Leprechaun Loaf

INGREDIENTS

Quick Bread:

1 yellow cake mix

2 boxes pistachio instant pudding mix (3.4 oz)

4 eggs

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/8 cup water

1 cup sour cream

Green food coloring as desired 

Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar 

2 TBSP melted butter

1 tsp. almond extract

1 tsp. vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix ingredients together until well combined. Set aside.

Grease 2 regular size loaf pans and sprinkle some sugar and cinnamon (I use 2 TB sugar and 1 tsp. cinnamon) on the inside.

Pour half the batter into each pan. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Let cool.

Combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 TB melted butter, 1 tsp. almond extract, and 1 tsp. vanilla to make a glaze. Add a few tablespoons of milk, until it's the consistency that you like.

Drizzle glaze over bread and sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Serve and enjoy!

Butter Rum Batter

This recipe makes 1 Quart

1 quart vanilla ice cream, softened 
1 lb brown sugar
1 lb powdered sugar
1 lb butter
1 tsp nutmeg
1 Tbsp allspice
1 Tbsp cinnamon

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Blend in brown sugar and confectioners' sugar. Remove from heat, and whisk in the ice cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour mixture into a plastic container, seal, and freeze
2. In a coffee mug, measure 1 tablespoon Hot Buttered Rum Batter and 1 fluid ounce of rum, then fill cup with boiling water. Stir, and sprinkle top of drink with nutmeg.

Butterscotch Hay stacks

I should never make these because when I do I eat them.  I try to only make them at the holidays for my friends and family trays and then tell myself I have to save them.  Yeah, that works....NOT.  They are the perfect mix of salty and sweet.  You could also use pretzels or chocolate.  Many options here.

11 oz pkg of butterscotch chips
2 c. chow mein noodles

Melt chips in very large microwave safe container, (glass cleans up easily) stir in chow mein noodles.  Drop on wax paper to set in tablespoon full.  Store in air tight container.

Baked Ham in a blanket

This recipe comes from a dear friend we miss every day.  Thanks for the recipe and so many great memories Annie!!

This is used with a bone in shank

4 C. flour
4 C. brown sugar
2 Tbsp ground cloves
2 Tbsp cinnamon
2 Tbsp dry mustard
1 Tsp black pepper

Mix with either apple cider, pineapple juice or water (about 12 oz.) just enough mixture to form dough that will roll out to wrap the ham in.

Bake about 5 hours in 400 degree oven - on a rack (broiler rack over a cookie sheet to catch drippings)

Completely cover ham.  The dough breaks open when it's done.  Discard the blanket when ham is cooked.

Pet Cake

Today is my sweet Baxter's Birthday!

1 1/2 c. wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking power
1/2 c. cooking oil
1/2 c. coarse liverwurst
4 1/2 oz. jar of strained fee with broth baby food
4 large eggs
4 slices beek jerky snack, broken into small pieces
4 pieces of processed cheese for garnish

Combine flour and baing powder in large bowl.  Set aside.

Beat Cooking oil, liverwurst, strained beef with broth and eggs together in medium bowl until smooth.

Fold in beef jerky snack.  Add to flour mixture.  Stir.  Spread batter in greased foil lined 8 inch round pan (or disposable so you don't have to heat after it later).  Bake in 325 degrees for 50 minutes until cooked.  Cool turned out onto serving platter.

Cut your pet's name out of the cheese and arrange on top of cake.

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

This is one of my fave's.  I look forward to it every year!

Ingredients:

1 medium onion, cut into wedges
8 small red potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 pound baby carrots
3 cups water
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 1/2 pounds corned beef brisket with spice packet
1 small head cabbage, cut into wedges

Directions:

1. Place the onion, potatoes and carrots in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Combine water, garlic, bay leaf, sugar, vinegar, pepper and contents of spice packet; pour over the vegetables. Top with brisket. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the meat and vegetables are almost tender. Add cabbage the last hour of cooking.  Remove bay leaf before serving.

Bake Brie with Pesto and Pine Nuts

I am not even joking when I tell you this is the shiz.  We eat it as soon as it comes out of the oven when it's gooey and hot.  Don't say you weren't warned!

