Fruit Pizza

I got this recipe from my friend Dawn who is a fellow fruit lover. It's quick and easy...and a teeny bit healthy. I half this recipe if it's just for my family.

Crust:
2 rolls sugar cookie dough

Sauce:
16 oz. strawberry cream cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Toppings:
Strawberries
Almonds
Grapes
Blueberries
Kiwi
Bananas
anything else you like!

Spread cookie dough evenly onto a baking sheet or pizza pan. Bake according to package directions and cool. In a bowl mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until blended. Spread over cooled crust. Sprinkle liberally with fruit. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve. Serves 12.

- Jensa

Zephyr Pancakes

Here's another of my favorite recipes from My Kitchen Cafe. These are THE BEST pancakes on the planet. Hands down. Just look at the ingredients and you'll know why. :-)

2 cups all-purpose flour
2½ tablespoons sugar
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
3 large egg yolks
1¼ cups heavy cream
1¼ cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, cream, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla. Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry, just until combined (may be lumpy).

Scoop the batter onto a lightly greased griddle with a ¼ cup. Keep heat slightly less than medium. The pancakes will puff up very high. When the first side is golden brown and the edges start to look dry, turn the pancakes over to finish cooking the second side.

- Jensa

Macaroni Soup

I just tried out this yummy recipe and it's perfect for a cold day. Plus it's easy...even better!

1 cup macaroni
1 lb hamburger
1 can french onion soup
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can beef broth
garlic, Italian seasonings (optional)

Cook macaroni as per package directions. Brown hamburger. Toss together in a pot. Add onion soup, tomatoes, and beef broth. Warm and eat! Serves 6.

And I served mine with these yummy (and also easy) bread sticks.

- Jensa

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cupcakes

My friend gave me this recipe and it is extremely moist and delish! Not to mention (a little) healthy.

1½ cups sugar
2 eggs
¾ cup oil
2 cups grated zucchini (packed)
4 TB cocoa (heaping)
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
½ cup buttermilk
2½ cups flour
chocolate chips

Mix sugar, eggs, oil, zucchini, and cocoa. Add soda and salt. Then add flour alternating with buttermilk. Pour into lined muffin tins (about half full) then sprinkle desired amount of chocolate chips on top of each cupcake. Bake at 325º for 12 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

-Jensa

Carrie's Cheesecake

Ryan's cousin is a pastry chef and fed us this delectable dessert last weekend. I consider myself a cheesecake connoisseur, and this is the BEST New York cheesecake I've ever put in my mouth.

Crust:
5 tablespoons butter, melted
⅓ cup sugar
1½ cups crushed graham crackers

Filling:
2¼ packages cream cheese, room temperature
1¼ cup sugar
2¾ teaspoons lemon juice
2¾ teaspoons vanilla extract
4 eggs


Mix crust ingredients and press into springform pan. Add filling ingredients to the mixing bowl in order, scraping down the bowl after each addition, making sure it is smooth. If you mix for too long after the eggs it will become aerated. You don't want that. Pour the filling on top of the crust. Bake in a preheated 300 deg oven for 1½ to 2¼ Hours! Patience is a virtue here. I like to put them on a sheet pan and rotate them in the oven once or twice through. I pull mine out when a thermostat reads 150-155 deg F.

- Jensa

Kettle Corn

So easy- so good!

1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup popcorn kernels

1. Heat oil in a pot. I put in 3 kernels and when they pop you know the oil is hot and ready.
2. Pour in the sugar and give it a little stir. Then dump in the popcorn and cover with a lid.
3. Alternate shaking every 3 seconds and letting it sit on the stove 3 seconds.
4. When popping has stopped, lift the lid, shake a little salt on and then recover and shake again.
5. Pour in a bowl and enjoy!

It's like being at the county fair but without all the mullets.

Indoor S'Mores

3/4 C light corn syrup
3 tbsp butter
1 pkg milk chocolate morsels
1 tsp vanilla
1 pkg Golden Grahams Cereal
3 C miniature marshmallows

Grease 9x13 inch pan. Heat syrup, butter and morsels in microwave safe dish until melted (about 2 mins). Remove from microwave and stir in vanilla. Pour over cereal in bowl, toss until coated. Fold in marshmallows one cup at a time. Press into greased pan. Let stand 1 hour. Store at room temp.

