Recipes From the Heart

Sticky Chex

2011-01-18T21:10:00.003-07:00

¾ c margarine
1 c sugar
1 c light corn syrup

Cook over medium heat. Boil 2 minutes and pour over:

1 12 oz. box Corn Chex
½ 12 oz. box Golden Grahams
coconut –optional, add as much as desired
sliced almonds –optional, add as much as desired
-I like to add M&Ms- just wait until it cools a bit.

Pulled Pork (Cafe Rio Style)

2011-01-15T23:21:00.006-07:00

6 lbs of pork (I cook it for 10 hours on low in the crock-pot with 1/2 cup of water and some salt and pepper the day before I need it. Then I put it in the fridge.)

Next Day:
Turn crock-pot back on low and let the meat just sit while...

In a saucepan, mix:

12 oz of taco sauce (Not salsa)
24 oz Mexi Coke (Coke in a bottle -on the Hispanic aisle)
1 cup Brown Sugar
3/4 cup White Sugar
4 cloves of garlic, mashed or minced
1 tsp of dry mustard
7oz can of chipotles in adobo sauce (just use the sauce if you don't want it too hot. You can use the chilies too,
but they add a surprising amount of heat.)

Bring to a simmer and then pour over meat and let it go until you're ready.It can't get "too done". I usually let it go for at least two hours. It's even better the next day and the next. It makes A LOT.

Sandy F.

Serve with:
Large Fresh Flour Tortilla (I get mine at Costco)
Cheese, Rice and Black or Pinto Beans, Crisp Romaine Lettuce, Guacamole, Tortilla Strips, and Creamy Tamatillo Salad Dressing.

Creamy Tamatillo Salad Dressing (Cafe Rio Style)

2011-01-15T23:07:00.007-07:00

1 package of dry Ranch Dressing (I use Uncle Dan's Creamy)
4 large tomatillos
1 T fresh lime-juice
1 diced jalapeno pepper or more- NO seeds or membrane
1 cup sour cream (lite)
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup salsa verde- any brand- not hot
cilantro (I use very little)

Add tomatillos, lime-juice, chopped jalapeno to the food processor and pulse until ingredients are finely pureed. Blend dressing in a blender. Chill dressing for 1-2 hours or overnight.

Juleen S.

Homemade Bubbles

2010-06-24T08:37:00.002-06:00

part dish soap
8 parts water
1/4 part or less light corn syrup or glycerin

Homemade Snow Cone Syrup

2010-06-23T18:27:00.006-06:00

1 packet Kool-Aid
2 cups sugar
1 cup water

Mix all together in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Immediately remove from the heat. Cool. Used a kitchen funnel to put the syrup after cooling into an empty water bottle.

Homemade Puffy Paint

2010-06-09T09:39:00.008-06:00

1 Tablespoon self rising flour
1 Tablespoon salt
4 teaspoons water
food coloring
Q tips (or brushes)
small containers

In a small container mix the flour, salt and water together until smooth. Do this same process in as many containers as you want colors. Add a few drops of food coloring to each and stir.

You can use Q tips to paint with or brush. Make sure you don't paint it on so thick it soaks through the paper but definitely thick enough to puff up.

When you are done painting, lay it flat in the microwave and cook for 10 seconds. Pull it out and watch the expression on your kid's faces! It's puffy!

Peanut Butter Blossoms

2010-04-30T16:23:00.003-06:00

Ingredients:

* 48 HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Milk Chocolates
* 1/2 cup shortening
* 3/4 cup REESE'S Creamy Peanut Butter
* 1/3 cup granulated sugar
* 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 egg
* 2 tablespoons milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* Granulated sugar

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from chocolates.

2. Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.

3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.

4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate into center of each cookie; cookie will crack around edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. About 3 dozen cookies. I have to double my batch.

Breakfast Burritos (Camp Fire Style)

2010-03-25T13:47:00.000-06:00

Ingredients:
2 lbs of sausage
24 eggs
1-2 lbs of shredded cheddar cheese
20 large flour tortillas

Directions:
Cook breakfast sausage & scramble the eggs. Preheat a few tortillas in your microwave, at home to make them soft. Spoon out generous portions of sausage, scrambled eggs & cheese onto the tortilla & roll it up. Wrap the tortilla, individually, in aluminum foil. You can freeze them if you would like, they keep well.

Cook:
Place them on a grill surface over the camp fire, to warm them up. The tortilla will be a little crispy & a light brown color. You can add salsa or hot sauce to taste.

Ruined Laundry?

2010-03-16T09:47:00.006-06:00

Washed your clothes with a crayon? Turned your clothes pink? Try this!
I am told that this works like a charm. I haven't tried this yet... I am sure that I will need to in the near future. Good Luck!

Here's the recipe: 1 whole cup of Tide, 1 C Shout, 1 C OxyClean, 1/2 C Borax and 1 C White Vinegar.

Dissolve that whole bunch of stuff in hot water (in the washer of course) and then throw in everything you ruined. You have to wash on HOT, but you've pretty much screwed your laundry anyway, so why not?

