Spirit in Motion

MINI CHERRY CHEESE CAKE TARTS

2010-12-10T23:18:00.000-05:00

MINI CHERRY CHEESE CAKE TARTS

1 - package Nilla Vanilla Wafers
1 - can Cherry Pie Filling
2 - 8 ounce packages cream cheese
1 - cup white sugar
3 - eggs
1 - teaspoon vanilla

BLEND: and beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla until smooth.

PLACE: 1 whole wafer in bottom of paper cups(medium size)
TOP: wafers in cups with the cheese mixture to 3/4 full

BAKE: 350 - 15-20 minutes (filling has to set while baking)

COOL: top with pie filling, one cherry, and a little sauce; double the cherries on each when complete, and some are left in the can.

CHILL: until served. keep refrigerated until used; freezes well on single layer w loose wax paper on top in container.. or refrigerated just a few days then the cheese may dry, crack; so make when knowing it will be used.

ENJOY!!

OAT DELIGHTS

2010-12-06T00:50:00.000-05:00

OAT DELIGHTS DROP COOKIES

2 cups white sugar
6 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup shredded coconut
3 cups instant oats (not the instant in pouches flavored kind)

COMBINE: sugar, cocoa, milk, margarine or butter in medium saucepan. Bring to boil. Let boil 2-3 minutes stirring constantly; scraping sides as well. Add vanilla(will create a rapid boil)

Remove pot from stove; stir in coconut, stir in oatmeal. mix well, let sit 2 minutes; stir well again... drop by teaspoon-full or use a mini-meatball scoop; onto wax paper lined baking sheets. Refrigerate until firm, cooled. freezes well between layer of wax paper.

Enjoy!!

WITCH'S FINGERS COOKIES - HALLOWE'EN

2010-10-03T19:35:00.000-04:00

Right click and save as; the non-color image for printing OR copy paste the recipe below for printing! The fingers in the images above look exactly how the cookies will be.. about the length width of middle finger.

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WITCH'S FINGERS COOKIES!

1 cup - Butter, softened 250 ml

1 cup - Icing sugar 250 ml

1 - Egg 1

1 tsp Almond extract 5 ml

1 tsp Vanilla 5 ml

2-1/4 cups All-purpose flour 675 ml

1 tsp Baking powder 5 ml

1 tsp Salt 5 ml

3/4 cup Whole blanced almonds 175 ml

1 Tube(19g) red decorator gel 1

In bowl, beat together butter, sugar, and egg, almond extract and vanilla;

beat in flour, baking powder and salt.

Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.

Working with one quarter of the dough at a time and keeping the remaining dough refrigerated, roll heaping teaspoonful(5ml) of dough into finger shape for each cookie.

Press almond firmly into 1 end for the nail. Gently sqeeze in centre to create knuckle shape; using paring knife, make slashes in several places to form knuckle.

Place on lightly greased baking sheets; and bake in 325 degrees F(160C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until pale golden. Let cool 3 minutes.

Lift up almond; squeeze red decorator gel onto nail bed and press almond back in place, so gel oozes out from underneath.

Remove from baking sheets; let cool on racks. Repeat with remaining dough.

Yield: about 5 dozen!!

Alternate dough: try sugar cookie dough!! try peanut butter cookie dough oh my, it's endless!!

NOTES: this witch finger's dough is like a soft melt in your mouth cookie, blande for most kids! My sis tried sugar cookie-dough and voila'... hey, make both if the guests-numbers is gonna be big!!

Enjoy! Happy, Safe, Hallowe'en....

BAKED HOBBY DOUGH

2010-09-26T01:49:00.000-04:00

BAKED HOBBY DOUGH

Hobby Dough - for Cutouts or Handmolding

3/4 cup of sifto salt
3/4 cup "very" cold water
2 cups flour

MIX: salt and very cold water together
ADD: flour all at once
KNEAD: for 7-10 minutes-will feel grainy(break into smaller pieces of dough to knead if necessary) eventually, form two balls of kneaded dough.

