SWEET TREATS

SO GOOD BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

2012-01-28T09:15:00.000-08:00

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled*
1 large egg, beaten
3/4 cup + 2 tbsp low-fat milk
1 cup blueberries

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Line 10 muffin cups with paper liners and set aside. (Leave 2 of the center cups empty and then add a couple tablespoons of water to each.)

Into a large mixing bowl sift the flours, baking powder and salt together. Stir in the sugar.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, and milk. Pour over the flour/sugar mixture and whisk until just blended. (Mixture will be slightly lumpy.)

Gently stir in the blueberries, just until blended in.

Divide the batter evenly between the 10 muffin-lined cups. Bake at 400 degrees for 18 to 24 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

These muffins are good anytime but especially good served warm.

*If you use salted butter, cut the salt from 1/2 teaspoon to 1/4 teaspoon.

FUDGY CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE

2012-01-27T19:13:00.000-08:00

1 cup butter
1 cup + 3 tbsp granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup + 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
4 large eggs
3/4 cup very hot water
1/2 pint heavy cream
10.5-oz semisweet chocolate
6-oz white chocolate finely grated for garnish, if desired

Grate the white chocolate so it can chill while you prepare the cake.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Lightly oil the bottoms of two 8-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper; set aside.

In large mixer bowl combine the butter, sugar, flours, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and eggs. With mixer on medium speed, beat until smooth. Continue beat for a couple more minutes until the volume has increased. Add the hot water and beat to incorporate, about a minute. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean. All cakes to cool in pan for about 10 minutes then gently remove from pans, peel of parchment paper and allow to cool completely on wire racks.

While cake cools heat the heavy cream just to a boil - do not boil! Break the chocolate into pieces, adding to the cream and stirring until melted. Let cool then chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Remove from refrigerator and whisk until thickened to a spreading consistency.

To assemble the cake, place one layer on the cake plate and top with 1/3 of the frosting. Spread the frosting and top with the second layer. Spread the remaining of the frosting over the sides and top of the cake. Sprinkle the white chocolate over the top, if desired.

Yield: 8 servings This is a Great American Recipe.

CARROT-WALNUT ICED COOKIES

2012-01-26T11:46:00.000-08:00

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
2 jars (4-oz each) baby-food strained carrots
1 large egg
1 tbsp freshly grated orange rind
1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 tsp ground cloves
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1 cup chopped walnuts
4 dozen whole or halved walnuts for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Set out 2 large baking sheets.

In the large mixer bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until creamy. Beat in the carrots, egg, orange rind and juice, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cloves until blended (mixture may look kind of curdled).

With the mixer at low speed, beat in the flours just until blended. Stir in the chopped walnuts. Drop the dough onto the ungreased baking sheets by rounded tablespoonsful 2-inches apart. Do not crowd cookies, bake in batches if necessary.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes until the tops look dry. Cool on the baking sheet for a minute or so then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

ICING:
3 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp butter, softened
1 tsp freshly grated orange peel
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Using the mixer, beat the cream cheese, butter, orange peel and juice together until creamy. Beat in the powdered sugar until well blended and smooth. Spread approximately 1 1/2 teaspoons on each cookie; top with a whole or half walnut. Let sit for an hour or two so the icing will set.

Note: Store in an airtight container with waxed paper between the layers.

NO-BAKE COCONUT-LEMON MOUSSE CAKE

2012-01-25T18:59:00.000-08:00

1 can (15-oz) cream of coconut, stirred well in the can
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1 (16-oz) frozen pound cake, do not thaw
1 carton (12-oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
11/2 cups flaked coconut
2/3 cup bottled lemon curd
lemon slices for garnish

Coat a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Scrape the cream of coconut into a bowl.

Sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup cold water in a medium saucepan; let stand for 1 minute, then stir with a heatproof plastic spatula over medium-low heat until the gelatin completely dissolves and liquid begins to steam. Stir in half the cream of coconut and heat until warm then stir into the cream of coconut still in the bowl. Refrigerate, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes or until the consistency of egg whites.

While mixture chills in refrigerator, cut the crust off the poundcake so the cake resembles a yellow brick. Cut the cake crosswise into 18 equal slices. Cut each slice diagonally to form 36 triangles. Cover the bottom of the pan with 1/2 the triangles, trimming to fit as needed.

Make a Mousse by stirring a large spoonful of the topping into the gelatin mixture. Fold in the remaining topping until blended. Spoon 1 cup into a small bowl, cover, refrigerate and reserve. Fold the chopped coconut and lemon curd into remaining mousse. Spoon half the mousse mixture onto the cake in the pan and spread evenly. Top with the remaining cake triangles, cutting to fit if needed. Top with the remaining mousse. Cover the pan and refrigerate at least 5 hours or until firm.

To serve: Remove side of pan. Using a wide spatula, lift cake off the cake base and onto a serving platter. Stir the reserved mousse to soften. Spread over the cake in a thin layer. Press the remaining coconut onto the sides and sprinkle over the top; garnish with lemon slices.

CRUNCHY TOPPED APPLE PIE

2012-01-24T20:02:00.000-08:00

pastry for a 1 crust pie

TOPPING:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp whole-wheat flour
1/2 packed cup brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces

Mix the flours, sugars, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl. Cut in the butter using your fingers or a pastry blender, until the mixture forms moist, coarse, crumbs that clump together easily. Set aside.

FILLING:

7 medium to large Granny Smith apples
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

Place the oven rack in lowest position. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Line a pie plate with pie crust as the package directs. Flute or crimp the edge.

Peel, quarter, and core the apples; cut into 1/8-inch thick slices. Put into a large bowl; toss with the lemon juice until coated.

In a small bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle mixture over the apple slices and toss to coat. Layer the apples in the pie shell mounding higher in center. Pat topping evenly over the apples to form a top crust.

Place the pie on a baking sheet and place in the preheated oven. Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake 45 minutes longer. (If topping starts to brown too quickly, drape aluminun foil over the pie but don't seal.

Cool pie completely on a wire rack before cutting to serve.

Excellent served with a scoop of ice cream on top!

EASY CINNAMON RAISIN COFFEE CAKE

2012-01-23T18:46:00.000-08:00

1/3 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup sifted powdered sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 can (8-count) breadstick dough
1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar
2 tsp milk
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix raisins, 1/4 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla together in a small bowl.

Without separating, unroll the bread dough onto a work surface. Spread the raisin mixture evenly to within 1/2-inch of the edges. From the long side, fold the dough in half; seal edge. Stretch the dough gently into a 24-inch long strip and twist slightly. Shape into a circle on an ungreased cookie sheet; seal the ends.

Bake, covered with some foil, for 20 to 22 minutes or just until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly.

In a small bowl mix the 1/2 cup powdered sugar, milk, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the coffee cake and sprinkle with the chopped pecans.

Yields 8 servings.

PECAN COATED CHOCOLATE DIPPED STRAWBERRIES

2012-01-21T13:11:00.000-08:00

Talk about an easy treat to make; this is it!

Plump strawberries with leaves attached.
Semisweet chocolate chips
Coarsely chopped pecans

Wash berries and dry on paper towels.
Place the chopped pecans in a small bowl.
Place chocolate chips in microwave. Microwave 1 minute, stir, and continue to microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each. As soon as chocolate is melted, dip the strawberries halfway up in the chocolate. Immediately dip into the pecans. Lay out on waxed paper to dry.

CALICO QUILT COFFEE BARS

2012-01-20T15:22:00.000-08:00

1 tbsp instant coffee granules
2 tbsp boiling water
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 pkg (6-oz) semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a smaller cookie sheet (Or use a foil cookie pan placed on another sturdy pan for support) with small sides and set aside.

In a large bowl, dissolve the coffee in boiling water. Add flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, butter, and eggs. Beat at low speed until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips. Spread the batter evenly in the pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan.

Glaze:
6 tbsp butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
3 or 4 tbsp milk

Cream the butter with the powdered sugar. Add the milk, using as much as needed for spreading consistency, beating until smooth. Spread the glaze over the cooled cookie. Immediately cut the cookie into 4 rows and the length into 7 rows. Sprinkle each square with a different topping, repeating the pattern every 4 squares. Choose topping of your choice to suit the occasion or your taste.

Yield: 28 bars

APRICOT PIE FILLING COFFEE CAKE WITH ORANGE GLAZE

2012-01-19T12:55:00.000-08:00

4 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract
1 cup canola oil
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 can (20-oz) apricot pie filling

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In mixer bowl, beat the eggs until foamy; add sugar gradually, beating until smooth. Add the vanilla and almond extracts along with the oil and mix well.

Combine the salt, flour, and baking powder; add to the egg batter, mixing well.

Spray a 9 x 13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. Pour half the batter into the pan. Spread the pie filling over the batter then top with the remaining half of the batter.

Bake cake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve cake as is or make the following orange glaze and drizzle over warm cake, if desired.

ORANGE GLAZE:
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup orange juice
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Blend the butter and orange juice with enough of the powdered sugar to make the glaze of the consistency you desire.

APRICOT AND PINEAPPLE JAM

2012-01-18T19:19:00.000-08:00

2 pkgs (6-oz each) dried apricots
2 can (16-oz each) crushed pineapple, drained
juice of half a lemon
1/3 tsp grated lemon peel
4 cups sugar

In a bowl cover the apricots with water; let stand overnight.

Place the undrained apricots in a large saucepan and cook, covered, until they are tender. Remove the apricots to a food processor using a slotted spoon. Pulse 6 times to chop well then return to the hot liquid. Add the pineapple, lemon juice, lemon peel, and the sugar. Simmer the mixture until the sugar is dissolved, stirring often. Cook over high heat for half an hour or until thickened to the consistency you desire.

Sterilize 4 pint jars and heat the 2-piece lids.

Spoon the hot jam into the sterilized jars leaving a half-inch of headspace in each jar. Seal with the hot lids and process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the jars from the hot water. Lids will pop and indent slightly in the center when they seal. Be sure to refrigerate any jars that do not seal.

BASIC ORANGE-FLAVORED CHEESECAKE WITH CHOCOLATE GLAZE

2012-01-17T10:14:00.000-08:00

CRUST:
4 whole Graham crackers (2 squares each)
2 tbsp stick butter, melted

Heat oven to 325 degrees.
Coat an 8-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Crush Graham crackers into fine crumbs using food processor or place crackers in a large ziplock plastic bag and crush with rolling pin until fine. Place in a bowl and add the melted butter, stirring until blended. Press the mixture onto the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Set aside and prepare the filling.

FILLING:
3 pkgs (8-oz each) Neufchatel (l0wer-fat) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/2 tsp finely grated orange peel
1 tbsp orange juice

In a large mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, just until blended. Beat in the sour cream, orange peel and orange juice until combined. Pour the filling over the crust.

Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes or until the edge of the cake puffs slightly and the center still juggles slightly when lightly shaken. Turn off oven leaving the door closed. Allow cake to set in the oven for one hour.

