Showing posts with label Recipes - Sweet Spot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recipes - Sweet Spot. Show all posts

10/15/12

Mimi's Banana Pudding


Southern charm in a glass dish ~ Just in time for the holidays!  

Mimi's Banana Pudding:
1 Package Instant Vanilla Pudding
1 Can of Eagle Brand Milk
2 Cups 2% Milk
8 Bananas
1 Box Vanilla Wafers
1 Tub Cool Whip


Place one layer of the vanilla wafers in a 9 X 13 glass dish.  Next, layer with sliced bananas. In a separate dish, combine vanilla pudding powder, Eagle Brand Milk and the 2% milk.  Stir well and after thoroughly mixed, fold in the Cool Whip.  Pour this mixture into the glass dish over the vanilla wafers and sliced bananas.  Crush a few wafers and sprinkle on top.  Best when chilled for at least 2 hours!  Enjoy!    
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10/4/12

Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Icing




Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Icing ~ A moist chocolate cake with a 'cup of coffee' added ~ This one's a Winner - Delicious!

2 Cups Brown Sugar
2 Cups Flour
3/4 Cup Baking Cocoa
2 Teaspoons Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
2 Eggs
1 Cup Milk
1 Cup Hot Coffee (Regular or Decaf)
1/2 Cup Oil

Combine all ingredients.  Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes or until done.

Peanut Butter Icing:

1 Cup Powdered Sugar
3/4 Cup Butter (Real Butter)
3/4 Cup Favorite Peanut Butter
(* You can alter these ingredients to taste depending how sweet you want your icing)
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5/1/11

Easter Bunny Cookie Cake

Easter Bunny Cookie Cake




I have included in this recipe, options for French Vanilla or Chocolate cake.  Locate your recipe below and take it from there.  Enjoy!

French Vanilla Cake
(Double This Recipe)

1 box of Betty Crocker French Vanilla or your favorite box of cake mix
ingredients on back of box:  (eggs, water, oil)

extra ingredients to enhance flavor & moistness (per box):
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 pack instant vanilla pudding (dry)
1/2 cup buttermilk (replacing 1/2 cup of water, see below)
1 tsp vanilla


Extra Creamy Chocolate Cake
(Double This Recipe)

1 box Duncan Hines Devil Food Cake Mix
ingredients on back of box: (eggs, water, oil)

extra ingredients to enhance flavor & moistness (per box):

1/3 cup ricotta cheese
substitute 1/3 cup of the water for 1/3 cup of buttermilk
2 T. sugar
2 T. cocoa powder

Almond Frosting
(Triple This Recipe)

If you don't have an icing recipe you like, here is my easy one:
1 whole box of powdered sugar
1 stick of butter
1/4-1/3 cup of milk (the amount of milk depends on how thick you like your icing)
1-2 t. of almond flavoring

You could use whatever icing recipe you have, just sub out the vanilla for almond.  To get the desired color, I separate the icing into bowls & add 4 drops of color until I get the result I'm after.  Here is a tip: I used my cake server to spread the icing. I frequently cleaned it off & heated it with warm water (then dryed it) to make the spreading nice & smooth.

Bunny Cookies
(See Moravian Heart Cookies for this recipe)

Other Ingredients
1 bag coconut
green food color
festive candy covered chocolate eggs (these are Hershey's)
pastel sprinkles & silver beads


Happy Easter!  This cake was just too much fun to make & could be used with different cutters for any holiday.  Placing the cookies around the cake also make icing a snap, because it just doesn't need to be perfect... ahhh! I used the Moravian Sugar Cookie recipe, because they seem to stay oh so soft.

1. Follow recipe links for the French Vanilla or Extra Creamy Chocolate semi-homemade cakes, then be sure to cut the cake into 2 rounds if using a bundt pan. I recommend placing it in the freezer overnight or until solid. This will allow the icing process to go much faster & keep the crumbs away. (You can even do a crumb layer, as explained in the French Vanilla Semi-homemade Cake recipe) I doubled the cake recipe & used a bundt pan. It would also be easy in 2-3 round pans as well.

2. Prepare your cookies!  You can follow the link for the Moravian Cookie recipe, which makes perfect soft cookies every time (they only need to bake for 5-6 minutes)  If you don't have the bunnies, use any spring cutters you like.

