Monday, December 12, 2011

Honey Almond Cranberry Crostatas




1/3 cup water
1/3 cup honey
1 ¼ cups fresh or frozen whole cranberries
1 Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crust, softened as directed on box
3 tablespoons almond paste, softened (from 3 1/2-oz tube)
1 ½ teaspoons sliced almonds
8 teaspoons honey

Heat oven to 425°F. Place cooking parchment paper on cookie sheet. In 1-quart saucepan, heat water and honey to boiling. Stir in cranberries; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently, until berries have popped and mixture is thickened. Cool slightly, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, unroll crust on work surface. Roll crust out slightly; cut into 8 (4-inch) rounds. Reroll scraps and cut remaining rounds if necessary. Place rounds on parchment-lined cookie sheet. Discard scraps.

Gently press 1 heaping teaspoon almond paste in center of each crust round. Divide cranberry mixture evenly over almond paste. Fold 1/2 inch of each crust round over filling, pinching slightly so crust lays flat on cranberry mixture. Sprinkle each with almonds.
Bake 14 to 16 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Drizzle 1 teaspoon honey over each crostata. If desired, serve warm with ice cream.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Green Olive Cheese Puffs - Appetizers

I remember my mom making these at the holidays...oh so yummy!








GREEN OLIVE CHEESE PUFFS

2 cups shredded sharp natural Cheddar cheese (8 ounces)
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
48 small pimiento-stuffed olives, drained and patted dry

Stir together cheese and flour in large bowl. Stir in butter thoroughly. (If dough seems dry, work with hands.)
Mold 1 teaspoon dough around each olive; shape into ball. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour but no longer than 24 hours.

Heat oven to 400ºF. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until light brown. Makes 4 dozen appetizers

Sriracha Veg-Cheese Balls (HOT)

Veggie-Cheese Balls
2 cups frozen chopped broccoli, thawed, squeezed to drain
2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese blend (8 oz)
1 cup Original Bisquick® mix
1 egg
1 tablespoon finely chopped red bell pepper
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (Thai hot sauce)

Dipping Sauce

1/2 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (Thai hot sauce)
2 tablespoons sliced green onions (2 medium)
2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper



Heat oven to 350°F. Spray or grease bottom and sides of 15x10x1-inch pan. In large bowl, stir together veggie-cheese ball ingredients.

With slightly wet hands with water for easier rolling; shape mixture into 1-inch balls; place on pan.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix dipping sauce ingredients.

Immediately remove balls from pan. Serve warm with sauce for dipping.  Makes 25 Servings

Friday, September 30, 2011

Betty Crocker Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars

1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® oatmeal cookie mix
1/2 cup firm butter or margarine
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.
Place cookie mix in large bowl. With pastry blender or fork, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly and coarse. Reserve 1 1/2 cups crumb mixture; press remaining crumbs in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla and egg with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over partially baked crust. In medium bowl, mix pie filling and cinnamon. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle reserved crumbs over top. Sprinkle with walnuts.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes longer or until light golden brown. Cool about 30 minutes. Refrigerate to chill, about 2 hours. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.
Makes 24 bars

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Thursday, September 22, 2011

Hot Buttered Rum

2 Quarts apple juice
2 C firmly packed brown sugar
1 stick butter (use the real stuff, not margarine)
3 Tbs. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 C. your favorite rum
Refrigerated whipped dessert topping
Cinnamon sticks and nutmeg for garnish


Warm up the apple juice and brown sugar in a pot. Add the butter (dice up the stick before you put it in there, so it'll melt faster). Stir until the butter is melted. Add the spices and the rum. Cover the pot, and allow to simmer on low for 2 - 4 hours.

Ladle into mugs for serving. Top each with a dollop of whipped topping and a cinnamon stick. Sprinkle with a dash of nutmeg.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Apple Slice Sugar Cookies - Pillsbury

2 tablespoons red decorator sugar
1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated sugar cookies
2 tablespoons miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Black string licorice, cut into 1-inch pieces




  • Heat oven to 350°F. Cut 17x12-inch piece of plastic wrap; place on work surface. Sprinkle red sugar evenly over plastic wrap. Roll cookie dough in sugar to coat. Wrap in plastic wrap; freeze 30 minutes.


