Thanksgiving Veggie Tray

We have all made that plain old, boring veggie tray. Spice up your table this year with this super cute Turkey Tray! He was so easy to make. 

 

You'll Need:

Lettuce

Pea Pods

Olives

Carrots

Broccoli

Peppers

Cucumbers

Anything else you'd like to add. 

Gingerbread House Recipe

1 c sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
1 T ginger
1 c molasses
2 t allspice
2 t cinnamon
2 t cloves
1 t nutmeg
1 T + 1 t baking soda
1 c (2 sticks) margarine
2 eggs, beaten
7 c flour

Place both sugars, ginger, molasses, and spices in a large saucepan and combine. Stir occasionally while bringing to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda. *It will bubble and rise as shown in picture*

Add margarine and stir until melted. Place mixture in bowl of stand mixer and mix in eggs and flour with dough hook (or add other ingredients by hand). Roll out on floured surface to about 1/4" thinkness and cut into desired shapes for houses. (We made 5 houses out of this recipe - may vary depending on size of houses.)

Caramel Glazed Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

All five of my kids (ages 2-10) seriously devoured these muffins this morning. I was really glad I had made 24! My 2 year old finished her first one (without the caramel) and was on to a second one before I finished putting the caramel on the tops.
Line 24 muffin cups with paper baking cups or brush tins with this easy release. Pre-heat oven to 375°.

Vanilla Cream Cheese Filling:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
½ c brown sugar
¼ c powdered sugar
1 egg
2 t vanilla bean paste (or regular vanilla)

Combine all of the ingredients and beat until smooth. Set aside.

Pumpkin Muffin Batter:
2 2/3 c flour
1 ¼ c brown sugar
1 c sugar
2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
2 t pumpkin pie spice (You can also use a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in place of this if you don’t have it)
½ t. ginger
3 eggs
1 c pumpkin puree
1/2 c veg. oil
2 t vanilla bean paste (regular vanilla is fine, too)

Mix together flour, both sugars, baking powder, salt, ginger, and pumpkin pie spice. Add eggs, pumpkin, oil, and vanilla. Mix well. Scoop 1-2 T. of this batter into each muffin cup. Next, place 1 T. of the vanilla cream cheese mixture into each of the muffin cups. Top each one with another T. of the muffin batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes (adjust cooking time as needed). While muffins are baking make the caramel topping.

Vanilla Bean Caramel Topping:(optional)
1 c. cream
1/2 t. sea salt
1 c. brown sugar
1 t. vanilla bean paste (You can use regular vanilla instead, this is just what I had)

Pour the cream or milk into a small saucepan and place on a low to medium heat. Add the salt and vanilla to the saucepan and stir to dissolve. Bring to a steady simmer, and then add the brown sugar. Stir to dissolve. Bring the mixture to a steady, low boil, and stir frequently. It takes about 5-10 minutes to get to the desired consistency.

When the muffins are done you can either dip the tops of each one into the caramel or drizzle the caramel over the tops of each muffin.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Variation:
Skip the filling and the topping. Add chocolate chips to the batter.

4th of July Waffles

My kids just expect me to do something strange on every holiday now.My plan today was to make tiny red, white and blue pancakes and give them one of each. In the end I changed my mind and whipped up a batch of my Perfect Waffles and separated the batter into 3 bowls and colored one red (I actually used red velvet emultion)  and one blue. The kids loved this fun patriotic breakfast! When I was nearly done I mixed all of the batter back together and made 2 rounds of purple waffles. That was a whole new hit so my kids all wanted to hurry and eat the first waffles so that they could have a purple one. We also made up some swirly red, white and blue ones. These waffles are fun in every color. I actually created these on St. Patrick's Day and they were green. The possibilities are endless! Go create!

4th of July Krispies

Are you looking for some fun 4th of July treats? Look no further! These are cute and simple! Just make 3 batches of rice krispie treats and add food coloring to the marshmallows **see below** in two of the batches. Spead the three colors one on top of the next to form 3 layers. Serve in squares or cut out using a star shaped cookie cutter. If you're feeling really fun cut the red and white into stripes saving a bit of white for stars. Cut the blue in to a small rectangle for the corner and shape into a flag!

Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn

I was in the mood for really soft caramel popcorn so I decided to try something. I made up a batch of caramel sauce and melted marshmallows into it. It was fabulous!

1 cup cream
1 t salt
1 c brown sugar
1 bag large marshmallows
1 large bowl of popped corn, kernels removed

Pop enough popcorn to fill a large mixing bowl.  Set aside. In a large sauce pan combine cream and salt over medium-high heat and bring almost to a boil. Stir in brown sugar and stir frequently for 10-12 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and add a bag of large marshamllows. Stir until all have melted and mixture is smooth. Pour over popcorn and toss to coat evenly.