Remove cake from oven and gently run a thin knife around the edge to loosen from pan. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

GLAZE:
3 oz (3 squares) semisweet baking chocolate
2 tbsp stick butter
1 tbsp corn syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

In a small saucepan, over low heat, combine all the ingredients and cook, stirring, until smooth. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly but not completely.

Remove the sides from the cheesecake and place cake on serving platter. Spread the glaze over the top of the cake using the back of the spoon to make decorative swirls. Place the cake in a cake keeper or cover with a large bowl or pot. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving or can be kept refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Set cake out of refrigerator an hour before serving time. To make a pretty presentation, garnish with fresh mint leaves and a few fresh berries; I believe raspberries are the prettiest.

Yield: 12 servings.

SO GOOD COCONUT MACAROONS

2012-01-16T17:55:00.000-08:00

2 2/3 cups flaked coconut
2/3 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
4 egg whites
1 tsp almond extract

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Lightly grease 2 large cookie sheets and set aside.

In a large bowl mix the coconut, sugar, flour, and salt. Stir in the egg whites and almond extract until the mixture is well blended. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets.

Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes or until the edges of the macaroons are golden brown. Immediately remove from the baking sheets to wire racks to cool completely.

NOTE: You can make Chocolate Macaroons by melting 2 squares (2-ounces) semi-sweet baking chocolate and stirring into the above mixture before putting into the oven.

Yield: 3 dozen macaroons.

BLONDIE BROWNIE SNICKERS PIE

2012-01-16T11:04:00.000-08:00

1/2 cup butter, cut up
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup (6-oz) semisweet chocolate chips
1 tbsp cocoa powder
13 fun-size Snickers bars
extra cut-up Snickers for garnish
peanuts for garnish

Coat a 9-inch glass pie plate with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In a large saucepan melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat until they start to bubble. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

After the butter mixture has cooled for 10 minutes, stir in 1 of the eggs and the vanilla extract until blended. Stir in the flour and baking powder until smooth. Scrape but don't spread 3/4 cup of the mixture into the prepared pie plate and freeze for 10 minutes.

While mixture is in the freezer, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Melt a half cup of the chocolate chips as directed on the package. Stir the melted chips, the remaining egg, and the cocoa powder into the remaining batter.

Press the chilled batter evenly over the bottom and halfway up the sides of the pie plate. Top with the Snickers and then with the chocolate batter.

Bake pie at 350 degrees for approximately 25 minutes until a wooden toothpick inserte in the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Sprinkle the other half cup of the chocolate chips in the middle and let stand 5 minutes until softened. Spread the chocolate to the crust using decorative swirls.

Garnish the pie with the cut-up Snickers and the peanuts (whatever amount suits you). Allow to cool completely before cutting into serving wedges.

VANILLA BUTTER CAKE

2012-01-15T14:56:00.000-08:00

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
4 tsp vanilla extract
1 pkg (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 cup milk
1 carton (16-oz) prepared whipped white frosting
1/2 cup strawberry preserves
3 large fresh strawberries for garnish, if desired
Sugar sprinkles for garnish, if desired

In a large mixer bowl cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, cake mix, baking powder, and milk. Beat on medium speed of electric mixer for 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl then beat for 2 more minutes. Spoon the batter into the prepared cake pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 33 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks for 15 minutes. Turn cakes out of pans, right side up, onto wire racks to cool completely.

Place one layer on cake plate and spread with a thin layer of the icing then the preserves. Top with the remaining layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

Decorate by placing the fresh berries in the center of the cake. Gently press the sugar sprinkles to the sides of the cake, if desired.

Options: Use raspberry preserves and fresh raspberries to decorate. Use orange marmalade instead of the preserves and top with well drained and dried mandarin oranges, or use your imagination to please your taste.

CRAZY FOR CHOCOLATE PIE

2012-01-13T20:15:00.000-08:00

1/2 cup pecan pieces, toasted and coarsely chopped
1 (6-oz) ready-to-fill chocolate crumb crust

Caramel Layer
3/4 cup (5-oz) indiviually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
1/4 cup canned evaporated milk (NOT sweetened condensed milk!)

Truffle Layer
1 1/2 cups (9-oz) semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream (whipping cream)
3 tbsp stick butter

For garnish: Sweetened whipped cream

Sprinkle the pecans on the crust.

Caramel Layer: Heat the caramels and evaporated milk together in a heavy saucepan over low heat or in a bowl in the microwave. Stir often until the caramels melts and the mixture is smooth. Pour over the pecans.

Truffle Layer: Heat the chocolate chips, cream and butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat or in a bowl in the microwave, stirring until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. Pour over the caramel layer and refrigerate around 4 hours until set.

To serve: Pipe or spoon on whipped cream arranged ners the crust edge of the dessert.

YUMMY BROWNIE SUNDAES

2012-01-12T21:08:00.000-08:00

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with foil allowing the foil extend over the pan on two sides (for lifting out later). Grease the foil in the pan.

In medium mixing bowl with electric mixer at medium speed beat the butter, sugar, vanilla, and baking powder until fluffy. Beat in the eggs until blended. Lower mixer speed to low and beat in the flour and cocoa. Spread mixture into the prepared pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack.

While brownies cool, make the following FUDGE SAUCE:
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup half and half cream
1/4 cup light corn syrup
3 tbsp butter, cut up into pieces
2 tsp vanilla extract
dash of salt

In a saucepan whisk the cocoa powder and sugar together to blend. Stir in the half and half, corn syrup, butter, vanilla, and salt. Bring to a boil, whisking occasionally until smooth.

2 pints vanilla ice cream
whipped cream
maraschino cherries with stems still attached

To assemble the sundaes: Lift brownies out of the pan and cut into 9 squares. Place each square in a dessert dish with a side. Top with a scoop of ice cream, hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, and a cherry.

CAPPUCCINO PECAN PIE

2012-01-12T17:54:00.000-08:00

There are so many recipes for pecan pie. But coffee lovers, this may very well be your favorite!

1 unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan
1/3 cup packed dark-brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 jar (16 to18-oz) caramel sauce
6 tbsp instant cappuccino coffee mix
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 cups pecan halves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Crumble the brown sugar in an even layer over the bottom of the unbaked crust; set aside.

In a large bowl lightly whisk the eggs to break up and blend somewhat. Stir in the caramel sauce, cappuccino mix, and the cinnamon until well blended. Stir in the pecans. Pour the mixture over the brown sugar layer in the crust.

Bake pie at 350 degrees until the center of the filling is just set. This will take about 45 to 50 minutes.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate 3 to 4 hours until the pie is firm. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.

Serves 12
Approximately 405 calories per serving.

CRUNCHY CEREAL COOKIES

2012-01-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 egg
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp grated orange rind
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3 cups corn flake type cereal
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly grease a cookie sheet; set aside.

In a large mixer bowl beat the sugar and butter together until creamy. Beat in the egg, milk, and orange rind. Mix baking powder with the flour and stirinto the creamed mixture. Add the cereal and nuts, mixing well.

Drop dough by level tablespoonfuls about 2-inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Let stand on cookie sheet for 1 minute before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. If you are repeating the process with the same cookie sheet, allow the sheet to cool before putting the next batch of cookies on it.

Yield: 36 cookies

CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL CHEESECAKE

2012-01-10T17:16:00.001-08:00

1 1/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1/4 cup melted butter
3 blocks (8-oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
chocolate curls for garnish
large stemmed maraschino cherry for garnish
whipped cream for garnish, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a small mixing bowl combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, powdered sugar, and the 1/3 cup cocoa. Add the melted butter and mix together well. Press over the bottom an 1/2-inch up the side of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees.

In a large mixer bowl combine the cream cheese, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Beat at medium speed until smooth. Add the flour and eggs; mix together well. Pour the filling into the prepared crust.

Bake for 10 minutes. Decrease oven temperature to 250 degrees but do not open the oven! Bake another 30 minutes. Note: The cheesecake may not appear set in the center. Turn off the oven. Let cheesecake stand in the oven for 30 minutes before opening oven.

Remove cheesecake from oven and loosen from side of the pan. Cool on a wire rack. When cooled, refrigerate, covered, to chill.

To serve cheesecake; Remove side of the pan. Garnish with chocolate curls in the center with the maraschino cherry at the direct center. Dollop each wedge with whipped cream, if desired.

Yield: 12 servings

BASIC WALNUT FUDGE BROWNIES WITH ADD INS

2012-01-10T12:09:00.000-08:00

4 squares (1-oz each) unsweetened chocolate
3/4 cup butter
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts (may substitute pecans, if desired)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees for a metal baking pan or 325 for a glass baking dish.
Grease a 13 x 9-inch pan and set aside.

In a large glass mixing bowl melt the chocolate and butter together in the microwave on high for 2 minutes or until butter is completely melted when stirred. Stir until the chocolate is totally melted.

Stir the sugar into the chocolate mixer until completely blended. Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract. Stir in the flour and the walnuts until well blended. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out with fudgy crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake! Cool in the pan on a wire rack then cut into 24 squares.

Add ins to make CREAM CHEESE BROWNIES
1 pkg (8-oz) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Prepare the above recipe as directed above but use 4 eggs instead of 3! Spread in 13 x 9-inch greased pan as above.

Beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and flour in the bowl you just mixed the brownies in. Beat until well blended. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the brownie mixture in pan and swirl with a knife to marbleize. Bake 40 minutes at 350 degrees.

Add ins to make WALNUT CRUNCH BROWNIES
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
2 eggs
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups chopped walnuts

Prepare brownies as directed above in original recipe but use 4 eggs instead of three and omit the walnuts. Spread the batter in greased 9 x 13-inch pan.

Microwave the brown sugar and butter together in a small to medium glass mixing bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until the butter is melted. Stir in the eggs, flour, and vanilla extract until well blended. Stir in the chopped nuts and spread the mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan. Bake for 45 minutes.

DELECTABLE CRESCENT COOKIES

2012-01-09T10:52:00.000-08:00

1 stick butter, softened
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup whole wheat flour*
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
additional confectioners' sugar for coating
3 squares semisweet chocolate, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Set out two ungreased cookie sheets.

In a 2-quart mixing bowl, mix the butter, sugar, and vanilla together until blended. Gradually stir in the flours and the walnuts. Shape into crescents** and place on the ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake cookies in the upper part of the oven at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until firm but not browned. Remove cookies from the cookie sheets and gently roll in the additional confectioners' sugar. Cool on wire racks. When completely cooled, drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies and allow to stand until the chocolate is firm.

Yield: 2 dozen

*Or just use 1 cup of the all-purpose flour. It is just healthier to combine some whole-wheat with the all-purpose.
**You can shape into 1-inch balls instead of crescents, if desired.

PISTACHIO FUDGE TARTS

2012-01-08T17:43:00.000-08:00

pie pastry for a 1-crust pie
2 eggs, beaten
2/3 cup light corn syrup
3 tbsp melted butter
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted
1 cup coarsely chopped pistachios

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Roll out the pastry and cut out 4 6-inch circles. Fit each circle into a 4-inch tart pan; trim edges; set aside.

