Saturday, November 21, 2009

Tortilla Soup (for Jenny)


2 large cans Chicken Broth
2 can El Pato Salsa de Chile Fresca
2 can diced green chilis
dash chili pepper
dash cumin
4 chicken breasts grilled and well seasoned with salt and pepper and cumin
1 avocado diced
3-4 fresh roma tomatoes
Blue tortilla chips
Shreadded Monterey Jack Cheese

Mix together in a large pot broth, El Pato, green chilies, chili pepper and cumin. Cut up the grilled chicken and put in the pot, cook on medium to high heat for 1 hour and about 15 minutes, before serving add the tomatoes and avocado. When you serve this in each bowl you should add some blue chips and cheese.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Chicken Salad Sandwiches (for Kaitlyn)


2 1/2 cups of cubed cooked chicken (I use canned white meat, drained)
1 cup of chopped celery
1/2 cup slivered almonds toasted
2 cups pineapple tidbits, drained
1 TBS parsley
1 cup Mayo (not miracle whip)
1/2 cup whipped cream, whipped until it is stiff (NOT COOL WHIP)
1 tsp salt
1 cup purple grapes (optional)

Fold whipped cream and mayo together, then add all of the other ingredients and mix well. Serve on crescent rolls.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Pumpkin Bread


You can also make muffins and small loaves using this recipe; bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

INGREDIENTS
3 cups canned pumpkin puree
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
4 cups white sugar
6 eggs
4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 9x5 inch loaf pans.
In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin, oil, sugar, and eggs. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves; stir into the pumpkin mixture until well blended. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The top of the loaf should spring back when lightly pressed.

Variations
Add raisins, mini chocolate chips (the best), pecans, or walnuts

Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread


"This is a great old Maine recipe, moist and spicy. The bread actually tastes even better the day after it is baked. Great for holiday gift giving!"

INGREDIENTS
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
3 cups white sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F Grease and flour three 7x3 inch loaf pans.
In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.
Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies


INGREDIENTS
2 cups canned pumpkin
2 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 egg
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons milk
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Combine pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, and egg. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Dissolve the baking soda with the milk and stir in. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and mix well.
Add vanilla, chocolate chips and nuts.
Drop by spoonful on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 10 minutes or until lightly brown and firm.

Iced Pumpkin Cookies


INGREDIENTS
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt; set aside.
In a medium bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of butter and white sugar. Add pumpkin, egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to butter mixture, and beat until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheet by tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool cookies, then drizzle glaze with fork.
To Make Glaze: Combine confectioners' sugar, milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add milk as needed, to achieve drizzling consistency

Pumpkin Cookies


INGREDIENTS
2 cups shortening
2 cups white sugar
2 cups canned pumpkin
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons butter
8 tablespoons milk
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup packed brown sugar
DIRECTIONS
Cream shortening, white sugar and pumpkin. Add eggs and mix well. Sift together the baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt and flour. Add to pumpkin mixture and mix well.
Drop from spoon to cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
To Make Frosting: Cook butter, milk, and brown sugar until dissolved. Cool and add confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Spread over warm cookies.

Pumpkin Bars


INGREDIENTS
4 eggs
1 2/3 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt

1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, mix the eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir into the pumpkin mixture until thoroughly combined.
Spread the batter evenly into an ungreased 10x15 inch jellyroll pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in preheated oven. Cool before frosting.
To make the frosting, cream together the cream cheese and butter. Stir in vanilla. Add confectioners' sugar a little at a time, beating until mixture is smooth. Spread evenly on top of the cooled bars. Cut into squares.

Apple Pumpkin Muffins


INGREDIENTS
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup canned or cooked pumpkin
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups finely chopped peeled apples
STREUSEL:
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 teaspoons cold butter or margarine

DIRECTIONS
In a bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In another bowl, combine the eggs, pumpkin and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in apples. Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. In a small bowl, combine sugar, flour and cinnamon. Cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Crock Pit Chicken Tacos (for Mysti)

1 pkg Lowry's taco seasoning
1/3 cup salsa I just use Pace
1 can diced green chiles
1/4 cup water
4 frozen chicken breasts

Mix all ingredients, except chicken together in a bowl
Put frozen chicken in crock pot and pour sauce over it
Cook on high for 4 hours. Shred chiceken in or out of the crockpot with a fork, if you take it out to shred it put it back in the crockpot.
Continue cooking on High for 3-4 more hours. Put on low if you are going to be gone and need to leave it for longer than 4 hours.

