Cheesey Ranch Crackers (4-ingredients)

This recipe is similar to my (Garlic) Ranch Pretzels, but uses mini sandwich crackers instead.  

Actually, we couldn't find the sandwich crackers that morning, so we just used the white cheddar Cheez-its cracker...MMMM! 

These were delicious and a fun change from the 'regular' crackers right from the box.  

Our pretty granddaughter, Kaity, made them when she came to visit over the summer, and took most of them home with her.  

A great snack to make ahead...you're ready for drop in company. 

Use as 'croutons' for soups or for some crunch in your salad! Gotta love it!

These would be great to give along with soup to a needy family. 

CHEESEY RANCH CRACKERS 

2 (8.8 ozs each) boxes Ritz Bits cheese cracker sandwiches 

(or White Cheddar Cheez-its Crackers)

1/3 c. butter flavored oil (or vegetable oil)

1 pkt. (1 oz.) Ranch Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Preheat oven to 250. In small bowl, whisk oil ranch dressing mix and garlic powder. Place crackers in large glass or metal bowl; pour oil mixture over and toss to coat thoroughly. 

Arrange crackers on a large rimmed baking sheet.  Bake 15 - 20 minutes,

stirring once. Cool to room temp; store in ziploc bag up to 10 days. 

You may also enjoy...

Simple Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

"Lightened" Sweet 'n' Salty Cracker Treats

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Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispy Treats

I just realized I'd never posted this tasty snack though I've made them the last couple of years.

A simple and fun fall treat the kids can help make...made easy by adding a box of instant pumpkin spice pudding mix to the melted marshmallow mixture.

(Say that fast 3 times!!=)

Everyone needs a quick and easy 'go to' and this one is extra special fall treat. 

The pudding mix can sometimes be a bit hard to find, but you can also substitute 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice and it's yummy too. 

Be sure to stock up if you do find the pudding because it won't be on shelves for long! 

I love that it's quick and easy so can be made when you're in a rush to

find something to take to that fall festival or gathering!

The melted white chocolate over the top is optional, as are the

cutsie sprinkles, but doncha just love that special touch?  

TIP:  Try to press the cereal into the pan LIGHTLY!  If you press too hard,
the mixture tends to harden and makes it tough. 

PUMPKIN SPICE RICE KRISPY TREATS 

6 c. Rice Krispies

1/4 c. butter

1 (10 ozs.) bag mini marshmallows

(Or if you can find them, using pumpkin flavored marshmallows! squeal!)

1 sm. (4-serv. size) box pumpkin spice instant pudding  

(Butterscotch is super good too) 

Lightly spray 9" x 13" dish with cooking spray. 

In a large saucepan, melt the butter.  Add the marshmallows and

dry pudding mix.  Over low heat, stir constantly (I used a whisk) until mixture is blended and smooth.  Stir in the rice krispies; stir until coated. Dump mixture into prepared pan; press evenly, (but not too hard). Let cool; cut and serve.

MMMM good! 

You might also enjoy...

Apple Smiles (kid-friendly)

Caramel Apple Fluff Dip

Pretzel Pumpkins

​

Healthy Lunch and Snack Ideas

While I am definitely trying to eat healthier, especially at lunchtime, I recently was a hostess at a Ladies Day event at our church.  Instead of having one larger lunch time, we opted to have several 'snack' times during the course of the day.  

And we had seasonal themes.  Because I was already planning to serve Strawberry Soup (with angel food cake croutons) , I got to host the 'Summertime' snacks. I didn't take photos because it

was such a hectic time, but we decorated with a Red, White & Blue theme (for Memorial Day & July 4th)...and since I already decorate my home in 

r, w & b...I had lots of decorations).

Anyway, we needed to furnish options for those who have special dietary needs, and I made these wonderful GLUTEN FREE NO BAKE CHEX BARS.  I adapted the recipe by substituting some  Skinny Pop Popcorn for some of the cereal and it turned out great.  I got several comments about how much they were enjoyed. (Recipe at link above) 

I also served quesadillas, using corn tortillas with provolone between 2 of them...warming them in the oven until the cheese was melted.  These would be great cold as well.  Perfect for Gluten free eaters. 

I like to keep cut veggies on hand for hubby and me, along with a great dip of some sort.  I'm not fond of cucumbers, but it's hard to stop eating this simple and delicious Cucumber Spread . It's great on top of cuke slices or crackers.



Lately, we've been enjoying these amazing Chobani Meze Dips. We really like the 'zip' of the Chili Lime but hope to try other flavors as well. 

Believe it or not, these awesome dips have 85% less fat and 65% fewer calories than the leading hummus.  HUH?  Believe it!

I'm all about crunch and the healthier options these days are endless.  But I do love both of these snacks (below)...great for dipping...or bag up some Skinny Popcorn in ziploc bags...maybe toss in some peanuts or candy corn to dress it up. 

I like wrapping a tortilla around a stick of string cheese, wrap it in a paper towel and microwave it for about 15 seconds for a warm snack along with some veggies, and some apple slices or grapes. It makes a great lunch for me. 