  • Remove half of dough from wrapper; freeze remaining dough until needed. Cut dough into 1/4-inch slices. On ungreased cookie sheets, place slices 2 inches apart. Place 3 chocolate chips in center of each slice to resemble seeds. To form slice shape, make 2 indentations on 2 opposite sides with fingers. Repeat with remaining half of dough.


  • Bake 8 to 9 minutes or until unsugared edges are light golden brown. Insert 1 licorice piece on top of each cookie to resemble stem. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks.


  • Saturday, September 10, 2011

    Thursday, September 1, 2011

    Pillsbury Sangria Pie Yummm


    1 Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crust, softened as directed on box
    2 cups raspberry sherbet, softened
    2 containers (6 oz each) Yoplait® 99% Fat Free raspberry yogurt
    1 cup frozen (thawed) raspberries
    1/2 cup sangria
    1/2 cup fresh raspberries, if desired
     
    Heat oven to 450°F. Place pie crust in ungreased 9-inch pie plate. Press crust firmly against side and bottom; flute. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until light brown. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

    Mix sherbet, yogurt, raspberries and sangria until blended. Spoon into crust. Freeze uncovered until firm, about 3 hours.

    Let stand at room temperature 10 minutes before cutting. Garnish each serving of pie with fresh raspberries.

     

    Flirty Aprons Make Fun Gifts!

    What fun these aprons are for your foodie loved ones!!




    Here's one for the guys...



    Saturday, August 27, 2011

    Bourbon Chex Mix

    BOURBON CHEX MIX


    1 bag (15 oz) Chex Mix® traditional snack mix
    1 cup pecan halves
    1/2 lb bacon (6 to 8 slices), crisply cooked and crumbled
    1/2 cup packed brown sugar
    1/2 cup butter
    1/4 cup light corn syrup
    2 tablespoons bourbon
    3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
    Heat oven to 300°F. Line two 15x10x1-inch pans with foil. Spray foil with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix snack mix, pecans and bacon. Set aside.

    In 2-quart saucepan, heat brown sugar, butter and corn syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until bubbly around edges. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally; remove from heat. Cool 2 minutes. Carefully stir in bourbon and chipotle chili powder. Pour over snack mixture; toss until evenly coated.

    Spread snack mixture on pans. Bake 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, to caramelize mixture. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Break into pieces. Store covered in refrigerator.




    Easy Fruit Pizza

    1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated sugar cookies
    1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
    1/3 cup sugar
    1/2 teaspoon vanilla
    2 kiwifruit, peeled, halved lengthwise and sliced
    1 cup halved or quartered fresh strawberries
    1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
    1/2 cup apple jelly
     
    Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 12-inch pizza pan with cooking spray. In pan, break up cookie dough; press dough evenly in bottom of pan to form crust. Bake 16 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

    In small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Spread mixture over cooled crust. Arrange fruit over cream cheese. Stir jelly until smooth; spoon or brush over fruit. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour. To serve, cut into wedges or squares. Cover and refrigerate any remaining pizza.

    Sunday, August 14, 2011

    30 Jello Shooter Recipe's

    Here's a list of 30 different Jello shooter recipie's surely to please all your party guests!









    Alabama Slammer Jello Shooters

    In a four cup glass measuring cup or bigger, and measure 3/4 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 package of Lemon Jello (3 oz) and stir until everything is completely dissolved; add 1/3 cup of cold water. Next, add 1/3 cup of Amaretto, 1/4 cup of Southern Comfort, and 1/3 cup of Sloe Gin. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and the carefully pour into jello shot cups. Chill for 3 to 4 hours and serve.