In a bowl combine the eggs, corn syrup, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract; mix well. Stir in the melted chocolate and 3/4 cup of the pistachios.

Divide the filling evenly between the 4 tart shells. Evenly sprinkle the remaining pistachios over the tarts of the tarts.

Bake at 375 degrees for approximately a half hour or until the tart centers are set. Cool on wire rack.

CHOCOLATE CARAMELS

2012-01-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

2/3 cup butter
1/2 cup unsweetened baking cocoa powder
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light cream or evaporated milk
1 cup clear corn syrup
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

In a heavy 3-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Blend in the cocoa powder and remove from the heat. Add the sugars, cream, and corn syrup; mix together well.

Cook the mixture over medium heat until the sugars are completely dissolved; stirring constantly. Using a candy thermometer, cook to 240 to 248 degrees, stirring occasionally. (If you don't have a candy thermometer, that temperature is the firm ball stage.)

Pour the caramel into a 9-inch square dish* that is lined with a piece of well buttered aluminum foil. Sprinkle the pecans over the top, pressing down lightly so they will stick. Allow to cool overnight or all day.

Remove the caramel to a cutting board; carefully peel away the foil. Using a sharp wet knife, cut caramel into small squares. Wrap each caramel individually in plastic wrap.

*If you prefer thinner caramels, pour the hot mixture into a 9 X 13-inch pan instead of a 9-inch square pan.

Yield: 3 lbs caramels

CANDY CHOCOLATE CLOUDS

2012-01-06T17:44:00.000-08:00

3 egg whites, room temperature
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp unsweetened baking cocoa powder
1 3/4 cups chocolate chunks

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

In mixer bowl beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks (tops curl over when mixer is lifted) form. Gradually add the sugar and the vanilla, continuously beating until stiff peaks form. Sift the cocoa powder over the meringue and gently fold in. Fold in the chocolate chunks.

Drop meringue by heaping tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake at 300 for 35 to 45 minutes or just until meringues are dry. Carefully peel clouds off the parchment paper and cool completely on a wire rack. May be stored, covered, at room temperature.

Yield: Approximately 30 clouds

BUTTERSCOTCH CAKE WITH ORANGE GLAZE

2012-01-05T19:11:00.000-08:00

1 pkg (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
1 pkg (3-oz) butterscotch instant pudding mix
Orange glaze; recipe below

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and lightly flour a bundt pan; set aside.

In mixer bowl combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, water, and pudding mix; beat at low speed until moistened. Beat at medium speed 4 minutes.

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make the orange glaze and drizzle over the cake.

Yield: 12 servings.

Orange Glaze:
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup orange juice
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Blend all the ingredients together to make a thin glaze. Drizzle over the above cake or use for other cakes, cookies, etc.

ELEGANT LIME TART

2012-01-04T18:08:00.000-08:00

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp chopped pecans
1 jar (7-oz) marshmallow creme
1 cup sour cream
3 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp grated lime rind
3 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
6 tbsp chopped pecans
1 lime, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a mixer bowl cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the flour and mix well. Press mixture over the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

Bake until light brown; approximately 12 to 14 minutes. Sprinkle the two tablespoons of chopped pecans over the baked crust.

In a bowl combine the marshmallow creme, sour cream, lime juice and rind; mix well. Fold in the whipped topping. Spoon batter into the pan over the baked crust. Freeze until firm. Place on a serving plate then remove the side of the pan. Allow to stand for 15 minutes before cutting to serve. Sprinkle the 6 tablespoons of chopped pecans over the top. Garnish each piece with lime slices.

Yield: 10 to 12 servings.

EASY BAVARIAN MINTS

2012-01-03T12:59:00.000-08:00

2 oz unsweetened baking chocolate
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 tbsp butter
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp peppermint extract*

In the top of a double boiler over hot water, melt the baking chocolate and chocolate chips together, stirring often to mix well. Remove from the heat.

Add the butter, condensed milk and peppermint extract; beat until smooth and creamy. Drop by teaspoonsful onto waxed paper covered baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm.

You may substitute vanilla extract or flavorings such as orange, butter, etc to suit your taste.

STRAWBERRY COCONUT PECAN CAKE

2011-12-31T17:18:00.000-08:00

1 pkg (3-oz) strawberry gelatin
1 pkg (2-layer size) white cake mix
3/4 cup canola oil
3/4 cup milk
4 eggs, separated
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
2 cups strawberry halves
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 lb powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour two round cake pans; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl stir the gelatin and cake mix together; add the oil, milk, egg yolks and mix just until moistened.

In a separate bowl, combine the coconut, pecans, and strawberries. Fold half this mixture into the cake batter. Reserve the other half of the strawberry mixture.

In a mixer bowl, beat egg whites until stiff but not dry; fold into the batter. Pour the batter evenly into two prepared pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the centers come out clean. Allow to cool in pans on wire rack for just a few minutes then remove from pans to the wire racks to cool completely.

In a mixer bowl cream the butter until light. Add the powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Add the remaining strawberry mixture and mix in well. Place one layer on cake plate and spread some of the frosting over the top. Top with the second layer. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake.

Yield: 12 servings.

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY MINI CAKES

2011-12-30T08:34:00.000-08:00

1/2 cup seedless red raspberry preserves
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
vanilla glaze (if desired)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a small saucepan, over low heat, melt the preserves while stirring constantly; remove from heat and set aside.

In mixer bowl, using electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.

In a small bowl combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add this mixture of dry ingredients into the egg mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Mix well after each addition is added. After all is added, beat for 2 minutes. Beat in the preserves.

Spray 3 loaf pans (3 x 5-inches) with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pans. Drizzle vanilla glaze (recipe below) over the cooled cakes, if desired.

Vanilla glaze:
1 tbsp butter
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 tbsp hot water

In the microwave, melt the butter in mixing bowl. Stir in the vanilla and powdered sugar to the butter with enough of the hot water to make desired consistency.

If you prefer, you can use one 9-inch loaf pan. Adjust baking time as needed until done.

DANE'S RICE PUDDING

2011-12-29T11:06:00.000-08:00

3 cups cooked rice
2 pkgs (4-oz size) vanilla instant pudding mix
1 1/4 cups milk
1 1/4 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 cups whipped topping

Rice the rice with cold water and drain well.

Combine the pudding mix, milk, ice cream, and cinnamon in a mixer bowl. Beat the mixture for 1 minute. Fold in the rice. Chill until serving time. Before serving, fold in the whipped topping. Spoon pudding into serving dishes.

OLD-STYLE GERMAN APPLE PANCAKE

2011-12-29T04:41:00.000-08:00

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp grated nutmeg
4 eggs
1 cup milk
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tsp olive or canola oil
1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
1 cup thin-sliced Granny Smith apple

1 tbsp powdered sugar for garnish

Using the first section of ingredients above, lightly spoon the flour into a dry measuring cup and level off with your finger or a knife. Combine the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, salt, and nutmeg in a medium bowl and stir with a whisk. Combine the egg, milk, butter, and vanilla together in a small bowl and stir with a whisk. Stirring with a whisk combine the egg mixture into the flour mixture. Allow to stand for half an hour.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Using the next section of ingredients, coat the bottom and sides of a heavy (preferably cast-iron) skillet with the oil. In a cup or small bowl combine half the sugar, the cinnamon, and the nutmeg; sprinkle evenly over the bottom and sides of the prepared skillet. Arrange the apple in a spoke-like design layer in bottom of skillet. Sprinkle the remaining half of the sugar over the apple. Cook over medium heat for 8 minutes until the mixture bubbles. Slowly pour the batter over the apple.

Bake the pancake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 375 degrees without removing pancake from the oven. Bake another 13 to 15 minutes until the center is set. Carefully loosen the pancake from the pan with a spatula; carefully slide onto a serving platter. Sprinkle the powdered sugar over the top.

To serve, cut pancake into 6 wedges.

BABY RUTH CANDY BAR KNOCK-OFF

2011-12-28T05:49:00.000-08:00

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 jar (7-oz) marshmallow creme
1 cup chopped salted peanuts

In the top of a double-boiler over hot water, melt the chocolate chips and the peanut butter together, stirring occasionally. When melted, remove from the heat; add the marshmallow creme and peanuts. Beat until mixed together well. Pour into a foil-lined 8-inch square baking dish. Allow to cool completely then cut into 36 squares.

CAPTAIN'S HASH

2011-12-27T10:30:00.000-08:00

4 cups Cap'n Crunch Crunch Berries cereal
2 cups dry-roasted peanuts
2 cups slivered almonds
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 lb white almond bark

In a large bowl combine the cereal, peanuts, almonds, and marshmallows, mixing well.

Melt the almond bark in the microwave for 1 minute; remove and stir. Continue to microwave in 30 second increments, stirring after each time, until the coating is all melted. Pour the melted coating over the cereal mixture in the bowl; mix well to coat all the cereal, etc.

Spread the mixture out on a waxed paper covered baking sheet. Let stand until firm then break into small pieces. Store in an airtight container.

AMBROSIA BUNDT CAKE

2011-12-26T12:45:00.000-08:00

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup drained pineapple tidbits
1 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained well and coarsely chopped
2 tbsp grated orange peel
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup canola oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan and set aside.

In a mixing bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Add the pecans, pineapple, coconut, cherries, orange peel; mix well.

In a separate bowl combine the eggs, buttermilk and oil; mix well. Add the egg mixture to the dry mixture, mixing until well blended. Pour or spoon the mixture into the prepared pan.

Bake cake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until a thin wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

CHOCOLATE PINEAPPLE SQUARES

2011-12-24T09:13:00.000-08:00

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
2 1/2 tbsp melted butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans
cocoa frosting, recipe below

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In mixer bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy; beat in the eggs.

In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together; add to the creamed mixture and mix together well.

In another bowl, combine the pineapple with 1 3/4 cups of the batter, mixing together well. Into the remaining batter, blend the cocoa and melted butter; stir in the pecans.

Spread the chocolate mixture into the prepared baking pan. Spread the pineapple mixture over the top. Bake for 25 minutes until the edges pull from the sides of the pan. Allow to cool for 15 minutes. Frost the warm brownies with the following cocoa frosting then cut into 30 squares.

Cocoa Frosting:
1 cup powdered sugar
3 tbsp cocoa
1 tbsp butter, softened
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp milk

Combine the powdered sugar, cocoa, butter, vanilla, and milk in a mixing bowl. Beat well until smooth.

Makes 1 cup of frosting.

CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CAKE

2011-12-23T18:00:00.000-08:00

3 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups whole-milk
3 oz dark chocolate, grated

Set eggs out at room temperature for half an hour.

Grease and lightly flour 3 8-inch round cake pans; set aside.

In a medium bowl stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixer bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter for 30 seconds. Gradually add the sugar, small amounts at a time, beating after each addition until well combined. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat for another 2 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition; beat in the vanilla extract.

Alternately add the flour mixture and the milk to the butter/egg mixture, beating on low after each addition but just until combined. Beat on high for an additional 20 seconds. Stir in the grated dark chocolate. Equally divided the batter between the three pans.

