For the LOVE! German Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

HAPPY HEART DAY!!!  It would be a crime to break with a tradition: Chocolate on Valentines Day.  German Chocolate cake is my hubby's favorite, so of course these cookies caught my eye.  Unfortunately, this one is going down as a "mishap".  I thought the icing was quite tasty, but a lot of work to make, so if I did it again (which I probably won't) I would definitely just buy some pre-made icing.  PLUS these little babies did not hold together right.  Is there any thing more exasperating than seeing a picture off a recipe and not recognizing it your own "version"?  Theirs were all flat and mine just stayed in little crumbly balls--actually making a "thumbprint" was a joke because they just fell apart.  I don't know what I did wrong, but I finally added a little bit of milk and they stayed together pretty well.  They did, however, taste pretty good... which in my opinion is #1 priority.  (This is second to "labor involved" and this one was high labor.  Don't be deceived by "cake mix".  I have a hard time when you have to refrigerate cookie dough and all that--but I'll have you know that I didn't skip that step.) So consider carefully before before proceeding... it might just be a better idea to buy a candy bar or a box of chocolates. :)  I'm just saying.  But here it is anyway.

German Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies (Taste of Home)

1 cup sugar

1 cup evaporated milk

1/2 cup butter, cubed

3 egg yolks

1-1/2 cups flaked coconut

1-1/2 cups chopped pecans

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 package (18-1/4 ounces) German chocolate cake mix

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup butter, melted

In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, milk, butter and egg yolks. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until mixture is thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat. Stir in the coconut, pecans and vanilla. Set aside 1-1/4 cups for topping.

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, flour, melted butter and remaining coconut mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Shape dough into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make an indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill each cookie with a teaspoonful of reserved topping.

Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until set. Let stand for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 5 dozen.

Nutritional Facts1 cookie equals 113 calories, 6 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 18 mg cholesterol, 93 mg sodium, 13 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 1 g protein.

Spiced Asian Pears with Sweetened Ricotta

Where has ricotta cheese been all my life?  I feel like I've been living (or at least eating) in a closet!  I'm in love!  Here I thought it was only good for a hearty lasagna, but just a tiny bit a sugar is all it needs and it is THE BEST TREAT ever! (Pretty high in protein and can be low in fat too.)  Something about the texture--I think it goes back to that a fore mentioned love I have of all thing soft, sweet, and mushy, and it fits into that category. Then, kick it up a notch with this little concoction I came up with, and dare I say this is my new favorite dessert? Yes.  I dare. :)

*Lyd's Tip:  Just thought I would mention that this is a great way to use up old apples- it breathes new life into them.  No one but you will know that they were getting a bit old and wrinkly. :)  You should know that I used some Asian pears I picked up at the end of the farmer's market in October- but don't panic- I am about 2 months behind on this post.  They weren't that far gone. :)  However, they did sit on my counter for a VERY long time, haunting me.  If only I had known that this was what they were trying to tell me they wanted to be, it would have happened a lot sooner.

Spiced Asian Pears with Sweetened Ricotta (By Lyd)

Ricotta Mixture:

2 cups ricotta cheese

2 T sugar (more or less to taste)

Tiny drop of Almond or vanilla extract

Pear Mixture:

About 3-4 Asian Pears, peeled and thinly sliced (*Please note that APPLES WORK GREAT, don't feel like you have to be so exotic... I just happened to have some Asian pears as I was experimenting and I love the crunchy texture- I dislike the bitter, woody peel though.  If you do apples, you could probably just leave the peel on- I would anyway.)

1-2 T butter

1-2 T sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/8 tsp cloves

1 tsp lemon juice

Stir together ricotta mixture ingredients until incorporated; set aside.  In a large frying/sauce pan heat butter on medium heat.  When butter is melted, put in Asian pears.  Stir frequently, mixing in sugar and spices. Add lemon juice and continue heating until pears are cooked, but still maintain some crispness. (About 10 minutes, stirring frequently.  Add a little water or reduce heat if cooking too quickly.  You can also "put a Lyd on it" if you want it too cook faster. (I love slipping that in there. :)

Yeast Dispenser

I love little things that just make life easier. I came across this post on Jennifer's Craft Patch site (which is awesome by the way) and made my life simpler in seconds. I buy the bigger packages of yeast, and store them in my fridge in a glass jar, but this makes pouring it a lot easier, so I thought I would pass on the idea- just cut out the top of an old salt container and trace it to fit the jar. Happy baking!