    Makes  10 shots


    All Nighter Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Cherry Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of Watermelon Vodka. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 16 shots

    Amaretto Sour Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 package of Lime Jello (3 oz) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 2 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice. Add 1/4 cup of cold water and 3/4 cup of Amaretto. Stir well and wait until the liquid has cooled slightly before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 16 shots

    Apple Pie Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 1/2 cups of boiling water. Dissolve 2 boxes of Lemon Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1 cup of cold water, 1/2 cup of Light Rum, 1/2 cup of Sweet Vermouth, 1/4 cup of Apple Brandy and 1/4 cup of Grenadine. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 30 shots

    Bahama Mama Jello Shooters

    Use an 8 cup glass bowl. In a 3 cups of boiling water and dissolve 1 package of Orange Jello, 1 package of Strawberry Jello, and 1 package of Pineapple Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1 1/2 cups of cold water and 1 1/2 cups of Coconut Rum. Stir until everything is well combined. Cool until the liquid can be safely poured into jello shot cups.

    Makes 48 shots

    Banana Split Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Strawberry Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Vodka, and 1/4 cup of Banana Liqueur and 1/4 cup of Creme de Cacao. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Approximately 16 shots

    Bat Outta Hell Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 package of Orange Jello (3 oz) and stir for at least 2 minutes until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of Red Bull, 1/4 cup of Rum and 1/4 Blue Curacao. Stir until well combined and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Approximately 15 shot

    Between the Sheets Jello Shooters

    Grab a large, glass measuring cup and measure 3/4 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 package of Lemon Jello (3 oz) and stir until fully dissolved (at least 2 minutes). Next add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Brandy, 1/4 cup of Light Rum and 1/4 cup of Triple Sec. Stir well and wait until the liquid has cooled some before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 16 shots

    Black Cat Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 package of Raspberry Jello (3 oz) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of cold water, 1/2 cup of Blavord brand Black Vodka, and 1/4 cup of Chambord. Stir well and wait until the liquid is about room temperature before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 16 shots

    Black Magic Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 package of Lemon Jello (3 oz) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of cold water, 1/2 cup of Vodka, and 1/4 cup of Coffee Liqueur. Stir well and wait until the liquid is about room temperature before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 16 shots

    Blue Lagoon Jello Shooters

    Grab your favorite glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 package of Lemon Jello (3 oz) and stir until fully dissolved, at least 2 minutes. Add 1/4 of cold water, 1/2 cup of Vodka and 1/4 cup of Blue Curacao. Stir well until completely combined and cool some before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 15 shots

    Blue Moon Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Pineapple Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Blue Curacao, and 1/4 cup of Tequila. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 16 shots

    Brass Monkey Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Orange Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Vodka, and 1/4 cup of Rum. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 16 shots

    Caribbean Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 package (3 oz) of Strawberry Jello (or strawberry banana jello if you can find it). Stir well for at least 2 minutes and then add 1 cup of Banana Rum. Mix well and cool until the liquid is at about room temperature. Then, pour the jello into individual jello shot cups and chill until firm.

    Makes 16 shots

    Carmel Apple Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 envelope of Knox Gelatin and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/3 cup of cold water, 1/3 cup of Butterscotch Schnapps, and 1/3 cup of Sour Apple Schnapps. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 16 shots

    Cherry Punch Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 envelope of Lime Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of 151 Rum, and 1/4 cup of Cherry Brandy. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 16 shots

    Chocolate Covered Cherry Jello Shooters

    In a large measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 package of Cherry Jello (regular or dark cherry) and stir for at least 2 minutes. Add 3 oz of White Crème de Cacao, 1 oz of Vodka, and 4 oz of Light Rum. Stir until mixes well. Wait for the mixture to cool to room temperature and pour into individual jello shot cups. If you'd like, you can drop in a maraschino cherry into each cup before refrigerating.

    Makes 16 shots

    Crazy Red Headed Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Cranberry Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Peach Schnapps, and 1/4 cup of Jagermeister. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 16 shots

    Orange Dreamsicle Jello Shooters

    Grab a large glass measuring cup and measure a cup of boiling water. Add 1 package of Orange Jello (3 oz) and make sure that it dissolves completely. Add 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of Vanilla Vodka. Stir for at least two minutes or until everything is well combined. Give your mixture a chance to cool just a bit before you pour into jello shots cups so you don't melt the cups!)

