beet puree
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Whisk all ingredients until smooth. Butter griddle or frying pan on medium heat. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup drop batter on pan and cook until brown on both sides and cooked through. Serve warm with butter and warm maple syrup.

Bread Snails

Bread Snails

breadstick-snails-R133306-ss1 Tube Refrigerated Breadsticks

Purchased Basil Pesto

Coarsely Shredded Carrot

 

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Unroll dough and separate at perforations into strips. Spread strips with pesto and roll up into a coil, leaving a curved end, so it looks like the head of the snail. Secure with a toothpick. Place upright on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden. To serve, use the tip of a sharp knife to poke holes for antennae; insert two carrot slivers. Refrigerate for up to 2 days; reheat at 350 degrees F. Makes 12.

Healthy Homemade Fruit Snacks

Healthy Homemade Fruit Snacks

newsquare2/3 cup fresh lemon juice or fresh orange juice (if you don’t like sour go with orange!)

2/3 cup frozen or fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries are all great.)

1 – 2 T. honey

5 T. gelatin 

Pour juice and berries into a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until berries become tender and begin to soften. Add honey and stir until completely incorporated. You will want the fruit to dissolve quite a bit until you have a compote. Puree mixture using an immersion blender or small blender. Let sit, off heat, for 5 – 10 minutes. Whisk in gelatin, one tablespoon at a time. Whisk vigorously until completely incorporated, mixing the gelatin in very gradually to avoid lumps. (If you do get lumps, just run the mixture through your blender again or you can put it back on the heat to help dissolve the gelatin.) Pour into a 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 glass dish. Refrigerate until set (30 minutes to an hour). Cut in small squares.

Note: I like to keep these in my fridge (I love cold things!), but they do transport and keep nicely at room temperature.

Maple and Spice Snack Mix

Maple and Spice Snack Mix

1/4 C. sugar free pancake syrup
2 T. unsalted butter, cut up in small chunkssyrup
1 T. chili powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
3 C. air popped popcorn
3 C. mixed nuts, unsalted
1 C. wheat nuts
1/3 C. dried blueberries with no sugar added

Pour the syrup into a medium size saucepan. Place over low heat. Add the butter and let it begin to melt. Sprinkle in the chili powder, salt and cinnamon. Stirring often continue to cook on low until the butter has completely melted. Set the oven temperature to 300 degrees. Toss together the popcorn, mixed nuts, wheat nuts and blueberries in a large baking pan. Pour the syrup mixture over the top and toss to coat all the ingredients completely. Bake 25 minutes or until golden brown. Be sure to stir the snack mix a couple of times during baking to ensure it browns evenly. Cool the snack mix to room temperature before storing in a container.

Chili Mac Skillet

Chili Mac Skillet

cfc1b77f97c38474f11fcab9b39db0b81 pound ground beef (ground turkey works great too!)
1 medium onion, diced
1 (15.5 oz) can pinto beans, drained
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilis (I used Rotel)
3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a large skillet pan, brown ground beef and diced onions until beef is fully cooked. Drain and return to skillet. Add in beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilis, uncooked macaroni, water, garlic salt, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring contents of pan to boiling, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with lid and simmer for about 20 minutes or until macaroni starts to get tender, stirring often. Sprinkle with cheese, then cover with lid and let cheese melt. Serve and enjoy!

Berry Lemonade Slush

Berry Lemonade Slush

IMG_2751½ C. COUNTRY TIME Lemonade Flavor Drink Mix

½ cup water

1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries

3 cups ice cubes

 

Measure drink mix into cap to 1-qt. line (1/2 cup); empty into blender container. Add

water and berries and process in blender until smooth. Add ice; blend on high speed until thickened. Serve immediately.

Cheesy One-Pan Taco Mix

Cheesy One-Pan Taco Mix

1 lb. ground beef

1 pkg. KRAFT Thick ‘n Creamy Macaroni & Cheese Dinner

1 3/4 cups water

1 pkt. taco seasoning

1/2 cup salsa

1/2 cup whole kernel corn

 
Brown meat in large skillet; drain. Stir in macaroni dinner (noodles) and water. Reduce heat to medium; cover. Cook 5 to 7 minutes or until macaroni is tender.   Add cheese sauce mix (from dinner), taco seasoning, salsa & corn, mix well until dry ingredients are well blended. Reduce heat to low and simmer until heated through, stirring occasionally.  If desired, sprinkle on grated cheese and cover to melt before serving.
4th of July Brownie Stars

4th of July Brownie Stars

brownies

Your Favorite Brownie Recipe, cooked and cooled

Cut into star shape with cookie cutter

Decorate with white frosting and top with red, white, and blue sprinkles.

Apple Sandwiches with Granola and Peanut Butter

Apple Sandwiches with Granola and Peanut Butter

apsw2 small apples, cored and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch thick rounds
1 tsp. lemon juice (optional)
3 T. peanut or almond butter
2 T. semisweet chocolate chips
3 T. granola

If you won’t be eating these tasty treats right away, start by brushing the apples slices with lemon juice to keep them from turning brown. Spread one side of half of the apple slices with peanut or almond butter then sprinkle with chocolate chips and granola. Top with remaining apple slices, pressing down gently to make the sandwiches. Transfer to napkins or plates and serve.

