Strawberries!

 

We are so excited to be in the middle of strawberry season here in North Carolina. The kids have looked forward to strawberry picking all winter and over the weekend, we headed to a local farm and picked two baskets full.

 

 

The kids had a blast running through the rows looking for the biggest and reddest strawberries that they could find. And, they were even more pleased to fit as many strawberries as possible into the above baskets. The strawberries were not sold by weight, but were a flat price. So, no matter how many you fit into your basket, it was still the same price. We saw some people with huge towers of precariously positioned strawberries in their baskets, and my kids took it as a challenge to do the same.

  

We came home and devoured as many strawberries as our bellies could handle and then I made jam. I put up 8 pints and we have already enjoyed it on homemade biscuits. We also shared our berries with friends at two different social events this weekend. And, I'll tell you more about those recipes soon.

Are you as excited about strawberry season as we are?

New Year's Peppermint Bark

Photo Credit: Nestle Toll House

Each year on New Year’s Eve, we gather up all of the leftover candy canes that we collected over the Christmas season to make Peppermint Bark. None of us really care to indulge on plain old candy canes, so this is a good way to ensure that they do not go to waste. This year I didn't even buy candy canes for our tree and I still had enough from the gifts that we received and the treat bags from school to make a batch of our traditional New Year’s treat. My oldest is especially pleased with Peppermint Bark so she never lets me forget to make it!

Peppermint Bark

12 oz. pkg. white chocolate chips

½ cup crushed leftover candy canes or peppermint candies, divided

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside. Add white chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and stir. Repeat until chips are melted and the consistency is smooth. Stir in all but 2 Tbsp. crushed candy. Spread onto prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining candies. Refrigerate until hard. Break into shards and serve.

This recipe has been adapted from the one found here.

Christmas Blessings

The Christmas season has begun. Over the weekend, I attended my first holiday party and I spent hours decorating my home. This week I plan to trim my tree and I am hosting a holiday party of my own. I even received my first Christmas card in the mail yesterday. Although this Christmas will be very different at my house, I know that I am still blessed.

I am blessed by new friends to share Christmas treats with.

Homemade Fudge

I am blessed by dependable neighbors to keep me company and to swap holiday food gift ideas with.

White Chocolate Orange Crunch

I am blessed by old friends who have continued to love on me and my family when times have been tough. I am especially thankful today for my friend Laurel, who lives in Germany. She sent my kids Chocolate Advent Calendars like the one pictured below to celebrate the season.

Christmas Advent Calendar

What have you been blessed with this Christmas season?

Warm Winter Drinks

With the cooler weather, I have been craving warm drinks like coffee, tea, and hot cocoa. So, this weekend I made my kids super happy by making up a batch of Decadent Hot Cocoa Mix, which we drank with Chocolate Chip Muffins for breakfast on Saturday morning.

 Decadent Hot Cocoa Mix

But, my son’s favorite warm drink is Hot Cinnamon Milk, so I made up a batch of that mix too and we enjoyed it with Sweet Potato Muffins on Sunday morning.

 Hot Cinnamon Milk Mix

Both of these warm drink mixes take only minutes to make and are perfect for frugal Holiday gift giving.

This post has been linked to Frugal Tuesday Tip.

Cocoa Cinnamon Spread

This is a decadent indulgence that perks up boring old breakfast toast. My little one even went through a phase a couple of years ago when she just HAD to have this spread for lunch every day. Last week we ate this on some leftover Quick Yeast Rolls and when the rolls were gone, we spread the last of it on crackers.

This would make a nice gift in a jar. Either the dry ingredients could be packed in a jar with instructions to mix up the spread, or the completed recipe could be packed into a jar and given along with some fresh bread. Once prepared, this will keep on your counter for about 5 days, but if you think that it will hang around longer than that at your house, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Cocoa Cinnamon Spread

1 cup powdered sugar

1 ½ tsp. cocoa powder

1 ½ tsp. cinnamon

1 stick butter, softened

Measure all ingredients into a bowl and thoroughly blend, using a fork until smooth. Spread on toast, bagels, or pancakes.

