Thursday, November 17, 2011

Homemade Butterfinger Candy Bar Bites


                                                                       
JUST A SWEET LITTLE REMINDER...

THANKSGIVING IS ONLY ONE WEEK AWAY!

Are you ready???  *-*



Oh my Soul! 

This recipe seems to be the 'rage' on the net and in Blogland as of late.

I couldn't wait to try it.

It is just amazing - and all my taste-testing friends and family agree! 

We always like a little chocolate candy with our Thanksgiving brunch and I'm excited to try this out on my kids.

I took some of my first batch to share with my sis-in-loves, who are all great cooks, and they were amazed how it tasted like a real butterfinger!

I shared several pieces at a ladies meeting the next day (from my second batch) and they all thought it tasted like the real thing too.

One dear friend told me she couldn't WAIT to go home and make a batch. 


Another friend of a friend told me they added rice krispies to it and loved it....so feel free to do 'your thing'.

I can't imagine how anyone thinks this stuff up, but I'm so thankful someone did!


Since Halloween was over, I had to scour a couple of Dollar General stores to clean them out of candy corn....on sale even!  I stocked up because I know this will be something we make again for Christmas gift-giving!

(Just this week, I've seen that Walgreen's has MUCH candy corn on sale!)

SOOOO Simple - TWO ingredients!  Can we even imagine??
Well, three, if you count the chocolate you dip them in.

Give it a try....you won't be sorry.

I had read some blog posts about gals not being happy because this candy had a smooth texture. 

Mine didn't, and I think it's better that way.  It has that
'break away' kind of texture that the real candy bar has.

I think it's because I 'accidently' had it in the microwave a tad longer than the original recipe called for, so I have typed it up for you as I made it.

The picture belows gives you an idea what the candy looks like before dipping.


I love that this recipe can be cut down if you want.

The first time I made it I used 2 c. candy corn and 1 c. peanut butter.


HOMEMADE BUTTERFINGER CANDY BAR BITES

3 cups candy corn
1-1/2 cups peanut butter
milk chocolate chips or candy melts, melted

Line 8" X 8" pan with parchment paper (or waxed paper - sprayed).
Place candy corn in microwavable bowl and microwave for 1 minute.   Stir until mostly melted.  Stir and continue heating 10 to 15 second until melted, stirring well. Add peanut butter, return to microwave for 10 - 15 seconds.  Stir until blended, but you don't want it to be smooth.

Pour into prepared pan. Let set up for 1 hour.  Remove from pan; cut into pieces or bars with pizza cutter or sharp knife.  Dip pieces in melted chocolate. (I added a tsp. of crisco to the choc chips to make them smoother)

The texture is crunchier if refrigerated when cooled.

If you are partial to Butterfinger candy bars, as I am....
OH YOU ARE GONNA LOVE THIS!!!!!!!
Chomp, drool, slurp, lick....
Linked to Made it on Monday
         Foodie Friday
              Melt in Your Mouth Monday
         Creative Thursday
GBP Roundup - Peanut Butter

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

It's time for a Giveaway!!!!

{This giveaway is now closed....winners announced on Friday, Nov. 25}
Thanks for entering....


I'm SOO excited!


SOOO much to all of you for your support and encouragement, especially these past few months.

It means more than words can express. 

YA'LL ROCK!!!!!!

I just shake my head in disbelief when I consider how quickly my Facebook fan numbers have risen in the past few months. 

I'm closing in on 1000 fans and could use your help here!

For weeks, I've considered getting this giveaway going now before the holidays HIT us strong...and have been planning to entice bribe ask you to help me  get over that #1000 hump, but I'm much closer than I would have dreamed already.

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS.....YOU CAN PUSH ME OVER THE TOP!!!!

In reality, I only have about 10 more 'likes' to get there.

UN.BE.LIEVABLE!!

No matter what....

I am excited to offer TWO gift packages....

