Cashew Caramel Cookies

Cashew-Caramel Cookies(Adapted from M.S. Cookies)

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups roasted, salted cashews
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon canola oil
1 stick unsalted butter, softened - 8 tablespoons
3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
24 cubes soft caramel candy
1/4 cup heavy cream

Preheat oven to 350. In a medium bowl, sift flour and salt together. Coarsely chop 1 cup cashews and set aside. Process remaining 1 1/2 cups cashews in a food processor until finely chopped. Gradually pour oil into the feed tube. Process until mixture is creamy, about 2 minutes.

Put cashew mixture, butter, and sugars in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to low; gradually add flour mixture. Mix in reserved chopped cashews.

Shape dough into 1 1/2-inch balls. Place on parchment covered baking sheets about 2" apart. Bake 6 minutes; gently flatten with a 1 cup measuring cup. I tried using a spatula but it was too big - a metal cup worked much better. If they begin to stick when you are pressing down, make sure to wipe the bottom before moving to the next cookie. Bake until bottoms are just golden, 6 to 7 minutes more. Let cool completely on sheets on wire racks.

Melt caramels with cream in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring. Let cool. Using a spoon, drizzle caramel over cookies; let set. The caramel will not get hard so you can't stack these. Store them in single layers for the best result.

shared at one or more of these parties
Anything Goes (3a)- Bacon Time with the Hungry Hypo
Best of the Weekend (p.m.)- Cooking With Curls, A Little Claireification, Little Miss Celebration,  The Mandatory Mooch
Craft Frenzy Friday (Th7)- Craft Dictator
Eat. Create. Party! (Th7p)- Endlessly Inspired, I Want Crazy, A Dash of Sanity, Living Better Together
Fabric Frenzy Friday (F)- Fort Worth Fabric Studio
Fabulous Friday- Simple Nature Decor
Feature Friday Link Palooza (Th pm)- Blissful and Domestic
Five Friday Finds- Morsels of Life
Weekend Bites (Th7:30)- Simple Living and Eating and Home Maid Simple
Foodie Friends Friday (Th8)- Foodie Friends Friday, Walking on Sunshine, From Calculus to Cupcakes, Cindy’s Recipes and Writings, Busy Vegetarian Mom, This and That, Winelady Cooks, In the Kitchen with Jenny, The Chef Next Door, Robyn’s View
Freedom Fridays with All My Bloggy Friends (TR 7:30)- My Turn for Us, Love Bakes Good Cakes
Friday Favorites (Th7pm)- The Diary of a Real Housewife
*Friday Features (Th7)- Oh My Heartsie Girl
Friday Link Party (Th8)- The Pin Junkie
From the Farm (7aF)- The Homestead Lady,  The Homesteading Hippy, My Healthy Green Family, Spring Mountain Living
Inspiration Spotlight Party (F5a)- Dear Creatives
Inspire Me Please (Th after8)- Love of Family and Home, House of Rose, Liz Marie Blog, Blissfully After
Let's Get Real Friday (Th5p)- Our Little Family Adventure, Juggling Real Food and Real Life, 365 (ish) Days of Pinterest, Calm, Healthy, Sexy, A Dish of Daily Life
Life of the Party (Th7)- The Grant Life
Link Party Palooza (F6p or earlier)- Tater Tots and Jello, Lil Luna, I Heart Nap Time, Somewhat Simple, Today's Creative Blog
Our Favorite Things Pinterest Party (Th)- My Turn for Us, Gina's Crafty Corner, View from the Fridge, Carissa Miss, Gingerly Made, Our Rosey Life, Crafty Allie, Denise Designed, Table for 7, 3 Little Greenwoods
Pin Me (8a)- Diana Rambles
Pinworthy Projects (7a)- Domestic Superhero, Just Us Four, Atkinson Drive
Post Comment Love (1:30a)- Verily, Victoria Vocalises
Pretty Pintastic (2:01 a.m.F)- Coffee With Us 3, Gloriously Made,  An Alli Event, Captain America and His English Rose
Pure Blog Love (Th7p)- PicNic
Say G'Day Saturday (F6)- Natasha in Oz, What's On The List?
That's Fresh Friday(biweekly Thurs7)- Prototype Mama
(*New) The Handmade Hangout (Th5)- Too Much Time, From Gardners 2 Bergers, Christina's Adventures, Redoux Interiors, A Glimpse Inside
Weekend Potluck (F6A)- The Better Baker, The Country Cook, 4 Little Fergusons, Sunflower Supper Club, Frugal Family Favorites
Weekend Recipe Link Up (F afternoon? before 4)- Gator Mommy Reviews
Weekend re-Treat (Th6p)- The Best Blog Recipes
Weekend Social (Th8)- Kitchen Dreaming , The McCallum's Shamrock Patch
Weekend Wind-down (F5p)- This SimpleHome
What To Do Weekends (Th9:00)- Crafts a la Mode

