Orange Slice Fruitcake

I know...so many people do NOT care for fruitcake.

I'm in that same boat with you...if you're thinking the fruitcakes with all the dried fruit...very dry, etc. etc. 

No nasty dried fruit in this one!

This is a fruitcake you're sure to LOVE!

It has candy orange slices and lots of nuts, dates and coconut, so it not only is moist and sweet, it has crunch and is so flavorful. 

It's AH.MA.ZING! 

And it tastes better the longer it sets....and freezes so nicely. 

(hover over image to pin)

I made this cake a long time ago, then lost the recipe....and after talking with a friend about this recipe, she had it and gladly wrote it out for me. I wanted to be sure I add it to my blog so I can keep it forever. 

It bakes for 1-1/2 to 2 hours at 300, then it soaks in an orange juice glaze. 

I cut the orange slices with scissors for ease. 

It freezes great, so you can have it when company is coming over.

It does take a little while to thaw, but you could always cut the bundt cake

into 1/2 or 1/4's and then freeze. 

I cut it into smaller pieces to serve, just because it's heavy and rich..

and SOO FLAVORFUL!!!  I love the crunch of all the nuts! 

Do hope you'll give this one a try. Absolutely Mouth-Watering!

ORANGE SLICE FRUITCAKE 

1 c. butter (or margarine), room temperature

2 c. sugar

(I used 1-1/2)

4 eggs

3-1/2 c. self-rising flour**(see tip below) 

1/2 c. buttermilk

1 lb. orange candy slices

(wet clean scissors, cut candy into small pieces...

keep a glass of warm water nearby to dip scissors in...shaking off

excess water before cutting candies) 

2 c. chopped pecans or walnuts

1 (7 ozs) pkg. dates, chopped

1 c. flaked coconut

Glaze: 

1 c. orange juice

2 c. powdered sugar

(I revised this glaze - using 1/2 c. pineapple juice and 1 c. powdered sugar!
The above recipe makes the cake very sweet) 

Preheat oven to 300*.  Grease and flour a large bundt pan; set aside.

In large bowl, beat butter and sugar until blended well.  Add eggs, one at a time, blending well after each addition.  Blend in flour and buttermilk until smooth. Fold in orange slices, nuts, dates and coconut.  (Mixture will be very thick). Pour into prepared pan. Bake 1-1/2 to 2 hours, testing after 1-1/2 hours. Remove cake from oven when toothpick placed in the middle comes out clean. 

In small bowl, combine orange (or pineapple) juice and powdered sugar; pour over hot cake while still in the pan.  Cool cake in pan for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Turn out onto cake plate.  Cool completely. 

Cake has more flavor after being frozen for about a week. Wrap airtight in foil or in a seal-able container. Thawing takes some time, so plan ahead. 

**To make your own self-rising flour:

add 1-1/2 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 tsp. salt to a 

1 c. all purpose flour.  Now you're ready to bake!

Linked to Weekend Potluck
                  Meal Plan Monday

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Leader Enterprise - December 2, 2015 - Cabbage

Copycat KFC Coleslaw

When considering a holiday side dish, you may not think about cabbage right away, but you would do well to serve a lucious dish of it in one form or another. 

This food is very low in saturated fat and cholesterol and is a very good source of fiber. At only 13 calories per cup of cooked cabbage, it's a great way to fill you up with few calories. Try adding cabbage into a mixed green salad. It will help make you feel full and keep you regular.

Cabbage is a good source of Vitamins C and K. Vitamin C helps the body resist infectious agents and free radicals. Enough Vitamin K makes your bone stronger, healthier and delays osteoporosis. Cancer prevention tops all other areas of health research with regard to cabbage and its outstanding benefits. For maximum nutritional value, don't overcook. 

I've received raves and requests for this copycat side dish. 

