TOP 10 COMFORT FOODS

My mother used to say, the older she got the faster the years went by; now I know she was right !!  It seems like, just the other day, I was reminding myself to write 2011 on my checks; where did this year go ???I looked back through my 101 posts for this year and tried to pick out the all time best ones (it wasn't easy), so I decided to narrow it down to OUR TEN FAVORITE COMFORT...

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MINI OREO CHEESECAKES

I served these little gems on Christmas Eve and they were a HUGE hit. Not only do they taste fantastic, but they are nearly fool proof.  Not a single crack in any of them and they go together in a snap.  The only "extra" step, is that they really need to sit in the fridge overnight after baking (to soften the cookie crust), but this step is WELL WORTH IT. You can eat them...

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BRANDY SNAPS and a GIVEAWAY

First and foremost, I am excited to tell you that Shelby, at The Life and Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch is hosting an anniversary blog party to celebrate her 4th year of blogging and we are all invited !!  Shelby has some GREAT recipes and I encourage you to pop on over to her web page and say Happy 4th Blogiversary!!  You can also enter her...

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FOOL PROOF PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE

I hate using a candy thermometer, although I often do. I tend to gravitate towards classic old recipes that say "gently boil for xxx minutes"; I have the BEST luck with those old recipes. This peanut butter fudge is a good example of one of the recipes I just described. I've made it many, many, many times and it has NEVER failed me.  You can either put it in a  11 x 7 pan...

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SPICED OATMEAL-CRAISIN COOKIES

We have all tried a LOT of oatmeal cookie recipes, some thick and heavy, some thin and crunchy, some bland and doughy. This cookie, however, is everything those "other" cookies weren't; it is tender, chewy, buttery, mildly spiced and they make your kitchen smell heavenly while baking; it is the perfect holiday cookie!!    1/2 cup butter (room temperature)1/2 cup...

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DOG TREATS

If you want to make your dog very happy, bake up a batch of these "puppy treats". They are super easy to make and bake up hard and crunchy. They will "keep" forever, much like a commercial milk bone, but tastier.I have been making these treats for our 7 year old dog since she was little. When the treats are baking, she stations herself in the kitchen, waiting for them to come out of the oven....

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PEANUT TASSIES

In my Christmas buying frenzy, I ended up with two big jars of honey roasted peanuts, so when it came time to make picky-picky husbands favorite Christmas cookie (pecan tassies), I decided to "throw him a curve" and made them with honey roasted peanuts.  Guess what?!? He loved them, and gave them two thumbs up!!PASTRY CRUST1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature6 ounces cream cheese at room...

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Freshly Baked Eggless Cinnamon Rolls

These last couple of months I have been very busy with some personal engagements. Now I have the time I thought I can share one of my favorite baking creations. I wanted to make these eggless as I am sure there are lot of you who would want to try this out without eggs. I was pleasantly surprised that they tasted wonderful too ... so here is the recipeIngredients3 1/4 all purpose flour1 tbsp yeast4...

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CHRISTMAS SPRITZ COOKIES

Butter Spritz cookies are a classic, sweet, crisp (and light as a feather) cookie. They go together in a snap and when they are decorated with a little piece of candied cherry in the center (or any other holiday decoration you can think of), they are pretty enough for any Christmas cookie tray.1 ½ cups butter1 cup granulated sugar1 egg2 tablespoons milk1 teaspoon vanilla½ teaspoon almond...

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Butterscotch Bread Pudding for Two

Bread pudding is one of those comfort food desserts and usually starts with a recipe big enough to feed an army. So, with a little tweaking, I've reduced the size of one of our favorites and it came out great.  We enjoy this butterscotch flavored bread pudding at room temperature and it makes an "over the top" late night snack.5 slices of white sandwich bread (toasted in toaster)1...