To Die For Blueberry Muffins

Just picked some fresh blueberries and made these from allrecipes.com. Your search for the perfect blueberry muffin recipe is over!

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and baking powder. Place vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring cup; add the egg and enough milk to fill the cup. Mix this with flour mixture. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture.
To Make Crumb Topping: Mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until done.

- Jensa

Ice Cream in a Bag

We made this last time we went camping. It's fun with a little reward at the end!

1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup milk or half & half
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
6 tablespoons rock salt
1 pint-size plastic food storage bag (e.g., Ziploc)
1 gallon-size plastic food storage bag
Ice cubes
newspaper
duct tape

Fill the large bag half full of ice, and add the rock salt. Seal the bag. Put milk, vanilla, and sugar into the small bag, and seal it. Place the small bag inside the large one, and seal it again carefully. Wrap the bag in newspaper then duct tape. Shake and toss until the mixture is ice cream, which takes about 5 minutes. Open duct tape/newspaper, wipe off the top of the small bag, then open it carefully. Enjoy! (Sidenote: 1/2 cup milk will make about 1 scoop of ice cream, so double the recipe if you want more. But don't increase the proportions more that that -- a large amount might be too big for kids to pick-up because the ice itself is heavy.)

- Jensa

Girl Scout Cookie Recipes!!!

Oh man- I just found this website... and I'm trying to decide which one to try making first... I'll let you know how it turns out!

Click Here

Strawberry Ice Cream

When the temperature goes up, the ice cream maker comes out. My sister-in-law gave me this recipe and it's, hands down, the best ice cream recipe I have ever tried. (Just look at the ingredients...how can you go wrong?)

1 small box instant vanilla pudding (made with box directions, milk added)
2 cups mashed berries
2 cups sugar
1 pint whipping cream
1 can evaporated milk

Mix above ingredients and pour into ice cream maker canister.

ice
rock salt

Following your ice cream maker directions, layer ice and rock salt around the canister and turn on. Keep ice filled to the top of the canister throughout the process. It should take about 20 minutes to solidify. Eat outside on a lawn chair or hammock. :-)

- Jensa

Key Lime Jello

Easy peasy! And a flavorful side dish.

1 box lemon cook-and-serve Jello
1 small box lime gelatin Jello

Cook lemon Jello according to package directions (with sugar, egg yolks, etc.). Cook lime gelatin according to package directions minus 1/4 cup of cold water. Mix together both warm Jello's until combined and pour into a 9X9 pan. Let set in refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- Jensa

No Peek Chocolate Cake

I just tried out this recipe over the weekend and MAN is it good. It's the richest moist chocolate cake I've had in a long time. And it even stayed moist for several days afterward.

1 chocolate cake mix
2c sour cream
2 small boxes instant chocolate pudding
1 bag chocolate chips
¾ c. oil
4 eggs
1c water

Mix above ingredients together in a bowl. Spray a crockpot with cooking spray. Pour the mixture into the crockpot. Cook on low for 4 hours. Don't lift the lid until it's done! Can be served with French Vanilla ice cream

- Jensa

Black Bottom Cupcakes

It's my personal philosophy that anything with cream cheese in it has to be delicious. By default.

This recipe is adapted from williamssonoma.com. (And no worries, you can't taste the vinegar after the batter is baked.)

Ingredients:

For the filling:
1 egg, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
8 ounces whipped cream cheese, at room
temperature

2 1/4 cups cold water
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
5 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 1/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Position the oven racks in the lower and upper thirds of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners.

Make the filling
In a bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the egg, sugar and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the filling mixture into the pastry bag using a glass to prop it open. Set the filled pastry bag aside.

Mix the liquids
In a large liquid measuring cup, combine the water, oil, vanilla and balsamic vinegar. (There's no need to stir these. Just put them together in the cup.) Set aside.

Make the batter
In a large bowl, using a whisk, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, sugar and salt until evenly blended. Slowly pour the water mixture into the flour mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until the batter is smooth.

Pour in the batter
The cupcake batter will be quite runny. If your bowl has a spout, you can pour the batter directly into the muffin cups. Otherwise, it will be easiest to pour the batter into the liquid measuring cup and use it to fill the cups. Fill each lined muffin cup three-fourths full. Do not fill them any fuller than that or there will not be anywhere for the filling to go when the batter rises.

