Saturday, December 22, 2018

Leader Enterprise - Dec 19, 2018 - Party Helps

It's party time! December is known as the month when we spend money left and right. I'm here to help you with some easy and somewhat frugal menu ideas. 

The secret to great entertaining? It doesn't have anything to do with the foods you prepare, the drinks you serve, or the music you play. It's all about being friendly and adding that spice of personalized imagination to each and every little piece of celebration. You should be happy and joyful when your guest come to the door. Don't stress about what you have to offer, stay within your budget and you will have the best party ever. Make your guests feel like they are part of something magical. It is the holiday season, of course.





These meatballs are a favorite holiday dish. Even folks who think they don't like sauerkraut end up loving this dish too. Recipe is easily doubled. 


CROCKPOT CRANBERRY SAUERKRAUT MEATBALLS




1 (14 ozs) can whole-berry (or jellied) cranberry sauce


(14 ozs) can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained well


1 (12 ozs) bottle chili sauce


3/4 c. brown sugar
1 (2#) pkg. frozen fully cooked original meatballs

In 4-qt.slow cooker, combine cranberry sauce, sauerkraut, chili sauce, and brown sugar. Stir in meatballs; cover and cook on low 3-4 hrs. or until heated through. Yield: 5-1/2 dozen delicious meatballs!!

I know I've shared this pretzel recipe before, but it's too good to pass up when feeding a crowd.  Very simple recipe and can be made ahead. Addicting! Is perfect for gift giving also. 



RANCH PRETZELS    

2# mini pretzels (or 2-20 ozs. bags)
1 (12 ozs) bottle Orville Redenbacher butter-flavored oil
1 pkt. (1 oz) ranch dressing mix, dry

Place pretzels in large 2 gal. ziploc bag (I use a clean 13 gallon garbage bag) and pour oil over pretzels. (I place the bag in a pan to keep the oil from going through the bag onto the counter). Shake bag to cover pretzels evenly with oil - sprinkle dressing mix over and shake again until mixed well. Shake bag about every 2 hours for several hours.  Let set overnight - keep in a sealed container. They keep well for several weeks stored in sealed container. 

PECAN PIE MINI MUFFINS 

1 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 c. chopped pecans
2/3 c. butter (no substitutes), softened 
(not melted)
2 eggs  

Preheat oven to 325. Combine sugar, flour and pecans; set aside. In large bowl, combine butter and eggs; blend with mixer or whisk, until well blended. Stir both mixtures together until moistened. (I blend by hand). Fill greased and floured or paper-lined mini muffin cups 2/3 full.  Bake 16 - 18 minutes. Yield: about 2-1/2 dozen 


CROCKPOT CANDY

1 (20 ozs) pkg. white almond bark
1 (4 ozs) box German chocolate baking squares
1 (12 ozs) bag semi sweet chocolate chips 
1 (16 ozs) jar dry roasted peanuts
1 (16 ozs) jar unsalted dry roasted peanuts 

Turn crockpot on high.  Break almond bark into pieces and place in crockpot. Break German chocolate baking squares on top of almond bark, then add semi sweet chocolate chips.  Place lid on crockpot. (Tip: Place a paper towel under lid to catch moisture) DO NOT STIR FOR FIRST HOUR. Then, turn crockpot on low. Pour in the peanuts and stir. Place the lid on and stir candy every 15 minutes for the second hour.  Turn off crockpot.  Drop candy by tablespoonsful onto waxed paper and let cool until firm.  Store in airtight container.  Keeps well in refrigerator for weeks. Yield: about 30 - 40 pieces

MINI BROWNIE TREATS  
1 box (9" x 13" pan size) fudge brownie mix
48 striped chocolate (peppermint) candy 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 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool about 30 seconds, then top each with a chocolate candy kiss. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 4 dozen yummy little treats

"Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas" ~ Peg Bracken 

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Holiday (Peppermint) Popcorn Crunch Mix (Easy - Last Minute!)


I am almost giddy over this delicious concoction! 

You might want to call it a "Clean out the Pantry" treat! 

This very simple treat uses microwave popcorn as its base!

As we prepare to head to Florida next week, I had some things on hand I wanted to use up before we go.  I'm thrilled to say I was able to use the last of SEVEN ingredients and gave away bags of this tasty snack at church.

Almond bark..
Microwave Popcorn...
Pretzels..
M & M's...
Ghiradelli Peppermint Chunks in a bag...
leftover crushed candy canes
Sprinkles...

It tastes great!  And is not nearly as sweet as a lot of the other 'goodies' I made last week.  And it's pretty too!!!


I have said for a long time...RECIPES ARE GUIDELINES.  You don't ever have to follow it exactly...sometimes it's fun to do your own thing!

Use up what you have on hand and enjoy this treat that has many options to it!

Peanuts, or any kind of nut, would be a great addition! Maybe even some cereal! 

When I made a second batch, I used part peppermint chunks for the almond bark.

I also used the penguin bags for the Peppermint Version so I could tell the difference. 
(This is what I used...not the 'crunch' mixture...these melt nicely..
and it only gives a light peppermint flavor)

Have fun with this one!  Folks appreciate receiving something homemade from your kitchen..and I am very pleased with the end result of this 'experiment'. 


