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Slow Cooked Mixed Fruit

December 9, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment
cherries

cherriesWhat You Need:

2 (29 oz.) cans of sliced peaches, drained well
2 (29 oz.) cans of sliced pears, drained well
1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained well
1 (15 1/4 oz.) can apricot halves, drained well and sliced
1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling

How to Make It:

In a slow cooker place the peaches, pears, pineapple and apricots.
Add the cherry pie filling and stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Cook covered on high for 2 hours or until heated through.

Makes 16 servings

Preparation Time: approximately 10 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 2 hours
Total Time: approximately 2 hours 10 minutes

Serve this mixed fruit compote on a cold Christmas day and warm their hearts as well as the tummies. This is a great side dish to serve with any meal.

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Sour Cream Cranberry Oatmeal Bars

December 8, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment
cranberries

cranberriesWhat You Need:

1 C of butter, room temperature
1 C of brown sugar, packed well
2 C quick cooking oats
1 1/2 C + 2 T of flour, divided
2 C dried cranberries
1 (8 oz.) container of sour cream
3/4 C of white sugar
1 egg, beaten slightly
1 T lemon peel, grated
1 t vanilla extract

How to Make It:

Set the oven to preheat to 350 degrees F.
In a mixing bowl put the butter and brown sugar.
Cream the mixture with an electric mixer on low until light and fluffy.
Stir in the oats until well combined.
Mix in 1 1/2 C of flour until completely moistened.
Set aside 1 1/2 C of the mixture.
In the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 pan press the remaining mixture.
Bake the crust 10 minutes or until a light golden brown.
In a large mixing bowl put the cranberries.
Add in the sour cream, sugar, egg, lemon peel and vanilla to the cranberries.
Mix in the remaining flour until all the ingredients are combined.
Smooth the mixture evenly over the baked crust.
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top.
Put in oven and bake 20 minutes or until a golden brown on top.
Cool on a wire rack before cutting.

Makes 3 dozen

Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes
Baking Time: approximately 30 minutes
Total Time: approximately 45 minutes + cooling

This makes a perfect dessert for your Christmas buffet. If you don’t like cranberries you may substitute any type of dried fruit.

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Christmas Food Gifts from the Heart

December 8, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment
gingerbreadhouse

gingerbreadhouseThe best Christmas gifts to give or receive are the ones that come from the heart. Food gifts are gifts that take time, care and preparation and the best gifts to show someone just how much they mean to you.

There are a few rules when it comes to giving a food gift. Safety tops the list. Most food gifts are desserts such as cookies, candy and cakes. Dry mixes also have found their way into our heartfelt gifts. It is not often that we give meats as a gift but there have been times when a ham or turkey cooked to perfection is the perfect gift. Condiments such as herbed vinegars and delectable sauces can also make great food gifts.

If you are baking be sure that your goodies have cooled completely. They also need to be dry before being wrapped. This will help keep bacteria from growing and making anyone sick. Also remember to let them know if the food needs to be refrigerated.

Meats need to be thawed at the proper temperature. Be sure to use a thermometer when cooking to ensure the meat is fully cooked. Allow the meat to cool completely before wrapping it. This will keep down condensation and running your gift of love.

Dry mixes in decorative jars have always been a hit for Christmas gift giving. Cookies, cakes, brownies and even soups make great ideas for the perfect gift.

When putting together mixes for those delicious baked treats be sure the jar is very dry before adding the ingredients. Measure the dry ingredients in layers. Place labels on the jar with the name of recipe, what ingredients are included in the jar, ingredients that still need to be added, baking times and serving sizes.

Dried soups also make great Christmas gifts. When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing better than making a hot bowl of delicious soup. Dry soup mixes prepared with your own hands make it even more special.

Layer the ingredients into jars. Freeze dried vegetables are great when making dried soup mixes. Label the jar with the name of the soup, ingredients in the jar, ingredients that still need to be added, cooking times and serving sizes.

If the person loves soup, give them a gift basket filled with delicious dry soup mixes that you prepared yourself. Since it is winter, no soup gift basket would be complete without chicken noodle. Include some of their favorites like potato soup, vegetable soup or bean soup.

Condiments are gifts that can be used all year long. Herbed vinegars, seasoning mixes and dry rubs make great holiday gifts. Canned vegetables, fruits and juices make tasty gifts keep well when placed in vacuum sealed jars. Homemade jellies and jams are also great for gift giving. If you grow your own herbs, dry them and package them in pretty containers to give to all those cooks on your Christmas list.

When it comes to giving a gift from the heart food really does top the list. This year take the time to make a few gifts of food for those special people on your Christmas list.