3. Prepare icing, following my Almond icing link or one of your own.  Then, go ahead and ice the cake, allowing for the layer in the middle as well.  Normally, it's important to make it nice and smooth, but most of it will be covered up this time... so the fast way is fine!  You want your icing to be nice and thick, so easy on the milk as you prepare your icing.  Just add back in more powdered sugar if it seems to thin.

3. Now that your cookies are cool, it's time to ice them too!  You can follow my picture or ice them anyway you like. I recommend not fully covering them in icing, as the cake is fully covered and it's nice to see some of the cookie for texture.  

4.  Empty the bag of coconut into a bowl.  Add green food color, starting with 8 drops.  Stir until totally combined, then continue with 4 drops until you reach the color of green you desire.

5.  Time to assemble the cake...yippee!  I start at the bottom and work my way to the top! Sprinkle the green coconut grass around the bottom, slightly pressing so it will stick. No worries if some falls on the plate.  Then, ice the back of your cookies, leaving an inch or so of the top un-iced... it's so cute if part of the cookie sticks up above the cake! Now press it gently and hold in place for a few moments, it should stick like glue (simply make sure your icing is thick, if not just add a little more powdered sugar to it) To finish, add clusters of eggs to the top and around the bottom... then add plenty of sprinkles to the top & viola! 

There you go!  It's takes a little time, but it was a blast!  Mom & I make it together, which was a special moment I'll always remember!




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Chocolate Hearts


Chocolate Hearts










1. favorite chocolate chips
2. favorite toppings:
marshmallows
nuts
toffee
anything!

1.  Here we go:  Get you favorite chips, put them in a microwave safe bowl and heat for one minute.  Take out & stir. Chips will still look whole, but they will melt as you stir. (Continue for additional 30 seconds as needed.)  Spoon the chocolate into a Ziploc bag, push to one corner of bag & snip off the tip! THAT'S IT!  Now... on parchment paper, squirt out two circles side by side.  

2.  Next, using your spoon, gently pull down the first circle in a diagonal motion & then repeat with the following circle.  Just use your spoon to turn into your desired heart.  You can get out a knife if you need it for the tip.

3.  That's it!  Well unless you like toppings.  I cut my marshmallows into tiny pieces and then used toffee chips too, but you can do anything!  There is nothing wrong with  plain old chocolate too! Finally, place in the fridge for about 45 minutes & they will literally just lift right off! It's almost unbelievable how easy it is!  For any holiday, make any shape you like... even names!
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Brooke Glass's Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

Pumpkin Cranberry Bread


3 cups all purpose flour
1 Tbls plus 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 cups granulated sugar
1 can Libbys 100% pure pumpkin
4 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup orange juice or water
1 cup sweetened dried cranberries


First,  preheat oven to 350.  Grease & flour 2 9X5 in loaf pans.  Combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda & salt in a large bowl; set aside.

Next, stir together sugar, pumpkin, eggs, oil & orange juice (or water).  Then, add pumpkin mixture to the dry ingredients until combined & fold in cranberries. 

Spoon the batter into prepared loaf pans.  Bake 60 to 65 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes; remove & place loaves on wire racks to cool completely.
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Trish Yanney's Praline Apple Bread

Praline Apple Bread



1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, divided
1 (8 oz) container sour cream
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 Tbls vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups finely chopped, peeled Granny Smith apples
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar


First,  preheat oven to 350.  Bake 1/2 cup pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 6 to 8 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring after 4 minutes.  Beat sour cream and next 3 ingredients at low speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes or until blended.  Stir together flour and next 3 ingredients.  Add to sour cream mixture, beating just until blended.  Stir in apples and 1/2 cup toasted pecans.  Spoon batter into a greased and floured 9 by 5 inch loaf pan.  Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup chopped pecans; lightly press pecans into batter.

Bake at 350 for 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean, shielding with aluminum foil after 50 minutes to prevent excessive browning.  Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack.  Bring butter and brown sugar to a boil in a 1 qt. heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly; boil 1 minute.  Remove from heat, and spoon over top of bread; let cool completely (about 1 hour).

To freeze, cool bread completely; wrap in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil  Freeze up to 3 months.  Thaw at room temperature.
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Moravian Heart Cookies


Moravian Heart Cookies





2 cups sugar
1 cup Crisco (yes, Crisco)
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
5 cups flour (or more)


Moravian heart cookies... it's the cookie I remember most as a little girl.  My father grew up in the Moravian church & every Christmas I can remember eating this perfect cookie!  It was shaped like a heart, but had 3 raisins spaced apart to represent the Father, Son & Holy Ghost.  Well, I thought they would make the perfect Valentine cookie post.  I was home over Christmas and got the recipe from my family for these soft cake-like sugar cookies.  I also took a drive by the Moravian church & remembered all the times I visited there as a little girl, ever so thankful for my heritage & all I learned from my dad.  I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!

