Cherry Mash Bars

Another good evening to you all!

Tonight, I am sharing what was a staple in our house as kids at the holidays.  Cherry Mash Bars.  Admittedly I was never a HUGE fan of these, my mom loved them and I believe my sister Peg was a lover as well.  These were supposed to be a take from the "Bing" Candy bars we had here.  Did anyone else have Bing Candy Bars? 

These are no bake, simple, quick and add beautiful color and flavor to your cookie trays!  I added some food coloring so my red layer on the bottom was red, not pink.  I like vibrant color, not faded!  You can choose to do this or not, no difference to me, I won't even ever know!  Seriously!

I hope you enjoy the video, and the recipe.  Let me know if you have had these, or if you try them! You are always welcome to post photos on my Instagram or Facebook and tag me!  I love seeing your interpretation of my recipes!

Oh, by the way, I found that cherry chips were SLIGHTLY less easy to find than regular chips.  Don't just assume your grocery store has them!  (like I did)!


1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup evaporated milk
2 T butter
1 heaping cup of cherry chips
1 cup mini marshmallows
red food coloring (optional)
1 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips
1/4 cup marshmallows
1 cup peanuts

Line an 8x8 or 9x9 square pan with parchment paper.

In a saucepan, heat the sugar, milk and butter until boiling.  Let boil, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.  Add in cherry chips and marshmallows.  Stir until melted and combined.  Add in red food coloring (optional) and stir. Pour into your lined pan and refrigerate until you are ready for the next step.

In a microwaveable bowl, melt chocolate chips in 30 second increments so you do not burn them.  When melted add in marshmallows and stur until mostly melted.  Stir in peanuts and then spread carefully over the top of your cherry layer.  Smooth out and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set and cooled.

Cut into squares and serve!

ENJOY!

Pumpkin Cream Pie

Ahh, the week before Thanksgiving, some of us are scrambling to finish our menus and some of us had our menus done a month ago.  Darn you organized people!

This will be our first major holiday without my mom, so we are going to enjoy it, most of my family will be here and I plan to make a couple of dishes that my mom always made.  It is going to be fun, maybe a bit sad, definitely food filled and undoubtedly a day of memory making!

I had asked you the other day what kind of pies you would like to see in "MILE HIGH" form.  The usual suspects appeared, chocolate, coconut, etc.  I asked because I was dreaming about this mile high pumpkin cream pie.  While I admit, pumpkin pie is NOT my favorite thing about Thanksgiving, I do eat a piece.  It is practically unAmerican not to.  I put on twice as much whipped cream as their is pie and enjoy every bite.  I thought to myself, "self.....why can't you put the cream with the pumpkin, almost like the lime and the coconut and cut out the middle man"?  What makes MY mile high pies, mile high?  The filling, AND the slightly sweetened, hint of vanilla fresh whipped cream.  I don't care much for meringue on a pie, in fact, to be honest, I don't care for pie in general.  If a pie goes in the oven, I almost never would eat it.  If it has to be chilled, or contains the words, "French" and "Silk", I will wrestle small children to get a piece.  Pie has just never been my "thing".  I suppose I can blame it on the fact that I dislike fruit tremendously and almost all pies are fruit filled.  BINGO!

So while this may not technically be MILE HIGH, if you double the filling, it can be.  And I would be thrilled if you did that, or double the whipped cream, mount that stuff up so high you can lick the top while standing!  Go ahead, DO IT!!

With that said, get this made, put it in your freezer, and take it out Thanksgiving morning.  Done.  Ahead.  YES!

Crust:
40 Nilla Wafers
10 graham cracker squares
1 stick of butter (1/2 cup) melted
4 T white granulated sugar

Get our your food processor, toss in everything except your butter.  and pulverize!  You want almost a sand consistency.  Add in the butter and let it go until the mixture is that of wet sand and will stick together if you squeeze some in your hand.

Press into a deep(ish) 9 inch pie plate.  Using a measuring cup or a flat bottom drinking glass, press it into the bottom and side.  Refrigerate for 30 min to 1 hr.

FILLING:
1, 16oz (approx) can of PURE PUMPKIN (not Pumpkin Pie Filling)
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 oz. softened cream cheese
2. 3.4 oz boxes of instant vanilla pudding
1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

In your standing mixer add in pumpkin, cinnamon, powdered sugar, vanilla and softened cream cheese.  Mix until combined.  Add in instant vanilla pudding and heavy whipping cream and whip on high until it becomes thickened and creamy.  (It will set up more in the fridge, but whip it long enough please, probably a good 3-4 minutes at least)  Pour into your crust and refrigerate 2 hours before topping with fresh whipped cream!

