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Butterscotch Potato Candy Drops

October 7, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment
potato-sticks

potato-sticksWhat You Need:

1 (11 oz.) pkg. butterscotch chips
2 T of creamy peanut butter
1 (12 oz.) jar dry roasted peanuts
1 (4 oz.) can potato sticks

How to Make It:

Place the chips and peanut butter into a saucepan over low heat.
Heat the mixture 5 minutes stirring constantly or until very smooth.
Take the pan from the stove and stir in the peanuts until well coated.
Carefully stir in the potato sticks and coat them well.
On a pan lined with wax paper drop the mixture by teaspoonfuls.
Chill the candy drops until firm.

These make great goodies to give to trick or treaters. They will come back again and again for these sweet salty drops. You may use semisweet chocolate chips if you prefer instead of the butterscotch and the peanuts are optional.

Makes 5 dozen drops

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Filed Under: Candy, Halloween, Kid Friendly, Recipe Cards, Recipes, Side Dishes, Snacks, Soups and Salads Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Vanilla Chocolate Cookie Pops

October 6, 2009 By The Recipe Mom 2 Comments
chocoltevanilla

chocoltevanillaWhat You Need:

1 (12 oz.) pkg. vanilla baking chips
2 T solid shortening, divided
Orange food coloring
1 (16 oz.) pkg. cream filled chocolate cookies
32 Popsicle sticks
1 (6 oz.) pkg. semisweet chocolate chips

How to Make It:

In a microwave safe bowl put the vanilla baking chips and 1 Tbsp of shortening.
Microwave on high for 1 minute and then stir until smooth.
If the chips aren’t melted enough microwave for 30 seconds longer then stir until smooth.
Stir in the orange food coloring until the desired color is reached.
Carefully remove the tops of each cookie.
Each Popsicle stick is dipped in the melted chip mixture and placed on the bottom half of each cookie.
Put the tops back on the cookie and place them on a sheet of waxed paper.
Put the cookie in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
If the chip mixture has hardened reheat in microwave 15 seconds.
Each cookie pop is dipped into the melted chocolate allowing any excess to drip back in the bowl.
Put the cookies back on the wax paper and put back in the freezer for 30 minutes or until set.
In another microwave safe bowl put the chocolate chips and the remaining shortening.
Put in microwave on high 1 minute then stir until smooth.
Drizzle the chocolate mixture over each of the cookie pops.

Kids love these lollipops because they are different from the normal lollipops. The lollipops can be individually wrapped and given to each trick or treaters or given as a party favor.

Makes 32 cookie pops

Filed Under: Cakes and Cookies, Halloween, Kid Friendly, Recipe Cards, Recipes, Snacks Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Making Halloween Cookie Claws

October 6, 2009 By The Recipe Mom 3 Comments
kidwitch

witchmoonChildren of all ages will enjoy these cookies on Halloween. They add a spooky touch to your party table, trick or treat bags or after school Halloween snacks. They are not only fun to scare your little goblins but they are easy and fun to make.

There are a few tips in making these cookies fun all the way around. The egg wash can be omitted if you prefer. The reason for the egg wash is to give the cookies an old washed out look. It doesn’t change the taste but it may help in solidifying the almond into the fingertip.

This recipe does not tell you that you can slip a few slivers of almond into the cookie to give you the exposed bone effect. You can also add a few line of red gel decorating icing along the cookie to resemble blood or veins. These should be added after the cookie has been baked.

Be sure to roll these cookies very thin. It will help when the cookies spread out in the oven. If the cookies look as if they need to be reshaped during the baking process just remove them from the oven 5 minutes before they have finished baking. Carefully use your fingers to reshape the cookie into the finger shaped form.

Here is what you need to make your Halloween claws: 2 T of red food coloring; 30 almond slices; 2 large eggs; 1/4 t of vanilla extract; 1/2 C of butter at room temperature; 1/2 C of confectioners’ sugar; 5 T of regular sugar; a pinch of salt; 1 2/3 C of flour; 2 drops of almond extract

To make these scary cookies preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Place the red food coloring into a shallow bowl and add the almond slivers being sure they are covered with the food coloring. Set the bowl aside until the almonds have reached a bright red color. Remove the almond slivers to paper towel to dry.