The first pkg. is this wonderful Christmas Cookies cookbook,
along with an adorable plate for YOU to give away, AND...
a cutsie spatula/turner made by Avon just for the holidays.
I'm wishing I had gotten one for myself too!



(Does seeing all that peppermint make you want to break out in singing "Deck the Halls"?)  *-*

The plate is 13" wide...you can put plenty of cookies on there to give away. 

The cookbook has ideas like...
~Baking Cookies with Kids
~Sharing with Friends
~Making Memories
~Cookie Storage Hints

along with many shaped, dropped, and bar cookie recipes.
MMMM!


I made some of the Peppermint Candy Shortbread cookies and they were super!

The second gift package is this cute "Cookie Dough FUN" cookbook, along with a set of 4" X 6" Christmas recipe cards.


These are some of the titles in this little booklet...

~Crazy for Cookie Dough
~Simple Pleasures
~Kids in the Kitchen
~Holiday Treats
~Party Fun


OK - here's how you enter this giveaway...

I'm keeping it simple - please tell me a dish you are making for your Thanksgiving Day meal.
(I dare you to make my mouth water=)

Then for additional comments you can do any or all of the following....please be sure to come back and let me know what you did.

Don't forget to include an email address so I can contact you.

(If it's easier for my non-blogging friends, you can always use the 'anonymous' comment option, but leave your name/email address in the body also)

~"Like"  my Recipes & Recollections Facebook Page
(or let me know if you do already)

~Post this giveaway on your Facebook Page or Blog

~Subscribe to my blog

The giveaway ends on Tuesday, Nov. 22nd at 6 PM - EST.
The winners will be announced the day after Thanksgiving.

This giveaway is for residents of the U.S. only.

(Sorry - I really do appreciate those around the world who are interested in my blog, but this is only for U. S. folks)

LET THE FUN BEGIN....GO!!!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Can't Leave 'Em Alone Pumpkin Bars

{After I typed this up, I wondered why I didn't just ask Tonya to do a guest post for me here?  I hope to make that happen in the new year, so be on the lookout for more recipes from this cowgirl because we are 'sisters' who must share taste buds =}

Dear Blogging Friends....

This would make an awesome Thanksgiving dessert to grace your table and impress your family and friends.

It's heavenly...to say the least!

I don't know about you, but I just can't get too much pumpkin this time of the year.  I'm always ready for M.O.R.E..


I was thrilled to find this recipe at the blog of my sweet new blogging buddy, Tonya, at 4little fergusons.


(Isn't she a doll???)
 
This is the first of several of Tonya's recipes that I plan to share with you soon, so I must first....tell you more about this amazing and incredible woman! 

I've become a true fan of Tonya...in 'Tonyaland' along with her 4 precious little babes.


Tonya is a Wonder Woman for sure!
AWESOME COOK. WIFE. MOMMY. WOMAN OF FAITH.
PHOTOGRAPHER. ORGANIZER. FRIEND. PROVERBS 31 WOMAN.
PILLOW-FLUFFER...


and the list goes on and on and on....

I can't imagine how she finds time to blog, but she does, and trust me...she does it well.

I think she must have a stick of dynamite wrapped up inside her little body somewhere to accomplish everything she does!



Maybe she has a clone somewhere?? {wink}

If you haven't ever been over to visit Tonya, PLEASE take a few minutes to pop in on her. Her amazing photos will draw you right in.

OK...onto this delectable recipe... 


You will want to try this seriously delicious dish!

Would be perfect for Thanksgiving!!

CAN'T LEAVE 'EM ALONE PUMPKIN BARS

CRUST:
1 (18 ozs) box yellow cake mix, reserve 1 cup
1/2 c. melted butter
1 egg, beaten

Mix together and press into 9" X 13" baking pan.

MIDDLE:
2 eggs
2/3 c. evaporated milk
1/4 c. white sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1- 15 ozs. can pumpkin
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Mix well and pour over crust.