CROCK POT SCALLOPED POTATOES

2010-02-26T13:57:00.001-07:00

12 med. potatoes
1/4 c. chopped onion
1 c. sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 c. butter
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
Peel and chop or slice potatoes. Cook in water to cover for 3 minutes; drain. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Spoon into crock pot. Cook on high 3 hours. 10 servings.

SantaFe Chicken

2010-02-26T13:55:00.001-07:00

Combine the following in your crockpot:
1 can black beans, drained
1 can corn
1/2 cup salsa
After stirring, add:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup more salsa
Cook on low for 3 hours. Then add,
1 block of cream cheese
Cook one more hour. Serve over rice with flour tortillas. Yum!

Skor Cake

2010-02-05T21:01:00.002-07:00

1 yellow cake mix
1 Sm instant chocolate pudding mix
2 eggs
2 cups water

Mix above ingredients. Bake in large cookie sheet for 20 minutes at 350*

Topping:
8 or 12 oz Cool Whip
1 cube soft margarine, not melted
1 1/2 c powdered sugar

Mix above ingredients together and add to top of cake. Sprinkle pieces of Skor or Heath bars. May desire to refrigerate.

White Chip Cookies

2009-12-14T12:04:00.003-07:00

1 2/3 cup flour
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 lg. egg
2 cups white morsels

Combine flour, baking powder,baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter,sugars and vanilla in large mixer. Stir in morsels and put on cookie sheets. Bake for 8-12 minutes at 375*

Makes about 3 dozen

Cream Tuna on Toast

2009-12-14T09:12:00.003-07:00

Melt 3-4 T butter on medium heat, stir in 3-4 T flour until lumps are gone. Add 1 c. milk, a little at a time to smooth out lumps, then add another cup of milk (or two, depending on how thick or thin you want it). Stir in ¼- ½ t. salt. Add 1 can of Tuna.
Pour over toast.

Red Slush

2009-12-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

1 box of pineapple sherbet
1 small can of frozen orange juice
1 small can of frozen lemonade
2 smashed bananas
1 small can of frozen strawberries

Blend together and refreeze. When ready to serve just pour some sprite or 7-up over it.

Pumpkin Seeds

2009-12-04T12:41:00.002-07:00

2 Tbsp melted butter
1 tsp garlic salt
2½-3 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Melt in pan and then stir in 2 cups of pumpkin seeds.
Bake at 275* for 1 hour or until golden brown, stirring every 15 minutes.

Pancake Mix

2009-12-04T11:46:00.002-07:00

2 eggs (beat)
2 cups flour
1 ½ cup milk or buttermilk
4 Tbsp melted butter or shortening
2 Tbsp sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

Beat until smooth

Italian Rice

2009-12-04T11:28:00.001-07:00

1 ½ cups minute rice
1 whole onion chopped
1 clove garlic chopped
1 whole bell pepper chopped
1 can tomato soup
½ tsp salt
1 cup cheese grated
1 can corn
1 pound hamburger
Paprika
Pepper
Worcestershire sauce
1 can mushrooms

Boil Rice. Chop onion, pepper and garlic and cook in oil until onions are brown, then add hamburger and cook. Add tomato soup and seasonings and cheese, until cheese is milted. Add rice and corn. Stir over low heat for 5 minutes. Put in baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese and bake for ½ hour at 325*.

Cool Whip Frosting

2009-10-30T16:16:00.001-06:00

1 c. cold milk
1/4 c. powdered sugar
1 sm. box vanilla or chocolate instant pudding mix

Beat on low for 1 minute. Stir in 8 ounce thawed Cool Whip. (If using vanilla pudding you might add a few drops food coloring for colored frosting.)

Frozen Lemon Dessert

2009-10-03T19:54:00.002-06:00

1 small pkg. lemon jello
3/4 cup hot water
1 cap full lemon extract
1 can of cold canned milk (refrigerate the night before)
20 graham crackers (2 pkg)

Combine first four ingredients, and cook to the syrupy stage.
Whip milk in large bowl. Pour hot syrup over whipped cream while still beating. Line pan with crackers then pour the mixture in. Let sit in refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Top with graham cracker crumbs.

Seedless Raspberry Jelly

2009-10-03T19:49:00.003-06:00

3 C. zucchini
1/2 C. lemon juice
3 C. sugar
1 (6oz) pkg. Raspberry Jello

Peel zucchini, remove seeds and shred.Add lemon juice and cook until transparent. Blend in a blender. Return to pan and add sugar and Jello. Bring to a rolling boil for 6-8 minutes.

Homemade Alfredo Sauce

2009-09-14T14:33:00.006-06:00

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup butter
1 cup Parmesan cheese shredded (may add more)
salt & pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients in small saucepan (not Teflon coated) and simmer on low until melted and mixed, stirring continually (about 20 minutes). Whisk until smooth before serving over pasta. Can be refrigerated and used again if reheated on low heat. (Remember to whisk again!)

Makes 4 servings

*Half-and-half or evaporated milk can be used for some or all of the cream to reduce fat but the consistency won't be as rich or as thick.

Easy Corn Salsa

2009-07-17T18:55:00.000-06:00

1 bag small bag frozen corn (thawed)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 cans black beans (drained)
1-2 avocados (chopped)
cilantro (chopped)
1 packet Italian dressing mix

Chop and mix veggies. Make Italian dressing per instructions on box using balsamic vinegar. Mix it all together and enjoy.