Chocolate Snowballs

A couple weeks ago, we got almost two feet of snow in one day.  It was wonderful!  I love snow days!  They closed school and all the kids spend the day building forts and snowmen.  It was that wet kind of snow, perfect for making snowballs... chocolate covered snowballs, that is. :)  This was a fun recipe I tried.  They were tasty, but a little dry--and too time consuming to be a "regular" around here.  I think there might be better versions out there, but I thought it was a fun concept, and it makes for a fun "snow day!"

Chocolate Snowballs (From Christmas at Home: Delicious Desserts)

1 1/4 cups butter

2/3 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups chopped pecans

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar for decoration

In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla. Sift together the flour, salt, and cocoa; stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in the pecans until well blended. Cover, and chill for at least 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Roll chilled dough into 1 inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 20 minutes in preheated oven. Roll in confectioners' sugar when cooled.

Banana Chocolate Chip Crumble Cake

Mom pulled out these delicious loaves during a holiday game night, and we were all in heaven.  This is a simple recipe with big results.  Great consistency and the sweet streusel topping is better than "the icing on the cake."  You'll love these loaves for sure!

Banana Chocolate Chip Crumble Cake (or bread)
(From Momma Kaye and Marilyn Wasden)
1 cube butter
1 cup mashed bananas (about two)
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup sour milk (mom uses sour cream, and I imagine buttermilk would do the trick.)

Topping:
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup chocolate chips
*Mix and pour over uncooked batter.

*Combine eggs, bananas, sugar, and vanilla.  Mix dry ingredients separately and combine with wet mixture.  Add sour cream and mix.  Pour into 9x13 baking pan (mom uses loaf pans and I think you slightly increase baking time), sprinkle with topping, and bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until cooked through.

Scallops Provencal

Confession:  For a long time, I kind of thought scallops were shallots... I just had them confused, and here they are together in one recipe.  I know, that really shoots my credibility as a food blogger, but I'm learning. :)  All that aside, I was delighted to find out what scallops really are... which is quite delicious!  Such an interesting texture and a more mild "fish" taste compared to other ocean life.  It doesn't need much either-- that's why I thought this was a pretty good recipe, because it didn't require too much fuss.  Quite delicious.

Scallops Provencal  (foodnetwork.com)

1 pound fresh bay or sea scallops
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
All-purpose flour, for dredging
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup chopped shallots (2 large)
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/3 cup dry white wine
1 lemon, cut in 1/2

If you're using bay scallops, keep them whole. If you're using sea scallops, cut each 1 in half horizontally. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, toss with flour, and shake off the excess.
In a very large saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the butter over high heat until sizzling and add the scallops in 1 layer. Lower the heat to medium and allow the scallops to brown lightly on 1 side without moving them, then turn and brown lightly on the other side. This should take 3 to 4 minutes, total. Melt the rest of the butter in the pan with the scallops, then add the shallots, garlic, and parsley and saute for 2 more minutes, tossing the seasonings with the scallops. Add the wine, cook for 1 minute, and taste for seasoning. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Though eggs and I don't always get along, I find it hard to resist a hearty slice of quiche.  I've got a few quiche recipes stashed away in here, but why not try a new one?  I find I can usually count on Betty to deliver, and she definitely did on the filling part- delish, however I would not recommend this crust recipe.  I have tried it before and it hasn't turned out well both times, so this time I finally got smart and left a note in the margin to leave this darn crust recipe alone. :)  But forgive the crust and love the filling... like I did.  Mmmmm.

Quiche Lorraine (Betty Crocker)

Pastry

1

cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

1/4

teaspoon salt

1/3

cup plus 1 tablespoon shortening

2

to 3 tablespoons cold water

Filling

8

slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled (1/2 cup)

1

cup shredded Swiss cheese (4 oz)

1/3

cup finely chopped onion

4

large eggs

2

cups whipping cream or half-and-half

1/4

teaspoon salt

1/4

teaspoon pepper

1/8

teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)

1. In medium bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in shortening, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until particles are size of small peas. Sprinkle with cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with fork until all flour is moistened and pastry almost cleans side of bowl (1 to 2 teaspoons more water can be added if necessary).
2. Gather pastry into a ball. Shape into flattened round on lightly floured surface. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate about 45 minutes or until dough is firm and cold, yet pliable. This allows the shortening to become slightly firm, which helps make the baked pastry more flaky. If refrigerated longer, let pastry soften slightly before rolling.
3. Heat oven to 425°F. With floured rolling pin, roll pastry into round 2 inches larger than upside-down 9-inch quiche dish or glass pie plate. Fold pastry into fourths; place in quiche dish. Unfold and ease into dish, pressing firmly against bottom and side. Trim overhanging edge of pastry 1 inch from rim of pie plate. Fold and roll pastry under, even with plate; flute as desired.
4. Carefully line pastry with a double thickness of foil, gently pressing foil to bottom and side of pastry. Let foil extend over edge to prevent excessive browning. Bake 10 minutes. Carefully remove foil and bake 2 to 4 minutes longer or until pastry just begins to brown and has become set. If crust bubbles, gently push bubbles down with back of spoon.
5. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Sprinkle bacon, cheese and onion in pie crust. In medium bowl, beat eggs slightly; beat in remaining filling ingredients. Pour into quiche dish.
6. Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 6 servings