Sweetened Whipping Cream:
2 cups heavy cream
3-4 T powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Whip all ingredients until stiff peaks form.  Spread or pipe on to the pie.  Refrigerate until time to serve or freeze for 1 hour, and wrap well to stay frozen until the morning before serving!

ENJOY!

Peanut Butter Bites

I will admit, I am a typical foodie, food blogger, etc.  If I see something on T.V. or in the store that looks delicious, I get right to the kitchen and try to recreate it myself.  This has happened a good handful of times......at least.  I saw these peanut butter bites advertised on T.V.  This was actually quite some time ago.  I was hungry for peanut butter the other day and suddenly I remembered that I never tried to make them, or rather make MY version of them.  I got to work, and although I am not sure if they are exactly the same, in my world, they are the clouds of peanut butter heaven!

These are so easy, and you should totally get your kids or grand kids in the kitchen with you.  Nieces, nephews, cousins, just get them involved.   Who cares of they don't end up the same size, I am a grown woman and mine didn't! Who cares if they get dirty, there are these new fangled things called washing machines!  Who cares if they lick the peanut butter off before making a new one, germs are healthy!

Find a little person who can help you and have a blast!

1 cup creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup rice crispy cereal
3/4 powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups peanut butter chips
vegetable oil

In a bowl combine peanut butter, cereal, and powdered sugar.  Mix until completely combined.  Refrigerate dough for 20 minutes.  Use a tablespoon measure and roll mixture into balls.  Place on foil or parchment lined baking sheet.  When all of the dough has been rolled into balls, place into the freezer for 30 minutes.

Place peanut butter chips into a bowl and melt in microwave.  Use 30 second increments until all melted.  If your mixture is slightly thick, add a few drops of vegetable oil to loosen it up and make it perfect for dipping.

Using a fork to help you, dip the peanut butter balls one at a time, use a fork to lift out of the melted peanut butter and tap on the edge or let it drain.  Place back on to the baking sheet.  When all of the peanut butter balls have been dipped, place back in the fridge until set.

ENJOY!

Strawberry Banana Pops

Long time no see friends!  Phew!  Been a long handful of months, and I am overjoyed to say I am back.  I think I took the time I needed.  I still feel sad, and have to have moments of complete breaking down, but, I think I am ready to get back to what I love most!  I have missed your comments here, our chats on social media and just knowing your prayers and thoughts were with me and my family, was heartwarming.

Let me tell you about my surroundings while I get my first blog in a couple of months up.  Some of you may or may not remember, I ALWAYS wear lipstick when I am writing a blog.  It empowers me.  There is pretty much nothing I can't do, with a good lippy on my face!  Listening to some old Lionel Ritchie. Stevie Wonder and Luther Vandross.  My tiny lady (dog) Sofia, is at my feet.  It is sunny and hot outside, but I have the blinds drawn and the light off where I work.  I like to edit photos in a dim room.  I find it relaxing and with my vision issues, it is easier on my eyes.  OH, don't forget my huge orange ball jar glass that is next to me with ice water.  If I randomly type lyrics to a song, I can't be held responsible.  I usually do ok, but it has been awhile!!

I had my 2.5 year old granddaughter over last night.  She stayed the night with Nonna and Pop Pop.  I am becoming increasingly mindful of what I feed them.  Never thought THAT would happen.......  But they are the single most important people alive in my world, and I will only try to do what is best for them and their health.  They are the most precious little gifts.  Anyway I wanted a popsicle recipe that was really wholesome and good.  Sure it has a little bit of sugar, but, they are going to love the heck out of these.  My husband did.  I foresee lots of different varieties in our near future but, I shopped produce that was on sale, and that I had on hand to use and we came up with these simple pops.  I also like the smaller size.  Each one holds approx 1/3 cup of mixture.  I needed some new popsicle molds, these were .99 at Walmart and ended up ringing up .52!  I will take them!  I sort of like that they are all one piece except the lids.

Am I rambling?  I thought so, this just feels so awesome, I want to stay with it as long as I can!  Lucky for me I tested (successfully) 2 other recipes today so I get to ramble two more times this week!

