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Showing posts with the label holiday

SANDRA'S EASY CHOCOLATE COCONUT MARSHMALLOW FUDGE

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The most creamy and decadent fudge ever! You can also sub out the coconut and marshmallows for chopped nuts, or the chips for other flavors... Yield: 36 squares Prep: 10 Mins. Cook: 5-10 Mins. Chill: 2 Hrs. INGREDIENTS 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 (14-oz can) sweetened condensed milk (not unsweetened evaporated milk) Pinch of kosher salt 1/2 cup finely shredded sweetened coconut 2 cups miniature marshmallows 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract METHOD Line an 8" square baking dish with foil, leaving extension handles over edges of about 2". Place a heavy bottom medium saucepan over low heat, add the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Stir constantly, gently, until all chips have melted.   Remove from heat. Fold in vanilla, then the coconut and marshmallows. Spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Chill, uncovered, in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours before removing foil, then cutting into 36 squares (*see below). Store any leftovers i...

SANDRA'S ALASKAN SOURDOUGH CINNAMON ROLLS

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A spectacular recipe that you'll be making again and again, making you want to maintain your sourdough starter over time... Yields: 12 Rolls Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: Appx. 35 mins. INGREDIENTS DOUGH: --Proof: 2-1/2 teaspoons rapid rise yeast 3/4 cup warm 2% milk 1 tablespoon  fireweed and clover honey --Additional dough ingredients: 1 cup 'unfed' sourdough starter (stirred, and let it come to room temp--before feeding) 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted 2 large eggs, beaten 1/2 teaspoon table salt 3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 TB water, if needed FILLING: 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar (or light) 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1-1/2 to 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (depending upon your preference) 1/3 cup unsalted butter, room temperature --3/4 cup raisins and/or chopped pecans (optional) FROSTING: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 3 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon  vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon table salt 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar...

SANDRA'S EPIC ALASKA CINNAMON ROLLS

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A family favorite dessert that 's divine to  partake any time of day... Yields: 12 Rolls Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: Appx. 35 mins. INGREDIENTS DOUGH: --Proof: 2-1/2 teaspoons rapid rise yeast 1 cup warm 2% milk 1 tablespoon fireweed and clover honey --Additional dough ingredients: 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted 2 large eggs, beaten 1/2 teaspoon table salt 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 TB water, if needed FILLING: 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar (or light) 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1-1/2 to 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (depending upon your preference) 1/3 cup unsalted butter, room temperature --3/4 cup raisins and/or chopped pecans (optional) FROSTING: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 3 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon table salt 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted 1 TB milk, if needed METHOD Add yeast and 1 tablespoon honey in warm milk in the stand mixing bowl with the hook attachment; mix to combine and ...

SANDRA'S CINNAMON-PECAN SHORTBREAD COOKIES

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The most amazing buttery and flavorful cookies so you might consider preparing a double batch, as they're usually gone in a flash... Yield: (4 dozen) Prep: 10 Mins. Chill: 20 Mins. Bake: 12-14 Mins. INGREDIENTS Cream wet: 1 cup (2 cubes) unsalted butter, room temperature 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar (no need to sift) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Sift dry: 2-1/4 cups flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/4 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter) Addition: 3/4 cup pecans, finely chopped (I did so using my mini-food processor) Coating mixture: 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon METHOD In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, add the creaming ingredients and mix just until combined. Take care to not over mix. Add the sifted dry ingredients, and again mix just until combined. The dough will be rather dense. Add the finely chopped pecans, and pulse mixer to incorporate. Pour the dough out onto a 16" piece of plastic wrap or parchm...

