Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

This one is for Kasey's next birthday.....maybe we will try it before then?? Whenever we come across a cheesecake recipe we always think of Kasey. He loves cheesecake. I can get him to do about anything for me if I promise him cheesecake. Anyway Lisa found this recipe and left it on my desk with a note that said, "KASEY'S BIRTHDAY CAKE PLEASE!!!" So before I lose it in this mess of papers I am going to post it so I can find it when the time comes to make it.

July 2010 - Well I did actually make this for Kasey's Birthday this year. It was a hit!!! Lisa actually made 2 boxes of his all time favorite boxed Jello Cheesecake just to make sure he got enough cheesecake. Much to her dismay....the graham crackers or something was rancid and she had to throw it all away. And NO they were not old, she just bought them the week before. So it was a good thing I had made this Cheesecake and that it was good.

I think this recipe has lots of possibilities!! It is a definite keeper!! Baking the cheesecake in water really made it creamy and wonderful. Before when I have baked cheesecakes I felt like the texture was weird and dry...not this one!!

Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
1 1/2 c. cream filled chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs
2 T. melted, butter
4 - 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 c. sugar
1 c. sour cream
1 t. vanilla
3 eggs, lightly beaten
9 oz. semi-sweet chocolate pieces (1 1/2 c.)
1/2 c. raspberry jam
TOPPING - (AKA: Ganache)
6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate pieces (I prefer milk chocolate - 1 c.)
1/3 c. heavy whipping cream (I added 1 T. corn syrup & 1/2 t. vanilla)
optional: fresh raspberries & whipped cream OR make a raspberry sauce
Place a greased 9 in. springform pan on a double layer of heavy duty foil. Securely wrap foil around pan.
Combine cookie crumbs and butter, press into bottom of prepared pan.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in sour cream and vanilla. Add eggs, beat on low just until combined. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of batter and pour remaining batter over crust.
In a microwave bowl melt chocolate on 50% power stirring every minute until melted. Stir in jam until well blended. Stir in reserved batter just until blended. Drop by tablespoonfuls over the plain batter - do NOT swirl. (NEXT TIME I THINK I WILL SWIRL IT) Place springform pan in a large baking pan and fill large outer pan with 1inch of hot water.
Bake at 325 for 65 to 75 minutes or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen, cool 1 hour longer.
For topping place, chocolate pieces in small bowl. In a saucepan heat cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate, whisk until smooth. Cool slightly. Spread over top of cheesecake. Refrigerate overnight. Garnish with raspberries and whipped cream and serve.
HaPpY BirThDay KaSeY!!!!!!!!

August 2010 - I made it again.  This time I did swirl in the chocolate.  Just make sure you swirl carefully so as not to disturb the crust.  I also made a raspberry sauce to pour over it.  I used milk chocolate this time and it didn't melt as good as the semi-sweet and it wasn't pretty and shiny like before.....but it was yummy!!

Pork Linguine

Here's a new one from Laurie Charley.
Laurie says, "This was the second time I made this recipe. I made some notes last time and made a couple changes. My whole family loved it! I doubled the recipe to be sure I would have leftovers for my lunch."

Asian Pork Linguine
6oz uncooked linguine
2 tsp. cornstarch
1/2 c. water
2 T. honey
2 T. soy sauce
1/8 tsp. ginger
1/8 c. creamy peanut butter
1 lb. pork loin, cubed
3 tsp. sesame oil (I love sesame oil!)
2 med carrots, sliced
1 med onion halved and sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Cook linguine. Sauce:cornstarch, water, PB, soy sauce, honey, ginger, blend and set aside.
Stir fry pork in 2 tsp. oil until no longer pink. Remove from pan. Stir fry carrots,onion,garlic in 1 tsp oil until tender. Add sauce, bring to boil cook and stir 2 min until thickened. Add pork, drained linguine. Stir to coat.

