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Secret Message Decoder Cookies

Secret Message Decoder Cookies

Cookies with a twist! Red candy melted in the center of each cookie acts as a decoder on your handwritten valentines. On white paper simply write your secret message with a light-blue fine point marker. Then, using orange, red, and pink markers, doodle shapes, scribbles, or words over the rest of the paper. Go ahead and doodle right over your secret message because your decoder cookie will only reveal your secret message and everything else will disappear!

1 cup buttersooooofun602870870401_C_Detail

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs

5 cups flour

1 tsp. salt

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. soda

1/4 cup milk

Red, hard, transparent candies/crushed to fine pieces

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar together with mixer. Add vanilla. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. In separate bowl add flour, salt, soda, and baking powder. Stir together. Add flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with milk and stir until dough is smooth. Chill until dough is stiff.  Prepare baking sheet by covering with a sheet of foil and lightly coat with cooking spray. Don’t skip this step–you need the foil or the candy will stick to the pan! On floured surface roll a portion of the dough to 1/4″ thick. Cut out with large heart cookie cutter (approx. 4″) and place 1″ apart on baking sheet. Cut center with a slightly smaller heart cutter and remove dough. Using a small teaspoon carefully fill center with crushed candy. Bake for 10-12 min. or until lightly golden on edges. Cool completely before removing cookies. Store in an airtight container or individual cellophane bags and attach paper valentine.

 

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Warm Cranberry Punch

Warm Cranberry Punch

exps11894_NSC1214457D301 bottle (64 ounce) cranberry juice cocktail
2 cans (12 ounce) frozen lemonade concentrate
4 cups water
3 Cinnamon Sticks
8 Whole Cloves
1 tsp. Ground Allspice
1/4 tsp.  Ground Ginger
1/4 tsp.  Ground Nutmeg

Combine all . Simmer 30 minutes. Remove whole spices before serving. Garnish with orange slices, if desired.

Campfire Cocoa Mix

Campfire Cocoa Mix

1 9.6oz. pkg. powdered Dry Milk

1 1/4 C. Chocolate Quick

3/4 C. Non-Dairy Creamer

1/3 C. Powdered Sugar

Dash Salt

Mix all ingredients in re-sealable container or bag.  For each serving mix 3-4 tablespoons dry mix in a mug.  Fill with one cup boiling water.

Sugared Cranberries  

Sugared Cranberries  

Sugared Cranberries

 

These festive treats are sweetly tart and fun to eat. Use the freshest, bounciest cranberries you can find—not frozen.

 

1 C. fresh cranberries, washed, picked over

1 C. water

1 C. granulated sugar, plus 1/3 C. for coating

2 strips orange peel (no white pith)

 

Set the cranberries aside in a small glass bowl. In a medium saucepan, stir the water, 1 C. of sugar, and the orange peels together over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring the syrup to a bare simmer and remove from heat. Let the syrup cool 2-3 minutes, and then pour it over the cranberries. Set a small bowl on top of the cranberries to submerge them. Cover the bowls and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Strain the cranberries and set them on a plate. Remove the orange peels, cut into thin strips, and add to the berries. Sprinkle about 3 T. of sugar over the berries, a little at a time, tossing well to coat. Let dry for 2 hours. Sprinkle another 1-2 T. of sugar over them, rolling the berries until well coated. Let dry another hour before serving. Store uncovered at room temperature for 1-2 days.

Apricot Glazed Ham

Apricot Glazed Ham

2T. Butter

1/2 C. Dry Sherry (Apple Juice can work)

1/2 C. Apricot Jam

12 Dried Apricots

8 Slices Spiral Sliced Ham

 

Preheat oven to 325.  Melt Butter over low heat in small casserole or ovenproof skillet.  Add sherry, jam, and apricots.  Stir until sauce is smooth.  Add smoked ham to dish.  Cover and bake 30 minutes.  Baste ham and bake until ham is glazed, 5-10 minutes.  Do Not Over Cook!!!  Serve immediately.