Serve as tacos with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado--whatever you like on your tacos, or you can make burros with the chicken.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Fruit Pizza (for Kaitlyn)


8 oz. cream cheese
1/3 cup powder sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 large roll Pillsbury sugar cookie dough

glaze: 2 TBS cornstarch
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup orange juice

slice cookie dough and pat it down in a round pizza pan, bake according to directions on the package, or until golden brown. Cool completely. Mix together until smooth cream cheese, powder sugar, and vanilla. Spread over the cooled cookie dough. On top of the cream cheese mixture, I always put grapes, blueberries, kiwi, strawberries, nectarines or peaches, any fruit you like that is in season. After the fruit is arranged I make the glaze, Mix all the glaze ingredients in a small saucepan over med heat until it is think, MAKE SURE YOU STIR THE WHOLE TIME. then drizzle over the pizza.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Cream Filling for Cupcakes


Cream Filling Enough to fill and decorate 24 cupcakes

2 tsp very hot water
1/4 tsp salt
1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow cream
1/2 cup shortening
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla

Dissolve the salt in the hot water and allow to cool.

Whip the marshmallow cream, shortening, powdered sugar, and vanilla until it begins to get fluffy. Add the water and whip well.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Chicken Chowder (for Mysti)



2 large cans of chicken broth
2 packages 8 oz of cream cheese softened
1 chopped onion
2 garlic cloves chopped
1 bunch of cilantro chopped
1 TBS chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
2 Cups or 16oz can Med Pace Picante
3-4 cans of chicken or you can boil and chop fresh chicken
1 cup or milk or cream
2 cans of whole corn
1 can black beans

Saute onion and garlic in 2 TBS olive oil, add broth, milk or cream, cream cheese, corn, salsa, beans, bring it all to a boil then I like to add the cilantro and chopped avocado at the very end of cooking. Options are adding sour cream dallop, and crushed corn chips.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Oatmeal Chocolate Coconut Chewy


INGREDIENTS
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
3 cups rolled oats
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 cup shredded coconut

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the sugar mixture until well blended. Stir in the oats, chocolate chips. walnuts and coconut until evenly distributed. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven for a chewy cookie or 14 minutes for a firmer cookie.
Cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheet and then remove to wire rack. Cool completely and then store in tightly sealed container.

Walnut Maple Fudge


INGREDIENTS
2 cups white sugar
1 cup evaporated milk
3 tablespoons butter
3 cups miniature marshmallows
3 cups white chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 1/2 teaspoons maple flavored extract
50 walnut halves
DIRECTIONS
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, evaporated milk and butter. Bring to a boil and let roll 5 minutes. Remove from heat and quickly stir in marshmallows, white chocolate, chopped walnuts and maple flavoring. Spread in a 9x13 inch dish. Top with large walnut pieces, evenly spaced. Chill 8 hours or overnight. To serve, cut around large walnuts.

Caramel Peanut Fudge


INGREDIENTS
BOTTOM LAYER
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1/4 cup butterscotch chips
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

FILLING
1/4 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups marshmallow creme
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups chopped salted peanuts

CARAMEL
1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
1/4 cup heavy cream

TOP LAYER
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1/4 cup butterscotch chips
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
DIRECTIONS
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch dish.
For the bottom layer: Combine 1 cup milk chocolate chips, 1/4 cup butterscotch chips and 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook and stir until melted and smooth. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Refrigerate until set.
For the filling: In a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter. Stir in sugar and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil, and let boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in marshmallow creme, 1/4 cup peanut butter and vanilla. Fold in peanuts. Spread over bottom layer, return to refrigerator until set.
For the caramel: Combine caramels and cream in a medium saucepan over low heat. Cook and stir until melted and smooth. Spread over filling. Chill until set.
For the top layer: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1 cup milk chocolate chips, 1/4 cup butterscotch chips, and 1/4 cup peanut butter. Cook and stir until melted and smooth. Spread over caramel layer. Chill 1 hour before cutting into 1 inch squares.