Cheddar Potato Chowder

This recipe came from Laurie Charley. Laurie is my daughter that I share with Marcia. I am Mom #2. Laurie is a wonderful cook. Laurie said, "This soup is one of my families favorites! I found this recipe while doing Weight Watchers so I use low fat cheese to keep the points low. We invited friends for dinner after church tomorrow and this is what I am going to serve, with crescent rolls. I will put all the veggies in the crock pot to cook while at church and then just make the cheese sauce when I get home so it will be quick to serve."
I can't wait to try this one!!!

Cheddar Potato Chowder
2 cups water
2 cups red potato, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
¼ cup onion, chopped
½ cup celery, diced
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
¼ cup flour
2 cups skim milk
8 ounces reduced fat cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup lean ham, diced
Combine first seven ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10-12 min. Place flour in sauce pan whisk in milk, bring to a boil over med. heat; cook and stir until thickened. Remove from heat, add cheese, stir until melted. Stir in ham and cheese mixture into undrained vegetables.
1 c.=4 pt. in Weight Watchers

For the instant pot I cooked the first 7 ingredients on high pressure for 8 minutes and do a quick release of pressure.  Whisk together the flour and milk.  Turn to Saute and stir in the milk mixture.  Cook until thickened.  Stir in the cheese and ham.  

Savory Leek & Ham Quiche

This recipe was sent to me by Laurie Charley. She found this recipe online and changed it up a bit to her liking (this is the changed version). When she was Relief Society President she had a Birthday bash every other month to celebrate those sisters who had birthdays in those months. It was on Saturday and brunch was served. This recipe went over so well, the sisters started spreading the word, and many were looking forward to their birthday month so they could try it.

SAVORY LEEK & HAM QUICHE
1 Tbsp. oil
2 leeks halved lengthwise, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
3/4 cup chopped OSCAR MAYER Smoked Ham
1 ready-to-use refrigerated pie crust (1/2 of 15-oz. pkg.)
1 cup cheddar cheese
6 eggs
1-1/2 cups half-and-half
PREHEAT oven to 375°F. Heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add leeks; cook and stir 8 to 10 min. or until tender. Stir in ham. Remove from heat; set aside.PREPARE pie crust as directed on package for unfilled 1-crust pie using 9-inch pie plate. Sprinkle half of the cheese evenly onto bottom of crust. Top with leek mixture and remaining cheese. Beat eggs and half-and-half with wire whisk until well blended; pour over ingredients in crust.
BAKE 35 to 40 min. or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 10 min. before serving.

Need a NEW Main Dish??? here's a couple to try...

I sent these recipes to Loralyn and I thought you might like them too. I got them off of Realmomkitchen.com. Alisha

Thank you Alisha!!!

South-of-the-Border Chicken & Pasta Skillet
2 cups medium-size pasta
1 chicken breast, cubed
2 cups salsa
4 oz.Cream Cheese, cubed
2 cups corn
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1 cup Cheese, divided
Cook pasta as directed on package. Cook and stir chicken in large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium-high heat 6 min. or until done. Add salsa, cream cheese, corn and cumin; simmer on medium-low 6 min. or until corn is heated through and cream cheese is melted, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta; add to skillet with half the shredded cheese. Simmer 3 min. or until heated through. Top with remaining shredded cheese; cover. Remove from heat; let stand 5 min. or until cheese is melted.


Applesauce BBQ Sauce Shredded Pork
1 pork loin (around 3 pounds)
some apple juice, if desired
Applesauce BBQ Sauce
1 cup applesauce
1/2 cup BBQ sauce or ketchup
2 cups brown sugar
6 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Place pork loin in crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours. Add a little apple juice, if desired. Remove from crock pot and shred. Remove any juice or fat left in crock pot. Place meat back in crock pot and add prepared applesauce bbq sauce. Heat until warm.
To prepare sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix applesauce, BBQ Sauce OR ketchup, brown sugar, lemon juice, ground black pepper, salt, paprika, garlic powder and cinnamon. Stirring frequently, bring mixture to a boil. Remove from heat. (Also good with chicken)

The recipe calls for ketchup, but when Alisha made it she said, "I accidently put in BBQ sauce and we loved it". Since the recipe has BBQ in the title, I was just thinking BBQ sauce. Kinda funny! A lot of good recipes come from mistakes.
So with that....you choose which way you prefer to make it!??!?!?!?