Rice & Black Bean Taco

2009-05-06T14:30:00.003-06:00

1 cup cooked rice
1 can black beans
1 can corn (drain water)
2 small cans green chilies

Mix above ingredients together and serve warm. Make Taco.

Tortilla shells
Cheese
Salsa

Did You Know?

2009-03-19T09:20:00.002-06:00

Bananas
Peel a banana from the bottom and you won't have to
pick the little "stringy things" off of it. That's how the primates do it.

Bananas
Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store.
If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster

Cheese
Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil.
It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!

Peppers
Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating.
Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.

Cooking beef
Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef.
It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.

Eggs
To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of
spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat them up.

Treat
For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints
in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful minty frosting.

Garlic
Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic.

Treat
Leftover snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Simply chop them up with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes!!! Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream. Yummm!

Measuring Cups
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water.
Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such
as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.

Reheat Pizza
Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza.

Easy Deviled Eggs
Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.

Expanding Frosting
When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.

Reheating refrigerated bread
To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in
a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food
moist and help it reheat faster.

Newspaper weeds away
Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers,
put layers around the plants overlapping as you go cover with mulch and for-
get about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not
get through wet newspapers.

Broken Glass
Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily.

No More Mosquitoes
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket.
It will keep the mosquitoes away.

Squirrel Away!
To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.

Flexible vacuum
To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.

Reducing Static Cling
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose.
Place pin in seam of slacks and ... ta da! .. static is gone.

Foggy Windshield?
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of
your car . When the window s fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!

Reopening envelope
If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.

Conditioner
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair.

Goodbye Fruit Flies
To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2" with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!

Get Rid of Ants
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it "home," can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!

Applesauce Cookies

2009-02-25T11:55:00.002-07:00

1 C Shortening
2 C Sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt

Mix these up well, then add:

4 C flour
2 tsp soda
2 C applesauce (or just one can)
1 C oatmeal
1 package of chocolate chips (about 2 cups)

Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. They should be browning on the edges and the top shouldn't be doughy

White Chicken Chili

2009-02-16T16:04:00.002-07:00

Ingredients:

2 (15oz.) cans Great Northern Bean, rinsed and drained
1 large onion, chopped
1 stick unsalted butter
¼ cup all purpose flour
1 ¾ cups chicken broth (1 14 oz can)
2 cups half and half (or 1 cup milk and 1 cup half and half)
1 teaspoon Tabasco
1 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
Dash cayenne pepper
Two 4ounce cans chopped green chillies with their juice
1 whole rotisserie chicken shredded- white and dark meat
6 ounces grated monterey jack cheese- about 1 ½ cups
½ cup sour cream

Directions

1. Drain beans in a colander and rinse
2. Cook onion in 2 Tablespoons butter over medium heat until the onions is softened but not brown
3. In a heavy pot melt 6 Tablespoons butter over medium low heat and whisk in flour
4. Turn heat to LOW and whisk constantly for 3 minutes making sure it doesn’t turn brown.
5. Stir in onion and add broth and half and half, whisking constantly.
6. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat. Then mixture should be thickened. If it is too thick add a little broth or water to thin it.
7. Stir in Tabasco, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper
8. Add beans, chilies, chicken and cheese
9. Cook over medium low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally or put in crockpot on low heat.
10. Serve with sour cream on the side
11. Yummy as a soup or dip with frittos or tortilla chips

Chocolate Candy Cane Brownies

2009-01-08T08:26:00.002-07:00

Ingredients:
1 bar (4 oz) sweet baking chocolate
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup crushed candy canes
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate mini chips
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 8 inch square pan and line the bottom with aluminum foil. Grease the aluminum foil and dust with flour (or cocoa).
2. In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate with butter over low heat.
3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar for 3 minutes on low speed.
4. Beat in the cooled chocolate mixture and vanilla extract.
5. Beat in the flour and salt until blended. Add the crushed peppermints and stir in the chocolate chips. Pour into
6. our prepared pan.
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool.
Makes about 16 brownies.

Christmas Candy Cane Cheesecake

2009-01-08T08:26:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:
1 cup Chocolate wafer crumbs
3 Tbsp Margarine, melted
1 ea Envelope unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup Cold water
16 oz Soft Philly cream cheese
1/2 cup Sugar
1/2 cup Milk
1/4 cup Crushed candy canes
1 cup Whipping cream, whipped
3 oz Milk chocolate candy bars, chopped
Directions:
1. Combine wafer crumbs and margarine and press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 10 minutes. Cool.
2. Soften gelatin in water; stir over low heat until dissolved. Combine cream cheese and sugar, mixing at medium speed on electric mixer until well blended. Gradually add gelatin, milk and candy canes, mixing until blended, chill until slightly thickened but not set. Fold in whipped cream and chocolate.
3. Pour over crust. Chill until firm.
4. Garnish with additional whipped cream combined with crushed peppermint candies, if desired.