Crockpot Ham and Beans and Sweet Corn Bread

This country girl loves ham and beans in the winter time. Oh my what a treat to share a warm bowl of ham and beans with my family. If you are country at heart as well and love a good bowl of beans and cornbread then check out this post.

 

 

 

 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup Corn Meal
1 T. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/4 cups milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup veg. oil
3 Tbls. melted butter or margarine (I used butter)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8" square baking pan. Combine flour, sugar, corn meal, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Combine milk, eggs, oil and butter in a small bowl, mix well. Add to flour mixture, stir just until blended. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 35 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

recipe resource here

Crockpot Ham and Beans

1 lb small navy beans
1 onion, chopped
2 sticks celery, chopped
3/4 c chopped carrots
2 T  chopped garlic from jar
1/2 t pepper
leftover ham bone with meat on it
1 1/2 c chopped up ham
4-5 c water
ham broth

sort through beans tossing out any hard rocks or dried up beans. Soak over night in water with 2 t baking soda Drain and rinse beans well. Chop veggies, place in crockpot with beans. Add bone and ham Add ham broth, water and spices Cover and let cook for at least 6 hours remove ham bone and take meat off bone return meat to beans. Cook another couple hours.

recipe resource here

  

Easy Craft : Build a Snowman

This cute little snowman is based on a plastic spoon decorated using cotton balls, pipe cleaner for his scarf and foam pieces for hat and face. So easy to make and so super cute

shared at one or more of these parties
New) And Sew We Craft Together (W)- And Sew We Craft
Creative Spark (Wam)- My Paper Craze, Weekend Craft, Please Excuse My Craftermath
Fluster's Creative Muster (T5p)- Fluffer Buster
(New)Hit Me With Your Best Shot (T6p)- Dolen Diaries, Just a Girl and Her Blog, Made to Be A Momma, One Krieger Chick
Make Bake Create- Hope in Every Season
Moonlight and Mason Jars (T10pm)- Newlywed Pilgrimage, Five Heart Home, Cherished Bliss,  Made in a Day
Project Parade (Wa)- An Italian in My Kitchen, The Seasoned Homemaker, Life With the Crust Cut Off
Recipe Roundup (W7a)- Gooseberry Patch
*Retro Re-pin Party (pins) (T7)- 2 Crochet Hooks, Sustaining the Powers, Nifty Thrifty Family, Meatloaf and Melodrama, xoxo Grandma, Probably Crafting, Crafty Side of Sarcasm
Show and Share Wednesday- Mostly Homemade Mom
The DIY'ers (T4 or 5pm)- Bigger Than The Three of Us, Brave New Home, Homecoming, Simply Dream and Create
Wake Up Wednesday- Sew Crafty Angel + 24
Wednesday Roundup (W)- Foody Schmoody, The Princess and Her Cowboys, Love, Pasta and A Tool Belt, Lemoine Family Kitchen
*What We Eat (W10a)- Orchard Girls
What's Cookin' Wednesday (W)- Buns in My Oven
What's It Wednesday- Ivy and Elephants
Whimsy Wednesday (T6)- Oh My! Creative, The NY Melrose Family, Smart School House, Princess Pinky Girl, Simply Designing With Ashley
Wine'd Down Wednesday (T6p)- Dizzy Busy and Hungry, Our Three Peas, My Rays of Sunshine 
Wonderful Wednesday (T6p)- Ducks 'n a Row, Spatulas on Parade, Sugar Aunts, Recipes for Our Daily Bread, A Peek Into My Paradise, Flavors by Four, Pure Grace Farms
Wonderfully Creative Wednesdays (T7)- All She Cooks Mom's Test Kitchen, Nibbles by Nic, Sew Creative
Worthwhile Wednesdays (Tpm)- Crafty Allie
Wow Us Wednesdays (Tpm)- Family Home and Life