Break one of the eggs into a separate bowl. Separate the second egg and add the egg yolk to the first egg. Place the egg white into a separate bowl and set aside. Whisk the whole egg and egg yolk together until well combined. Whisk in the vanilla.

Place the butter into another bowl. Add both types of sugar to the butter. Using an electric mixer on medium speed beat the butter mixture until blended together well. Add the whisked egg mixture and the almond extract and beat 2 minutes or until smooth. Dump in the flour. On low speed beat with the electric mixture just until the flour is moist. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes or until firm.

Remove the dough from the plastic wrap and divide into two parts. Re wrap one section and return to the refrigerator. Lightly flour a smooth work surface and place the remaining dough on the floured surface and separate the dough into fifteen strips. Roll each strip of dough between lightly floured palms to from a finger. Pinch the dough about 1/4 of an inch down to from a knuckle. Place the finger dough onto the prepared cookie sheet. Continue until all the strips are formed then repeat with the reserved chilled dough.

Lightly brush each finger with the egg white. Press the red almond slivers into the fingers to form a fingernail. Bake 12 minutes or until a light brown. Cool on wire racks.

Filed Under: Cakes and Cookies, Halloween, Kid Friendly, Recipe Cards, Recipes, Snacks Tagged With: , , , , ,

Colorful Cookie Scarecrows

October 4, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment
scarecrowdoll

scarecrowdoll What You Need:

1 (18 oz.) pkg. refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1 C of flaked coconut
Yellow, orange, red and blue food coloring
18 gum drop fruit slices
1 C of powdered sugar, divided
1 T of milk, divided
Mini chocolate chips

How to Make It:

Roll out the cookie dough on a flat, lightly floured surface.
Cut out 18 gingerbread men.
Bake the gingerbread men according to the direction on the cookie dough package.
Cool the cookies to room temperature on a wire rack.
In a small bowl put the coconut and add enough yellow food coloring to tint the color of straw.
Place the gum drops on a lightly sugared surface and roll each one out flat.
Cut a hat shape from each of the rolled gum drops.
Split the powered sugar between 3 mixing bowls.
In each of the separate bowls put 2 or 3 drops of the orange, red and blue food coloring.
Divide the milk between each bowl and stir in to form a paste, add more milk if necessary to get the desired consistency.
On the cooled cookies frost the heads, hand and feet with the orange frosting.
The tinted coconut or straw is pressed in the frosting on the head, hands and feet.
The blue and red frostings are used to make the scarecrows shirts.
The hat is put on the scarecrows head by using a little orange frosting on the back of the hat and pressing it onto the scarecrows head.
Down the front of the scarecrow put 2 to 3 chocolate chips for the buttons.

Scarecrows are very popular around Halloween. You might want to make a double batch of these cookies as they won’t last long. You can make the shirts any color you like just by using different food coloring.

Makes 18 cookies

Filed Under: Cakes and Cookies, Halloween, Kid Friendly, Recipe Cards, Recipes, Snacks Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Give Meals a Halloween Twist

October 1, 2009 By The Recipe Mom 1 Comment
pumpkinseeds

pumpkinseedsHalloween is a fun and exciting time for everyone. Kids anticipate dressing up, treats and being scared. It is as much fun for many parents as it is for the kids. Enjoying Halloween all day long can be one way of keeping those ghosts and goblins excited up to the last minute. Here are few ideas that you can incorporate into your Halloween meals, snacks, treats and parties to keep the excitement fresh all day.

Start them out on their Halloween adventure with a spooky morning breakfast. Toast can be transformed into ghosts by toasting the bread then using a gingerbread cookie cutter to cut the bread into ghosts. Smoother the bread with whipped cream cheese or plain yogurt and add raisins for the eyes.