Hawaiian Bread

This is a new bread machine recipe that I want to try...
HAWAIIAN BREAD
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup margarine
1/2 cup crushed pineapple with juice
1 tsp coconut extract
1/2 cup mashed banana
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup instant potato flakes
3 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp yeast
Add ingredients to a bread machine in order given. Bake on sweet bread cycle, light setting.

Notes: If you want something different for your bread machine, this is it.

Number of Servings: 10

Mousse & Parfait Recipes

I found these online and want to try these but haven't yet. So I will file them here until I do....

Peppermint Mousse
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons cold water
1 cup milk
4 ounces chocolate-covered peppermint patties
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
Fresh mint and additional peppermint patties, optional
In a large saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over water; let stand for 1 minute. Add milk and peppermint patties; stir over low heat for 5 minutes or until candies and gelatin are dissolved. Add vanilla and salt. Pour into a large bowl; place in freezer for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently until mixture is cooled and thickened. Beat for 1 minute or until fluffy. Fold in whipped cream. Spoon into serving dishes. Garnish with mint and peppermint patties if desired. Yield: 4-6 servings.
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 239 calories, 17 g fat (11 g saturated fat), 60 mg cholesterol, 141 mg sodium, 18 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 4 g protein.

Peppermint Parfaits
24 large marshmallows
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch salt
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
5 to 8 drops red food coloring
2 cups whipped topping
Crushed chocolate wafers
In a saucepan over low heat, melt marshmallows with milk. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, salt, extract and food coloring. Chill for 10 minutes; fold in whipped topping. Spoon into individual dishes. Chill until ready to serve. Garnish with chocolate wafers. Yield: 4 servings.

Strawberry Mousse Parfait
2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed, undrained
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons orange juice
1/8 teaspoon red food coloring, optional
2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped
Place strawberries in a food processor; cover and process until pureed. In a small saucepan, combine cornstarch and strawberries until blended. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Transfer to a large bowl; refrigerate until chilled.
Set aside 1/2 cup strawberry mixture. Add the condensed milk, orange juice and food coloring if desired to the remaining mixture; stir until blended. Fold in whipped cream.
Spoon 1/4 cup cream mixture into each of 12 parfait dishes or cocktail glasses. Layer each with 4 teaspoons of reserved strawberry mixture and 1/4 cup cream mixture. Refrigerate until serving. Yield: 12 servings.

Peppermint Mousse
1 small box (1 ounce) sugar-free instant white chocolate pudding
2 cups nonfat milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
3-4 drops red food coloring
2 cups nonfat whipped topping
5 crushed peppermint candies (optional) regular or sugar-free
In a medium bowl, mix pudding with milk, peppermint extract and food coloring.
Stir constantly with a wire whisk for 2 minutes.
Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
Add whipped topping and mix well.
Spoon into 5 parfait glasses and serve as is or topped with crushed peppermint candies or a candy cane. .