Fascinating Find - Brownie Mix

Photo Credit - Fake-It-Frugal

Earlier this year I told you about some homemade cookie mix recipes that I had found on Heather’s blog, Fake-It-Frugal.  My family has enjoyed both the Sugar Cookie recipe and the Oatmeal Cookie recipe many times since then. Last night, we tested Heather’s Fake Betty Crocker Brownie Mix recipe. They were simple and delicious, and I will definitely be making these again and again. If you have never make homemade brownies, be warned, you will never go back to a mix!

I used melted butter instead of the vegetable oil called for in the recipe and I baked them in an 8X8 pan. I tested these because I thought that the dry ingredients, packed in a pretty jar, would make a simple and inexpensive Christmas gift for the kid’s teachers.

Heather, at Fake-It-Frugal, has all kinds of frugal recipe ideas and household solutions that will save you time and money. So, be sure to check out her blog below:

Website Link: Fake-It-Frugal

Brownie Recipe Link: Fake Betty Crocker Brownie Mix

Cookie Recipe Link: Fake Betty Crocker Cookie Mixes 

Our Favorite Fall Foods

We have been enjoying lots of Fall foods lately. My oldest especially loves apple slices dipped in caramel. I have made several batches of Caramel in a Can this Fall that we have gobbled up with Granny Smith Apples. This simple recipe can be made in the slow cooker and is no trouble at all.

Caramel in a Can

My son's favorite Fall food is Sweet Potato Muffins. He is not much of a fruit or vegetable lover, so I sneak them in wherever I can. These muffins make him so happy that he dances around the kitchen in pleasure when I make them!

Sweet Potato Muffins

This Pumpkin Snack Cake is one of my favorites because it is so moist. We normally eat this for breakfast with powdered sugar sprinkled on top. I served it last weekend to a group of friends and there wasn't a single crumb left when everyone went home.

Pumpkin Snack Cake

What are your favorite Fall foods? 

Candy Corn Crunch

Last weekend I went to a party at my neighbor's house. It was a girls night out and we had a blast! It was the first time I'd had a babysitter since I moved to North Carolina and I have to say it was an absolutely fabulous treat to come home to a quiet house where someone else had put the kids to bed. My neighbor went all out with Fall treats and Halloween decorations. And, as part of her decorations, she had candy corn displayed in pretty cocktail glasses on the food table.

As the party was coming to a close, we were discussing what to do with all of the leftover candy corn. One of the girls said that she liked to mix candy corn half and half with peanuts for a snack. Perfect! So, my neighbor gave me the candy corn, and I made up an unbelievably huge batch of Candy Corn Crunch to share. I sent some with my son on a camping trip this weekend, gave some to my neighbor, and the girls and I have been munching on the rest of it.

I would imagine that if you are allergic to nuts, that mini pretzels would be just as good as the peanuts.  And, raisins or dark chocolate chips might be good additions too.

Candy Corn Crunch

2 cups candy corn
2 cups peanuts, cocktail or dry roasted

Mix together and serve.

DIY Taco Seasoning Mix

Family Feasts for $75 a Week 

Last winter I told you about Mary Ostyn's cookbook called Family Feasts for $75 a Week.  My copy is stained and torn, and we have loved every recipe that we have tried.  (If you like, you can read my full review here.)

Recently, on Mary's blog called Owlhaven, I noticed that she posted her recipe for DIY Taco Seasoning Mix that is found in her cookbook. This recipe is an excellent substitute for the little packets that you can buy in the grocery store, and it is so much tastier. I have been using this recipe exclusively ever since I purchased her cookbook several years ago and I am thrilled that she posted it so that I could share the link with you!

DIY Taco Seasoning Mix

Mary has lots of great recipes, money saving household tips, and parenting advice to share, so be sure to click over to Owlhaven to check it out!

Recipe Note: I typically omit the cornstarch called for in this recipe with great results.

Coffee Bark

Have you ever had chocolate covered coffee beans? So decadent! However, they can be a bit pricey.  So, a couple of years ago I came up with this alternative that is simple to make and much more affordable. I made this a couple of weeks ago for my husband as a gift for his birthday. He was in heaven. And, the best part for him is that the kids don’t like the Coffee Bark, so he gets to keep it all for himself.