Here we go, easy recipe, a sweet, tiny bit tart reward comes after a few hours in the freezer!  I hope you enjoy!

You will need:
2 bananas
1 cup sliced strawberries
2 strawberries that you cut up small (set aside)
1 T. granulated sugar
1/3 cup water

Add all ingredients to your blender or food processor.  I used my blender.  It might take a second to get it going, but it will, and then blend until smooth.

Next, take your finely diced up strawberries that you set aside and put a few into each mold.  Just drop them in until you have used them all!

Now fill the molds up with the blended strawberries and bananas mixture.  These molds can be filled to the top but be careful that yours might need to stop just shy of the top!

Pop them into the freezer and let freeze at least 4 hours.  You might need to dip your mold into some warm water to loosen them, however, I didn't need to do that.  I think it sort of all depends on the molds you use.

Enjoy these sweet, fruity, frozen treats on a hot day!!

Glad to be back...........

Twin Pickles Snack Packs

Oh you GUYYSSSS!!!  I have missed you all!  I want to take a minute to extend my thanks and gratitude for the prayers, light, love, and well wishes  you have all sent through social media.  My family has endured a lot of loss in the last 2 months, my mom and then my brother.  I am getting back to what they both would want me to do, and that is cooking!  Cooking and sharing, they were two of my biggest fans.  I love you Mom and Jimmy......

Let me introduce you to the cutest little people on earth.  This is Emmi and Logan.  They are my 2.5 year old twin grand babies.

When I returned from my brothers funeral, I decided I needed a day with my littles.  For those who just arrived to the party, I call my grandchildren my littles.   I also call them my "pickles".  Sometimes sour and sometimes sweet! HA!   I had not seen them in a week and it was time to hear some laughter and do some hard core playing!  We decided to make our own snack packs.  Are they any healthier than trail mix, etc you can buy in the store?  No.  In fact, I planned to pop my own popcorn, but just cheated with some store bought cheddar popcorn.  Are they better than gummy snacks?  Definitely.....in my recent chance meeting with an oral surgeon who decided to keep 4 of my teeth, I was watching some information on the damage they do to kids teeth.  Ick.  Really this was just a fun way to start letting them help in the kitchen, be excited about what they are eating and yes, I think it is far cheaper than anything you buy in the store.

Also, the teacher in me was super excited as well.  They would name each item they took out, we would talk about what color it was and they ate every single thing.  I threw in a few M&M's for fun, and a few chocolate covered raisins as well.  If your children or grandchildren like something more than another, add more of that.  Add tons of everything, or omit what you don't like.  This is not really a recipe, just the portions I used.  The world is your sandwich my friends, make it like you like it!  Also, my grandchildren have no nut/peanut issues, so that is completely of course, based on your kids.

Now, could we have put these in cute bags with a cute tie or something?  Yes....but these are just for home, and freshness.  We used Ziploc bags.  Fill them as much or as little as the little people (or big) will eat or enjoy!

Here is how we did ours!

5 cups Cheddar popcorn (or pop your own!)
4 cups pretzels
3 cups goldfish or cheddar crackers
2 cups dried, diced pineapple
1 1/2 cups mixed nuts
1 cup M&M's
1 cup chocolate covered raisins

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and portion out into resealable baggies!

Spend some special time with the children in your lives.  When you are feeling some of your darkest times, they will lighten your heart like a beacon of hope and love.  They laugh, they love, and they bring about a feeling of renewal.  When kids help in the kitchen, I find they are more willing to eat what they help make.  Perhaps not in every case, but in many.  So spend some time with them, no phones, no tablets, no video games or movies, just give them your undivided attention for a little while!!!  It sure brightened my day.......  I hope you enjoy my "twin pickles"!

Snack well my friends!

Strawberries and Cream Donut Holes

Evening folks!  This is one of the easiest recipes EVER.  It is more of an assembly process but I decided to share it with you anyway.  Are there recipes that are "to easy"?  I think we could all use a few of these in our last minute panic arsenal! 

Honestly, you COULD do this with glazed donuts as well but in my opinion, the sugar coma, won't be worth it.  I love using the donut holes because you can use them as a little mini dessert, little snacks, and it is just enough.  Feel free to make your own donut holes, I purchased mine because I was in fact taking these somewhere as a gift and was in a rush.  I recommend the glazed ones, no sugar dipped or anything. 