Add the filling
Pick up the pastry bag. Plugging the tip with one hand, twist the top of the bag to close it. Using one hand to guide the tip and the other to squeeze the top of the bag, insert the tip into the center of one of the cupcakes. Gently squeeze a small amount of the cream cheese filling into the batter. You will see the chocolate batter rise as the filling fills the middle. Keeping in mind that you need to fill 24 cupcakes, squeeze a small amount into each one.

Bake the cupcakes
Sprinkle the top of each cupcake with the chocolate chips. Put the muffin pans in the oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 26 to 28 minutes. Remove the pans from the oven and put them on the cooling racks. Let the cupcakes cool in the pans for 20 minutes, then lift out the cupcakes and put them directly on the racks. Let cool completely, about 30 minutes. Makes 24 cupcakes.

-Jensa

Ryan's Wheat Bread

2 1/2 cups wheat flour
3 cups white flour
1/4 cup melted butter
1 TB yeast
1/2 TB salt
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 cup warm water
1 cup milk

Mix water and yeast and let sit for 5 minutes. Mix remaining ingredients then knead in kitchen aid for 2-3 minutes. Let rise in the bowl until double in size. Punch down then separate into two loaves (dough will be sticky). Put dough into 2 greased bread pans. Let rise again until double in size. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes.
- Jensa

Frosted Banana Bars

I will never make regular banana bread again! These were so dang good (tweaked from allrecipes.com)

¼ cup butter, softened
¾ cups granulated sugar
1 egg
½ cup sour cream
½ tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
½ tsp baking soda
dash of salt
2 mashed ripe bananas


Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease a 9x13 pan. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl; stir into the batter. Finally, mix in the mashed banana. Spread evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow bars to cool completely before frosting.



Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
dash of salt
½ tsp vanilla
¾ cups heavy whipping cream


In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, salt and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy. Set aside. In another medium bowl, beat whipped cream until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture and frost banana bars. Yum!

- Jensa

Churros

3 cups flour
1 tsp. Baking Powder
2 1/2 cups water
2 egg yolks
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. dark brown sugar
oil for deep frying
sugar and cinnamon to roll in

Sift flour and baking powder into a bowl and set aside. Bring measured water to a boil then add salt ans brown sugar, stirring constantly until dissolved. Remove from heat and add flour and baking powder. Beat until smooth with either beaters or a fork.

Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy. Set batter aside to cool. Put into a piping bag with a star nozzle. (when I did this with my roommates we didnt have one so we just rolled it with our hands. It didn't turn out as pretty but then we could make it into different shapes- donuts, balls, hearts, etc.)

Have a pan or deep fryer with at least 2- inches deep of oil. Heat to 375 degrees F. Place batter in oil and let cook until golden brown (or longer if your churro is really thick). Then roll immediately into cinnamon and sugar mixture. Let cool a few minutes before eating.

These were seriously some of the best churros I've ever had!!!

-Megan

Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

Since we have late church this year, we're ALL about the crock pot dishes. This one came from My Kitchen Cafe.

1½ cups beef broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon onion salt
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 bay leaf
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian salad dressing mix (such as Good Seasons brand)
1 (5 pound) chuck roast

24 slices provolone cheese

12 sandwich rolls

Combine water and beef broth with salt, ground black pepper, oregano, basil, onion salt, parsley, garlic powder, bay leaf, and salad dressing mix. Whisk to combine.Place roast in slow cooker, and pour salad dressing mixture over the meat. Cover, and cook on Low for 10 to 12 hours, or on High for 4 to 5 hours. When done, remove bay leaf, and shred meat with a fork (I did this step about 45 minutes before eating so the shredded meat had time to absorb more of the juices in the crock pot). Serve on crusty rolls with cheese.

- Jensa

Baked Rigatoni

One of my favorite meatless dishes....

1 TB olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
1 ½ tsp dried oregano
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp sugar
1 cup heavy cream
½ + ¼ cup grated Parmesan
16 oz rigatoni

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until golden but not browned, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and their juices, red pepper, oregano, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 20 minutes. Stir in cream and ½ cup Parmesan cheese. Cook rigatoni according to the package directions. Add the drained rigatoni to the tomato sauce and toss to coat. Transfer to a 2-quart casserole dish and top with ¼ cup grated Parmesan. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

-Jensa

Pepperoni Pizza Hot Pockets

To cook a Hot Pocket, put it inside its little crisping sleeve and shove it into your microwave. Nuke according to your directions (for the extremely lazy, just put two in the microwave and press the number 3 thrice to get 3:33), and wait a few minutes once they're cooked for the heat to disseminate throughout the filling. The odd part about Hot Pockets is that if you eat them right away, the outside will be blistering hot... and the inside will still be frozen. I suspect this has something to do with the crisping sleeve, but just letting itsettle for a few minutes seems to solve the problem.