Chocolate Candy Cane Pie

2009-01-08T08:24:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:
1 ready-made chocolate cookie pie crust
14 ounce can Eagle Brand Regular Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup candy canes, finely crushed
10-12 drops green food coloring
2 cups whipping cream, whipped

Directions:
Combined sweetened condensed milk, finely crushed candy canes, chocolate chips and food coloring. Fold in whipping cream. Pour into crust, cover. Freeze for 6 hours or until firm.

Chocolate Chips Cookies

2009-01-08T08:08:00.001-07:00

1 cup Butter flavor shortening
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups flour (add enough flour that dough doesn't stick to fingers, sometimes it takes a little extra)
Chocolate Chips

Mix the wet ingredients thoroughly, then add the dry. Add as many chocolate chips as you like.

White Chocolate Party Mix

2008-12-17T22:40:00.002-07:00

1 lb. white chocolate
3 c. Rice Chex
3 c. Corn Chex
3 c. Cheerios
2 c. stick pretzels
2 c. dry roasted peanuts
12 oz. pkg. M & M's plain candy

Slowly melt white chocolate in top of double boiler over simmering water. Combine cereals, pretzels, peanuts, and M & M's in a large bowl. Slowly pour chocolate over mixture and stir to evenly coat. Spread the mixture on wax paper and cool. Break into small pieces. Store in air-tight container and refrigerate to keep fresh. Yield 12-14 cups.

Raspberry Lime Pie

2008-12-12T15:53:00.002-07:00

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
½ c. lime juice
1 carton (8 oz) Frozen whipped topping, thawed
Few drops red food coloring, opt.
1 c. raspberries
1 graham cracker crust (9 inches)
Additional raspberries, fresh mint and/or lime slices for garnish, optional

In a mixing bowl, stir together milk and lime juice (mixture will begin to thicken). Mix in whipped topping and food coloring if desired. Gently fold in raspberries, mint and or lime if desired.

Cinnamon Rolls

2008-12-12T15:26:00.005-07:00

8-10 cups flour
1 box yellow cake mix
4 Tbs. Instant Yeast
1 tsp. salt
4 cups warm water

¼ cup butter
½ - 1 cup brown sugar
2 Tbs. cinnamon
Raisins (opt)
nuts (opt)

Combine 6 cups of the flour, cake mix, yeast, salt, and warm water. Mix until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Turn on to flour surface, knead, roll into rectangle. Spread ¼ cup of melted butter and sprinkle ½ - 1 cup brown sugar. Spread with fingers to edge. Sprinkle 2 Tbs. cinnamon. Add raisins and nuts. Roll and cut into slices. Lay on baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes. Bake at 375* for 15 - 18 minutes.

Recipe From: Larna E.

Salsa Chicken

2008-12-12T15:17:00.002-07:00

4 chicken breast (split)
2 cups Salsa
3 Tbs. Brown Sugar

3 cups hot cooked rice

Mix salsa and brown sugar and pour on chicken. Pre Heat oven to 400*. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve on rice.

Great Leftover idea:
Shred chicken and mix with salsa and rice. Put in a tortilla. Enjoy

Jay's Fudge

2008-12-09T16:32:00.003-07:00

1 can evaporated milk
4 1/2 cups sugar
2 pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 pkg. milk chocolate chips
1 lb. real butter, softened, but not melted
2 cups miniature marshmallows
tsp. vanilla

Butter a 9x13 pan. In a large bowl, put the chocolate chips, butter, marshmallows and vanilla. Heat the milk and sugar in a pot over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it boils for exactly 10 minutes. Pour the hot mixture over the ingredients in the bowl, making sure to not scrape the sides of the pot. Beat with an electric mixer until it is well blended. Pour into the buttered pan and chill.

Recipe From: Larna E

English Toffee

2008-12-09T16:12:00.004-07:00

4 cups dry-roasted chopped almonds (more if necessary)
2 cups butter (salted)
2 cups sugar
¼ cup water
About 1 cup dark dipping chocolate, or to taste

Spread about 3 cups of the almonds across an 11-by-17-inch sheet pan, reserving the rest. Rub the sides of a large, heavy-duty pan with butter. Then add the butter, water and sugar to the center of the pan, avoiding getting sugar crystals on the pan sides. Stir mixture over low heat until sugar is completely dissolved; this may take about 10 minutes. Turn the heat to medium-high and keep stirring. Cook until candy is deep golden brown or the color of dark honey, or to hard-crack stage (when a few drops in a cup of cold water cracks into brittle threads), or thermometer registers 285-290 degrees at Utah altitudes, or until a puff of smoke comes off the candy.

Pour mixture over the nuts. Allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes, then top with chocolate. Evenly spread the melting chocolate with a spatula or gloved hand. Then sprinkle on the reserved chopped nuts.

After toffee is cooled, break into pieces. It should release easily from the pan. Store in airtight containers to prevent it from getting sticky.

Recipe From: Larna E

Easy Eclairs

2008-12-06T21:56:00.004-07:00

½ cup butter or margarine
1 cup water
¼ tsp. salt
1 cup flour
4 eggs

In saucepan, bring butter, water and salt to a boil. Remove from the heat and add flour. With a wooden spoon, stir vigorously until mixture forms a ball and leaves the side of the pan. Cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time to flour mixture, beating well after each one. Beat until smooth.