TO STORE: store dough in airtight container to prevent drying out.

TO USE: mold and shape, or use cookie cutters shapes; by first rolling one ball of kneaded dough out like a pastry dough

IDEAL THICKNESS: is 1/r inch, but you can go up to 1/2 inch, paying attention to increase of baking time

BAKING METHOD: set oven at 325 degrees or lower, especially if pieces are thinner than 1/4 inch

ALLOW: 1/2 hour of baking time, per 1/4 inch thickness of dough
example: for 1/2 inch thickness, bake 1 hour

BAKE ON: cookie sheets - place cutouts on the cookies sheets, poke carefully, with a fine tip pin or needle, to let out possible air bubbles, and to prevent bubbling. Mind you, if you want a puffed object shape, don't prick, OR experiment, and prick here and there, for desired flatness, or puffiness? Be adventurous!

DRY BAKED PIECES: on wire cake racks

AIR DRYING(no-bake method_ - after cutting, molding shapes, let dry for 48 hours or until dough is rock-hard and white in appearance

STAINING/PAINTING: your baked piece - mix one quart of water with 6 bags of tea. Let steep to desired darkness-the darker it is, the darker the stain-this technique calls for time and patience, with 2-6 coats, letting dry 48 hours before applying another. Brush each piece on both sides, watch out for running!!

After each coat, apply a spray of laquere. This means it will take you almost one week, to apply one tea and one laquer coat.... but, it's so worth it people!! so work it!! : )

Seal with final coat of laquer before gluing on cloths, hats, ornaments.

My favorite staining method is the tea-stain! brush baked/dried objects with strong tea, one coat at a time, 48 hours apart from applying a new coat--nice longgg project, but so worth the effort!! Tea-staining, gives the appearance of brownish baked.. so you can make yours as dark or light as you like. I like to add hearts in this method, onto gifts, or cards I give away...

PAINTING: apply white base coat to where added colour will be--let dry 48 hours or until not sticky - spray with laquer once dry. The more coats, the better, so another time-constraint, but a rewarding finished product!!

Time is what is needed here with this project, but oh, the finished project can be anything!! Try twisted loaves, with white runny paint, and cherries on top!! put a metal holder which will hold a tealight; in center when baking; push at least half way through dough, but not all the way to bottom!! spray the metal

also, don't forget to poke a hole for hanging like I did, on the christmas tree.. all hearts, angels and christmas shapes!! makes a pretty old-fashioned tree.. later, I tied on ribbons, etc.. and wood-bead garlands I made from old beaded car-seat covers!!

enjoy your creation!! : )

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The Christmas Tree in this post is decorated with one batch of this hobby dough! i also made heart cutouts, solid ones, hollow ones with cookie cutters! Make greeting cards, do a handprint or footprint of your child in a square of hobby dough and bake it to preserve it!

Don't forget, if you do NOT tea-stain the dough.. the dough will be very white!

Starlight Cake

2010-09-17T14:38:00.003-04:00

STARLIGHT CAKE and VARIATIONS

2 - cups all purpose flour
1 + 1/2 - cups sugar
3 + 1/2 - teaspoons baking powder
1 - teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening softened(half butter or margarine if desired)
1 - cup milk
1 - teaspoon vanilla
3 - eggs

HEAT OVEN: 350.
GREASE AND FLOUR: baking pans to be used

BEAT: all ingredients in large bowl on low speed, scraping bowl constantly, 30 seconds.
BEAT: 3 minutes high speed, scraping bowl frequently.

POUR: into pan(s)
BAKE: until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

OBLONG PAN: 40-45 MINUTES
LAYER CAKES: 30-35 MINUTES
CUPCAKES: 20 -MINUTES

COOL: FROST or DUST with icing sugar if desired, or use the Fluffy Frosting recipe on this blog.

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VARIATIONS:

ORANGE STARLIGHT:
Substitute: 1 tablespoon grated orange peel for the vanilla.