Coffee Bark

½ cup whole bean coffee

12 oz. pkg. semi sweet chocolate chips

Pour coffee beans into a coffee grinder and pulse 2-3 times to roughly chop the beans. Put chocolate chips into a microwave safe bowl and heat on high for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat process until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in coffee beans. Spread onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm and break into pieces. Store the coffee bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

This post has been linked to The Thrift Home's Penny Pinching Party.

Fascinating Finds - Oatmeal Cookie Mix

Recently, I told you about a set of recipes for homemade cookie mixes that I learned about on a blog called Fake-It-Frugal. I had great success with the Sugar Cookie version, so I decided to try out the Oatmeal Cookie version. I mixed it up according to the recipe, but the dough was too dry. The recipe said to refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before scooping out onto a cookie sheet; but, even after refrigeration, the dough was still too crumbly to scoop.  Knowing that I truly needed to bring these cookies to my kids Sunday night Bible program at church, I had to come up with a solution. So, I added an extra egg and the dough was exactly like cookie dough should be.

The cookies turned out great! The kids enjoyed them, they were simple to make, and I had all of the ingredients on hand. This recipe is a keeper. And, having a couple of mixes made up in advance is a nice solution to purchased pre-packaged mixes. (Yield: 18 cookies)

Heather, at Fake-It-Frugal, has all kinds of frugal recipe ideas and household solutions that will save you time and money. So, be sure to check out her blog below:

Website Link: Fake-It-Frugal

Recipe Link: Fake Betty Crocker Cookie Mixes

Caramel in a Can

My friend D introduced me to this little trick while our husbands were in graduate school together. She and I originally became friends because we are both from Maine. Over time, D became a mentor to me. We spent many days together in the kitchen cooking and out bargain shopping. Eventually D helped me figure out how to care for my first newborn. One afternoon, D came over with a can of sweetened condensed milk and showed me how to make caramel in a can. We boiled it on the stove top and miraculously it turned into caramel, which D said she liked to put on top of pumpkin pie.

Well, I never made caramel in a can on my own until this week. I looked it up on-line and found that there are hundreds of recipes available. I decided to use a slow cooker method, as it seemed safer. I did not want any cans exploding in my kitchen after all.  The can may possibly leave a rust ring in your slow cooker though, so I put a silicone trivet in the bottom of my slow cooker to keep this from happening.

Carmel in a Can

Remove the label from a 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk and place in the bottom of a slow cooker. (Be sure to use a can without a pop top.) Fill completely with water. Turn on low and cook for 8 hours, being sure that the water is completely covering the can during the entire process. Turn off and cool 8 hours. Remove from slow cooker and allow it to come to room temperature before opening.

We dipped apples into the caramel for dessert, but likewise it would be excellent on top of ice cream, or many other desserts. This would also make a great gift with a homemade label.

This post has been linked to Try New Adventures Thursday.

Fascinating Find - Vanilla Brown Sugar Body Scrub

Do you have dry skin this time of year? I know I do. Sometimes I feel like my skin is literally falling off it is so dry. Well, Stephanie Lynn, at Under the Table and Dreaming has an excellent kitchen solution. With her recipe for Vanilla Brown Sugar Body Scrub, Stephanie Lynn proves that skin care can be frugal, simple, and homemade (making this a perfect recipe for You Can Make That). And, all of the ingredients you need can be found in your kitchen.

This four ingredient scrub not only exfoliates your skin, but moisturizes at the same time. And, best of all, the warm scent of vanilla and brown sugar leaves you smelling delicious. Plus it is perfect for ridding your hands of strong odors such as garlic or onion. So, keep some in your kitchen, bathroom, or give it as a gift!

Recipe Link: Vanilla Brown Sugar Body Scrub

Stephanie Lynn’s Blog: Under the Table and Dreaming

On Stephanie Lynn’s blog, you will also find additional scrub recipes with other scents. Thank you for sharing your homemade skin care recipe Stephanie Lynn!