Deep-Dish Skillet Pizza

Deep-Dish Skillet Pizza

skillet1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed

1 to 2 15-oz. jars pizza sauce

1/2 lb. ground pork sausage, browned and drained

5-oz. pkg. sliced pepperoni

1/2 c. sliced mushrooms

1/2 c. green pepper, sliced

Italian seasoning to taste

1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese

 

Generously grease a large cast-iron skillet. Press thawed dough into the bottom and up the sides of skillet. Spread desired amount of pizza sauce over dough. Add favorite toppings, ending with cheeses on top. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes. Carefully remove skillet from oven. Let stand several minutes; pizza will finish baking in the skillet. Cut into wedges to serve. Serves 4.

Garlic Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bombs

Garlic Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bombs

1 recipe Pretzel Bread Dough

All-purpose flour

1 egg

Garlic and herb cheese (I used a Garlic and Pesto Monterey Jack cheese from the specialty cheese section of my grocery store), cut into 1-inch cubes

1 C. baking soda

Coarse sea salt

 Garlic-Cheese-Pretzel-Bread-Bombs-2W-1024x682

Once dough has risen, heat the oven to 400F. Half fill a large pot with water and add the baking soda. Bring to a boil. Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured board and cut into 32 pieces. Put a cube of cheese on each, and form the dough around the cheese pressing the seams very well to seal the cheese in completely. Working in batches, boil the dough balls in the poaching liquid 1 minute. Remove from the water to a greased baking sheet (make sure it’s greased or the bread will stick when it cooks). Slice a small, shallow “X” on the top of each roll with a sharp knife (be careful to not cut through to the cheese!). Add a little water to the egg to make an egg wash (~2 t). Brush dough balls with the egg wash. Sprinkle tops with sea salt. Bake 15-20 minutes at 400 or until well browned. Yields 32 bites.

 

 

French Toast Fingers

French Toast Fingers

4 large eggs

1 C. milk

2 tsp. vanilla extract

12 slices white bread (day-old is best) – cut into strips

Powdered sugar

 

In a wide, medium-sized bowl, beat the eggs, milk and vanilla together. Heat a griddle or large frying pan to medium-high heat. Spray generously with cooking spray. Dip each bread strip into the egg mixture. Cook the strips until golden-brown on both sides. Dust finished sticks with powdered sugar. Serve with a small bowl of maple syrup. Dip into syrup while still warm.

Full Moon’s Macaroni and Cheese

Full Moon’s Macaroni and Cheese

full-moons-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe-photo-420-FF1003RESTA056 slices French baguette

1 stick unsalted butter

5 1/2 C. milk

1/2 C. flour

2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. cayenne

4 1/2 C. grated sharp Cheddar cheese (18 oz.)

2 C. grated Gruyere (8 oz.)

1 1/4 C. grated Pecorino Romano (5 oz.)

1 lb. elbow or shell pasta

 

Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 3 1/2-quart casserole dish. Make bread crumbs from the baguette in a food processor or blender. Mix the crumbs with 2 T. of melted butter and set aside. Warm the milk over medium heat. In a separate pan, melt the remaining butter until bubbly. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring for 1 minute. Then, still whisking, add the warm milk a bit at a time. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture bubbles and thickens. Remove it from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, cayenne, and cheeses. Set aside. Cook the pasta until slightly underdone, then rinse it under cold water. Combine it with the cheese sauce and pour it into the buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle with the buttered bread crumbs and bake for about 30 minutes, until the mixture bubbles and the crumbs are brown. Let the dish set for 5 minutes before serving.

 

Tiny Fried Tacos

Tiny Fried Tacos

14_01_culinary_tacos2 quarts vegetable oil, for frying

1/2 store-bought cooked rotisserie chicken

Juice of 1 lime

1 tablespoon ancho chili powder

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste

24 (3-inch) yellow corn tortillas*

 

Toppings

1/4 cup crema mexicana or sour cream

1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese

Hot sauce, to taste

 

In a large pot, preheat oil to 375°F. Remove skin and bones from the chicken and shred meat into a medium bowl. Add lime juice, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and salt and pepper and toss to combine. Place a big pinch of chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Using tongs gently fold each tortilla around filling and hold under the oil for a minute before releasing; let it fry for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown. Fry tacos a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Drain on paper towels and season with salt to taste. Gently hold each taco open and add toppings as desired.

 

* If tiny tortillas are difficult to find, use a 3-inch circle cutter to cut mini tortillas out of larger ones.

