Tag Archives: treats

Christmas Sugar Cookies

Posted in 2018 Food, Adventures in the Kitchen by

I love sugar cookies anytime of the year, but there is something special about making them at Christmastime.  These cookies bring back wonderful memories as I have been making this recipe with my mom since I was a little girl.  I helped her decorate these then and I love them just as much today!

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Christmas Sugar Cookies

1 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups of sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Cream together shortening, sugar and vanilla.  Then add eggs and beat for about 1 minute, making sure all is creamy.

Stir in flour, baking soda and salt.

Divide dough into 4 bowls or separate in large bowl and chill for 1 hour.

Let dough sit out for about 20 minutes.  Then roll out on floured surface and cut into desired shapes.

Bake at 350 for 5 minutes.  Let sit for 10 minutes then put on wire rack.

Pecan Brittle in the microwave

Posted in 2018 Food, Adventures in the Kitchen by

Homemade Pecan Brittle in the microwave…so easy.

 

I am posting the recipe for you.  Keep in mind you really must adjust to your microwave, as some microwaves cook faster than others.  Mine tended to cook a little faster as I have my setting at 100%.

This is my copy of the recipe…

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If you find that copy hard to read, I added it below!  Try this recipe!  It really is easy once you know your microwave temps. I adjusted mine a bit over the years. I usually make 2 batches as the first one comes out a little dark.

PECAN BRITTLE
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup of lite Karo syrup
1 cup pecan pieces or halves
1 teaspoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions:
Microwave the 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup of Karo on high for 4 minutes using a clear medium glass bowl  (I did it for 3 in my microwave)

Take out then stir in pecans.  Put back in microwave for 5-7 minutes or until lightly brown.  My microwave took about 4 minutes to get light brown.

Remove and stir in butter, vanilla and microwave for 1 more minute.

Remove and add in the baking soda.  Stir together then quickly put on baking sheet.  I let the brittle slide from side to side until it evens out.  In a few minutes you will have pecan brittle that is easy to break and serve to your friends!

Enjoy! IMG_7117

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Posted in 2018 Food, Adventures in the Kitchen by

Yummy Christmas treats.

I grew up on these at Christmas time as I am sure you did as well.  Who can resist peanut butter and chocolate, right?  I love this combo and I love that these are so easy to make as well.  ENJOY!

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PEANUT BUTTER BLOSSOMS

Sift together in small bowl:
1 3/4 cup of flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

Cream together until smooth in mixer or large bowl: (I use my stand up mixer)
1/2 cup of butter (room temp)
1/2 cup of sugar
1/3 cup of peanut butter
1/2 cup of brown sugar
Add 1 egg (room temp)
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla

Then blend in the dry ingredients and mix well

Shape into 1″ balls
Roll in sugar (or colored sugar or sprinkles)
Place on greased cookie sheet or on parchment paper
Bake at 375 for 8 minutes each
Remove and top each cookie with candy kiss, press until cookie cracks

Cook for 2-4 more minutes, depending on oven

 

 

A look back at October

Posted in Adventures in the Kitchen, Halloween/Fall by

I love the fall.  It is a time for baking, sweaters, fires and cooler weather.  Even though I don’t get to experience  the cooler weather here in Texas, I still put on a big comfy sweater as soon as October arrives.

October, 2016

img_54031I love these molasses cookies. The perfect hint of spices that remind me of fall. Click here for recipe for Molasses Cookies.   It would not be Fall without a pumpkin muffin!  These are my favorite!  Click here for recipe for pumpkin muffins.

I love when my sister brings me special Halloween treats she knows I will love.  How cute are these cupcake toppers?

….My friend also brought over Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter!  I feel loved!

Chocolate Covered Peanut Clusters

Posted in Adventures in the Kitchen by

I LOVE Chocolate Covered Peanuts.  I make these tasty snacks at Christmas every year.  I was thrilled when I saw these made with Spring colored M&Ms.  I found this recipe at The Slow Roasted Italian website.   She actually makes these in the crockpot. So easy.     Here is a link to the recipe.   http://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/2016/03/White-Chocolate-crockpot-candy.html

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I find this candy has the perfect touch of saltiness and sweetness and it looks fun to eat!

One of the best things about this recipe it that is has three simple ingredients; white chocolate, dry roasted peanuts and M&Ms.  The white chocolate starts to have swirls of darker chocolate as the M&Ms start to melt.  How good does this look? IMG_2924[1]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just drop by spoonfuls on wax or parchment paper.  Reserve a few M&Ms and add to the top.  Add sprinkles if you want for an extra splash of color .  IMG_2923[1]

It only takes a few minutes for these to cool.  Then you are ready to dig in for a delicious treat!  IMG_2926[1]