Bake cake layers for 30 to 35 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely on the wire racks. Frost with your favorite frosting recipe.

Yield: 16 servings.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-22T19:47:00.000-08:00

I want to wish all my members a very Merry Christmas and share this picture with you. This is two of my granddaughters who baked with me today. The oldest one in this photo is lovingly referred to as Grandma's Ladybug. She also loves baking, so this site is named in her honor!

YUMMY CHRISTMAS PIE

2011-12-22T08:28:00.000-08:00

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/2 tsp salt

Stir the above ingredients together in a medium saucepan. Gradually stir in:

1 3/4 cups milk

Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly. Cook for 1 minute.

Remove pan from the heat and place in a pan of cold water. Cool until the mixture mounds when dropped from a spoon. Stir in the following:

3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract

3 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp cream of tartar

Beat the egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar together in a mixer bowl, using electric mixer, until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the cooled mixture. Stir in:

1 cup flaked coconut
2 cups whipped topping

Pour the filling into a 9-inch prebaked pie shell. Chill pie until serving time.

1/2 cup flaked coconut
drops of green food coloring
red maraschino cherries

Tint the coconut with the green food coloring. Sprinkle around the outer edges of the pie. Garnish with the red cherries.

Yield: 8 servings

COWBOY BROWNIE MIX IN A JAR

2011-12-21T09:18:00.000-08:00

2 cups sugar
1 cup cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Layer the ingredients, in order listed, in a quart jar.

Place a square of banana cloth and place over the jar lid. Tie with a piece of jute or twine, attaching the instructions below.

Instructions to attach to the jar:
1 jar cowboy brownie mix
1 cup butter
4 eggs

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Grease and flour a 13 x 9-inch baking pan; set aside.

Using an electric mixer, cream the butter. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Add the brownie mix and then beat by hand until smooth. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan and bake 40 to 50 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

CANDIED FRUIT BARS

2011-12-20T13:24:00.000-08:00

2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1/2 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
3 tbsp granulated sugar
2/3 cup butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter chips
1/2 cup red candied cherry halves
1/2 cup green candied cherry halves
1/2 cup chopped dates
1 can (14-oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl combine the cookie crumbs, cocoa, and sugar. Using a pastry blender or two knifes, cut in the butter. Press the mixture over the bottom and about half an inch up the sides of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Sprinkle with the peanut butter chips, both cherries, and dates.

Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the fruit. Sprinkle the pecans over the milk pressing them down slightly.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges of the filling are lightly browned and the center is bubbly. Cool; cover with foil. Set aside for 8 hours to cool completely before cutting into 36 bars.

CHOCOLATE CHUNK PISTACHIO SHORTBREAD

2011-12-19T13:10:00.000-08:00

3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup + 1/3 cup pistachios, chopped, divided
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
1 beaten egg white

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Grease a cookie sheet and set aside.

In mixer bowl, with electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy; blend in the vanilla. Gradually add the flour; mix well. Fold in the half cup of pistachios and the chocolate chunks.

Using your hands, pat the dough into an 8 x 10-inch rectangle. Brush with the egg white and sprinkle the third cup of pistachios over the top. Bake at 300 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes until the shortbread is lightly browned. Cool completely before cutting into 20 squares.

FRUIT BREAD

2011-12-17T16:35:00.000-08:00

1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 cup mashed banana
1 can (11-oz) mandarin oranges,drained and chopped
1 1/2 tsp grated orange rind
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup flaked coconut

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch loaf pan; set aside.

In a mixer bowl combine the canola oil and sugar beating until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time. Beat well after each one. Add th almond extract, mashed banana, mandarin oranges, and the orange rind mixing well.

With a wooden spoon stir in the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and coconut.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake at 325 degrees for 55 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove to a wire rack to cook. Loosen from pan and remove. Cool completely on the wire rack.

A PERFECT BUFFET CAKE WITH FILLING AND GLAZE

2011-12-17T06:12:00.000-08:00

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup + 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup canola oil
2 eggs, separated
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Filling (recipe below)
Chocolate Glaze (recipe below)
Whipped cream, for garnish
Maraschino cherries, for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line a 15 x 10-inch baking pan with foil; grease and lightly flour the foil. Set prepared pan aside.

In a large mixer bowl mix the flour, 1 cup of the granulated sugar, baking cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Add the canola oil, egg yolks, buttermilk, and vanilla extract; beat mixture until smooth.

In another mixer bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the remaining half cup of sugar and beat until sugar is dissolved and whites are stiff. Fold the whites into chocolate batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched in the center. Cool in the pan for three minutes. Invert the cake onto a large cooling rack and carefully remove the foil. Allow cake to cool completely.

While cake cools, make the Chocolate Filling.

Cut the cooled cake in half crosswise making two equal layers. Place 1 layer on the serving platter. Spread the chocolate filling over the cake layer. Top with the remaining layer. Refrigerate to chill while you make the Chocolate Glaze.

Spoon the glaze over the top of the cake and chill for about 2 hours to set the glaze.

To serve, garnish with swirls of whipped cream. Top each whipped cream swirl with a maraschino cherry.

Yield: 12 servings.

CHOCOLATE FILLING:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1 tsp vanilla extract (use rum extract, if desired)
1/2 cup whipping cream

In a mixer bowl combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, egg, cocoa, and extract; beat until smooth.

In a separate bowl beat the whipping cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold egg whites into the chocolate mixture.

CHOCOLATE GLAZE:
2 tbsp butter
3 tbsp unsweetened baking cocoa
3 tbsp water
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 to 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the cocoa and water. Cook mixture until thickened while stirring constantly; do NOT boil. Remove from the heat.

Add the vanilla extract and the powdered sugar (start with 1 1/4 cups and increase if too thin), beating until smooth.

OOOHY-GOOEY VANILLA WAFER BAR COOKIES

2011-12-16T06:29:00.000-08:00

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup vanilla wafer cookie crumbs
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1 can (14-oz) sweetened condensed milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Set out a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or pan.

Combine the butter, vanilla wafer crumbs, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans in a mixing bowl; mix together well. Spread the mixture over the bottom of the baking dish or pan. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top of the mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool completely and cut into 36 bars.

FROZEN COCONUT-PECAN CARAMEL PIE

2011-12-14T17:00:00.000-08:00

1 baked 9-inch pie shell
1 cup flaked coconut
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/8 cup butter
1/2 cup + 1/8 cup sweetened condensed milk
4 oz cream cheese, softened
8-oz whipped topping
1/2 (12-oz size) jar caramel ice cream topping

Melt the butter over medium heat in a skillet; add coconut and pecans and saute until lightly browned. Set aside.

In a mixer bowl combine the sweetened condensed milk with the cream cheese; beat until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping.

Spread half the cream cheese mixture into the baked pie shell and layer with half the caramel topping. Top with half the pecan and coconut mixture; repeat the layers.

Freeze pie until firm. Remove from freezer and let stand for 10 minutes before cutting to serve.

TURN A PACKAGED BROWNIE MIX INTO EASY MINT BROWNIES

2011-12-13T12:26:00.000-08:00

1 pkg (23-oz) brownie mix
1 large egg
1 cup mini chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans
1 can cream cheese frosting
2 tsp peppermint extract
several drops of green food coloring
3 squares (1-oz each) semisweet chocolate
2 tbsp butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a 10 x 15-inch baking pan; set aside.

Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions using the egg. Stir the chocolate chips and the pecans into the brownie mix. Transfer mix to the prepared pan.

Bake brownies for 15 to 20 minutes just until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Do not overbake. Cool in pan on a wire rack.

Place the cream cheese frosting into a mixing bowl. Stir in the peppermint extract and the food coloring until well blended. Spread frosting over the cooled brownies. Put into the refrigerator to chill.

Meanwhile, melt the chocolate with the butter in a small saucepan over low heat stirring constantly. Drizzle the chocolate over the minty frosting. Chill until the chocolate has firmed up. Cut into 48 squares.

KIDS FAVORITE PARTY PUNCH

2011-12-12T17:58:00.000-08:00

1 can (46-oz) red Hawaiian Punch
1 can (6-oz) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1 can (6-oz) orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 can (6-oz) grape juice concentrate, thawed
3 1/2 cups Sprite or other lemon-lime soda pop, chilled
6 cups chilled water
ice
orange slices, for garnish
maraschino cherries, for garnish

In a large punch bowl combine the punch, lemonade concentrate, orange juice concentrate, and grape juice concentrate. Stir in the chilled water. Add ice ring (directions below). Float some orange slices on top. When serving, place a maraschino cherry in each cup.

Ice Ring instructions.
Take a ring mold that fits easily into the punch bowl. Fill halfway with water and put some maraschino cherries and well drained mandarin orange slices into the water and place in freezer. Freeze until solid. Remove from mold and place in the punch bowl to keep punch chilled and add color.

CARAMEL CHOCOLATE CHIP BARS

2011-12-11T20:31:00.001-08:00

1 pkg (14-oz) caramels, unwrapped
1/3 cup cream
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
2 cups oats
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a saucepan over low heat, combine the caramels and cream; cook, stirring constantly until the caramels are melted completely. Set caramel mixture aside.

In a mixing bowl combine the two flours with the oats, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and egg; mix together well. Add the butter and cut in until the mixture is crumbly. Press half the crumbly mixture into the bottom of 9 x 13-inch baking pan or dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Remove the crust from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. Drizzle the caramel mixture over the chocolate chips. Top with the remaining crumbly mixture. Return to oven and bake another 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Set on a wire rack and cool for half an hour. Run a thin knife around the edges to loosen and allow to cool completely before cutting into 56 1 x 2-inch bars.

PECAN SPRINKLED PUMPKIN CHIFFON PIE

2011-12-09T05:58:00.001-08:00

1/4 cup water
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
3 to 5 tbsp granulated sugar
3 tbsp cornstarch
1 1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup canned pumpkin
3/4 cup whipping cream
2 tbsp butter
5 egg whites
4 tbsp granulated sugar
1 9-inch baked pie shell
whipped cream for garnish
1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped pecans (depending on how much you like nuts), for garnish

In a measuring cup sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let stand for several minutes to soften.

Combine the 3 to 5 tablespoons (depending on how sweet you prefer)sugar with the cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a saucepan, mixing well. Stir in the pumpkin and whipping cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and smooth. Add the butter and gelatin; mix well. Allow to cool, stirring occasionally.

Beat the egg whites in a mixer bowl for a minute. Gradually add the 4 tablespoons, beating until sugar is dissolved and egg whites are stiff. Gently fold egg whites into the pumpkin mixture. Spoon into the pie shell. Cover and chill until serving time.

To serve, garnish with the whipped cream and sprinkle with the chopped pecans.

CARAMEL DRIZZLED BROWNIES

2011-12-08T17:40:00.001-08:00

1 box (20-oz) brownie mix
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans
20 unwrapped milk caramels
3 tbsp milk

Prepare the brownie mix according to the box directions. Spread the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and pecans . Bake according to the box directions.

