Cherry Chocolate BonBon Cookies

This recipe was so easy to follow and after I had them baked I thought crossed my mind to make these cookies without the cherry and adding maybe 1 tsp. or less of black pepper in the recipe and drizzling them with a white icing and we could have another version of a Italian Pepper cookie with a lot less work.  Just sayin.......

It's Christmas Cookie baking time in my house.  This year a few new ones to tempt you.  I had a few recipes to choose from but adapted the most interesting and easy ones this year.  Since Chocolate is one of the my families favorites I started with the Chocolate Bon Bon recipe. Actually it's a Cherry in the middle Chocolate Bon Bon.


Note: FYI;  I am sure you can use a cut or whole maraschino cherry in the center if you prefer.  Just make sure to pat them dry.  Cherries tend to be very wet! Enjoy! 

1 cup butter

1 1/4 cup confectioners sugar
4 T milk

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup semi sweet chocolate morsels melted and cooled slightly

3 cups sifted flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1 pkg. whole candied cherries cut in half

In a bowl, cream butter and sugar,, beating until light and fluffy.  Add vanilla and beat until well mixed.  Blend in the melted chocolate.

Stir in sifted flour and salt.  Take small pieces of dough and place cherry in center making sure to cover cherry.  Place on parchment paper on cookie sheet. Bake 350 degrees 15 to 18 minutes until firm. Remove and cool.  Drizzle or Dip into a glaze of confectioners sugar, mixed with milk. Add a little vanilla extra and food coloring for extra flavor and color.  Set to dry. Store in container in a cool area.

Note:  You can eliminate the chocolate and make these cookies white Bon Bon Cookies.  

Taste of Home 2001

Antipasto~~~ Appetizer or Meal from my kitchen to yours!

Any day or time whether it's a large or small group of family and friends a good, healthy and colorful antipasto is enjoyable.

  You don't have to go fancy like this one was that I put together  for Christmas all you have to do is layer several deli meats, cheeses, olives and anything else you think might add food enjoyment for your guests.

  Easy and always a hit at my house an Antipasto with several good items for nibbling on or you can make it the main meal by adding tomatoes, lettuce on a side platter as well as  bread and rolls for those who want to make it their meal.  Enjoy!

Here is a last minute suggestion for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Dinner, An Antipasto.  They are a wonderful addition to your meal.  Served with some crusty bread dipped in seasoned olive oil makes this dish almost a meal. Actually it could easily be your meal.  On occasion we order one when we dine out at our favorite Italian restaurant. 

  Large or small consider one instead of a salad for your Holiday dinner.  Everyone loves to pick a little of their favorites from this platter!  Mine is usually a bit different every year. You should start with your favorite greens (lettuce) on the bottom. Deli items should be sliced thin. Cubed cheese and a variety of olives and roasted peppers a must. There really isn't a particular style to an antipasto except placing some greens on the bottom of the platter.  Make it your way! 

Note:  Drizzling a bit of olive oil and red wine vinegar to it adds to the flavor.  You do have the option of serving the dressing on the side.

I make some seasoned dipping oil for the bread too!

  Happy Holidays! Peace, Love, Hope and Blessings to all.

12/21/13-14

Making some Irish Soda Bread

 Below is the original post when I made this Irish Bread.  Today I decided to try the same recipe and make mini cups using the same batter.  Using my kitchen sheers I cut my mixed *dried berries into small pieces(it really didn't take much time) and folded them into the batter before I baked them. 

They are perfect for your morning tea or coffee and I definitely would make some for company. I also did a few in *small bread loaves to give as gifts.  We love them!  Here are a few of the photos.  They have no sugar in them, just the sweetness of the dried fruit.  Jam and cream goes perfect with them as well.  I love the idea and I just had to share.  Have a great holiday and a wonderful New year.  Love, M.j.

 I originally made this recipe for St. Patty's Day but last week I was at a small social gathering(tea) and they had some similar to these made in mini muffin pans.  I thought it was a great idea and the next time I make this recipe I'm trying it in the small muffin size.  Cute size for a bite or two.  Note:  Look for smaller pieces of *dried fruit or maybe cut some with kitchen shears in bitty pieces and add to batter before baking.  Adjust baking time as well.   Enjoy!

 

I've never made Irish Soda bread. When we have our Irish stew on St. Patty's Day I'm thinking of making this recipe I caught in a local newspaper insert.. When I saw what seems to be a very easy recipe for it I decided to give it a try.

