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Showing posts from December, 2014

FRUITY MEATLESS MINCEMEAT COOKIES (Easy 'N Tasty)

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Even those who are not a fan of mincemeat adore these fruity (yes, meatless) cookies and always come back for more! The jarred meatless mincemeat consists mainly of fruit and spices, hence this 7-ingredient recipe... Yield: 4+ Doz. Prep: 10 Mins. Bake: 10 to 12 Mins. INGREDIENTS --Note: I've only slightly revised this recipe from its original None Such cookie recipe and have been preparing these since grade-school days-- 1-1/2 c granulated sugar 1 cup shortening 3 large eggs 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon table salt 1-1/3 cups (1/2 of a 27 oz. jar) None Such (Borden) ready to use meatless DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare cookie sheets lined with silpat liners or parchement paper; set aside. In large stand mixer, beat sugar and shortening until fluffy. Add eggs, beat well. Sift flour, baking soda and salt through a sieve placed over mixing bowl of wet ingredients. Mix together, then add in mincemeat and mix until combined. Drop coo...

G.G.'s Tapioca Pudding

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  Tapioca pudding brings the memories flooding back!  It has always been a staple at Christmastime.  I have made this a few times in the past and I have not been able to get it perfect yet.  Today, it was just about perfect!  I thought I had messed it up again because it did set up, but when you scoop out a serving, the rest of the pudding filled in the hole.  I asked my uncle about that and he informed me that is how it is supposed to be. Last year, I don't know what went wrong, but it never set up.  This time, I paid close attention to the instructions and it actually worked! As you can see above, the recipe is a bit all over the place.  Some of it is left up to interpretation.  Here is what I did: 3/4 Cup        Tapioca (I used 1 cup because I do what I want.) 3 Cups          Milk (Whole Milk is recommended) 1/4 Cup         Cornstarch 3/4 Cup         Sugar...

Jamie's Vegetable Soup

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My D-I-L, Jamie brought me some of her soup to try when they came over for our family Christmas Saturday. Thank goodness, because I don't feel that great, and this really hit the spot. I just added some left over turkey from Saturday. That made it supper for the hubby... he has to have meat, or it's just a side dish! LOL 5-6 Red Potatoes, cubed 1 can or 1 cup fresh Carrots 1 cup Celery, sliced 1 can Sweet Peas 1 can Corn  1 can Green Beans 1 can Tomatoes, crushed or diced 1 Onion, chopped 2 (8oz) cans of chicken stock one packet of Italian dressing mix 2 cups water 1 tsp tomato paste Salt and Pepper, to taste* Saute onion and celery in pot with a little oil or butter until onions are translucent. Add chicken stock, dressing mix, salt and pepper, and water. Bring to a boil then turn down to med~high heat for a simmer for 30 minutes. Then add green beans, corn, sliced carrots, (or cup of fresh carrots), potato,  peas, tomato and tomato paste. Let simmer for another 30 minutes o...

Christmas 2014 with the kids and a Heritage Turkey for Supper!

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Presents! :-) My Plate! We have a tradition of celebrating Christmas with all the kids and grandkids on the Saturday after Christmas. Everyone is welcome to come over on Christmas day if possible, but my stepkids and their children have in-laws and other parents to visit. So, I decided to take the pressure off them and insure that I get a good day with them, without them having to rush off! It's worked out well. This year, Kayleigh, Joe and Jack had to stay home with baby Benjamin, since he's so young and susceptible to the flu and respiratory illness that's out there! I received an early Christmas present from my foodie friend Mary over at  All Things Food - Cooking with Mary and Friends . She brought me one of the turkeys that she received from Paradise Acre Farm .  Tom and Denise offer awesome pastured poultry, eggs and gluten free baked goods that they sell at the Rosewood Market in Columbia, SC. Roast Garlic Teriyaki Turkey This is a very easy way to make a Thanksgivin...

Reese's Peanut Butter Balls

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Merry Christmas everyone!  A long-standing tradition in this house has been the one and only Peanut Butter Balls.  It just isn't Christmas without them!  I remember there were a few times in the past that on the night of December 23rd, Mom would be working late to get last-minute things done before taking a few days off to enjoy the holiday.  That would mean that the making of the Peanut Butter Balls wouldn't begin until late into the night.  Lucky me, I got to stay up late and make them with Mom! Yay!  We would be rolling the balls at Midnight.  At 2:00 am, we would be dipping them in chocolate.  If that isn't dedication to a tradition, I don't know what is. The tradition must go on!  It is Christmas Eve and I have the family coming over for dinner tonight.  Chili, cornbread, tamales, tapioca pudding, and peanut butter balls are on the menu!  I can't wait to eat!  We have been out of town the last few days, so I am just gettin...