EGGNOG CAKE:
Substitute: rum flavoring for the vanilla. Beat in 1-teaspoon nutmeg and 1/4-teaspoon ground ginger.

STARLIGHT CUPCAKES:
Pour batter into paper-lined medium muffin cups, filling each about half full.
Bake: 20-minutes - Yield: 3-dozen

Lemon Supreme Pound Cake

2010-09-17T14:20:00.004-04:00

LEMON SUPREME POUND CAKE

CAKE:

1 - package lemon cake mix(515g)
1 - package lemon instant pudding mix(4serving size)
4 - eggs
1 - cup water(250ml)
1/3 - cup oil(75ml)

LEMON GLAZE 1:

1 - cup icing sugar (250ml)
1 - tablespoon(15ml) milk or lemon juice
STIR: until smooth, drizzle over cake

OR

LEMON GLAZE 2:
2/3 - cup ready made vanilla tub icing (150ml)
1 - teaspoon lemon juice (5ml)
COOK: heat together at medium heat until thin; drizzle over cake

PREHEAT OVEN: 350 degrees(180c)
GREASE AND FLOUR: baking pan(s)

COMBINE: cake mix, pudding mix, water, eggs, oil in large bowl.
BEAT: at low speed with electric mixer until moistened.
BEAT: at medium speed 2 minutes

POUR: into prepared greased, floured pan(s)
BAKE: 350(180c) for 50-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

COOL: cool the cake in the pan 25 minutes on wire rack before removing cake from pan; especially when using a bundt or tube shaping cake pan(s)

FROST: with lemon glaze recipe above- or dust with icing sugar once cooled and removed from cake pan, or look for the "Fluffy Frosting" recipe on this blog.

Fluffy Frosting

2010-09-17T14:14:00.002-04:00

FLUFFY FROSTING

1 - cup cold milk
1 - package (4-serving size) Jello-O instant pudding mix
- vanilla and lemon work best, chocolate stays grainy
1 - tub (8 ounce) Cool Whip, frozen whipped topping, thawed

POUR: milk into medium bowl
ADD: pudding mix
BEAT: with wire whisk 2 minutes
GENTLY: stir/fold in thawed cool whip topping
SPREAD: on cake at once, chill

Alternative: use as a fruit dip, or cube pound cake, layer cake and frosting, and sliced/diced strawberries; top with whole strawberry, instant strawberry shortcake!

Enjoy!!

SOCIETY'S CHILD

2010-01-18T20:58:00.009-05:00

SOCIETY'S CHILD

I saw a child today;
crying, from hunger and pain.

She lay there curled up like a ball;
oblivious i was there at all.

I watched her tears
as they'd swell;
from haunting eyes,
then they fell.

I wanted to reach out,
to embrace;
and offer, to take her place.

What happened next suddenly is;
she stopped, when she noticed me;

then she wiped a tear from her eye;
lifted her hand, and said: "Hi"

then, she asked if i'd like to stay;
and she would split her rice,

two ways!

D.D.S/North (8-15-2000)

Dedicated to the children of Haiti, 2010,
from my hope, and with my love!

Donna D.S./North

2010-01-16T23:56:00.002-05:00

THE PAINTING SKY

Four days now the sun did scorch,
it's blazing heat upon earths porch.

Many grew ill, so thick was the air;
my son, could not eat nor drink.

We all prayed to God, to us do send,
His miracle of rain;
send rain-clouds from heaven!

At dusk, my friends, among twilights grande display;
a miracle unfolded, on this day!

In my truth, I proclaim; what I saw in my view;
was God's magic Hand, at sky-painting, anew!

He painted the sky in twilight shades of azure blue;
pinks and reds, were the descending suns hue.

I saw before me, not too afar;
a splashing of silver twinkling stars.

Gracing the azured sky they'd appear,
to an unheard tune, not heard by mortal ear.

And I wondered for a moment,
if they were God's splashes of tears?

