Kris Krinkle Cookies

 Hello friends!  I am sorry it has been this long between recipes, but I think it is "game on" again, and nothing is in my near future, but baking and cookies, I mean cooking.  Craft show season is over, and the holidays are upon us!!  I LOVE Christmas!

At a recent show, my daughter in law bought some crinkle cookies and I, in my old age had completely forgotten about crinkle cookies!  Oh they were so good, my memory just went back to my childhood!  I remember one of the nuns at CCD made these often, and I loved it.  See, I KNEW before my life ended I would find something nice to say about Sister Michaeline.  My mom would be so proud.  Anyway, I found an old recipe and wanted to make it a bit more festive and into a "Red Velvet" sort of cookie . I mean, Santa's suit IS red velvet, and it would only be fitting to leave a red and white cookie out for him to eat on his travels, right?  This would be an awesome one to make for my "NO BROWN" cookie trays!  I have discussed my disdain for brown cookie only cookie trays, in case you are new.  You know the ones, right?  Someone delivers them and they all look like they could be dried up poo, but nobody wants to try one to make sure.  You know it now......

One more thing.  I can tell you this dough can be refrigerated for days.  Don't ask me how  know.  Ok, do.  I mixed up the dough on Monday evening.  Maybe it was Tuesday.  Crap.  Anyway it is Friday and I just baked them off.  SO, keep that in mind if you are doing weekend baking, mix up one kind of cookie every night and have the dough all ready!  This one will stand up for sure!

When you roll these out, make sure to pop the dough into the fridge between batches.  It gets a bit messy when it warms up but isn't impossible.  They are so worth it!

1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
1/2 cup oil
6 T cocoa powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 eggs
1/4 cup milk
red food coloring (gel or paste)
2 cups flour
PINCH of salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup powdered sugar

In a bowl combine flour, salt, and baking powder together, set aside.  In a large bowl combine the sugar, oil, cocoa powder, vanilla and eggs.  Mix until combined well.  Add in milk and continue to mix.  Carefully add in the flour mixture and mix until it is completely combined and smooth.  Now, add in your food coloring, you can add a bunch at once or go little by little until you reach the read you like but I can assure you, it will take quite a bit!  Once you get there, cover your cookie dough and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.  Place your powdered sugar in a bowl.  Roll your dough into about 1 inch balls, and roll in the powdered sugar and place on to a parchment lined cookie sheet.  Bake for approx 10 minutes and let cool on the cookie sheet 2-3 minutes before removing.  Remove to cooling rack and carry on with the rest!

ENJOY!

PS My dough doesn't look very red.  Ugh.......it was!

Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

All I had to do was the type the title, and I went and grabbed another one.  You guys, seriously, these are amazeballs.

My daughter in law and I have been doing craft shows nearly every weekend.  WELL, 2 weekends ago we happened to be set up straight across from the bake sale people.  Whhaattt?  She brought two of these over and I went to a place so happy in my mind, I had to go home and figure it out, find a recipe, find a place to buy them or better yet, track down the nun who made them and beg for her recipe.  Well, none of those things really happened, but, I did find a couple of recipes online.  I tried them and neither were just the way "the ones" were at the bake sale.  So I started combining, adding, taking away, dancing the Na' Na' in between and it all just seemed to be the perfect mix.  So I baked them up, they looked and SMELLED perfect, I let them cool 10 minuted and waited for that glorious moment I was going to have another one of these in my chops and BAM.........not done all the way.  WHAT?  What kind of cook, someone who has been food blogging for 5 years, makes THIS kind of mistake?  Me.  So, I just looked at them, like, like a dog who ate a 20.00 steak off of the counter.  I threw them in the fridge, after all, almost raw dough is good to, and started again.  This time, was going to be different, I was going to bake them longer, and let them sit a bit longer, and waaaaaa-laaaaa!  Here is what I got!  I love the texture of these, which you might find a bit, almost "creamy" but not.  Cookie like but not.  Oh, just make them.  They are indescribable!

I think these would be an awesome addition to your table of holiday desserts, or just a nice snack to have sitting around the house so you can  wait for your next physical appointment and find out you have gained 5 lbs since April and then come home and eat more all the while............OMG...........sorry, small tangent there.

Here is what you need for these undeniably sweet treats!

2 2/3 cups of all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
2 eggs
3 T. granulated sugar
3 tsp. ground cinnamon

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease your 9x13 baking pan.  In a bowl mix together flour, bakng powder, and salt.  Set aside.  In a mixer bowl or a larger bowl cream together butter and sugar until smooth.  Add in eggs and whisk to combine.  Add this mixture to your flour mixture, or, as it may be your flour mixture to THIS mixture and mix until combined.  Pour into your baking pan and spread out evenly.

Now mix together your sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle liberally over the top.  Do it from high above, make it RAIN my friends!

This is the important part.  Bake for 25-30 minutes.  DO THE TOOTHPICK TEST on the center.  I can't deny that chilled half cooked cookie dough isn't delicious, but, shoot for the moon, and cook it all the way!


Much love to you all.  I sometimes forget to thank you often enough for your support, not just here on my website, but my social media as well.  Your kind emails, your recipe requests, I do my best to return them all!  I am forever grateful for all of you, my friends

ENJOY!

Christmas Popcorn Crunch

We are closer!  I am almost done, with EVERYTHING!!  Almost!

I wanted to share a fun popcorn recipe because, candy covered popcorn is one of my favorites and I have never tried making it at home.  I tried it, it is a dream, and frankly, I have no intention of sharing my stash.  You are going to have to make your own!

You may notice the recipe calls for M&M's and sprinkles, however, oddly, you can't see any in the photo.  Every. Single. Photo was the same.  I can't believe I didn't realize they all fell to the bottom but I don't think they did!  I don't know what happened!  Food blogger photo failure!  Just trust me!!