COPYCAT KFC COLESLAW

1 (1 lb.) package pre-shredded coleslaw mix with cabbage and carrots 

2 TB. minced onion

1/3 c. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/4 c. milk

1/2 c. mayo

1/4 c. buttermilk

1-1/2 TBS white vinegar

2-1/2 TB. lemon juice

Dried Parsley Flakes 

Place coleslaw mix in a large bowl. Add onions. Mix well. (Place mix in a food processor and pulse to shred a little finer if you desire the same texture as KFC serves.)

In a medium bowl combine buttermilk, milk, mayo, sugar, salt, pepper, vinegar, and lemon juice. Whisk well. Pour over cabbage mix. Stir well. Sprinkle with dried parsley. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.

This is the cabbage dish I make repeatedly. So cheesey and so easy too. 

CHEESE-SCALLOPED CABBAGE

About 8 cups chopped raw cabbage

chopped onion, if desired

About 4 ozs. Velveeta cheese, chunked or sliced

About 15 ritz crackers, crushed

Boil cabbage (and onion) in salted water until el dente. Drain well. Squeeze out most of the water if necessary. 

In Pam-sprayed casserole dish, sprinkle about 5 crackers, crumbled.

Make a layer of cabbage (I ended up with 3 layers total)

then lay as much cheese on top as you'd like, but don't cover it totally.  

Sprinkle with a few more crumbs, then do it all again two more times, ending with cheese and then topped with crumbs.

Bake uncovered in preheated 350 oven for about 20 - 25 minutes, or until bubbly around edges.

Be careful not to use too many crackers as the casserole will be too dry.  You want just a light coating between all layers.

I love that I can make as much, or as little, of this recipe as I'd like...you can fix 4 servings or 14.

I recently made this tasty soup and we were so pleased with how flavorful it was. Makes the kitchen smell great too. 

Slow Cooker Cabbage & Kielbasa Soup

SLOW COOKER CABBAGE & KIELBASA SOUP 

1# pkg. (turkey) kielbasa sausage                                      

1 Tb. olive oil

1 med. onion, chopped

2 chopped garlic cloves) 

6 c. chicken broth

4 c. shredded cabbage

(Adding 2 Tb. cider vinegar will give it a sweet n sour flavor), optional

1 large bay leaf

1⁄2 tsp. black pepper

Slice kielbasa into bite sized pieces.  In large skillet, add oil and kielbasa. Over med-high heat, brown well, stirring often. When meat is nearly browned, add chopped onions and garlic. Cook just until onions soften.

Add sausage and onion mixture to slow cooker.  Add some chicken broth to skillet to scrape the glaze from bottom of pan. Pour over mixture in slow cooker, then add remaining chicken broth. 

Transfer kielbasa and onions to a slow cooker set to low. Add some of the chicken broth to the skillet the kielbasa was cooked in and use a spatula to scrape the bottom, breaking up any glaze the kielbasa may have left in the pan. Pour over kielbasa and onions in slow cooker, and then pour in remaining chicken broth.

Add the cabbage, bay leaf, and black pepper to the cooker and stir all to combine. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Remove bay leaf and serve. 

Don't miss my next column, full of holiday recipe ideas!

"Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.”  – Janice Maeditere

Make Ahead Pull-Apart Sticky Buns & Weekend Potluck #199

WELCOME TO ANOTHER FUN WEEKEND POTLUCK! SO happy you joined us! No doubt, you can find many wonderful dishes  here to add to your holiday menu! 

AND...

When I share something worth sharing...again...
You won't want to get through your holiday season without trying these awesome sticky buns.  Made with frozen roll dough, you can make these up to 48 hours ahead and let them rise in the fridge.  IMPRESSIVE!! 
Make Ahead Pull-Apart Sticky Buns

Now, let's take a quick peek back at last week...

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

Broccoli Cheese Soup by Don’t Sweat The Recipe

Recipes that caught our attention ~

Bacon Cheeseburger Egg Rolls by Tornadough Alli

Pecan Cheese Ball by A Sprinkle of This and That

And, a personal favorite ~

Creamy Potato Soup  by Sugar Apron

Your hostesses ~

• Sunflower Supper Club ~ Kim & Julie
• The Better Baker ~ Marsha
• Frugal Family Favorites ~ Tabitha
• Sweet Little Bluebird~ Mary
• The Country Cook~ Brandie

Remember that when you link up, it shows on all FIVE blogs. Plus…

We TWEET. We PIN. We LIKE.