He added clouds of golden mist reaching,
toward my window, they advance!

And I leapt from my chair to the patio window;
as my home lit from golden clouds...
and I danced!!

All the more splendid as lo, to my behold;
golden clouds streamed from the suns unfold.

In clouds arched like a rainbow, much to my delight;
I danced with the show, of God's hand-painting sight!

And I laughed aloud, as tears in my eyes swell;
as splash's of grey were added, as well.

Towards me now, they appeared with quick advance,
and my heart skipped to a beat, of an unheard cosmic dance.

My ears strain to hear the tune, to which I prance,
but, it's unknown to me, so I continue, entranced.

Over my roof-top the clouds did reach,
as the sun strained for one more final peek;
and let out it's final display of yellow-gold.

I gasped in awe and noticed I was not cold.

The clouds drizzled raindrops over me,
but not anywhere else though from where I can see.

I looked to my left then I looked to my right,
to see how far I could see;
and yes, I was right;
the clouds were sprinkling, but only on me!

I laughed, clapped my hands,
and I danced;
to show God, my appreciation...

For the magic show, of His love and live-painting,
of his beautiful creation.

And soaked I became, in the Glory Be,

as raindrops from heaven, felled

Blessing Me!

DDS/North -07-07-2002

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NOTE: this poem is not to be copied or used without written permision from the author; otherwise if you are caught; legal action will be taken. All copyright remains with the author: DDS/North

THE PAINTING LEAVES OF FALL (poem)

2010-01-16T23:53:00.003-05:00

THE PAINTING LEAVES OF FALL

"Fall is here!"
proclaimed the trees -
by displaying changing-coloured leaves.

Above the houses, row on row -
between the branches, I behold;

such golden-yellow leaves;
oranges and reds too, if you please!

Imagine much, to my delight,
to hold such splendour,
in my sight!

With open eyes, I have now seen -
the painting sky -
and now,
The Painting Leaves!

Rains of fall are ever-present,
to wash the earth,
before winter is sent.

So, imagine if you can -
as I sit here and I write -
the whole sky, is painting white,
but with a dash and a splash of grey;
beneath such a sky, in full display.

As raindrops slowly fall,
I watch nature's miracle, call -
By beckoning the changing of leaves,
to announce that winter is near;
and I reach for my lap-blanket, and shudder
with un-ease;

from the thought of
six-months of winter-freeze!

So I place the blanket
across and down my knees,
and watch the ever-changing
painting leaves.

DDS, 10-04-2002

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NOTE: this poem is not to be copied or used without written letter of permission from the author; otherwise legal action may be taken. All copyright remains with the author: DDS/North

Take That and Rap It!

2010-01-16T23:41:00.002-05:00

rap lyrics i'm workin on...

mornin' back i ain't got no time to slack!
life is my aphrodisiac i need to take my time with that!

waitin' on you for a hey back
I wake up in the mornin' with a stiff back.
i got no time for that. hit me up with a hey-back!
life is an aphrodisiac, gotta make time 4that.

I got MC Hammer tunes playin' on.

I move to the beat of my own drum.

I got no time for the ho-hum.
I take life with a big grin.
I try not to sin.

I don't play mind games
I don't like the exchange
so move along if that's your only song.

I move to the beat of my own drum
not a swan-song.

DDS/North

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NOTE: permission from the author must be obtained in writing from her, for use; any copying or use without permission may result in legal action!! All copyright is with the author: DDS/North!

FIRST FLAKE OF SNOW (poem)

2010-01-16T23:35:00.001-05:00

FIRST FLAKE OF SNOW

I cannot find through morning mist,
nor is it in, lights first dew kiss!

I run to seek, as echo's call,
from river's deep,
with rain of fall.

Does thou know, where I should go?
Shall I follow, with the flow?

Nay, I shall not; for I have found;
a perfect blanket, on the ground.

Oh! Now I see(I said to me);

and with one last chance,
I strain to glance;

Yes!
There they are,

above, all aglow;

I was just simply,

the first flake of snow!