Using a pastry bag without a tip or using a tablespoon, make mounds about 2 inches long by 1 inch wide on a lightly greased baking sheet (I just use parchment paper) Bake at 375* for 35-40 minutes or until pastry is golden brown. Make a small slit in the side of each shell and bake for 5 minutes more. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Filling
2 packages (3.4oz. each) French vanilla instant pudding mix
3 cups milk
1 cup vanilla flavored yogurt (opt.)

Combine ingredients and mix well. Chill until set. Fill a pastry bag (with a large tip) with the pudding. Insert the tip in the hole in the side of the éclair and fill with pudding until full.

Chocolate Glaze
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
¼ cup whipping cream
2 Tbsp. butter, softened

Microwave chips and whipping cream at high in a 2-cup glass measuring cup for 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in butter until blended, and spoon immediately over éclairs.

Other optional Filing:
2 c. heavy whipping cream
4T. powdered sugar
BEAT until soft peaks form. Do not over beat...you'll get butter!

Chili

2008-12-06T21:43:00.002-07:00

2 cups small red beans (dry)
1 quart Tomatoes
1 pound Hambuger meat
1 package Chili seasoning

Pour bean into crockpot and cover well with water (be sure to add plenty of water). Add cooked hambuger meat, Tomatoe and chili seasoning. Cook on low over night to cook beans. Ready to serve.

Taco Soup

2008-12-06T20:54:00.006-07:00

½ pound extra lean ground beef
½ small onion chopped
½ green pepper chopped
1 (15 oz. can) red beans undrained
1 quart tomatoes (2 cans)
1 can corn undrained
4 Tbsp. Salsa
½ package taco seasoning mix

Toppings
Cheese, grated
Sour cream
Olives, sliced
Green onions, chopped
1 Pkg. tortilla chips

Brown beef—Drain fat then add onions, peppers and cook and stir until opaque.
Add beans, corn, tomatoes and salsa into big pot. Cover and let stand at least 30 minutes or put in a crock pot and leave on low for several hour before serving. Add toppings.

Gingerbread Boys

2008-11-30T10:15:00.001-07:00

1 ½ cups dark molasses
1 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup cold water
1/3 cup shortening
7 cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground allspice
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cinnamon

Mix molasses, brown sugar, water and shortening. Mix in remaining ingredients. Put in a gallon Ziploc bag and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Heat oven to 350*. Roll dough ¼ inch thick on floured board. Cut with floured gingerbread cutter. Place about 2 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheet or parchment paper. Bake until no indentation remains when touched. Cook 10-12 minutes; cool. Decorate with frosting.

Mouse on a Trap

2008-11-24T22:15:00.005-07:00

Maraschino Cherries with steams (body and tail)
Hershery's Hugs (face)
Fudge Shop Deluxe Grahams (mouse trap)
Almond Slices (ears)
Red & Black Decorating Gel (eyes & nose)
White Chocolate Chips (melted)

Dip cherry in melted white chocolate, place on grahams. Add Hug and almond slices. Add eyes and nose with gel.

Chex® Muddy Buddies®

2008-11-16T16:40:00.002-07:00

9 cups Corn Chex®, Rice Chex®, Wheat Chex® or Chocolate Chex® cereal (or combination)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1.
Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
2.
In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
3.
Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

The Original Chex® Party Mix (Microwavable)

2008-11-16T16:34:00.006-07:00

3 cups Corn Chex® cereal
3 cups Rice Chex® cereal
3 cups Wheat Chex® cereal
1 cup mixed nuts
1 cup bite-size pretzels
1 cup garlic-flavor bite-size bagel chips
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

The original recipe includes Corn Chex®, Rice Chex® and Wheat Chex®. You can mix and match to suit your taste—just use a total of 9 cups of cereal.

1.
In large microwavable bowl, mix cereals, nuts, pretzels and bagel chips; set aside. In small microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in seasonings. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated.

2.
Microwave uncovered on High 5 to 6 minutes, thoroughly stirring every 2 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool. Store in airtight container.
Oven Directions Heat oven to 250°F. In large bowl, mix cereals, nuts, pretzels and bagel chips; set aside. In ungreased large roasting pan, melt butter in oven. Stir in seasonings. Gradually stir in cereal mixture until evenly coated. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool, about 15 minutes. Store in airtight container.

Big, Soft, Chewy Gingersnap Cookies

2008-11-05T08:49:00.004-07:00

1/2 cup melted butter
scant 1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup molasses
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
Sugar, for rolling

Instructions:

Stir butter and sugar together; add egg. Beat well. Stir in molasses. Add dry ingredients and stir until combined.
Shape 1-inch balls and roll in sugar. Place on a lightly greased or non-stick cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until done.