Gourmet Cupcakes

Excerpted from 101 Gourmet Cupcakes in 10 Minutes by Wendy Paul; Cedar Fort. These recipes came as an e-mail from LDS Living so it is ok to post them as long as you post where they came from too. However, they really do take longer than 10 minutes to make!! Or else I am just really slow!!!!! OR maybe she meant 10 minutes to make the batter???
I haven't made all of these yet; but I want to.
A few hints. When making the Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes, when adding candy to the center of the cupcake don't push it in, leave it kind of on top of the batter. The batter will rise when baking to cover it. If you push it in there will be no batter on the bottom and the candy sticks to the cupcake liner and isn't nearly as good.
I made a double batch and added Rolos to half of them and then frosted them with Chocolate Ganache. However I used my chocolate Ganache recipe found in the Atkinson Cookbook on page 85. When making Ganache I have found that my family likes it best when I use MILK CHOCOLATE. Ganache goes along way. With one batch I frosted 3 cakes and 16 cupcakes. It keeps well in the refrigerator and then just heat it in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds and it is ready to spread again. The other half with the peanut butter cups in them were frosted with the peanut butter frosting and they were yummy. (See photo above)
Chocolate Cream Cupcakes
Chocolate cream cupcakes are simple to prepare, yet elegant and full of rich chocolate flavors.
1 box chocolate cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup sour cream
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup grated chocolate, for garnish
Mix together cake mix, eggs, and sour cream until smooth.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched.
Cool completely on a wire rack. When cooled, cut the top off and pull out some of the cake filling, leaving a solid wall of cake to support the filling. Whip the cream until stiff peaks form and add powdered sugar. Add whipped cream by the spoonful to the holes of all cupcakes and top with cupcake lid. Frost with desired frosting and garnish with grated chocolate.

Frosting suggestion: Chocolate Ganache
1 cup heavy whipping cream
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips (I prefer Milk chocolate, I actually used my Ganache recipe on Page 85 of the Atkinson Cookbook))
Heat cream in a saucepan until it comes to a boil. Remove from heat and pour over chocolate in a mixing bowl. Stir to mix together. You can pour it over your cakes warm, or allow to cool slightly and be spread like frosting.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes
My neighbor said these cupcakes are sinful. But believe me, they are worth every bite.
1 box chocolate cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup milk
1 bag chocolate peanut butter cups
Mix together cake mix, eggs, and milk. Pour 2 tablespoons batter into paper liners and place a peanut butter cup on top. Fill paper liners 3/4 full.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack. When completely cooled, frost.

Frosting suggestion: Peanut Butter
1 cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth)
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons milk or cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine peanut butter and butter in a large bowl, mixing together until light and fluffy. Stop mixer before adding sugar.
Add sugar, 3 tablespoons milk or cream, and vanilla. Start slow and mix together, gradually increasing the speed. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add 1 tablespoon milk or cream if frosting is too thick.

Gingerbread Cookie Cupcakes
Feel like you aren't getting enough gingerbread with the holidays? Now you have a new way to satisfy the craving!
1 box spice cake mix
3 eggs
1/3 cup molasses
1/3 cup oil
1/2 cup milk
Mix together cake mix, eggs, molasses, oil, and milk. Pour into paper liners and fill 3/4 full.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.

Frosting suggestion: Orange Cream Cheese
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon orange extract
1/4 cup frozen orange concentrate
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and light. Stop mixer and add sugar, orange extract, and orange concentrate. Start mixer on slow and gradually increase the speed until frosting is fluffy. Frost and refrigerate.

Candy Cane Cupcakes
Make these for any Christmas gathering, and please your friends and family. The white chocolate chunks and crushed peppermint candy add to the taste and texture of the little cake.
1 box white cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 recipe vanilla buttercream frosting
Peppermint candy for garnish
1 cup white chocolate chunks for garnish
Mix together cake mix, eggs, milk, and vanilla. Pour batter into the paper liners and fill 3/4 full.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until cakes are light golden brown.. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
Frost with vanilla buttercream frosting and top generously with white chocolate chunks and crushed peppermint candies.

frosting suggestion: Vanilla Buttercream
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
3-4 tablespoons milk or cream
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Place butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat until light and fluffy, about 30 seconds. Stop beating before adding sugar to avoid a large mess.
Add sugar, 3 tablespoons milk or cream, and vanilla extract. Beat frosting starting on slow, increasing yours peed until frosting is nice and creamy. Add up to 1 more tablespoon milk or cream if frosting is too thick.