This is obviously just a joke. But I thought Jensa and Elise would get a kick out of it! ;)

Jim Gaffigan gives more thorough instructions...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9c9lAfXQHs

-Megan

Grandma's Snickerdoodles

This is an old family favorite!

1 cup butter (room temperature)

1½ cup sugar
2 eggs
2⅔ cup flour
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt

Mix butter, sugar, and eggs thoroughly. Sift dry ingredients and add to cream mixture. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll into balls (walnut size) then roll into mixture of 2 TB sugar and 2 tsp. cinnamon. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 12 minutes or until golden brown but still soft.

- Jensa

Spinach Strawberry Pecan Salad

I've had this several times at weddings, and finally took the time to search for and try it! I love it! A little like some of the other spinach salads out there- but still one of my favorites!

Ingredients

1 bag baby spinach
1 pint (or really about 1/2 a pint) strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup pecans (I like the ones that are already broken up)
* Lane likes to add crumbled feta or blue cheese also... hey, he's a cheese guy!

DRESSING

• 1/3 cup vinegar (I use apple cider vinegar)
• 1/2 cup sugar or splenda
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard (the seasoning kind)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds

Place spinach, sliced strawberries and pecans in bowl. Toss with dressing. Sprinkle a few more strawberries and pecans and wah-la! Delicious salad!

South Beach Favorites- Mashed "Potatoes"

So we NEVER have real mashed potatoes now, unless it's Thanksgiving. This is such an easy way to get some vegetables in, and the kids never even know the difference!! (Jensa- have you tried this one yet with Chase and Ava? and Ryan...)

Ingredients

• 4 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 ounce butter-flavored cooking spray
• 1 fluid ounce fat-free half-and-half, but I just use milk
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch fresh ground pepper

Directions

1. 
   

   Steam or microwave cauliflower until soft. (I just use a head of cauliflower, cut off the big stem and then put it in a bowl with some water, covering it with some saran wrap.
   

2. 
   

   Puree cauliflower in food processor (or blender) and add butter spray and half and half to taste.

Swiss Mushroom Chicken

This is one of Ryan's favorite chicken recipes:

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 egg
1 cup crushed butter-flavored crackers (about 25 crackers)
¾ tsp. salt
½ pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 TB butter or margarine, divided
4 slices ham or salami
4 slices Swiss cheese

Flatten chicken to ¼-inch thickness. In a shallow bowl, lightly beat the egg. Combine cracker crumbs and salt in another shallow bowl. Dip chicken in egg, then in crumbs; set aside. In a large ovenproof skillet, saute mushrooms in 1 TB butter until tender; remove and set aside. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add chicken; cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until juices run clear. Top each chicken breast half with a ham slice, mushrooms, and a cheese slice. Broil 4 inches from the heat for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Yield: 4 servings.

- Jensa

Sesame Chicken Dip

I just tried this out the other day and really like it! It fills that asian snacky craving.

2 TB soy sauce
4 tsp. sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
3 pkgs (8 oz. each) cream cheese
8 green onions, thinly sliced
½ cup chopped salted peanuts
2 cups chopped fresh baby spinach
1 jar (10 oz.) sweet-and- sour sauce
sesame crackers

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic; add the chicken. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Spread cream cheese onto a large serving platter; top with chicken mixture. Sprinkle with onions, peanuts, and spinach. Drizzle with sweet-and-sour sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve with crackers (makes 36 servings, ¼ cup each.)

Chockablock Chocolate Cakes with Warm Macadamia Nut Goo

My friend made these for me for Christmas. She divided out the recipe and baked the cakes in canning jars - what a cute idea! And this cake is super moist.
For the cake:
3 cups sugar
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/8 cups cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-process
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
2 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups very hot water

For the caramel:
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/3 cup water
2/3 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup macadamia nuts, toasted and roughly chopped
1/2 cup flaked sweetened coconut, toasted

Equipment:
A large sheet pan with sides, about 13 by 17 inches
Parchment or waxed paper
A 2-inch (approximately) round biscuit or cookie cutter

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a sheet pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment or waxed paper.