The amounts of the ingredients will really depend on how many you are making, I did a dozen.  I also used fresh sweetened whipped cream, but if you groove on cool whip or the stuff in a can, go for it.  The world is your sandwich friends, make it how you like it.  Make sure to buy your donut holes the day you are making these or they will go stale!

I hope this quick and easy, dessert, food gift, or snack is enjoyed by everyone you make it for.  Oh yea, make sure to make it!

1 dozen donut holes
4-6 nice ripe strawberries
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tbsp. powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla

Start with prepping your strawberries, slice them thick or thin, just make sure you put the rounded end slices with the rounded part down in the whipped cream so the tops will sit nicely!  OCD much?  I own it.  In a bowl whip the cream, sugar and vanilla to stiff peaks.  Now cut the donut holes in half and go to town.  You can pipe the cream on, but I just used a spoon.  Don't worry if you get whipping cream where you think it shouldn't be, I mean, that means there is just more.  NEVER a bad thing.  Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve but I recommend serving immediately.  (you might notice I said I made a dozen and there are only 10 on the plate)  No shame in my game, NONE!!

ENJOY my friends!

Frozen Butterfinger Pie

It is 80 degrees today.  Time for some fun COLD treats, don't you think?  I do! 

I am guilty of hitting up the after Easter sales on candy.  I mean, I bought A LOT of it.  I have used most of it but this bag of Butterfingers keeps getting pushed to the side.  I like them but I don't need them and they get stuck in my dang teeth.  Drives me nuts!  I decided to make them into something delicious for these warm spring/summer days ahead!

I love no bake desserts.  For some reason, now that I think about it, my favorite desserts are NO bake.  Except for cream puffs, but they are in an entirely different realm of fabulousness so they don't count.

These ingredients are pretty straight forward but, if you want to use a premade chocolate cookie crust feel free.  I didn't want that much chocolate so I used some store brand, half vanilla, have chocolate sandwich cookies.  They worked out fabulously.  This is a very rich pie, I would guess you could easily serve 12 with it.  Also, I used Cool Whip, please feel free to use fresh sweetened whipped cream.  That is just a personal preference, and while I normally choose that, it was more in the realm of what I wanted to use cool whip. 

On that note, let's get to this EASY recipe.  Make sure to make it the day before so it is frozen nice and firm!

30 sandwich cookies
6 T. melted butter

Place cookies in a food processor and process until fine crumbs.  Add in butter and process until you get the consistency of wet sand.  Pour out into a pie pan and press firmly.  You could do this in a 9x9 square baking dish as well.  Set aside

In a stand mixer bowl or mixing bowl combine the following except candy bars....

3.4 oz. box of vanilla pudding mix (instant)
1 cup milk
3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
8 ounces cool whip
8 ozs cream cheese
12 fun size butterfingers chopped (reserve 2 for topping)
remaining cool whip for the top

When all ingredients are a smooth mixture, fold in candy bars.  Pour into crust smooth over and top with cool whip.  Sprinkle leftover candy bars on top and freeze at least overnight!

ENJOY!

Easy Homemade Caramels

Life lessons.  We all experience them, we all learn from them hopefully, and sometimes they sting.  Or wait, sometimes rather, they give you 2nd degree burns, on your feet!

OK, so maybe 2nd degree burns is a little over the top but, my heart will not get over how freaked out I was!  When people tell you to read up on candy making or watch a video, talk to others who make candy.....yeah, you should probably do that.  I only tell you that because, I DIDN'T!

For a beginner this is really an easy recipe.  I think when you make candy you need to start out easy.  And make sure you have access to a candy thermometer or you will end up using a meat thermometer.  HA!  Or you can ALMOST forgot what is bubbling and stick your finger in it to taste it.  I am a mess friends, a hot, bubbling over mess.  When my temperature got to that very anticipated "firm-ball stage", I kept the pot on the burner, shut off the heat, and added my vanilla.  DUH.  It blew up, a small explosion but none the less, is scared the hell outta me. I will make these again because they are so easy, but my candy making days are over.  If you need a recipe for candy, ask me, I will refer you to a good website!

One thing about these caramels, is you MUST prepare the pan well.  I mean, when I tell you that you MUST, you MUST.  I used foil, but in hindsight I would use parchment and then I would spray the heck out of it with nonstick cooking spray, maybe even like 4 times over.  Yes, use parchment.  I also used parchment to individually wrap them, waxed paper is a good alternative.  If you cut these into 1 inch squares you will get about 81 candies.  Uh-huh.......start cutting girlfriend/boyfriend. 