Linky Guidelines:

If you wish to be a featured recipe or for us to promote your recipe either on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, you MUST follow these instructions.

1. Please link up to your exact post and not the main page to your blog.
2. LINK BACK HERE from your post so that others can find the fun.
   When you are kind enough to follow our guidelines, we work hard to get you as much exposure as possible so that your time here is well invested. We want this to be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone!
   
   
   
   An InLinkz Link-up
   
   
   
   
   
   

Copycat Arby's Apple Turnovers (2 ingredients)

This easy and very tasty recipe is all over the net. 

They are beautiful too - you'll be so proud of the end result!

They look professional!

ONLY 2 INGREDIENTS! 

(not counting frosting)

I had some puff pastry in the freezer that needed to be used, and we were BOTH SO happy with this special treat.

I love the $1 turnovers at Arby's...and these couldn't be easier to make yourself.

Would be great using peach or blueberry or your favorite pie filling!

The crust puffs up so nicely and is wonderfully flaky!

Perfect for a special treat any time of the year! 

COPYCAT ARBY'S APPLE TURNOVERS 

1 pkg. puff pastry sheets

1 can apple (or your favorite) pie filling

Thaw the puff pastry at room temperature for about 20 minutes. 

Preheat oven to 400. 

Unfold first sheet of pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 12" square 

and cut into 4 6-inch squares. 

Open can of filling and with a knife chop the apples into smaller pieces..this just makes it easier in the long run.  (You can add a little cinnamon or nutmeg if preferred). 

Place 1/4 c. filling in the center of each square of puff pastry. Brush edge with water and fold over to form a triangle, sealing tight at the corners, but leaving a space on each side so it can 'breathe'. 

Place on baking sheet; bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. 

Cool on wire rack. 

Glaze: 

1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 Tb. water

Stir together in bowl until smooth. Drizzle over cooled pastries.

OR...

place some ready-to-spread frosting in a ziploc bag...

cut the corners and drizzle. 

Linked to 
Meal Plan Monday
Weekend Potluck

You may also like...

Speedy Cinnamon Roll "Waffles"

Invisible Banana French Toast

Homemade Pop Tarts

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Nitey Nites (cookies)

Fire up those ovens and let the holiday baking season begin....

It's hard for me to imagine I've not shared this recipe from long ago before now.

I began making this tasty simple meringue cookie when my kids were small.

(Our youngest is nearing 40=) 

It was always fun because you place the cookies in a warm oven, turn it off, and

let them sit overnight while they 'bake'. 

We've added mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies for a real holiday flair.

Simple and easy - perfect for adding to your holiday tray. 

And GLUTEN FREE to boot! 

I line the cookie sheet with non stick foil for easy cleanup! 

This recipe was in my first cookbook, Recipes & Recollections, which has been sold out for a couple of years. 

NITEY NITES

2 egg whites

1/8 tsp. cream of tartar 

1/2 - 3/4 c. white granulated sugar

1 c. mini chocolate chips

1 c. chopped nuts

crushed candy canes, optional 

Turn oven to 350. Line cookie sheet with non-stick foil or grease it. 

In medium glass bowl, beat egg whites & Cream of tartar until mixture reaches soft peaks. (When you pull the mixer out of the bowl, they will mound slightly). 

Add sugar, gradually, beating after each addition, until mixture is glossy. 

Fold in chocolate chips and nuts (& candies). 

Drop, 1 Tb. at a time, onto prepared cookie sheet. Turn the oven off. 

Place baking sheet in oven....and go to bed. (Nitey Nite!=) 

Take out when you get up in the morning....remove from cookie sheet. 

Enjoy!!!