Soft Pretzels and Pretzel Dogs

1 T yeast

1 ½ cup warm water

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

3 ½ to 4cups flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Stir in the salt, sugar and two cups flour. Beat till smooth. Stir in enough of the remaining flour to make the dough easy to handle. Shape. Then brush lightly with 1 T water and 1 egg white that has been whipped with a fork.**see below** and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake on a greased cookie sheet at 425* for 15-20 minutes. We dipped ours in a cheese dip that I threw together last minute***

Feb 7 2013 update** you can leave off the kosher salt if you'd like. Today I made these for my preschool class and left it off. we brushed them with butter and sprinkled them with cinnamon sugar after baking them.**

***In a pan melt 2 T butter and add 2 T flour. Pour in about 1/2 c heavy cream and 1/2 c milk. Heat and then add about 1 c shredded cheese. Stir until melted.

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

5 cups macaroni shells, uncooked
5 cups milk
3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tsp salt
1/4 c heavy cream

In a large saucepan combine milk and pasta. Heat til simmering and then 15-20 minutes longer over low-medium heat. Remove from heat and add cheese, cream and salt. Stir until cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Serve.

Hawaiian Haystacks

I saw a recipe floating around on Pinterest from Picky Palate for these yummy Hawaiian Haystacks and thought I'd try it out. I make Hawaiian Haystacks once in a while, but I liked how her gravy sounded. I made a few changes, like omitting the ranch. My family loved it. Every single person (all 7!) loved it. That's almost unheard of. My family picky, but not often do all of us really love the same thing.

Ingredients:

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 T (or 4 cubes) chicken bullion
4 cups hot water

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
2 cans chicken, or 2-3 cups chicken breast cooked and chopped small or shredded
Rice, cooked (I had about 7 cups)
Toppings:

Chow Mein Crispy Noodles
sliced green onions
black olives
pineapple
cranberries
cheese
whatever else sounds good to you

In a large sauce pan melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Whisk until smooth, then add pepper, garlic salt and chicken bullion (if cubes, add AFTER water). Slowly whisk in water 1 cup at a time until smooth.  Continue to stir over medium heat until thickened. Add chicken and remove from heat. Serve over rice and top with desired toppings.

Broccoli Chicken & Cheese Braid

Tonight I combined two of my previous recipes to create a new one. I used the bread from the Yummy Sandwich Braid post and the filling from the Chicken & Broccoli Bake post.

Ingredients:
Filling -

4 chicken breast halves, cooked and shredded

2 pounds fresh broccoli, Cut up and steamed

2 cans cream of chicken soup

1 c. milk

1 c. sour cream (can sub. mayo)

2. c grated cheese

2 T lemon juice

Bread-
1 T shortening
2 T sugar
1 T salt
1 C boiling water
1 C cold water
1/3 C lukewarm water
1 T yeast
5-6 C flour
1 egg
Rosemary (optional)

1. To make the dough dissolve 1 T yeast in 1/3 C lukewarm water.
2. In the bottom of your mixer smash the sugar, salt and shortening together with a fork until well combined.
3. Pour the boiling water over the sugar mixture.
4. Pour the cold water over the sugar mixture.
5. Pour the yeast/water mixture over the sugar mixture.
6. Add the flour 1 C at a time while mixing. You know you have enough flour when the dough pulls away from the side of the bowl.
7. Once you have enough flour mix on high for 7-8 minutes.
8. Let the dough rest for about 2 minutes in the bowl.
9. Divide the dough into two equal parts and let them rest on a cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray for about 5 minutes.
10. Knead rosemary or other herbs into your dough if you wish.
11. Spray some cooking spray onto your counter. Roll the dough out into 2 large rectangles. Using a pizza cutter, cut 11-12 one inch wide strips along both long sides of the rectangle. Be sure to leave about 5 inches down the center uncut. You want to leave room for your
12.Combine the soup, sour cream, lemon juice and milk in a large bowl and mix well. Stir in cheese and set aside.

13. Place half of the shredded chicken in the center of first rectangle. Repeat on second braid.

14. Place half of the broccoli on top of the chicken. Repeat on second braid.

15. Pour half of the sauce down the center of the bread on top of the chicken and broccoli. Repeat on second braid.

16. Braid each rectangle and baste with beaten egg.

Sprinkle with rosemary or other herbs/spices if you wish.

Place the sandwich loaf on a large cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
17. Let the dough rise in a warm oven (I turn mine to 170 degrees) for about 20 minutes.
18. Turn your oven up to 400 degrees and bake for about 15 minutes. (Leave the dough inside while the temperature rises)
19. When the loaves are golden brown on top turn the oven down to 350, switch the pan on the bottom rack to the top and vice versa.
Bake for another 5 minutes.
20. Let the loaves rest for about 5 minutes, then cut and enjoy!

Brazilian Lemonade

Found this on All Recipes

Yum! We all loved this!