Chocolate Turtle Cookies

Chocolate Turtle Cookies cant be beat. With their attractive look and believe me chocolate, nuts and caramel together taste fantastic as well. For my taste I love caramel so add just a bit more if you wish or slack back for a more chocolate flavor. For gift giving do not stack these cookies as they stay just a bit sticky

from Cook’s Country, December 2008

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
8 tbsp butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 large egg, separated, plus 1 egg white
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans, chopped fine
14 soft caramel candies
3 tbsp heavy cream

Adjust oven rack to upper-middle and lower-middle positions and heat oven to 350 degrees.  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silpat liners.  Combine flour, cocoa, and salt in bowl.  With electric mixer on medium high speed, beat butter and sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes.  Add egg yolk, milk, and vanilla and mix until incorporated.  Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture until just combined.  Refrigerate dough until firm, at least 1 hour.
Whisk egg white in another bowl until frothy.  Place pecans in another bowl.  One at a time, roll dough into 1 inch balls, dip in egg whites, then roll in pecans.  Place balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.  Using teaspoon measure, make indentation in center of each ball.  Bake until set, 10 to 12 minutes, switching and rotating sheets halfway through baking.
Meanwhile, microwave caramels and cream in a bowl, stirring occasionally, until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes.  Once cookies are removed from oven, gently press existing indentations with teaspoon measure.  Fill each with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon caramel mixture.  Cool 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack and cool completely.

shared at one or more of these parties
New) And Sew We Craft Together (W)- And Sew We Craft
Creative Spark (Wam)- My Paper Craze, Weekend Craft, Please Excuse My Craftermath
Fluster's Creative Muster (T5p)- Fluffer Buster
(New)Hit Me With Your Best Shot (T6p)- Dolen Diaries, Just a Girl and Her Blog, Made to Be A Momma, One Krieger Chick
Make Bake Create- Hope in Every Season
Moonlight and Mason Jars (T10pm)- Newlywed Pilgrimage, Five Heart Home, Cherished Bliss,  Made in a Day
Project Parade (Wa)- An Italian in My Kitchen, The Seasoned Homemaker, Life With the Crust Cut Off
Recipe Roundup (W7a)- Gooseberry Patch
*Retro Re-pin Party (pins) (T7)- 2 Crochet Hooks, Sustaining the Powers, Nifty Thrifty Family, Meatloaf and Melodrama, xoxo Grandma, Probably Crafting, Crafty Side of Sarcasm
Show and Share Wednesday- Mostly Homemade Mom
The DIY'ers (T4 or 5pm)- Bigger Than The Three of Us, Brave New Home, Homecoming, Simply Dream and Create
Wake Up Wednesday- Sew Crafty Angel + 24
Wednesday Roundup (W)- Foody Schmoody, The Princess and Her Cowboys, Love, Pasta and A Tool Belt, Lemoine Family Kitchen
*What We Eat (W10a)- Orchard Girls
What's Cookin' Wednesday (W)- Buns in My Oven
What's It Wednesday- Ivy and Elephants
Whimsy Wednesday (T6)- Oh My! Creative, The NY Melrose Family, Smart School House, Princess Pinky Girl, Simply Designing With Ashley
Wine'd Down Wednesday (T6p)- Dizzy Busy and Hungry, Our Three Peas, My Rays of Sunshine 
Wonderful Wednesday (T6p)- Ducks 'n a Row, Spatulas on Parade, Sugar Aunts, Recipes for Our Daily Bread, A Peek Into My Paradise, Flavors by Four, Pure Grace Farms
Wonderfully Creative Wednesdays (T7)- All She Cooks Mom's Test Kitchen, Nibbles by Nic, Sew Creative
Worthwhile Wednesdays (Tpm)- Crafty Allie
Wow Us Wednesdays (Tpm)- Family Home and Life

Easy Craft Idea: Mini Paper Wreath

This is a simple craft and one that is festive and cute. It is made up of cardboard circle with hole cut in middle. It is simple to color the pasta with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and food coloring. Allow the pasta to dry overnight and then glue onto the cardboard. It resembles holly right?? Placing miniature red pompoms on the green pasta will resemble berries tie with a piece of yarn your choice of color

Maple Butterscotch Macaddamia Nut Blondies

When its cold outside I love to bake delicious goodies. This recipe is a delicious blond brownie chocked full of awesome macadamia nuts. Oh my I forever have loved those white macadamia nut cookies now try the blondies and see what you think.

Maple Butterscotch Macadamia Nut Blondies (Adapted from Whole Foods)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons maple extract
1 1/2 cups butterscotch chips
3/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts, toasted

Preheat the oven to 350

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing until combined. Mix in the maple extract. Add the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon just until combined. Fold in the butterscotch chips and toasted macadamias.

