This time of the year, I spend hours in the kitchen every week.Doncha just hate it when you're all ready to make something and discover you're missing an ingredient? I do. That's why I'm happy to have discovered these great recipes for substitutes. I've become email buds with a 70-yr.old blogger at Grandma Loy's Kitchen. She has many DIY recipes that I love. I've made sweetened condensed milk and it's nearly the same consistency as store-bought. Amazing! I stock up on cake mixes when they're on sale, but if I decide to make something needing a yellow cake mix, and only have chocolate, then this DIY cake mix recipe works great too. Hope these creations keep you from running to the store during this busy baking time. I'm also sharing some great ideas to use some of these ingredients.
HOMEMADE SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK
{equivalent to 3-14-ozs.cans}
4 c. sugar
1 (12 ozs) can evaporated milk
1 c. nonfat dry milk
6 Tb. butter or margarine, sliced
Put sugar in a blender or food processor, 1 cup at a time. Blend until fine. Repeat process with dry milk. Combine sugar, evaporated milk, dry milk and butter in large saucepan. Mix very well. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, (a whisk works best) until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and divide evenly into thirds, about 1-1/4 c. each. Refrigerate overnight before using to allow mixture to thicken. Keeps 2 weeks in the refrigerator and can be frozen up to 6 months. It may be a little grainy after thawing,but smooths out when mixed with other ingredients. Use fat free evaporated milk and omit butter for fat free results. I used 2 c. Splenda to replace 2 c. sugar and it worked great...it simply produces less amount.
MAGIC BAR COOKIES (No egg)
1-1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs (about 25-30 squares)
1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1-14 ozs. can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 c. butter, room temperature
1-1/3 c. coconut
2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
1 c. walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
(I prefer mine toasted first)
Preheat oven to 350. In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, flour and baking powder. In a large bowl, beat sweetened condensed milk and butter until smooth. Add graham cracker crumb mixture; mix well. Stir in coconut, chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoonsful onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake about 10 minutes or until lightly browned. (the larger the cookie,the longer it takes to bake)
CAKE MIX
6 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. non fat powdered milk (blended in blender till fine)
4 c. sugar
1 Tb. baking powder
1 c. shortening
Mix dry ingredients together until well blended. Cut in shortening until it is in very fine particles. Store in airtight container at room temperature. Makes enough for 4 two layer cakes. This recipe can be easily halved.
One store-purchased box (18 ounces ) =3 1/4 cups of dry cake mix.
YELLOW CAKE
3 1/4 c. cake mix
2 well beaten eggs
1/4 c. vegetable oil
3/4 c. water
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Combine cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water; beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in vanilla. Pour batter into greased and floured pan[s]. Bake at 350 according to timetable below. Cake is done when it springs back when touched lightly in the center. Cool cake 10 minutes in pan: place top side up on cooling rack. Frost when completely cool.
Baking Timetable.
2- 8-inch round layers = 25-30 minutes
2- 9-inch round layers = 20-25 minutes
1- 13 x 9 x 2-inch oblong pan = 40-45 minutes.
Variations:
Cherry: Prepare as directed. Add 1 tsp.almond extract and 1-10-oz.jar maraschino cherries, finely chopped.
Chocolate: Prepare as directed. Add 6 Tb.unsweetened cocoa.
Chocolate Surprise Cake: Make a chocolate cake add 1/2 c.rinsed and chopped sauerkraut.
Coconut: Prepare as directed. Add 1/2 tsp.coconut extract and 1/3 c.flaked coconut.
Eggnog: Prepare as directed. Add 1 tsp.nutmeg, 2 tsp.rum extract.and 1/2 c. chopped nuts.
Orange or Lemon: Prepare as directed. Add 2 Tb.grated lemon or orange peel and 2 tsp. matching extract.
Spice: Prepare as directed. Add 1 tsp.cinnamon and 1 tsp.cloves.