This is easy, and you will love it.  It is festive and a nice snack to just keep in a bowl to nibble on!  I hope you enjoy it as much as we did and make sure to make a little extra popcorn, you may prefer it with more!!

You will need:
16-18 cups of popcorn  (I used regular old fashioned popcorn)

To do it the old fashioned way, in case you are to young to remember!!  Add 3 tbsp. oil (veg, peanut, or canola) into a LARGE pot with a lid.  Add in 3/4 cup of popcorn, put the lid on and wait for the first pop.  Using hot pads or oven mitts, keep one hand on the lid and gently move the pot around until the pop slows to almost a stop.  Turn off the burner and move the pot off the stove and let sit 5 minutes.  In this case, until cool. 

If you are using microwave popcorn I am guessing you would need a good 6 bags.  But try it the old fashioned way, come on, just do it!

For the rest of the recipe you will need:
2 boxes of red jello, your choice of flavor (sm. 3-3.4 oz. size)
1/2 cup butter
6 T light corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
red food coloring
1/2 cup assorted Christmas sprinkles
1/2-1 cup M&Ms
1/4 cup melted white chocolate (I tinted mine red) optional!

After you have placed 16 cups of popcorn into a large bowl, make sure to line a large cookie sheet (or 2) with parchment paper and set aside.  Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F.

Now, melt the butter and syrup in a saucepan over pretty low heat.  When the butter is melted add sugar and gelatin (jello) and bring to a boil over medium heat. At this point add in a bit of red food coloring, I don't like faded colors!  You can choose to leave it out, but bright colors ROCK!  Reduce your heat and let simmer about 4-5 minutes, stirring almost constantly.

Now CAREFULLY pour the syrup over the bowl of popcorn.  Stir like a fool, while the syrup is still hot, get the popcorn covered. If you feel you need more popcorn, add it now and stir.  It is just to your personal preference. 

Now pour your popcorn out unto your lined cookie sheet(s) and smooth into an even layer like this.

Bake for 10 minutes, HOWEVER, after 5 minutes, remove pans and give it a careful toss, replace into the oven and bake another 5 minutes.

When it is done, remove, and sprinkle on 1/2 cup assorted Christmas sprinkles, and 1/2 cup (or more) of Christmas M&Ms. Now is the time to drizzle over any white chocolate if you choose!!  I colored mine red!  Let cool completely, break it up into pieces and enjoy!!  Keep covered in an airtight container to keep fresh and crunchy!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FRIENDS!

-Just For 2 Series: Simple Oyster Stew For Two

I feel like the title should say in parenthesis "And being the daughter of Santa" !

Happy ALMOST Christmas! ACK!  Who has their shopping, wrapping, decorating and baking done?  Not me!  I did take time though to make one of my husbands favorite soups, and I wanted to share our food tradition as a child in my family since it includes this!

What says "Christmas" like oyster stew?  Well it does for me anyway, my mom always made oyster stew on Christmas Eve.   My family always opened gifts on Christmas Eve.  Christmas morning we woke up to what Santa had left us!

Ok, wait, let me back up. (You know there is a story here)  My dad has played Santa for probably 50 years or more.  He has a beautiful suit, he is a jolly man, who has the perfect build for Santa! (wink)  He was always Santa at all of our local stores, movie theatre and local events.  MANY times we sat on his lap, asking for our biggest dreams, having no idea it was our own daddy under that beard and wig.  Magical, to me, it is just magical as an adult looking back.  As we got older, and grandkids came into the picture, we had an "incident".  My nephew Brandon, probably  4 or 5 at the time, walked into Grandma and Grandpa's bedroom while we were getting "Santa" ready.  He stopped dead in his tracks, almost like time stood still.  He said, "Grandp..Santa"?  Well, now that creates a problem with about 10 other grandkids in the other room, doesn't it?  (and about 10 more that would come later along with the greats!) So it became common knowledge to the grands in the family that Grandpa was one of Santa's "helpers".  That realistically Santa couldn't get everywhere in one night, but they couldn't tell their friends because he wouldn't be able to keep his special suit and make so many children happy.  Hey, call it what you want, it has worked for a good 30 years now!  We would white shoe polish all of his facial hair since he had black hair, even when he shaved it looked dark, cherry red the tip of his nose, cheeks and lips, double side tape his moustache in place so his beard would fall in a perfect wave down his rich red velvet jacket.  His wig, was smoothed and perfectly fixed before he it was topped off with the magical hat that seemed to instantly transform him into the real Santa.   We would pull up his boots topped with white fur, then on went the snow white gloves and his little wire rimmed glasses.  He would gather his big red bag that "Mrs. Claus" made and off we would go.  Lots of us kids helped but a few of us loved it more than others.  He took these jobs on Christmas Eve to help fund Christmas for his own 10 children and wife.  Starting at about 5pm, one of us, or a couple of us would drive him from job to job, there would be gifts left in garages, in cars, in backyards, and in dog houses. He would fill his bag with them and knock on the front door, or just burst through as he would turn his head and holler back out the door "Come on Blitzen, calm down"  or "Donner, don't you take Rudolph's carrots" or other similar lines.  Sometimes we would peek in windows undetectable to absorb some of the Christmas joy being spread by the man we simply called "dad" but always knew he was made to be, lived his life just like, and in our hearts WAS the REAL Santa.   We helped him deliver a horse with her mane adorned in tinsel, in the snow and ice, up a huge icy hill.  We had to get her at a local stable and walk her to her new home!  There were puppies, kittens,  and one of the most moving deliveries was a simple candy cane, to a woman lying in her bed, taking her last breathes.  She wanted Santa to bring her a candy cane.  In small towns word travels fast and he had heard of her last wish.   So he entered her home with a gentle "HoHoHo", walked her bedroom that had not much more than a bed, and a light bulb hanging from a wire.  With snow falling outside her window  on that Christmas eve he gave her, that candy cane and witnessed the smile of an angel.  He kneeled beside her to pray and as she grabbed his white gloved hand she said, "It's really you Santa".  Her last words.  He was infamous for entering mass right after communion, during the time we call meditation.  He would enter through the back of the church in his santa suit, walked quietly down the center aisle to the stares of disbelief of every child (and adult) there.  He knelt at the nativity, removed his hat, and later admitted that he shed a tear and prayed for all children and families to be healed, happy, and always know the love of Christ.  He got up, put his hat back on, and walked quiet as could be right back out. Sometimes he couldn't resist a faint "HO HO HO MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL" as he exited.    I am guessing you could hear a pin drop for the  next 5 minutes. 