 

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Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies

Gingerbread Snowflake Cookies

6 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

1 cup packed dark-brown sugar

4 teaspoons ground ginger (I used like 3 tsp, I prefer them less gingery)

4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves

1 teaspoon finely ground pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt

2 large eggs

1 cup unsulfured molasses

Royal Icing (recipe below)

Fine sugar, for sprinkling

 

Sift together flour, baking soda, and baking powder into a large bowl. Set aside. Put butter and brown sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until fluffy. Mix in spices and salt, then eggs and molasses. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined. Divide dough into thirds; wrap each in plastic. Refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out dough on a lightly floured work surface to a 1/4-inch thick. Cut into shapes with a cookie cutter. Space 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, and refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes. Bake cookies until crisp but not dark, 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks. Put icing in a pastry bag fitted with a small plain round tip. Pipe designs on cookies; immediately sprinkle with sugar. Let stand 5 minutes; tap off excess sugar. Let icing set completely at room temperature, about 1 hour. Store cookies between layers of parchment in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days.  This makes like 16 HUGE (7″) cookies, or many more normal sized ones.  You can also just smear on some icing and not do the piping.  I think they need some icing though, else they aren’t sweet enough.

 

Royal Icing

 

2 large Egg Whites

4 C. sifted powdered sugar

1 lemon, juiced

 

Beat egg whites until stuff, but not dry.  Add sugar and lemon; beat for one minute more.   If too thick, add more egg whites.  If too thin, add more sugar.  Icing may be stored in an airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days.  (If using raw egg freaks you out, you can sub like 5 T. of meringue powder and 1/3 C. water for the egg whites.  Wilton makes some, you can usually find in normal groceries or walmart)

 

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Christmas Flower Cookies

Christmas Flower Cookies

3/4 C. butter, softened

2/3 C. shortening

1-1/2 C. sugar

1 T. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

4 C. all-purpose flour

Paste or liquid food coloring

 

In a large mixing bowl beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour (dough should be stiff).  Cover and chill dough at least 2 hours or overnight until dough is easy to handle.  Divide dough into portions, one for each color that you want to use. Knead food coloring into each portion, adding it slowly until the desired color is reached (colors lighten slightly when dough is baked). If desired, lightly knead two colors together for dough with a marbled appearance.  Break off small pieces of different colors of dough and form into flower shapes. (As a guideline, use about 1/2 tsp. dough for each petal or leaf.)  Bake in a 300 degree F oven for 15 minutes or until edges are firm and cookies look set but bottoms are not brown. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool. Makes about 24 cookies.

 

Allspice Wassail Bowl

Allspice Wassail Bowl

 

1 gallon apple cider

1 cup dark brown sugar (packed)

1 can frozen lemon concentrate

1 can frozen orange juice concentrate

1 tbsp whole cloves

1 tbsp allspice

1 tbsp ground nutmeg

24 cinnamon sticks

 

In a large kettle combine the cider, brown sugar, undiluted lemon and orange juices. Tie cloves and allspice in a spice bag or cheesecloth and add it to the cider along with the nutmeg. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove and discard the bag. Serve hot in mugs with a cinnamon stick in each mug. Serves 24.

Frankenstein Tamale Pie

Frankenstein Tamale Pie

1 T. vegetable oil

1/2 C. chopped onion

1/3 C. chopped red bell pepper

1 clove garlic, minced

3/4 pound ground turkey

3/4 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves

1 can (14 1/2 ounces) Mexican type stewed tomatoes, undrained

1 can (15 ounces) chili beans in mild chili sauce, undrained

1 C. corn

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1 package (8 1/2 ounces) corn muffin mix plus ingredients to prepare mix

2 C. Taco flavored shredded cheese, divided

green and red bell pepper, pickle slices, pimiento pieces, chopped onion, chopped black olives and carrots for decoration

 

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, then cook until crisp tender. Stir in garlic. Add turkey and cook until turkey is no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Stir in chili powder and oregano. Add tomatoes with juice and cook for 2 minutes, breaking up tomatoes with spoon while stirring. Stir in beans with sauce, corn and black pepper, then simmer 10 minutes or until liquid is reduced by about half.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a 1 1/2 to 2 quart casserole dish. Prepare corn muffin mix according to package directions and stir in 1/2 C. cheese. Spread half of turkey mixture in prepared casserole; sprinkle with 3/4 C. cheese. Top with remaining turkey mixture and 3/4 C. cheese. Top with corn muffin batter. Decorate with assorted vegetables to make monster face.  Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until light golden brown.  NOTE: If desired, you can make this pie cute instead of creepy by creating a simple Jack O Lantern face with bell pepper cutouts.