Chocolate Mousse Ice Cream Ball

I saw one of these online and it looked so good...but it was made with liquor and weird ingredients I had never heard of. So here is my revision. I think it turned out yummy!!!! Let me know what you think.....
The chocolate mousse part doesn't freeze solid, it stays velvety soft with the center ice creams frozen solid. Next time I am going to make it with some kind of carmel ice cream and top it with crushed heath bar. You can change the flavors of ice cream & toppings according to your tastes.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE ICE CREAM BALL
1 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
5 eggs, separated & at room temperature
1/4. c. Hershey's chocolate syrup
2 T. sugar
3 c. vanilla ice cream
3 c. peppermint ice cream (I used RoeAnn's candy cane yogurt), or flavor of choice
Crushed candy canes, or topping of choice

Line an 8 cup glass measuring cup (Large batter bowl) with plastic wrap. I used the heavier Glad Press N Seal wrap and it came out fine. Don't worry about the wrinkles. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave at 50% power stirring every minute for 3 minutes or until melted and smooth. Whisk in the egg yolks and chocolate syrup. In mixer beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar one tablespoon at a time, continue beating until stiff peaks form. Add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg white mixture and whisk together with mixer until well blended. Spoon the mousse into the prepared batter bowl. Freeze for one hour, or until the mousse is firm enough to spread up the sides of the bowl and forms a hollow shell. Return the bowl to the freezer until the chocolate is firm.
Slightly soften the first layer of ice cream & spread it over the chocolate mousse leaving the center hollow. Return to freezer, and repeat for the second layer of ice cream filling the hollow cavity full of ice cream. Cover with foil and freeze until solid. These can be frozen for several months, if desired. But I doubt you can wait that long to eat them.
Several hours before serving, invert the bowl onto a serving platter. It is best if the platter has an indented center, a large plate works nicely and keeps it from sliding off and keeps any melted ice cream from running all over. (I learned this after having put it on a flat platter and then had to move it...that is why the above photo has messed up edges.) If it doesn't want to come out of the bowl dip the bowl briefly in hot water and then invert onto the platter. Remove the plastic wrap and smooth the chocolate with a spatula. Return to freezer until firm. Decorate with crushed candy or decorations of choice. Remove from the freezer about 20 minutes before serving. Cut into wedges and serve.

My latest creations......Christmas baking.....Parties...

Steve's annual German Chocolate Cake
Chocolate Ganache Snowman Cake
Gourmet Cupcakes....Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup and Rolo Chocolate Ganache
Chocolate Mousse Ice Cream Ball
Recipes will soon be posted.....

Peppermint Marshmallows

Found this recipe on the internet. Marcia has made them and recommends them, her recipe is the same except doubled. She says they are especially good in Hot Chocolate!!

PEPPERMINT MARSHMALLOWS
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
2 (1/4 ounce) envelopes unflavored gelatin
1 1/3 cups sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
1/8 teaspoon salt
Into a small bowl, sift together the confectioners sugar and the cornstarch; line a 13X9 inch baking pan with non stick foil and spray foil with non stick cooking spray; sift 2 tablespoons of the sugar/cornstarch mixture into the pan, tilting to coat the pan; set the rest of the mixture aside for later.
Place 2/3 cup water in a large bowl; sprinkle with gelatin; let soften for five minutes.
In a medium heavy bottomed saucepan, heat sugar, corn syrup, candy pieces and salt over medium heat until sugar and candy pieces are dissolved, stirring occasionally; slowly mix into bowl with gelatin.
Beat gelatin/sugar mixture on high speed with electric beater until light and fluffy, about 15 minutes; spread into prepared pan and smooth top; dust with 2 tablespoons of the reserved sugar/cornstarch mixture and let set at room temperature for 2 hours.
Lift marshmallow block from pan using foil; with a wet knife, cut into six squares.
Spread remaining sugar/cornstarch mixture onto a baking sheet; invert marshmallow blocks onto baking sheet and cut each square into 9 smaller squares.
Toss marshmallows in sugar/cornstarch mixture and set on a pan to set for an additional hour; store loosely covered at room temperature.