1 (8 oz.) Brie cheese wheel
1 Tbsp pesto (Costco has amazing pesto) *the more pesto you add the more flavor it will have
1 Tbsp oil oil
1 Tbsp pine nuts
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Using a sharp knife, trim the white rind off the top of the Brie (top part only, leaving the sides and bottom intact).  Place Brie in a 8 or 9 inch pie plat or oven proof dish.

Mix pesto with olive oil, pine nuts, and garlic, if desired.  Spread mixture evenly over the top of the Brie Round (where rind was trimmed off). 

Bake 10 minutes or until Brie is warmed through.  Serve immediately with a variety of crackers

Caramel

This caramel has so many uses and is so easy.  It can be poured over 4 - 5 bags of microwave popped popcorn.  It can be used for dipping apples to make Caramel Apples.  Or it can be poured into a buttered 7 x 11 pyrex glass dish and let to cool before being cut and wrapped into individual caramel's.

1 cube butter
1 c. light Karo syrup
2 c. brown sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk

Melt butter first in large microwavale bowl.  Add all other ingredients and mix.  Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes, then stir.  Continue cooking 3 minutes at a time; stirring after each time until you have cooked for a total of 12 minutes.  Stir again after the last cooking time and add 1 tsp. vanilla.

Don't forget the 4 legged kids this Christmas

This is  my mom's fault.  I would never have thought to make dog treats until she showed me up!  I can't have my kids thinking she loves them more than I do.

Doggie Biscuits
1 c. all purpose flour
1 c. whole wheat flour
3 Tbsp cooking oil
2 Tbsp instant rolled oats
1 tsp garlic powder
2/3 c. water
1 tsp beef bouillon powder

Glaze
1 1/2 tsp water
1 tsp gravy browner

Combine first 7 ingredients in large bowl until dough forms.  Turn out onto lightly floured surface.  Roll out onto 1/4 inch thickness.  Cut out with bone shapped or dog shaped cookie cutters.  Place on ungreased bakign sheet.  Bake in 375 degree oven for 15 minutes.

Combine second amount of water and gravy browner in small cup.  Turn biscuits over.  Brush with mixture.  Bake for 10 minutes utnil browned.

A gift idea

Here is a recipes that can a great neighbor gift.

Cakey Brownie Mix
1 1/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. cocoa
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chocolate chips either white or semi sweet work great
1/2 c. nuts *if you are not sure if there is a nut allergy, these can be left out

Layer all 8 ingredients in order given in a large jar with tight fitting lid.

Directions to give with the jar:
Cake Brownies:  Empty contents of jar into large bowl.  Add 1 tsp. vanilla, 2/3 c. oil, 3 larget eggs and 1/4 c. water.  Mix for about 15 strokes.  Turn into greased 8 x 8 pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.  Wooden pick inserted in center should come out clean.  Cool.

Oh, nuts

Here are some fun nuts you can make for treats for your neighbors.

Spiced Nuts

1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. Ginger
1/4 tsp. cloves
1 Egg white
1 Tbsp. water
4 c. nuts (any or a variety)

Combine first 6 ingredients in a small bowl.  Beat egg white and water in medium bowl until frothy.  Add sugar mixture.  Stir.

Add nuts.  Stir.  Spread on greased baking sheet.  Bake in 325 degree oven for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden.  Cool thoroughly.   Store in airtight container.

Makes 6 cups

Peppermint Meltaways

Cookie Ingredients                                                   Glaze Ingredients
1 c. butter, softened                                                  1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
1/2 c. powdered sugar                                              2 Tbsp butter, softened
1/2 tsp. peppermint extract                                        1/4 tsp peppermint extract
1 1/4 c. flour                                                             1 to 2 Tbsp milk
1/2 c. corn starch                                                      2 to 3 drops red food color, if desired
                                                                                 candy canes or hard peppermint candy, crushed
Cookies:
Combine butter, powdered sugar and 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract in large bowl.  Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy.  Reduce speed to low; add flour and cornstarch.  Beat until well mixed.  Cover; refrigerate until firm (30 to 60 minutes)

Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into 1 inch balls.  Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned; let stand 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet and cool completely.

Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies.  To make glaze combine powdered sugar, butter, peppermint extract and enough milk for desired consistency in a small bowl.  Stir in food color, if desired.

Sprinkle with crushed candy.

Peanut Butter Cups

If you live in Utah the best place I have found to buy the small paper cups to put the peanut butter cups into is Kitchen Kneads.  I also buy my nuts and chocolate from them since they are local I like to support them.