Here is a photo of the last time my dad was able to dress up.  We hold our Christmas celebration in a school gymnamsium since there are so many of us, 10 kids, spouses, grandkids, great grandkids but he always tried to dress up and make sure all of the kids sat on Grandp--oops, Santa's lap.  I will cherish this photo forever, this is my dad, the giver, the miracle worker, the rescuer, the selfless human who will take the shirt off of his back for a stranger, (and has).  The loving, supportive father, who would be surrounded by his children and grandchildren everyday if he could.  He was born to be Santa and in our hearts he always will be.  Now, he is just able to sit back in his grandpa clothes, and enjoy his family together, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.  He is in all of his glory when he has his family near. 

This is how I grew up celebrating Christmas Eve.  I wanted to share it with you, so you could experience the magic of how the day went for me.  After my dad was done, he would come home, sneak in the back door, get cleaned up and join us for dinner. which was ALWAYS, chicken noodle soup, potato soup and oyster stew.  We were a large struggling family so oyster stew was a holiday treat that was not afforded any other time of year.  In the middle of the rural Midwest you don't get fresh oysters either, so my mom would use those from a can which is exactly how I made mine for you.  We would have deli meats and cheeses for sandwiches, then open gifts and then get dressed in our new Christmas dresses and suits and head to midnight mass where my mom was the choir director and organist.  Memories..........   Thanks for letting me share mine with you. 

If you are able to get fresh oysters, I would use a dozen for this recipe.  Keep the liquor, the juice from them, you will need it!  Even if you used canned, keep the juice!

This will generously serve two, maybe 3.  So if you need a bigger batch just double it or triple it.  I used 2 cans of oysters because my husband loves them but one is really probably enough for most people.  I will leave that part up to you.  This is three ingredients plus salt and pepper, does it get much easier?

You will need:
2 cups half and half
4-5 tbsp. butter (I know, but it is Christmas guys!)
1 dozen fresh oysters with liquid or 1-2, 8oz cans
salt and pepper to taste

In a medium sauce pan melt your butter.  While it is melting drain your oysters but KEEP the juice!  When the butter is melted, add in just the liquid from the oysters and the half and half.  Let simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it is almost simmering.  Add in oysters and simmer for 2-3 more minutes.  If you are using fresh oysters, as soon as you see them start to curl they are done.  Don't over cook this or they will be tough!  Now salt and pepper to taste and serve!

Could it be easier?  It is silky, and perfect.  My mom would be proud, and Santa, well, Santa would be to busy to eat a bowl, but wouldn't mind, because spreading joy to the world is exactly what my dad does. 

People will jokingly say, "You know, if you don't believe in Santa (insert a plethora of endings).  I always reply with "I know Santa is real, he is my dad". 

Enjoy!

Chocolate Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies

ACK! 15 more days until Christmas!  Are you ready?  How are you doing on the shopping?  Are you at the "OMG I have no have to pay more than the price of the gift to get it shipped in time" phase yet?  I started wrapping last night.  We discussed, if you follow me on Facebook about how I am about that kind of thing.  Yikes.  But I enjoy soft lights, Christmas music and beautifully wrapping the gifts we have chosen for those we love.  It is relaxing, and my husband always says I should start a gift wrapping business at the holidays!

I did get in the kitchen yesterday and get these wonderful treats made.  They are a favorite in our family, and I wanted to make sure to share the really special treats we love with you this year.  It is a really busy time and developing new recipes this time of year, (which actually started 2 months ago for me.  I am like retail!) I just want to enjoy the beauty of the season, the reason for the season, my family and friends and spending a lot of time developing anything new isn't in my game plan for this month, especially this year with my grandchildren now living in the same city.  They are our families Christmas miracles as they were born last Christmas Eve, 6 weeks early and yet, they have grown into beautiful, funny, healthy little monkeys who we can't imagine life without!  Though this isn't technically their first Christmas, it kind of is.

I have to share one of their Christmas photos with you!


These cookies are so good.  The chocolate flavor is rich, and though the actual cookies isn't super sweet, the addition of the white chocolate drizzle and crushed peppermint, makes it the perfect cookie.  When you see the amount of sugar you might say, "WHOA", but using the unsweetened chocolate, in addition makes the flavor so much richer.  It makes over 5 dozen cookies, don't worry, you won't consume it all at once! They are easy, the dough is beautiful, and they don't take long to bake or cool.  I think it would be fun to let the kids drizzle and sprinkle them with anything they like! 



Here is what you will need:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
2 tsps. vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
4 oz. melted unsweetened chocolate (I used the already melted variety because I had it on hand)
1 cup white chocolate chips melted
crushed candy canes (how many is up to you)
You can use any other candy or decoration to sprinkle over the top as well it doesn't have to be peppermint!

