Valentine Cookie Cups (with a hidden treat inside)

These little cookie treats are perfect for Valentine's Day!

You start with a sugar cookie mix and add a few ingredients, 

then wrap dough around a candy kiss to surprise each recipient. 

I really LOVE shortcuts so this makes it easy for a last minute treat

if you need one. 

Get the kids to help by unwrapping the chocolates...and maybe even wrapping the dough around each candy. 

Homemade gifts from the heart are the best! These sweet treats definitely say LOVE, especially with the hidden 'kiss' inside. 

Don't waste any time...get busy making these fun cookie cups to 

give to friends or share with your family. They'll be so glad you did!

ENJOY A SWEET VALENTINE'S DAY!!!  

VALENTINE COOKIE CUPS 

(with a hidden treat inside) 

1 bag (17.5) ozs. package sugar cookie mix

1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted

3 Tb. all purpose flour

1 large egg

several drops pink or red food coloring

(I didn't measure, I just squeezed out a stream) 

24 Hershey's kisses (or hugs), unwrapped

Valentine sprinkles, optional 

Spray a mini cupcake pan with cooking spray - you'll need 24 total. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350*. 

In a large bowl, blend sugar cookie mix, melted butter, flour, egg and food coloring (I added food coloring to melted butter before adding to mix - you may add a few more drops as you're mixing if desired.)  I stirred this by hand. 

Using about  1 Tablespoonful of cookie dough, roll into a ball; flatten in your hand...covering most of your palm, placing the 'kiss' in the center. Wrap the dough around it to create a ball; roll until smooth. 

Place the cookie balls into muffin cavities and repeat until you use all the dough. 

Bake for about 12 minutes or until the outsides of the dough look set. Remove from oven and then top with sprinkles. 

Let cookie cups cool in pan for at least 15 minutes before removing from pan to cooling rack. 

Recipe inspired by Princess Pinky Girl

You may also enjoy....

Hot Cocoa Dip (3 ingredients)

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E-Z Poppy-Sesame Rolls

I love using frozen or refrigerated biscuit/bread dough, so when I came across this simple recipe in a FIRST FOR WOMEN magazine, I knew I'd have to try it.

I changed it up by using the frozen rolls (instead of loaves called for in recipe) I had on hand. And I used 2 balls per biscuit instead of the 3 balls in the ingredient list in the magazine.  I also rolled the dough in the mixture instead of just pouring it over the top as suggested. 

They were very tasty and fast.  I allowed them to raise for about 15 minutes before baking, but if you don't have the time, you can skip that step and they'll be great. 

These would be good to make ahead and freeze sealed tight in a ziploc bag.

Pull them out as needed, wrap in a paper towel and microwave, or bake them, to reheat. 

E-Z POPPY-SESAME ROLLS

2 Tb. olive oil

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

2 Tb. parmesan cheese, optional

1 frozen loaf bread dough, thawed

(I had frozen rolls on hand)

1 tsp. sesame seeds

1/2 tsp. poppy seeds

Heat oven to 350. Grease 12 - cup muffin pan. 

In bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder & parmesan. 

Cut (loaf) dough into 36 equal parts (or cut rolls in half); roll each into a ball.  Place 2 - 3 balls into each well of muffin cup. If you have time, allow to raise, covered, for 15 minutes.  If not, just place in preheated oven and bake 10 minutes or until rolls are golden brown.  Serve warm. 

Yield: 12 rolls 

Oven-Fried Bacon

         

I 'Heart' Bacon! 

photo:thepapermama

I don't eat it very often, but LOVE to put it in recipes.  I think it makes EVERYTHING taste better. 

Hubby and I recently went out for breakfast and we had the best.bacon.ever!  After my first attempt to bake it, I knew they had to have baked it at the restaurant.  It was sooo perfectly crisp. 

Who doesn't dislike all the spattering and popping that happens when you fry bacon??  I have microwaved it for a long time, but can only do a few pieces at a time.

I think bakin' the bacon is the very best way to prepare it!

This isn't really a recipe...but it's a worthwhile tip & I wanted to share. 

           

The trick is to put the pan in a cold oven and then turn your oven on and begin your timer. 

Line cookie sheet with foil first. (I used parchment paper). Place bacon in the cold oven and turn to 400 for about 20 min. Drain cooked bacon on paper toweling. This works perfectly!
(If not using thick bacon, decrease baking time) 

After baking the bacon and draining it, freeze it in meal size portions. When ready to have with a meal, put desired amount on a foil lined cookie sheet and place back in the oven for about 10 minutes to warm up from a frozen state.