The great debate on this recipe is using creamy peanut butter or chunky.  It all depends on your family's taste.  I like both.  You can also use creamy and add some rice krispy's to add crunch.   I have like the creamy so I have never tried it but you would just add as many rice krisy's as you like texture wise.

Filling:
1 1/2 c. peanut butter
1 c. powdered milk
10 Tbsp. honey

Mix togeher and refrigerate over night before using.  Or you can make it advance and freeze, just pull out a day ahead and put into the fridge to defrost before using.

Putting them together:
In double boiler melt chocolate (again dark or milk, whatever your family likes)
Meanwhile roll filling into 1/2 balls
Dip balls into chocolate enough to cover the bottom then place into cups
Once all balls have been put into cups, spoon chocolate over the top to cover the ball
Let sit over night to set

I refrigerate once they are set until I am ready to do my treat tray's.

Soft Caramel Corn

1 c. corn syrup
1 cube butter
2 c. brown sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 c. popcorn seeds, popped

Bring butter, syrup and sugar to a boil.  Add a dash of salt and milk.  Bring to a boil and continute cooking to a softt ball stage.
Pour over popcorn

Kiss Cookies

1/2 c. butter                                                          1 3/4 flour
1/2 c. peanut butter                                               1 tsp baking powder
1/2 c. sugar, plust extra to roll balls in                     1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c. brown sugar                                                 1/8 tsp baking soda
1 egg                                                                     2 Tbsp milk
milk chocoate kisses, unwrapped (quantity depends on how many are left once your done unwrapping)

Beat butter, peanut butter on medium speed until well blended.  Add sugars and beat until fluffy.  Add milk, egg, and vainlla, mix well. 
In a seperate bowl mix flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda.
With mixer on low add flour mixture to butter mixture. 
Shape dough into 1 inch balls and roll in sugar
Place balls on cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
Bake at 375 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes
Press kisses into balls immediatly after removing them from the oven.

They can be frozen and they defrosted prior to distribution/party and they are still great!

Sweet Potatoes

Tommorrow's the big one!!!!

Ingredients:

3 cups cold mashed sweet potatoes (without added milk and butter)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

TOPPING:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cold butter 

Directions
In a mixing bowl, beat sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, butter, eggs, salt and vanilla until smooth. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, pecans and flour; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over potato mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.

Whipped Potatoe Casserole

2 days to the big day!!!

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Coat a 2 quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Place 5 pounds peeled, quartered potatoes in a large pot.  Add enough water to cover.  Lightly salt and bring to a boil.  Lower heat; simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until fork-tender.  Drain

In large bowl, mash potatoes with hand mixer.  Add 1/2 c. softened butter, 1 1/4 c. half & half, 8 oz. cream cheese with chives, 1 tsp. garlic salt and 1/4 tsp. nutmeg.   Beat potatoes on medium-high speed until very smooth.  Spoon into prepared dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Sprinkle with 1 c. sliced almonds; bake 15 minutes more until lightly browned.  Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Cranberry sauce

The count down to Turkey Day is on!  This is one I make every year.  It is great used like jam or syrup for a week or so after the big day.

1 c. sugar
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. orange juice
3 c. fresh cranberries. cleaned and checked

In a saucepan, combine water, juice and sugar, stirring to dissolve sugar. Bring to boil; add cranberries, reduce heat to medium low. Cook until skins pop. To gel sauce, cool completely at room temperature, refrigerate until firm. Makes 2 1/4 cups.

Stuffed Mushrooms

This is one of the two kinds I make for my parents annual open house.  Enjoy!

1 lb. large white mushrooms
1 pkg. Stove Top stuffing mix and ingredients to make
1 c. colby jack cheese

Prepare stuffing mixture according to directions
Wash mushrooms and remove stems.  Yes I wash them, I know your not supposed to but I do
Drizzle cookie sheet with olive oil
Stuff mushroom caps with generous amount of stuffing mixture and place on cookie sheet closely
Top with cheese
Broil until cheese is melted

I make them a night ahead and refrigerate until I am ready to cook them.

BBQ Smokies

4 packages Lil' smokies (we use Hillshire Farm)
2 bottles bbq sauce (we use Kraft cheap stuff)
1 C. Ketchup
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 C. Brown sugar

Combine in a crock pot and eat when they are hot.