Oreo Balls

 I made these this year for my Christmas Goodies that I give to my friends.  Every year at Christmas time there are several friends that I make cookies and sweets as their gift from me.  They really look forward to getting them and I really enjoy making all these wonderful treats.  The oreo balls are a new addition to the list of goodies I give.  They are so simple to make and look and taste amazing.  So you must give them a try.

Oreo Balls

1/2 package Oreo Cookies

4 oz .block cream cheese, softened

6-8 oz of Good Chocolate....I use Ghirardelli

Place Oreo Cookies in a baggie and smash until it is the consistency of dirt.

Mix softened cream cheese into smashed cookies.   Form into balls and put on wax paper.  Melt chocolate according to package directions in microwave.  Cover balls in chocolate.  Place in refrigerator.  When set store in airtight container or plastic bags.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas filled with lots of love, happiness and good health.  Thanks for taking time to stop by, and Remember to Find the Time to Do ALL the things You Love.

Donna

Lemon Bars

The other night we had an early Christmas type dinner because my sister in law goes to her brothers every year at this time of year.  My kids wanted to give her  her Christmas presents before she left.  They bought her a kindle, she's so happy.  We had spaghetti and meatballs and braised pork, with salad, home made bread and these for dessert.   They really are very tasty and oh so easy to make.  Just be sure you line your pan with parchment paper and it comes up all the way on all the sides.   My grandson AJ told me that whenever I make this again he wants me to make a double batch so he can have a whole pan for himself.....so  there you have an opinion from a teenager.

I adapted this recipe from here
Using a pastry cutter or in a food processor blend together:

1 cup cold butter, cut in small pieces
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup almond flour (make your own by grinding almonds)

Press evenly into the bottom of a greased and parchment paper lined 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees F ( 325 degrees F if you are using glass bake-ware)

For the lemon topping simply whisk together:

1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup flour
4 eggs
zest of 3 lemons, very finely chopped
juice of 3 lemons

Allow the topping to sit for about 10 minutes before whisking together well and pouring over the baked shortbread base.

Bake at 350 degrees F for about another 20- 25 minutes or until the top is slightly browned and the custard appears to be set. Cool completely. Sprinkle with icing sugar when cool or try adding  a meringue topping.
Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful day and Remember to Find the Time to DO all the Things YOU Love.
Donna

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all, hope your day and the coming years are filled with lots of Love, Happiness and Good Health.

Orange Oreo Muffins

I have a friend that gets me fresh eggs and as payment I make him bread, muffins and sweets.  He loves anything orange so thought I would try a new twist on an orange muffin.  These are so yummy and moist...believe me a must try.  They go together very quickly too.
Printable

Preheat oven to 400 makes 7 large or 12 regular muffins

1 orange (peel and all) pureed
1/2 cup soft butter (1 stick)
3/4 cut white sugar
1 egg
1 3/4 AP flour (can be make with 1 cup AP and 3/4 whole wheat)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
6 oreo cookies crushed fairly fine
1/2 cup orange juice

In a blender put cut up orange and a bit of water, puree.  Set aside.  In a large bowl with hand mixer cream the sugar and butter til light and fluffy.  Add the egg beat again.  Add orange juice, mix until combined.   In another bowl (or I use wax paper, so I don't dirty another bowl  :)  )  Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Add this to the wet ingredients, mix until all combined.  Add the oreo's and mix until combined.  Put into lined muffin tins and bake at 400 degree for 20-25 minutes.  Done when tester inserted comes out clean.  Cool on wire rack.  Enjoy.

I am going to add these to my Christmas goodie list and will make them in mini muffin tins, they will be a great addition this year.
Thanks for taking time to stop by, please leave a comment if you so desire I would love to hear from those that stop by.  Have a wonderful day and Remember to Find the Time to Do All the Things You Love.
Donna

Slow Cooked Pork Roast with Cranberry and Orange sauce

This is a recipe from Cooks Country.  Their recipes are really so delicious.
This recipe is sooooooooooooo easy and no work at all.  The slow cookers does all the work.  So if you're a working person please give this a try you'll have a great meal when you get home, the kids will love it too.
gravy

4-5 lb pork roast (I used bone in but they used boneless)
1 can of whole cranberry
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup orange juice
1/8 tsp cinnamon
3 slices of orange peel (try not to get much pith)
2 TBL veg oil
salt and pepper

Salt and pepper the roast generously.  In a large skillet heat the oil and then brown the roast on all sides starting with fat side down first.  In the slow cooker mix all the other ingredients.  Stir, place browned meat on top and cook for 5-6 hours on low.  Internal temperature should register 140-145.  Remove and let rest for 20 minutes.  After about 5 minutes tent with aluminum  foil.  Take dripping from the slow cooker and in a small sauce pan reduce cooking for about 10 minutes at simmer.  Serve over sliced meat.  ENJOY!  YUM!!!!