Sift together the 3 cups sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Transfer to a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or use a hand mixer) and blend briefly.

Whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Add to the dry ingredients and mix at low speed for 5 minutes. Gradually add the hot water, mixing at low speed just until combined. The batter will be quite thin.

Pour the batter into the pan. Bake until a tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean (a few crumbs are okay) and the center feels firm to the touch, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool in the pan. Chill, covered, until ready to cut the cake.

Meanwhile, make the caramel: Pour the 1 1/4 cups sugar into the center of a deep saucepan. Carefully pour the water around the walls of the pan, trying not to splash any sugar onto the walls. Do not stir; gently draw your finger twice through the center of the sugar, making a cross, to moisten it. Over high heat, bring to a full boil and cook without stirring, swirling the pan occasionally to even out the color, until medium caramel in color, 5 to 10 minutes. Immediately turn off the heat and use a wooden spoon to slowly and carefully stir in the cream (it will bubble up and may splatter). Stir in the macadamia and coconut. Set aside.

When ready to serve, cut rounds of the chilled cake with a biscuit or cookie cutter, 2 to 3 inches in diameter. If the cake seems to be sticking, dip your cutter in cocoa powder between cuts.

If the sauce has cooled, rewarm it over low heat (or in a microwave) until softened. Place a cake on each plate, and drizzle with caramel sauce. Place another round of cake on top and drizzle lightly with more caramel sauce.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Recipe

When I came across a recipe from the Betty Crocker website for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies there was only one thing to do. Race to the grocery store and pick up a couple of things. One Betty Crocker Brownie Mix and one Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie mix. I'm sure these would work with scratch recipes too, but Betty has made it so easy. She's so nice.

Follow the directions on the box for making the brownies and pour into a greased 13 X 9 pan. Make the cookie mix as directed on the pouch and drop by rounded tablespoons into the brownie batter. You'll want to press the dough down lightly.Bake for 35-40 minutes in a 350 degree preheated oven. When they're done, take them out and let them cool completely. For about an hour.Then, you can frost them with chocolate frosting or for a yummier version, do what I did.Whip up some chocolate ganache:

12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate morsels
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
6 Tbsp butter

• In a small saucepan, heat cream and butter until just before the boiling stage.
• Pour over the chocolate morsels.
• Let stand about 20 seconds and stir until smooth.
• Pour over brownies, spread evenly, and let set before cutting.

Now, this is the hardest step. Leave it alone. That's right, you'll want to let the ganache set up. It will be tough, but you can do it.Once the ganache has set, then cut the brownies and enjoy

- Jensa

New Years Traditions

These are our "new" New Year's Traditions! We started to have crab legs for New Years Eve back in PA with some friends of ours the past couple of years, and decided to keep it going!

On New Years Day we decided to start doing fondue (how can you not when you husband has access to so many wonderful cheeses). We just got one of these babies, and what better way to start off the new year (and good eating) than with melted cheese, and chocolate dipped sweets!

Potato Cheese Soup

Perfect winter comfort food...

2-4 cups cut potatoes
4 chicken bullion cubes
½ cup flour
½ cup butter
1 qt. half & half
½ tsp. paprika
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
¼ tsp. chopped parsley
1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Boil together potatoes and bullion until potatoes are soft. In separate pot, heat together flour, butter, and half & half until it thickens. Add potatoes (including water), paprika, salt, and pepper to the half & half mixture. Stir in parsley and cheese. Serve in a hollowed out bread bowl.
- Jensa

Peppermint Ice Cream Bonbons

A little bit of work...but it's peppermint at it's best!