Applesauce with Dried Cranberries

Applesauce with Dried Cranberries

2 1/4 lb. large McIntosh apples-peeled, quartered and cored

2 T. fresh lemon juice

Three 1-by-3-inch strips of lemon zest

1/2 C. sugar

1/2 C. sparkling apple cider

1/2 C. dried cranberries

 

In a large saucepan, bring the apples, lemon juice and zest, sugar, sparkling cider and cranberries to a boil. Cover and simmer over moderately low heat until the apples soften, 20 minutes; stir to break up the apples slightly. Transfer to a bowl; discard the lemon zest. Serve warm or at room temperature. Make Ahead: The applesauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

 

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Mayberry Wassail

Mayberry Wassail

Mayberry Wassail

 

6 C. Apple Cider or Juice

1 Stick Cinnamon

6 cups apple cider or juice

1 stick cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 cup honey

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon rind

1 20-ounce can unsweetened pineapple juice

 

In a large pan heat the cider and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Keep over low heat or reheat in small batches as guests arrive.

Perfect Pumpkin Pie

Perfect Pumpkin Pie

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin (about 2 cups)

1 (14-ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)

2 eggs

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust

 

Preheat oven to 425°F. Whisk pumpkin, EAGLE BRAND®, eggs, spices and salt in medium bowl until smooth. Pour into crust. Bake 15 minutes.  Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking 35 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted 1 inch from crust comes out clean. Cool. Garnish as desired. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.

Red, White and Blue Parfaits

Red, White and Blue Parfaits

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 16-oz. container vanilla yogurt

2 T. lemon juice

2 pints fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced

2 pints fresh blueberries, washed

Whipped topping for garnish

8 parfait glasses or other clear glasses

 

Combine cream cheese, vanilla yogurt and lemon juice and mix well. Place 1/4 C. of cream cheese mixture in the bottom of each glass followed by 1/4 C. strawberries. Repeat with cream cheese mixture and blueberries. Top with whipped topping and serve. These desserts are tasty, colorful and right in keeping with the red, white and blue holiday. You could add a layer of sponge cake in each glass if you want to make the dessert a little more hearty.

Leg of Lamb with Pistachio Couscous

Leg of Lamb with Pistachio Couscous

1 (6 to 8 lbs.) leg of lamb, aitchbone removed by butcher, trimmed

5 T. extra-virgin olive oil

9 garlic cloves (7 cloves sliced and 2 finely chopped)

1/4 C. honey

1/4 C. fresh lemon juice

1 T. finely chopped fresh rosemary

2 C. couscous

1/2 C. coarsely chopped, toasted pistachios

1/2 C. coarsely chopped dried apricots

1/2 C. currants

1/2 C. chopped scallion

2 tsp. finely grated fresh lemon zest

 

 Preheat oven to 400 degree F. Rinse and pat lamb dry. Season with salt and pepper; let stand at room temperature 1 hour.  Heat 2 T. oil in a heavy roasting pan placed over 2 burners over moderately high heat. Brown lamb on both sides, about 7 minutes. Turn lamb fat side up and cut 1-inch slits in top about 1-1/2 inches apart. Push garlic slices into slits. Combine honey, juice, rosemary, and 2 T. oil in a bowl; reserve for basting. Roast lamb in middle of oven, basting halfway through with honey mixture (adding water, as needed, to bottom of pan if dry), until an instant-read thermometer inserted by 2 inches into thickest part of lamb (not touching bone) registers 125 degree F for medium, 1 to 1-1/4 hours. Transfer lamb in pan to rack; let stand 15 minutes before carving into 1/4-inch-thick slices.  Meanwhile, bring 2-1/2 C. water to boil with chopped garlic and stir in couscous. Immediately cover and remove pan from heat. Let couscous stand, covered, 5 minutes. Add remaining 1 T. oil, the pistachios, apricots, currants, scallion, and zest; salt and pepper to taste. Stir with a fork to combine, breaking up any clumps of couscous.   Serve lamb with couscous and spoon any pan juices over meat. Makes 8 to 10 servings. 

Orange Bunny Rolls

Orange Bunny Rolls

5 1/4 to 5 3/4 C. all-purpose flour

1 package active dry yeast

1 1/4 C. Reduced Fat Milk

1/2 C. butter, margarine, or shortening

1/3 C. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

2 eggs

2 T. finely shredded orange peel

1/4 C. orange juice

1 recipe Orange Icing (optional)

 