Combine the caramels and milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute; stir to mix well. Drizzle the caramel over the hot brownies. Cool before cutting into squares.

Cut into 24 to 36 pieces.

DEVIL'S FOOD CHIP BAR COOKIES

2011-12-07T19:39:00.001-08:00

1/2 cup butter, slightly softened
1 box (2-layer size) devil's food cake mix
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1 can (14-oz) sweetened condensed milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the cake mix until crumbly. Press the mixture onto the bottom of a 15 x 10-inch baking pan. Sprinkle the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and pecans over the cake mixture. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up in the center. Remove from oven and place pan on a wire rack to cool. Cut into 48 bars.

EASY MARSHMALLOWS POPCORN BALLS

2011-12-07T13:01:00.001-08:00

1 cup packed light brown sugar
8 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup butter
3 quarts popped popcorn

In a saucepan combine the brown sugar, marshmallows, and butter. Cook (stirring constantly)
the mixture over low heat until the marshmallows are melted.

Place the popped corn in a large heat-proof bowl and pour the hot mixture over the corn. With buttered or greased hands, shape the popcorn into 20 balls. Place the popcorn balls on waxed paper and let stand until firm. Store in an airtight container or containers.

ALMOND ORANGE COOKIES WITH CHOCOLATE FILLING

2011-12-06T13:50:00.001-08:00

1 1/2 cups butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
3 large egg yolks
3/4 tsp baking powder
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp grated orange rind
1 cup ground toasted almonds
Creamy chocolate filling (recipe follows)

In large mixer bowl combine the butter, sugar, vanilla, and egg yolks beating until creamy.

In a bowl combine the baking powder, flour, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, mixing well. Stir in the orange rind. Cover and chill for an hour or until dough is easy to handle.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the ground almonds. Place balls 2-inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Press a thumb into the center of each cookie making a well for the chocolate filling. Put 1/4 teaspoon of the filling into the well of each cookie.

Bake cookies at 325 degrees for 11 to 13 minutes until set. Allow to cool slightly on the cookie sheets then remove to a wire rack to cook completely.

CREAMY CHOCOLATE FILLING:
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whipping or heavy cream
1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
2 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp vanilla

In a small saucepan combine the sugar, cocoa, and flour. Gradually stir in the whipping or heavy cream. Over low heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Stir a small amount of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolk then stir egg mixture into the chocolate mixture. Cook for a minute while stirring constantly. Remove the chocolate from the heat; stir in the butter and vanilla until butter is melted and mixture is smooth. Chill until ready to use.

CRANBERRY ICE

2011-12-03T18:18:00.001-08:00

4 cups cranberry juice
2 tsps grated orange rind
2 cups unsweetened orange juice

In a bowl combine the three ingredients. Spoon or pour the mixture into a 13 x 9-inch freeze-proof dish or pan. Freeze for several hours, stirring every 15 minutes or so, until firm.

To serve, scoop into individual compote dishes.

Yield: 10 servings.

By serving this ice instead of cranberry sauce, you can reduce calories by up to 75%.

ALMOND BUNDT CAKE

2011-12-02T18:19:00.001-08:00

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp almond extract
1 cup milk
2 tbsp butter, melted
3 tbsp Amaretto*
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Grease and flour a Bundt pan; set aside.

In a bowl combine the flours, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

In a large mixer bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the 1 cup of butter and the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the almond extract. Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix well after each addition.

Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and bake at 325 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for a few minutes. Carefully remove cake and cool completely on the wire rack.

*If you do not want to use Amaretto, substitute almond extract to suit your taste.

To make glaze: Combine the melted butter, Amaretto, and powdered sugar in a bowl and mix well until smooth. Drizzle glaze over the cake allowing to drip down the sides. Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top.

APPLE-WALNUT MUFFINS

2011-11-30T18:16:00.001-08:00

1 large egg
2/3 cup no-sugar-added apple juice
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2/3 cups chopped walnuts
1 apple, peeled and chopped
1 tbsp granulated sugar for topping
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon for topping

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg with the apple juice, oil, and vanilla extract.

In a medium bowl combine the two flours, both sugars, baking powder and salt; stir into the egg mixture just until the flour mixture is moistened (lumpy batter is okay!) Stir in the walnuts and apple.

Spray 12 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray; evenly divide the batter into the cups.

In a cup, combine the topping sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle tops of the muffins with the cinnamon-sugar.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or until browned and a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and immediatley remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

PARFAIT PUMPKIN BLOCKS

2011-11-29T13:26:00.001-08:00

CRUST:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup melted butter

Mix the above ingredients together until well blended. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan.

FILLLING:
1 can (16-oz) pumpkin
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
dash of ground cloves
1 qt softened vanilla ice cream
1 cup heavy cream, whipped
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans

In a mixing bowl combine the pumpkin, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Fold in the softened ice cream. Pour the filling over the crust in the pan. Cover and freeze for at least 2 hours. Remove from freezer and cut into squares or 'blocks'.

TOPPING:
Before serving, sweeten the whipped cream with the powdered sugar and cinnamon. Place a dollop atop each block. Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the whipped cream.

NOTE: This is a great make ahead dessert. It can be kept in the freezer until 20 minutes before serving time. Allow to thaw during that time before cutting to serve.

APPLE PIE PHYLLO CUPS

2011-11-29T04:42:00.001-08:00

These little phyllo cups are filled with an apple pie type filling. They are like miniature apple pies.
FILLING:
8 cups peeled, chopped Gala apples
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp butter, cut up
1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

To make filling: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, bring the apples, sugar, water, butter, and lemon juice to a boil. Stir in the salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Lower the heat to medium and boil gently 20 to 25 minutes or until the apples are tender and the liquid is reduced by half.

Remove from heat and crush apples with a potato masher until they form into a chunky style applesauce. Allow to cool completely.

CUPS:
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 pkg (16-oz) frozen phyllo, thawed
1/2 cup butter, melted
Powdered sugar for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray 12 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray.

In a small teacup combine the sugar and cinnamon.

Layer 4 sheets of phyllo dough, lightly brushing each layer with the melted butter. Cut the stack of dough into 6-inch squares discarding excess dough. Press each square into a muffin cup and fill each with 1/3 cup of the filling mixture. Fold the phyllo edges over the filling. Brush with butter and sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees 30 to 35 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely in the pan that is sitting on a wire rack. Sprinkle with the powdered sugar just before serving.

HOLIDAY EGGNOG PIE

2011-11-28T06:48:00.001-08:00

1 1/2 cups cold eggnog
1 1/2 cups cold milk
1 pkg (6-serving size) vanilla instant pudding
1 9-inch pie shell, baked, cooled
whipped cream for garnish
nutmeg for garnish

Combine the cold eggnog and milk in a mixing bowl. Add the pudding mix and beat with electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Immediately pour into the cooled pie shell. Chill at least an hour before cutting to serve.

Before serving, garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream sprinkled lightly with nutmeg, if desired.

TURTLE TOPPED BROWNIES

2011-11-27T17:36:00.001-08:00

4 oz good quality bittersweet baking chocolate
1/2 cup butter, cut into several pieces
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 large eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp whole-wheat flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly butter and dust with flour an 8-inch square baking pan; set aside.

In a 2 or 3-quart saucepan, melt the chocolate and butter together over low heat, stirring just until smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

When chocolate mixture has reached room temperature, stir in the brown sugar and vanilla. Add the eggs and mix well.

In a small bowl sift together the flours, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold the flour mixture into the chocolate mixture and mix together well. Stir in the chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

TURTLE TOPPING:
3/4 cup sugar
pinch of salt
1/3 cup light corn syrup
3 tbsp water
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Once the brownie has cooled, combine the sugar, salt, corn syrup, and water together in a 3-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and boil until it turns to a golden caramel. Remove the pan from the heat and slowly add the cream and vanilla. Quickly stir in the pecans, pour over the brownie layer in pan. Cool on a wire rack. When cooled, cover brownies and refrigerate until the caramel is firm. This will take around 2 hours.

CRANBERRY UPSIDE DOWN RAISIN MUFFINS

2011-11-25T11:47:00.001-08:00

1 cup cranberries
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1 tbsp baking powder
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup raisins
1 egg
1 cup low-fat milk

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Lightly grease or spray with nonstick cooking spray, 12 muffin cups.

Cut cranberries in half; divide evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. Spoon 1 teaspoon of the melted butter into each of the cups, over the berries. Divide the brown sugar evenly over the berries and butter.

In a large mixing bowl stir together the flours, baking powder, granulated sugar, salt, and raisins.

In a smaller mixing bowl, beat the egg; mix in the milk and remaining butter. Add egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring just until moistened. Spoon the batter evenly over the berries, etc in the muffin cups.

Bake at 400 degrees approximately 30 minutes until golden brown. Allow the muffins to sit in the pan on a wire rack for a few minutes until the bubbling stops. Carefully turn muffins out and serve upside down.

APPLE COOKIES WITH MAPLE FROSTING

2011-11-22T19:44:00.001-08:00

1/2 cup butter
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup milk
2 cups chopped fresh apple

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and the egg; blend well.

In a small bowl combine the flour with the baking soda and stir into the butter mixture along with the milk. Blend together well. Stir in the apples.

Drop dough onto ungreased cookie sheets by teaspoonsful. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until firm when lightly touched. Do not over bake.

While cookies bake, make the following GLAZE:
1 tbsp melted butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp maple flavoring
2 to 3 tbsp milk

Stir the butter, powdered sugar, flavoring, and milk together to make a smooth glaze. Top each of the cookies with approximately a half teaspoonful of the glaze. Cool.

Allow glaze to dry before storing cookies. Store in an airtight container.

CARAMEL BROWNIES WITH A HINT OF CINNAMON

2011-11-21T21:11:00.001-08:00

1 pkg (14-oz) caramels, unwrapped
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 pkg caramel flavored cake mix*
3/4 cup butter, melted
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan; set aside.

Place the caramels in a saucepan with half the milk.

In a mixing bowl combine the remaining 1/3 cup milk with the cake mix, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon stirring just until blended. Spread half the batter into the prepared baking pan. (The remaining dough will stiffen as it sits; this is okay.)

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the caramels and milk over low heat until the caramels are melted. Stir often during the cooking process. Remove from the heat and set aside. When the baked dough has cooled for the 5 minutes, pour the caramel over dough.

Divide the remaining dough (which has siffened), into 6 portions. Shape each portion into a circle. Place circles over the caramel, overlapping slighly. This dough will spread during baking.

Return to oven and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely in the pan on the wire rack. When cooled, cover and refrigerate thoroughly before cutting.

So gooey you will have to refrigerate or eat with a fork. Decadently rich and delicious.

MINI GINGERBREAD CAKES

2011-11-21T20:07:00.001-08:00

1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup boiling water
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
6 tbsp butter, softened
2/3 cup granulate sugar
2 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a small bowl blend the molasses, boiling water, and baking soda; mixture will bubble.

In another bowl mix the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt together.