Fascinating Find - Baked Apple Chips

While living in Germany, we discovered Baked Apple Chips.  They were crunchy like potato chips and yet tasted like a sweet treat even though they had been baked without sugar. Since moving back to the U.S. we have purchased Apple Chips, but have been disappointed. They were neither, crunchy or sweet. And, I have had a couple of failed attempts at making them at home, but the third time was a charm!

While perusing Vittles and Bits I saw a recipe that looked exactly like what we wanted: crispy, crunchy, sweet chips. The recipe said to bake for 2 hours, but after 2 ½ hours my chips were still soggy and I had bread that needed to go in the oven. So, I thought that I had failed again. Not so. I did a quick internet search and found that I could leave the chips in a warm oven (I turned my oven off and used the residual heat) for several hours until they crisped up. And, they turned out perfectly!

The next time I make these, I will start them in the evening and let them sit in the warm oven overnight. This way, my oven is free for other baking during the day. These will stay crispy for at least a week in an airtight container. Once again, I have learned that if you are willing to try, try, try again, You Can Make That!

Recipe Link:  Baked Apple Chips

Chocolate Dipped

A few years ago we received a tower of tins filled with delicious treats as a Christmas gift. It was beautiful to look at and the salty-sweet goodies were delightful. The following Christmas, I tried my hand at creating something similar. It turned out to be easier than I thought and I have been making chocolate dipped confections ever since.

This is a fun project for all ages. The chocolate does not get hot enough to burn little hands and even adults enjoy licking the chocolate off their fingers as they work!  I have had the best success with apricots and mini pretzel twists, but pretzel rods work too along with peanut butter cracker sandwiches, oreo cookies, and dried pineapple rings. Chocolate dipped spoons packaged with some Decadent Hot Cocoa Mix make a great gift for teachers and neighbors. You can make as many or as few as you like and most dipped treats will stay fresh for several days when they are wrapped tight and stored at room temperature.

Chocolate Dipped

1 cup white chocolate chips

Assorted Dippers - pretzels, apricots, cookies, etc.

Colored sugar and/or sprinkles

Place white chocolate chips in a small, shallow microwave safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate on high for 30 seconds. Stir. Repeat until chocolate is completely melted. Dip pretzels or other dippers into the chocolate half way. Shake off excess chocolate. Place on a sheet of parchment paper. Dust with colored sugar or sprinkles. Cool completely (about 15 minutes) and store in an airtight container.

Note: If the chocolate cools off too quickly and starts to firm up again while you are dipping, just put it back in the microwave for 15 seconds on high to warm it back up again. Stir well and start dipping again.

Raspberry Bars

Some recipes bring back memories that are forever associated with the event at which the food was served.  While in transition during our move back to the US from Germany, I was asked to make these Raspberry Bars for a memorial service. We had already moved out of our home and were staying our final week in Europe with friends.  Our gracious host family provided the ingredients, baking supplies, and kitchen. So, I made two batches. The gentleman that we were honoring that day had been a caterer. I had tasted his cooking on many occasions. His food was always mouthwateringly delicious. He was a gracious and humble man with a heart to serve. I was honored to be asked to make this recipe for his family and friends.

This recipe has evolved over time. Years ago I made these bars with a cake mix. But, when we began the transition to real foods, I though You Can Make That from scratch! This is the final result. They are chewy, not crunchy, and have a melt in your mouth texture.  These bars will last several days as long as they are well wrapped, and they travel well, which makes them perfect for your holiday cookie trays.

Raspberry Bars

1 cup brown sugar (or raw sugar)

2 cups flour (I use 1 cup white and 1 cup white whole wheat)

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp. salt

2 cups oats (old fashioned or quick, both work)

1 cup butter, softened

1 ½ cups raspberry jam (12oz. jar)

In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, soda, salt, oats and butter with a fork or pastry blender. (If the mixture is too difficult to combine, use your hands.) When you have formed a crumbly mixture, remove 1 ½ cups and set aside. Press the remaining mixture into a greased 9x13 pan.  Spread raspberry jam over the top of the mixture leaving ½ inch border along the outside edge. Sprinkle with the reserved 1 ½ cups of the mixture and lightly press it into the jam.  Bake at 350˚ for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Hot Cinnamon Milk Mix

This recipe is another super simple gift giving idea. It is a little different from the typical spiced teas found at the Holidays. And, just like the Decadent Hot Cocoa Mix, it can be made up in advance, in the quantity that you need. Kids and adults alike enjoy this Hot Cinnamon Milk and because it has no caffeine, it can be served at any time of the day. It kind of reminds me of Chai Tea.

