Peanut Butter Balls (AKA Buckeyes) FAMILY FAVORITE!

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY IS THE BIG DAY...

Will you be ready??? 💋🎄💋

I have to admit...

After I've been making these luscious treats for decades, I just realized

I had never posted about them!

HUH?  

Well, I certainly wanted to remedy that, so here is one of our

family favorites..one that we don't like to go through the holidays without. 

The first time ever I made these was when I was pregnant for our first child (almost 5-0 years ago! = ssssshhh!) After having been given a sample - I HAD to get the recipe from that neighbor who shared.

Have had a blast making these with daughters-in-love and precious granddaughters over the years! 

So now you can make them too.  

I DO live in the state of Ohio, where many folks refer to these treats

as Buckeyes.  They don't completely cover the ball in chocolate, that's really the only difference. 

But for me, these have been named Peanut Butter Balls from the beginning, so I'm sticking with that name.  

You get to choose if you fully dunk...or not.  

The rolling them into balls takes a little while (recipe is easily cut in half)...and then they need to chill so the chocolate adheres a little better.  So plan to whip something else up while you're waiting...or decorate the Christmas tree. 

Or visit with your family while you've got them there...

(This recipe is easily cut in half!) 

Hope you enjoy these awesome treats that add a great flare to any

holiday tray!

(Psst!  This is one of 300 recipes in my first cookbook...

RECIPES & RECOLLECTIONS...on sale for $12 + free shipping!

Click here if you'd like more info..)

PEANUT BUTTER BALLS 

1 lb. butter or margarine, melted

5 c. smooth peanut butter

2-1/2 - 3 lb. powdered sugar

(8 - 9 cups) 

1 TB. vanilla extract

2 (12 ozs. each) pkgs. semi sweet chocolate chips

2 heaping Tb. Crisco 

Line 2 cookie sheets with waxed paper; set aside. 

In large saucepan, stir peanut butter into melted butter; when blended, add vanilla and enough powdered sugar until mixture is slightly crumbly.  While mixture is still warm, roll balls the size of walnuts and place on prepared cookie sheets; chill for 1 hour. 

Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips and Crisco together in a double boiler and keep warm. (You don't want the chocolate to get cold). Dip the chilled balls in chocolate, placing back onto waxed paper and chill to set up. 

Makes a truckload! 

Store in a covered container in a cool place.  They keep well for a few weeks. 

(If you can stay out of them!) 

You may also enjoy...

Captain Crunch Peanut Clusters

1-Minute Nutter Butter Fudge (Microwave)

Church Window Candy

​

A very Merry CHRISTmas to each of you!!

This free greeting customized with Smilebox Enjoy a blessed week - I plan to return here, refreshed, on January 3 for Weekend Potluck... The Better Baker posts begin again on the 6th, 2014!

And a very Merry CHRISTmas to you and yours!

LUKE 2:11 - FOR UNTO YOU IS BORN THIS DAY IN THE CITY OF DAVID A SAVIOR, WHICH IS CHRIST THE LORD!

JESUS! 

May you and yours enjoy a blessed CHRISTmas season and all the best to you in the new year!

Thanks a million for all your comments, love and support throughout the year.  It means more than words can express. 

I'm taking a break...will be back in my kitchen on January 2, 2013! Looking forward to spending time with you then....

Nutterbutter Fudge {Microwave}

OH.MY.SOUL!!!!!!!!!

This easy fudge is fantastic! Maybe even Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious!

Only 4 simple ingredients - a microwave - an 8" X 8" pan and you are all set!

Honestly, it took less than 2 minutes to make this irresistible treat. 

This would make a special gift for the holidays or if you need to make something quick for a bake sale or potluck. 

I used the little (round, tall) tub of mini Nutterbutter cookies (at the Dollar store) - worked perfectly. I'm a gal who loves crunch, and having that extra YUM to bite into made this perfect for me. 

I found the recipe at Kristin's Knook and know I will be making it for the holidays. I've already stocked up when I found peanut butter chips on sale. 

I thank her kindly for allowing me to share this recipe here...it's also in my second cookbook. (which is sold out!)

Not long ago, we had an out-of-town friend spend the night (Hi Kristal!). She's always been WILD about peanut butter fudge.  After tasting mine, she went & bought the ingredients so I could make it so she could take it with her.  
*-*

(And six months later when I was in touch with her, she told me she's made this awesome fudge 50 times!...hmm...she does have a tendency to exaggerate a little bit=) 

MMMM good stuff!