Candy Cane Fudge


INGREDIENTS
2 (10 ounce) packages vanilla baking chips
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 1/2 cups crushed candy canes
1 dash red or green food coloring
DIRECTIONS
Line an 8 inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, and grease the foil.
Combine the vanilla chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until almost melted, remove from heat and continue to stir until smooth. When chips are completely melted, stir in the peppermint extract, food coloring, and candy canes.
Spread evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan. Chill for 2 hours, then cut into squares.

Easiest Peanut Butter Fudge


This is the best recipe for creamy and delicious peanut butter fudge I have ever used.INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup butter
2 1/4 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

DIRECTIONS
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla. Pour over confectioners' sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat until smooth; pour into an 8x8 inch dish. Chill until firm and cut into squares.

Chocolate Oat Squares


INGREDIENTS
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch pan.
In a medium bowl, cream together 1 cup butter with brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Stir in the oats, flour, baking soda and 1 teaspoon of salt. Press two thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside remaining dough.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the condensed milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, chocolate chips and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir frequently until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in walnuts and remaining 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Spread over the prepared crust and sprinkle with the reserved crust mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely before cutting into squares.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies


INGREDIENTS
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Combine pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, and egg. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Dissolve the baking soda with the milk and stir in. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and mix well.
Add vanilla, chocolate chips and nuts.
Drop by spoonful on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for approximately 10 minutes or until lightly brown and firm.

Iced Pumpkin Cookies


INGREDIENTS
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt; set aside.
In a medium bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of butter and white sugar. Add pumpkin, egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to butter mixture, and beat until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheet by tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool cookies, then drizzle glaze with fork.
To Make Glaze: Combine confectioners' sugar, milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add milk as needed, to achieve drizzling consistency

Chocolate Chip Cookies with Peanut Butter


INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter, vanilla and egg until well blended. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the batter just until moistened. Mix in the oats and chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Drop by tablespoonfuls on to lightly greased cookie sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until the edges start to brown. Cool on cookie sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies


INGREDIENTS
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In large bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; stir into the butter mixture until well blended. Mix in the chocolate chips and walnuts. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or just until set. Cool slightly on the cookie sheets before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies


INGREDIENTS
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture until just blended. Mix in the quick oats, walnuts, and chocolate chips. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies


"Crisp edges, chewy middles."
INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp cream of tarter
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons hot water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter along with salt. Stir in flour, cream of tarter, chocolate chips, and nuts. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans.
Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.

Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies


INGREDIENTS
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
4 eggs
2 TBS vanilla
4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together the flour and baking soda, powder and salt set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat in the instant pudding mix until blended. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Blend in the flour mixture. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips and nuts. Drop cookies by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Edges should be golden brown

Rocky Road Ice Cream


INGREDIENTS
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup light cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup miniature marshmallows

DIRECTIONS
In a medium saucepan over low heat, cook and stir condensed milk and cocoa until smooth and slightly thickened, 5 minutes. Remove from heat , and allow to cool slightly. Stir in heavy cream, light cream, and vanilla. Refrigerate until cold.
Pour mixture into the canister of an ice cream maker, and freeze according to manufacturer's directions. Stir in nuts and marshmallows halfway through the freezing process.

OREO and Fudge Ice Cream Cake


INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup hot fudge ice cream topping, warmed
1 (8 ounce) tub COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
1 pkg. (4 serving size) JELL-O Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
8 OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, chopped
12 vanilla ice cream sandwiches, unwrapped

DIRECTIONS
Pour fudge topping into medium bowl. Add 1 cup of the whipped topping; stir with wire whisk until well blended. Add dry pudding mix; stir 2 min. or until well blended. Gently stir in chopped cookies; set aside.
Arrange 4 of the ice cream sandwiches, side-by-side, on 24-inch-long piece of foil; top with half of the whipped topping mixture. Repeat layers. Top with remaining 4 ice cream sandwiches. Frost top and sides of dessert with remaining whipped topping. Bring up foil sides. Double fold top and ends to loosely seal packet.
Freeze at least 4 hours before serving. Store leftover dessert in freezer