DDS (11-1994)

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LOVES LAMP (poem)

2010-01-16T23:26:00.003-05:00

The two poems below were written when i were watching a movie on television with a wedding scene, seperate movies, years apart. (smiles)

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WHEN SHE SAID; "Yes"

When she said yes, did she really mean, "yes?"

Or, was her heart, simply gasping for breath?

Did she once, open her eyes to gaze in haste,
nay, she savoured every moment,
drinking loves sweet kiss
on the lips of her groom.

When she said; "yes"
did she really mean, "yes?"
Oh yes!
Oh yes!

DDS (1994)

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LOVE'S LAMP

Will he still love me,
when the pretty innocence and virginal desires
of one so young

Fade,

replacing all such,
for the burning passionsof womanhood?
(a small sacrifice);

for the greatest gift
(of true beauty),
as rare as love itself,
the Maturity?
Will he turn from me one day,
and sail in troubled waters,
longing for the sweet innocence?

Promising to forsake all others;
will his eyes roam,
his thoughts wander,
and find the innocence in another;
who's maturing beauties,
are of only that;she does not know him?

will he see that,
and be mine, forever?

I will take the chance!

(dds/north-6-1998)

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NOTE: Permission from the author must be obtained before copying or using these poems; failure to do so may result in legal action. All copyright remains with the author, DDS/North.

Bisquick Sausage Goodies

2009-12-21T19:42:00.003-05:00

This is a great holiday finger-food, served warm! great for freezing and re-heating in microwave on plate, placed on paper towel and one over them; to retain moisture while microwaving. If you are a meat, sausage eater; then experiment with this recipe!! When i started with it, i used the ground pork it called for which is great; but, then i tried medium italian sausage; and that's what i now use; rather than adding lots of my own spices ; )

SAUSAGE GOODIES

1 pound sausage meat or ground pork or half/half
1 egg
1 cup medium or old cheddar, grated
1 small to medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup bisquick biscuit mix
pinch of cayenne if using ground pork, not sausage meat(optional)
paprika

MIX: ingredients all together, drop by teaspoonful on baking sheets. sprinkle with paprika(optional)

BAKE: 350 degree oven - 15-20 minutes don't overcook, don't undercook

NOTE: this recipe easily doubles for bulk baking and freeze well in plastic containers, layered with sheets of wax paper.

REHEAT: in oven on baking sheets at low, just to heat through or in a microwave on microwavable dish, with a paper towel placed on it first to absorve heat-moisture on bottom; place a paper towel over the goodies, to help retain top moisture for 2minutes & test one; use a single layer of sausage goodies on its heating platform when using in either heating method.

I like to keep lots of these in the freezer, great for unexpected pop-in guests over the Holidays or summertime.. or bring to a gathering which you would be able to reheat them, or bring the dough; bake it there.. why not??

A KOOLAID, NON-TOXIC PLAYDOUGH FOR KIDS!

2009-12-15T22:12:00.003-05:00

Mom's, Dad's, Grandma's.... This playdough recipe is made with yes, Koolaid and is for kids aged 4-12!! The greatest thing about it; is it's non-toxic and edible, though it is not encouraged of course due to hand-play!! BUT<>not toxic like bought playdoughs and plasticines!! Give as a gift to your child and their friends with a cookie-cutter or two or a Mr. Potato Head even!!

FRUITY PLAY DOUGH

2 cups water - 500 ml
1/2 cup salt - 125 ml
1/2 cup kool aid - 124 ml
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons alum* powder(get at drug store, if can't find in grocery store)
3 cups all purpose flour

IN: a large saucepan, mix together the water, salt, kool aid.

BRING: to boil.

STIR: in the oil and alum

REMOVE: from heat immediately, add all the flour at once, and stir until mixture sticks together and leave sides of pan.

COOL: until cold enough to handle; then knead until smooth and lump-free. It should not stick to your hands, or counter!! If necessary sprinkle the dough with flour as you knead it.