  (Epicurious.com). I'm hoping to make two loaves for St. Patty's Day but just in case I don't get a chance to make it here is the recipe.  Enjoy!!  Happy Baking and Cooking!

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1 cup raisins(I used dried Cran raisin's for this recipe)

4 cups bread flour

1 tablespoons baking powder

1 tsp. salt

¾ tsp. baking soda

2 cups buttermilk

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

  Lightly grease a baking sheet.  Soak raisins in hot water for 5 minutes and drain.

In a large bowl, sift flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda.  Mix in raisins

Add buttermilk and stir to form a soft dough.  Turn onto a floured work surface; knead for 1 minute.

Cut dough in half and form 2 large round loaves.

Place on baking sheet.  Cut a large X in center of each loaf.  Bake for 45 minutes or until tester comes out clean.  Transfer to wire rack.

Hands on: 10 minutes.    Total: 55 minutes from start to finish.  Makes 2 loaves

3/16/13

Soprano's Ricotta Pie

For some reason I had it in my head to make an easy type ricotta pie.  Whether it was while browsing thru magazines or whatever I decided to scout the web and I came across this recipe(Soprano's Ricotta Pie), do you remember them? that really appealed to me. *I have another ricotta cake and pineapple squares type dessert but they are a bit more time consuming so I wanted to make something a little easier for us busy foodies.  I think you'd agree! 

The recipe seemed easy enough and I did need something sweet for my hubby this weekend so we'll see what he thinks.  I put it together in a flash and although you have to thicken the pineapple it really was not a big deal.  It actually turned out to be a breeze to do.  I don't try to fool you ever so I'm telling you when you can combine several ingredients with little work and all at the same time; I find that easy and you will too!  It's baking as I write so I'll let you know his opinion when it cools and I serve it.   Enjoy!

This was an excellent recipe.  Light with just the right amount of sweet.  I was thinking of putting the filling in a graham cracker crust instead of the light amount that the recipe called for and I am happy that I didn't.  It baked perfectly and you actually got to taste the center without too much crust.  My hubby and I loved it. Cheesecake like but lighter if that makes sense. :).  Thanksgiving Dessert? YES

 Bottom:
1 T unsalted butter melted(I only had salted and used it)
1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

Note: Pineapple is added to top after pie is baked and cooled slightly

You can easily top this with a little whipped cream.

Filling:
1/2 cup sugar
2 T cornstarch
1-15 oz. Ricotta Cheese
2 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 T. grated lemon zest
1 tsp. vanilla

Topping 1-20 oz. crushed pineapple in syrup
1/4 cup sugar
1 T cornstarch
2 tsp. lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Spread butter over the bottom and sides of a pie pan or springform pan.  I used a quiche pan just because.
Add the crumbs and turn pan from side to side to coat bottom and sides evenly.

In a large mixing bowl place cornstarch and sugar, add ricotta, eggs, cream, lemon zest and vanilla.  Beat until smooth. Pour into graham cracker coated pan.

Bake 350 for 50 minutes or until the pie is set around the edges but center is still slightly soft.

Cook to room temperature on rack.

Spread pineapple mixture on pie and refrigerate at least one hour or more.

Enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of recipecircus.com
11/1/14

Hostess Gifts~~ Munchies! Sweet and Salty

 Easy munchies for the snack lovers...Here are a few suggestions for your holiday entertaining! These also make cute hostess or teacher gifts.

Caramel Puffs, Spiced Pecans and Salty and Sweet Trail Mix

1. Toss together dried cranberries and an equal amount of  pecans, cashews and even adding some mini chocolate chips and Reese's pieces.(Buy $1.00 boxes or pretty decorative plastic containers at Dollar Store). Add a tie and you have the cutest hostess gift that is budget friendly.

2. Toss equal parts of chocolate covered raisins and roasted salted almonds and small pretzels

3.  Mixed nuts and dried cherries or blueberries..

You can make these yourself and buy in bulk and save money..   Try Costco and Sam's..

Happy Entertaining!  Adding corn chex, pretzels and anything dry will make it your way!

From my kitchen to yours,

12/19/12

Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Sausage

Sometimes we need a side dish changed for the good! This recipe for Green Bean Casserole gets a thumbs up from my kitchen.  Enjoy!

3 T olive oil, plus a little more for the dish
Kosher salt and pepper
2 lb. green beans, trimmed and halved
6 oz. Italian  ground loose sausage
4 oz. lowfat cream cheese
1 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup 2 T grated Italian cheese
1 onion finely chopped
1 clove minced garlic
3/4 cup 2 % milk
pinch nutmeg*
pinch cayenne pepper*
2 tsp. lemon zest
1 bunch baby spinach, stems removed and roughly chopped

Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Place a little oil in baking dish
Boil beans in salted water for 3 to 4 minutes.  Drain and cool.