Buster Bar Ice Cream Dessert


INGREDIENTS
1 pound chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
1/2 cup margarine, melted
1 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
1 1/2 cups dry-roasted peanuts

DIRECTIONS
Combined crushed cookies and melted margarine and press into a 9x13 inch dish. Chill 1 hour in refrigerator.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine confectioners' sugar, evaporated milk, chocolate chips and 1/2 cup margarine. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and boil 8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Set aside to cool.
Slice vanilla ice cream into 3/4 inch slices, and place them in a single layer over the chilled crust. Smooth the seams. Sprinkle the peanuts over the ice cream. Top with the cooled chocolate sauce. Cover and freeze 8 hours or overnight

Cinnamon Ice Cream


INGREDIENTS
1 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, stir together the sugar and half-and-half. When the mixture begins to simmer, remove from heat, and whisk half of the mixture into the eggs. Whisk quickly so that the eggs do not scramble. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, and stir in the heavy cream. Continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Remove from heat, and whisk in vanilla and cinnamon. Set aside to cool.
Pour cooled mixture into an ice cream maker, and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Cake


"Vary this dessert by using different flavors of ice cream."
INGREDIENTS
1 (18 ounce) package small chocolate chip cookies
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1 cup hot fudge topping nuke it in the microwave so it pours instead of trying to spread it
2 quarts vanilla ice cream
1 cup whipped cream (cool whip is okt o use)
12 cherries (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Crush half the cookies (about 20) to make crumbs. Combine crumbs with melted margarine and press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or pie plate. Stand remaining cookies around edge of pan. Spread 3/4 cup fudge topping over crust. Freeze 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, soften 1 quart of ice cream in microwave or on countertop. After crust has chilled, spread softened ice cream over fudge layer. Freeze 30 minutes.
Scoop remaining quart of ice cream into balls and arrange over spread ice cream layer. Freeze until firm, 4 hours or overnight. To serve, garnish with remainder of fudge topping, whipped cream and cherries.

Easy Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream


INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
2 cups 2% milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
3 drops green food coloring (optional)
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, stir together the milk, cream, sugar, salt, vanilla extract and peppermint extract until the sugar has dissolved. Color to your liking with the green food coloring.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker, and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. After about 10 minutes into the freezing, add the chocolate chips. After the ice cream has thickened, about 30 minutes later, spoon into a container, and freeze for 2 hours.

Hot Fudge Ice Cream Bar Dessert


"This is an incredibly easy rich and satisfying ice cream dessert made with ice cream sandwiches and fudge sauce. This keeps in the freezer very well and can be eaten straight from the freezer."

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
1 (16 ounce) can chocolate syrup
3/4 cup peanut butter
19 ice cream sandwiches
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 cup salted peanuts

DIRECTIONS
Pour the chocolate syrup into a medium microwave safe bowl and microwave 2 minutes on high. Do not allow to boil. Stir peanut butter into hot chocolate until smooth. Allow to cool to room temperature.
Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch dish with a layer of ice cream sandwiches. Spread half the whipped topping over the sandwiches. Spoon half the chocolate mixture over that. Top with half the peanuts. Repeat layers. Freeze until firm, 1 hour. Cut into squares to serve.

Grilled Chicken Salad


6 boneless chicken breasts
Good Seasons Salad Dressing

1/4 cup Vinegar
3 Tbs 7-up
1/2 cup oil
1 envelope seasonings
Soy Sauce
Seasoned Salt

Mix several packets of Good Seasons salad dressing as directed, but use 7-up instead of water. Add a few shakes of soy sauce and seasoned salt and mix well. Cover the chicken breast and marinate for 24 hours. Grill on the barbeque over low-med heat. Chicken is ready when it turns white and juicy. 10-15 minutes

Slice and put over top of salad greens

Broccoli Salad


INGREDIENTS
2 pounds bacon
1 large head fresh broccoli, chopped
3/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup minced green onions
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 1/2 cups seedless grapes, halved
3/4 cup blanched slivered almonds
1/4 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1 cup mayonnaise
DIRECTIONS
Place bacon in a large skillet. Cook, turning frequently, over medium high heat until evenly browned. Cool, and then crumble.
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Spread slivered almonds on a cookie sheet. Bake for approximately 12 to 14 minutes or until lightly browned, turning once during toasting. Cool.
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, crumbled bacon, celery, green onions, red onions, grapes, and toasted almonds. Toss with mayonnaise dressing. Chill for several hours in the refrigerator.