For a lighter cake, separate the egg yolks from the egg whites and beat the egg whites until stiff. Add the beaten egg yolks to the cake mixture; gently fold the white eggs into the well mixed cake mixture.
CANDY AND PEANUT CHEWS
Base:
1 (18.25 oz.) pkg. Pillsbury Moist Supreme Yellow Cake Mix
(or 3-1/4 c.homemade mix)
1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
3 c. miniature marshmallows
Topping:
1/2 c. light corn syrup
1/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. crisp rice cereal
2 c. salted peanuts
1 c. candy corn, optional
In a large bowl, combine cake mix and butter; mix well. Stir in egg; blend well. Press in bottom of foil-lined 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan. Bake at 350 for 10-14 minutes or until base is set and light golden brown around edges. Remove pan from oven; immediately sprinkle with marshmallows. Return to oven; bake an additional 1-2 minutes or until marshmallows just begin to puff. Cool while preparing topping. Combine cereal, peanuts and candy corn in a bowl; set aside. In large saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar and brown sugar; blend well. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat; stir in peanut butter and vanilla until well blended. Stir in cereal, peanuts and candy corn. Immediately spoon topping over marshmallows; spread to cover. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until firm. Cut into bars. Makes about 48.
DIY PUMPKIN PIE SPICE: Mix 1 tsp. cinnamon with 1/2 tsp. ginger, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg, 1/4 tsp. allspice and dash of cloves.
DIY POWDERED SUGAR: Place 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 Tb. cornstarch in the blender; Blend on high continuously until the mixture is of uniform powdered consistency. Keep the lid on the blender until the powder settles.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Leader Enterprise - Dec. 21, 2011
I got hooked on Chicken Soup for the Soul a few years ago. I would pick one up with the intention of reading a couple of stories - because they are short - and lay the book down an hour later. Such inspiration and encouragement can be gleaned from reading the stories of folks who see the glass as 'half full'.
This special story grabbed ahold of me in a big way. Mostly because I too, begin drawing Social Security in the new year. But also because I'd love to leave a legacy for my grandkids for being known as a generous Nana.
This story comes from Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul and is authored by Patti Lawson.
"My grandmother's Social Security check was the highlight of her life. Everything depended on the arrival of her check. To this day, I have no idea how much it was,but she performed miracles with it. No matter what I wanted, she'd promise it to me'when I get my check'.
Her visits to our house were timed with its arrival. She could never come empty-handed. No sir, she came with delightful treats purchased with the money from that check. My dad would drive to Pittsburgh to bring her to our house two hours north. She'd emerge from the car laden with red licorice, cookies, chipped ham, potato chips, pop and her small blue suitcase. There was a small present for each of us, including my parents. After distributing her gifts, she'd take out of her pocket a list of things yet to be purchased with the remaining money.
These items always were the same, but she made the list anyway.Pond's face cream, hairnets, Jergen's hand lotion, support hose, chocolate-covered raisins, writing paper and envelopes, and some 'good cheese'. My dad would drive us into our small town with my grandmother sitting happily in the front seat clutching her pocketbook and my brother and sister and me in the back. Our destination was the G.C.Murphy store where, instead of just looking at things, we would be leaving with treasures.
Grammie, as we called her, loved these trips. She took her time examining the support hose, the hairnets and the cold creams. We hung by her side as she made her decisions..always choosing the same items. Then we were free to pick out something. I always got a book, my brother a car of some sort and my sister usually got chocolate candy. Grammie would then pick out something for our other sister, too little yet to go on these magical shopping trips.
Next we'd go to the grocery store and she'd load the cart with anything we wanted..all the things my mother never bought. I can still hear her urging our dad to get something. 'Go ahead,Buddy, I have enough to pay for it'. We laughed at hearing him called by his childhood name.
I never saw my grandmother buy a new dress for herself, but she gave me money for my high school graduation dress. I never saw her buy new shoes or even a coat. She was always 'making do' with her own things, but spending generously on those she loved.