STORE: in zip-lock baggies, or tightly sealed plastic containers, and it should last a long time!

YIELD: one batch makes approximately a one or two pound margarine tub!! This is a real nice, fruity-smelling koolaid; soft!! playdough!!

IDEAS: I make a batch of 4 colours/flavours of Koolaid of this recipe, divide in 4; then baggy each in baggies, gift-boxed for my son to give his playmates when young as part of a Birthday Present or Christmas Present with a dinosour cookie-cutter with it, or a heart for girls, you get the picture right? I got my son a Mr. Potato-Head when I gave him full 4 batches one year at Christmas! It's quite a nice, soft non-toxic playdough!! will harden too... when left to dry.. make a handprint, footprint of your child like; let dry thoroughly and spray with verathane or shelac as a keepsake!! do the whole family.. frame and gift to Mom and Dad.. the possibilities are endless i tell ya!!

ENJOY!

CHOCOLATE COCKTAIL CHERRY BALLS

2009-12-15T21:48:00.004-05:00

(Actual Picture of Chocolate Cherry Balls i scanned before a ceiling disaster pooched my scanner last year!!)

Now, this is a delicacy.. and quite addictive.. another sweet-treat i no longer make because i cannot resist them!! *sigh*

CHOCOLATE COCKTAIL CHERRY BALLS

WRAP Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup grated coconut
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 cup finely chopped dates
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 egg beaten
red cocktail cherries with stem

Wrap Method:
MIX: ingredients above except cherries. Coat cherries with mix and form balls, with stem sticking out. Using palms to adhere mix to cherry, is best; as fingers tend to pull away the mix from cherry. Rinse hands very frequently, to remove dough sediment from balling.

CHILL: 3 hours(very important to do, to help chocolate quickly adhere) so BE patient, let them really chill.

Dipping CHOCOLATE Ingredients:
1 pack semi-seet chocolate chips
1/2 pack butterscotch chips
1/4 bar grated paraffin(approx. 1 cup)

Dipping Method:
Melt ingredients in double boiler. When liquid, dip cherries into chocolate mix. Place on wax paper lined cookie sheets or flat trays. Refrigerate until chocolate is hard.. approx. 3 hours or longer.

YIELD: approx. 3 1/2 dozen...
STORING: stores well in a tin, layered between wax paper, keep refrigerated until ready to use; i prefer them out of the fridge chilled, some like them room temp.

NOTE: i like to make a batch or two of these and gift-box them in nice tins to give as gifts when i am invited to a nice dinner ; ) oh.. did i mention they were addictive?

ENJOY!

2009-12-15T21:45:00.001-05:00

PINK LEMONADE ICE CREAM CAKE

small carton whipping cream
1 can condensed milk
1/2 can any flavour frozen lemonade juice(pink is best)

Crust: 2 cups graham crumbs
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter melted
Mix the crumbs, sugar and melted butter well
Press into pan

Whip cream until stiff
Add condensed milk, then lemonade

Layer small oblong baking dish with crumb mixture, going up sides.

Smooth on top, the ice creamed mixture.

Freeze, enjoy!!
Make day before it is to be used, or early morning.
Use two pie shells, to get two dishs
Top with whip cream if desired just before serving on plates

MINI- Italian Quiche

2009-12-15T21:17:00.003-05:00

These mini Italian quiche are great appetizers, finger-foods and freeze long and well, re-heat well microwaved in single layer on paper-toweled plate OR in oven until heated through; dont over-do or will be dry!! I love these babies.... so i don't make them no more *smiles eh*

This recipe can easily be double-batched; below is recipe for single batch

MINI - ITALIAN QUICHE

Tools & Ingredients:

Large mixing bowl
mini muffin tins (2 at least or borrow from friends it makes lots)

2 eggs
3/4 cup flour(all purpose)
1 cup milk
1/2 cup finely chopped onion (1medium)
8 ounces (225g) white cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 cup finely chopped spicy salami
1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms(cleaned, washed)
slices of green olives cut in half (to top each quiche)
salt and pepper to taste

BEAT: EGGS
COMBINE: all the rest ingredients into beaten eggs, mix well
SPOON: into mini-muffin tins about half-way up top each with half/slice of olive

BAKE: 425 DEGREES 12-15 MINUTES until quiche look puffy & cooked

Remove from tins and cool on wire racks

STORING: store in tight container, layered between waxed paper. Freezes well, use with 48 hours once refrigerated as they will dry.