In a large bowl or the bowl of your standing mixer, cream together, cream cheese, butter, sugar, salt and vanilla extract together until creamy.  Add in baking soda and mix well.  Start adding in  your flour and beat (stand or hand mixer) slowly at first, so you don't get covered in flour and add until it is all incorporated!  Now, pour in your melted unsweetened chocolate and let it mix until well combined. 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.  Take a tablespoon size scoop or actual spoon and roll that amount into a ball. Next roll it into a long snake shape, you can do them as small or as big as you like, but the size I did, I got a nice size cookie, and ended up with over 5 dozen.  Shape them into a candy cane shape and place on parchment lined or non stick cooking spray, sprayed, cookie sheets.  I easily get 12 on a sheet, they don't spread a lot but they do spread a bit. 

Bake for 10 minutes.  That is the exact time that I find keeps them soft, even with the carry over cooking.  Place them on a cooling rack to cool!

Melt white chocolate in either a double boiler set up or in the microwave, 20 seconds at a time on half power.  Trust me, just trust me.  Place into a piping bag or Ziploc that you have cut the tip off of.  You can even just use a spoon or fork to drizzle.  While the white chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with your crushed peppermint candy or whatever you choose to sprinkle on them.  Let sit until the chocolate is set and enjoy!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Who-Pops

I love the Grinch!  I seriously, must watch this movie 10 times each holiday season.  Then there are those few times during the year I just need my "fix"!

But let's get to the real questions....lollipops or suckers?  Lollipops to me, but suckers to most where I grew up.  It is funny how all of these regional things never seem to occur to you until you move to a new region.

It has been a heck of a week.  I made these 4 days ago, and never got them shared with you until now.  So sorry but, the truth is, I have 2 crying grandbabies in the other room so we need to make this a quickie!  I think these would be awesome added to your holiday cookie trays and thanks Yolli Ltd. for these cute lollipop sticks!  They have everything you need for all things sweet in your life!

These are made from Jolly Ranchers candy.  You must use the hard candy, not the soft chews!!  I went to a party store where I could get all red and green but heck, use all the colors if you want!

You will need, but the quantities are really up to you!

Popsicle or lollipop sticks (as many as you need)
Jolly Ranchers (all unwrapped)
Parchment paper

Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F.  Place your unwrapped candy however you want them to melt.  Make sure they are touching, I used different patterns, but I use 2 or 3 for each one.  I think that makes a decent size who-pop!  Place into oven (WITHOUT THE STICKS) for 5-6 minutes.  They will have melted together to touch, when you get them out, immediately take your stick and sort of roll it into the middle so it is all covered with the candy.  If you are using a flat stick, you can actually lay them down on the parchment and put the hard candy on them and let them melt right onto the stick.   Let cool 15 minutes and wham, bam, thank you WHOVILLE for these adorable pops!

Enjoy!!

Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Bars

Can you believe it is the week before Christmas already?  WHY does this always sneak up on us?  I mean, we know it is coming, same time, same month, same place, every year, yet we catch ourselves never ready!! 

Since I got to see my kids and have an early Christmas, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, my gifts are bought, wrapped, opened and hopefully being enjoyed!  All I have left is a few things for my husband and time to do some fun baking, and soaking up my favorite Christmas movies all week! 

As promised, I have another easy, no bake, Christmas recipe for you.  I love chocolate and peppermint together, so I figured I could make something using both, AND white chocolate fudge.  Seriously?!  Totally serious.  Now get this made, so you can get that shopping finished, those gifts wrapped, and take a minute with a hot cup of your favorite beverage in front of your tree to remember the true meaning of Christmas, and who and what is REALLY important this Christmas season!

Wishing you the best Christmas of your LIFE!

Chocolate Crust:
9 ounces chocolate crackers, made into crumbs (teddy grahams or the equivalent)
1/2 cup melted butter

Line an 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish with a piece of parchment for easy removal of dessert when finished!

Place chocolate crackers into your food processor or in a Ziploc bag and make crumbs out of those babies.  Next add in melted butter, to either the processor or right into the bag.  Process until combined or mash around in the bag until combined.  Either way will work perfectly.  Dump into prepared baking dish and press crust firmly and evenly into the bottom.  Set aside.

White Chocolate Fudge:
12 ounces white chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 to 1 whole bag of Andes Peppermint Baking Chips

In a saucepan, SLOWLY melt together white chocolate chips and condensed milk.  (you may recognize this as my easy fudge recipe only using white chips).  When all ingredients are melty and combined and smooth, stir in marshmallows and pour over cookie crust.  Gently make sure it is spread over the entire pan.  Sprinkle over your peppermint chips until the entire top is covered.  I went a bit overboard on mine.  So be it, peppermint on my friends.....peppermint ON!

Refrigerate for at LEAST 2 hours, overnight would rock.  Using parchment that you let hang over the edges, lift out of the pan and cut!  I cut small pieces, it is rich AND thick.  When not serving keep refrigerated. 

Enjoy this delish holiday treat.   It is one of my very favorites now!

 

Your "peppermint on top basically makes it toothpaste so this is GOOD for you" Chefwannabe

Snowballs!

I promised to pull out the stops and still get you some easy Christmas (or just winter in general) treats and I WILL!!   I love that nearly all of the recipes I am getting to you this year, are kid friendly.  GET YOUR KIDS in the kitchen, they will love it and you will find they will be more likely to eat what they think they don't like if you let them help cook or fix it!  I know it isn't hard to get them to eat treats, but in general, I found it to be VERY true!  Some of my best Christmas memories are those spent baking with my mom and sisters.

 

I would say I am into snow this year.  But I'm not.  I would say I am into balls this year, but, that...isn't appropriate.  ANYWAY.   That being said, I am not sure where the idea of these came from other than I wanted to make something that looked like a snow ball.  I made some white chocolate covered Valentine Rice Krispy treats last year but they were a bit different.  I went with the traditional rice krispy treats and fancied up the aftermath, so to speak!

