I have been married to a wonderful Christian man since 1976. The Lord has blessed us with two daughters and two sons. I consider each day the Lord gives me on the earth yet another chance to serve Him.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Apple Cinnamon Syrup

This is pretty tasty.  You don't need much on your pancake, because of the sweetness.  Make you don't let it boil at to high of a heat or it will become crystalized.  So yummy on pancakes.





APPLE CINNAMON SYRUP
(Serves 8)

Ingredients:
*1/4 cup white sugar
*3/4 cup light brown sugar
*2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
*3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
*1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
*1 cup water
*1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces (optional)
*1/2 tablespoon butter

Directions:
~Stir the white sugar, brown sugar, flour & cinnamon together in a small saucepan.
~Mix in vanilla & water.
~Add apples.
~Bring to a boil, over medium heat, stirring often.
~Continue to boil and stirring until syrup has thickened to syrup consistency.
~Remove from heat.
~Stir in butter.
~Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Cranberry Relish

Whenever I make things with cranberries I think of my friend Adam, who loves cranberries.    This recipe is a lot like my friend Denise's recipe.   She serves her's on cream cheese, so I thought I'd try that.   Super yummy!


CRANBERRY RELISH

Ingredients:
*1 cup water
*3/4 cup white sugar
*2 granny smith apple, peeled, cored & chopped
*1 orange, peeled, seeded & chopped
*zest of lemon
*1 (12 ounce) bag fresh cranberries
*1 cup raisins
*1 cup walnuts, chopped

Directions:
~Combine water, sugar & cranberries in a medium pot.
~Bring water to a boil, and the cranberries start to pop open.
~Bring the heat down to a simmer.
~Add apple, orange, & lemon zest.
~Simmer for 20 minutes.
~Remove from heat.
~Add raisins & walnuts.
~Chill

Make it an appetizer and serve over a block of cream cheese and with crackers (ritz Christmas crackers would be pretty awesome).





Sunday, November 13, 2011

Spiced Oyster Crackers

This snack is so easy to make.   I don't make them often just for the reason I eat to many of them.   I will tell you that in my opinion, you must buy 'Nabisco Oyster Crackers" to make this recipe the best it can be.   I think the off brand, are rather bland.



SPICED OYSTER CRACKERS

Ingredients:
*1 (1 ounce) package of ranch-style dressing mix
*1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
*1/4 cup vegetable oil
*1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper (optional)
*1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
*dash teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
*1 (9 ounce) package oyster crackers (use a good quality one)

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
~Combine the ranch dressing mix, dill weed, vegetable oil, lemon pepper, garlic powder & cayenne pepper in a large bowl.
~Add oyster crackers, toss to coat well.
~Spread crackers evenly on a cookie sheet.
~Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring gently every 5 minutes.
~Remove from oven, and cool before serving.
~Store in a zip-loc bag.


Thursday, November 10, 2011

Mock Payday Candy Bar

One of my favorite candy bars, would be a 'Payday'.  Love that caramely nutty goodness.   This here I personally think is even better than the store bought ones.  So fresh and good.


MOCK PAYDAYS
(makes 8)

Ingredients:
*5 caramel squares, unwrapped
*1/4 cup whole milk
*1 teaspoon creamy peanut butter
*1 tablespoon light corn syrup
*1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*3/4 cup powdered sugar
*25 caramel squares, unwrapped
*1 tablespoon water
*1/4 cup powdered sugar
*2 cups peanuts, chopped lightly

Directions:
~Combine 5 caramel squares, milk, peanut butter, corn syrup & vanilla into a medium saucepan.
~Cook over low heat until the caramels have melted.
~Add 3/4 cup powdered sugar and stir well.
~Using a candy thermometer, cook caramel mixture until it reaches 230 degrees, stirring often.
~Remove from heat.
~Let cool for about 5 minutes.
~Add 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and mix with a mixer for about 2 minutes.
~Let mixture cool for 20 minutes.
~Divide candy into 8 equal pieces.
~Form each section into 4 inch logs or balls.
~Place logs on wax paper and allow to cool for 1 hour.
~In a double boiler, add remaining caramels and water.
~Melt until smooth.
~Remove from heat, but keep the hot water under the melted caramel (so it doesn't get hard).
~Using a pastry brush, coat the logs/balls with the hot caramel.
~Place peanuts into a shallow dish.
~Roll logs in peanuts.  If there are area's where the peanuts do not cover the log, apply more caramel and stick roll back into peanuts.
~Allow to cool completely before serving.