NUTTER BUTTER FUDGE

1/2 c. peanut butter

1 - 11 ozs. bag Reese's Peanut Butter Chips

(I suggest using name brand for fullest flavor)

1 - 14 ozs. can sweetened condensed milk

1 container mini-Nutterbutter cookies (or about 8 large, crushed coarsely)

Line an 8" X 8" pan with foil & spray with cooking spray.

(I used nonstick foil)

In a microwavable bowl, melt the peanut butter, chips and sweetened condensed milk together.  After 45 seconds on high, I stirred and stirred until it was all nearly melted, then zapped it for another 10 - 15 seconds. (Be careful not to overcook.. you just want everything melted together.) Fold in cookie crumbs. Spread evenly in pan and refrigerate to harden. 

(Don't let a drop go to waste (waist!) Grab a spatula and be sure to lick up every tasty bite left in the bowl!=)  

Linked to Wednesday Extravaganza             Thursdays Treasures             Freakin' Did it Friday              Foodie Friends Friday      Mop it up Monday                   Kitchen Fun & Crafty Friday              Iron Chef Mom - Peanut Butter GBP Roundup - Christmas Cookies/Candy   Weekend Potluck Meal Plan Monday Full Plate Thursday Meal Plan Monday

Fudgy Mint Cookies

Hurry! Hurry!  I think it's a great idea to get busy bakin' and putting things in the freezer now for when the temps are too hot to turn on the oven later. 

Wrap a frozen cookie or two in a paper towel and zap in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm snack.  

MMMM - my favorite! Fresh tastin' cookies from the oven!

This is a great cookie anytime, but especially nice to make for a bake sale. 

The candy on top is inviting and these seem to sell quickly.

Because this recipe uses a cake mix, it's quick to make..and bake.

My daughter-in-love, Kym, began making these cookies years ago for our annual cookie-baking night in December, and we've made them every year since.

And sometimes in between too.

It's fun for the kids to place the candies on top of the cookies.

This was a recipe I just HAD to have in my cookbook too.

FUDGY MINT COOKIES

1 (18 ozs) box devil's food cake mix

1/2 c. butter, softened

1 Tb. water

2 eggs

1/2 c. powdered sugar

2 (5 ozs) pkgs. chocolate covered thin mints

(we get them for $1 at the Dollar Store)

Preheat oven to 375. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, butter and water.  Add eggs; mix well. Shape into 1-inch balls; roll in powdered sugar and place 2" apart on UNgreased baking sheets.  Bake 8 - 10 minutes or until set.  Before removing from pan, immediately press a mint into the center of each cookie. 

Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. 

Yield: about 3 dozen

(We like to make them smaller so the candy covers most of the cookie so we normally use 3 boxes of the mint candies)

Linked to Creative Thursday

       Thursday's Treasures

      Weekend Potluck

    Fabulous Friday

        Mop it up Monday

          Melt in your mouth Monday

            Ingredient Spotlight - Cake Mix

Cookie Plan Monday

Meal Plan Monday

Christmas Recipes, Tips & Tricks - Oh My!

First of all, I want to wish my dear daughter Deb a very happy birthday today.  How grateful I am that she made me a mommy.  She's such an inspiration in my life and I continue to learn much about life and faith from her. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART!  MY FIRST BABY!!!

A couple of years ago,  Deb - The Queen Mommy - interviewed me and shared the questions/answers on her blog.  I think this may have some ideas worthy of passing along to you - especially this time of the year.  Hope you find something to help you sllliiide through this very busy month. 

(We did this interview 2 years ago - before I had my cookbook published.  Now I have 300 of my most favorite recipes under one cover.  What a huge favor I did for myself without even realizing it!)

Q: How do you prepare for your holiday activities (calendar, lists, etc.)?


I make notes on a desk calendar for any activities going on from day to day, including cookie baking, cookie exchanges, Christmas concerts, etc.

I keep a pocket file folder in my recipe drawer – I have many – but one I have marked “Holidays”. I keep my favorite recipes there so I don’t have to dig through all my recipes to try to find a holiday favorite. I also use small photo albums (you know – the inexpensive ones from my local dollar store or walmart) and place recipes from newspaper/magazines in them, and mark each of them with the kind of recipes they contain. I have one marked “Cookies” that I refer to often. Others are ‘desserts’ ’9″ X 13″ pan desserts’ ‘snacks and appetizers’, etc. etc. I stand these little albums on end so I can easily see the one I’m looking for.