Natural Hair Growth Serum

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This natural hair growth serum combines herbs and essential oils that are good for scalp health and hair growth: Nettle- Rich in iron and vitamins A, C and K plus potassium and magnesium. It is often used in natural hair products and helps stimulate hair growth Horsetail- High in silica and excellent for hair supporting hair growth. Aloe Vera Gel- Naturally thickens and soothes the scalp and serves as a silkening base for this serum. Essential Oils- Essential oils of Clary Sage, Rosemary, and Lavender are great for hair and scalp health. Natural Hair Growth Serum Ingredients 1 cup distilled water 2 Tablespoons Dried Nettle Leaf 2 Tablespoons Horsetail Leaf (optional) 2 Tablespoons Natural Aloe Vera Gel 10 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil 10 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil How to Make Hair Growth Serum Boil the distilled water and add the dried nettle leaf and horsetail leaf. Let the herbs sit in the water for at least 10 minutes or until water cool...

Frozen Popcorn Snowballs

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Frozen" Popcorn Snowballs Ingredients: � c. popcorn kernels 3 tbsp. canola oil � c. sugar 4 tbsp. butter 5 c. mini marshmallows � tsp. salt � tsp. vanilla extract 1 c. M&Ms sprinkles or peanuts (optional) View Full: Recipe and Instructions

The Best (Vegan) No-Bake Fudge Bars Ever!

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The Best (Vegan) No-Bake Fudge Bars Ever! Ingredients: 3/4 c. coconut oil 1/2 c. coconut butter 1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder, plus additional for dusting the tops 1/2 c. maple syrup pinch of fine sea salt 1/3 c. freeze dried raspberries 1/4 c. roasted unsalted almonds, coarsely chopped 2 T. cacao nibs View Full: Recipe and Instructions

Amaretto Snowballs : gluten-free, vegan, quick no-bake dessert

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Amaretto Snowballs : gluten-free, vegan, quick no-bake dessert Ingredients: 2 cups blanched almonds 1 cup gluten free icing sugar + extra for coating 2 tsp almond extract 1-2 tbsp amaretto liqueur (or all-natural amaretto extract for a non-alcoholic, child-friendly version) View Full: Recipe and Instructions

Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe

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Vegan sugar cookies recipe. #vegan #cookies #recipes Ingredients: Cookies: 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 cup soft but not melted coconut oil 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk, soymilk, or almond milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cream of tartar Icing: 2 cups powdered sugar 2 tablespoons coconut, soy, or almond milk sprinkles or sanding sugar (optional) View Full: Recipe and Instructions

Amish Friendship Bread

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 As you can see, this recipe is well-loved!  Mom used to make this bread all the time!  I have very fond memories of licking the wooden spoon as the loaves were baking in the oven.  This is the first time I have ever made it all on my own and it is exactly how I remember it.  This bread makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  I have a tendency to eat too much of it! I did not receive batter made from someone else, so I made my own.  I pulled this from here . 1 (0.25 oz) Package Active Dry Yeast 1/4 cup warm water 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 1 cup milk 1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water. 2. In a separate bowl, mix flour and sugar with a fork.   3. Slowly stir in milk and yeast/water mixture. 4. Transfer to large ziplock bag.  Consider this "Day 1." For the recipe: General:  Do not use  metal bowl or spoon when making.  Do not refrigerate.  If air gets into the bag, let it out.  Bubbling, thickening, ...

Whipped Peppermint White Hot Chocolate with Chocolate Cream

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Whipped Peppermint White Hot Chocolate Happy Holidays Friends!  Hope you are enjoying this wonderful season!  I came up with this recipe for this delicious Whipped Peppermint White Hot Chocolate a few weeks ago and it has been a huge it at my cooking classes and and my friend's cookie exchange last week.  Everyone is asking for the recipe!  Sorry I have been so late in getting it up on the blog!  But I hope you all enjoy it!  You can serve it with or without the Whipped Chocolate Cream on top.  In the picture above I made these adorable snowmen marshmallows to go on top. Whipped Peppermint White Hot Chocolate 1 11 ounce bag Ghiradelli Chocolate white chips 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided 1-3 teaspoons peppermint extract, to taste 2 teaspoons pure vanilla whole milk, to taste 1. Melt white chocolate chips with 1/2 cup cream in crock pot.  Add peppermint and vanilla. 2. Whip 2 cups whipped cream until fluffy.  Stir whipped cream into m...