These would be a delightful edible gift and if you groove on the salted variety caramel, after you pour the mixture in your pan, sprinkle with course sea salt or pink salt!  Hereeeee..we go!

1 cup butter
2 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup light corn syrup
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Line a 9x9x2 baking pan with parchment.  Then spray or butter it WELL with non stick cooking spray.  Set aside. 

In a large pot add all ingredients EXCEPT the vanilla. Clip a candy thermometer to your pot and stirring almost constantly bring your mixture to the firm-ball stage.  This will be 242 degrees F.  This took me about 19 minutes on medium heat.  Don't use more than medium or you will burn your mixture.  Your mixture will be a moderate, steady bubble. 

Remove the pot from the heat.  remove your thermometer, and add vanilla.  BEWARE, you will have a mini volcanic eruption on your hands, so thus, using a large pot!  Maybe if you use a large pot you won't have an eruption but I had one, so I am just putting it out there into the universe, wear socks!

Pour immediately into your prepared baking dish and let cook in the fridge.  When it is set, use the parchment to lift the caramels out and a buttered knife to cut into 1 inch squares or whatever size you like.  I did bigger pieces as you can see.

DE-lightful.  I promise!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Bark

Uh huh.  That's what it says in the title.  This recipe is a chocolate/peanut butter lovers dream.  I qualify, and apparently, after eating nearly this entire batch over the course of 3 days, my son qualifies as well!  HA!   It never gets old, no matter how old your kids get, seeing them enjoy something you make.  Am I right?  Or am I right?

I have seen this recipe so many places, I can name a few here, but a lot on Pinterest and then two YouTube channels I subscribe to most recently, they are Tammy over at Yoyomax12 and Lynn at Lynn's Recipes.  When I saw it, I thought how easy it looked, how fancy Nancy it looked and how flipping GOOD it looked!  I had to try it. 

Now, you can opt for any chocolate on the bottom.  I opted for semi sweet, I used chocolate chips which some don't recommend but let me tell you it turned out perfectly for me.  With the chocolate chips there is just ONE little trick.  Heat it for 30 seconds at a time and stir well, you ideally do not want to overheat the chocolate so mix it well every 30 seconds, so the heat of the bowl and the already melted chips will melt what is in there more.  If you overheat the chips you are done.  Ok?  Btw, the semi sweet, balanced all of the milk chocolate perfectly, not disgustingly sweet, but, still fairly sweet.

I made a "larger" batch, I would say double what most of the recipes call for.  I definitely see, taking this as an edible gift in the future, because it is that good.  In a decorative little box, oh yea, this will be a fun gift! 

Here is what you will need:

parchment paper
1 8oz. bag of Reese's minis
12 oz. bag of semi sweet chocolate chips (or whatever kind you choose)
6 ounces of peanut butter chips (about half of any bag)

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Melt semisweet chocolate, slowly, take your time or you will ruin it!  When it is melted spread as thick or thin as you would like it.  Mine turned out to cover the better part of my cookie sheet. 

 

Next, working fairly quickly, melt your peanut butter chips.  Using the same method as the chocolate.  Drop spoonful's all over the chocolate you have melted and using a skewer, toothpick or butter knife, swirl the peanut butter around.  Be careful to make sure it maintains the swirled look and not so mixed up it looks like mud!!

 

 

Now take your mini peanut butter cups and cover the top, just drop them on, sort of evenly, you can always move them round.  Then, take your hand and press them down to so adhere into the chocolate and peanut butter!

And here is what you will end up with!  Place in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make sure it is good and set.  Then break into pieces and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.  You can leave it out while serving as well, it will stay hard.  (unless it is super hot).  No worries, to be honest, it won't last that long!

Enjoy this simple, sinful treat!

PS.  Don't worry about the peanut butter and chocolate on my fingers.  When I was done I went ahead and licked it off!

3 Minute, 3 Ingredient Strawberry Mousse

You guys, I just love Valentine's Day.  I know YOU know, but in case someone new is reading I want them to know, that I love it too!  I am blessed with a marriage where I am married to my best friend!  He is such a teddy bear, AND my hottie!!  Love is a blessing, marriage is a gift, and truly have been blessed and gifted with both.   Anyhoodle, this recipe is easy, and can be made by even the most inexperienced cook.  3 minutes, no joke.  We will also be cooking IN on Valentine's day, because to me, nothing says I love you like filling the tummy of the one or ones you love most with his/her favorite things.  Food is love, we all know that!