I used white chocolate chips but use the melts if you so choose or almond bark.  No biggie there.  For after the chocolate dipping I went with coconut, snowflake sprinkles, fancy flaked sugar, white edible pearls, and I think that is it.  You know I was just in NJ so I picked up some fabulous sprinkles at the Amish Market.  Only to come home and find 9 HUGE bottles of Christmas sprinkles in the big bowl of sprinkles.  Oops.  (teehee)  I hoard sprinkles, apparently. 

Like I said, these are easy, and they will look great on your UNBROWN cookie trays!

6 cups Rice Krispy's
10 ounces mini marshmallows (or regular size)
4 tbsp. butter
18 ounces white chocolate
white sprinkles of choice (and/or shredded coconut)

In a large pot, add in marshmallows and butter.  Stir on LOW until melted and combined.  Add in rice Krispy cereal and mix until ALL combined.  Let sit 10 minutes.  Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, roll into individual balls.  I got approx. 32 out of my mix, but it will depend on how big or small you want your snowballs to be!  When you have rolled them, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and refrigerate at least 1 hour, I did mine overnight.  You want them nice and set! 

Dipping and Decorating:
Melt your white chocolate 15 seconds at a time in the microwave.  I use a pint size ball jar for mine, I find it easy to dip in and out quickly!  Stir between each 15 seconds and add a few drops of vegetable oil if your chocolate needs thinned out a bit for easier dipping.  Get your sprinkles, coconut, sugar, whatever you want to use, ready for dipping.   I just used 4 bowls and put one kind in each one.   Using a toothpick or skewer, stab your balls, (omg that sounded horrible but I am leaving it) one at a time, dip in white chocolate, and then GENTLY top on your jar to get ALL excess chocolate off.  Then roll in your sprinkles or coconut or sugar of choice!  Place on your cookie sheet, pull out the skewer and move on.  When you are finished, refrigerate again for 1 hour to set. 

I LOVE these little snowballs.  I love using different finishing sprinkles, and items to give them all a different texture and I love that you expect them to be cake pops and they aren't!  If snowballs could be an elegant Christmas treat, these would be your snowballs!

Your "sneaky rice krispy treat lovin" Chefwannabe

 

PS.  How cute would 3 of these look in a little favor bag for winter party favors?!?

Egg Nog Cupcakes

Ahh!  Hello my friends!  Long time, no see!  As many of you know, I have been home in New Jersey for the past 3 weeks.  My father in law became ill very suddenly, and passed away 3 weeks later.  We spent a lot of much needed time with my mother in law, children, granddaughter, brother, and all of our family and friends.  I popped online a few times but, this is my first new post in awhile.  I had a couple extra done so I spread those out while I was away.

Anyway, I am obviously finding it hard to jump right into the Christmas season.  Normally I would have jumped in a month ago, but I think I can pull out some delicious  easy, Christmas cheer for you all!  It might not be as much as normal, but I got home at 7pm on Wed night and spent all day yesterday and so far today, in the kitchen. 

I see that Facebook is having another temper tantrum and while I was blessed to never have the issues other bloggers did with their fan pages, I am having it now.  Hardly anyone is seeing my posts, and very few new fans, as of late.  Please make sure to spread the word about Foodthoughtsofachefwannabe and make sure to follow me here directly, twitter, instagram, Pinterest, or whatever social media you groove on!

That being said, many of you may not have seen my request to discuss, "Egg Nog".  People either love it or hate it, and I am not such a fan myself.  My husband on the other hand, is ridiculously in love.  I wanted to make him a special treat, and in the end, I LOVED them too.  I wanted to make it into a cupcake.  For the record, I just shopped at my first "The Christmas Tree Shoppe" in Jersey, where I bought no less than 15 new cupcake liner designs.  What that means for you is to be expecting some amazing, OVER the top, RIDICULOUSLY amazing cupcakes.  HA! 

The egg nog flavor is light and creamy, and the frosting.......get outta here, it is creamy perfection!  The recipe couldn't be easier, the cake is fluffy and light and the icing is perfection!

I hope you enjoy these, even make them into minis, you won't be sorry, trust me.

For the cupcakes you will need:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground or grated nutmeg
1 heaping cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup egg nog

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.  In your stand mixer or in a bowl with a hand mixer, add in butter, salt, baking powder, nutmeg and sugar. Cream together until completely combined and add both eggs, ONE at a time! Now add in the flour and egg nog alternately.  Some flour and mix, egg nog and mix, I think you are supposed to end with flour but truth be told, I didn't, and I don't pay attention to that stuff that I am sure means something really important but never seems to make a difference to me.  Get it all combined, just make sure not to over mix.

Line cupcake pans with liners.  This will make 24 cupcakes. Fill evenly and back for 15-18 minutes.  Remove and let cool completely!

Creamy Egg Nog Icing
1/2 cup butter softened
4 ozs. cream cheese, softened
4=5 cups powdered sugar (aka confectioners, or icing)
1/4 cup egg nog
nutmeg for dusting

Combine all ingredients and mix.  If you are using a stand mixer, once the ingredients are combined, whip on high for 2-3 minutes.  If you are using a hand mixer, whip until creamy and smooth. 

Ice cupcakes using a piping bag, or a knife and dust LIGHTLY with nutmeg.

Like I mentioned, make these into minis or one big cake.  I can't see how you could possibly go wrong.  Light fluffy egg noggy cake and creamy egg nog heaven on top!  ENJOY!!

Your "putting the MERRY in Christmas" Chefwannabe

My Christmas letter to you......

Good Morning and Merry Christmas Eve!

It is with great love, happiness and friendship I write my Christmas letter to you, friends I never would have been blessed enough to meet without the creation of FoodThoughtsOfaChefWannabe.  It is early, and I am sitting in the recliner, with a cup of Mockiatto, all the lights out except the light in the manger and the Christmas tree lights.  I love to reflect in the morning, alone, in the quiet and stillness, just "being" in the right now.   I am sure this letter will be all over the place, as I have a hard time organizing my thought sometimes.  I just like to put things down, and go with it.  I am sure you all don't mind.