Linked to Weekend Potluck
                 Full Plate Thursday
                Meal Plan Monday

Butterscotch Cookies (from a cake mix)

Easy Monster Cookies

Oatmeal White Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies

Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies

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Pumpkin Pie Overnight Flax Oat Surprise (WW Pts)

If you're looking for something on the 'healthy side' after indulging over the holiday, I've got just what you're looking for. 

I do love me some oatmeal, especially when I can wake up in the morning and it's ready to eat!

This is a recipe from Hungry Girl and includes Weight Watchers Points!

A simple recipe that will rock your morning! It's creamy, crunchy, tasty and filling!

I love anything that uses unsweetened vanilla almond milk...it's only 30 calories per cup!!!! And it tastes so good. 

PUMPKIN PIE OVERNIGHT FLAX OAT SURPRISE 

1 (5.3 oz) container fat free plain Greek yogurt

1/4 c. canned pure pumpkin 

2 Tb. unsweetened vanilla almond milk 

2 Tb. old-fashioned oats

1 Tb. ground flax meal 

2 no-calorie sweetener packets 

(we like Truvia)

1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract 

1 Tb. sliced or chopped almonds 

Directions: 

In a medium bowl or jar, combine all ingredients except almonds. Mix thoroughly. 

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, overnight, or until oats are soft. 

Top with almonds. 

MAKES 1 SERVING 

NUTRITIONAL VALUE FROM HG: 

Pumpkin Pie Overnight Flax Oat Surprise

Entire recipe: 240 calories, 7g fat, 87mg sodium, 24g carbs, 6g fiber, 8.5g sugars, 21g protein --PointsPlus® value 6* 

Healthy Blueberry Muffin Oatmeal

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Baked Oatmeal

1-Minute Healthy Deep-Dish Breakfast Cookie

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Crockpot Cheesey Turkey Sandwiches & Weekend Potluck #198

WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK!  Trust you all enjoyed a great day of gobbling! *-* Now for ideas to prepare for you Christmas menu...upward and onward!

AND...

When I share something worth sharing...again...
Maybe you put your leftover turkey in the freezer? This is a great way to enjoy it later...or even tomorrow. 
Crockpot Cheesey Turkey Sandwiches

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

Chicken Terrific by Cooking with K

Recipes that caught our attention ~

Cranberry Fluff Salad by The Kitchen is My Playground

Glazed Apple Cider Streusel Quick Bread by 
Kim’s County Line

And, a personal favorite ~

30+ Easy Christmas Cupcake Ideas by One Little Project 

Your hostesses ~

• The Better Baker ~ Marsha
• The Country Cook~ Brandie
• Sunflower Supper Club ~ Kim & Julie
• Frugal Family Favorites ~ Tabitha
• Sweet Little Bluebird~ Mary

Remember that when you link up, it shows on all FIVE blogs. Plus…

We TWEET. We PIN. We LIKE.

Linky Guidelines:

If you wish to be a featured recipe or for us to promote your recipe either on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, you MUST follow these instructions.

1. Please link up to your exact post and not the main page to your blog.
2. LINK BACK HERE from your post so that others can find the fun. 
   When you are kind enough to follow our guidelines, we work hard to get you as much exposure as possible so that your time here is well invested. We want this to be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone!
   
   
   
   An InLinkz Link-up
   
   
   
   
   

Pumpkin Pie Coffee Cake

I needed a small pan of something sweet to serve a few ladies coming to my house one morning...

I was so glad I made this.  Everyone loved it and since my hubby isn't wild about pumpkin, I got to enjoy a piece the next few days. 

I love making many pumpkin dishes this time of year.  This would be perfect for T'giving morning with your coffee.  Just make it up the day before and reheat if desired. 

Don't let the name fool you...this is more cake-y than pie-y.  *-* 

I reduced the amount of sugar and I thought it was just perfectly sweetened. 

 I used turbinado sugar in the topping so it was sparkly and crunchy and so inviting. 

You can always trust Brandie's recipes to turn out. So click on the link below and hop on over to see the recipe and check out what else she's got cookin' today!  You'll be so glad you did!

Pumpkin Pie Cake

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