This is kind of just a simple fake out mousse.  It is actually almost the same filling I make for my Mile High Banana Cream Pie recipe.  I just adjusted it a bit to be a bit more of the consistency and flavor I was looking for.  Obviously for my holiday dessert I wanted it pink.  I could not find instant strawberry or cherry pudding.  I wanted to keep it at 3 ingredients though so I I didn't want to use vanilla and have to color it and flavor it.  So, what I DID find was by Royal, and it is Greek Yogurt Pudding Mix.

I have never seen it before, but I found it, and I don't like yogurt for the record.  I mean, I won't TOUCH yogurt, but this tastes amazing and really just tastes like pudding flavor to me.  I did end up adding a couple of drops of food coloring, since it isn't really pink, but that is completely optional.  So is the course sugar sprinkled on top but, that crunch with the creaminess of the mousse, make perfection.  Just sayin...

So if you want vanilla or chocolate, or any other pudding flavor you can find, go for it.  That will be perfect too.  So technically 3 ingredients and shouldn't take more than 3 minutes, and you in fact, can eat it directly after preparing, no need to chill. 

I hope you enjoy this, and make it for your Valentine's day IN! xoxo

1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup milk
1 3.4 ounce box of Greek Yogurt Pudding (or you can use any flavor, I just wanted strawberry)
food coloring IF needed

In a medium mixing bowl, add in heavy whipping cream. (or your stand mixer bowl) Whip until soft peaks form.  Add in pudding mix and continue to beat for 1 minutes.  Add in milk, and beat until combined.  Now you may find you want slightly more milk, but this is the perfect consistency to me of what mousse should be!  This makes about 4, 3/4 cup servings.  So heck, maybe we should just call this a "just for 2"!! No, put it in 4 ramekins or bowls (or one big bowl), our self esteem won't suffer so much if we eat 2 small helpings, perhaps, an hour apart or so.  Right?

Cinnamon S'more Krispies

Who doesn't love the darn things?  S'mores that is, melty chocolate, sticky marshmallow, and cinnamon cereal?  Hold up.  HOLD up.  Right? 

Cinnamon Toast Crunch is without a doubt my favorite cold cereal.  I don't treat myself often but when I do, don't plan on getting a single solitary crunchy, cinnamon-ee, square of goodness, because they are mine, ALL mine.  We clear?  I have been on this cinnamon and chocolate combo kick lately.  You know, the same way some people think lemon makes everything amazing? Blech.  Or the way some people think nutmeg in white sauce makes it amazing? Double blech.  That is the way I like it.  In your head you are likely thinking, "screw her, cinnamon and chocolate SUCKS".  We are all entitled to our own opinions. As my dad used to say...  Well I am sure you know how the saying goes!

One of my other favorite worldly things is rice crispy treats.  Dear Lord in heaven, what I won't do to get one if I get the urge.  I fear for my own safety.  I definitely fear for the safety of anyone trying to slow my efforts.

So,  I just thought, heck, lets combine it.  Rice crispy treats made out of cinnamon toast crunch AND add chocolate.  Forgetaboutit.

This is very likely not the last rice crispy type of treat you will see here.  I am on a mission to make as many different kinds as possible.  I literally just had another idea.  Be right back need to get it written down.  I almost died when I took a bite of these.  Yes, I took a lot of bites ok, but we aren't TALKING about that. 

Please stop looking at me like that. 

These are easy and just a little change from the beautiful classic we know as rice crispy treats.  Get ready folks, I am about to bring you Cinnamon S'more Krispies!

You will need an 9x9 or 8x8 square pan or the equivalent, of some sort. (statements like this is why I will never be a cookbook writer or real chef)  It's ok, I like "Wannabe" status.  It makes sure people don't expect duck confit, with a raspberry reduction, topped with lightly steamed leaves from the rainforest and garnished with monkey toenails and stuff. 

1/2 cup butter
10 oz. bag of jumbo marshmallows
5-6 cups cinnamon toast crunch cereal or the generic version works perfect as well
1 tsp. vanilla extract
12 oz. package of milk chocolate chips

In a large pot get that butter melted, and toss in those marshmallows.  Stir constantly because let's be real, the ish burns in like 2 seconds if you don't.  And don't even try that whole "OMG I am going to stick my finger in and taste it".  See what happens. 