I keep a Christmas Card record book from year to year – that way I can make changes in addresses when needed (I include the year of change also), and I keep track of whom I send to and receive from. Most record books are good for 5-8 years. I keep a list of gifts I give to friends and customers from year to year so I will vary the kitchen ‘goodies’ I share with them and don’t repeat – unless it’s one of their favorites, which I record, also.


Q: What shortcuts and time savers do you rely on during your holiday preparations?

As I mentioned previously, I keep a list of recipes written out for review & reference. I try to make every minute count – get up and do something while a commercial comes on TV, and I always make myself lists so I don't have to remember what I need to do next.

One thing I do to keep things moving along in the kitchen, is to keep hot sudsy water in the sink all the time I’m working there, and wash dishes when I have a minute in between things. It helps keep the counter cleared and dishes can dry (use HOT water to rinse) and you can put them away when you have another few minutes.


Sometimes, we just have to prioritize. I do that often during this very busy month. And I have to consider what REALLY needs to be done first – usually, according to the day of the week it needs to be ready. We gotta ‘keep the main thing, the main thing’….I always record comments on new recipes – ‘excellent’….’rubbery’ (just did that today with a sugar free cookie I tried =) If the recipe isn’t in a book, and I’m not wild about it, I usually throw it away and keep trying other new ones.


Q: What homemade gifts do you like to give? How do you package them?

I believe gifts from the heart are the very best kind - when we give part of ourselves....our time, the work of our hands and our thoughtfulness away.

(KEEP SCROLLING FOR RECIPES) 

(While a newspaper photographer was here earlier this week taking pictures to go along with my monthly newspaper food column, being published next week, I took a few pictures of my own...so fun to get my cookbook in this picture!)


Chocolate Pretzel Rings (page 152 in my cookbook)  are fun to make with kids, and make a LOT so giving them away by themselves or along with other goodies is nice. If you can keep from eating them all…

(My living room decorations this year - I love snowmen & penguins)

Fruited Oatmeal Mix (page 148) is a nice gift to give – it’s warm and filling and is a healthier option, too! It can be bagged and tucked into a pretty tin or given in a pretty gift jar.

Q: How do you prepare for last minute party invitations or gift ideas?

I buy things (on sale) throughout the year – candles, books, calendars, Avon, and have two file drawers in my desk with gifts in them, so I can look through and see if I can find anything ‘fitting’ for the person I desire it for. And I always have something edible made up – even if it’s in the freezer.

 **RECIPES**

Let’s not forget to organize our heart and minds so that we keep the focus on the true meaning of each holiday.  Enjoy this special time with your family and friends because spending meaningful & quality time with your loved ones will mean so much more than any gift you give them.


WHITE CHRISTMAS MIX
1 lb. white chocolate (or vanilla almond bark)

Melt in double boiler or microwave according to directions

Mix together:

3 cups Rice Chex
3 cups Corn Chex (or combined – 6 cups crispix cereal)
3 cups Cheerios
2 cups mini pretzels
2 cups peanuts
1 lg. bag of M & M’s – plain or peanut (optional) (We love using the holiday mix)
Pour white chocolate over everything and mix well. Let dry and place into gift containers.


CHOCOLATE PRETZEL RINGS


13 oz bag Rolos (or about 7 single rolls)
1 bag tiny twists pretzels
1 bag peanut M & M’s – (again, those holiday ones add a special touch)

Line cookie sheet with foil or parchment paper. Lay out pretzels, place one unwrapped rolo on top of Pretzel. Bake at 300 for 5 -6 minutes or until chocolate becomes shiny.

Take out of oven, place M&M on each one, pushing down on rolo so it adheres to pretzel.  Let cool for 10 minutes, then place entire sheet in fridge or cold room to set for at least 1 hour. This is so great because you can make few or many at a time. A cookie sheet full will make 70-90 treats. May also top with pecan halves instead of M & M’s.

FRUITED OATMEAL MIX

6 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped dried apples or dried banana chips or any dried diced fruit
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 tsps. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
(Yield: 7 cups of mix/two batches – each makes 7 servings of oatmeal)

Directions to include with gift:
For each serving:

1/2 cup fruited oatmeal mix
3/4 cup water

In a deep microwave-safe bowl, combine mix and water. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds; stir. Cook 20-30 seconds longer or until bubbly. let stand for 1 – 2 minutes.

A healthy gift – I used splenda, splenda brown sugar, and reduced sodium salt….Delicious!