Well, this one was an adventure because versions of the recipe are over 100 years old & this one only came with the following instructions:  Chill before rolling & brush with plain milk before baking!  Isn't that great!

Anyway, here is how I made them... mix together sugar, Crisco, egg, buttermilk & vanilla.  In a separate bowl, mix all the remaining dry ingredients.  Gradually add  to the sugar mixture & beat until well combined.  Then set aside in fridge to chill.

When you are ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Then, flour your surface & knead the dough until it's not tacky, which will also mean you are incorporating more of the flour.  Once it seems you will be able to handle without sticking, go ahead and roll the dough until it's about 1/4 inch thick.  You can use your heart cookie cutter or just cut a heart out of wax paper and use your knife, which is what I did!

Now, I did not brush the cookies with milk, but I'm sure that gives them a nice finish.  Go ahead and place them on a cookie sheet, leaving plenty of room for the cookies to enlarge.  The baking time is very short, depending on your oven.  Sugar cookies are always best when cooked very briefly.  Mine went about 8 minutes in the beginning and shorter as we went a long.

Mom helped me make these cookies as a little special Valentine for our amazing group of friends that meet every Friday night to pray for ramworld.org.   We had fun, shared precious memories & enjoyed the timeless taste of Moravian Heart Cookies. 



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Sugar Cookies

Sugar Cookies



2 cups butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
6 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons vanilla

Ahh it's sugar cookie time!  It's so easy to grab a bag of holiday cutters & have fun with your family.  My mom is a little picky when it comes to sugar cookies.   She wants a cookie that is nice & rich, not just one that looks good.  Well, this recipe past her test! They are so soft, sit out wonderful & taste delicious too.  Perfect!

So, here we go.  Just preheat oven to 375°F.  Then, cream butter, white sugar & brown sugar.  Beat for one minute.  Now, add eggs one at a time, beating good after each egg.  Mix remaining dry ingredients in a separate bowl.   Slowly add flour mixture to mixing bowl, one cup at a time.  Finally, add the vanilla & beat until well combined.  At this point, one of my favorites is to just eat the dough. Mmm, mmm, mmm.

If you are rolling and cutting, prepare your surface by sprinkling it with a good amount of flour.  Now, separate your dough in half.  Take the first half and form a nice ball.  Using your loose flour on your surface, gently roll the ball around until some of the flour works into the dough. Basically, you are taking away some of the wetness & making the dough so it won't stick to the rolling pin.  Sprinkle more flour on the surface if needed, then roll out your dough evenly.  If the cookies stick, just use a spatula to move them to your baking sheet. 

Now, it's time to bake the cookies.  A perfect cookie depends on taking them out of the oven at the right time.  So, 8-10 minutes for large cookies, but only 6-8 minutes for small cookies.  As soon as the edges even hint of turning colors, they are done!

Take out of the oven & let cool all the way.  This recipe is a big one!  It will make 4 dozen big cookies or up to 6 dozen small ones.  So, you can cut it in half if you like. To ice, I just use the recipe on the back of the C&H  Pure Cane Sugar - Confectioners Powdered.  (See picture to the left.)   No need for fancy icing bags.  I just put the icing in a Ziploc & snip of the end, making a very small cut.  It's true, it makes a big mess, but it sure is fun!  My kids know that during  the holiday season the cookie cutters are sure to come out.  It's good quality time & wonderful fun!

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Chocolate Crinkles


Chocolate Crinkles




2 1/2 cups chocolate chips (I like milk chocolate)
10 tbls butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt


I confess... I'm addicted to chocolate!  My husband will tell you that I don't have to eat a ton, but I need at least one piece a day.  I've always said I could do an advertisement for Hershey's Kisses... just one a day & it's the world's best diet plan!  Well, this is my favorite cookie of all.  They are soft & chewy, simply delightful.

Preheat your oven to 350.  Then, melt your chocolate chips over low heat or in the microwave.  I simply put them in the microwave & go 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between until they are melted... careful not to overcook them.  I also choose a real good brand of milk chocolate, but some people like this with semi-sweet.  So, it's your call!