HOLIDAY (PEPPERMINT) POPCORN CRUNCH MIX 

*2 bags microwave popcorn 
(lite butter is ok)
*3 - 4 c. pretzels 
*12 ozs. white almond bark (or candy melts)
(or use Ghiradelli peppermint baking chunks for part of almond bark) 
*2 hands-full peanut M & M's
*crushed candy canes, optional
*holiday sprinkles, optional 

Cover 2 cookie sheets (with sides) with waxed paper; set aside. 

Pop the popcorn according to package directions; pour into an extra large bowl and be sure to remove any kernels that didn't pop. Mix in the pretzels. 

Melt almond bark in microwave according to directions. Pour over the popcorn mixture, stirring to coat, then add M & M's and continue to mix until everything is coated. Stir in sprinkles or add over top of mixture once you've spread it over the cookie sheet. 

(For the peppermint version, I sprinkled crushed candy canes over the top at the end)

Allow to dry (it doesn't take long!); break apart and place into decorated bags to give as gifts. 


Recipe Inspired by Southern Plate
(Christy shares a great tutorial - check her out!)


You might also enjoy...









Print Friendly and PDF

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

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...












Print Friendly and PDF

Monday, December 17, 2018

No Bake Avalanche Cookie Treats (Microwave - 5 ingredients!)


If you are needing to make something last minute before Christmas Day arrives,
I've got you covered!

These simple and quick-to-make sweet treats have Biscoff...an irresistible cookie butter...and peanut butter, along with white chocolate and cereal...and they are absolutely and wonderfully delicious!  And ADDICTING!! 

Biscoff is an irresistible, spreadable treat made from those tasty European cookies they still serve on airplanes! (You may be able to purchase Lotus Biscoff Cookies at your local Walmart or grocery store, along with Biscoff spread - near the peanut butter display). 

WOWZERS! 



This recipe is easily doubled if you want a whole bunch!  
(like 4 cookie sheets full!) 

I took them to a Baker sibling gathering and divided every last one of them between four of the siblings!

I don't have the 'answer' as to why they are named as they are, but 
I am just wild about them, no matter what they're called! 

You may want to add this to your holiday rotation every year, after tasting
how very special and irresistible they are. 

PERFECT FOR GIFT GIVING!  
(I had to do something to get them out of the house and out from under my nose!) 

You can substitute marshmallows or peanuts for half of one of the cereals
if you prefer....or sprinkle the tops with mini chocolate chips.
Lots of options here...



NO BAKE AVALANCHE COOKIE TREATS

2 c. Rice Krispies cereal
2 c. (Honey Nut) Cheerios cereal
1 bag (11 ozs. each) white chocolate chips
(or vanilla almond bark)
1/2 c. smooth peanut butter
1/2  c. Biscoff (cookie butter) spread

Line 2 baking sheets with waxed or parchment paper. Set aside.

In a large bowl, stir together cereals. Set aside.

In a large glass bowl, melt the white chocolate chips (or almond bark) in the microwave for 1 minute at 70% power. Stir. Repeat until white chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat. Stir in the peanut butter and cookie butter, mixing until well combined.

Pour white chocolate mixture over the cereal mixture. Stir until the chocolate completely coats the cereal mixture. 

Spoon heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the baking sheet. (I used my medium Pampered Chef cookie scoop - about 2 Tb.., tapping the tops of the cookie to flatten for easier eating.  Allow to cool and harden. (I like setting them in the cool garage - they set up quickly). 

Yield: 2 cookie sheets full 

Recipe inspired by The Country Cook


Linked to Meal Plan Monday


You may also enjoy...

Captain Crunch Peanut Clusters





Print Friendly and PDF

Friday, December 14, 2018

Flashback Friday - Gotta-Have Christmas Candies!


WELCOME TO FLASHBACK FRIDAY! 

Can't have the holidays without some candies!
Hope these add some sweetness to this busy time of year...
You'll be SO glad you tried them. 



SWOON!  Some have told me these are the BEST caramels they've ever eaten. 
Go for it!  Salt the tops or dip in chocolate if desired. 

Best Ever Caramels






A simple and special holiday treat from my mama's recipe files....
NO bake! 






This amazing candy becomes a fast favorite once you take a bite.
Made in the microwave...has chopped Nutter Butter Cookies for crunch! 






The first time I ever ate this delectable candy, it was gifted to me and I
knew I HAD to have the recipe.  Simple and only 6 ingredients! 

Copycat Almond Roca (or Toffee)




Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Criss Cross Cookies (4 simple ingredients!)

These melt-in-your-mouth goodies are a real holiday treat.  They make wonderful gifts for your neighbors and friends too...try them soon.  You'll be so glad you did...

I was tickled to find this recipe at Recipe Chatter...my kind of gal.  I am ALWAYS chattering about recipes!  *-* 

These are fun simple cookies that kids would love helping you with! 
They're LOW sugar too!!!! 


CRISS CROSS COOKIES 

2 c. flour

5 Tb. sugar

1 c. butter (2 sticks), softened

1 tsp. vanilla


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
Mix all ingredients together with hands until soft. Roll into walnut-sized balls and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet. Using a fork dipped in flour, push lightly on each, first one way and then another, creating a criss-cross pattern...( just like we often do with peanut butter cookies)  Add sprinkles to cookies if you desire.. Be creative - use any kind of sprinkle you want. Bake 20 minutes, or until edges begin to brown. Remove from oven, then to wire rack to cool. 

Linked to...
Meal Plan Monday
You may also enjoy these...









Print Friendly and PDF

Printfriendly