In a large mixing bowl combine 2 C. of the flour and the yeast. Set aside.  In a medium saucepan heat and stir  Milk, butter, sugar, and salt just until warm (120 degrees F to 130 degrees F) and butter almost melts.  Add milk mixture to dry mixture along with eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed 30 seconds, scraping bowl. Beat on high speed 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in orange peel, orange juice, and as much of remaining flour as you can. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough that is smooth and elastic (3 to 5 minutes total). Shape dough into a ball. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl; turn once. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double in size (about 1 hour). Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half. Cover and let rest 10 minutes. Lightly grease two baking sheets. (Large bunnies will go on one sheet; the small bunnies will go on the other.)  For large bunnies, divide one half of dough into 4 portions. Roll each portion into a 16-inch long rope. On one of the prepared baking sheets, lap one end of a rope over the other to form a loop; bring the end that’s underneath over the top, letting one end extend on each side to make ears. Pat tips of ears to shape into a point. Repeat with remaining ropes.  For small bunnies, divide remaining half of dough into 12 portions. Roll 10 of the portions into 12-inch ropes. Shape 10 small bunnies as above, using the second baking sheet. With remaining 2 pieces of dough, shape 4 large balls and 10 small balls for the tails. Moisten balls with water and place atop dough at the bottom of the loops. Press tails onto dough. After shaping, cover and let rise until nearly double (30 to 45 minutes). Bake small bunnies in a 375 degree F oven 11 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Bake large bunnies 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from baking sheets; cool on wire racks. Frost while warm with Orange Icing, if desired. Makes 4 large bunnies and 10 small bunnies.

 

Orange Icing: In a small bowl combine 1 1/2 C. sifted powdered sugar and 1 tsp. finely shredded orange peel. Stir in enough orange juice (2 to 3 T.) to make of drizzling consistency.

Christmas Ham with Red-Eyed Gravy and Creamy Grits

Christmas Ham with Red-Eyed Gravy and Creamy Grits

4 1/2 C. milk

2 T. butter

Salt

Freshly ground white pepper

2 C. quick white grits

1 pound ham steak (fresh) or a leftover ham roast with juices from baking

1 C. strong coffee

8 slices white bread-toasted and buttered

 

In a saucepan, over medium heat, add the milk and butter. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the liquid to a boil. Whisk in the grits. Stir constantly for 6 minutes or until tender.  Set aside and keep warm. Heat a skillet over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the ham and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. (If using leftovers from a ham roast, add some of the juices from the pan.) Remove the ham from the pan and set aside. Stir in the coffee. Bring the liquid to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. To serve, cut the ham into four portions. Spoon the grits in the center of each plate. Lay each piece of the ham next to the grits. Spoon the gravy over the ham. Serve with toast.

Cranberry and Chestnut Dressing

Cranberry and Chestnut Dressing

 

Cooking spray

1 C. chopped onion

3/4 C. chopped pancetta (about 5 ounces)

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 C. dry white wine

1 C. dried cranberries

1/2 C. coarsely chopped bottled chestnuts

1 T. chopped fresh sage

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

8 ounces day-old Italian or French bread, torn into 1-inch pieces

2 1/4 C. fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth

 

Preheat oven to 400°. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion, pancetta, and garlic; cook 8 minutes or until onion is tender and pancetta is browned, stirring frequently. Stir in wine; cook until liquid evaporates, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Remove from heat. Add cranberries, chestnuts, sage, salt, and pepper to pancetta mixture; stir until combined. Combine pancetta mixture and bread in a large bowl. Pour broth over bread mixture; toss to combine. Spoon into an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

 

Berry Raspberry Icebox Cookies

Berry Raspberry Icebox Cookies

2/3 cup butter, nearly melted and cooled slightly

2 eggs

2 pouches (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix

Red food or icing dye

Blue food or icing dye

1 tablespoon raspberry Jell-O

1 tablespoon berry blue Jell-O

 

Line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with waxed paper, extending paper over sides of pan. In a stand mixer beat butter and eggs together. Add the sugar cookie mixes and beat until just combined. Divide the dough into three equal parts and place in bowls. Set one part aside. Add raspberry Jell-O and red dye for color (You’ll need quite a bit or they’ll be pink) to one part. Knead with your hands in the bowl until the Jell-O is mixed in then pick the dough up and finished kneading folding the dough over with your hands until combined. Repeat with berry blue Jell-O and blue dye. Divide the doughs in half again to make 6 layers. Pat a red dough into the wax paper lined pan. Press gently with the back of a dry measuring cup to even out the dough. Next, pat a plain dough between your hands to form nearly the size of the pan. Press the plain dough into the pan over the red layer. Repeat with blue, red, white and blue. Fold the wax paper over the cookie dough and cover with foil. Refrigerate for several hours until firm. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Once chilled, dump the dough out into a cutting surface. Remove dough from pan and trim edges. Cut log into ¼” thick slices. Then cut slices in half to form squares. Place cookies on sheets 1 1/2 inches apart. Freeze sheets for 10 minutes to retain shapes if desired. Bake 8-10 minutes or until cookies are no longer wet looking and are very lightly golden on the sides. Let cookies firm up on the cookie sheets for a couple of minutes then move to a cooling rack.  Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