In a mixing bowl, cream butter & sugar until light & fluffy.  Next, add in eggs & vanilla.  Once combined, mix in the melted chocolate.  Finally, combine all the dry ingredients in a separate bowl and slowly add to the butter mixture.  When you are done, I give a beater to each of the boys & keep the spoon all for myself!

Drop rounded spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet.  Now, this is the kind of cookie that really spreads out, so careful not to scrunch them.  You'll notice that it is really gooey & that's just fine.  As the dough sits in between batches, it will also starts to thicken up.  Bake them for exactly 12 minutes, once they are dry, sprinkle with powder sugar.

Just take your tea steeper, stick it in your box of powder sugar & sprinkle
away.  It's perfect, easy & a quick clean up too!

These cookies are a real treat! They are  great for a party, your 
family or just for "you" with a cup of coffee!
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In A Hurry Pecan Pie Squares


In A Hurry Pecan Pie Squares



1/2 cup sugar
1 1/3 cups brown sugar, packed
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups flour
4 eggs, beaten
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups pecans, chopped

Pecan pie is probably my all time fave, so why not try it in a quick and easy to make bar!  This one will be in the oven in minutes & are delicious warm.  It's a perfect dessert for a fall party or around a fire. Yum!

First, preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, sugar and salt until creamy. Now, slowly add in the flour until combined.  Press the entire mixture into a 13X9 baking pan.  Bake it for approximately 16 minutes or until golden.

While that's baking, whisk together eggs, brown sugar & vanilla in another bowl.  Be sure to only whisk, not using an electric mixer.  Next, stir in the pecans & pour over the baked crust.  Bake it for 20 minutes or until the top is no longer giggly.

These will disappear fast, so you can always double the recipe while you're making it & have plenty to enjoy.  They are especially great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream & your favorite cup of coffee!
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Mango Peach Cobbler


Mango Peach Cobbler




2-3 mangos 
8-10 peaches 
2 c  uncooked oatmeal 
2 sticks melted butter
3/4 c flour
1 c brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar or subst.
1 Tbls cinnamon


This cobbler can be enjoyed with any fruit you like.  Just adjust the sugar accordingly.  It was inspired by my sweet friend Trish, who uses a version of it for Thanksgiving with cranberries and apples.  It is amazing that way!!

Simply cut up the fruit and layer it in a 9X13 pan.  Sprinkle white sugar on top of fruit.  In a separate bowl melt the butter and stir in all remaining ingredients.  Spoon topping on the fruit and bake in an un-preheated oven at 350 for one hour.

This dessert is great because it can be made ahead and kept in the fridge until time to bake.  Then, stick it in the oven an hour before company arrives and your house will smell amazing!
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Blueberry Banana Bread


Blueberry Banana Bread





1/2 c. butter, softened
1 1/2  tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. blueberries, fresh 
2 lg. ripe bananas, mashed


Mmmmm.....So, what do you do when you have bananas getting to ripe & blueberries starting to cross the line?  Make Blueberry Banana Bread!  My guys ate this so fast that I wish I would have doubled the recipe!

First, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour 2 small loaf pans or one large one. I made this first with the 2 loaf pans & wish I would have just put it all in one deep one!  

Now, simply cream together butter and sugar, beat in eggs & add in mashed bananas.  Measure flour, reserving 2 tablespoons of flour out to coat blueberries.
Stir baking soda and salt into flour, mixing well.  Fold into banana mixture. Stir in vanilla.

Finally, sprinkle the 2 tablespoons flour over blueberries, then fold into batter.  You can always add nuts at this point, if you are a nut lover!  Pour into your pan or pans & bake about 50 minutes.  You know how it goes, until it's nice & golden, but this can very so keep sneaking a peak!

This will be a hit for sure!   If you have a favorite bread... be sure to share it will all of us!
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Russ's Favorite Creme Brulee


Creme Brulee







1 Quart Whipping Cream
6 Egg Yolks
1 Cup Sugar
2 Tbls Vanilla
And, yes, 1 blow torch!


I have to be honest, I was afraid to tackle Creme Brulee for years!  It's absolutely my husbands favorite, but it looked out of my league.  Truth is, it is easy & in the oven in about 10 minutes! Crazy, but true!

I'm going to give you the version without the real vanilla bean, which only works using a real good vanilla.... but, it works!   It also saves about 20 minutes prep time. Check out my note to the left is you'd like to use the bean.