In a large mixing bowl beat the butter and granulated sugar for 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs. Stir in the flour mixture alternating with the molasses mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Pour the batter into jumbo muffin cups that have been sprayed with nonstick baking spray.

Bake cakes at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until the cakes test done. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Invert pan and remove from cakes. Allow cakes to cool completely on the wire rack.

Decorate with green and red icing drizzle, if desired. To make frosting for drizzle, blend 2 cups of powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons of water. Add water a drip at a time if too stiff.

TOFFEE AND PECAN MARBLE CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE GLAZE

2011-11-21T18:16:00.001-08:00

1 recipe Basic Cake Batter (on this blog)
3-oz semisweet baking chocolate, melted, cooled
1/2 cup toffee bits
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan; set aside.

Prepare the basic cake batter as directed in the recipe on this blog (listed under cakes).

Remove 1 1/2 cups of the batter from the bowl and place in a medium mixing bowl. Stir the cooled chocolate into this batter.

Stir the toffee bits and the pecans into the remaining original batter. Spoon half of this batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Spoon the chocolate batter over this. Top the chocolate batter with the other half of the toffee/pecan batter. Run a butter knife through the batters to marbleize.

Bake cake at 350 degrees 40 to 45 minutes until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Invert pan onto the wire rack and remove pan. Allow cake to cool completely on the wire rack.

While cake cools, make the following Chocolate Glaze:
1/4 cup heavy cream
4-oz semisweet baking chocolate, finely chopped
2 tbsp light corn syrup
2 tbsp powdered sugar

In a small saucepan bring the cream to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the chocolate; whisk until all the chocolate is melted. Whisk in the corn syrup and powdered sugar. Allow to cool slightly until thickened. Spoon the glaze over the cake allowing some to run down the sides of the cake.

BUTTERY ALMOND FLAVORED SPRITZ COOKIES

2011-11-20T19:49:00.001-08:00

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp almond extract*
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Have ungreased cookie sheets and a cookie press at the ready.

In a large mixer bowl beat the butter and sugar on high speed of mixer 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg, almond extract and salt; beat until blended. Lower mixer speed to low and slowly add in the flour, beating well.

Follow your cookie press instructions for use pressing out the cookies about 2-inches apart on the ungreased cookie sheets. Decorate with colored sprinkles, etc as desired.

Bake at 350 degrees 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Use a broad, thin spatula to transfer cookies from sheets to wire racks to cool completely.

*May substitute 1 tbsp vanilla extract if desired.

BASIC CAKE BATTER (ALMOND CAKE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED)

2011-11-18T17:03:00.001-08:00

4 large eggs
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 carton (8-oz) sour cream

In a large mixing bowl with electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the eggs until foamy. Gradually beat in the sugar, then the baking powder, baking soda, and salt; beat 1 minute. Beat in the butter, canola oil, and vanilla. Lower speed to low and beat in the flour in three additions alternately with the sour cream in two additions. Beat just until blended.

VARIATION AND BAKING INSTUCTIONS
Almond Cake:
3/4 cup whole natural almonds, chopped
1 tsp almond extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Spread the almonds in a singe layer on a baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes to toast. Allow to cool while making above batter, using almond extract instead of the vanilla. Sprinkle the almonds evenly between the two cake pans. Gently pour the batter over the almonds spread in the pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Run a knife gently around edges of cakes and invert onto the wire racks to cool completely. Frost cake with your favorite frosting.

MANDARIN ORANGE-CHOCOLATE CHIP CAKE WITH ICING

2011-11-17T19:42:00.001-08:00

CAKE:
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1 1/2 tbsp vinegar
3 1/4 + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
1 3/4 cups + 2 tbsp sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp butter flavoring
1 1/2 tbsp chocolate extract
2 tbsp orange extract
1 1/4 cups water
1 1/4 cups mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour 3 9-inch round cake pans; set aside.

In a cup, combine the evaporated milk and vinegar; set aside.
Sift the flour, salt, and baking soda together; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, blend the butter and sugar together until creamy and smoooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time and beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract, butter flavoring, chocolate extract, and orange extract; beat well. Beat in the milk/vinegar mixture. Alternately add the flour mixture and water, starting and ending with flour. Add the flour 3 times and the water 2 times, beating after each addition.

Fold the chocolate mini chips into the batter and divide batter evenly into the 3 baking pans. Gently tap pans on counter to level. Bake at 350 degrees approximately 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely on wire racks before icing.

ICING:
1 block (8-oz) cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp butter flavoring
1 1/2 tsp chocolate extract
2 tsp orange extract
1 lb sifted powdered sugar
dash of salt
1 tbsp water
1 can (8-oz) Mandarin oranges, well drained

Using an electric mixer on low speed, blend the cream cheese with the vanilla extract, butter flavoring, chocolate extract, and orange extract. Add the powdered sugar, salt, and water and beat until smooth and of spreading consistency.

To assemble: Place one layer on cake plate and spread icing over the top, place second layer over the iced layer and top with icing. Place the third layer on top and frost the top. With all three layers stacked, frost the sides of the cake. When cake is fully frosted, arrange the oranges on the top as garnish.

SURPRISE KISSES

2011-11-16T20:00:00.001-08:00

1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp cinnamon
25 chocolate candy kisses, unwrapped
1 1/2 tbsp powdered sugar
3/4 tsp unsweetened baking cocoa

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and butter; beat at medium speed with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract.

In another medium bowl, combine the flour and cinnamon. Add the flour mixture to the creamy mixture and mix well to combine.

Shape the dough into 25 1-inch balls then flatten balls to 2-inch rounds. Place about an inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Place a chocolate kiss in the center of each round. Bring the dough up around the kiss until kiss is completely covered. Pinch dough to seal. Bake at 350 degrees for around 15 minutes until bottoms of cookies are starting to get golden brown.

In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Sprinkle this mixture over the hot cookies. The warm cookies will absorb this sugar. Sprinkle again later if you want a decorative coating. Allow cookies to cool on cookie sheets for 10 minutes then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Yield: 25 cookies

OH-SO-GOOD CREAM CHEESE PECAN PIE

2011-11-15T14:15:00.001-08:00

1 9-inch unbaked deep dish pie shell
2 pkgs (3-oz each) cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups coarsely chopped pecans
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
3 tbsp granulated sugar
3 tbsp butter, melted

Place the cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl and beat with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add the half cup of granulated sugar, 1 of the eggs, 1 teaspoon of the vanilla, and the salt and beat just until combined. Spread the mixture over the bottom of the unbaked pastry shell. Sprinkle the pecans over the cream cheese mixture.

In a large mixing bowl whisk the 3 remaining eggs lightly. Stir in the corn syrup, the 3 tablespoons of sugar, the melted butter, and the remaining vanilla.

Place the pie pan on a cookie sheet and set on a partially pulled out oven rack. Very slowly and gently pour th syrup mixture over the pecans. Cover the edges of the crust with a foil ring and bake pie at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or more until a butter knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack. When completely cooled, cover pie and place in refrigerator until serving time.

Yield: 8 servings.

Note: Keep any leftovers refrigerated.

MINI M&M JAR COOKIE MIX

2011-11-14T13:08:00.001-08:00

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup mini M&Ms

Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt together.

Layer the ingredients in a jar in the following order: flour mixture, brown sugar, granulated sugar, mini-M&Ms, and chopped pecans.

Put a lid on the jar and cover lid with a pretty piece of cloth or small doily tied on with a matching ribbon. Write the following baking instructions on a card and attach.

Mini M&M Cookies
1 jar of Mini M&M Cookie Mix
1 cup butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large mixer bowl cream the butter, eggs, and vanilla using an electric mixer. Add the cookie mix and stir in until well blended. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

CRANBERRY-WALNUT PINWHEELS

2011-11-13T18:13:00.001-08:00

1 cup cranberries
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water
2/3 cup walnuts, finely ground
2 tbsp butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup butter
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 egg
3 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

To make the filling:
Combine the cranberries, half cup of sugar, and the cornstarch together in a small saucepan. Add the water; bring mixture to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Gently boil over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove the mixture from the stove. While hot, press the mixture through a sieve and discard the solid matter. Cover the surface of the mixture and allow to cool without stirring or bothering.

In a food processor (or blender) after grinding the walnuts, add the 2 tablespoons of softened butter and process until the mixture is smooth and of spreading consistency, stopping to scrape down sides as needed.

To make the dough:
In large mixer bowl beat 3/4 cup of the walnut mixture at medium speed of electric mixer for about 30 seconds until softened. Add 1 1/2 cups of the flour to the nut mixture and mix just until combined. Add the 1 cup of sugar, the egg, milk, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is thoroughly combined, scraping down bowl as needed. Beat or stir in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour. Cover dough and chill for approximately an hour until easy to handle.

Divide the dough in half. Place in half between two sheets of waxed paper and using a rolling pin, roll each half into a rectangle about 16 x 12 inches. Spread half the filling mixture over each rectangle. Starting at a short side, roll rectangles up jelly-roll style. Remove the waxed paper as you roll. Moisten the edges and pinch together to seal filling inside. Wrap each roll securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours but up to 2 days.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cut the rolls into slices 1/4-inch thick. Place cookies on lightly greased cookie sheets about 2-inches apart. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or till the edges are firm and the bottoms are just lightly browned. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Yield: 96 (8 dozen) cookies

NO BAKE CARAMEL PECAN PUMPKIN PIE (DIABETIC INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED)

2011-11-12T13:05:00.001-08:00

1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
1 Graham cracker pie crust
1/2 to 3/4 cup large pecan pieces
1 cup milk
2 pkgs (3.4-oz each) vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix
1 cup canned or cooked pumpkin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 container (8-oz) frozen whipped topping mix, thawed
2 tbsp caramel ice cream topping, for garnish
2 tbsp pecan pieces, for garnish

Pour the caramel topping over the bottom of the Graham cracker crust; sprinkle the pecans over the caramel.

In a large mixing bowl, using a wire whisk, beat the milk with the pudding mix, pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is blended well. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the thawed whipped topping. Spread the mixture over the pecans in the crust.

Refrigerate pie for at least 1 hour before serving.

To serve, top the pie with the remaining whipped topping and sprinkle with the garnish pecans. Drizzle the garnish caramel over all.

Yield: 8 to 10 servings.

NOTE: You can easily make this a diabetic-friendly pie by using sugar-free caramel topping, pudding mix, and frozen whipped topping. For diabetics I would cut the pie into 10 wedges as portion control is important for all diabetics!

CHOCOLATE TANGERINE JUMBOS

2011-11-11T18:20:00.001-08:00

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened baking cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp finely grated tangerine rind*
1 pkg (12-oz) white baking chips
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp granulated sugar for garnish

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Line cookie sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl beat the butter and shortening with an electric mixer on low speed for about 30 seconds to blend. Add the 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar and the brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is combined well, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour mixture as you can. If it becomes too hard for the mixer, use a large wooden spoon or silicone spatula to stir in the remaining flour mixture and the tangerine peel. Stir in the two types of chips.

Drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets by 1/4 cupfuls 4-inches apart. Sprinkle with the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Bake at 325 for 15 to 17 minutes until lightly browned. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes then remove to cool completely on wire racks.

Yield: 2 dozen cookies

*You may substitute orange peel for the tangerine if desired.

Note: This recipe is a past winner of the GREATAMERICAN BAKE SALE Domino Sugar Recipe Contest. It was created by a Ms Ginsberg.

MOLASSES PECAN PIE

2011-11-11T16:27:00.001-08:00

3 eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup molasses
3/4 cup corn syrup
2 tbsp melted butter
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp flour
1 cup whole or coarsely chopped pecans
1 unbaked pie shell

In a mixing bowl combine the eggs, molasses, corn syrup, butter, salt, and vanilla and mix together well. In a cup or small bowl, mix the flour with a small amount of the egg mixture until well blended then stir into the rest of the egg mixture. Stir in the pecans. Pour the pie filling into the pie shell. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour or until the center is firm.

Note: If the edge of the pastry starts to get too brown, cover edge with foil.

RICH FUDGE SAUCE (PERFECT FOR GIFTING)

2011-11-10T19:28:00.001-08:00

This lusciously rich fudge sauce is great at home or make a batch, put it in pretty glass jars, tie a ribbon around the neck and give as a delicious gift.

1 cup whipping cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
8-oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped fine
1/3 cup clear corn syrup
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
dash of salt

In a heavy saucepan combine the cream and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Stir in the chopped chocolate, corn syrup, and butter. Lower heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted and ingredients are blended. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and salt. Allow sauce to cool to room temperature then pour the sauce into a jar with a tight-fitting lid and store in refrigerator. Or as suggested above, pour into small jars with tight-fitting lids, decorate with a pretty ribbon and a label to give as gifts.

To serve: Spoon into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave at 15 second intervals, stirring after each, until sauce is pourable.

DAIRY PRODUCTS AND BAKING

2011-11-09T12:58:00.000-08:00

In most cases, for optimal results, you should set your eggs, butter, and other dairy products out at room temperature for about 30 minutes prior to using. There are times, however, that your recipe will call for cold butter, ice water, etc. So check out your recipe first. If your recipe does not call for these items to be cold, go ahead a set them out a few minutes ahead of time so they reach room temperature.

DELICIOUS CARAMEL WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING

2011-11-08T13:29:00.000-08:00

1 cup butter
2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp whipping cream
2 tsp vanilla
3 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar

In a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter; add the brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Stir in the cream and the vanilla; return to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool for an hour.

Transfer the caramel mixture from the saucepan to a mixer bowl. Sift the powdered sugar into the caramel mixture and beat on high speed until creamy and of a spreading consistency.

Yield: Almost 4 cups; enough to fill and frost a 4-layer cake.

SWEET BISCUITS WITH CHOCOLATE CHIPS AND PECANS

2011-11-07T18:52:00.000-08:00

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour*
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, cut-up
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 egg
1 cup heavy cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
additional cream, optional
additional sugar, optional

In a large bowl combine the flours, sugar, baking powder and salt. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chocolate chips and the pecans.

Whisk the egg, cream, and vanilla together with a wire whisk. Stir the egg mixture into the flour mixture using a fork. Stir only until the dry ingredients are moistened and mixture resembles a dough.
Place dough onto the prepared baking sheet/s using a 1/3 cup measure. If desired, brush additional cream over the top and sprinkle lightly with additional sugar.

Bake at 425 degrees 17 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Best when served warm (reheat any leftovers for a few seconds in the microwave).

MARSHMALLOW FILLED DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

2011-11-06T17:24:00.000-08:00

These cupcakes are the featured picture on this blog!

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
4 eggs
6 squares (1-oz each) unsweetened chocolate, melted, cooled
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
dash of salt
1 cup lowfat buttermilk
1 jar (7-oz) marshmallow creme
Your favorite chocolate fudge frosting*
Colored sugars for decorating

Preheat oven to 350.
Line 20 muffin cups with paper liner; set aside.

In a large mixer bowl beat the butter at medium speed of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the granulated and brown sugars gradually, beating well. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each egg is added. Add the melted, cooled chocolate and the vanilla; mix well.

In a smaller bowl combine the all-purpose and whole-wheat flours, baking soda, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Begin and end with flour. Mix at low speed after each addition until mixed together well.

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups filling to the tops of the liners.

Bake at 350 degrees 15 to 18 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Allow to cool 3 to 5 minutes in the pan then remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

Remove a plug from the center of each cupcake. Go almost to the bottom but not quite. Save the plugs. Spoon the marshmallow creme into a pastry bag or a ziptop-type plastic bag and cut a hole in a corner. Squeeze marshmallow creme into the center of each cupcake. Take the plugs and cut off enough of the tops to replace over creme to mend top of cupcakes so they have smooth tops. Very gently frost the cupcakes with the fudge frosting. Sprinkle with colored sugars or other decorations you desire.

*A can of prepared fudge frosting works just fine.

BLUE RIBBON COOKIES

2011-11-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp baking soda
colored sugar sprinkles

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large mixer bowl combine the butter and the confectioners' and granulated sugars together. Beat mixture on medium speed until creamy; scrape down the bowl while beating. Add the egg and vanilla extract and continue to beat until mixture is well combined.

Reduce the speed to low and add the two types of flour, cream of tartar, and baking soda beating until the dough forms a ball.

Shape dough into balls about an inch in diameter and place about 2-inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Using the bottom of a glass that has been dipped in granulated sugar, press each ball to about an inch and a half in diameter. Sprinkle tops with the colored sugar sprinkles and bake at 375 degrees for 7 to 9 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.

Allow to cool on the baking sheet for around a minute then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Yield: 72 cookies

CLASSIC CINNAMON ROLLS

2011-11-02T16:59:00.000-07:00

DOUGH:
1 cup milk
1 envelope (.25-oz) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm (100 to 110 degrees) water
3 tbsp granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 stick butter, melted
4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
FILLING:
1 stick butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
GLAZE:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 to 3 tbsp milk

To make the dough, heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat just until it begins to boil. Remove milk from the heat and let stand until it has cooled to room temperature.

In a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water. Add 1 tablespoon of the sugar and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, the eggs and the melted butter. Beat in the cooled milk.

Gradually add 4 cups of the flour along with the salt, scraping down the side of the bowl, until a soft dough forms. Turn dough onto a floured work surface and knead as much of the remaining flour as necessary into the dough, adding more if dough is too sticky. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth. The dough will be soft.

Grease a large bowl and place the dough in the bowl, turning over to grease the top. Cover with plastic wrap and set in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.

Coat 2 9-inch round baking pans with nonstick cooking spray. Line the bottoms with waxed paper and spray the paper.

Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix the butter, both sugars, and cinnamon together.

Punch down the dough and roll out to a 18 x 12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the butter-sugar filling mixture over the dough and sprinkle with the chopped pecans. Starting on a long side , roll up the dough jelly-roll fashion; pinch seam with fingers to seal. Cut the roll into 12 even pieces (around 1 1/2-inch each. Arrange 6 rolls in each prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap, set in a warm place and allow to double in size, about 30 to 45 minutes. (If you want to bake in the morning, cover and place in the refrigerator overnight.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Uncover pans and bake rolls until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly, about 30 to 40 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and allow to cool for 10 minutes before adding the glaze.

To make the glaze: Mix the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of the milk, adding more as needed to reach a glazing consistency. Drizzle the glaze on top of the rolls.

Delicious served warm.

Yield: 12 rolls

APPLE AND PECAN CHEESECAKE

2011-11-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
2 tbsp packed brown sugar
4 pkg (8-oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup sour cream
4 eggs
4 cups peeled and chopped apples
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Line a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with foil.

Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar; press onto the bottom of the pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 10 minutes.

Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, 1 cup of the brown sugar, and the vanilla until blended. Add the sour cream and blend in. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Pour the mixture over the crust.

Mix the remaining half cup of sugar, the apples, pecans, and cinnamon together; spoon over the batter.

Bake 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes. Cool. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before cutting to serve. Use the foil to lift from the pan before cutting.

Yield: 16 servings

PEANUT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

2011-11-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup + 1 tbsp granulated sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup finely chopped peanuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium bowl whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together; set aside.

In a large mixer bowl beat the peanut butter and butter together on medium speed for a couple of minutes until creamy. Add the brown sugar and the quarter cup of granulated sugar; beat 2 minutes. Beat in the milk, egg, and vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture just until combined. Stir in the mini chips and the peanuts. Cover dough and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Roll 2 teaspoons of dough into a ball for each cookie. Place balls 2-inches apart on the cookie sheets. With a fork, flatten each ball into a 1 1/2-inch round cookie, making a criss-cross pattern on top. Sprinkle a small amount of the remaining tablespoon of sugar over each cookie.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Allow to cool on the cookie sheets 1 minute then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Yield: 60 cookies
Approximate 50 calories per cookie.

GLAZED CRANBERRY-NUT TEA BREAD

2011-10-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup orange juice
3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
2 tsp grated orange peel
Glaze, optional (recipe follows)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch pan; set aside.

In a large mixer bowl beat the butter and sugar together at medium speed of electric mixer until fluffy. Add the egg beating until blended in.

Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda together and add to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk and orange juice. Begin and end the alternating process with the flour. Stir in the pecans, cranberries, and orange peel. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake bread at 350 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. If desired, use toothpick to poke some holes in the top and pour the following glaze over the still warm bread. Remove from the pan to a wire rack to cool.

Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp grated orange peel
2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Pour over the warm bread.

OLD FASHION TOFFEE BARS

2011-10-29T20:46:00.000-07:00

1 stick butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 pkg (6-oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl beat the margarine and brown sugar together until light and fluffy; blend in the egg and vanilla extract. Add the flour and mix together well. Spread the dough onto a 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pan. Bake at 350 degrees 20 to 25 minutes until lightly browned.

Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the entire top of the baked bars and let stand for several minutes. As chocolate chips melt, spread over the top and sprinkle with the pecans. Cool then cut into 42 bars.

WHITE FUDGE WITH BLACK WALNUTS

2011-10-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

4 cups granulated sugar
1 tall can evaporated milk
1 stick butter
1 pkg (12-oz) white chocolate baking chips
1 1/2 cups chopped black walnuts*
1 tsp vanilla extract

Combine the sugar, evaporated milk, and butter in a heavy saucepan; bring to a rolling boil. Cook 10 minutes; remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips, walnuts, and vanilla. Mix well and pour into 9 x 13-inch buttered pan. Cut into squares when firm.

*May use English walnuts or pecans if you prefer.

YUMMY ROCKY ROAD BROWNIE PIZZA

2011-10-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
2-oz unsweetened chocolate
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla

TOPPING:
1/4 cup chopped nuts
1/3 cup peanut butter chips
1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup miniature marshmallows
1/4 cup flaked coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Combine the flour and salt in a small bowl; set aside.

In a double boiler over hot water, melt the chocolate. When completely melted, stir and remove from the heat. Mix in the butter and sugar. Add the egg and vanilla mixing until smooth. Stir the flour into the chocolate mixture.