Pumpkin Torte

Pumpkin Torte

 

1 package (18-1/4 ounces) yellow cake mix

1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin, divided

1/2 C. milk

4 eggs

1/3 C. canola oil

1-1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, divided

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1 C. confectioners’ sugar

1 carton (16 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed

1/4 C. caramel ice cream topping

1/3 C. chopped pecans, toasted

 

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, 1 C. pumpkin, milk, eggs, eggs and 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add the confectioners’ sugar, and remaining pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice; beat until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Cut each cake horizontally into two layers. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; spread with a fourth of the filling. Repeat layers three times. Drizzle with caramel topping; sprinkle with pecans. Store in the refrigerator.

Celebration Cranberry Cake

Celebration Cranberry Cake

 

3 T. butter, softened

1 C. sugar

1 C. evaporated milk

2 C. all-purpose flour

3 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

2 C. fresh or frozen cranberries, halved

BUTTER CREAM SAUCE:

1/2 C. butter, cubed

1 C. sugar

1 C. heavy whipping cream

1 tsp. vanilla extract

 

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy; beat in milk. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in cranberries. Pour into a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. For sauce, melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in the sugar and cream; bring to a boil, stirring often. Boil for 8-10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Serve warm with cake. Yield: 9 servings.

Pumpkin Pie Squares

Pumpkin Pie Squares

 

1 can (29 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin

1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

1-1/2 C. sugar

4 eggs

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 package (18-1/2 ounces) butter recipe golden cake mix

1 C. butter, melted

1 C. chopped pecans

Whipped topping, optional

 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the first seven ingredients; beat on medium speed until smooth. Pour into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with cake mix, then drizzle butter over top. Sprinkle with pecans. Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 1 hour on a wire rack. Refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and garnish each serving with whipped topping. Yield: 12-16.

Butter Pecan Pumpkin Pie

Butter Pecan Pumpkin Pie

 

1 quart butter pecan ice cream, softened

1 pastry shell (9 inches), baked

1 C. canned pumpkin

1/2 C. sugar

1/4 tsp. each ground cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg

1 C. heavy whipping cream, whipped

1/2 C. caramel ice cream topping

1/2 C. chocolate ice cream topping, optional

Additional whipped cream

 

Spread ice cream into the crust; freeze for 2 hours or until firm. In a small mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg; fold in whipped cream. Spread over ice cream. Cover and freeze for 2 hours or until firm. May be frozen for up to 2 months. Remove from the freezer 15 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with caramel ice cream topping. Drizzle with chocolate ice cream topping if desired. Dollop with whipped cream. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Pumpkin Shortbread Dessert

Pumpkin Shortbread Dessert

 

1-3/4 C. sugar, divided

1-1/2 C. all-purpose flour

1/2 C. cold butter

4 eggs, lightly beaten

1 can (29 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

2 cans (12 ounces each) evaporated milk

Whipped cream and additional ground cinnamon, optional

 

In a bowl, combine 1/4 C. sugar and flour; cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. In a bowl, combine the eggs, pumpkin, salt, spices and remaining sugar. Stir in milk. Pour over crust. Bake at 425° for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°; bake 50-55 minutes longer or until filling is set. Cool on a wire rack. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Cut into squares. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired. Yield: 15-18 minutes.

Savory Orange Dressing

Savory Orange Dressing

 

1 C. sliced celery

1/2 C. chopped onion

1/3 C. butter

2 tsp. chicken bouillon granules

2-1/2 C. boiling water

1 package (14 ounces) seasoned stuffing cubes

1/2 C. shredded carrot

1/4 C. orange juice

2 tsp. grated orange peel

 

In a small skillet, sauté celery and onion in butter until tender. In a large bowl, dissolve bouillon in boiling water. Stir in the stuffing cubes, carrot, orange juice, peel and the celery mixture. Spoon into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 minutes longer or until heated through. Yield: 10 servings.

Cherry Cranberry Sauce

Cherry Cranberry Sauce

 

1-1/2 C. sugar

1-1/2 C. water

4 C. fresh or frozen cranberries (1 pound)

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) pitted tart cherries, drained

 

In a large saucepan, cook sugar and water over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Add cranberries and cherries. Bring to a boil. Cook uncovered, until cranberries begin to pop, about 6 minutes. Reduce heat; cook 20 minutes longer or until thickened. Pour into a serving dish. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.