Sugar Cookies

2008-10-29T16:48:00.004-06:00

1 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
2 whole eggs
2 tsp. vanilla

Beat well then add:

1 cup sour cream
6 ½ cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt

Roll out and cut in desired shapes then bake at 400* for 5-8 minutes (depending on thickness of cookies)

Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting

Recipe From: Allison J

Oreo Cookies

2008-10-25T10:48:00.004-06:00

2 Devil's Food Cake mixes
1/2 c. flour
1 c. oil
4 eggs

Combine:
(dough will be a bit greasy) Roll into 1-1 1/2 inch balls. Bake 350 for 10 minutes. (I bake them till they start to crack on the top, then I take them out and let them cool)

Frosting:
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
4 T. butter, softened
2 c. powdered sugar
1-2 capfuls peppermint extract

Makes about 40 complete cookies

Recipe From: Catherine C.

Ginger Snaps

2008-10-20T17:02:00.003-06:00

Cream together:
¾ c. butter
2 c. sugar

Stir in:
2 well beaten eggs
½ cup molasses
2 tsp. vinegar

Add:
3½ c. flour
1½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. cloves
¼ tsp. cinnamon

Mix ingredients until blended. Form dough into balls. roll balls into sugar. Bake on a greased cookie sheet for about 12 minutes at 325*

Buttercream Frosting

2008-10-20T16:54:00.002-06:00

½ cup butter
½ cup vegetable shortening
1 tsp. vanilla
1/8 tsp. salt
3 T. milk
1 lb. powder sugar ( about 4 cups)
Cream together butter, shortening and add vanilla and salt. Blend in sugar1 cup at a time. Add milk and beat at high speed until light and fluffy.

Raspberry Slush

2008-10-13T15:40:00.006-06:00

1 (46 oz. can pineapple juice
1 (12 oz.) can frozen lemonade concentrate
3/4 c. lemon juice
4 c. Sugar
3 pkg. raspberry powdered punch mix
2 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen raspberries

Combine pineapple juice, lemonade concentrate, lemon juice, sugar, and raspberries in large container. Add water to make 2 gallons in volume. Freeze

To serve, let slush stand at room temperature for 20 - 30 minutes.Scrape spoon across mixture to break up. Spoon into punch bowl.Pour sprite into bowl to desired thickness.

Recipe From: Jennifer W.

Pedialite

2008-10-13T14:59:00.002-06:00

1 pint boiled water
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 tsp. sugar

Recipe From: Jennifer W.

Saline Solution

2008-10-13T14:56:00.001-06:00

2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 quart warm water
6-10 drops real lemon or lime juice

Recipe From: Jennifer W.

Brownies

2008-10-13T14:17:00.002-06:00

2 cubes margarine, melted
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
6 T baking cocoa
4 eggs
2 cups flour
1 cup chopped nuts, optional

Mix well. Pour into 9x13 pan spryaed with Pam. Bake at 350* for 25-30 minutes. Frost if desired.

Frosting:
2 c. powdered sugar
1/2 cube softened margarine
2 T baking cocoa
small amount of milk, start with 2T. add as needed.

Beat until smooth. Spread on brownies. Top with nuts or colored sprinkles.

Recipe From: Kris B.

Orange Pull-apart Bread

2008-10-09T21:46:00.002-06:00

1 8oz package cresent rolls
¼ c honey
3 Tbs butter
1 tsp orange peel, grated

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375*
Open tube of cresent rolls, do not unroll
place on a greased baking sheet forming one long roll
cut into 12 slices to within 1/8" of the bottom, being careful not to cut all the way through
fold down alternating from left to right to form a loaf
Bake at 375* for 20 minutes
Combine butter, honey, and orange peel
Brush over loaf after it is removed from oven (Use silicon pastry brush for best results)
Serve Warm

Recipe From: Seiko N

Soup Bread Bowls

2008-10-09T21:43:00.007-06:00

1 Tablespoon white granulated sugar
1 Cup warm water
1 envelope yeast
2 1/4 Cups white all purpose flour
1 Cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 Cup olive oil

Add yeast, sugar and 1/4 Cup of the water to a small bowl and let set 5minutes. Yeast should start to bubble.Add flour, cornmeal, salt, oil and the rest of water along with yeast mixture and mix well. Turn out onto a floured board and knead dough until smooth and satiny. (about 10 minutes) Let rise until doubled. Divide into 4 pieces. Shape into rounds and place on greased cookie sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Let rise until doubled.Preheat oven to 400° Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown and when you tap on them they sound hollow inside. These rolls should be baked the day you intend to use them.

Recipe From: Lori N

No Bake Cookies

2008-10-09T13:45:00.003-06:00

2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. milk
1/2 tsp salt
3 T cocoa
3 c. oats
1 tsp vanilla
1 c. peanut butter

Mix sugar, milk, coca, butter & salt in sauce pan. Bring to a boil over med. heat, stirring constantly. Beat thoroughly. Remove from heat & add oats, vanilla & peanut butter. Mix well. Drop on wax paper & cool.