Scoop the batter into a 9" baking pan coated with nonstick spray - use an off-set spaulta to spread it evenly in the pan. Bake until golden and a toothpick placed near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached, about 25 to 35 minutes. Remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely before cutting.

Salt Dough Ornaments

I simply love crafts that are fun to make, the entire family can get involved, make great gifts and can be personalized. Oh yes we are talking about salt dough ornaments. What else only takes 3 ingredients can be adapted and created using the artist imagination and make awesome gifts for teachers, grandparents or anyone you know that you would love to give a small gift to.

Salt dough ornaments can also be easily painted using tempera or acrylic paint. They can also be decorated before being baked so that they have the appearance that the artist is looking for.

One great way to use salt dough ornaments is as gift tags. It gives the gifts personality and the giver will love them as well. Use a sharpie to write on ornaments.


2 cups flour

1 cup salt

1 cup warm water

Mix together flour and salt.  Then mix in the warm water.  Mix until you have a dough that is similar in consistency to pie crust.  Take the dough and place it on a floured surface.  Roll out the dough until it is about 1/4 inch thick.  Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. If you don’t have cookie cutters you could use a glass to cut circles.  Put the shapes on a cookie sheet.  Then take a sharp object (I used a meat thermometer) to put a small hole in each shape where you will insert the ribbon. Make sure the hole goes all the way through the dough, because it will close up slightly while baking.  Bake the salt dough ornaments for 4 to 6 hours at 200 degrees or until hardened.  Paint and decorate as desired

Jingle Bell Door Hanger

Every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings. I do believe this as well as I believe there are  angels walking around here on earth to help us all. Sometimes they show up in places we do not expect them and it seems always at times when we need them. So if this is the case why would we not try to help angels get their wings. Creating a festive door hanger using jingle bells and ornaments will help it look festive and help the angels as well.

Easy Gift From The Kitchen

working in the medical field I know that my co-workers will love this. There are many days that we go home with aching feet so a good foot soak would be an awesome gift. Think about yourself and your friends the holidays can be a very stressful time and a time where we are on our feet more than usual. Relax a bit with a foot soak and enjoy the moment.

 

 

Peppermint and Lemon Foot Soak

recipe from Or So She Says…

1 cup sea salt (a great alternative would be Kosher salt)
1 cup Epsom salt (usually found in the personal care/pharmacy aisle)
2 Tbsp peppermint tea (Be careful not to confuse this with “peppermint flavored” tea: the tea should be 100% peppermint leaves. Tip: if you can’t find it in bulk, buy a box of tea-bags, cut them open and measure!)
4 tsp pure peppermint extract
3 tsp pure lemon extract
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp baking soda

Combine the sea salt and Epsom salt in your mixing bowl. When the two salts are completely blended, add olive oil, peppermint extract and lemon extract. Stir each time you add an ingredient, making sure to break apart any large chunks of salt with your spoon. Once these liquid ingredients have been fully incorporated, your salt mixture will look like moist sand (and it will smell pretty good too!). Now it’s time to add the cornstarch and baking soda. Again, blend thoroughly, breaking apart any large clumps of baking soda or salt.  Almost done! Now add the final ingredient – the peppermint leaves. (I add this last, because I’ve found that adding them early in the process causes the leaves to bruise and give off their green color to the salt.) Stir the leaves in until they are fully blended with the salt mixture. Go ahead and take a deep breath while you’re at it – it should have a very refreshing scent!

One Cookie Dough Makes 2 type Christmas Cookies

Butter Cookie Dough from NickJr. Magazine Measurements for tripling are included in red

2 cups all-purpose flour (6 cups)

1 tsp baking powder (3 tsps)

1 tsp salt (3 tsps)

2/3 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (2 cups or 4 sticks)

1/2 cup sugar (1 1/2 cups)

1 egg (3 eggs)

1 Tbls milk (3 Tbls)

1 tsp vanilla extract (3 tsps)

1. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl. Set aside.

2. In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugar at medium speed until creamy, about 3 minutes.

3. Add egg, milk, and vanilla and beat 1 minute more. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture, beating until smooth.

4. Shape dough into a ball. Wrap in plastic and chill at least 1 hour, or overnight.

 

 

Candy Cane Twists

1. Divide Butter Cookie Dough in half. Add 4-5 drops red food coloring to one half. Add 1/2 tsp peppermint extract to the other half. Mix each half well.