I'm not a big meat eater, but get a lot of my protein from cottage cheese, hard boiled eggs and Greek yogurt.  If you're packing lunches, for you or your kids, try freezing an individual sized yogurt, wrap in a paper towel to catch moisture, and by lunch time, it will be thawed and still cold to taste.  What a special treat! 

So this is a picture of a perfect lunch for me....

I do like a little Ranch dressing and salt & pepper with my eggs.

(Our 11 yr old grandson comes over a couple of times a week and he ALWAYS  eats hard boiled eggs - and cottage cheese.  Those are his favorite snacks at Nana & Papa's house! Impressive huh?  For an 11 yr old?  He's snacked like that for years.  

In fact, when we were getting ready to move a couple of years ago, he told us to be sure to bring the hard boiled eggs and cottage cheese with us!=) 

Apple juice and water are the only things he drinks too!

Adults could learn a lot from that boy!! 

I also like a little something sweet to end my meals...how about either of these wonderful treats, using a brownie mix? MMM! 

Mini Brownie Treats or Brownie Crackle Cookies

Hope this gives you some fresh ideas for lunches. 

Disclaimer: I was not paid or compensated by any of these product companies for this blog post. These are simply my opinions and preferences.

​

Pineapple Ham Crescents

I can't believe I haven't ever posted this recipe at my blog!  UGH!

This is from my mama's recipe box and one that I added to my last cookbook. 

(I have started working on #3 cookbook...it will be a smaller, soft cover, out late summer next year). 

I saw the photo in my files and was so surprised when I couldn't find it in my blog listings. ????

So here you go - these tasty snacks would be perfect for feeding the gang as they watch football, or just for a weekend any time snack or lunch.

Using crescent rolls make these a breeze to make, not to mention it only takes FIVE ingredients...and the flavors of ham and pineapple (with some dijon mustard sauce) will send you to the moon. Or add the mustard right to the roll if you prefer.

MMMMM Good! Quick & easy too!

PINEAPPLE HAM CRESCENTS

1 can (15 ozs) pineapple spears, in its own juice

(If you can't find spears, use one chunk of pineapple or 2 or 3 tidbits) 

1 (8 ozs) can refrigerated crescent rolls (8 count)

8 thin slices deli ham, 2" wide

8 slices Swiss cheese, 2" wide

1 Tb. dijon mustard 

Preheat oven to 375. Drain pineapple well, reserving juice.  Reserve 2 spears for sauce; chop and set aside.  Unroll crescent rolls. Wrap a slice of ham and a slice of cheese around each pineapple spear, placing on widest part of the crescent roll; roll up.  Place on baking sheet.  Bake 12 - 15 minutes or until golden brown.  

In saucepan, boil reserved juice with mustard until thickened, about 10 minutes; stirring frequently.  Stir in chopped pineapple.  Serve sauce with crescents.  

Yield: 8 'sandwiches' 

Linked to 
            Weekend Potluck
            Meal Plan Monday

You may also like...

Cheesey Garlic Crescent Rolls

Chicken Pillows Extraordinare

Beef Cabbage Crescent Rolls

​

3 Favorite Crescent Roll Creations {Blast from the Past}

If you've never tried this irresistible dish, you're missing out!  It's delectable - everyone will ask for the recipe!

Cherry Pie Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

I share this one often because it's sooo good - a top notch recipe to serve to company!

Chicken Pillows Extraordinare

Such goodness!  So simple! 

Nutella Toffee Crescent Bars 

 

Smashing Pumpkin Bread

Since I've been baking mostly breads for my farmer's market stand this summer, I wanted to bake a plain pumpkin bread for my last time there this fall, but haven't been able to find the recipe I got from a friend many years ago.

I've pinned several that look luscious. Then I opened a Taste of Home magazine given to me by a friend, and there it was!  I compared the ingredient list to the recipe I had just recently pinned.  Only a little bit of difference in the flour amount, so I decided to go with this one.

It's flavorful and so moist, so this is the one I'll stick with.

It was enjoyed soooo much with our morning coffee. 

You can always add nuts, craisins, coconut or cinnamon chips to dress it up. 

But trust me, it's awesome just as it is. A perfect fall treat. 

It freezes nicely too, so keep some on hand for drop in company.

It will make your kitchen smell heavenly while it's baking!!!!!!

SMASHING PUMPKIN BREAD 

1-2/3 c. all purpose flour

1-1/2 c. sugar

(I cut back to 1 heaping c.)

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

3/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

2 large eggs

1 c. canned pumpkin puree

1/2 c. canola oil

1/2 c. water

1/2 c. chopped nuts, coconut, cinnamon chips or raisins, optional 

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9" X 5" loaf pan; set aside.

In large bowl, combine first eight dry ingredients - flour through cloves. 

In medium bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin, oil and water; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.

(No, I did not use a mixer, just stirred by hand). 

Stir in add-ins if desired. 