Recipe From: Jennifer W

Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

2008-10-09T13:36:00.003-06:00

1 c. butter
1 c. brown sugar
½ c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 ½ c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. salt

3 c. oats
1 c. raisins

Cream wet ingredients, and dry ingredients. Then add oats and raisins. Bake at 350* for 9-10 minutes

Recipe From: Stephanie B

Cream Cheese Frosting

2008-10-09T10:14:00.002-06:00

1 package cream cheese
1 T milk
1 tsp vanilla
dash of salt
2 ½ c. powder sugar

beat all ingredients together

Recipe From: Allison J

Pumpkin Dream Bar

2008-10-09T10:13:00.002-06:00

14 oz can pumpkin
4 eggs
1 cup oil
1 2/3 c. sugar
2 c. flour
1 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp backing powder

Bake 25-30 minutes at 350*
Frost with Cream Cheese frosting

Recipe From: Allison J

Meat Balls

2008-10-09T09:52:00.002-06:00

Meat balls
18 oz. (Kraft) Teriyaki Sesame Ginger Barbecue Sauce
20 oz. Pineapple Tidbits and juice

Line pan with meat balls. Pour on sauce. Bring to a boil turning frequently. Simmer 20 minutes until juice starts to caramelize. Serve with rice.

Recipe From: Clark W

Won-Ton Salad

2008-10-09T09:42:00.001-06:00

3-4 chicken breasts (cooked and diced)
1 pkg of won-ton wrappers (fried and crushed)
1 head of lettuce
1 small can of water chestnuts (chopped)
2/3 c. green onion (chopped)
½ c. sesame seeds

Dressing:
¼ c. salad oil (vegetable oil)
4 T sugar
2 tsp salt
4 tsp rice vinegar

Mix dressing and pour over all ingredients except lettuce and won-tons. Thoroughly coat, add lettuce and won-tons just before serving

Recipe From: Evalyn J

Easy Chicken Divan

2008-10-09T09:32:00.002-06:00

2 bunches fresh cooked broccoli (don’t overcook)
2-3 c. sliced boned chicken (cooked)
1 can cream of chicken soup
½ c. mayonnaise
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp curry powder
Grated cheese
Soft bread crumbs
Melted butter

Arrange broccoli in greased 11 ½ x 7 ½ x 1 ½ inch baking dish. Place chicken on top. Combine soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder. Pour over chicken, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with cheese. Combine bread crumbs with butter. Sprinkle over all. Bake at 350* for 25-30 minutes. Makes 6-8 servings

Recipe From: Jennifer W

Dinner in a Pumpkin

2008-10-09T08:50:00.003-06:00

1 small pumpkin, clean out seeds
2 T oil
2 lb ground beef
6 oz chopped ham, or Spam
2 ½ tsp salt
2 ½ T onions
2 tsp ground oregano
1 green pepper (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/3 c. chopped, stuffed green olives
1 can tomato sauce
3 eggs (beaten)
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp vinegar

Draw a face on the pumpkin with a marker. Combine ingredients and fry until tender. Add to pumpkin and bake at 350* for 1 hour, with lid on pumpkin. (may fit in more than one pumpkin depending on the size)

Recipe From: Evalyn J

Cranberry Casserole

2008-10-09T08:41:00.004-06:00

3 c. chopped apples
2 c. whole fresh cranberries
1 ¼ c. sugar

Mix all above ingredients and put in dish.

Topping:
1 ½ c. quick uncooked oats
½ c. chopped walnuts
½ c. brown sugar
1/3 c. flour
¾ c. melted margarine

Mix above ingredients and put on top of cranberry mixture. Bake at 350* for 1 hour. Top with vanilla ice cream.

Recipe From: Ilona W

Au Gratin Potatoes

2008-10-09T08:20:00.002-06:00

10 boiled potatoes
1 pt. sour cream
1 ½ c. butter
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 ½ c. chopped onions
2 c. grated cheese
Cornflakes (broken up)
4 Tbsp. butter

Grate peeled, boiled potatoes into large 11x13x2 inch cake pan. Heat and melt sour cream and butter; pour mixture over potatoes. Combine, and then add soup and onions. Top with cheese, cornflakes, and melted butter. Bake for 30 minutes at 350* or until it begins to bubble.

Recipe From: Jennifer W

Bean Dip

2008-10-09T08:01:00.002-06:00

First layer: Spread on bottom of pan 2 cans of refried beans

Second layer: 3/4 pint avocado dip (or mash 5-6 ripe avocados with 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice).

Third layer: Mix 1 pint sour cream with 1 package taco seasoning.

Fourth layer: use 1 small can sliced olives, 3-4 chopped green onions, and 2 chopped tomatoes (seeded), chopped fine. (save some for next layer)

Fifth layer: sprinkle with desired amount of grated Cheddar cheese on top. Top off with olives, tomatoes and green onion for color.

Recipe From: Jennifer W

Chocolate chip oatmeal Cookies

2008-10-08T18:46:00.003-06:00

1 c. brown sugar
1 c. sugar
2 cubes margarine
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

2 c. flour
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/2 c. oatmeal
1 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. nuts (opt.)

Mix sugars, margarine, eggs, and vanilla together. Sift dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture. Add oatmeal, nuts, and chocolate chips. Bake for 6-8 minutes at 400* .(makes 30 cookies)

Recipe From: Jennifer W

Banana Bread

2008-10-08T18:44:00.002-06:00

Cream:
2 c. sugar
1 c. shortening

Add:
6 ripe bananas, mashed
4 well beaten eggs

Add:
2 1/2 c. Flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1tsp. salt
1 c. nuts (opt.)

Important: do not overmix. Pour into 2 greased and floured bread pans. Bake at 350* for 1 hour or until done. Cover with foil while cooking.