Strawberry Avocado Salad


INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
6 cups torn salad greens
3 avocado - peeled, pitted and sliced
30 strawberries, sliced
1-1/2 cups chopped pecans
In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, olive oil, honey, vinegar, and lemon juice. Set aside.
Place the salad greens in a pretty bowl, and top with sliced avocado and strawberries. Drizzle dressing over everything, then sprinkle with pecans. Refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving, or serve immediately

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Pineapple Goo Cake


2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
2 large eggs
2 (8oz.) cans crushed pineapple do not drain
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

Preheat oven to 350 Spray 13x9 inch baking pan with PAM
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add eggs, pineapple and vanila, beat at medium speed until combined. Pour batter into the greased pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Using the end of a wooden spoon poke holes 1/2 inch deep in top of cake at 1 inch intervals. Pour goo cake frosting evenly over hot cake. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and coconut. Let cool completely before cutting into squares. Keep stored in fridge.

Goo Cake Icing:

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup butter
1 (5oz) can evaporated milk (not sweet and condensed)
1 tsp vanilla

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, remove from heat and stir in vanilla

Friday, May 22, 2009

Puff Pancakes

1 TB butter
1/2 tsp baking powder
4 eggs
2/3 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup milk
2 TB butter

Heat oven to 425 In the oven heat 1 TBs butter in 10 inch pie pan for 10-13 minutes or until butter is all melted and starts to sizzle.
Mix all dry ingredients and eggs at medium speed. Gradually add milk and remaining butter. Pour batter into hot pie pan. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375 bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. A well will form in the center and edges will puff up.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Magic Peanut Butter Middles


INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup peanut butter
DIRECTIONS
In small bowl blend flour, cocoa and baking soda. Mix until well blended.
In large bowl beat sugar, butter or margarine and 1/4 cup peanut butter, until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and egg, beat. Stir in flour mixture until blended. Set aside.
To make Filling: Combine confectioner's sugar and 3/4 cup peanut butter. Blend well.
Roll filling into 30 - 1 inch balls. For each cookie, with floured hands, shape about 1 Tablespoon of dough around 1 peanut butter ball, covering completely. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten with glass dipped in sugar.
Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 7-9 minutes. When cookies are done, they should be set and slightly cracked.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Hash Brown Quiche


Ingredients
3 cups, shredded frozen hash browns, thawed and drained
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted
3 large eggs, beaten
1 cup half-and-half
3/4 cup diced cooked ham
1/2 cup diced green onions
1 cup shredded Cheddar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Gently press the drained hash browns between paper towels to dry them as best as possible. In a 9-inch pie plate, toss the hash browns with the melted butter into the plate. Press them into the bottom and up the sides to form a crust. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and starting to crisp.

Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. When the hash brown crust is ready pour the egg mixture over it and return to the oven.

Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and bake for about 30 minutes until the quiche is light golden brown on top and puffed.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Creole Shrimp and Lobster Bisque


Ingredients
2 steamed fresh lobster tails or I will use lobster meat from COSTCO (in season)
4 tablespoons butter
1 small white onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 pound steamed medium size fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
2 cups half-and-half
1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
Directions
Remove lobster meat from shell; coarsely chop and set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in flour, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in chicken broth; cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Add lobster meat and shrimp. Stir in half-and-half and Creole seasoning; cook for 10 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve immediately.

Italian Chicken and Vegetable Soup


Ingredients
nocoupons
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 3/4 pounds)
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup sliced carrots (about 3 small)
2 1/2 cups sliced zucchini (about 2 medium)
2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
2 (14.5-ounce) cans chicken broth
Grated Parmesan, optional
Directions
In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add onion and carrot, and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in zucchini, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Top each serving with grated Parmesan, if desired.