    Makes 10 shots

    Hawaiian Sunrise Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Pineapple Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Gin, 1/4 cup of Triple Sec and a splash of Grenadine. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 16 shots

    Nuclear Meltdown Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 1/2 cups of boiling water. Dissolve 2 boxes of Pineapple Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Gin, 1/4 cup Triple Sec, 1/2 cup of Vodka, 1/2 cup of Rum, and 1/2 cup of Tequila. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 32 shots

    Orange Brandy Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Orange Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of Brandy. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 16 shots

    Pop Your Cherry Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Cherry Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of Brandy. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 16 shots

    Parrot Head Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Pineapple Jello (3 oz box) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Black Raspberry Liqueur, and 1/4 cup of Spiced Rum. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 16 shots


    Purple Haze Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 package of Cranberry Jello (3 oz) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Vodka and 1/4 cup of Black Raspberry Liqueur. Stir well and wait until the liquid has a chance to cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 10 shots


    Red Silk Panties Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Cranberry Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Vodka, and 1/4 cup of Peach Schnapps. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 16 shots

    Rum ‘n Coke Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup (a 4 cups is a good size) and dissolve one 3 oz package of cherry or black cherry jello in one cup of boiling cola (Coke is definitely my favorite) for about 2 minutes. After the package is completely dissolved, add 1/2 cup of cold cola and 1/2 cup of light rum. Cool until the liquid is warm but not hot before pouring into cups. Pour the jello into individual jello shot cups and chill until firm.

    Makes 16 shots

    Sex on the Beach Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup (at least 4 cups in size - bigger if you have one) and measure 2 cups of boiling water. Dissolve 1 package of Orange Jello (3 oz) and 1 package of Cranberry Jello stirring at least 2 minutes until everything is completely dissolved. Next, add 1/2 cup of cold water, 3/4 cup of Peach Schnapps and 3/4 cup of Vodka. Stir until fully combined and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 18 shots

    Spiced Wench Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 box of Orange Jello (3 oz size) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of Spiced Rum and 1/4 cup of Peach Schnapps. Stir well and cool before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 16 shots

    Strawberry Daiquiri Jello Shooters

    In a large glass measuring cup and measure 1 cup of boiling water. Dissolve 1 package of Strawberry Jello (3 oz) and stir until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of Light Rum. Stir well and wait until the liquid has cooled before pouring into jello shot cups.

    Makes 10 shots


    Thursday, July 21, 2011

    Berry Lemonade Cake




    1 cup very hot water
    1 box (4-serving size) raspberry-flavored gelatin
    1 box white cake mix
    1/2 cup frozen (thawed) lemonade concentrate
    1/4 cup water
    1/3 cup vegetable oil
    4 egg whites

    1 container (12 oz) whipped vanilla frosting
    1 cup frozen (thawed) whipped topping
    1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries, if desired

    Lemon peel strips, if desired

    (For Orange Flavor use Orange gelatin and orange juice concentrate)

    Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with baking spray with flour. In small bowl, mix hot water and gelatin until gelatin is completely dissolved; cool slightly.
    In large bowl, beat cake mix, 1/4 cup of the gelatin mixture, 1/4 cup of the lemonade concentrate, the water, oil, and egg whites with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Pour into pan. Reserve remaining gelatin mixture and lemonade concentrate.

    Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Poke warm cake every inch with fork tines. Remove 1 tablespoon of the reserved gelatin mixture to microwavable custard cup or small bowl. In another small bowl, mix remaining gelatin mixture and remaining 1/4 cup lemonade concentrate; pour slowly over cake. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
    In medium bowl, fold together frosting and whipped topping; frost cake. Microwave 1 tablespoon gelatin mixture uncovered on High 10 seconds to liquefy. Using 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon, place small drops of gelatin mixture over frosting; with spoon or toothpick, swirl gelatin into frosting. Garnish each piece with raspberries and lemon peel strips. Store covered in refrigerator.
    Makes 12 servings