Super-Small Deep-Dish Pizzas

Super-Small Deep-Dish Pizzas

14_01_culinary_pizzas1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes

1/2 cup red wine

1 tablespoon minced oregano

2 garlic cloves, minced

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 (16-ounce) can store-bought biscuit dough

1/2-pound Italian sausage, casings removed

1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place tomatoes, wine, oregano, and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat; season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside and let cool.  Cut each piece of biscuit dough into thirds. Lightly grease 24 small (2-inch) tart shell tins and place a piece in the center of each. Gently press and spread dough along the bottom and up the sides of the tin. {Tip: If you don’t have small tart shell tins, use a muffin tin.} Press 1 tablespoon of the sausage into each piece of dough and top with a sprinkle of peppers. Toss mozzarella and half of the Parmesan in a small bowl and sprinkle mixture over top. Spoon 1 tablespoon of sauce over the cheeses and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until cheese begins to bubble and crusts are golden brown. Let pizzas cool for a few minutes before removing from pans. Serve warm.

Everybody Loves Chocolate Pudding

Everybody Loves Chocolate Pudding

14_08_nutrition_choco1 egg

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 cup light agave nectar

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

2 cups milk, preferably 1 percent

1 1/2 ounces finely chopped bittersweet chocolate

 

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cornstarch, agave nectar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. When tiny bubbles appear all around the edge of the pan, add the chocolate, whisking constantly, until melted and smooth, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Scoop up about 1/3 cup of the heated chocolate milk and slowly drizzle it into the egg mixture, whisking constantly, until smooth, about 30 seconds. Then slowly drizzle the egg-chocolate milk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to combine the hot liquid with the raw egg too quickly, or it may result in scrambled chocolate eggs, not chocolate pudding! Return the saucepan to medium-high heat and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the pudding thickens enough that a defined line remains when you run the spoon through the center. Transfer the pudding to a medium bowl, cover, and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours. If desired, lay a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming on the top. Pack into 5 small containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Kiddie Cobb Salad

Kiddie Cobb Salad

14_08_nutrition_variety2 cups chopped butter, red leaf, or romaine lettuce

1/2 cup chopped tomato or 10 cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 large ripe avocado, cubed

2 or 3 slices smoked turkey, coarsely chopped

2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped

2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese (optional)

 

1 teaspoon soy sauce

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

 

Divide the lettuce between two large containers. In each container, arrange half the tomato, avocado, turkey, eggs, and blue cheese (if using) in rows on top of the lettuce. To make the dressing, divide the soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil between two small containers. Put on the lids and shake well. MAKE-AHEAD NOTES: the salad and dressing can be made the night before and stored in the refrigerator, but wait until morning to cut and add the avocado. Be sure to give your child instructions for drizzling the dressing over the salad at lunchtime.

Kids’ Favorite Chocolate Fondue

Kids’ Favorite Chocolate Fondue

1/2 cup whipping (35%) cream

8 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped

1 T. candy sprinkles

14_08_groceries_choco

In the top of a double boiler over hot (not boiling) water, heat cream until warm. Add chocolate, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and transfer immediately to dessert fondue pot over candle flame. Add sprinkles just before serving. Spear a piece of fruit or cake with fondue fork and dip in fondue. Serve with: Strawberries, banana slices, orange sections, pear wedges, apple wedges, vanilla wafers, sponge cake cubes, marshmallows, maraschino cherries.

Raspberry Fondue

Raspberry Fondue

114_08_groceries_rasp4 oz. frozen raspberries in light syrup, thawed

2 T. cornstarch

2 T. cold water

In a sieve over a bowl, drain raspberries, reserving 1 cup syrup. In another bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until dissolved. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm reserved syrup for about 3 minutes. Add dissolved cornstarch and continue heating for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in raspberries; mix well. Transfer immediately to dessert fondue pot over candle flame. Spear a piece of fruit or cake with fondue fork and dip in fondue. Serve with: Chocolate cupcake cubes, ladyfingers, shortbread cookies, scone cubes.

Child-Friendly Mexican Fondue

Child-Friendly Mexican Fondue

10 oz. old Cheddar cheese, grated

5 oz. sharp processed Cheddar cheese, grated

3 T. cornstarch

1 cup unsweetened apple cider

2 tsp. freshly squeezed lime juice

1 T. mild salsa

2 T. chopped fresh cilantro

 

In a bowl, combine old Cheddar, sharp Cheddar and cornstarch; mix well to coat cheese with cornstarch. Set aside. In the top of double boiler set over simmering (not boiling) water, combine apple cider and lime juice; bring to a simmer. Add cheese mixture by handfuls to double boiler, stirring constantly after each addition with a wooden spoon in a figure-eight motion until cheese is melted. Stir in salsa, mixing well. Transfer to fondue pot and garnish with cilantro. Serve immediately. Tips: For a spicier fondue, use hot instead of mild salsa, or stir in 1 T. chopped pickled jalapeños to the cheese just before transferring to fondue pot. Sharp processed Cheddar cheese is found in the refrigerator section of the supermarket. Its strong flavor makes it a wonderful addition to fondues. Grate directly from refrigerator while still cold.

Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Pinwheels

Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Pinwheels

pinwheels1 can Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 lb. lean ground beef, cooked and drained

8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

3 T. pizza sauce

 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove crescent rolls from can and lay out in a long rectangle. Pinch the seams together well. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top of crescent rolls. Sprinkle ground beef and bacon. Drizzle with pizza sauce. Roll up like a cinnamon roll and cut into 8 rolls. Place in a lightly greased pie pan or 9-in square baking dish and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.