2. For each candy cane, on a floured surface, roll a tablespoon of each dough into a 4-inch long rope.

3. Twist the ropes together and bend to form a candy cane shape.

4. Place on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy or candy canes.

5. Bake at 375 degrees F, 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool completely before removing from pan.

Pinwheel Pops

1. Divide Butter Cookie Dough in half. Mix 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder into one half. Mix 5 drops green food coloring and 1/2 tsp peppermint extract into the other half.

2. On a floured surface, roll out each half into a 1/4-inch-thick rectangle.

3. Place one half on top of the other. Roll with a rolling pin to help them stick together.

4. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a cylinder shape. Wrap in plastic and chill at least 1 hour.

5. Cut 1/8-inch thick slices and place on a greased cookie sheet. Insert a craft stick into each ( We didn't do this part). Bake at 375 degrees, 7 to 9 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Share a Scent of The Season

Looking to share a little gift with those that you work with , live next to or go to school or church with? This little treat would make just the right gift and will offer a scent of the season and last more than a day as well !

 Just add 2 slices of each a lemon, a lime, an orange, add 4-5 cinnamon sticks and a palm full of whole cloves. Once you put it on your stove, add water and it will fill your house with wonderful Christmas scents!

Attach a card that has these instructions on it:

Christmas Potpourri

1. Place ingredients in pot.
2. Fill Pot with water, covering potpourri mix.
3. Bring to a boil and turn down to low.
4. Let simmer & continue to add water as needed.

* potpourri will last approx. one week.

Toffee Squares

I so love Toffee and this recipe is so easy to make. I love the idea of using Hershey chocolate bars to melt and make the top.

 

Toffee Squares

 

 

1 cup Butter
1 cup Brown Sugar
1 Egg yolk
1 teaspoon Vanilla
2 cups Flour
1/4 teaspoon Salt
6 Hershey Milk Chocolate Bars

Beat butter, brown sugar, egg yolk and vanilla together until creamy. Slowly add flour and salt until well blended.

Bake at 325 for 13 minutes or until lightly browned. It will be soft, do not over bake.

Remove from oven and immediately place unwrapped chocolate bars on top of hot cookie base.
Let it stand a few minutes until chocolate is melted. Spread melted chocolate evenly to cover entire cookie base. Cut into squares after chocolate has cooled and set.

Enter to win some Christmas Style

Every year at Christmas we would buy hot pads, dish towels and trivets in holiday style for my mother. This giveaway offers you the chance to have some holiday style as well. Hallmark North Pole products are being given away by the blog Simply Stacie. You can enter this giveaway which ends 12/9 here

Giveaway for Movie Money

After seeing the ads for the movie Penguins of Madagascar I must say that I know this would be an awesome movie to take my little princess to. How fun it would be the blog Obsessive Mommy is hosting a give way for $25 Visa to go see the movie as well as the prize package above. Giveaway ends 12/5 and you can enter here

Giveaway that will help keep your health in check

Many health experts will recommend that you give yourself an extra boost during the holiday season. The many things that you will be doing, the weather that can often be unpredictable and many other factors may leave you feeling down and out. To help you out the blog Tamilee Tips offers you the chance to check out the vitamins at CVS and also a chance to win a $25 gift card. You can enter this giveaway that ends December 8 here

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

I simply love this dessert it has that elegant look without being over the top for the trim the tree party, a family get together or the night you simply want to entertain

 

1 1/2 - 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
4 tablespoons white sugar
6 T butter, melted
1 (10 ounce) package frozen raspberries
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup water
4 cups white chocolate chips (2 bags)
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


DIRECTIONS
In a medium bowl, mix together cookie crumbs, 4 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of a 10 inch springform pan.

In a saucepan, combine raspberries, 2 tablespoons sugar, cornstarch, and water. Bring to boil, and continue boiling 5 minutes, or until sauce is thick. Strain sauce through a mesh strainer to remove seeds.

Preheat oven to 325 º In a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, melt white chocolate chips with half-and-half, stirring occasionally until smooth.