Heat 1 T oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add sausage and cook  breaking up with a spoon until browned.  Transfer to a bowl and toss with bread crumbs and 2 T Italian cheese.

Wipe skillet and heat remaining 2 T oil over medium heat.  Add onion, season with salt and pepper and cook covered, stirring occasionally until tender.  Stir in garlic and cook a little more.

Add milk and whisk until milk starts to simmer. Whisk in cream cheese, nutmeg, cayenne and remaining 1/4 cheese stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.

Stir in lemon zest and green beans.  Add spinach and toss all.  Transfer to baking dish and sprinkle with sausage mixture and bake until golden brown for 15 to 20 minutes.

Note:  I did not use any nutmeg, my preference and eliminated the cayenne pepper and used hot sausage.

Note:  You can make this ahead the day before but do not bake.  Refrigerate and when ready to serve bring to room temperature and bake as directed.




adapted from Woman's Day magazine.  2013

All recipes and their respective images are the sole property of I Like to Bake and Cook2013, all rights reserved. All content herein is meant for your personal enjoyment only and is in no way to be used for commercial purposes. Use of this site automatically constitutes your agreement to these terms.

10/18/13

Try these Watermelon Treats! Cool and refreshing!

 I had posted this easy treat originally at Christmas because I just happened to have these Christmas Tree molds.  Today I am reposting for easy summer treats for the kiddo's or anyone who loves watermelon.  Double click on the highlighted underlined Watermelon Ice Cream for the easy recipe.

Watermelon Ice Cream Pops

I added a few mini chocolate chips for interest

Happy Summer!  

From my kitchen to yours,

M.J.

There are lots of uses for watermelon, one being slice it up cold from the refrigerator.

Also you can scoop it, cut in pieces and add to a fruit salad.

There are watermelon coolers and watermelon frostees and various watermelon cocktails but my favorite is Watermelon Ice Cream.  Note:  Maybe next time I'll try this easy recipe with some frozen vanilla yogurt to make it with less fat.

Today mine are watermelon ice cream Christmas trees.  A nice idea for some Christmas treat.(I didn't have any other molds so I thought I'd use these).  You can easily place all in a deep freezer friendly container and scoop some out with a ice cream scooper. (Allow container soften for several minutes before scooping).  Easy to make and all you need to do to remove them is place the mold bottom in lukewarm to cold water and they easily release to serve. I managed to snag this Christmas tree mold made by Wilton, new and still in its original packaging an couldn't resist trying it out.

 Here's some pictures.  Why not try making some watermelon ice or ice cream in a mold, 13 x9 inch pan or whatever your little (big) heart desires.
Here's the link to this fabulous treat!  Watermelon Ice Cream

Freshly made watermelon ice cream..Cool and refreshing!

Have a great day and keep visiting my blog.  I love visitors!!!

M.J.



12/14/12 original 

 

All recipes and their respective images are the sole property of I Like to Bake and Cook2013, all rights reserved. All content herein is meant for your personal enjoyment only and is in no way to be used for commercial purposes. Use of this site automatically constitutes your agreement to these terms.

An easy Holiday or anytime suggestion: Slow Cooker Ham

Do you want to make it easy on yourself this Easter?  I think I can solve your meal problem.  Wonderful hot or even great for sandwiches this may be your answer.  Easy to make in a slow cooker. Relax.  Enjoy the day!  No fuss but a delicious ham recipe. Rolls, easy sides or salad. I'm thinking this may be a repeat performance in our house.

Happy Easter and Easy Cooking from my house to yours,

M.J.

If you're busy and want to make a small ham, try this easy Slow Cooker Recipe. Double ingredients for larger ham.  Also make sure your slow cooker is large enough.


Mine looked like this when it was finished..and it tasted yummy!

3-pound fully cooked smoked boneless ham

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 jars (6 ounces each) fruit chutney (1 1/2 cups)(I think you can use just about any fruit as long as it is packed in juice or even water). 

1 cup dried apricots, chopped

1 cup frozen small whole onions (from 1-pound bag)  Note:  ( I didn't add onions)

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 

 Hint:  Diced or sliced peaches in place of  mango chutney with juice . Yum

• 1.  Place ham in 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle with pepper. Mix remaining ingredients; pour over ham.
• 2.  Cover and cook on low heat setting 6 to 8 hours.