SANDRA'S HOT BUTTERED RUM MIX

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This hot buttered rum mix is a tradition that we serve during  our Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season.  This particular mix is delicious with/without the rum  so everyone can enjoy this warm and comforting drink any time. Yield: Appx. 1 cup of mix Prep: 10 Mins. INGREDIENTS: 1 cup packed, dark brown sugar 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, at room temp 1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/8 tsp ground cloves Pinch of kosher salt --Light Rum METHOD Place brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and salt in a small bowl; blend completely using a smashing-motion. Brown sugar should be completely coated in butter and spices, until it's uniform in color (will take several minutes). Place unused mix in refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 1 week. HOW TO MAKE A HOT BUTTERED RUM: Preheat an 8 oz. mug by filling it with HOT water, let stand a few minutes, then drain. To the warmed (empty) mug, add 1/2 heaping tablespoon of Hot Butter Rum Mix, 1...

SANDRA'S CHRISTMASTIME SPRITZ COOKIES

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A tradition that's going to take place every year during Christmastime from now on, they're beautiful and a buttery scrumptiousness... Yield: Appx. 7 Doz. (depending upon disc sizes used) Prep: 15 Mins. Bake: 8-12 Mins. (Per batch, depending upon disc sizes used) INGREDIENTS 3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour --(depending upon humidity, adding 1 TB at a time to reach desired consistency) 1 teaspoon double-acting baking powder (or regular) 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1-1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg, beaten 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 2  teaspoons vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (omit if using salted butter) 2 tablespoons milk --Assorted colored decorating sugar crystals METHOD Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Set aside silpat- or parchment-lined baking sheets. In medium bowl, sift flour and baking powder and soda; set aside. In bowl of stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, beat ...

SANDRA'S ANYTIME SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

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I microwave the sweet potatoes with 1 TB of water so as to retain their utmost flavor versus boiling them in the traditional fashion. This makes for a phenomenal sweet potato casserole... Servings: (6) Par-Cook: 7-10 Mins. Bake: 30 to 35 Mins. INGREDIENTS 4 (about 1 lb.) of regular-size sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2" cubes 2 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, diced 2 tablespoons real maple syrup (more or less, to your desired sweetness) 1 tablespoon orange juice 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch of freshly ground nutmeg --2 cups miniature marshmallows DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Set aside an 8x8" casserole dish. Place sweet potatoes in a medium glass bowl with 1 tablespoon water, cover with a large microwaveable plate, and cook in microwave on high for 7 minutes. Stir, recover, and microwave in for 1 minute -- 3 times; for a total of 10 minutes, just until sweet potatoes are fork tender. Using mitts, as bowl will be hot, remove from microwave (do not dr...

Mushroom Meringues

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This is a treat that my mother always used to make for Christmas, both for the family and to give to friends and neighbors, beautifully packaged in cellophane bags. Mushroom meringues are traditionally associated with the French dessert B�che de No�l, but we like them on their own. They can be impressive looking yet are quite easy to make. My sister Emily recently demonstrated them for a Relief Society cooking class in our ward, so I thought it would be a good time to put up the recipe as well as a few pictures. � cup egg whites, room temperature � teaspoon salt � teaspoon cream of tartar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup superfine sugar (I use regular granulated) Unsweetened cocoa 6 ounces semisweet chocolate Beat egg whites in a large bowl until foamy. Beat in salt, cream of tartar, and vanilla. With mixer set at low to medium speed, add sugar gradually until it is mixed in. Then beat at high speed, 6 to 7 minutes, until stiff. Place meringue mixture in a large pastry bag fitted with ...

SANDRA'S SPICE 'N EVERYTHING NICE COOKIES

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I was in a creatively baking mood today when I came up with this new recipe for these light, lovely, and spicy cookies! I've made this recipe so it creates only 3-1/2 dozen, which works incredibly nice in a smaller batch for our 2-person household... Yields: (3-1/2 doz) Prep: 15 Mins. Bake: 10-12 Mins. INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling cookie balls) 1/2 cup quality molasses 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon fine-grain salt METHOD Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Set a couple of baking sheets aside lined with silpat liners or parchment paper. Set a baking rack aside as well for cookies to fully cool. Place a 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a small bowl (to roll formed cookies into prior to baking). In a stand mixer bowl, add butter, sugar and molasse...