In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Blend in vanilla and melted white chocolate. Pour half of batter over crust. Spoon 3 tablespoons raspberry sauce over batter. Pour remaining cheesecake batter into pan, and again spoon 3 tablespoons raspberry sauce over the top. Swirl batter with the tip of a knife to create a marbled effect.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until filling is set. Cool, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 8 hours before removing from pan. Serve with remaining raspberry sauce.

shared at one or more of these parties
DIY Sunday Showcase (Sat 5)- Pink When, Minette's Maze, My Crafty Spot, VMG206, View From the Fridge, Interior Frugalista
Inspiration Monday (Sun1p)- Your Home Based Mom, Domestically Speaking, I Should Be Mopping the Floor, Mom on Timeout, Redhead Can Decorate, Today's Creative Blog, Will Cook For Smiles, Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Live Laugh Rowe, Five Heart Home, TwelveOeight
It's Party Time (Sun)- Three Mango Seeds, It's So Very Cheri 
Nifty Thrifty Sunday (Sun)- Nifty Thrifty Things
See Ya in the Gumbo- Ms. enPlace
*Sew Darn Crafty*- Sew Many Ways
Share It One More Time (Sat 5:00p)- One More Time Events
Snickerdoodle Sunday (Sat4p)- 2 Crochet Hooks, Meatloaf and Melodrama, Sadie Seasongoods, Nifty Thrifty Family
Submarine Sunday- USS Crafty
Sunlit Sunday (Sat7p)- My Little Home and Garden
Sweet and Savory Sunday (Sun 10a)- The Velvet Moon Baker, Cookin for the Seven Dwarves, Baking in Pyjamas
Sweet Tea Social (blog)- Texas Women Bloggers
That DIY Party (no recipes) (Sun am)- DIY Showoff

Think Pink Sunday (Sat9p)- Flamingo Toes

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Use up Those Leftovers

So now you have enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving dinner and there are plenty of leftovers on hand. Don't let them get you there are plenty of ways to use them up. 

Turkey:
 turkey salad

turkey wraps

turkey chili

Cranberry Sauce
use it as a tasty sandwich spread it will offer a kick to any sandwich.

Green Beans and other veggies:
these can easily be added to soups whether you make your own or start with canned soup

left over veggies also go great in stews or salads

left over sweet potatoes is a noted item in many chili recipes


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Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe Stuffing Topped Turkey Pot Pie

The big day of November Turkey Day the day we all took a pause and gave thank is over and now it is time to use up those left overs. Check out this delicious filling recipe

Stuffing-topped Turkey Pot Pie

2 1/2 - 3 cups chopped precooked turkey
1 cup shelled edamame
1 cup fresh corn
1/2 cup diced red peppers
1 1/4 cups gravy (I used turkey gravy I made earlier)
About 5 ounces dry stuffing mix
1 1/3 cups simmering turkey stock

Preheat the oven to 375

In a large bowl, combine turkey stock and dry stuffing mix. Mix until the stuffing is evenly moist.

In a 2 quart casserole, combine turkey and vegetables. Spoon gravy evenly over the vegetables and then spread the stuffing mixture over the top.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the gravy is bubbling.


shared at
sharing Saturday

Happy Thanksgiving Day

Have A Cake

Appetizer : Sausage Ball

3 cups biscuit baking mix
1/ 2 cup green onion, finely minced
1/ 4 cup red bell pepper, finely minced
8 ounces, Cheddar cheese, finely shredded
1 pound bulk breakfast sausage

· Mix all ingredients well in a large bowl with hand or a heavyduty mixer.
· Now, shape the mixture in small balls and keep it on a baking sheet.
· Bake the balls at 350 degree F for about 15 minutes or until browned on bottoms.
· Serve hot with tomato ketchup or Mustard Mayo Dip.

Pumpkin Pie Cake

Who doesn't love Pumpkin Pie. Well there may be some but I love it that's for sure. I have never before seen a pumpkin pie cake but I must say that our family will be seeing this on our table very soon

Pumpkin Pie Cake (Adapted from Country Living)

For the batter
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
3 large eggs
2 egg whites
15 ounce can unsweetened pumpkin puree

For the frosting
2 tablespoons butter, softened
8 ounce package cream cheese
3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons fresh orange juice
crushed graham crackers or toasted chopped nuts to garnish

Preheat oven to 325

To make the batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, salt, allspice and nutmeg. In a large mixing bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar and oil until well blended. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until incorporated - mix in egg whites. Add pumpkin and mix until combined. Add flour mixture gradually to the wet ingredients - mixing just until combined. Evenly divide batter between 2 8" round baking dishes lightly coated with nonstick spray. Bake until the top springs back when lightly pressed in the center or a toothpick comes out mostly clean - about 25 - 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Remove cakes and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, beating only until combined. Mix in orange juice. Place the bottom layer on a cake place and spread about 1 cup of the frosting on top. Place the other cake on top and spread the remaining frosting on the top and to the edges of the cake. Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs or toasted chopped nuts.