TOPPING:
1 c. reserved cake mix
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. white sugar
1/2 c. melted butter
1/2 c. chopped nuts, optional

Mix together and spoon over pumpkin filling.
Bake at 350 for 40 - 50 minutes. (It will still be a bit soft in the center.)

Serve warm or refrigerate and serve cold with whipped topping. 

Personal opinion: It's very good warm, but we prefer it chilled.

Linked to Totally Tasty Tuesday
               Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Crazy Sweet Tuesday
Sweets for a Saturday
        Ingredient Spotlight - Cake Mix
         Ingredient Spotlight - Pumpkin
Weekend Potluck
Meal Plan Monday 












Friday, November 11, 2011

Thank you Vets!

Today we honor those who have served & sacrificed for our freedoms.


John 15:13 - Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Freedom Isn't Free Eagle Vinyl Graphic

I'm SO proud to be the wife of a 20-yr. military man, and appreciate all those many spouses out there who have a mate who is currently serving, or has served, the United States of America in the Armed Forces.


I'm also the proud mama of a son, Dave, who served 9 years in the navy as a corpsman, (two tours overseas) and am the daughter of a sailor who served as a gunner's mate in the navy in WWII, Bob King, and a sister whose brother, Alan, served proudly in the United States Marine Corps!


PLEASE BE SURE TO THANK A VET TODAY!

I LOVE Getting and Giving Awards!!

Oh how tickled I am to have recently received this lovely award (a new one to me!) from Aunt Nubby's Kitchen Thanks a million Anita for thinking of me with this one.  I'm tickled down to my toes!

The "Triple Cute" Blog Award!



This award is to be passed on to seven other deserving bloggers by the recipient. I have chosen some favorites of mine with super cute blogs and lots of creativity, all wrapped up into one triple cute blog!

 Please visit these lovely ladies and check out their awesome blogs.
A'lil Country Sugar....who amazes me how she creates delectable dishes and uses leftovers to make something new! Ever the creative blogger!
Chocolate Covered Katie...who blows me away with all the incredible & healthy desserts she comes up with!
4littlefergusons...who keeps me in awe over all the things she accomplishes and the wisdom she has as a young mama to 4 precious wee ones. One terrific photographer too!
Flour Me With Love...who is so faithful to share the most delicious recipes and has a darling blog set up.
Cooking with Libby...who is not only a creative blogger & cook, but one I've been following the longest because she never fails to 'keep me on the edge of my seat' with her wonderful posts.
Lark's Country Heart ....who has fantastic recipes, but best of all, has a {country} heart that gives and gives herself away.  A lovely lady who never ceases to amaze me.
The Sweet Swiper - by Kirsten - a woman after my heart. She makes the same kind of foodie delights that I like to make...and eat too. I love the cute and simple crafts she shares also.
***********************************

Many thanks to my sweet daughter, Deb, AKA The Queen Mommy who bestowed me with this award a few weeks ago and I just haven't made time to pass it along, so figured I would include it in this post also.  She's the reason I began blogging and am ever grateful for her encouragement.


Liebster means "Beloved" in German..just lovely!

The Liebster is awarded to spotlight up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers (which may or not be true in every case!) . Here are the guidelines a recipient should follow:

Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog. Copy and paste the award on your blog. Have faith that your followers will spread the love to other bloggers. And most of all – have fun!


Grandma Loy's Kitchen - a good email bud who inspires me and shares amazing recipes.  I especially love all the DIY ideas she shares!
Amee's Savory Dish - she shares lots of ways to make nutritious & healthy dishes and I so appreciate that.
Sneakers of Faith - by Heather - a fairly new blog (and a very new bride!) that is full of inspiration and encouragement.
The Cooking Blog - by Jessica, a young teenage gal who shares great recipes, simple crafts and her interesting life. 
(I was that young girl once upon a time=)
Live.Art.Fully - by Jennifer, who shares struggles with a chronic disease, is a homeschooling mom and is full of faith and inspiration.  A new blog to me, and I'm glad I crossed paths with this one.  









Printfriendly