Spiced Cranberry Sauce

Spiced Cranberry Sauce

 

1 package (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries

1-3/4 C. sugar

1/2 C. water

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground allspice

1/8 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. ground ginger

1/8 tsp. ground cloves

 

In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until the berries pop and mixture is thickened, about 30 minutes. Cool. Transfer to a serving bowl; cover and refrigerate until chilled. Yield: 2 cups.

One Cheese Ball — 4 Great Ways

One Cheese Ball — 4 Great Ways

 

 

2 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened

1 package (3 1/2 to 4 oz.) soft chèvre (goat) cheese

1 C. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp. white pepper

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/8 tsp. salt

 

Beat all ingredients in medium bowl with electric mixer on medium-low speed until smooth. Shape mixture as directed in recipes below. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.

 

Christmas Pears: Double the above recipe. Shape each cheese ball mixture into pear shape on waxed paper or plastic wrap. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate. Place pears in large shallow serving bowl or on platter. Spoon 1/4 C. whole berry cranberry sauce over one pear; spoon 1/4 C. chutney over other pear. (If desired, process chutney in blender or food processor until smooth.) Break 1 cinnamon stick crosswise in half; insert in each pear for stem.

 

Festive Bird’s Nest: Shape cheese ball mixture into ball. Place cheese ball on plastic wrap. Place cheese ball and plastic wrap in bowl, 5 to 6 inches in diameter. Place plastic wrap on cheese ball, then push second smaller bowl, 4 to 5 inches in diameter, into cheese in larger bowl. Refrigerate. Remove bowls and plastic wrap. Sprinkle 1 C. chopped fresh chives or other fresh herbs over cheese “nest.” Fill nest with cherry tomatoes, olives or assorted breadsticks.

 

Magical Holiday Tree: Shape cheese ball mixture into pyramid shape on waxed paper or plastic wrap. Smooth sides with knife if necessary. Freeze pyramid about 20 minutes or until firm. Cut pyramid horizontally into thirds. Spread 3 T. roasted red bell peppers (from 7-oz. jar), finely chopped and well drained, on bottom piece. Spread 3 T. basil pesto on middle piece. Assemble tree; top with star cut from starfruit or yellow bell pepper. Serve immediately or wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate.

 

Holiday Pinecone: Shape cheese ball mixture into oval shape on waxed paper or plastic wrap. Press 1 package (6 oz.) sliced almonds (2 C.) into cheese ball. Sprinkle with 1/4 C. crushed dark rye crackers. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs. 

Holiday Crab Meat Appetizers

Holiday Crab Meat Appetizers

 

1/2 C. Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

1/3 C. Cream Cheese, softened

1/4 C. Minced Crab Meat

2 tsp. Green Onion

15 individual mini-phyllo shells, thawed

 

Bake phyllo shells as directed on package.  Place cranberry sauce in a small mixing bowl; beat with a fork or wire whisk until smooth.  Combine cream cheese, crab meat and green onion in a small mixing bowl.  Fill each shell with about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture.  Top with 1/2 tsp. Cranberry sauce

Fall Cheese Platter

Fall Cheese Platter

2 medium apples, chopped (2 cups)

2 cups cranberries

1 medium red bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)

1 small onion, finely chopped (1/4 cup)

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup golden raisins

1/2 cup white vinegar

1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped gingerroot

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

16 slices (1 oz each) assorted cheeses, such as Cheddar, Colby-Monterey Jack, Monterey Jack with jalapeño peppers and Swiss

1/4 cup hazelnuts, (filberts)

Crackers

In 2-quart saucepan, mix all chutney ingredients. Heat to boiling, stirring frequently; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered about 1 hour, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens and fruit is tender. Spoon into nonaluminum container. Store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.  Cut cheese with 1-, 1 1/2- and 2-inch leaf-shaped cookie cutters. Place cheese on medium platter, overlapping leaves. Sprinkle hazelnuts on platter to look like acorns. Serve with chutney and crackers.

Holiday Italian Herb Crescent Christmas Trees

Holiday Italian Herb Crescent Christmas Trees

 

2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1/2 cup prepared sour cream and chive dip (I use recipe 101256)

10 medium cherry tomatoes, sliced into 30 slices

1 medium yellow bell pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

 

Heat oven to 375°F. Unroll cans of dough and separate into 4 long rectangles; firmly press perforations together. Sprinkle each rectangle with 1 tablespoon cheese and 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Starting with one short side, roll up each rectangle, forming 4 rolls (like a jelly roll). With serrated knife, cut each roll into 8 slices (now they look like pinwheels). To form 1 tree, on cookie sheet, (I line mine with parchment paper it’s easier to move trees to cool and to final decorating plate), Place 1 slice, cut side down, for top of tree. Arrange 2 slices below, sides touching. Continue arranging rows of 3, 4, and 5 slices. Use remaining slice for trunk. Bake first tree 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes on wire rack. Repeat for 2nd tree on another cool cookie sheet. Place trees on serving platter. If you do not have a decorators bag and tip, spoon the dip into a zip lock bag. Cut 1/4 inch hole in bottom corner of bag; and pipe over tree like garland, and a dollop of dip in on each pinwheel except trunk. Place tomato slice on each pinwheel except top and bottom ones. With 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inch star shaped cutter, cut 2 stars from yellow bell pepper; place one on top of each tree. Chop remaining bell pepper; sprinkle over trees. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until serving time.