White Christmas Mix (Page 150 in my cookbook=) is a very yummy, easy & pretty holiday gift to give. Giving it in the holiday printed zipper-seal bags is nice because you can see how pretty the mix is. Even plain ziploc bags, decorated with curly ribbons is ‘fun.’

Christmas Recipes, Tips, and Tricks - Oh my!

As the holidays approach this year, I'm reminded of an interview I gave to my daughter Deb, for her blog The Queen Mommy in 2008.  I thought I'd share that interview here with you - my readers.  Enjoy!

Q: How do you prepare for your holiday activities (calendar, lists, etc.)?

I make notes on a desk calendar for any activities going on from day to day, including cookie baking, cookie exchanges, Christmas concerts, etc.

I keep a pocket file folder in my recipe drawer - I have many - but one I have marked "Holidays". I keep my favorite recipes there so I don't have to dig through all my recipes to try to find a holiday favorite. I also use small photo albums (you know - the inexpensive ones from my local dollar store or walmart) and place recipes from newspaper/magazines in them, and mark each of them with the kind of recipes they contain. I have one marked "Cookies" that I refer to often. Others are 'desserts' '9" X 13" pan desserts' 'snacks and appetizers', etc. etc. I stand these little albums on end so I can easily see the one I'm looking for.

I keep a Christmas Card record book from year to year - that way I can make changes in addresses when needed ( I include the year of change also), and I keep track of to whom I send to, and receive from. Most record books are good for 5-8 years. I keep a list of gifts I give to friends and customers from year to year so I will vary the kitchen 'goodies' I share with them and don't repeat - unless it's one of their favorites, which I record, also.

Q: What shortcuts and time savers do you rely on during your holiday preparations?

As I mentioned previously, I keep a list of recipes written out for review & reference. I try to make every minute count - get up and do something while a commercial comes on TV, and I always make myself lists so I can think of what I need to do next.

One thing I do to keep things moving along in the kitchen, is to keep hot sudsy water in the sink all the time I'm working there, and wash dishes when I have a minute in between things. It helps keep the counter cleared and dishes can dry (use HOT water to rinse) and you can put them away when you have another few minutes.

Sometimes, we just have to prioritize. I do that often during this very busy month. And I have to consider what REALLY needs to be done first - usually, according to the day of the week it needs to be ready. We gotta 'keep the main thing, the main thing'....I always record comments on new recipes - 'excellent'....'rubbery' (just did that today with a sugar free cookie I tried =) If the recipe isn't in a book, and I'm not wild about it, I usually throw it away and keep trying new ones.

Q: What homemade gifts do you like to give? How do you package them?

White Christmas Mix is a really yummy, easy, pretty holiday gift to give. Giving it in the holiday printed zipper-seal bags is nice because you can see how pretty the mix is. Even plain ziploc bags, decorated with curly ribbons is 'fun.'

Pretzel Pretties are fun to make with kids, and make a LOT so giving them away by themselves or along with other goodies is nice. If you can keep from eating them all…

Fruited Oatmeal Mix is a nice gift to give – it’s warm and filling and is a healthier option, too! It can be bagged and tucked into a pretty tin or given in a pretty gift jar.

Q: How do you prepare for last minute party invitations or gift ideas?

I buy things (on sale) throughout the year - candles, books, calendars, Avon, & clearance items I come across. I have two file drawers in my desk with gifts in them, so I can look through and see if I can find anything 'fitting' for the person I desire it for. And I always have something edible made up - even if it's in the freezer.

**RECIPES**

WHITE CHRISTMAS MIX

1 lb. white chocolate (or vanilla almond bark)
Melt in double boiler or microwave according to directions

Mix together:
3 cups Rice Chex
3 cups Corn Chex (or combined - 6 cups crispix cereal)
3 cups Cheerios
2 cups mini pretzels
2 cups peanuts
1 lg. bag of M & M's - plain or peanut (optional) (We love using the holiday mix)

Pour white chocolate over everything and mix well. Let dry and place into gift containers.

PRETZEL PRETTIES

13 oz bag Rolos (or 6-7 rolls)
1 bag tiny twists pretzels
1 bag peanut M & M's - we like to use holiday colored ones

Line cookie sheet with foil or parchment paper. Lay out pretzels, place one unwrapped rolo on top of Pretzel. Bake at 300 for 5 -6 minutes or until chocolate becomes shiny.