The only month of the year she did not follow this ritual was December. She saved that check for Christmas presents. Each December she made yet another list..the list of what we wanted for Christmas. We had to give her three or four ideas so she could surprise us with one. Christmas was wonderful with the arrival of Grammie and all her mysterious, oddly wrapped packages.
Time moved on and I went off to college. By this time there were seven children in my family and some of my cousins now had children of their own. Grammie's check had to be stretched even further. The first letter she sent me at college read: Dear Patti Jo: My check came yesterday and I wanted to send you something, but I guess you have all the books you need there at college. Here are a few dollars so you can go out and have something nice to eat with your new friends.
Inside the folded sheets of the familiar writing paper I had watched her purchase time after time were three carefully folded dollar bills. This was the first of many such letter I received at college. Each letter during that first year contained folded dollar bills..my grandmother's love reaching across the miles..her check stretching very far.
And then I got the last one. She sent me a $5 bill, a list of what I should get with it and instructions to save some too. The list was long. I laughed, knowing that it would never cover all that Grammie wanted me to have.
Before the next letter arrived, the news came that she was in the hospital. By the time I got to Pittsburgh, she had slipped into a coma. Sitting by her intensive care bed, I was besieged with grief, realizing that I would never talk to her again..never witness her generosity and appreciation for the smallest things.
My grandmother had no will, no bequests, nothing to leave anyone. She gave it all away to those she loved while she lived.
Not too long ago, I was out to dinner with my parents and I offered to pay. "You're just like my mother," Dad said.
I've never ever received a nicer compliment. Grammie left me more than I ever realized."
This is a wonderful soup recipe from Gooseberry Patch. Of course, you can eat it any time of the year, but it's especially tasty on Christmas Eve. Enjoy a wonderful and blessed Merry CHRISTMAS as we celebrate the REASON for the Season!
CHRISTMAS EVE SOUP
2 c. potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 c. carrots, peeled and diced
1/2 c. chopped celery
1/4 c. chopped onion
2 c. water
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 c. cubed cooked ham or turkey
1/4 c. margarine
1/4 c. flour
2 c. milk
8 ozs. pkg. shredded cheddar cheese
Combine veggies, water, salt & pepper in large soup pot. Bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until veggies are tender. Stir in meat; set aside. In separate saucepan, melt margarine; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk and bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted; add to veggies and heat through.
This special story grabbed ahold of me in a big way. Mostly because I too, begin drawing Social Security in the new year. But also because I'd love to leave a legacy for my grandkids for being known as a generous Nana.
This story comes from Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul and is authored by Patti Lawson.
"My grandmother's Social Security check was the highlight of her life. Everything depended on the arrival of her check. To this day, I have no idea how much it was,but she performed miracles with it. No matter what I wanted, she'd promise it to me'when I get my check'.
Her visits to our house were timed with its arrival. She could never come empty-handed. No sir, she came with delightful treats purchased with the money from that check. My dad would drive to Pittsburgh to bring her to our house two hours north. She'd emerge from the car laden with red licorice, cookies, chipped ham, potato chips, pop and her small blue suitcase. There was a small present for each of us, including my parents. After distributing her gifts, she'd take out of her pocket a list of things yet to be purchased with the remaining money.
These items always were the same, but she made the list anyway.Pond's face cream, hairnets, Jergen's hand lotion, support hose, chocolate-covered raisins, writing paper and envelopes, and some 'good cheese'. My dad would drive us into our small town with my grandmother sitting happily in the front seat clutching her pocketbook and my brother and sister and me in the back. Our destination was the G.C.Murphy store where, instead of just looking at things, we would be leaving with treasures.
Grammie, as we called her, loved these trips. She took her time examining the support hose, the hairnets and the cold creams. We hung by her side as she made her decisions..always choosing the same items. Then we were free to pick out something. I always got a book, my brother a car of some sort and my sister usually got chocolate candy. Grammie would then pick out something for our other sister, too little yet to go on these magical shopping trips.