This year has been a crazy one.  So many little, crazy, unimportant things going on.  Of course they didn't seem like little things when they were going on.  We welcomed our new daughter in law this year, we travelled to south Georgia to celebrate our children's wedding.  That was the highlight of our year, what a beautiful time together we had.  Luckily our son hasn't deployed again and we pray he won't for awhile, but if he does, we accept he is defending the country and people he loves, living his dream and for that we are touched, proud and grateful.  How many of us can say we are living our dream?  This little (OK now big) boy has been going to be a soldier since the moment he could talk.  We love you Cody, Kayla and our granddaughter Madalynn.  We miss you at the holidays and all year.  We don't get to see you enough but  you are never out of our thoughts, hearts or prayers.  Aren't they precious?! (swoon)

I found this photo and I wish I had MY version of this photo.  It has a little story.  My dad has played Santa Claus for at least 45+ years.  He is a jolly big guy and the part couldn't be more perfectly played.  At our church in my hometown there is a children's mass before midnight mass.  It usually has children dancing, live animals and Santa.   One year, after communion, the entire congregation including those in chairs set up in the back and standing in the aisles, was quiet.  reflecting, and praying.  My dad, without a sound, walked into the church, walked down the center aisle, all decked out in his Santa suit, and beard that looks so real I have even seen adults tug it.  He walked down to the alter, in front of the huge manger, and got down on one knee, removed his hat, and prayed.  He later told me he prayed for the children and families who were sick, or broken, for peace and for all to know the love of their Savior.  Without a sound, he got back up, and walked right back down the center aisle, and out the door.  The looks on the children's faces were on shock, adults had tears running down their face.  What is it about the meeting up of  baby Jesus and Santa?  Well, like I said I saw this photo and had to share that story with you.  Somewhere floats the picture of my dad, the "real" Santa who has spent endless Christmas Eve's loading his big red bag full of gifts left in cars or garages and busted through many a front door to the "ohhhss" and "aahhhs" of children and adults alike.  I have helped him deliver anything from a horse with beautiful tinsel braided into its mane and tail, to groceries to unsuspecting families going through hard times.  He even got word early in his Santahood of a dying elderly woman, on Christmas eve, who only wanted a lollipop and visit from Santa before she died.  Need I tell you, she got both?  I could go on and on with these kinds of stories but my purpose besides sharing this photo with you, is to encourage you to never stop "doing unto others as you would want done unto you".  You never know when a kind word, or gesture will be the last you give or receive, make every moment count for the good!

I realize we don't all share the same religion, in fact some of you don't have a religion, or believe in what I believe.  That is OK!!  Regardless, I wish you all a Merry Christmas, celebrating whatever you do believe the true meaning is.  CHERISH special time with your friends, your family, anyone you love.  Remember it is always better to give than to receive and that means ANYTIME of year.  When you see someone in need, lend them a helping hand, no matter what it is, anytime you can.  Let this holy day, be one of HOPE, and PROMISE as it should be!  Eat LOTS of candy, cookies, desserts..........I mean we all know it is the only time of year where gaining weight is acceptable right?!?!

I started this blog for a very personal reason.  Please know, your presence here, your friendship, laughing together, and going through personal life events you share with me is never taken for granted.  You are all an important part of my life, and I think you for making each day full of laughter, and kindness for me and those who are also part of the Chefwannabe family.  I pray you are all kept in good health, happiness and the greatest joy you have ever known in the new year. 

Merry Christmas!!  I leave you with my favorite (not religious) Christmas song......since this IS my Christmas card to you!

 

With love,

Chris

FoodThoughtsOfaChefWannabe

Easy Chocolate Nut Cookies

Happy Wednesday before Christmas everyone!  I trust you are all prepared for the holidays?!?

I thought I had done all the baking I was going to do.  However, I decided I needed to use up this Jif Chocolate Hazelnut spread I had in the cupboard.  I was sorely bummed that it was terrible, (in my opinion) but wanted to find something to do with it.  So using an easy Nutella Cookie recipe I have as a base, I really changed up this recipe using the Jif and a few half bags of chips, nuts, etc laying around and went for it.  You could literally mix in anything you want from dried fruit to any flavors of chips, or nuts. 

If you follow me on Facebook, you will see the near disaster in which almost yielded my family zero cookies. My furry nephew Gus (aka Gusy Bear) sat by this plate of cookies while I took photos for nearly 15 minutes, like a statue.  I started to get up and decided to take his picture as he sat so nice and bam, LICKED the cookies.  Anyway he smiled so big when I told him "NO".  He could be in the doggy denture commercials.  I grabbed him and smooched his face and told him he wasn't in bad trouble, but it wasn't nice to "wick da tookies" (using a lisp of course)  Yea, that's my dog language, what of it?!?! If you have a dog, you have a language, and don't pretend you don't.

Anyway, we are about 2 hours away from the start of a big snow storm.  I can't wait to post you all some photos later!  SNOW ANGELS!  Wait, BLOODY MARY'S and then SNOW ANGELS.  You think I won't, do ya?  HA!

This is one of the easiest recipes you will find. 

2 cups Nutella or Jif Choco-Hazelnut Spread
1 cup sugar
2 cups flour
2 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 cup white chocolate chips

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Combine all ingredients.  Line cookie sheets with silpat or parchment paper.  Roll into approximately 1 inch balls.  Using the palm of your hand flatten them out a bit.  They will hardly spread so no worries about that.  Bake 8 min, or until set.  I did 8 and they are perfect, still soft and SO chewy!  I am afraid 9 will make them cool and be hard.  If you like hard, crunchy cookies, 9 it is my friends!

This made about 4 dozen cookies!  These are almost like a cross between a chewy brownie and a cookies.  My gosh, they are SO good!