Chocolate Mint Creams

This recipe came from my recipe buddy, Marcia McCormick

Chocolate Mint Creams

1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
2/3 cup brown sugar
6 TB butter
1 TB water
6 oz (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 egg
1/2- 3/4 lb pastel mint kisses

Sift together flour and baking soda. In medium pan heat and stir brown sugar, butter, and water over low heat until butter is melted. Add chocolate chips and continue to heat and stir until chocolate is melted. Pour into large mixing bowl and let cool for 10-15 minutes. Beat egg into chocolate mixture, then stir in flour mixture (dough will be soft). Cover and chill for 1-2 hours or until easy to handle. Shape into 1" balls and place 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 350* for 8 minutes. Remove and immediately top each cookie with a mint. Return to oven, bake about 2 more minutes. Swirl melted mints to frost cookies. Don't overbake!

Minnie Mouse's Famous Chewy Cheese (Chocolate) Chip Cookies

In September Katie went to Disneyland. In Minnie Mouse's house she saw this recipe and so she took a picture of it and then when she got home she made them for family and everyone at work. They are quite tasty!!!

MINNIE MOUSE'S FAMOUS CHEWY CHEESE (CHOCOLATE) CHIP COOKIES
2/3 c. shortening
2/3 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
2 t. vanilla
3 c. sifted flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
10 oz. semi sharp cheddar cheese chips OR 10 oz. milk chocolate chips
Mix, shortening, butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients. Add chips. Spoon onto cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 10 minutes.

French Chewy (Taffy Pull)

I need to get this recipe on here before I loose it again. Years ago, Alan & MaryKaye Brown came to a mutual activity and we pulled taffy. It was amazing and fun!!! Well we did it again recently. This is so good!!! Nice group activity, enough to keep about 10 to 15 people busy for an hour...

FRENCH CHEWY (TAFFY PULL)
Put in large heavy pan:
6 c. sugar
1 pt. cream
2 c. corn syrup
20 shaves of parafin wax
Stir ONLY once and place on high heat. Turn pan occassionally but DO NOT STIR, reduce heat to medium. Test in cup of cold water, when stretches & snaps off it is ready (About 290 degrees)
Mix together:
1 pkg. knox unflavored gelatin
1/3 c. water
Stir until dissolved and set in glass bowl by pan to keep warm.

Remove pan from heat and add gelatin mixture and 1 lg. T. real butter.
Stir well and then pour onto 5 or 6 BUTTERED plates. OPTIONAL: If you want a variety of flavors you can add 1/2 t. extract to each plate (Mint, orange, lemon, vanilla, etc.)
Allow to cool until cool enough to handle.
Wash hands in cold water and leave damp. Do not grease your hands, use more water as necessary.
Then pull the taffy between to people. Pull, grab center and throw!!
Pull until it is hard to pull and before it breaks. Twist into a long rope. Cut with scissors. Wrap in waxed paper. This stays soft and chewy and is so good!!!

Goumet Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Cindy Vickery shared this recipe on Facebook. Yummy!!!

GOURMET PUMPKIN SPICE CUPCAKES
1 Spice cake mix
1 c. pumpkin
1 t. vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 c. milk
1 c. semi sweet chocolate chips
Mix well and scoop into cupcake liners. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Cool and Frost with cream cheese frosting.

Tomato Cake

This recipe also originally belonged to Ardeth Mouritsen and was shared with me by Christina Church. This is Christina's husband's favorite cake. Jimmy has always had one of these for his birthday cake EVERY year!!!