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...

SANDRA'S ALASKAN MOOSE ROAST - PRIME RIB STYLE

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A simplistic method using minimal spices and ingredients to guarantee utmost flavor of our prized Alaskan moose roasts; prime rib style, that is! Servings: (8-10) Prep: 5 Mins. Roast:  1 Hr. 20 Mins. INGREDIENTS 4 lb. boneless moose roast (tied with kitchen string) 6 fresh medium garlic cloves, sliced in half Canola oil (sufficient amount to rub entire exterior of roast prior to seasoning) Fresh ground black pepper (we like to use a lot!) Kosher salt (a fairly nice dusting) METHOD Remove roast from refrigerator 1 hour prior to roasting (tie with kitchen string if not already done). Using a sharp boning knife, poke as many small holes all over uncooked roast to insert the number of garlic clove halves; push in holes. Let prepped roast sit at room temperature for 1 hour (this is an important step to relax meat fibers). Meanwhile, preheat oven to 450 degrees for a minimum of 15 minutes. Rub roast with canola oil, and season exterior with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt. Pl...

SANDRA'S 10-APPLE NO-SHRINK DEEP-DISH ALMOND-CRUST PIE

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By gently par-cooking the apples beforehand, I've finally solved the problem of apples shrinking as they cook, and therefore this method prevents leaving a gap between crust and apples that have typically collapsed upon cooling... Servings: (8-10) Prep/Par-Cook: 30 Mins. Bake: 65 Mins. INGREDIENTS Almond Crust --(A hearty, darker, and super flavorful crust) 2 cups all-purpose flour --plus extra for rolling 1/2 cup slivered almonds 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" cubes --plus extra for filling below 1/2 teaspoon fine-grain kosher salt 2 teaspoons light brown sugar 4 to 6 tablespoons cold milk 1 large egg, beaten Filling --(No shrink) 10 mixed apples (I used Granny Smith and McIntosh), washed, unpeeled, cored and cut into 3/4" pieces 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon fine-grain kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons corn ...

SANDRA'S VIVACIOUS VANILLA BANANA-MARSHMALLOW-COCONUT PUDDING

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A quick and delicious dessert to put together but ohhh so difficult to wait until it sets... Servings: (8 to 10) Prep: 20 Mins. Refrigerate: 2 hours INGREDIENTS: PUDDING: 1 (5.1 oz. box) instant vanilla pudding 1 (12 oz. can) cold evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed) 1-1/2 cup cold water 1 teaspoon bourbon vanilla extract (or regular vanilla extract ) FILLING ADDITIONS: 2 slightly ripe bananas, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows 1/2 cup shredded coconut, chopped finer TOPPING: 1 cup fresh whipping cream 1/2 teaspoon bourbon vanilla extract (or regular vanilla extract ) 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar (or granulated sugar) --Sprinkle topping with a pinch of ground cinnamon METHOD: In  medium, round, glass bowl, whisk all the pudding ingredients for 3 minutes to slightly thicken. Gently fold in fruit additions. Evenly spread whipped cream topping over pudding mixture, and sprinkle with cinnamon. Cover, and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to all...

SANDRA'S PECAN MEXICAN WEDDING COOKIES

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Melt in your mouth cookies that are superbly airy and tender� Yields: 32 cookies Prep: 10 Mins. Bake: 12 Mins. Melt in your mouth cookies that are superbly airy and tender� INGREDIENTS 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature 2-1/2 cups confectioners� sugar, divided 1 teaspoon bourbon-vanilla extract (or regular vanilla extract ) 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted Pinch of fine-grain sea salt 2 cups pecans, very finely chopped METHOD Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Set aside a couple of baking sheets lined with parchment paper or Silpat liners. With an electric or stand mixer, beat butter, 1/2 cup confectioners� sugar, and bourbon-vanilla extract , until pale yellow and fluffy. Add sifted flour, salt and nuts to batter; and mix to incorporate (if using a hand mixer, you may want to use a spoon at this point), ensuring to scrape sides of bowl. Roll dough into 1" balls. Place on ungreased, lined baking sheets. Bake 12 minutes, until lightly golden. While hot, roll in remaining 1-1/...