Pumpkin oranges are another great breakfast idea. Use a toothpick or small sharp knife and carve a jack o lantern face into the outside of the orange. Be careful not to go to deep that you pierce the orange meat.

Lunch can also be transformed both at home and in the lunchbox. Goblin tongues can be the perfect tough. Use mini bagels and lightly spread them with mayonnaise. Cut slices of bologna into the shape of tongue and place on the bagel so they hang slightly over the edge of the bagel.

How about a worm sandwich? Slice hotdogs into several thin slices. Place them in the microwave and heat on high for a minute or so or until the hot dogs begin to curl slightly. Place them on a bun with ketchup to make them slimy.

You can also make ghost sandwiches. Add the filing to white bread then use a gingerbread cookie cutter to cut out the sandwich ghost. Remove the crust for the perfect ghost.

Don’t forget dinner? Transform devilled eggs into scary eyeballs by adding red food coloring to your egg yolks. Place a slice of black olive in the center for the pupil and you have some great blood shot eyes.

Having Italian for your Halloween dinner? Why not add Salty Bones to the meal. Use refrigerated breadstick dough and roll each triangle into a long skinny bone shape. Sprinkle with salt and bake as directed on the package.

Let’s not forget those snacks. Spider snacks can be a fun snack. Spread one round cracker with a dollop of peanut butter. Press stick pretzels into the peanut butter for the legs. Add raisins or small candy pieces for the eyes.

Graveyard snacks are also exciting. Use a cup of popped popcorn. Stir in the mini pretzels, marshmallows, chocolate chips and raisins to finish off the treat.

There are numerous ideas out there that will help in transforming any meal into a Halloween adventure. Cook up something spooky and don’t forget the BOO!

Filed Under: Breakfast Foods, Dinner Ideas, Halloween, Kid Friendly, Lunch Ideas, Recipe Cards, Today's Kitchen Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Trick or Treat Ideas Don’t Always Include Candy

September 24, 2009 By The Recipe Mom 2 Comments
crackers

crackersCandy always seems to be at the top of the list when it comes to those treats we give to our scary visitors on Halloween. There are many alternatives to giving out candy. Here are few ideas on some special treats that won’t hurt the teeth, give anyone a tummy ache or make a parent cringe when there little ones come home after a fun filled night of trick or treating.

The Dollar stores may be the place to visit when choosing those special treats. During the year each time you visit one of these stores pick up crayons, coloring books or reading books. These are inexpensive and can be educational as well.

Small games such as jacks, card games, flash cards or even a jump rope will put a smile on any trick or treaters face. These treats will be fun and will last much longer than candy.

How about some coupon books? These coupon books can be found at places like McDonald’s and are pretty inexpensive to purchase. What child doesn’t like to get those chicken nuggets from McDonald’s? Not only are you giving out treats that are not full of sugar and preservatives but by purchasing these coupon books online you can earn college rewards for your own children.

Check with your local dentist and see if you can purchase sample toothpaste and toothbrushes. The kids may not be thrilled with this idea but if you include sugarless candy or gum they might just think it’s one of the best treats they received all night.

If you really want to give out edible snacks why not try one of the low calorie individual packs that many stores now have. These snacks are low in calories and in sugar content. Cookies, crackers and even chocolate covered pretzels are available in these along with many other tasty choices.

Another nutritious snack is individual packages of nuts or trail mixes. Microwave popcorn is another idea. You can find snack sizes, different flavors and no salt popcorn. Watch that you don’t purchase the heavily buttered flavors which can be less nutritious and contain a lot of salt.

Cheese and cracker snacks are also a great alternative to candy. There are many different varieties such as cheese and peanut butter crackers, breadsticks and cheese, cheese on cheese crackers or dunkers. These are inexpensive and children love them.

These are just a few ideas that can help you to change the routine. It doesn’t have to be candy that puts a smile on that goblins face and parents face as well.