This batch makes LOTS, so get at least 2 mini pans or borrow 2 more from fam or friends to bake fast, efficiently; my friends and i used to double, quadruple this recipe then we divided it up among ourselves.. a little wine or merlot later; and our baking was done in one longgg afternoon!!

ENJOY!

Old Fashioned Brown Sugar Fudge

2009-12-15T20:53:00.004-05:00

I don't have a written recipe for this fudge; its an old family recipe and i've made it so often in my lifetime its in my head but i'll do my best to explain the process; it's easy but if not done right you will get a taffy-like or brittle not fudge. I cant give you candy thermometer temperatures as i've never used one.

INGREDIENTS:

1 - kg bag of light brown sugar
1 - can, evaporated milk
1/2 - teaspoon vanilla
pinch salt
1/2 cup butter or margarine
8-inch baking pan, greased with butter or margarine
large, deep cooking pot as fudge has to boil hard

IN LARGE POT: add the brown sugar, margarine, milk & salt turn stove element on to about 6-7, mix well and bring to hard boil, taking care to continually stir; so as not to scorch on bottom!! Once hard-boiling, turn down to about 4-5, cook it slow keeping a steady boil, but not so hot it might scorch on bottom of pot! This is the secret: patience and stirring! i never leave my fudge unstirred longer than 2-3 minutes!!

Once the fudge has been boiling about 40 minutes or more; get a tall glass and fill with very cold water. Clean out your kitchen sink, plug it and add very cold water, about 3 inches high.

Using a spoon, drop a little fudge into the glass of water; if the fudge forms a ball by the time it hits bottom; it's ready!! if it doesn't, boil a little longer, testing, stirring regularly! Once the fudge forms a ball... turn off stove, add vanilla-it will create a "rapid-boil", stir fudge until it settles remove from stove; place into the readied watered sink!!

STIR-LIKE-CRAZY - until the fudge thickens and begins to dull in texture!! It's shiny when hot, duller when thickening. Now, the tricky part - if you wait too long it will harden before you can pour into pan; so i usually stir until it's barely shiny.. then quickly pour into pan!! IF you stir too long, and it hardens as pouring into pan; just add a little milk, cook until heated through; pour into pan.

Spread hot fudge into greased baking pan, use knife to pull away from sides; while hot.. sprinkle generously with crushed pecans, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, raisins, take your pick!

Refrigerate until set and cool; invert on cutting board, to get out of pan, then flip so nuts are side up - cut into small squares, enjoy!! Good also plain!!

TIP: there will be fudge in the pot clung to bottom and sides; don't waste it!! use a metal spoon and scrape into a bowl, chill.. break it up, baggy it and fridgerate or freeze to add as a topping on a frosted cake or ice-cream ; )

ENJOY< from my house to yours, Merry Christmas

Tomato Spinach Pie

2009-12-15T20:29:00.002-05:00

If you like tomatoes and spinach and cheddar you will love this pie!! It goes great with any meat; i usually make if for myself as my meal with garlic bread or brushetta!(my own version). I usuall double this batch and make two pies; one for the dinner that night; one to freeze as they freeze and re-bake quite well!!