share at one or more of these parties

Be Inspired (T8a)- Elizabeth and Co.
Brag About It (M late)- VMG206
Create, Link, Inspire (M8:30p)- The Crafty Blog Stalker, Nap-time Creations, Kleinworth and Co., Marvelous Mommy
Craft and Recipe Link Up (T)- The SITS Girls
Empty Your Archive- Mums Make Lists
Fluster's Creative Muster (T5p)- Fluffer Buster
Handmade Tuesdays (M7p)- Ladybug Blessings
Hearth and Soul Blog Hop (M5p)- The 21st Century Housewife, Premeditated Leftovers, Zesty South Indian Kitchen
Inspire Us Tuesday (T)- Two Little Cavaliers
Party In Your PJs- The Cookie Puzzle, Simply Sweets by Honeybee
Project Inspired (M7p)- Yesterday on Tuesday, The Silly Pearl, Cupcakes and Crinoline,  An Extraordinary Day,
Share it Link Party (T)- The Winthrop Chronicles
Simple Supper Tuesday (M7pm)- Hun What's For Dinner?, Cooking From a Stay At Home Mom, Moore or Less Cooking Blog
Tasty Tuesday (M7p)- New Mrs. Adventures
Tasty Tuesdays (T3a) (pinterest links)-  Anyonita Nibbles
Teach Me Tuesday (M8p)- 3GLOL
The Gathering Spot (M6p)- Mamal Diane
The Lou Lou Girls Linky Party (M8p)- The Lou Lou Girls
The Southern Special (T8a)- Spatulas on Parade, Random Crafty Georgia Girl, The Household Hero
Tickle My Tastebuds (T6a)- Detours in Life, I'm Not a Trophy Wife, 
Time for Mom (T7a)- Can't Google Everything
Time to Sparkle (M8p)- Inside Brucrew Life, The Gunny Sack, The Recipe Critic, Love Grows Wild
Tips and Tricks (Mpm)-Fearlessly Creative Mammas
Totally Talented Tuesdays (M8p)- Mandy's Recipe Box
Treasure Box Tuesday (Monday 7 p.m.)- Yesterfood, Memories by the Mile
Tuesdays with a Twist (T6a)- Stone Cottage Adventures, Back to the Basics, God's Growing Garden, Ms Smoozy's, Kneaded Creations
Turn It Up Tuesday (M7)- This Momma's Ramblings, The Mom Maven +16
You're Gonna Love It (M7)- Kathe with an E -

Pet Snack Dont forget your pet during the holiday

Pumpkin Canine Cookies

2 cups oats
1/2 cup butter
2 cups boiling water
5-6 cups whole wheat flour, divided
1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
1 cup non fat milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup mashed pumpkin

Preheat the oven to 350

Lightly coat cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

Mix the oats, pumpkin, and butter in a large bowl. Carefully pour in the boiling water.
Stir in 2 cups flour and remaining ingredients.

With a wooden spoon, mix until it forms into a big ball, adding flour as needed to make a stiff dough. Knead on a lightly floured surface, adding flour as needed, until the dough taken on a rollable consistency. In total I used about 5 1/2 cups flour.

Roll out the dough to 3/8 inch thickness. Cut out cookie shapes using your favorite cutters. Place them on the cookie sheets and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown. Cool completely.

shared at one or more of these parties

A Round Tuit (Sun3)- Creating My Way to Success
Bloggers Brag (M7a)- Creative Kids

Busy Monday (Sun2p)- A Pinch of Joy

Craftastic Monday (Sun5p)- Sew Can Do

*Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop (Sun late)- Carrie This Home, LilyWhite Designs, A Blossoming Life, Sneaky Spoons, The Casual Craftlete

Gingham and Roses Link Up and Social Media Hop (Sun pm)- New Mama Diaries, A New York Foodie