½ cup vanilla ice cream, softened
¼ tsp. peppermint extract
8 oz. white chocolate, chopped
2 tsp. vegetable shortening
½ cup crushed peppermint candies

In a small bowl, stir together ice cream and extract until blended. Freeze until firm, about 2 hours. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and freeze alongside. Using a large melon baller, quickly scoop all the ice cream into balls and place them on one side of the baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour. Insert a decorative skewer in the center of each ice cream ball and return to freezer to set, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, put chocolate and shortening in a small metal bowl. Set bowl in a slightly larger bowl of hot water and let sit until melted, stirring occasionally. Transfer chocolate mixture into a 1-cup glass measuring cup. Put crushed candies on small plate. Working with one ice cream ball at a time, dip into melted chocolate to coat letting excess chocolate drip off (coat some of the skewer too - it keeps the ice cream from sliding off as it melts). Roll ball in candy and place on clean side of baking sheet. Repeat with remaining balls, returning to freezer if they start to soften. Freeze at least 2 hours before serving.

Citrus Kiss

Sweet and tangy!

2 TB superfine sugar
wedge of lemon or lime
1 cup ice
⅓ cup blood orange sparkling cider
1 TB mandarin orange or tangerine juice
1 TB lemon juice
1 TB lime juice
2 TB simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water heated until sugar dissolves)

Put sugar on a plate. Run lemon or lime wedge around rim of a martini glass to wet it, then twist rim in sugar. Put remaining ingredients in cocktail shaker and shake until cold, about 1 minute. Strain drink into prepared glass.

Zuppa Toscana Soup (Olive Garden)

My mother-in-law makes this - delicious comfort food!

1 lb. Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
2 large baking potatoes, sliced in halves then in 1/4 inch slices
2 cans chicken broth
1 qt. water
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 jar bacon bits (or use real bacon)
2 cups kale or Swiss chard, chopped
1 cup heavy whipping cream


Cook sausage, drain on paper towels, and cut into slices. Place onions, potatoes, chicken broth, water, and garlic in a pot. Cook on medium heat until potatoes are done. Add sausage and bacon bits. Salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 10 minutes. Turn heat to low. Add kale and cream. Heat through and serve.
- Jensa

Italian Ravioli and Sausage Stew

Perfect for when the weather's cold outside...

1 tsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, cut in chunks
1 green bell pepper, cut in chunks
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14 oz) can chicken broth
1 (9 oz) pkg refrigerated ravioli
1 (14.5 oz) can Italian seasoned diced tomatoes, undrained
6 breakfast sausages, cooked and chopped
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup copped fresh basil or parsley
red pepper flakes (optional)

Heat oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and garlic; cook and stir 2 minutes. Add broth; bring to a simmer. Add ravioli; cover and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and sausage; simmer uncovered 5 minutes or until ravioli and vegetables are tender. Ladle into four shallow bowls; top with cheese and basil. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired. (Serves 4)

-Jensa

Salsa

This is one of our favorite recipes...very addicting! We opt for the fresh tomatoes and jalapenos, but it's up to you.

1 medium onion, diced

1-2 garlic cloves, diced

1-2 tsp. lime or lemon juice

1 tsp. garlic salt

1 tsp. onion salt

1 TB red wine vinegar

1 can diced green chili peppers

1 large can whole tomatoes

1 can stewed tomatoes

1 can diced jalapenos

1 sprig cilantro, chopped

1 package salsa naturala (found in produce section)

crushed red pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in blender for 5 seconds. No longer or salsa will be runny.

- Jensa

Ryan's Brownies

⅔ cup oil

4 squares unsweetened chocolate

4 eggs

2 cups granulated sugar

1⅓ cup flour

1 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

2 tsp. vanilla

Melt chocolate in oil and let cool. Beat the eggs until frothy then slowly add sugar. Pour chocolate mixture into egg mixture. Add flour, soda, salt, and vanilla. Pour into greased 9x13 baking dish and bake at 350° for 30 minutes.

Pinwheel Sandwiches w/ Honey Mustard

This is a super easy recipe - and perfect for kids to help with.

Sandwiches:

4 pieces of bread, no crust
4 string cheeses
12 deli slices of ham
toothpicks


Chili's Honey Mustard Dressing:
⅔ cup mayonnaiese
¼ cup honey
2 TB Dijon mustard
1 tsp. white vinegar
pinch paprika
pinch salt


Directions: Roll pieces of bread flat with a rolling pin. Place ham then string cheese on top of flattened bread. Roll together tightly and secure with toothpicks in 5 different spots. With the knife, cut the pinwheel between each toothpick. Serve with honey mustard dressing. Makes 20 pinwheels.