I have packaged this mix in pretty glass jars and tins, and placed it inside pretty mugs. However, the one pictured here is heading to Florida with us for Christmas, so I don’t want to make it pretty until I get there. I would hate to have to it ruined before I give it away. Be sure to include a tag with preparation instructions when giving this as a gift.

Hot Cinnamon Milk Mix

1 cup powdered milk

1 cup white sugar (or raw sugar)

1 tsp. cinnamon

Stir together all three ingredients. Store mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to six months.

To prepare: Whisk together ¼ cup mix with 1 cup warm milk.

Fudge - 3 Ways

Many people shy away from making fudge because they fear that it is complicated and time consuming. There are numerous recipes that call for special tools and a long list of ingredients. But, this Quick Fudge, with only two ingredients, is simple and requires only a bowl, a spoon, and a microwave. And, when you make the Fudge Block variation, you can add chopped nuts, dried fruit, candies, or marshmallows.

         

Quick Fudge

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1-12oz. pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Add chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl. Pour sweetened condensed milk on top of the chips. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and stir. Repeat until chips are melted and the consistency is smooth and glossy.

For Fudge Stars: Pack the warm fudge into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip, or into a dessert decorator and press out stars onto parchment paper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then place into mini baking cups.

For Cookie Cutter Fudge: Spread warm fudge into a foil lined pan.  The fudge should be about the same thickness as your cookie cutters. Refrigerate until firm (time will vary depending on how thick the fudge is in the pan). Cut with desired cookie cutters.

For Fudge Blocks: If desired, add chopped nuts, dried fruit, candies, or marshmallows. Spread warm fudge into a foil lined pan.  Refrigerate until firm (time will vary depending on how thick the fudge is in the pan). Cut into large squares (3in. X 3in.).


Store fudge in the refrigerator for up to a week. We like our fudge at room temperature, so we remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.

Christmas Crunch

I love making homemade food gifts for the Holidays. Every year I scour cookbooks, magazines, and online recipe sites for new ideas that my friends and family will love. However, sometimes good intentions don’t get the job done and I run out of time. Simple recipes like Christmas Crunch can still be put together at the last minute without investing a lot of time or creating additional stress.  All you need is equal parts of the three ingredients below and you have a gift ready to go. You can package it in a pretty food bag, a jar, a tin, or in a Holiday bowl wrapped in cellophane. The best part is that you do not have to make a cute tag with instructions for preparation (especially nice for those of us that are craft challenged!).

Christmas Crunch

1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup white chocolate chips

Stir together all three ingredients in a large bowl. Store mix in an airtight container. This recipe can be made up a week or more in advance, and it can be multiplied to make a larger batch. Just measure out equal amounts of each ingredient and stir together.

Frugal Tip: Trail mixes like Christmas Crunch are always good gifts for men and work perfectly as a stocking stuffer. But, if you need a recipe without nuts, check out this Nut Free Trail Mix recipe.

Decadent Hot Cocoa Mix

This month, at my Investment Cooking Class, we will be making Decadent Hot Cocoa. It is a super simple dry mix that can be made up ahead of time and kept in the panty. Or, you can pack it into a pretty jar, tie a bow around it and give it as a gift. This recipe would be perfect for teachers, neighbors, or for stocking stuffers. Enjoy!

Decadent Hot Cocoa Mix

1 cup sugar (white or raw)

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Whisk together sugar and cocoa powder. Store mix in a jar at room temperature. Yield: 8 servings

For an Individual Serving:

1 cup whole milk

¼ cup cocoa mix

Pour milk into microwave safe bowl and heat until hot (60-90 seconds). Add cocoa mix and whisk until dissolved. Serve immediately.

For a Crowd:

½ gallon whole milk

2 cups cocoa mix (one full recipe)

Pour milk into a sauce pan and heat to a simmer. Add cocoa mix. Whisk until dissolved. Serve immediately.