Sure hope you try this simple dish.  I served this with red cabbage with apples and pear, found here. (I used that recipe and just added an additional chopped bartlett pear)  Also had mashed potatoes with the gravy from the meat.  Another YUM.  We had the raspberry swirl sweet rolls for dessert.

Thanks for stopping by and taking time from you busy day.  Have a wonderful week and Remember to Find the Time to DO all the things YOU love.
Donna

Butterhorn Rolls

I made these for Thanksgiving this year.  I was searching and searching for a new recipe that was exceptional. Well these came very close and for sure I will make them again.  They are light, airy and have a wonderful flavor.  I only made 1/2 the recipe because I didn't need that many, but if you're making for a large crowd this would be the roll to make.  Of course you don't have to shape them into a crescent shape.  They do rise really well so I guess if you wanted to make like sandwich rolls these would be great.
adapted from here

                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Butter-horn Recipe

2 cups milk, scalded
2 packages yeast -dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water (This would be for traditional yeast. Since I use instant yeast, I do not proof the yeast first.)
1 cup butter (oil and shortening are also options)
1 cup sugar
2 tsp salt
6 beaten eggs
9 cups flour

Directions:
Soften the active dry yeast in warm water.
Combine hot milk, butter, sugar and salt: cool to lukewarm.
Add 1 cup of the flour.
Add yeast mixture and eggs. Beat well.
Stir in remaining flour or enough to make a very soft dough.
Turn out on lightly floured surface, and knead lightly 5 to 8 minutes.
Place dough in bowl and let rise until double – about 1-2 hours (but will vary based on home temp).
Divide into 6 equal parts. Roll each part on lightly floured board to a 9 inch circle.  Personal note, don't make them too big or you will have a very large roll, because they rise great.  And after making these they are great as a sandwich spare roll.  So you could try making them in other shapes.
Brush with melted butter.
Cut each circle into 12 wedges (like a pizza): roll each wedge, starting with wide end and rolling to point.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by, have a wonderful day and Remember to Find the Time to DO ALL the things YOU Love.
Donna

Pretzel Rolls and Sticks YUM~

These are one of those things I crave now and again.  To me it's like being back on the East coast and going to the Mall.  These are not like Auntie Annie's all slathered in butter.  Nope just a nice crunch, with salt and a soft center.  Again YUM!  I remember as a kid being able to get them at one of the 5 n 10 cent stores...for the life I mean I can't remember the name of the one store in the mall that had them, think it started with a K (no not Kmart).  But you could also get them at one of places in the food court.  Many people dip them in mustard or cheese but me I like them plain.  The night I made these I made a burger and ate it on one of the rolls  Another YUM!  I've posted a picture of it in this post.   Wow doesn't it look just yummy, wish I had a tomato to put on it.  But it was good anyway.  It's at the end of the post.  Also would like to note that is you pop these in the toaster oven for about 5 minutes they come back to life.
Printable

Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups bread flour 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons hot water (about 125-130 F) Cornmeal8 cups water 1/4 cup baking soda 2 tablespoons sugar 1 egg white, beaten until foamy (for glaze) Coarse salt Add the bread flour, yeast, salt, and sugar to the bowl of your food processor.  Pulse a few times to combine. With the machine running, slowly add the hot water through the feed tube (you might not need all of the water - add enough to form a smooth cohesive dough). Knead the dough by allowing the food processor to run for 1 minute - the dough should be smooth and elastic. Spray a large bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Form the dough into a rough ball then add to the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for about 35 minutes, or until doubled in volume. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Press down and knead lightly into a ball. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece of dough into a ball and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten the ball just slightly, then use a pair of scissors (a knife would probably work too) to cut an "x" shape into the top. Repeat with remaining pieces of dough. Cover the baking sheet with a towel and let the dough balls rise for 20 minutes, or until nearly doubled in volume. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 F. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and sprinkle generously with cornmeal. Add the water to a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Carefully add the baking soda and sugar (the mixture will bubble up). Place half of the rolls in the water and cook them for 30 seconds per side. Use a spider (or slotted spoon) to transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat withe the remaining 4 rolls. ***Will make more or less depending on the size you make them.****  You can also roll like a rope and then twist them so you have a fat stick. Brush the rolls with the egg white glaze then sprinkle them generously with coarse salt. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until deep golden brown. Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack and let the rolls cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.  **if  you can wait*** Hopefully this will hold me for a bit.  I shared this recipe also when I made them filled with hot dogs and bratwurst...remember? Thanks for stopping by.  Have a wonderful day and Remember to Find the Time to DO all the things YOU Love. Donna

1 hour Pineapple-cream cheese and almond rolls

 These are soooooooooooooooo yummy and you could make them with any filling you like.  I don't always like to do the traditional things so try different types of fruit.  I've also made this one with orange puree and it's also very good.
You could do just a plain cinnamon/sugar and nuts if you want.  I don't usually make the entire recipe because it makes 23 HUGE rolls, but if you have a crowd or Christmas morning want a nice warm treat this would be the thing to make.  Sure hope you give them a try you won't be disappointed,  trust me.