Cheddar Pinecone

Cheddar Pinecone

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
8 oz. Cheddar cheese spread
1 T. horseradish
1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce
Whole almonds
Rosemary sprigs

 

Blend first 4 ingredients. Shape into an oval. Stud with almonds. Garnish with rosemary.

Red, White and Blue Salad

Red, White and Blue Salad

1 C. pitted and chopped Northwest fresh sweet red cherries

1 C. pitted and chopped Northwest Rainier cherries

1 large Northwest white peach*, pitted and cubed (about a C.)

1 C. fresh blueberries

Minted Honey Lemon Dressing

 

*Casaba melon, lichee, julienne jicama or cubed jack, swiss, mozzarella or cream cheese can be substituted. Toss together cherries, peach and blueberries. Sprinkle with dressing and toss gently.

 

Minted Honey Lemon Dressing.

 

Combine 2 T. fresh lemon juice, 1 T. each honey and olive oil, 2 tsp. chopped fresh mint and 1/4 tsp. salt. Mix well. Makes 1/4 C.

Cheese Ball Santa

Cheese Ball Santa

 

The highlight of any Christmas party is an appearance by Santa — especially this Santa. Defer to your kids’ imaginations when you assemble this appetizer; try mini rice cakes instead of cream cheese for a beard or broccoli for ears. Before serving, bring it to room temperature for the best flavor and consistency.

 

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

4 ounces Grated Sharp Cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon softened butter

1 tablespoon minced onion

1 clove minced garlic (optional)

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon tomato paste

Black pepper, to taste

Red bell pepper

1 to 2 cups whipped cream cheese

Radish slice, carrot stick, pretzel, black olives, crackers, and a cherry tomato

 

Make Santa’s face by blending the first eight ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Spoon the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Tightly wrap the cheese and chill it for 1 hour. Unwrap the cheese ball and place it on a large serving tray. Drape new plastic wrap over the cheese, then flatten and shape it into a face. Remove the wrap and turn the red pepper upside down for Santa’s hat. Spoon the whipped cream cheese into a sealable pint-size plastic bag. Seal the bag and make a small snip in a lower corner to create a pastry bag. Use piped-on whipped cream cheese to stick a radish-slice pom-pom to the hat. Pipe on more cream cheese for a hatband, eyebrows, and a beard. Press on a carrot nose, a pretzel mouth, olive eyes, and cracker ears. Add cherry tomato halves for rosy cheeks. Makes 8 to 10 servings. Kids’ Steps: Shaping Santa’s face and then decorating it with vegetable features are perfect jobs for little helpers.

Appetizer Cheese Gift Box

Appetizer Cheese Gift Box

1/2 T. butter

1/2 C. finely diced leeks (white part; reserve green part for ribbon and bow)

1 T. minced garlic

1-1/2 tsp. thyme

1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper

1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened

1 log (4 oz.) goat cheese, softened

Thinly sliced medium radishes, cut in triangles

 

Line a 5-1/2″x 3″ loaf pan with plastic wrap so that ends extend and can be wrapped over top of pan. In skillet, cook leeks in butter 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook 1 minute longer. Cool. In bowl, beat cheeses until smooth; blend in leek mixture. Spoon into prepared loaf pan; spread evenly. Cover with plastic wrap. Chill 24 hours until very firm. Uncover, invert onto serving plate; remove plastic wrap. To make bow, drop reserved green leaves into boiling water just until color brightens. Immediately remove with slotted spoon and plunge into ice water. Remove when cool and pat dry. Place one long or two medium strips lengthwise on top and down sides. Place another “ribbon” crosswise. Place large loops on loaf lengthwise to make bow loops. Place a short loop in the middle to form the knot. Place 2″ notched pieces as shown for bow ends. Press radishes randomly on package.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

Valentine Cookie Pops

Valentine Cookie Pops

 

1 package (18 oz) Pillsbury® Ready To Bake!™ refrigerated sugar cookies

20 flat wooden sticks with round ends

1 1/4 C. vanilla creamy ready-to-spread frosting (from 1-lb container)

 Assorted small candies, or candy decors or nonpareils, if desired

10 yards red curling ribbon

 

Heat oven to 350°F. On ungreased cookie sheets, place cookie dough pieces 2 inches apart. Into side of each piece of dough, insert wooden stick 1 inch, overlapping wooden sticks as necessary.  Bake 12 to 16 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely, about 10 minutes.  Spread frosting on one side of each cookie; decorate with candies. Tie 18 inches of red ribbon into bow around each stick next to cookie.