Chicken Broccoli

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BINGO!  I have chicken in the fridge I need to use ASAP. 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts 2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup 2 bags Frozen Broccoli (I used fresh) 1 Large (16 oz) container Sour Cream Grated Cheddar Cheese - Mix mushroom soup and sour cream - Place 1/2 mix in bottom of 13x9 baking dish. - Braise chicken. - Cube chicken and place chicken on mixture. (my one recommendation) - Place broccoli on chicken. - Cover chicken and broccoli with remaining mixture.  - Cover with grated cheese. - Cover with foil. Bake @ 350 for 1 hour. This one is pretty straight forward...until it says "Braise Chicken".  Um, what the heck is braised chicken?  So, I looked it up.  For more info on how to braise chicken, click here .  Newsflash!  It takes too long.  I am the Mom of a 17 month old.  Ain't nobody got time for that!  So, I followed the instructions from my BFF, Pioneer Woman, and quickly seasoned those breasts with salt and pepper and baked ...

Sparkling Cranberries ~ A Crafty Christmas

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Sparkling Cranberries ~ This recipe gets people ohhing & ahhing over just how pretty & tasty they are. Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup water 2 cups cranberries 3/4 cup granulated sugar View Full: Recipe and Instructions

Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

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PERFECT Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Ingredients: COOKIES 1/2 cup (1 stick) vegan butter (such as Earth Balance), softened (to speed softening, see note) 1/2 cup organic cane sugar + more for topping 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (or sub pumpkin butter and hold back 1 Tbsp of cane sugar) 1 1/2 cups + 1 Tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour (sub up to 1/3 whole wheat pastry) 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for thickening/binding) 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1 Tbsp unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk) View Full: Recipe and Instructions

Christmas Cookie Recipes: Chocolate-Peppermint Thumbprints

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INGREDIENTS 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled) 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon fine salt 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 5 ounces semisweet chocolate chips (3/4 cup) 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat 1 cup each butter and sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy, 3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla; beat to combine. With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture and beat to combine. Place 1/2 cup sugar in a small bowl. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll in sugar to coat. Place balls, 1 inch apart, on two parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake 5 minutes. Remove sheets from oven; with the small end of a melon baller or the bottom of a small round measuring spoon, make an i...

Christmas Cookies Recipes: Glazed Spritz Cookies

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INGREDIENTS 1 batch plain or tinted Vanilla Dough or Spice Dough (or 1/2 batch Chocolate Dough plus 1/2 batch Sanding sugar (optional) 1 batch Vanilla or Citrus Glaze (or 1 cup melted white chocolate (8 ounces) plus small candies -- optional -- for white-chocolate-glazed cookies) DIRECTIONS Knead dough briefly to soften. Fill a cookie press with dough (if making swirl cookies, fill with both kinds of dough), and fit with disk to make shapes. Squeeze cookies directly onto a baking sheet. Sprinkle with sanding sugar, if using. Bake at 350 degrees until firm, 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool completely before dipping in the vanilla or citrus glazes, or melted white chocolate. Apply small or crushed candies, if using, while glaze is wet. Let vanilla- or citrus-glazed cookies set on a wire rack. Let white-chocolate-glazed cookies set in refrigerator, and keep chilled until ready to serve. Source

Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies

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Ingredients pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker� chocolate chip cookie mix Butter and egg called for on cookie mix pouch Hershey's� premier white baking chips or semisweet or Special Dark chocolate chips Assorted candy sprinkles or hard candies, crushed Directions Make cookies as directed on pouch; cool completely. 2In small microwavable bowl, microwave 1/2 to 1 cup of the chips at a time (as needed), uncovered on Medium (50%) 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once, until chips can be stirred smooth. 3Carefully dip each cookie halfway into melted chips; wipe off excess. Place on cooking parchment paper-lined tray; sprinkle with desired candies. Let stand until coating is firm, about 1 hour. Source