Hurry, get this one made up!  It is quick, easy and CHOOOCOOLATTEEEE.  I sang that, in an opera voice. 

Your "bring on the blizzard conditions baby"chefwannabe

PS. If you don't follow me on Face Book, THIS is what happened when my furry nephew was COLD BUSTED licking the cookies....

Mockiatto Coffee Drink Mix

Only a WEEK until Christmas you guys!  Accckk!  Is your shopping done?  Cleaning? Decorating? Baking? Hurry, hurry, hurry! 

Actually what I wish you would all do is sit down, make a Mockiatto, and think about the real reason for celebration.  Daydream for 20 minutes about holidays past, memorable gifts, memorable visits and realize, the house being clean isn't important, the only thing important is the special time you will spend with those you love, family, friends, etc.   I was just thinking about the Christmas I got my first pair of Velcro sneakers, and pin stripped jeans.  Or the Christmas I got a red plastic sled FILLED with new crayons and coloring books.  How about my first cabbage patch kid?!  So many fun memories. 

Nobody will starve and the Christmas tree may not be perfect, the garland may be half falling off the window but is all that REALLY so important?  Celebrating the birth of our savior, IS the reason for the season!!

OK, turning off memory lane now.   You all know what an avid coffee drink I am.  I think I could possibly qualify for a career in competitive coffee drinking.   I drink way to much coffee, my doctor says so anyway, I say, can you EVER drink ENOUGH?  I love the flavored creamers, I love it black, I love it about any way I can get it.  Instead of spending to much money on expensive coffee drinks from fancy coffee houses, I would love for you to give my Mockiatto a try.  I found a recipe similar at Hillbilly Housewife and wanted to change it up to the flavors I enjoy most....caramel and vanilla. 

I know you all are busy so I will get right to the recipe.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! (I will be making a double recipe next time, just easier and stores perfectly in an airtight container)

1 cup powdered milk
1 cup caramel vanilla creamer
1 lg pkg (5.1 oz)  instant vanilla pudding mix
1/2-3/4 cup instant coffee granules

Add all ingredients to your food processor.  Process until it is a fine powder.  Add 3 heaping tbsps to 10-12 ounces of hot water.  You can adjust to your taste, more or less!

This keeps beautifully in an airtight container.  How about giving some for a gift?!  Include a baggie of it on your cookie tray! 

You do NOT have to do this in a food processor.  I just like it powdery more than I like it in bigger granules but will work fine either way!

Enjoy my friends.  Take a minute to cherish the true meaning of the season and enjoy the preparation and anticipation with a hot Mockiatto!

Your "still not done shopping"chefwannabe

Christmas memories, making Peanut Butter Balls

Christmas baking.................

Growing up the youngest of 10 children, things in the Christmas baking department were probably a little different for me than my older siblings.  It was the most exciting of times, and my memories are so vivid.  Let me start by giving you a little history of how MY pre Christmas ritual went.

I can remember it always being snowy and SO cold around when the older kids were due to return home for Christmas break.  The anticipation would drive me crazy, the thrill of us all being together and of course getting loads of attention for weeks! HA! My mom would let me get all dressed up and bundled up.  My sister or brother who was due to come home would always call before they left so she would know about when they would arrive.  I would sit on the front porch and when the respective sibling would pull around the corner, I would run into the house screaming "PEGGY IS HOME, or KAREN IS HOME, or JIMMY IS HOME", almost as if it was my duty and responsibility to announce the arrival of each big sister and brother arriving to spend Christmas at home. 

What wonderful memories.  We still have most of the same traditions, although our family has grown out of that originally 7 bedroom, 2 bath house and we have to celebrate Christmas in a school gymnasium.  Here is a photo of that old front porch I would wait on!

(Here it is, the front porch of my childhood home, perfect for lots of "sittin". In fact 42 years and counting this house has been home for my family.  Although it recently underwent major renovation, less 2 bedrooms, and major repair/renovation to that big front porch that now has a different railing.  See below for an updated porch, just after construction.)

Anyway back to baking.  We would make SO many sugar cookies.  It seemed a never ending task, baking sugar cookies, candy cane cookies, Russian teacakes, spritz cookies, divinity, fudge, banana bread, fruitcake and PEANUT BUTTER BALLS!  My mom would spread newspaper over the entire dining room table.  She would put out bowls of different colored frosting, sprinkles, those little silver things that could break your teeth, and colored sugar.  We would spend hours decorating, laughing, listening to Christmas music and talking.  However, when it came time to make peanut butter balls, this is when I got extra excited!  Looking back on those peanut butter balls, they were a little dry inside.  I didn't care, but as an adult, I thought it was time to improve upon them.  I don't know where my mom got her recipes, she probably doesn't know.  I am sure it was likely a church cookbook though!  She would always melt wax into her dipping chocolate.  Did anyone else's mom do that?  They would glisten and she would let me sneak one while the chocolate was still gooey and warm.

These peanut butter balls came out incredible.  I have a flashback of my childhood with each bite, and trust me, I had so many memories (bites) the day I made these, I think it would qualify as a past life regression session.  They are so creamy inside, a little crunch and then the sweet milk chocolate on the outside.  Please enjoy these, and I wish you and yours the most blessed Christmas season, full of laughter, love, memories and the hope celebrating the birth of our Savior brings. 

Easiest, tastiest, creamiest, yummiest Peanut Butter Balls, EVER!

1 cup peanut butter (I use creamy but use crunchy if you like)

3 tbsp butter, room temperature (not melted)

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup powdered sugar (confectioner sugar/icing sugar)

1 1/4 cup rice krispy cereal

10 ounces milk chocolate chips

2 tsp vegetable oil

2 tbsp white chocolate for garnish (optional

 

Line a cookie sheet with foil or parchment paper and set aside.  Combine, peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar.  When it is completely combined, add rice krispy cereal and mix until completely combined.  Roll the mixture into balls.  I rolled mine on the large side, about a 3 biter size!  I got 24 balls, but if you make them smaller you will get more.  When the balls are all rolled, place into the freezer for 1 hour. 