Anyway when it is all melted, add the vanilla, and then mix in the squares of cinnamon gold.  I go light, closer to the 5 cup side, but I don't dig dry treats, if you want to add closer to 6 you will still be fine.  Press down with a buttered rubber spatula or, butter hands.  As you can see in my photo, I still never get them even side to side, always a thicker spot.  Now, melt your chocolate, 15 seconds at a time in the microwave, until melted and spread on the top.  You can also just sprinkle your chips on top, pop in the micro for 20-30 seconds and they will be melted enough to spread.  Let sit at room temp until the chocolate is set.  You can speed this up by putting them in the fridge for an hour and then take them out and let them sit at room temp or you will need to see a dentist.  Fair warning.

Hope you love them, as much as I do!  In fact comment below and tell me how you feel about cinnamon and chocolate together!

ENJOY!

Halloween Treat Crunch

I am in a Halloween state of mind.  After all besides it being my "littles" first Halloween, and they live here, AND it is a great chance to scare the H-E-double hockey sticks ouf of my sisters, it is also my anniversary.  I will have been married to my angel for 11 years this year.  Or wait, is it 12 years?  No, I think it is 12.  Anyway, we love celebrating all things Halloween, nothing to hideous or horrid, just fun.

This will be an easy treat for a Halloween party, or that last minute, "Mom I need to take something to so and so"  and you need to be there in 30 minutes.  Use whatever you have on hand and call it a success!!  I used items I find typical of Halloween or in Halloween colors but the world is your sandwich, make it how YOU like it.  It is an easy, no bake.  Wait.  You DO have turn on the oven, and let your chocolate melt but.......even that you COULD do in the micro and then spread on parchment paper on a cookie sheet.  So technically...........oh Lordy, nevermind.

You will need:

8 cubes of white chocolate/almond bark ( I wish I could tell you how much that was but let's be honest, I had a couple of packs already opened and well, ya know...)
1 Butterfinger bar
1/2 cup candy corn
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
1 cup mini oreos or 10 large oreos.  Roughly chopped and a few left whole. 

Preheat your oven to 250 degrees.  Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set your almond bar on top like so......

After 5-7 minutes, it will be melted, but you won't know because it will hold its shape.  So I poked mine with an offset spatula to find it was in fact all melted and spread it not to thin, and not to thick, you want your "stuff" to stick so do it like so..........

Then I sprinkled all my goodies on top.  Place another piece of parchment on top and press those treats into that melty goodness.  Remove the parchment and it will look like........ SO.......

 

Now let it sit for 30-45 minutes on the counter or about 10-15 in the fridge.  Break it up or cut it up, just get it in your belly!

ENJOY!

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

Let just answer the question you are thinking about.  Yes, they ARE good, and they ARE easy and yes, you have what you need so finish reading and get to it.

Oh wait.  That isn't what you were thinking?  You were thinking you want me to ship?  HA.  

I was needed a break from my fruits and veggie recipes.  I needed chocolate.  We all know how that feels.  It was in a, "don't ask why, just GET ME, some chocolate" kind of way.  I also hit a peanut butter sale last week.  Yes, I do that, I hit a sale and stock up and then realize there were 3 jars in the pantry that got pushed to the back.  As if you can ever have to much peanut butter anyway. 

I wanted to make little ones.  You know, portion control.  I burn more calories putting one in, chewing, reaching for another, chewing again, etc.  If I made big ones, it would be one motion.  Not near as much exercise.  Makes complete sense to me.  Frankly, as long as I can self justify, I am good. ;)

So yea, about those cute little ones.  PAIN IN THE BUTT.  I mean, if you are into tedious, OCD, minuscule kind of work, go for it.  But I would rather accidentally cut my legs shaving then deal with that nonsense.  Do the big ones.  People will want more than one bite anyway, consider it a favor to your eaters! You can do them with the peanut butter all covered or so that you can see the layers.  As you can see I did both, not by choice, but out of sheer torment on those little babies!

Here is what you need.  Seriously, they are easy and kind of fun and are going to be making an appearance this year for Christmas cookie gifts!  This made, um......crap, I didn't count.  OK let me think about how many I ate, err, "sampled", how many I gave away and how many are left.  Be right back..........