Apple Cake

2 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 cups apples - peeled, cored and diced

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour one 9x13 inch cake pan. In a mixing bowl; beat oil and eggs with an electric mixer until creamy. Add the sugar and vanilla and beat well. Combine the flour salt, baking soda, and ground cinnamon together in a bowl. Slowly add this mixture to the egg mixture and mix until combined. The batter will be very thick. Fold in the apples by hand using a wooden spoon. Spread batter into the prepared pan. Bake at 350 ° for 45 minutes or until cake tests done. Let cake cool on a wire rack. Once cake is cool serve with a dusting of confectioners' sugar or with a Cream Cheese Frosting.

Garlic Tomato Bruschetta

This is the best part about tomato season.

¼ cup olive oil
3 TB chopped fresh basil
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
4 medium tomatoes, diced
2 TB grated parmesan cheese
1 loaf french bread

In a bowl, combine oil, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add tomoatoes and toss gently. Sprinkle with cheese. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Bring to room temperature before serving. Cut bread and toast until lightly browned. Top with tomato mixture. Serve immediately.

Cheddar Cheese Casserole

I can't believe this one isn't on here yet! Megan and Breanne, learn this by heart. It's a family requirement.

1 lb. ground beef
¼ cup chopped onions
1 pkg. bow tie noodles
1 can tomato soup (condensed)
1 can cheddar cheese soup (condensed)
1 soup can of water
8 oz. sour cream
½ tsp oregano
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
salt and pepper

Cook hamburger with onions. Cook noodles according to package directions. Mix condensed soups in a bowl. Add sour cream, oregano, ½ cup cheese, and water. Salt and pepper to taste. Add noodles and meat to soup mixture. Put in 9X13 casserole dish. Top with remaining ½ cup cheese. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.

Rainbow Jello

I picked up a 6oz box of blue, yellow and red jello plus a box of knox gelatin. To get these cool layers, mix the blue jello with an envelope of the knox gelatin. Pour in two cups of boiling water. Dissolve the gelatin. Add 1/2 cup of ice. Stir until thick. Remove any remaining ice cubes and any bubbles that may have formed. Pour into a 9×13 inch pan. Let set in the refrigerator.

Repeat with the yellow jello (+ packet of knox) and pour it over the set blue. Repeat with the red jello (+ packet of knox) and pour it over the yellow. And there you have it, Rainbow Jello.

Oh, and these can be made and cut a day ahead.

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

Really good stuff! You can feel a little better because they are healthier then the traditional! You'd never know all that "good" stuff is in these guys by tasting them! Fools the kiddies! They do have a "nuttier" taste to them though... let me know what you think!

3/4 cup oats ground up (like in a food processor)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter softened (I use the smart balance butter)
1/4 cup canola oil
1/3 cup brown sugar (I use splenda b. sugar)
1/3 cup sugar (I use splenda)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips

Beat butter until fluffy, mix in wet ingredients, then mix in dry ingredients. Stir in Chocolate chips.

Bake at 350 for 8-11 mins.

Elise

Funeral Potatoes

If you're looking to de-healthify your potatoes, here's your solution.

8 medium potatoes (cooked, cooled & grated)

¼ cup butter
1 pint sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
⅓ cup chopped onions
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
⅓ cup crushed cornflakes
2 TB melted butter

Heat butter and soup until butter is melted. Add sour cream, onions, and cheese. Mix with potatoes. Spread potatoes in 9x13 baking dish. Mix the 2TB butter with cornflakes and sprinkle on top. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes.

Homemade Oreos

I used to make these all the time with my roommates. So easy and much better than the storebought oreos...in my humble opinion. :-)

Homemade Oreos:
2 boxes devil food mix
2/3 cup oil
4 eggs

Mix by hand, drop spoonfuls on to cookie sheet and bake @ 350° for 8 minutes.

Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese
1 Tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 Cups powdered sugar

Mix together, it will seem really thick but just keep mixing!

Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin Roll:
3 eggs
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. ginger
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. nutmeg
⅔ cup pumpkin
2 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp salt

Filling:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 8 oz. cream cheese (room temp.)
4 TB. Butter (room temp.)

Beat eggs together in a large bowl. Slowly add sugar, pumpkin, and lemon juice. Sift flour and baking powder together and add while mixing. Add the remaining ingredients. Grease large cookie sheet with Crisco. Pour mixture into pan and spread evenly in the sheet. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes. Run knife around edges and immediately turn onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll the cake in the towel and let it cool. Beat together filling ingredients until smooth and creamy. Unroll the pumpkin and spread with filling. Roll again tightly, wrap the pumpkin roll in wax paper and then tin foil. Store in the freezer until read to serve.