Cranberry Cream Cheese Holiday Salad

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1 1/2 cups crushed Almonds 4 1/2 tablespoons Splenda 3/4 cup butter, melted 1 tsp salt 1 cup Splenda 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese 1 (8 ounce) container frozen lite whipped topping, thawed 1 (6 ounce) package sugar free Jello brand raspberry flavored gelatin 2 cups boiling water 1 (16 ounce) package frozen raspberries 8 ounces of cranberries (chopped) Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Mix together the almonds,1 tsp salt,  4 1/2 tablespoons Splenda and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Set aside to cool completely. In a medium bowl, beat the Splenda and cream cheese until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread evenly over the cooled crust. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes. In a medium bowl, stir together the gelatin mix and boiling water. Mix in frozen raspberries and chopped cranberries then stir until thawed. Pour over cream cheese mixture in pan. Refrigerate until completely ...

SANDRA'S NO-CORN-SYRUP PECAN PIE (Easy to Prepare)

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A very, very easy recipe to prepare resulting in an incredible pecan pie that will leave your guests raving.. . [Photograph credits and permission via @Polar_Gal on Twitter who requested my recipe, prepared it, then provided this stunning pic ~ Kudos to her!] Servings: (8) Prep. : 15 Mins. Bake: 40 Mins. INGREDIENTS 1 cup dark brown sugar 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 2 large eggs 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup chopped pecans; plus more whole pecans for garnish, if desired --1 Unbaked 9� pie shell ( Sandra's Homemade Pie Crust ) METHOD Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Stir in melted butter. Stir in brown sugar, granulated sugar, and flour; mix well. Add milk, vanilla, and chopped pecans. Pour filling into an unbaked 9� pie shell (you can prepare  Sandra's Homemade Pie Crust , or use store-bought in the freezer section of the market, and thaw beforehand, as directed...

SANDRA�S EASY PUMPKIN LOG ROLL with a CREAMY MAPLE FILLING

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A phenomenal dessert that freezes well, so the pumpkin log roll  can be made ahead of time and sliced while frozen into pieces  for a stunning  presentation.. . Servings: (10 to 12) Prep: 15 Mins. Bake: 12-15 Mins. INGREDIENTS Roll: Wet Mixture: 3 large eggs, slightly beaten 1 cup granulated sugar 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature 2/3 cup pure pumpkin 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Dry Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon salt Filling: 1 (8 oz. tub), cold, whipped cream cheese 1 cup confectioners' (powdered) sugar, sifted 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 teaspoon mapleine --Additional confectioners� sugar (for decoration) METHOD Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 15�x10� jelly-roll pan; line with parchment paper, then spray top of paper as well. Set aside a clean tea towel ...

Candy Coated Pecans

1 egg white 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 dash vanilla 4 cups pecans 1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Line cookie sheet with wax paper. Spray wax paper with cooking spray. 2. Beat egg white until stiff. Add brown sugar and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Mix in pecans and stir until coated. Pour nuts onto the prepared cookie sheet. 3. Bake until browned, approximately 10-15 minutes. Caution: these are addicting.

Pumpkin Bread

5 eggs 1 1/4 cups oil 1 15oz can of pumpkin 2 cups flour 2 cups sugar 2 pkgs (3oz) vanilla pudding powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp salt (bag of chocolate chips if so desired) Beat eggs. Add oil and pumpkin; beat until smooth. Combine remaining ingredients and gradually add to pumpkin mixture. Pour batter into desired pan (5 mini loaves, 2 reg loaves, 1 bundt pan etc). Bake 325 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.