Directions and Ingredients:
Mix and let sit for 15 minutes:

3 1/2 cup warm water

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup oil

6 TBL. yeast (4 1/2 Saf-Instant)



Then add:

1 TBL salt

3 eggs

10 1/2 cup flour



Mix together for 10 minutes, then sit for 10 minutes. Oil cupboard, dump out dough. Divide in half. Roll one half out into rectangle. Spread with ¼ c. melted butter and then with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Roll up tight, but not too tight. Divide into 12 rolls and place on greased cookie sheet. Repeat with other half of dough. Let rise. Bake for 12-15 minutes at 400.

Filling
Fresh pineapple slices (about 3 ) cut up
1/3 cup brown sugar
5 oz soft cream cheese
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup almonds (chopped)
Spread the melted butter over the rolled out dough, spread the cream cheese on top, then sprinkle brown sugar on top (don't use all ) then cover with the pineapple slices and then almonds.  Roll up tight.  Cut into 12 slices. and place in either a 9x13 pan or two 9 inch cake pans.  Butter the bottom of the pans and sides and then sprinkle brown sugar on the bottom before places rolls in.
Let rise in a warm place.

Hope you're having a stress free holiday season.  Thanks for taking time to stop by, have a wonderful day and Remember to Find the Time to Do All the Things you love.
Donna 

Pretzel Brats or Dogs

Ever have those times where you just crave certain foods.  Well the pretzel has been mine.  These are really good and a dish kids would love.  I will be making pretzel rolls very soon.  This is a time consuming recipe so be sure to give yourself time.  They are well worth the time and effort.

Pretzel Dogs
pretzels adapted from Alton Brown, method via Fake Ginger (originally from A Dash of Sass)
Printable
Dough
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
12 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110 F)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
8 hot dogs, halved
1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
pretzel salt or coarse salt

 Directions:
Add the flour, sugar, salt, yeast, water, and butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Mix on low speed until the dough comes into a rough ball. Knead on low speed for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic (it should pull away from the sides of the bowl). Transfer the dough to a large bowl that's been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for about 50 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 450 F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Combine the 10 cups of water and the baking soda in a large stockpot or roasting pan and bring to a boil.

Meanwhile, turn the dough out onto your work surface. Divide it into 16 equal pieces. Working with one piece at a time, roll the dough into approximately a 12-inch rope. Wrap the rope around one halved brat or hot dog - be sure to pinch the ends very well to seal (to reduce the likelihood that the dough unravels when you boil in the next step). Repeat with the remaining pieces of dough until you've wrapped all of the dogs.  Ok after making some of these I decided that if I pressed the dough out a bit then put the 1/2 brat in the middle and then pulled it up and wrapped it around it and pinched the ends it's worked really well and no fear of them unraveling. 

One at a time, boil the pretzel dogs in the baking soda/water mixture for 30 seconds, transferring them to a wire rack afterward using a slotted spoon or spider strainer. Repeat with all 16 pretzel dogs. Transfer the dogs to the parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush them with the egg wash and sprinkle with the pretzel salt.

Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce.
Makes 16 pretzel dogs

These are wonderful and I will make the over and over.  Next time I will try them using hot dogs.  The family loved them too.
Thanks for taking time from your busy day to stop by.  Drop me a note and let me know what you think.  Have a great day and Remember to Find the Time To DO ALL the things YOU love.
Donna

Cheddar Basil Whole Wheat Buns

I made these the other night for dinner.  My daughter likes to have most of her bread made with whole wheat (healthier you know!)  I didn't want to make the old usual plain ones so thought I'd add some cheddar and basil  Great combination in all sorts of foods.  These are light with a slight crust.  They are worth the time to make.  You and your family will love them.  So please give them a try.

printable
Ingredients:
2 Pkgs rapid rise or instant yeast
1 3/4 cup warm water 115-125
2 TBL sugar
2 1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 cups AP flour
2 1/2 cups whole what flour
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 TBL basil (fresh or dried) if fresh finely chopped
2 TBL vegetable oil
In the large bowl of mixer, place yeast, sugar, salt and two cups of flour. (I used 1 cup AP flour 1 cup bread flour) Mix to blend and add the 130 degree F water and oil. Mix on medium speed with regular beater for 3 minutes.  Add cheese and basil, insert dough hook and beat for another 6:30 minutes, adding flour as needed to keep dough from being sticky.
Place dough on a floured board, cover with a cloth, and let rest for 10 minutes. Punch down dough and form into rolls.  With a sharp serrated knife cut a slit on the top of each roll.  Place rolls  on a greased pan or parchment lined, cover and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Before placing rolls in oven, brush tops with egg whites  Place loaves in oven, with a spray mister mist oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool.  Enjoy

Thanks for stopping by, have a great week and Remember to Find the Time to Do All the Things YOU Love.
Donna