Lemon Blossoms



18 1/2-ounce package yellow cake mix
3 1/2-ounce package instant lemon pudding mix
4 large eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
Glaze:
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 lemon, zested
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons water
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray miniature muffin tins with vegetable oil cooking spray. Combine the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs and oil and blend well with an electric mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes. Pour a small amount of batter, filling each muffin tin half way. Bake for 12 minutes. Turn out onto a tea towel

To make the glaze, sift the sugar into a mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice, zest, oil, and 3 tablespoons water. Mix with a spoon until smooth.

With fingers, dip the cupcakes into the glaze while they're still warm, covering as much of the cake as possible, or spoon the glaze over the warm cupcakes, turning them to completely coat. Place on wire racks with waxed paper underneath to catch any drips. Let the glaze set thoroughly, about 1 hour, before storing in containers with tight-fitting lids.

Pig on a Stick


Ingredients
2 pounds pork tenderloin
1/2 cup light soy sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dora's Jerk Seasoning, recipe follows
Caribbean Dipping Sauce, recipe follows
Special equipment: 2 dozen (10-inch) wooden skewers soaked in water for 20 minutes, then drained well.
Directions
Cut tenderloin in half crosswise. Cut each half lengthwise into 4-inch thin strips. Place pork in a heavy duty re-sealable plastic bag.

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and jerk seasoning. Pour over pork. Seal bag, and marinate pork in refrigerator, 1 hour.

Turn on broiler.

When ready to cook the pork, line a broiler pan with aluminum foil. Lightly grease rack and place on pan. Remove pork from bag; discard marinade.

Thread pork onto skewers in an "s" shape. Place skewers in a single layer on a prepared pan. Broil 5 inches from heat for 8 minutes, turning once. Serve warm with Caribbean Dipping Sauce.

Dora's Jerk Seasoning:

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon dried, crushed Scotch bonnet pepper

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried chives

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients in a bowl until well mixed. Store in an airtight container.

Yield: 1/2 cup


Caribbean Dipping Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 to 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

1 (18-ounce) jar orange marmalade

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add pepper and ginger, and cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low, and stir in marmalade, lime juice, and salt. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

*Cook's Note: Jalapeno peppers are extremely hot. We recommend wearing disposable gloves when handling them.

Yield: 2 cups

Caribbean Dipping Sauce

Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 to 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 (18-ounce) jar orange marmalade
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add pepper and ginger, and cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low, and stir in marmalade, lime juice, and salt. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

*Cook's Note: Jalapeno peppers are extremely hot. We recommend wearing disposable gloves when handling them.

Spicy Cinnamon Cake


Ingredients
1 (18-ounce) package spice cake mix
1 (4 serving) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup corn oil
5 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a 10-inch tube pan. Combine cake mix, instant pudding, sour cream, eggs, and corn oil and beat together well. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and pecans. Pour half of batter into prepared pan and sprinkle with sugar mixture, reserving a little to sprinkle on top. Pour the rest of batter into pan and sprinkle with the rest of sugar mixture. Bake 1 hour. Let cool and remove from pan.

Banana Split Brownie Pizza


Ingredients
1 (20-ounce) box fudge brownie mix (recommended: Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix)
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained, juice reserved
2 tablespoons sugar
2 bananas, sliced and tossed in lemon juice to prevent browning
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup chopped nuts
Chocolate ice cream topping or chocolate syrup, for drizzling
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a 15-inch pizza pan. Prepare the brownie mix according to box directions. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until done. Remove from the oven and cool. Beat the cream cheese, pineapple, and sugar together in a bowl. Use any reserved pineapple juice at this time, if needed, to soften the mixture to a good spreading consistency. Otherwise dispose of or save the juice for another use. Spread the mixture over the cooled brownie crust. Arrange the banana and strawberry slices over the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with the chopped nuts and drizzle with chocolate ice cream topping. Refrigerate. To serve, slice as you would a pizza, and enjoy!

Fried Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich



1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
3 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 to 3 ripe bananas
8 slices white bread
Topping:
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Directions
In a frying pan, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter. Make sure butter does not burn. In a small bowl mix together the peanut butter, honey, and cinnamon. Slice the bananas into 1/4-inch thick slices. Spread the peanut butter mixture on 4 slices of bread and cover with banana slices. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread. Spread the remaining butter on both sides of the sandwiches. Grill the sandwiches in the frying pan until each side is golden brown.