Filed Under: Halloween, Kid Friendly, Snacks, Today's Kitchen Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Celebrate July Fourth at a Park

July 7, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment
parktablewater

parktablewaterOn the 4th of July, in small town, USA, there really isn’t much to do! But some of the neighboring towns have some great firework shows and some all day activities that are great for the family to partake in.

Our nearby town has an art show, and face painting for the kids, and they usually have local bands or barbershop quartets at the bandstand that everyone wants to hear. So planning snacks can be a challenge. There are usually food vendors available but snacks and drinks and one meal can be packed from home. All you need to do is pre-plan.

Make sure to pack foods and drinks that are easy to use and get to. Snack foods and munchies can be packed in individual bags for handing out at any time. Drinks can be stored in a cooler along with some of the snacks that don’t require a lot of refrigeration but might be better kept at a cooler temperature.

The trick to packing a cooler is to remember to place your drinks on the bottom then pour ice on top then add your snacks on top. One cooler is usually enough since there are drinks and snacks also available at the park.

Packing snacks can be easy and healthy at the same time! Fruits like apples, grapes and even dried fruit are great choices! Add some nuts, maybe some dried cereal and you have created your own special trail mix. This is a treat that young and old will enjoy. Add some pudding snacks on top of the ice or some cheese cubes or slices and some crackers and another healthy snack is available at any time.

For drinking, try packing small bottles of water and the flavored packets they make now that you can add to it. Gatorade in small bottles is another great choice or even juice boxes in various flavors. This should satisfy even the most discriminating tastes.
Don’t forget the lawn chairs and the blankets! Even in July, sometimes the nights get a bit chilly and a light blanket is always appreciated. Besides, if you don’t use it to cover up with, you can always lay down on it to watch the fireworks overhead!

To clean up with, use the new hand sanitizers or baby wipes that are available in travel sizes. They don’t take up much space but can remove the sticky from anyone’s hands.

These are just some simple ideas for a great day at the park…do what seems to work for your family. Remember be safe and have a great Independence Day celebration.

Filed Under: July Fourth, Today's Kitchen Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Independence Day and Healthy Snacks

July 2, 2009 By The Recipe Mom Leave a Comment
flagpinwheel

flagpinwheelWhat do you think of when someone mentions the 4th of July? Lots of food, maybe the beach, and then fireworks at the park! With all that traveling and kids on the loose, snacks are a must-have for the day.

There are some great snack foods that can be packed at a moment’s notice for all ages of kids. Preschoolers and teens alike are always “starving” so get the zippered baggies out and fill them with a favorite assortment of goodies! Make sure that they are easy to tote, most of the following ideas are easily portable and healthy too.

Fruit is a great idea for the day. Raisins, grapes, apple slices or any dried fruit like bananas or pineapple can be put in individual bags and sealed for use at any time during the day or night. Nuts like peanuts, almonds, or walnuts or a mixture is also a great treat for the kiddies. Or be really creative and mix the fruits and nuts together to make your own trail mix!

Crackers are also a great choice and there is such a variety to choose from. Try the crackers shaped like goldfish or animal crackers for the little ones and there are wheat crackers, peanut butter filled crackers and graham crackers for everyone. The next time you are at the store, grab some fruit snacks, granola and/or cereal bars and pudding packs. Not only are these healthy but they are already pre-packaged for travel and convenience. Simply stick in a bag and go. Health food on the run and for fun!

The next thing to think about is something to drink! Kids are always “dying of thirst” and you want to make this as simple as possible. These days it is easier to pack healthy drinks for the family and much more convenient than it used to be. There are now all sorts of juice boxes at the local market. There is apple juice, grape juice, and tropical punch flavors to choose from. Mix and match and the kids will love you forever.

Gatorade now comes in smaller travel size bottles for easy packing and toting. Again, the flavors are not to be believed! If you prefer, you can always buy small bottles of water and for those who don’t like just water, there are now flavor packets like kool-aid that can be added to flavor it!