Useless, I think it made maybe 30-36 small ones and 12 big ones.   This can easily be halved for a smaller batch.  But they freezer beautifully, so why would you only make half?!

Here is what you need....

36 oz. of chocolate.  (I used milk chocolate chips)
2 T vegetable oil or shortening
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 T. butter (softened)
1 cup confectioners sugar (icing sugar, powdered sugar)
1 T vanilla extract
cupcake liners, size if your choice kids

In a microwave safe bowl add in your chocolate and shortening/oil.  Microwave 30 seconds at a time and stir,  Don't do it longer, or you will burn your chocolate.  Just trust me.  While it is melting, in a second bowl mix the peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar and vanilla with a hand mixer.  Line your cupcake or mini muffin tins and go to town.  I used a small cookie scooper for the chocolate and another for the peanut butter but you could just use a teaspoon for the peanut butter.  One scoop of chocolate all around, then bang your pan on the counter to level and even things out.  Next, spoon or scoop in the peanut butter, in the center if you want it covered or use the back of a spoon to smooth it totally out for a layered look and then repeat with chocolate on top.  Bang that baby again!  Use the back of a spoon if you need to, to smooth the tops over or get more coverage. 

Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.  These freeze like a dream and what a great little something sweet when you need it, a Ziploc full in the freezer!!  WOOHOO!

4th Of July Strawberries

ACK!!

Happy 4th Of July to my fellow Americans! 

As most of you know I got called out of town for a family emergency and I had just finished making these.  I had no time, didn't take my camera or computer and just got home and decided to throw them up in case anyone needed some last minute thing!  Maybe you are celebrating this weekend or ALL weekend long!  These are so easy and SO delicious!  I love festive desserts fitting for the holiday!

ENJOY and celebrate safe my friends!

2lbs strawberries, rinsed and dried completely
2 cups white chocolate or almond bark
1 tsp. vegetable oil
1- 2.2oz container of blue sugar

After strawberries have been prepared, line a baking sheet with parchment.  Melt white chocolate in the microwave in 30 second increments.  When all melted add vegetable oil and stir to combine.  Put sugar in a small bowl.  Take your strawberry and dip 3/4 of it in white chocolate.  Let the excess chocolate drip off.  Let dry for about 1 minute and then dip half of the white chocolate section into blue sugar.  Place on parchment lined cookie sheet and continue in this fashion until all are done.  Refrigerate for 1 hour and serve!

 

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

 

 

Movie In Your Mouth Popcorn Cake

I love this recipe.  Just ask my "bat wings" how much I love it.  I feel so ashamed!

I was hungry for popcorn with marshmallows in it.  I am not generally a mixer or salty and sweet but, when I mentioned to my husband I was thinking of this he was on top of the world!  We are lovers of the movies and this cake, is like a bite of a movie theatre.  All of the usual movie theatre suspects, in one bite?!  Yes!  You are VERY welcome!

I think this is so festive and what a fun alternative to a real cake!  How fun would this be on a sweet table for any party!?  Decorated and ingredients matching a theme would be really cool too!  Make it your own.  No bake, no muss, no fuss. 

This is so easy and feel free to change out my candy choices for ones you might like better.  Just make sure you can buy them at the MOVIES!!



3.5 ounce bag of microwave BUTTERED popcorn, popped
10.5 ounce bag of marshmallows
1/4 cup butter
1 cup Twizzlers cut into bite size pieces
1 1/4 cup plain M&MS (divided)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips

In a large bowl place marshmallows and butter.  Microwave 1 minute at a time until mixture is melted and creamy.  Stir in popcorn and mix.  It might take a couple of minutes to get it combined evenly!  Stir in Twizzlers and 1 cup of  M&Ms and place into a Bundt pan that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.  Spread out evenly without pressing TO hard.  You want it to be in there solid but no need to squish it to death.  Chill for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.  Turn out  on to a plate when chilled.  (might need to run a knife around the edges and insides)

Melt white chocolate chips and place into a piping bag or just use a spoon, and drizzle the top heavily with the white chocolate.  Immediately take your extra 1/4 cup M&Ms and sprinkle on top

Let sit at room temp for 15 minutes.  Serve!

NOTE!  REMOVE all OLD MAIDS from your popcorn.  This is SO important, you don't need anyone breakin' their grill on your popcorn cake!  I forgot one, and I am the one who found it.  No broken teeth but, not a pleasant experience!

Enjoy your mouthful of "the movies"!!

!