Pour into prepared pan.  Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out pretty clean, about 1 hour. (A few crumbs on the toothpick will ensure a moist loaf). 

Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool. 

Serve with cream cheese or Honey Cinnamon Butter. 

Linked to Weekend Potluck
                Meal Plan Monday

You may also enjoy....

Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling

Pumpkin Cake Roll Bars

​

Healthy Fall Snacks & #Chobani Meze Dips!

I was NOT compensated for this post. All thoughts/opinions are my own. 

Fall is falling quickly and that means and that means football and tail gating! I'm not big on football, probably because we didn't have it when I went to high school, and I've just never gotten into it. I loved watching my firstborn son play a year in high school, and his son played. That was always a 'kick' to see...My hubs watches it but he's not addicted to it.  

BUT...I am all about food...and fixing snacks. Probably the most eaten snack during football season is chips and dip.

And no matter what we're doing, I like to keep healthy snacks handy when we're ready to nibble. 

So when I saw these Chobani Meze Dips my interest was peeked because they are healthier than many other dips, made with Greek yogurt, real vegetables and all natural ingredients, I just had to try them.  Believe it or not, these awesome dips have 85% less fat and 65% fewer calories than the leading hummus.  HUH?  Believe it!

I choose the Chili Lime, but there's also Roasted Red Pepper, Three Pepper Salsa and Smoked Onion & Parmesan. (That last one sounds especially tempting to me, but they didn't have it at the store where I found the other, but I will keep looking!!) 

My hubby especially loved the Chili Lime because it had a little 'zip' to it...

totally delicious!  Even though I prefer milder foods, it was not to strong or hot for me either.  MMMM!

I needed to consider what to serve with this delicious dip, and decided on veggies right away.   Have you ever tried raw green beans for dipping?  (you can blanch them just a minute or two if you'd rather). They're wonderful.  I am all about crunch, so I love sugar peas as dippers also.  Carrot sticks, celery, zucchini and cucumber sticks are wonderful too.  

And instead of loading up on tortilla chips, I found these healthier options...they were SO tasty with this amazing dip.

Now run to the store and snatch up one or two of these special healthier dips for your next get together or game. Enjoy some healthy snacking this fall!

Cream Cheese Dainties

AAHHH - I've been making these tasty cookies for the holidays for many years.

This is an old Taste of Home recipe - I love making it for my special diabetic friends.

The cookie ingredients are butter, cream cheese and flour....

And you fill the centers with regular or sugar free preserves or jam! 

EVERYONE WILL LOVE THESE!  The flaky crust that holds the tasty jam makes you feel extra special when you know they were made just for you. 

My recipe is tattered and worn. It's a great option when you want something special and sugar free too. 

(hover over photo to pin)

CREAM CHEESE DAINTIES

1 c. butter or margarine, softened

1 pkg. (8 ozs) cream cheese, softened

2-1/2 c. all purpose flour

1/2 c. sugarless or regular apricot or raspberry preserves

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth.  Mix in flour. Divide dough into 4 sections; cover and refrigerate until easy to handle...at least 30 minutes.

On a lightly floured surface, roll one piece of dough at t time into a 

10" X 7-1/2" rectangle. (Trim edges if necessary).  Cut into 2-1/2" squares.

Drop 1/4 tsp. preserves in center of each square. Moisten 2 corners with water; fold over and press lightly.  Place on ungreased cookie sheets.  Bake at 350 for 12 - 14 minutes or until corners are lightly browned.  Cool 2-3 minutes before removing to wire racks.

Yield: about 4 dozen. 

Chocolate Chip Treasure Cookies

Andes Creme de Menthe Chunk Cookies

Fudgy Mint Cookies

​

3 Perfect Ways to Jazz up Pretzels {Blast from the Past}

Pour butter flavored oil over pretzels; sprinkle with dry ranch dressing, mix and let stand until oil is absorbed. No baking involved...can you say ADDICTING??? 

Snappy Ranch Pretzels

This is similar to the saltine cracker candy that is popular.  

A wonderful sweet & salty treat! 

Simple Pretzel Toffee Bark

Mix 3 simple ingredients - pour over pretzels, mix and bake.

Folks are always commenting they can't believe how easy this recipe is. 

And tasty too!!

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

Honey Sweetened Snack Mix & Weekend Potluck #154

WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK! 

I missed you all last week.  Thanks so much for your strong support in prayer and cares in the passing of my dad. It means so much. 

My Flashback Friday recipe is this awesome snack mix. Use up what you have in the cupboard...would be a perfect treat for the upcoming Super Bowl! 

Honey Sweetened Snack Mix

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

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

Earthquake Cake by South Your Mouth

Recipes that caught our attention ~

1-Minute Snickerdoodle Mug Cake by Five Heart Home

Sausage Potato Soup with Homemade Bread Bowls by Reviews, Chews & How- To’s

And, a personal favorite ~

TITLE OF RECIPE by BLOG NAME

Your hostesses ~

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

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