For topping, combine the sugar and cinnamon in shallow plate. Coat the grilled sandwiches with the mixture. Cut diagonally and serve hot.

Lobster Rolls


Ingredients
4 (1 1/2-pound) cooked lobsters or 4 lobster tails or 1 1/2 pounds lobster meat
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 inner celery stalks and leaves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 rolls, split and lightly toasted
Melted butter, for brushing
Directions
Remove the meat from the lobsters, chopping any large chunks into bite-size pieces. In a bowl, combine the lobster meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.

Cook's Note: Place lobster salad in refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the salad to absorb the flavorings.

Brush cut sides of the rolls with melted butter and fill with the lobster salad.

Orange Brownies


Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
4 eggs
2 teaspoons pure orange extract
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 recipe Orange Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe follows
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13 by 9 by 2-inch pan.

Orange Brownies:
Stir together flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add butter, eggs, orange extract, and orange zest. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until light golden brown and set. Remove from oven, allow to cool and pierce entire cake with a fork. Spread the Orange Cream Cheese Frosting over completely cooled brownies. Cut into squares.

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons softened butter
1 (1-pound) box confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons orange zest
2 tablespoons orange juice
In a large mixing bowl, whip the butter and cream cheese together with a hand-held electric mixer. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar until it is all combined and smooth. Beat in the orange zest and juice. Spread over brownies.

The Best Bread Pudding


Ingredients
2 cups granulated sugar
5 large beaten eggs
2 cups milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 cups cubed Italian bread, allow to stale overnight in a bowl
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
1 cup chopped pecans
For the sauce:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 egg, beaten
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup brandy
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13 by 9 by 2-inch pan.

Mix together granulated sugar, eggs, and milk in a bowl; add vanilla. Pour over cubed bread and let sit for 10 minutes.

In another bowl, mix and crumble together brown sugar, butter, and pecans.

Pour bread mixture into prepared pan. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture over the top and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until set. Remove from oven.

For the sauce:
Mix together the granulated sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir together until the sugar is melted. Add the brandy, stirring well. Pour over bread pudding. Serve warm or cold.

Lemon Cake


Ingredients
Cake:
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
3 cups sifted self-rising flour
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Lemon wedge, for garnish
Mint sprig, for garnish
Frosting:
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar or 1 tablespoon white corn syrup
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup water
2 egg whites
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Filling:
8 egg yolks
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
3 lemons, zest grated and juiced
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 3 (9-inch) cake pans.

To make the cake: Using an electric mixer, cream butter until fluffy. Add sugar and continue to cream well for 6 to 8 minutes. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour and milk alternately to creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Add vanilla and continue to beat until just mixed. Divide batter equally among prepared pans. Level batter in each pan by holding pan 3 or 4-inches above counter, then dropping flat onto counter. Do this several times to release air bubbles and assure you of a more level cake. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pans 5 to 10 minutes. Invert cakes onto cooling racks. Cool completely.

To make the frosting: Place sugar, cream of tartar or corn syrup, salt, water, and egg whites in the top of a double boiler. Beat with a handheld electric mixer for 1 minute. Place pan over boiling water, being sure that boiling water does not touch the bottom of the top pan. Beat constantly on high speed with electric mixer for 7 minutes. Beat in vanilla.

To make the filling: Place the ingredients in the double boiler over boiling water. Don't let top pan touch the water. Cook and stir until mixture begins to gel or thicken. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

To assemble, add 1 tablespoon of filling to the cake pedestal. Run hands along the side of the cake to remove excess crumbs. Place the cake layers on the pedestal, spreading filling between the layers and on top. Spread the sides and top of the cake with the remaining filling. Frost top and sides of cake with frosting. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a sprig of mint.

Hidden Treasure Cookies


Ingredients
18-ounce roll refrigerated sugar cookie dough, sliced 1/4-inch thin
14-ounce package chocolate mint wafers, mini snickers, mini pb cups, or any treat you want to hide in the middle
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans, or enough to cover top of cookies
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Slightly grease a cookie sheet. Place slices of sugar cookies on sheet, about 2 to 3 inches apart. Top each with a chocolate wafer. Cover wafer with another slice of cookie dough. Brush dough with a beaten egg. Press nuts into top of dough. Bake for about 10 minutes.