Grand Social- Grandma's Briefs

In and Out of the Kitchen- Feeding Big
Inspire Us Mondays (8a)- Cookin' Mimi, Simple Life of a Fire Wife , Morsels of Life, Just Another Mom, Diamonds in the Rough
Mad Skills (tutorials) (Mon a.m.)- Mad in Crafts
Made By You Monday (M6a)- Skip to My Lou
Marvelous Monday (Mam)- Smart Party Planning
Meet Up Monday- Jenny Marie
Melt in Your Mouth Monday (Sun 6:30pm)- Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms
Merry Monday- Happy House and Home, The Kolb Corner, My Pinterventures
Metamorphosis Monday (M am)- Between Naps on the Porch
Mix it Up Monday (Sun7pm)- Flour Me With Love
Monday Funday (Sun6p)- Uncommon Designs, C.R.A.F.T., Lines Across, That’s What Che Said, Creatively Living, A Night Owl Blog, Club Chica Circle, Setting for Four
Monday's Musings- What Joy is Mine
Mostly Homemade Mondays- The Sustainable Couple
Motivation Monday (Sun6p) healthy recipes and crafts- A Life in Balance
Much Ado About Monday(S8p)- Huckleberry Love
Munching Mondays (Sun7pm)- Nibbles by Nic, A New York Foodie, Skinny Sweets Daily, Mom's Test Kitchen, What the Forks for Dinner
Weekend Recap LinkUp- Grapefruitprincess Reloaded
What'd You Do This Weekend? Tumbleweed Contessa, Pioneer Mama

Time To Defrost Your Turkey Tips on how to Safely Do So

Its time to defrost your turkey. You may have done this before or it may be your very first time Either way it is best to follow some easy steps so it is done easily

 

 

Thawing in the Fridge? (In the Refrigerator (40 °F or below)

Allow approximately 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds

• 4 to 12 pounds 1 to 3 days
• 12 to 16 pounds 3 to 4 days
• 16 to 20 pounds 4 to 5 days
• 20 to 24 pounds 5 to 6 days

Tips – DO NOT UNWRAP TURKEY. Put a tray or something under it so that the juices stay contained. Once thawed it is safe to leave the turkey in the fridge for up to 2 days.

You can also thaw in Cold Water (this isn’t a great method unless you are cooking in the evening)
Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound

• 4 to 12 pounds 2 to 6 hours
• 12 to 16 pounds 6 to 8 hours
• 16 to 20 pounds 8 to 10 hours
• 20 to 24 pounds 10 to 12 hours

Make sure you wrap the turkey, do not let any water leak through the wrapping. Put your turkey into the cold water. CHANGE THE WATER EVERY 30 MINUTES.  (very important to keep it from becoming contaminated.) Cook Turkey immediately. DO NOT REFREEZE.
What are your tips for thawing or cooking a Turkey? Share them in the comments

Pumpkin Crunh Cake

I first ate this delicious cake at a womans organization meeting. It was delicious and but rather than using a yellow cake mix it was presented with a spice cake mix. I prefer the yellow cake mix myself but the spice mix did add a bit more spice in the dish. You may want to create your cake using one of suggested cake mixes or another. I know that either way it goes fast at our home.

 

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (the original recipe called for 1/2 cup)
• 1 cup butter, melted

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease bottom of 9 x 13″ pan.  Mix pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.  Pour mixture into greased pan.  Sprinkle dry cake mix over pumpkin mixture and top with pecans.  Drizzle melted butter over pecans.  Bake 50-55 minutes.

shared at one or more of these parties
DIY Sunday Showcase (Sat 5)- Pink When, Minette's Maze, My Crafty Spot, VMG206, View From the Fridge, Interior Frugalista
Inspiration Monday (Sun1p)- Your Home Based Mom, Domestically Speaking, I Should Be Mopping the Floor, Mom on Timeout, Redhead Can Decorate, Today's Creative Blog, Will Cook For Smiles, Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Live Laugh Rowe, Five Heart Home, TwelveOeight
It's Party Time (Sun)- Three Mango Seeds, It's So Very Cheri 
Nifty Thrifty Sunday (Sun)- Nifty Thrifty Things
See Ya in the Gumbo- Ms. enPlace
*Sew Darn Crafty*- Sew Many Ways
Share It One More Time (Sat 5:00p)- One More Time Events
Snickerdoodle Sunday (Sat4p)- 2 Crochet Hooks, Meatloaf and Melodrama, Sadie Seasongoods, Nifty Thrifty Family
Submarine Sunday- USS Crafty
Sunlit Sunday (Sat7p)- My Little Home and Garden
Sweet and Savory Sunday (Sun 10a)- The Velvet Moon Baker, Cookin for the Seven Dwarves, Baking in Pyjamas
Sweet Tea Social (blog)- Texas Women Bloggers
That DIY Party (no recipes) (Sun am)- DIY Showoff

Think Pink Sunday (Sat9p)- Flamingo Toes