TIPS: Keep your eye on the bacon during the final few minutes of cooking to make sure that it doesn't burn. Also, remove the cooked bacon from the hot pan right away. The heat from the pan and the hot bacon fat will continue cooking the bacon.You can slightly undercook the bacon, then cool it and freeze it in a zipper bag. To reheat, cook two slices in the microwave on medium power for 30 seconds or so.


Linked to
            Whatcha Whipped up Wednesday
           Scrumptious Sunday
         Melt in Your Mouth Monday
          Ingredient Spotlight: BaconFest
Weekend Potluck

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.’

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.

Making Your Own Cleaners

Yep, just 3 simple ingredients and water and you can make your own laminate floor cleaner that will WOW everyone! 

When we sold our house recently, the realtor and purchaser both begged to know what I used on my laminate floor because it had such an awesome shine.  I think it was a real selling point!! 

Needless to say, they both wrote the recipe down! 

It nearly brought me to my knees to have to pay high dollar for my laminate floor cleaner, so you can imagine the thrill it was to find a homemade recipe....especially one that worked so nicely!

HOMEMADE LAMINATE FLOOR CLEANER

1 cup water

1 cup rubbing alcohol

1 cup white vinegar

1 Tb. liquid dish soap

1 qt. spray bottle 

Mix together and put into a spray bottle.  Use as you would purchased cleaner - and enjoy the $$ savings!!

Make Ahead Meals With Taco Meat

I know some of you women are working outside the home, and it always feels good when you can get a few things done ahead for dinner. This is one of those ideas that can help you prepare some simple-to-throw-together meals.

TACO MEAT

2 - 2/1-2 # ground beef
1 - 2 pkg. taco seasoning, according to taste
1/3 cup water

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef.  Break up the larger pieces with your wooden spoon and stir occasionally until no longer pink.  Drain - place back in skillet and stir in the seasoning.  Add the water and let it simmer a few minutes until liquid has evaporated.

When meat has cooled, place it in a container and refrigerate, or divide into 2 or 3 labeled freezer bags for use later. It can be frozen up to 3 months.  When ready to use - defrost in the microwave and heat through for a quick meal.

TACOS

10-12 flour tortillas (taco size)
1 tomato, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
lettuce, shredded
cheddar cheese, shredded
8 ozs. sour cream
To make the tortillas more pliable, place the stack of tortillas between damp paper towels and place in the microwave for 10 - 20 seconds on high.  Fill each tortilla with meat mixture and your favorite toppings.

(I love tacos with a crunch, and love to use the hard shell inside the soft shell, for easier eating).

TACO SALAD

1 head of lettuce, torn into pieces
5 plum tomatoes, diced
8 ozs. cheddar cheese, shredded
1 - 12 oz. bag nacho cheese or taco Doritos, crumbled
Catalina dressing
Prepare tomatoes, lettuce and cheese a day ahead. (Don't use a knife to cut the lettuce - the edges will turn brown). Cover and store in refrigerator.  You may heat the meat a little, but not too much, because it will wilt the lettuce if added to the salad when it's hot. Yield 8 - 10 servings

I recommend keeping everything separate - once you mix the tomatoes, lettuce, cheese & chips together, the leftover salad does not keep well.

Enjoy!

Tips for Simplifying Meal Planning

I always enjoyed planning meals when my kids were growing up, but I think it had to come to me more naturally than for some.

I have tried many new recipes, and still do, and my family probably wished I would have served some things more often.  I would love to share some ideas to help those who tend to have a hard time creating menus for their family.

• Post your weekly menu on the refrigerator door. You don't have to stick to it, but at least you'll have some ideas to choose from when you're hungry for a certain taste.  If you have teenagers or younger trustworthy kids, maybe they could help by preparing a dish, or even preparing an item for dinnertime, like mixing/making muffins from a mix.


• Set your own family traditions - have pasta on Wednesdays or grill burgers every Friday.  We love having breakfast for dinner, on Sunday evenings.


• Come up with 3 or 4 weekly menus and rotate them. Keep them simple and learn to substitute fresh veggies and fruit when they are in season.  To make things easier, plan a week's menu using the same cookbook.