As you can see, snacks and drinks are now built for travel and convenience. What a great country we live in! So celebrate America’s birthday in style and have a safe 4th!

Filed Under: July Fourth, Today's Kitchen Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Cool Kids Need Cool Snacks

May 26, 2009 By The Recipe Mom 3 Comments
littleboyeatingoutside

littleboyeatingoutsideThere’s nothing worse than kids that get bored, hungry and hot in the summertime. When kids become bored, hungry and hot they are hard to satisfy. Do you often hear “but I don’t like THAT mom” or other complaints when you offer them a quick snack? Looking for some healthy, delicious, “cool” treats to satisfy kids of all ages? Then look no further! Here are some treats the kids will love and ask for over and over. You will love them too because they are easy to make, delicious and healthy.

Fruit Pizza:

• 1 pkg. refrigerated sugar cookie dough mix
• 1-8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups assorted fruits, sliced

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees Celsius). Roll the cookie dough into a ball and place in the center of a pizza pan. Spread the dough evenly onto pizza pan, into a 12 inch circle. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Mix the sugar and cream cheese together and spread over the crust. Layer the fruit over the sauce. Sprinkle the lemon juice over the fruit to help keep it from turning brown. Refrigerate. Slice into 12 pizza wedges and serve. Refrigerate any leftovers. This is also a great treat to serve at a birthday party. Kids and adults love it!

Fruit Juice Spritzer

Kids like soda, but it’s not the best drink for them especially when they are hot. A fruit juice spritzer will fit the bill when it comes to replacing that soda intake. It’s refreshing, cool and tasty. It has the added benefit of fruit juice so you can count is as a fruit serving for the day. Use 100% Juicy Juice because it is 100% all natural juice. The kids will love it. This sprizer is a cool, easy to serve beverage made of ingredients you probably already have.

To make this spritzer, fill a glass with ice. Add the juice to fill the glass half full. Fill the rest of the glass with 7UP or Sprite. It’s better than a full glass of soda and the kids get the fruit serving they need. You can vary the amounts of course; a little more juice or a little less, depending on your taste. Just remember not to defeat the purpose of cutting down on the soda.

For an added treat you could blend the juice with some ice in the blender and make a slushy drink. Just fill the glass with the mixture and pour the soda over the icy juice.

Homemade Juice or Kool-Aid Popsicles

Homemade Popsicles are a kid’s delight. They have the enjoyment of helping to make them along with the fun of eating them. These are handy to have around when the kids are looking for a quick cool down snack.

To make these little wonders you will need a pitcher of juice or Kool-Aid. When using juice be sure to mix it with 5 parts water to 1 part juice. Pour the juice or Kool-Aid into freezer Popsicle molds. Ice cube trays may also be used. When using ice cube trays place them in freezer and allow them to freeze slightly. Insert the Popsicle stick into the middle of the frozen ice cube and continue freezing until solid.

Ice Cream Candy Float

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream is a sure thing when you have kids and its summertime. What better summertime treats can be found than a delicious ice cream float

Use the kid’s favorite ice cream. Place two scoops in a tall glass. Break up candy bar into pieces and place in glass with the ice cream. Fill with root beer or cola.

Yogurt and Fruit Pops

Kids love grabbing something quick and cool to take outside on a hot summer day. Best of all they like sharing these special treats with their friends. These little pops are easy to make, quick to grab and are a healthy alternative to the summer time cool off snack.

To make these pops you will need Popsicle molds with sticks, a container of fruit yogurt and sliced fruit.

Fill the molds with the yogurt. Insert the stick into the mold. Place the sliced fruit on top of the yogurt. Place them in the freezer until they are very firm. To remove the pop just place the mold in warm water.

These snacks are easy, cool and healthy all wrapped up in one. Keeping kids happy during the long summer months doesn’t have to be looked at as a chore. In reality it’s an adventure. Give your kids the snacks that will keep them happy while maintaining your own cool as well.

Filed Under: Recipes, Summer Cooking, Today's Kitchen Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
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