 

In a microwave safe bowl melt your chocolate, 30 second increments at a time. When it is all melted add 1-2 tsps of vegetable oil.  Mix until combined and dip away!  Place the ball in the chocolate, coat and put back on your cookie sheet.  If you are going to garnish with white chocolate, melt at this time, if you need to add some vegetable oil to make it thinner to drizzle do so.  Drizzle all of the peanut butter balls.  This is completely optional.  When you are done, refrigerate for 2 hours, then serve or freeze until you need them for Christmas or cookie trays!

Thank you for walking down memory lane with me.  I like to go there from time to time with you all, and in my own travels.  I love you mom, but my peanut butter balls........will make you never want yours again!

Your "peanut butter and chocolate are from heaven"chefwannabe

Elf Hats!

As you all know, I love YouTube.  It is an unhealthy, amazing addiction.  I like watching lots of YouTubers but obviously cooking ones (ok and makeup) are my obsessions.  I ran across this crazy chick, who is dubbed "The Crumb Boss" (Gretchen).  She owns a bakery in North Jersey and she and her best friend, Steph (the producer) are hilarious, and inappropriate and completely addicting to watch. (at least to me and almost 32,000 other viewers they are!).   Anyway, recently I ran across this adorable little Christmas treat.  I had seen it on Pinterest, but the reality is, the Crumb Boss is much cooler and it gave me a chance to share these Jersey girls with you all!  She even had a cute name for them and upon emailing her, she gave me her blessing to share it with you all!  However, I did NOT cheat and fill half my bowl with plain bugles........*insert throat clearing gag noises*.

Anyway, I know so many of you are very busy and though you enjoy Christmas treats it is tough to find time for tons of baking.  These treats, you just assemble and they are the perfect combination of salty and sweet.  HOWEVER, I have a few "lessons" to pass on to you guys.  The original Elf Hats called for regular M&M's.  I thought I would be smarter than Gretchen, and would use peanut M&M's.  Yea, not so smart.  They are a little big, they still give the effect and look cute, but, when I make them for Christmas trays, I will use plain.  See what happens when you are physically and emotionally unable to stick a recipe?  Also, unless you were born with 4 arms, who can work as separate units, get a buddy to do either the filling or the candies.  My chocolate got everywhere when I put the bag down to put the M&M in.  Just find a buddy, someone to share a glass of wine and make Elf Hats with.  Shouldn't be to hard.

I don't remember how many this made, but I can tell you that it made quite a few, plus the 6 or so I ate while putting them together.  I would suggest melting just half of your chocolate at a time.  Just a note I don't want to forget to tell you.

Ok, you are going to need to grab:
1 box of ORIGINAL bugles
1 12ounce bag of white chocolate chips
1 lg bag of plain M&M's
1 disposable pastry bag

Get a cookie sheet and line it with parchment paper or foil,  Melt your chocolate, half of the bag at a time in 30 second increments until all melted.  Pour into your disposable pastry bag and cut off only the very tip! Fill each bugle with white chocolate, let it overfill a tiny bit and stick your M&M in for the elf head, into the "hat".  Rinse and repeat. 

Go until you run out of ingredients, or you just get tired of making them.  Make sure to eat the ones that don't look just right, and work fast, before your chocolate hardens in your bag! 

Thanks to Gretchen for graciously letting me share her little snack, and for the constant entertainment and great recipes I get from her video's!  I will link you to her channel, and FB page below!
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/steph91069
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crumb-Boss/122002891200039?fref=ts

Your "wonders if all elf heads taste like chocolate"chefwannabe

Oh Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuudge!!

Oh what a Christmas it has been!!!  Santa brought me a new camera so my blogging photos should be even better!  My husband made me a tie blanket, because I wanted one so bad.  He has a Philadelphia Eagles one I made him last year, he made me a ducky one!  I love little ducks. He calls me his little ducky.  Don't become ill, it's adorable and you know it!  I am told my BIG gift will be a couple of weeks late. Hmmm.....could it be the Kitchen Aid Pro?  We shall see!!  My husband is an incredibly thoughtful, and generous gift giver, I am gracious and spoiled.  At least I am gracious though right?  Instead of being spoiled and not gracious?  My stocking was bulging at the seams and we headed off for our traditional, "Christmas Chinese Dinner".  

 

My husband is a huge fudge lover, I don't care for it so much.  I have never successfully made it, or never had it turn out in a manner I would deem totally successful.  This one from an old newspaper article seemed fool proof and I had to try it.  I did add a few things of my own, and you could really change it up however you want for add ins.  I would try some, dried fruits, different nuts, peanut butter, crunched up pretzels,  liquors, use different chips as well if you like.

Fake Out Fudge
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 bag of milk chocolate chips
2 tsp vanilla extract  (used my homemade for the first time)
1/2 cup nutella
3/4 cup miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped nuts of your choice

Use a square backing dish and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Line it with parchment paper that is longer than you need so that you can use the long sides to pull it up out of the baking dish like handles.  

In a sauce pan, melt choc chips into milk at a low temp, stirring constantly.  When COMPLETELY melted, take off of heat, stir in marshmallows, nutella and walnuts.  Turn into parchment lined baking dish and spread evenly.  Let sit for 2 hours, or in the refrigerator until set and hard.  Cut into small squares and serve!

Nobody ever has to know you cheated!  Be creative and use different extracts, with different chocolates and mix ins!!

Now, off to shop.  I mean, do you really think I am going to miss the after Christmas sales??!

Your "somethin' for nothin' at after Christmas sales" chefwannabe

Chris