Take out of oven, place M&M on each one, smashing down rolo. Let cool for 10 minutes, then place entire sheet in fridge or cold room to set for at least 1 hour. This is so great because you can make few or many at a time. A cookie sheet full will make 70-90 treats. May also top with pecan halves instead of M & M's.

FRUITED OATMEAL MIX

6 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped dried apples or dried banana chips or any dried diced fruit
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 tsps. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. salt

(Yield: 7 cups of mix/two batches - each makes 7 servings of oatmeal)

Directions to include with gift:

For each serving:
1/2 cup fruited oatmeal mix
3/4 cup water

In a deep microwave-safe bowl, combine mix and water. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds; stir. Cook 20-30 seconds longer or until bubbly.  Let stand for 1 - 2 minutes.

A healthy gift - I use splenda, splenda brown sugar, and reduced sodium salt....Delicious!

My First Interview with The Queen Mommy

Last year, my daughter Deb asked if she could interview me for a few Christmas posts at her blog, The Queen Mommys Cafe.  She asked the questions and I gave the answers. This is the first part of the interview, and I wanted to share it with you this Christmas season...

1) I'd like to start off by asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself, Queen Martha.

I wear a lot of 'hats' in my world, but my favorites are wearing my wife, mom & nana hats. What a privilege to be given those special places of honor. When I was a kid, my mom spent much time at the sewing machine, so I would work in the kitchen. I developed a love for making dishes then, and even more, after marrying a man who is willing to try anything, and then enjoying hosting company, who enjoyed the recipes I shared. It's just kinda snowballed since then.

God has given me the gift of encouragement, and so I spend a few hours a day at the computer, along with several hours a week, at the dining room table, where I enjoy writing out cards to mail to help brighten days for dear ones in my life.

I had a story published in Christian Miracles...Amazing stories of God's Helping Hand in Our Everyday Lives in 2005. I won $100 for a recipe contest in American Profile - a paper magazine distributed in newspapers nationally - for butternut squash bake in 2006. That, plus 5 other recipes of mine were included in their Holiday Cookbook in 2007. I've publicly shared our life's 'God-story' a few times, and have spoken for Mother's Day dinners and also shared encouragement ministry ideas.

I love to say "I'm not a professional speaker, but I AM a professional talker".

2) What are your favorite childhood Christmas memories? What are your favorite Christmas memories as a mom?

I do think my most favorite Christmas memory as a child is the year I realized there wasn't a Santa. My mom had made my older foster sister and me matching plaid nighties, and it dawned on me (though I hadn't had a glimpse of her making them, that SHE made them. I was probably 10 or 11.) Holidays celebrated with the aunts and uncles on both/either sides of the families are special memories also. I've always been so saddened that my own children missed out on those growing up times with family that I so enjoyed...since we were military and lived far from home. We rarely had $funds$ to make it home for the holidays very often.

My favorite Christmas as a mom is tough - I loved them all. Having my children help as we 'worked' together doing the decorating was always so much fun. The music going, the candles burning, as we sampled goodies we'd already made....those are all my favorites.
3) What are your favorite things to do during the holiday season? How do you prepare for them? What tips & tricks can you share about making your preparations simple and time-saving?

I LOVE baking - trying new recipes, a few times a week, and sharing the goods. I begin stocking up on baking items - chocolate chips, nuts, brown and powdered sugars, etc. when they're on sale - probably beginning in October. I usually have an extra 5# bag of flour in the freezer, so I don't run short at the last minute. Shopping with coupons, especially with store sales, and shopping at discount stores like Aldi's, Big Lots, or Sam's Club can really help me get stocked up.

I keep a few lists going at once....I have a running grocery list...I taught my kids when they were younger, to add to the list when they used the last of something, and that really helped keep on top of things.

Now, that I no longer have those ready and helping hands, every day at least, I keep a list handy where I can write things down when I realize I'm almost out. I like to have the salt, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla, out on the counter ready to be measured. After I've used it, I set it on a different place in the counter, so I know it's already been used...just in case I get interrupted in the middle of what I'm doing.

Because I have many cookbooks, and love to sit and read them, I keep a running list of recipes I want to try, with cookbook name, and page number handy, so when the mood strikes, I can review my list and decide which one would work best for my time frame.

I do have a kitchen drawer full of recipe files and collected recipe cards that I use most frequently. It's where I also keep my most recent cookbook magazines. And I normally have a pile of recipes on the countertop...sometimes I need to see the recipe to be reminded of it, and that seems to work for me, since I do have enough countertop to do that.