• 4 limes
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 6 cups water
• ice

Wash limes thoroughly. Cut off the ends and slice into eight wedges. Place limes in a blender with the sugar and water. Pour through a strainer to remove lime peel. Place back in the blender with sweetened condensed milk to taste (I used the whole can). Add ice and pulse to crush ice. Serve immediately, in a fancy glass. Serves 6.

Amazingly (EASY) Chicken Taquitos

4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (about 4 cups)
1 package cream cheese
1/2 cup pace restaurant style salsa
2 t cumin
1 T chili powder
1 t garlic salt
10-20 sprigs of cilantro, chopped fine
1/2 bunch green onions, sliced fine
1 1/2 t minced garlic
1 T jalapeno hot sauce
2 T diced jalaepeno (I used canned)
1/2 cup Hispanic cheese blend, finely shredded (I used kroger brand which was asadero, queso quesadilla, queso enchilada and queso cotija)
1 c cheddar cheese, shredded
1 c queso quesadilla cheese, shredded
corn and/or flour tortillas

Put cream cheese in kitchenaid with paddle attachment and beat. Add shredded chicken and mix well. Add in the rest of the ingredients, minus the cheese and tortillas and beat well. Add in the cheeses and mix. Place a spoonful in the center of the tortillas one by one and roll up. Place them on a cookie sheet and bake 15 minutes until edges start to crisp up. Serve with salad and queso dip. 

Peanut Butter-Banana-Oatmeal Squares

I've been staring my overly ripe bananas in the face for several days now. Do bananas have a face? Never mind. Today as I wasted valuable time on Pinterest, as I try to do at least a few times a week, I found this recipe. That is how I justify it. By saying things to myself like, "I had to find a way to use those bananas". Gingerbread Bagels posted this recipe and I had to try it out. Well, not me really. I hate cooked bananas! Bananas belong only in fruit dip! My family loves all things banana so I make all kinds of things with bananas, anyhow. After I pulled these babies out of the oven and gave them a few minutes to cool off I cut them up so I could take a picture. The worst thing ever happened. A piece fell off of the knife onto the counter. Without thinking, I picked it up and popped it into my mouth. I instantly realized what I had done and made a terrible face because I just KNEW I was going to hate it. I DON'T hate it! I actually liked it. WHAT? I guess I know what I will be making from over ripe bananas from here on out.

Ingredients:
3 c quick cooking oats
1 c brown sugar
2 t baking powder
1 t salt
2 t vanilla
1 c milk
2 eggs
3 bananas, mashed
1/2 c peanut butter

In a large mixing bowl (or your kitchenaid) combine the first 5 ingredients and mix well. Add in the vanilla, milk and the eggs. You guessed it. More mixing. Next add the bananas and the peanut butter and mix one time. Spread the gooey mess into a 9x13 pan and bake at 350* for 30 minutes. Cut into squares (or bars if you hate squares).

Easter Cake Balls

I am selling these for $1 each now through Saturday. Don't miss out. Make sure you get these in your Easter baskets.

Baked Sweet & Sour Chicken

Adapted from Mel's Kitchen

3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cubed
1 t garlic salt
1/2 t pepper
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup olive oil

Sauce:
¾ cup sugar
4 tablespoons ketchup
½ cup vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic salt

Combine 1 t garlic salt, flour, cornstarch and pepper. Coat chicken in flour mixture and then in beaten egg. Place in pan with heated olive oil and cook on high heat stirring constantly until browned. Place chicken in baking dish. Combine all sauce ingredients and mix well. Pour over chicken. Cook at 325* 30-45 minutes stirring 2-3 times.

Octopus Cake

My baby turned 2 on April 1st. I pretty much always let them pick their own cake out of my ridiculous stack of cookbooks. (Ever want to get me something? A cookbook is a safe bet!) Little Peanut picked this. This cake may have caused some minor cussing to leap from my mouth. It almost ended up in the garbage can. Let's just say it's lucky to have survived my wrath.

Dorito Chicken Bake

I've seen this recipe all over the internet and finally made it about a month ago. I was skeptical to say the least, but it was good! I think I liked it better than the kids did. What does that say about me? haha! It is a quick easy dinner, too! Perfect for a comfort food kind of day. Yum! Tonight I made the mistake of thinking all of those recipes were the same. News flash! They are NOT! Tonight's dinner was not nearly as good as the last time I made it so I tracked down the recipe I made last time and I'll never lose it again. Jam Hands was by far the better option!

1 lb chicken, cooked and shredded (I cooked mine in the crockpot)
1 bag doritos, crushed
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can rotel
1/2 c. milk
1 packet taco seasoning
1 bag marbled cheddar cheese (2 cups)

Place half of the doritos in the bottom of a baking dish. Combine all other ingredients. Spread half of it over doritos. Top with remaining doritos and then with chicken mixture. Sprinkle a little more cheese over the top and bake at 350* for 30 minutes.