TOMATO CAKE
2 c. sifted flour
1 1/3 c. sugar
4 t. baking powder
1 t. soda
1 1/2 t. allspice
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. cloves
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. condensed tomato soup
2 eggs
1/4 c. water

Sift together dry ingredients. Add shortening and soup. Beat 2 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom constantly. Add eggs & water. Beat 2 more minutes. Pour into 2 - 9" OR 1- 9x13" sprayed pans. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Beat together:
2 - 3 oz. cream cheese
1 T. milk
Gradually beat in:
2 1/2 c. powdered sugar
Add:
1/2 t. vanilla
Mix well and frost cooled cake.

Domino Dots

This recipe came from Char Adams. She made them for our fireside at her daughter, Karin's request. These are wonderful!!! For some reason I thought Karin said they were Dunkin' Dots???? Karin had to set me straight.

DOMINO DOTS
Place in Bread Machine in this order:
1 c. hot water
2 T. butter, softened
1 egg
3 1/4 c. bread flour
1 t. salt
1 T. yeast
1/4 c. sugar
Set on DOUGH setting. When dough is done, remove dough to lightly oiled surface, cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
Divide dough into 16 to 24 balls. Roll balls in melted butter and then in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Place on greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30-40 minutes. Bake at 375 for 12 to 15 minutes. Drizzle with frosting.

Brownie Milk

My MIA MAID class was incharge of the Oct. fireside. We served Brownie Milk and Domino Dots. Both were great!!!!
This recipe originally belonged to Ardeth Mouritsen. It then passed to her daughter Sharon Church who then passed it to her daughter in law Christina Church and her daughter Ciarra brought it to share with all of us. (all 4 of these amazing gals are in my ward) This is good stuff!!! It could put Hershey's Syrup out of business!!!!!

BROWNIE MILK
1/2 c. cocoa
1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 t. salt
2 c. water
1 t. vanilla
Cook all ingredients, except the vanilla, for 10 minutes after it boils. (cook longer if you want it thicker for ice cream topping) Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Store in refrigerator. Add to milk according to taste. Serve hot or cold.

Molasses Glazed Chicken

Here's a new recipe I want to try.

Molasses Glazed Chicken

1/4 c ketchup
1/4 c cider vinegar
2 tbsp. molasses
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 tsp. low sodium soy sauce
1/4 tsp. Tabasco sauce
2 ½ pounds chicken

Mix all ingredients together , add chicken and refrigerate at least 2 hours Preheat oven to 450 degrees ,arrange on a cookie sheet lined with foil for easy clean up and bake from 30 to 45 minutes until done Perfect served with your favorite salad, rice or potato dish.

Grilling Information:

To grill, cook over low heat turning chicken every 3 to 5 minutes until juices run clear - approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

To grill rather than in the oven, prepare in the morning and in the evening, when you’re ready to eat, just barbeque and enjoy!

Pesty Fruit Flies???? and other remedies using vinegar

In comes the fruit and with it come the fruit flies......
This little remedy works quite nicely to get rid of them.....but I know by next year I probably won't remember it.

Put 1/4 c. of apple cider vinegar in a custard cup
add a little bit of dish soap
add a little water to create some suds on top
set on the counter to attract the fruit flies
add a little more water occasionaly to reactivate the suds

Another method was to put apple cider vinegar in a bowl and cover with saran wrap. Cut a couple slits in the saran wrap so the fruit flies go in.