 

Cheese Straws

Cheese Straws

8oz. Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1/2 C. butter, softened

1 C. Flour

1/4 tsp. Salt

 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese and butter. Blend in the flour and salt. Form the mixture into 6 balls. Roll the balls into slender “snakes.” Cut each “snake” into 4 straws. Bake the straws for about 8 minutes, or until golden brown.

Best- Ever Brussels Sprouts with Sausage

Best- Ever Brussels Sprouts with Sausage

1 lb low fat italian chicken sausages (garlic or mild) 

2 tsp. olive oil 

1/4 C. slivered almonds 

6 cardamom pods, cracked 

1/4 tsp. ground cloves 

1/4 tsp. cumin seed 

1/8 tsp. white pepper 

1 1/2 lb brussels sprouts, quartered 

1/2 C. reduced sodium chicken broth 

 

Remove sausage casings and discard. Crumble sausage meat with a fork. Warm oil in 12″ skillet over high heat. Add sausage, almonds, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and pepper. Cook, stirring, until sausage and almonds become golden in places, about 6 minutes. Add brussels sprouts and broth. Stir to combine. Cover tightly and cook 15 minutes, until sprouts can be easily pierced with fork. Uncover and continue cooking until most of liquid in pan has evaporated, about 3 minutes. Serve.

Horseradish and Scallions Devilled Eggs

Horseradish and Scallions Devilled Eggs

4 large eggs

2 T. mayonnaise

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. prepared horseradish

1 T. finely chopped scallions

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

1/8 tsp. paprika (optional)

 

Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with cold water by 1″. Cover the pan and bring to a boil over high heat. As soon as the water begins to boil, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 15 minutes. Drain, then run cold water over the eggs. Let them sit in the water until completely cooled. To remove the shells, gently tap the eggs all over on a hard surface, roll the eggs between your hands, then peel away the shells. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and place the yolks in a small mixing bowl. Mash, adding the mayonnaise and mustard, until a smooth paste forms. Stir in the horseradish, scallions, salt, and pepper. Using a teaspoon, stuff the egg cavities with the yolk mixture and sprinkle with paprika (if using). Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Apricot-Apple Cider Sipper

Apricot-Apple Cider Sipper

1 gallon apple cider

1 (11.5-ounce) can apricot nectar

2 cups sugar

2 cups orange juice

3/4 cup  lemon juice

4 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks

2 teaspoons ground allspice

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

 

Bring all ingredients to a boil in a Dutch oven; reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks. Serve hot.

Wild Mushroom Stuffing

Wild Mushroom Stuffing

2 C. hot water

1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms

1 3/4 lb. egg bread – crust trimmed, and cut into 3/4 inch cubes

1 C. chopped hazelnuts

6 T. unsalted butter

3 leeks, coarsely chopped

1 C. chopped shallots

1 1/4 lb. crimini mushrooms, sliced

1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms, sliced

2 C. chopped celery

1 C. chopped fresh parsley

3 T. chopped fresh thyme

2 T. chopped fresh sage

salt and pepper to taste

2 eggs, lightly beaten

3/4 C. chicken broth

 

Soak porcini mushrooms in 2 C. hot water until the mushrooms are soft, about 30 minutes. Reserve soaking liquid, and chop mushrooms coarsely. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Arrange bread cubes on baking sheets in a single layer. Bake until beginning to brown, about 15 minutes. Spread hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook leeks, shallots, and crimini and shiitake mushrooms in the butter until tender, about 15 minutes. Mix in celery and porcini mushrooms, and cook for 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl, and mix with toasted bread cubes and nuts. Season with parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Stir in beaten eggs. Combine broth and 3/4 C. reserved porcini soaking liquid; add just enough broth mixture to the stuffing to moisten. Transfer stuffing to a buttered 10×15 inch baking dish. Cover with buttered foil, and bake in preheated oven until heated through, about 1 hour. Uncover, and bake until top is crisp, about 15 minutes.