Recipe From: Jennifer W

Cheese Cake

2008-10-08T18:42:00.002-06:00

Crust :
3 Bags of gram crackers crusted
3 TB sugar
2 Cubes of butter

Mix together put into cool place to harden.

1 Large tub of whipping cream
3 Sticks of cream cheese
3 TB of sugar

Mix together spread onto crust
Top with your favorite fruit topping

Recipe From: Robyn S

White Bread

2008-10-08T18:41:00.010-06:00

1/3 c oil
1/3 c honey
1 1/2 Tbsp. salt
2 Tbsp. yeast
5 c warm water

10-12 c flour

Mix together all but flour, let yeast rise. Slowly add flour. Mix in bread mixer for 5 minutes, Shape into loaves and put in lightly greased pans. Spread melted butter on tops. Let rise for 30 min. Bake at 350* for approximately 20-30 minutes. When baked remove from pans and put on cooling rack.
Makes approx. 5 medium loaves

Recipe From: Jennifer W & Evalyn J

Cathedral Cookies

2008-10-08T18:41:00.009-06:00

1 2/3 c. chocolate chips
1 pkg. colored mini marshmallows
1/2 cube butter
1 whole egg beaten
1 tsp. vanilla add to egg

Melt chocolate chips (not too hot), add butter, eggs and vanilla. Pour over marshmallows and stir. roll in long rolls with wax paper then cover with foil. Refrigerate. Slice and serve

Recipe From: Evalyn J

Peanut Butter Rice Krispies treats

2008-10-08T18:40:00.003-06:00

1 c. light Karo
1 c. sugar
1 c. peanut butter
5-6 c Rice Krispies

Bring Karo and sugar to a boil while stirring. Remove and add peanut butter.
Add cereal. Put in a 9x13 inch greased pan. (also great with popcorn)

Recipe From: Jennifer W

Orange Julius

2008-10-08T18:38:00.002-06:00

1 cup milk
1 cup water
½ can of 12oz frozen OJ
½ cup sugar (may use less)
1 tsp vanilla
12 ice cubes

Measure milk and water into blender. Add frozen orange juice, sugar and vanilla. Put the lid on the blender and BLEND. Add ice one at a time. Put the lid on the blender and blend until smooth.

Recipe From: Jennifer W

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

2008-10-08T18:34:00.003-06:00

1 1/2 c. margarine
1 c. sugar
2 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. vanilla
4 eggs
2 c. peanut butter

Cream all together.Add:

3 c. flour
3 1/2 c. oats

Spread on cookie sheets. Preheat oven to 325*. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
Cool. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter, then top with Chocolate Frosting.

Chocolate Frosting: (I make a separate batch of frosting for each cookie sheet. One batch at a time)

1 c. sugar
1/3 c. milk
5 Tbsp. butter

1 cup semi-Sweet chocolate chips
Bring to a full boil. Boil exactly 1 minute, then add and quickly beat in chocolate chips. Pour an spread on cookie.

Makes 2 cookie sheets.

Recipe From: Jennifer W

Marshmallow Brownies

2008-10-08T18:33:00.002-06:00

2 cubes butter
2 c sugar
1 1/2 c flour
2 tsp vanilla
1/3 c cocoa
4 whole eggs
1 1/2 c nuts, chopped fine (Opt)
1-1 lb pkg mini-marshmallows

Mix butter, cocoa and sugar together. Add eggs, beat well after each. Add flour, nuts and vanilla. Spread out on greased cookie sheet. Bake 25 minutes at 350*. Remove from oven, spread marshmallows over top, return to oven for 3 minutes. Cool one hour. Frost.

Frosting:
3/4 c. butter
1/2 c. canned milk
1/2 c. cocoa
2 1/2 powdered sugar

Recipe From: Jennifer W

Slush

2008-10-08T18:31:00.006-06:00

1 c. sugar
2 3/4 water
2 bananas
3 c. unsweetened pineapple juice
1 can (6 oz) frozen O.J. concentrate

1 bottle of Sprite

Stir sugar and water until dissolved. (Set aside)
Blend bananas, 1/2 pineapple juice, and O.J.
Add to sugar mixture. Stir in remaining pineapple juice and lemon juice.

Transfer to 9 x 13 pan and freeze (Ice cream bucket also works good)

To serve, let slush stand at room temperature for 20 - 30 minutes.
Scrape spoon across mixture to break up. Spoon into punch bowl.
Pour sprite into bowl to desired thickness.

Recipe From: Stephanie B & Jennifer W

Bread Sticks

2008-10-08T18:29:00.003-06:00

1 Tbs yeast
1 1/2 sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups warm water
3 cups flour

Mix everything except four. Let yeast activate (bubble up).
Mix in flour, then mix for 3 minutes and let raise for 10 minutes.
Roll out (1/4¡± thick) on parchment paper. Don¡¯t roll to thin.
Spread on melted margarine, sprinkle on garlic salt and parmesan cheese (opt)
Cut into strips with a pizza cutter. Let raise for another 10 minutesBake at 350*
for 20 min. makes 1 pan.

Recipe From: Jennifer W & Evalyn J