Home Remedies Using Vinegar
Anytime of the year is a great time to be using vinegar, but summertime has its own special uses for vinegar. Put white vinegar in a spray bottle and use it as a soothing sunburn remedy, and as an antiseptic for insect bites (including bee stings). This remedy is also good for cuts and scrapes. A half-cup of vinegar mixed with a pint of water will also help ease the rash of poison ivy and poison oak.
Plain white vinegar can also be used as a soothing aftershave and it will also help tone the skin of the face as well if mixed with an equal portion of water. If freckles are a problem, vinegar will also help lighten them. Brushing the teeth a few times a week with vinegar will help get rid of bad breath. Brushing with vinegar will also act as a natural tooth whitener. If one rubs vinegar on the fingernails (or toenails) beforehand, nail polish will last longer.
To help relieve a backache pour two cups of vinegar into hot bathwater and soak in it for about a half an hour. For other aches and pains, after boiling some apple cider vinegar with a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, let that cool and then use it as a compress on an affected area or joint. Using vinegar in a compress will also help ease the pain and discomfort of muscle aches, headaches, sprains, and muscle cramps.
For the aged, a teaspoon of onion juice mixed with a couple of teaspoons of vinegar will make age spots fade in a couple of weeks. A good ointment for arthritis consists of two egg whites, a quarter-cup of olive oil, and a half-cup of apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is also good for osteoporosis because of its mineral content. A general “tonic” for osteoporosis and general good health is two or three teaspoons in a glass of water.
Using vinegar as a tonic of sorts is a great way for a person to try to stay healthy. In addition to the above remedies, vinegar is also a good source of minerals, pectins and flavonoids. The pectin and amino acids in vinegar are also thought to be a viable way of reducing cholesterol. This same tonic will also aid in cancer prevention, colds, constipation, and coughs.
Overall, using vinegar is a great way to help maintain good physical health. Vinegar, either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, has scores of useful and beneficial properties. All of them are safe, effective, and easy to use, no matter the age or health of the particular individual. Anyone from infants to the elderly can use and benefit from using vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar, is rich in minerals and trace elements, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon and fluorine. Also rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6 and beta-carotene, amino acids and roughage. Apple Cider Vinegar has been used to cure ailments for centuries, as a powerful cleansing agent of toxins and a healing elixir. Apple Cider Vinegar is helpful for metabolism, reducing cholesterol, reducing water retention, regulating blood pressure and helps with blood circulation. Apple Cider Vinegar is a successful remedy for many ailments including, allergies, sinus infections, acne, flu, chronic fatigue, acid reflux, sore throats, arthritis, and gout. Apple Cider Vinegar also breaks down fat and is widely used to lose weight. It also gives your complexion a healthy, rosy glow when you drink it regularly. Usual Dosage: 2 TBLS of Apple Cider Vinegar in 8 oz of water or juice 3x a day. The taste is strong that is why you should mix it with water or juice. Some people add it to tea . With apple juice, it tastes like a glass of cider.
Garlic, is a natural remedy for lowering harmful cholesterol. Garlic can guard against heart disease by preventing the formation of fatty deposits in the arteries. Regular amounts of garlic can help the body fight off infections. Garlic can also help to fight off colds.
Honey is great for boosting energy and supporting good health. Honey one of the best natural remedies for sore throats, coughs and general cold symptoms.
Here is a wonderful Apple Cider vinegar, garlic, honey remedy
Put the following in a blender...
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup raw honey
8 cloves garlic
Mix on high speed for 60 seconds. Pour mixture into a glass container. Seal and leave in the refrigerator for five days. Normal dosage is two tsp. in a glass of water or fruit juice, grape or orange juice three times daily.
Apple Cider Vinegar, garlic and honey are three of the most important natural remedies for healing the bodies ailments. If taken daily these three products can cure many of your health problems. You can take them
alone or mixed together. Take them daily and you will see a big improvement in your overall health.
Soothe a sore throat:
Put a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water. Gargle, then swallow. For another great gargle: 1 cup hot water, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon vinegar, gargle then drink.
Treat sinus infections and chest colds:
Add 1/4 cup or more vinegar to the vaporizer. (Be sure to check vaporizer instructions for additional water measurement.)
Skin burns:
Apply ice-cold vinegar right away for fast relief. Will prevent burn blisters.
Chest congestion:
To clear up respiratory congestion, inhale a vapor mist from steaming pot containing water and several spoonfuls of vinegar.