So, whip 6 egg YOLKS ONLY in a bowl.  Gradually whip in 3/4 c sugar, whip until eggs lighten slightly in color.  Next, gradually add the 1 quart of heavy whipping cream. (You might try substituting some 1/2 & 1/2, but I haven't braved it yet.  If you do, let me know).  Finally, stir in the 2 Tbls vanilla.  I like to use Adams Extract, pictured here.

Now, place 6 ramekins into a 9X13 baking pan.  Fill the pan with warm tap water until it is to the half way point on the ramekins.  Really, this is an easy thing and makes the baking smooth as silk.  Finally, evenly distribute the brulee mixture into all 6 ramekins and place in a preheated oven at 325.   Bake for 45 minutes.  The centers will still be a little giggly, but will firm up in the fridge.

It is very important that this is made ahead and chilled 5 hours to 2 days ahead of time.  The longer it's chilled, the better it tastes.

Now for the fun part!!!!  You can buy an actual kitchen torch or use the industrial version like my husband brings in from the garage!  Sprinkle the remaining sugar on top of each brulee, right before serving. Tap ramekins to evenly distribute sugar.  Then, just give it a torch!

Decorate however you like.  I used fresh raspberries and lemon mint from our garden.



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Chocolate Tres Leches Cake


Chocolate Tres Leches Cake



your favorite boxed chocolate cake mix
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk 
1 can  (12 oz.) evaporated milk 1/2 cup heaving cream
1/4 cup chocolate syrup or topping
butter to substitute for oil
milk to substitute for water
whipped topping
Heath bar, crushed
strawberries

Here comes the perfect SEMI homemade cake for the holidays! It's Chocolate Tres Leaches; it is just divine!  Best of all,the longer it sets the more scrumptious it gets.

So, mix your favorite box of chocolate cake mix according the package, except we are going to make a few changes.  Simply substitute the oil for melted butter & the water for milk.  Now, add in the 1/4 cup chocolate syrup or topping.  You can also toss in a handful of chocolate chips, if you like. Pour into a 9X13 baking dish & bake according to the directions.

After baking, let the cake cool completely.  Then, poke holes in the cake approximately 1 inch apart.  I like to use the back of a chop stick, but anything will do.  Then, mix together the 3 milks (which ='s your Tres Leches) and pour it all over the top.  Then, place in fridge to allow the liquids to absorb into the cake.  

Before serving, top with light & fluffy whipped topping.  This is the perfect compliment, as the cake is rich enough on its own & the whipped topping is a welcomed surprise.  Then top with the crushed Heath bar & fresh strawberries.  It is just a winning combinations!

My entire childhood, Christmas day was also a time when we had cake & sang Happy Birthday to Jesus!  Truly, in a child's heart, it just helps them understand what Christmas is all about.  This cake can be done the day before & filled with candles on Christmas day.  Just another way to make a family tradition & build memories that last a life time!
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Real Southern Banana Pudding


Real Southern Banana Pudding



2 large boxes vanilla pudding or equivalent in homemade
1 box vanilla wafers
milk
1 carton CoolWhip
1 tbls vanilla
4-6 bananas


You can make Banana Pudding so many different ways!  This one comes from GiGi, Russ Grandma in Statesboro, GA.  It's not the fancy version with meringue, it's just the good 'ole creamy picnic version my husband adores!

Here goes! Make the 2 boxes of vanilla pudding, following the directions for whatever brand you are mixing.  Here is the exception, omit one cup of milk from the preparation.  Now, replace that cup of milk with one cup of Coolwhip.  Or, add however much Coolwhip you like to taste.  Finally, add the 1 Tbls vanilla.

Now, it's time to layer.  Listen, nobody sees what is going on in there, so it doesn't have to be perfectly laid out.  Layer the wafers, followed by the banana slices, followed by the pudding.  Repeat this until you get to the top.  Now, have fun and decorate however you like.  

You can add a few cookies to the top, you can use a cheese grader and dust the top with vanilla wafers or you can simply top with Coolwhip.  You might even do all three.