Spread the batter in the prepared pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, until set. Remove from oven. In a small bowl combine all the topping ingredients and sprinkle over the brownie; return to the oven for 10 minutes or until the pizza pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Cool before cutting to serve.

Yield: 8 servings

TEXAN GERMAN CHOCOLATE PIE

2011-10-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

1 pkg (4-oz) German Chocolate
1/4 cup butter
1 can (14-oz) evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 tbsp cornstarch
1/8 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 9-inch unbaked pie shell

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate and butter, stirring to dissolve completely. Remove from the heat and stir in the evaporated milk.

In a large bowl, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt together. Beat in the eggs, one at a time; add the vanilla extract and mix thoroughly. Gradually blend the chocolate mixture into the sugar mixture. Pour into the pie shell.

Combine the coconut and the pecans; sprinkle evenly over the top of the pie filling. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Filling will set as the pie cools.

NOTE: If crust begins to get too brown while baking, cover edge with foil strips.

CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE CAKE

2011-10-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

Note: This recipe calls for cake flour. Cake flour is a fine-textured wheat flour that has a high starch content making it more suitable for a souffle cake. If you do not have cake flour, DO NOT substitute and equal amount of all-purpose flour. If you use all-purpose flour, use only 1/4 cup!

Nonstick cooking spray
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
3/4 cup water
1 tbsp instant espresso*
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
2-oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
2-oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
2 tbsp coffee-flavored liqueur
3 large egg yolks
1/3 cup sifted cake flour
6 large egg whites, room temperature
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp powdered sugar
1/4 cup fresh raspberries for garnish
chocolate curls for garnish

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Coat the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with the cooking spray; set aside.

In a large saucepan combine the 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, and espresso; stir well to combine and bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from the heat. Using a wire whisk, add the cocoa, salt, and chopped chocolates, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in the coffee-flavored liqueur and the egg yolks, again using wire whisk to blend eggs yolks in well. Stir in the flour and set aside and allow to cool to room temperature.

Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar at high speed of electric mixer until foamy. Add the 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. (Peaks will stand up when beaters are removed.) Very gently fold 1/4 of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, repeating the process until all the whites are added. Spoon the batter into the prepared springform pan.

Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out almost clean. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

To serve, remove the sides from the pan and sift the powdered sugar over the cake. Garnish with the fresh raspberries and the chocolate curls for a pretty cake.

Cut cake into 12 wedges.

*2 tbsp instant coffee granules may be substituted for the espresso.

CHOCOLATE CHIP BLONDIES

2011-10-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

1/4 cup butter
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease the bottom of an 8-in square baking pan.

In a medium mixing bowl cream together the butter and brown sugar; beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

In a small bowl combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat just until blended. Do not overmix! Add the white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and the nuts. Stir until blended.

Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool 10 minutes before cutting to serve.

Yield: 12 bars

MINIATURE VANILLA CRUMB CAKES

2011-10-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

1/4 cup + 2 tbsp granulated sugar
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp firmly packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 large egg
Vanilla glaze (recipe follows)

In a large bowl stir together the granulated and brown sugars. Add the flour and nutmeg and whisk until blended. Using a pastry blender or a fork, cut the butter into the flour mixture. Remove a half cup of the mixture and set aside.

In another bowl combine the buttermilk, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; whisk in the egg. Pour this mixture over the crumb mixture in the large bowl; stir with a fork until the dry ingredients are moistened.

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin pan, filling 4 of the muffin cups with the batter. Fill 2 of the empty cups halfway full with water. Sprinkle the half cup of reserved crumb mixture evenly over the 4 cakes, pressing down into the batter slightly.

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove the cakes from the pan and cool completely on the wire rack. Make the vanilla glaze and drizzle over the cakes.

Vanilla Glaze:
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Whisk all three ingredients together until smooth. Drizzle over crumb cakes.

MOCHA CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

2011-10-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup Splenda Granulated
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup instant coffee powder*
2 squares (1-oz each) unsweetened baking chocolate
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/4 cups chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over simmering water and cook, stirring often, until melted; remove and allow to cool.

Mix the all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, baking soda, and salt together in a small bowl; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl beat the butter with the sugar and Splenda, with mixer on medium speed, until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, coffee powder and then add the melted chocolate; beat until blended.

With mixer on low speed, gradually beat in the flour mixture just until blended. With a silicone spatula or a wooden spoon, stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts. Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls, two inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies puff up and the dough loses its shine. Allow to cool 1 minute before removing from the cookie sheet to wire racks to cool completely.

Yield: Approximately 40 cookies.

*If using instant coffee granules, you need to crush them or powder them in a blend or food processor.

MOUTH-WATERIN' PUMPKIN-CARAMEL-TOFFEE PIE

2011-10-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

1 9-inch deep dish unbaked pie shell
3/4 cup canned dulce de leche
2 eggs
1 can (15-oz) pumpkin
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 can (12-oz) evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed milk!)
Whipped cream for garnish
Toffee bits for garnish

Place pastry in the pie plate, trim, fold edges under and crimp as desired. Spoon dollops of the dulce de leche into the pie shell and spread to the edges. Place the crust in the refrigerator.

Wisk the eggs in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk in the pumpkin, brown sugar, flour, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until smooth. Whisk in the evaporated milk. Pour filling into the prepared and chilled pie shell. Bake at 375 degrees on the lowest oven rack for 45 to 50 minutes or until the pie is set (center will jiggle very slightly!!). Cool completely on a wire rack.

To serve, garnish with whipped cream topped by sprinkled toffee bits.

BANANA BUTTERSCOTCH BREAD

2011-10-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

1 3/4 cups flour
2 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 cup milk
6-oz butterscotch chips
1 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Grease and flour a 9-inch loaf pan; set aside.

In a large bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg; set aside.

In a smaller bowl combine the bananas, sugar, eggs, and melted butter until well combined. Add the banana mixture to the flour mixture alternately with the milk, beating well. Stir in the butterscotch chips and the 2/3 cup of the chopped pecans.

Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle with the remaining chopped pecans. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Cool in pan on a wire rack for 3 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely on the wire rack.

NONALCOHOLIC CLASSIC FRUTCAKE LOAVES

2011-10-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 tbsp orange extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp ground cloves
7 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 1/2 cups chopped candied pineapple
1 tub (8-oz) red candied cherries, chopped
1 tub (8-oz) green candied cherries, chopped
3 cups pecan halves, coarsely chopped and toasted
1 cup walnut halves, coarsely chopped and toasted
1 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 whole-wheat flour
3 tbsp root beer
Additional candied cherries and pecan halves for garnish

Beat the butter at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the granulated and dark brown sugars, beating well. Add the molasses and orange extract, beating well. Combine the flour, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves together; add to the sugar mixture alternately with the beaten eggs, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat well after each addition.

In a large bowl combine the candied pineapple, chopped red cherries, chopped green cherries, pecans, walnuts, golden raisins, and raisins. Sprinkle the fruits and nuts with the whole-wheat flour, stirring to coat nuts and fruits well. Stir fruits and nuts into the batter.

Spoon the batter, evenly divided, into 3 heavily greased and floured 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pans. Arrange additional candied cherries and pecan halves on the tops in your choice of design.

Bake cakes at 250 degrees for 2 1/2 hours or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Brush each loaf with a tablespoon of the root bear. Allow to cool completely on wire racks.

If desired, wrap loaves in root beer soaked cheesecloth and store in an airtight container for 3 weeks in a cool place. Pour a small amount of root beer over the loaves each week, if desired.

FUDGY TOFFEE-CRUNCH BROWNIES

2011-10-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

2 boxes (17.6-oz each) dark fudge brownie mix with chocolate chunks
2 large eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp instant espresso granules
1 pkg (12-oz) miniature chocolate-covered toffee bars, coarsely crushed

Beat the brownie mixes, egg, canola oil, and water at medium speed of electric mixer for approximately 3 minutes until blended; stir in the espresso granules and candy bars. Spoon the batter into a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan, spreading the thick batter evenly.

Bake the brownies at 325 degrees for 50 minutes or a little longer until the center is set. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Cut into 24 bars.

Yield: 2 dozen brownies.

These brownies make great gifts for birthdays, Christmas, hostess gifts, etc.

COCONUT-OATMEAL CRISPIES

2011-10-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups raisins
3/4 cup shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a small bowl combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter, shortening, brown sugar, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla; beat until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the flour mixture; beat about a minute until blended. Stir in the oats, raisins, and coconut until blended into the dough. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls about 2-inches apart on ungreased nonstick baking sheets. You should have 3 sheets of 12 cookies each.

Using a the bottom of a glass that has been dipped in sugar, flatten each cookie slightly. Bake until lightly browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Cool slightly on pan then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Yield: 3 dozen cookies

Variations: If you prefer, replace the raisins with chocolate chips or use a cup of one and half cup of the other.

MARBLEOUS CHOCOLATE-PEANUT BUTTER CAKE WITH SALTED CARAMEL GLAZE

2011-10-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

Nonstick cooking spray
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup sour cream
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
3 oz bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 recipe Salted Caramel Glaze (recipe follows)
Sea salt, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly spray a 10-inch fluted tube pan with cooking spray; set aside.

In a bowl stir the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl beat the butter with an electric mixer on low to medium speed 30 seconds. Add sugar; beat until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low to medium speed 1 minute after each addition and scraping bowl frequently. Beat in sour cream and vanilla. Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined.

Divide the batter into two bowls. Stir the melted chocolate into one bowl until well combined. Stir the peanut butter into the other bowl until well combined.

Alternately drop spoonfuls of batter into the prepared pan. Use a small metal spatula or butter knife to gently swirl the batter together (do not overmix!).

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven 40 to 45 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool cake for 15 minutes in the pan on a wire rack. Remove the cake from the pan and allow to cool completely on the wire rack. Drizzle cake with half of the salted caramel glaze. Sprinkle with sea salt, if desired. Serve the remaining sauce in a small bowl with the cake for those who want more sauce.

Yield: 12 servings.

SALTED CARAMEL GLAZE:
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 to 3/4 tsp sea salt

In a heavy small saucepan melt the butter over a medium-low heat. Stir in the sugars and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Stir in the whipping cream and return to boiling. Boil 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and stir in the sea salt. Cool completely.
Yield: Approximately 1 cup

NOTE: This recipe is from a lady in Montana who won a Better Homes and Gardens contest with this recipe!

SIMPLE FUDGE PEANUT BUTTER BLOSSOMS

2011-10-14T18:53:00.000-07:00

1 pkg (12-oz) peanut butter chips

1 can (14-oz) sweetened condensed milk

finely chopped pecans

1 pkg (9-oz) chocolate kisses

Melt the peanut butter chips in the condensed milk in the top of a double boiler over hot water; stir until completely smooth. Turn mixture out into a 9-inch pan that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray to cool. Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and roll in the finely chopped pecans. Press a kiss candy into the center of each. Store in an airtight container once they are completely cooled.

Yield: approximately 48 blossoms.