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Sweet and Sour BBQ Chicken Quarters

December 7, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment
bbqchicken

bbqchickenWhat You Need:

6 chicken leg quarters
3/4 C of ketchup
1/2 C of orange juice
1/4 C brown sugar, packed
1/4 C red wine vinegar
1/4 C of olive oil
4 t fresh parsley, minced
2 t Worcestershire sauce
1 t garlic salt
1/2 t pepper
2 T + 2 t of cornstarch
1/4 C of water

How to Make It:

Cut the leg quarters at the joint then place them in the crock pot.
Whisk the ketchup, orange juice and brown sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
Whisk in the vinegar, oil, parsley and Worcestershire sauce.
Add the garlic salt and pepper and whisk to blend in well.
Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and turn the chicken to coat completely.
Cook covered on low temperature 6 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees.
Remove the chicken to a warmed serving platter.
Dip out 2 C of the cooking sauce from the slow cooker and pour into a pan.
In a small bowl whisk together until smooth the cornstarch and water.
Place the pan over medium heat and stir in the cornstarch water.
Bring to a brisk boil and stir constantly for 2 minutes or until thick.
Just before serving pour the sauce over the chicken.

Makes 12 servings

If you’re looking for something a little different why not try this for Christmas. Cook it in the slow cooker while you prepare the rest of the meal. Kids love this dish. Separated chicken legs and thighs can be used for quicker preparation.

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Two Bean Pepper Salad

December 6, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment
beansalad

beansaladWhat You Need:

2 (15 1/4 oz.) cans lima beans, drained
2 (15 oz.) cans butter beans, drained
2 sweet red peppers, chopped
2 green peppers, chopped
1 large sweet onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 C of lemon juice
1/2 C of olive oil
4 T of cider vinegar
2 t ground cumin
1/2 t pepper

How to Make It:

In a serving bowl toss together both types of beans.
Blend in the red peppers, green peppers, onion and garlic.
Whisk together in a small mixing bowl the lemon juice, oil and vinegar.
Whisk in the cumin and pepper and blend well.
Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and stir to coat well.
Chill covered for at least 60 minutes before serving.

Makes 16 servings

Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes
Total Time: approximately 15 minutes

This is healthy, tasty, refreshing and colorful salad for your Christmas buffet.
Dry beans may be used but will need to be soaked in cold water overnight and then cooked per the package directions.

Filed Under: Christmas, Dinner Ideas, Recipe Cards, Side Dishes, Soups and Salads Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Caramel Topped Christmas Pie

December 5, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment
christmaspie

christmaspieWhat You Need:

1 1/3 C + 2 T of flour, divided
8 T + 2 t of sugar, divided
1/4 t of salt
1/2 C of cold butter, broken up
4 T + 1 t of cold water
1/4 t of vanilla extract
3 C of tart apples, peeled and chopped
6 T of sugar
1/2 t cinnamon
4 T caramel ice cream topping, warm

How to Make It:

In a mixing bowl put 1 1/3 C of flour, 2 TBSP of sugar and the salt.
With a pastry blender cut in the butter until crumbly.
Gradually add the cold water and vanilla while tossing with a fork.
Mix until it all forms soft dough.
From the dough into a ball and chill covered for 30 minutes.
The oven is set to preheat at 400 degrees F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the chilled dough in a circle on a lightly floured flat surface.
Lay the rolled dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
In a mixing bowl toss together the apples, 6 TBSP of sugar and remaining flour.
The apple mixture is spread in the middle of the dough leaving 2 inches at the edge.
Fold up the edges of the dough over the filling leaving the center uncovered.
Whisk together the remaining sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle it over the open filling.
Bake in the preheated oven 25 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Just before serving drizzle with the caramel topping.

Makes 12 servings

Preparation Time: approximately 20 minutes
Chilling Time: approximately 30 minutes
Baking Time: approximately 25 minutes
Total Time: approximately 1 hour 05 minutes plus cooling

Filed Under: Christmas, Desserts, Recipe Cards Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Tips for Creating Delectable Christmas Goodies

December 5, 2009 By The Recipe Mom 2 Comments
cuttingchristmasfudge

cuttingchristmasfudgeChristmas is a time for enjoying many things such as family, good cheer and of course those Christmas sweets. Having that chocolate fudge, candy and Christmas cookies at the top of the list is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. Here are a few tips that will help you to create delectable Christmas goodies to die for.

Butter vs. Margarine

Butter doesn’t normally top our list of healthy ways to eat. At Christmas butter is a must when it comes to making those tasty little treats. There is no substitute for using regular butter in those recipes. Substitutes can be used but it will not give you the consistency or taste most are used too. To balance it out eat a little less of each goody. Just remember to at least take a small taste of them all.

Butter is much creamier than margarine because it contains no water like margarine. The water in margarine evaporates during the baking process leaving breads, cakes and cookies a little dry. To soften butter lay it out on the counter and allow it come to room temperature. This makes it much easier to work with.