Here is the secret to the perfect pudding.  It absolutely has to sit in the fridge 4-6 hours to let the wafers get soft or it will be a crunchy pudding. So, you can make this one ahead.  Now, my husband likes it best the next day or even the day after that, but I just can't go there:) 



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GiGi's Pecan Pie


GiGi's Pecan Pie




3 eggs
2 tbls butter
3/4 C caro syrup
1 c sugar - w pinch of flour
1 tbls vanilla
1 C. pecans chopped
deep pie shell

This is GiGi's, Russ' wonderful grandma from Georgia, recipe.  She is truly one of the best cooks I know & I have learned a lot from her over the years, simply by watching all the love she puts into her cooking.  I have never been to her house without experiencing all the flavors of the best southern cooking & a table full of desserts!

Here it is!  Preheat oven to 350.  Melt the butter, whip with the eggs & add in the Caro Syrup.  In another bowl, stir one big pinch of flour (sorry, but I have to put it that way or it just wouldn't be GiGi's recipe!) with the sugar.  This little tip keeps the filling from being runny -- it works! Then, add to the egg mixture.  Finally, stir in the vanilla.

Now, I like to place my nuts in the shell and pour the mixture on top of the nuts. GiGi's little tip is to set the pie crust in the oven and then pour in the mixture.  You know, no spilling!  I learned from her that chopped nuts are simply the way to go!  Why?  Well, the whole ones may be pretty, but they sure don't cut nice when you go to plate the perfect piece of pecan pie.

Bake for 50 minutes.  Once the pie cools the middle will be nice & set!

Thanks GiGi!  I think of you with every bite!
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Dark Chocolate, Cherry, & Oatmeal Cookies


Dark Chocolate, Cherry, & Oatmeal Cookies




2/3 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups oats, old-fashioned
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
6 oz dried cherries
1 cup semi-sweet chips


One of our families favorite go-to snacks is a cup of dried cherries & chocolate chips, so why not turn oatmeal cookies into something special!  Here is a basic oatmeal recipe, but you could use your own fave & just at the cherries & chocolate too!

Simply combine butter & brown sugar in a bowl.  Whip until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time. In a separate bowl combine oats, flour, baking soda & salt. Slowly add to the butter mixture, mixing with a spoon until combined.  Then, stir in the dried cherries & chocolate chips.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet & place into a 375 degree preheated oven. Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes or until the tops just start to turn golden.

They are amazing warm... betcha can't eat just one!
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Rustic Peach Tart

Rustic Peach Tart




1 Pillsbury pie crust or your own recipe
5 peaches, peeled & sliced thin
1 egg
3 tbls honey
1/4 c peach jam -- any light color jam will do (apricot, apple, etc) 
1 tbls sugar


This one is easy as pie!  Simply unroll and place pie shell on your baking pan.  Next, crack egg and divide the yolk from the white.  (Just pass the egg back and forth between the shells, all the white will fall into your bowl beneath and you will be left with the yolk in your shell. You could always use a fancy divider, but who really needs it when the shell can do it for you).  With a pastry brush, brush entire pie crust lightly with egg WHITE.  Then, design all sliced peaches onto crust, leaving a 1 inch border without any fruit.  Now, mix together the honey and the jam and heat slightly in microwave.  Using your pastry brush, sweep all of the fruit with this mixture.  Finally, fold edges of pastry up onto the fruit, as pictured above.  To finish, whip egg YOLK and very lightly brush crust edges (this will give a golden brown look).  Almost done, just sprinkle the remaining sugar on the crust edges only!

Bake at 350 for a little less than the amount of time specified for your particular crust recipe, as a filled pie.  Approximately 30-40 minutes.  Half way through cooking, cover edges of crust with strips of foil to keep from over browning.  (For an easier method, you can put your foil underneath the tart while backing.  Then, simply roll in onto the crust after you've reached your desired color.)

You can do this with any combination of fruit you like, however berries tend to really loose their liquid, so beware!  I enjoy using Smuckers simply fruit with no added sugar for my jelly.  To be honest, Smuckers Simply Fruit Apricot is what I have nearly every breakfast... it is wonderful!

Now, enjoy!  Here's my favorite tip!  Add vanilla ice cream --- sprinkled with cinnamon!

You can also try RASPBERRY!!!  Just substitute the peaches for raspberries with raspberry jelly.  Smuckers has a wonderful reduced sugar red raspberry that is sooooo good!
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Trish Yanney's Double Apple Pie w/ Cider Carmel Sauce


Double Apple Pie with Cider Carmel Sauce




2 1/4 pounds Granny Smith apples
2 1/4 pounds Braeburn apples
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons apple jelly
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/3 cup sugar
Wax paper
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon butter, cut into pieces
1 teaspoon sugar

Cider-Caramel Sauce Preparation:
1 cup whipping cream
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons apple cider
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cornmeal Crust Dough:
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plain yellow cornmeal
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup chilled shortening, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
8 to 10 Tbsp. chilled apple cider


Here's a beautiful recipe, from a kitchen that's always full of a whole lot of love!  Thanks Trish!