Butternut Squash Ravioli

Ryan made these last summer with the squash from our garden...DELICIOUS!

(Time: 1-2 hours)

4 eggs
3½ cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 butternut squash
1½ tbsp. butter
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
2-3 dashes cinnamon
sugar and salt to taste

1. Add 3½ cups flour to a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour.
2. Break 4 large eggs into the well.
3. Using a fork, beat the eggs, gradually incorporating flour into the egg mixture. A large mass of dough will slowly start to form, with lots of little straggly bits of dough floating around in the bowl as well. Once the dough is dry enough to handle, gather it up in the bowl, using your hand and knead into a nice, round ball.
4. Turn the ball of dough onto a floured surface, and knead well (at least 5 min.) until the dough feels smooth and elastic. If the dough seems too dry, add a few drops of water; too wet, add a little more flour. Return the ball of dough to the bowl, and cover with a floured piece of saran wrap. Let it rest for at least a half hour.
5. Cook the butternut squash: slice the squash in half, and scoop out the seeds. Place both halves cut-face down in 1/4" of water, in a large roasting pan. Bake at 375F for 40 minutes or until tender.
6. Scoop out the cooked squash and mash well using a fork or potato masher. Add butter, nutmeg and cinnamon. Sprinkle salt and sugar to taste. Let cool. Refrigerate for up to a day, or use immediately.
7. Fill the ravioli and seal edges together.
8. Cook in boiling water for 5-7 minutes (exact cooking time will vary, depending upon how large/thick you've made your ravioli). Toss with butter and pepper; sprinkle with parmesan and serve. (Serves 4-6)

Pumpkin Waffles with Warm Buttermilk Syrup

These are our special occasion waffles. You know, Christmas morning, July 4th weekend, any old Saturday... Pumpkin Waffles
2 cups flour
1 TB sugar
2 TB baking powder
½ tsp. nutmeg
¼ tsp. salt
2 TB cinnamon
4 egg yokes (save whites)
1 cup pumpkin
1 ½ cup milk
1 TB vanilla
¾ cup melted margarine

Mix first 6 ingredients together, then add remaining ingredients. Beat 4 remaining egg whites until stiff and fold into batter. Cook in waffle iron.

Warm Buttermilk Syrup
¼ cup butter
1 tsp. light corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
½ cup buttermilk (or substitute 1 TB lemon juice + ½ cup milk)
1 tsp baking soda

In large saucepan, bring butter, sugar, corn syrup, and buttermilk to a boil. Take off heat. Add baking soda and vanilla (it will bubble up quite a bit). Stir until it settles. Serve warm over Pumpkin Waffles.

Turkey Tetrazzini

8 oz. spaghetti or linguine

2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

½ cup sliced green onions

2 TB butter

¼ cup flour

dash of pepper

⅛ tsp ground nutmeg

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup milk or light cream

2 cups cooed, chopped turkey

¼ cup parmesan cheese
¼ cup sliced almonds

fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook pasta. Drain and set aside. In saucepan, cook mushrooms and onion in butter. Once tender, add flour, pepper, and nutmeg (it will be gravy texture, so keep stirring to avoid lumps). Add in broth and milk. Stir and cook until thick and bubbly. Stir in turkey and ½ of the cheese. Mix in pasta. Transfer to 8x8 baking dish. Sprinkle with almonds and remaining cheese. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes.

Chocolate Cream Dessert

¾ cup cold butter or margarine
1 pkg (18 ¼ ounces) chocolate cake mix
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 pkg (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
4 cups whipped topping, divided
3 cups cold milk
2 packages (3.9 ounces each) instant chocolate pudding mix
chocolate curls for garnish

In a bowl, cut butter into cake mix until crumbly. Add egg and mix well with electric mixer. Press into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes or until set. Cool completely on wire rack. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. Carefully spread over the crust; refrigerate. In a bowl, whisk the milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes; let stand until slightly thickened. Spread over the cream cheese layer. Top with the remaining whipped topping. Refrigerate for 2 hours before cutting. Garnish with chocolate curls. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12 servings.