TOMATO SPINACH PIE

1 or 2 - deep-dish pie shells baked until light brown

4 - 6 large tomatoes thinly sliced
(amount of tomatos depend on 1-2 pies)

1/4-1/2 cup - Dijon mustard - to brush on bottom & sides of pie shells

1-2 - packages frozen spinach
(completely thawed and as squeeze-drained as possible)

250g(1pie) or 500g(2pies) - medium or old cheddar cheese, grated

dry parmesan cheese or fresh (optional i started using)

basil, tarragon or salt-free mrs. dash - use your favorite! i use sweet basil

MORNING PREPARATIONS:

large cutting board or cookie sheet
almost full roll of paper towels

place double-length paper towel on the board, thinly slice all tomatoes, arranging on paper towel.. add another paper towel, more sliced tomatoe, and so on until you have a 2-sheet pile of sliced tomatoes!! The weight on top of each other, help squeeze out the juice; the paper towels helps cling off the seeds and tomato gel.. to give a dryer pie (wink)

This drying the tomatoes takes hours; so do the morning you are going to make the pie that evening or late afternoon!! You will have to change the paper towels & layers at least 3-4 times; the tomatoes are ready when it leaves little moisture on the paper towels but dont let it dry too much or you will have tomatoes stuck to paper towels! so i dont encourage to do this process the night before, leaving overnight! i did once and lost 7 sliced tomatoes (i wasnt happy!)

ONCE: your tomatoes are fairly dry, de-gelled and de-seeded as much as possible; it's assembly time!

ASSEMBLING THE PIE in LAYERS:

BRUSH: bottom liberally and sides of pre-ready pie crusts with Dijon mustard
ADD: layer of slice tomatoe, going up sides as well
SPRINKLE: with salt, pepper or your favorite spice lightly
BREAK: up the well drained spinach and flake over tomatoe layer
SPRINKLE: on layer of cheddar cheese & sprinkle parmesan on top of that

REPEAT: UNTIL YOU HAVE 3 LAYERS, the last topping would be cheddar; sprinkle on more of your fave spice and/or permesan

BAKE: 350 degree oven 40-50 minutes or until you can't stand the smell anymore!!

This is like... addictive pie, honestly!!

Salmon Loaf

2009-12-15T20:22:00.002-05:00

This salmon loaf is almost fool-proof!! Follow correctly and your taste-buds will thank you! I vary the ingredients to suit my guests. I prefer a little more cheddar in mine.

SALMON LOAF

1 large, or 2 regular cans of salmon
1 - tablespoon lemon juice
1 - tablespoon onion (approximately 1/2 cup)
1 - grated carrot (or 2 if u like)
1 - grated potato (or 2 if u like)
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
1/2 - cup milk
1 - egg, beaten
salt & pepper to tast

FLAKE: drain, salmon, debone or crush bones
SPRINKLE; with lemon juice
ADD: vegetables and cheese
SEASON: with salt & pepper
BLEND: thoroughly
PRESS: into greased loaf pan
KNIFE: the sides of loaf away from sides of pan
POUR: the milk over entire loaf

BAKE: at 350 degrees - 45-60 minutes

This is such a delicious loaf... best way i enjoy salmon!!

CRAB DIP

2009-12-15T20:17:00.003-05:00

Delicious crab dip recipe great for fresh, raw vegetables dipping or pumpernicle bread!

CRAB DIP

1 - 4 ounce can crab meat (salad style)
6 - tablespoons mayonaise or hellmans
2 - tablespoons ketchup (optional as a colourant)
1 - tablespoon finely chopped onion
1 - 250g (8oz.) package cream cheese
1 - tablespoon finely chopped celery (optional)
1/4 - teaspoon sweet basil
pinch salt

MIX: all ingredients together the night before being used or the morning it is to be used in the afternoon or evening; to let the ingredients marry.

ENJOY with fresh raw veggies or broken pieces of pumpernicle bread!

Look Ma, I'm Blogging!!

2007-09-22T15:14:00.001-04:00

I had a blog before, and I deleted it, to use myspace!!
Regretfully, not realizing I could then not post on friends blogs!
whahhhh, so I am baaaaccck!!