1. Preheat oven to 425º. Peel and core apples; cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges. Place apples in a large bowl. Stir in next 7 ingredients. Let stand 30 minutes, gently stirring occasionally.

2. Place 1 Cornmeal Crust Dough disk (recipe below) on a lightly floured piece of wax paper; sprinkle dough lightly with flour. Top with another sheet of wax paper. Roll dough to about 1/8-inch thickness (about 11 inches wide).

3. Remove and discard top sheet of wax paper. Starting at 1 edge of dough, wrap dough around rolling pin, separating dough from bottom sheet of wax paper as you roll. Discard bottom sheet of wax paper. Place rolling pin over a 9-inch glass pie plate, and unroll dough over pie plate. Gently press dough into pie plate.

4. Stir apple mixture; reserve 1 Tbsp. juices. Spoon apples into crust, packing tightly and mounding in center. Pour remaining juices in bowl over apples. Sprinkle apples with 3 Tbsp. sugar; dot with butter.

5. Roll remaining Cornmeal Crust Dough disk as directed in Step 2, rolling dough to about 1/8-inch thickness (13 inches wide). Remove and discard wax paper, and place dough over filling; fold edges under, sealing to bottom crust, and crimp. Brush top of pie, excluding fluted edges, lightly with reserved 1 Tbsp. juices from apples; sprinkle with 1 tsp. sugar. Place pie on a jelly-roll pan. Cut 4 to 5 slits in top of pie for steam to escape.

6. Bake at 425° on lower oven rack 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°; transfer pie to middle oven rack, and bake 35 minutes. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning, and bake 30 more minutes or until juices are thick and bubbly, crust is golden brown, and apples are tender when pierced with a long wooden pick through slits in crust. Remove to a wire rack. Cool 1 1/2 to 2 hours before serving. Serve with Cider-Caramel Sauce  (recipe below).
Southern Living, SEPTEMBER 2008

Cornmeal Crust Preparation:

1. Stir together first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Cut butter and shortening into flour mixture with a pastry blender until mixture resembles small peas. Mound mixture on 1 side of bowl.

2. Drizzle 1 Tbsp. apple cider along edge of mixture in bowl. Using a fork, gently toss a small amount of flour mixture into cider just until dry ingredients are moistened; move mixture to other side of bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining cider and flour mixture.

3. Gently gather dough into two flat disks. Wrap in plastic wrap, and chill 1 to 24 hours.


Cider-Caramel Sauce:

Bring whipping cream to a light boil in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add sugar, and cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes or until sugar is dissolved and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat, and stir in butter, cider, and vanilla. Let cool 10 minutes

So, this recipe is a little bit of work, but most things in life that are the sweetest seem to be that way.  Thanks for sharing Trish!
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Perfectly Pumpkin Cheesecake


Perfectly Pumpkin Cheesecake





Filling:
3 (8oz) pkg. cream cheese, soft
1 (15oz) can pumpkin 
3 eggs + 1 egg yolk
1/4 cup sour cream 
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves 
2 tbls flour
1 tsp vanilla

Crust:
1 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs 
3 tbls brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon                        
1/2 cup melted butter


I confess!  I never used to really care for cheesecake!  Who knows why, because I adore cream cheese & I'm all about dessert.  Well, Wendy Ellis has forever converted me to a cheesecake lover.  It started with her German Chocolate Cheesecake she brought to my house & then she sealed the deal with this Pumpkin Cheesecake.  It's perfectly creamy with just the right amount of pumpkin, it's like eating something even more wonderful than pumpkin pie... it's perfect!

Here is her recipe:

Preheat oven to 350. 

Crust: In medium bowl combine crumbs, sugar and cinnamon; add melted butter. Press down flat into a 9” spring form pan. Set aside.

Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth; add pumpkin, eggs, egg yolk, sour cream, sugar, and spices. Mix well. Add flour and vanilla; beat together until well combined.

Pour onto crust. Spread out evenly and place in oven for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 min. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours

Well, it's sure to make everyone one say "wow" at your Thanksgiving dinner.  It's just delightful... enjoy the seaon!
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