Next we'd go to the grocery store and she'd load the cart with anything we wanted..all the things my mother never bought. I can still hear her urging our dad to get something. 'Go ahead,Buddy, I have enough to pay for it'. We laughed at hearing him called by his childhood name.
I never saw my grandmother buy a new dress for herself, but she gave me money for my high school graduation dress. I never saw her buy new shoes or even a coat. She was always 'making do' with her own things, but spending generously on those she loved.
The only month of the year she did not follow this ritual was December. She saved that check for Christmas presents. Each December she made yet another list..the list of what we wanted for Christmas. We had to give her three or four ideas so she could surprise us with one. Christmas was wonderful with the arrival of Grammie and all her mysterious, oddly wrapped packages.
Time moved on and I went off to college. By this time there were seven children in my family and some of my cousins now had children of their own. Grammie's check had to be stretched even further. The first letter she sent me at college read: Dear Patti Jo: My check came yesterday and I wanted to send you something, but I guess you have all the books you need there at college. Here are a few dollars so you can go out and have something nice to eat with your new friends.
Inside the folded sheets of the familiar writing paper I had watched her purchase time after time were three carefully folded dollar bills. This was the first of many such letter I received at college. Each letter during that first year contained folded dollar bills..my grandmother's love reaching across the miles..her check stretching very far.
And then I got the last one. She sent me a $5 bill, a list of what I should get with it and instructions to save some too. The list was long. I laughed, knowing that it would never cover all that Grammie wanted me to have.
Before the next letter arrived, the news came that she was in the hospital. By the time I got to Pittsburgh, she had slipped into a coma. Sitting by her intensive care bed, I was besieged with grief, realizing that I would never talk to her again..never witness her generosity and appreciation for the smallest things.
My grandmother had no will, no bequests, nothing to leave anyone. She gave it all away to those she loved while she lived.
Not too long ago, I was out to dinner with my parents and I offered to pay. "You're just like my mother," Dad said.
I've never ever received a nicer compliment. Grammie left me more than I ever realized."
This is a wonderful soup recipe from Gooseberry Patch. Of course, you can eat it any time of the year, but it's especially tasty on Christmas Eve. Enjoy a wonderful and blessed Merry CHRISTMAS as we celebrate the REASON for the Season!
CHRISTMAS EVE SOUP
2 c. potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 c. carrots, peeled and diced
1/2 c. chopped celery
1/4 c. chopped onion
2 c. water
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 c. cubed cooked ham or turkey
1/4 c. margarine
1/4 c. flour
2 c. milk
8 ozs. pkg. shredded cheddar cheese
Combine veggies, water, salt & pepper in large soup pot. Bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until veggies are tender. Stir in meat; set aside. In separate saucepan, melt margarine; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk and bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted; add to veggies and heat through.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Using A Brownie Mix: Mini Brownie Treats & Brownie Crackles
These are two favorite & very special treats made using a brownie mix. Great for class parties at school or church or a quick snack at home. Use a favorite candy kiss...or 'hug' to top the mini brownies.
Both of these recipes are kid-friendly too!
Chocolate is a great way to show
L-O-V-E!
MINI BROWNIE TREATS
1 package (9" X 13" pan size) fudge brownie mix
48 striped chocolate kisses, unwrapped
Preheat oven to 350. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions for fudge-like brownies. Fill paper-lined miniature muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake 18 - 21 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Immediately top each with a chocolate kiss. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 4 dozen yummy little treats
BROWNIE CRACKLES
1-19 oz box fudge brownie mix (9" X 13" size)
1 c. all purpose flour
1 egg
1/3 c. water
1/4 c. vegetable oil
1- 6 oz. bag semisweet chocolate chips
powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 350. Grease baking sheet. In large mixing bowl, combine brownie mix, flour, egg, water and oil; mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Place powdered sugar in shallow dish; drop dough by tablespoonsful into sugar; roll to coat. Place 2" apart and bake 8 - 10 minutes or until set. Remove to rack to cool. Yield: 4-1/2 dozen
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Chocolate Swirl Cake {Lighter Option}
From my "365 Reasons to Eat Chocolate" Calendar...