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CHERRY-ALMOND COFFEE CAKE

A lot of us have company over the holidays and it is always nice to having something tasty to serve with coffee or tea. This recipe is not only pretty, but would be wonderful for company of all ages.  Picky-picky hubby loves cherry, so I made this with cherry pie filling, but ANY pie filling would work well.This cake is moist, rich and "holiday perfect" !!2 cups flour1 teaspoon baking powder1...

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PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIES (and a question)

These quick, easy, moist, fudgy, addictive peanut butter brownies are the perfect accompaniment to a big glass of cold milk.1/2 cup creamy peanut butter1/3 cup butter, room temperature2/3 cup granulated sugar1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)2 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 cup all purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder1/4 teaspoon salt1/2 cup miniature chocolate chipsCream the peanut butter and butter...

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STOVE-TOP TO OVEN BABY BACK RIBS

Shelby, over at The Life & Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch, posted this "recipe" recently. It is more of a cooking technique than a recipe, but never-the-less, it is fantastic and so much fun to bring the tastes of summer indoors during the winter!!! Shelby has such good recipes over there, I hope you will visit her page.This isn't the best photograph, but the ribs QUICKLY disappeared before I realized...

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COCONUT CREAM PUDDING

This is a wonderful "last minute dessert" that uses every day pantry items and holds up very well in the fridge for a couple of days, if need be. The wonderfully sweet, rich (but mellow) coconut flavor comes from adding the coconut during the first stages of cooking this pudding.  Even Picky-picky hubby loves this dessert !!4 tablespoons granulated sugar2 tablespoons corn starch¼ teaspoon...

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APPLE SNACK CAKE

Many years ago, "snack cakes" were all the rage. They were quick to fix, usually rich flavored, moist and dense little cakes and they were almost always baked in an 8" x 8" or 9" x 9" pan. They were perfect for... "snacking!!"This snack cake is over the top delicious. Three whole apples are packed into this cake, so you can imagine how moist it is.  On day two (if there is any left) it is...

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EASY DINNER ROLLS

This recipe is just in time for Thanksgiving and could not be easier. The dough goes together in the stand mixer and only raises once. The rolls reheat very well, so you can even make them the day before Thanksgiving and just heat them up for the big dinner.2 cups all purpose flour (divided) (see note)1 envelope dry active yeast (I use 1 tablespoon)2 tablespoons sugar½ teaspoon salt½...

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CLASSIC FRENCH TOAST

Today is our 41st Wedding Anniversary. My picky-picky hubby and I have actually been together for 46 years (we were high school sweethearts) and we are more in love today than ever!!~~~~~~~This is a recipe for basic french toast. Everyone seems to have their own recipe and there are a million variations, but this is a post for the beginning cook, complete with a few tips I've learned over the years.First...

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CLASSIC SPLIT PEA SOUP

We have lots of snow and it was five below zero a couple nights ago. That can only mean one thing; it is hot soup season!! I love having a pot of soup on the stove (or in the slow cooker) all weekend.  This is a great classic recipe for split pea soup; it is  quick, easy, packed with flavor and one of our favorite soups.¾ pound smoked ham, cubed1 cup onion chopped (I...

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EASY ENGLISH MUFFINS

I have always loved English muffins; I love all of the nooks and crannies that hold creamy butter and jam or a dab of melting peanut butter. They are very easy to make and they make wonderful breakfast sandwiches (they freeze well too!!).2 packets dry active yeast (I use 2 tablespoons)½ cup warm water½ cup warm milk¼ cup canola oil1 egg3 tablespoons honey2 cups all purpose flour1 whole...

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PECAN PIE BARS

Picky-picky Hubby says these pecan pie bars are totally addictive. They have a buttery shortbread crust and a nutty (and slightly gooey) baked topping with a great pecan pie taste.I have to admit that my budget doesn't allow pecans right now (they are almost $10 for a 2 cup bag!!), so I use walnuts, but they are ever so tasty just the same!! I am planning on adding these to my Christmas cookie...

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