Using Chocolate

Many believe that working with chocolate is a cause for disaster. If you keep a close eye on your chocolate it’s not as difficult as one might thing. When melting chocolate use moderation. Keep the heat on low when melting chocolate on the stove and remember to stir stir stir. When melting chocolate in the microwave heat it a short intervals and stir after each heating time. Stirring often helps the chocolate to melt keeping heating time down and less chance of the chocolate burning.

There is a healthy side to chocolate. Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and it tastes great. Dark chocolate can be used for decorating also. Those little curls and ribbons of dark chocolate on top of that cream pie are a sight to behold. Melted dark chocolate is also great for piping decorations onto cakes and cookies.

The Fruit of the Goodies

Fruit pies, cobbles and blintzes are all a part of those delectable holiday goodies. Fresh fruit can be rather expensive at this time of year since most are out of season. Frozen fruit will work just as well and it’s about as close to fresh fruit as anyone can get.

If you store fruit in the refrigerator be sure to let it come to room temperature before using it in those recipes. Room temperature fruit will have more juice than cold fruit. To remove fruit skins scald it. This will help to keep your fruit intact and save you time.

There are just a few ideas for creating those delectable Christmas goodies. Remember not to skimp on the flavor and be sure to enjoy every last morsel.

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Yuletide Layered Salad

December 4, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment
layeredsalad

layeredsaladWhat You Need:

1 C of mayonnaise
1/4 C of milk
2 t dill weed
1/2 t seasoning blend
1 bunch of romaine lettuce, torn
2 carrots, grated
1 C red onion, chopped
1 cucumber, sliced thin
1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen sweet peas, thawed
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cheddar cheese, shredded
8 strips of bacon cook and crumbled

How to Make It:

In a bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, dill weed and seasoning blend.
Place the covered bowl in the refrigerator until ready to serve the salad.
Spread the torn lettuce into the bottom of clear bowl.
Scatter the carrots over the lettuce.
Scatter the onions over the carrots then lay the cucumbers over the onions.
Pour the chilled dressing over the vegetables resisting the urge to stir.
Scatter the peas over the cucumbers.
Spread the cheese over the peas and sprinkle the bacon over the top.

Makes 16 servings

This salad layered salad will look perfect on your Christmas buffet and it’s so simple to prepare. The dressing can be made the day before to give the flavors time to blend together.

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Crunchy Yuletide Dessert

December 3, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment
yuletidedessert

yuletidedessertWhat You Need:

1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling
1 (18 1/4 oz.) pkg. yellow cake mix
1/2 C butter, melted
1/3 C of walnuts, chopped

How to Make It:

In a 1 1/2 qt crock pot put the pie filling.
Combine the cake mix and butter in a small bow and mix until crumbly.
Crumble the mixture over the pie filling.
Spread the walnuts evenly over the top of the crumb mixture.
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 3 hours.

Makes 12 servings

Preparation Time: approximately 5 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 3 hours
Total Time: approximately 3 hours 5 minutes

This is a quick and simple dessert to serve with your Christmas dinner. You may use any type of pie filling. Use pecans instead of the walnuts for a little different taste.

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Children and the Christmas Cooking Craze

December 3, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment
santa

santaIt’s a know fact that most of our holiday time is spent in the kitchen. Often it’s at the expense of spending time with our families. This year why not invite Dad and yes the children into the kitchen to help with all the fun and joy of making those holiday treats.

Believe it or not kids love to cook. It gives them a chance to be a part of a family tradition. Start them out small and let them work up to the turkey and ham. Everyone will have a blast and the kids will feel as if they have helped to put on the feast of a lifetime.

The first step to allowing children in the kitchen is to teach them cleanliness. Teach them how to properly wash their hands and keep plenty of paper towels available. Aprons will also help in protecting clothing. They will love the idea of wearing that Christmas apron while creating their own masterpiece.

The best place to start is with the baking. Biscuits are always a favorite. They can make a mess and not get into trouble. Walk them through it step by step with easy to understand directions.

When it comes to baking most of the work is away from the hot stove or oven. Set them up at the table or at the counter if they can reach. You can be preheating the oven or working at the stove while they prepare batters or dough.

Let the children help you in gathering up the bowls, utensils and ingredients necessary for the recipe. Walk through each step of the process and then let them have it. They will love the freedom it allows them. Just stay close in case they have questions or need assistance.

Children can help with just about anything that goes in the oven. Cookies, cakes, rolls, casseroles and other baked foods are a great place to start your children in their culinary experience.

Let the children help with preparing the meat for your holiday dinner. More than likely they won’t be ready to carry it to oven or check on it as it bakes but they can help to make glaze, add seasonings and sprinkle in nuts and marshmallows on those sweet potatoes.

Your kids will get the hang of baking and stove top cooking with a little assistance. The holidays are a relaxing and jovial time to let your kids begin cooking with you. Teach them the basics of hygiene, preparation and creating so they will want to cook all of the time.

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