YOU WILL ONLY PASS THIS WAY ONCE. SO GRAB THE CHOCOLATE BEFORE THE NEXT GUY DOES.
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This is a wonderfully fabulous dessert and no one will be able to tell it's 'light'.
(And that's one reason why it's in my cookbook!)
It is delicious enough I have served it to company. So many others are careful about what they eat too, and it's great to have recipes like this in our files to serve to those who want lower sugar desserts.
This does use a cake mix and a can of cherry pie filling...reduced sugar.
And anything you can add cream cheese to is a winner in my book.
(Literally!=)
Would be a great dessert to serve your family for Valentine's Day, and they will think you're treating them royally.
I haven't tried it, but I'm guessing this would make an awesome dessert using a red velvet cake mix too!
CHOCOLATE SWIRL CAKE
1 - 18 ozs. box chocolate cake mix
(50% reduced sugar if you can find it)
1 - 20 ozs. can reduced-sugar cherry pie filling
5 egg whites
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 - 8 ozs. pkg. 1/3 reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
1/3 c. sugar substitute (Xylitol or Splenda)
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 egg whites
Preheat oven to 350. Spray 9" X 13" X 2" baking dish with cooking spray. In large bowl, combine cake mix, pie filling, 5 egg whites and vanilla; beat just until moistened. Spread in prepared pan; set aside.
TOPPING:
In small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar substitute and vanilla until smooth. Add remaining 2 egg whites; beat on low speed just until combined. Spread over batter; cut through batter with knife to swirl. Bake 35 - 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and topping is set. But be careful not to overbake. Cool on wire rack. Store in the refrigerator.
Yield: 15 servings
Linked to Weekend Potluck
Fit & Fabulous Friday
Mop It Up Mondays
Mix it up Monday
Linked to Weekend Potluck
Fit & Fabulous Friday
Mop It Up Mondays
Mix it up Monday
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Vicki's Valentine Monster Cookies
(This...from last year's archives and soooo worth sharing again!)
I am a huge Cookie Monster!
I have always loved cookies...I grew up on them...and love them cause you can grab 'n' go! My most cherished childhood memory is coming home to a kitchen full of fresh baked cookies...in the wintertime! Sooo warming - inside & out!
My sis-in-love, Vicki, is well known as the Cookie-Making Queen in our family.
She makes chocolate chip cookies to die for, and I've always wanted to learn her tricks. My kids can't think of Aunt Vicki without thinking cookies... *-*
I bought some Valentine M & M's and decided to make monster cookies, so I called Vicki to make sure I had HER recipe and get her tips.
A batch makes about 5 - 6 dozen - depending on size. And they are good-sized!
My mom always made oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips so I think I am just naturally partial to a cookie like this...add M & M's too, and I'm in heaven!
This is what Vicki suggest doing....
Mix in the flour first...then add 3 c. oatmeal, and continue adding until they're the right consistency. Oftentimes, Vicki bakes a few first and then adds more oatmeal...if they flatten out, she adds more oats. Monster cookies are suppose to be fat (tee hee).
Don't bake them too long - let them cool a little bit on the pan after removing from oven, and they'll finish baking.
This is a picture of my dough...you don't want it too soft.
Vicki's Monster Cookies
1/2 c. margarine
1-1/2 c. white sugar
1-1/2 c. brown sugar
1 (18 ozs) jar peanut butter
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2-1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. flour
4 - 5 c. dry oats
1 - 12 ozs. bag choco chips (or less)
1 bag M & M's
Preheat oven to 350. In x-large bowl, mix margarine and sugars together until smooth. Blend in peanut butter then eggs and vanilla. Stir in baking soda and flour, add 4 c. oats, then gradually add more if needed. Bake 10 - 12 minutes.
Feel free to add coconut, craisins, nuts or whatever else.
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