• Cook a double portion and freeze for a quick meal on a busy night.  This website has awesome ideas to help get you going with this great plan... Freezer Cooking


• Don't be afraid to try new recipes. Ask a friend who you know is a good cook, to share some of their recipes and menu ideas with you. I have to admit...I try many more dishes, because I've been given the recipe by someone I trust. They have helped me 'blossom' and grow in the kitchen - literally (teehee).


• I've recently become acquainted online with a new cookbook author, Jane Doiron.  I'm thrilled that she sent me a copy of her new cookbook to review. Check out her website Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms . You can subscribe to her monthly newsletter there and have a recipe sent to your inbox along with it.

If you need some help finding forms to accomplish your meal planning, be sure to check out DonnaYoung.org or Organizing Junkie!

Whether you are someone who relishes your time in the kitchen or spends as little time cooking as possible, just remember that family bonds and memories are made around the dinner table.   Your kids won't remember the meals they were served, nearly as much as they will remember the precious times you spent together.

Yummy Cookie Recipes Using Ready-Made Frosting

With cooler weather setting in, sometimes you want to get the oven going and do some baking.  These delicious and simple recipes - with only a few ingredients - are great to whip up for kid's lunches or an anytime snack/dessert.

CHOCOLATE-PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

1 - 16 ozs. tub chocolate fudge frosting

1 egg

1 cup chunky peanut butter

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Remove 1/3 cup frosting from tub.  In a large bowl, combine egg, peanut butter and remaining frosting. Stir in flour until moist.  Drop by rounded Tablespoons 2" apart onto greased baking sheets.

Flatten cookies with a fork dipped in sugar.  Bake for 8 - 11 minutes or until set.  Remove to wire racks.  Cool completely; spread with frosting.

Yield: 3-1/2 dozen

********

CHERRY CHIP CHEESECAKE BARS

1-18 oz. pkg. cherry chip cake mix
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 - 8 ozs. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 - 16 oz. tub cherry ready-to-spread frosting
3 eggs

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Beat cake mix (dry) and butter in large bowl on low speed until crumbly; reserve 1 cup. Press remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9" X 13" X 2" baking pan. Beat cream cheese and frosting in bowl together on medium speed until smooth.  Beat in eggs and blend well.  Pour over crust - sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture.  Bake about 45 minutes or until set; cool completely. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Cut into bars - refrigerate any leftovers.

(My daughter-in-love, Kym, has made this recipe using cream cheese frosting and it was wonderful too!)

Favorite Desserts using Crescent Rolls

I love crescent rolls from the can.  

Using them in any recipe is always a sure-fire way to end up with a delicious dish.



Did you know that Pillsbury has come up with a crescent roll 'sheet'? There aren't any seams so they are time-saving for some recipes.  I thought that was one terrific idea! Of course, there are times when you want to have the 'seams'...

Wanted to share these yummy recipes, for starters...and will add more again later. Do hope you'll try these as they are real winners in my book. (And will find their way to my cookbook one day too.)

First things First...

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Summer is such a busy time of year.  I've always been one who tries ( notice, I said TRIES) to keep a tidy home.  But as grandkids, and the computer, have come into my life, I'm leaning more and more on the thought that expresses...

My home is clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy.

I believe I've become wiser as I mature, and keeping a clean home all the time, isn't nearly as important to me as it once was.  This poem has been on my mind, and I wanted to share with you.

Dust If You Must

Dust if you must.

But wouldn't it be better,

To paint a picture, or write a letter,

Bake a cake, or plant a seed?

Ponder the difference between want and need.

Dust if you must.

But there is not much time

With rivers to swim and mountains to climb!

Music to hear, and books to read,

Friends to cherish and life to lead.

Dust if you must.

But the world's out there

With the sun in your eyes,

The wind in your hair,

A flutter of snow, a shower of rain.

This day will not come round again.

Dust if you must.

But bear in mind,

Old age will come and it's not kind.

And when you go, and go you must,

You, yourself, will make more dust.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Even though my 'baby' is 31, just the mere thought of this short 'ditty' brings me to tears....because it's packed with truth!

Cleaning and scrubbing can wait 'til tomorrow,
For babies grow up we learn to our sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep,
I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep.

Take time to enjoy your summer...and the most important things in life -

family & friends!

And remember to keep FIRST THINGS FIRST. =D

LIVE WELL, LAUGH OFTEN, LOVE MUCH