Potato Sausage Casserole

I'm back after a bit of silence.  Hope you had a nice holiday-- good luck beating my dream Disneyland vacation!  Not to brag- but it was AWESOME! And hope you are ready for some yummy things to come this year.  This certainly doesn't seem like the "light" way to kick off the new year, but lets just start with delicious and go from there, shall we?  This was a delicious casserole that wasn't as time consuming as I thought it would be.  This one is kind of a "Man Food" recipe.  Doug loved it. :)  Need I say more?

Potato Sausage Casserole (Taste of Home)

Ingredients

• 1 pound bulk pork sausage
• 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups sliced peeled potatoes
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• Minced fresh parsley, optional

Directions

• In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer
• pink; drain and set aside. Combine the soup, milk, onion, salt and
• pepper.
• In a greased 2-qt. baking dish, layer half of the potatoes, soup
• mixture and sausage. Repeat layers.
• Cover and bake at 350° for 60-65 minutes or until potatoes are
• tender. Sprinkle with cheese; bake, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes or
• until the cheese is melted. Garnish with parsley if desired. Yield:
• 6 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 cup) equals 430 calories, 29 g fat (15 g saturated fat), 77 mg cholesterol, 1,130 mg sodium,

Italian Love Cake

"All we need is love, love. Love is all you need." Couldn't we ALL use a little extra Love... Cake. :) I was looking for a yummy cake and this rich creamy, chocolaty cake was a big winner! *I have to say I was quite surprised because you pour the white ricotta mixture over the top of the chocolate cake mixture and you open the oven and it's gone. It just kind of gently sinks to the bottom. It's kind of magic. I felt like I was part of the magic somehow... maybe just because I got a nice big slice. Yep, that was it. :) Oh- and I baked it.

Italian Love Cake (allrecipes.com)

• 1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
• 2 pints part-skim ricotta cheese
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 eggs
• 1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions

1. Prepare cake mix as directed on box. Pour batter into 9 x 13 x 2 inch greased baking dish. Set aside.
2. Combine ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Blend well. Spread mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 75 minutes if using a glass baking dish, 90 minutes if using a metal pan.
4. Blend pudding mix and milk until thickened. Blend in whipped topping. Spread over cooled cake.

Stuffed Acorn Squash

It can't truly be autumn without some stuffed squash, right?! This was a yummy quick recipe that turned out lovely. I even sped thing up a bit by microwaving the squash to soften it up a bit.

Stuffed Squash (Kathy's Pumpkin Patch)

1 medium acorn or 2 sweet dumpling squash 1 tablespoon butter, melted 2 tablespoons brown sugar ¼ teaspoon salt, divided 1/8 teaspoon pepper ½ pound ground beef 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ¾ cup milk 1 cup Stove Top Stuffing ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese Cut squash in half; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down in an 11 in. x 7 in. x 2 in. baking pan; add ½ inch hot water. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Drain water from pan; turn squash cut side up. Brush with butter; sprinkle with brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Bake 30-40 minutes longer or until squash is tender. Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook the beef over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in flour and remaining salt. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in stuffing mix. Spoon into squash halves. Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Yield: 2 servings if acorn (sweet dumpling squash will stuff 4)

Ultimate Twice Baked Potatoes

Who doesn't love a twice baked potato? It takes a little extra tender loving care and a lot of extra creamy stuff :) but in the end, it's all worth it, right?! This one pleased the whole family... and how could it not? We're kind of Idaho people.... it's in our blood. (But even for those of you not "Idaho born and bred", I think you'll love it. :)


Ultimate Twice Baked Potatoes (allrecipes.com)
4 large baking potatoes
8 slices bacon
1 cup sour cream (I did my plain yogurt substitution of 50/50 and it eased my concience. :)
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
8 green onions, sliced, divided

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bake potatoes in preheated oven for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
When potatoes are done allow them to cool for 10 minutes. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh into a large bowl; save skins. To the potato flesh add sour cream, milk, butter, salt, pepper, 1/2 cup cheese and 1/2 the green onions. Mix with a hand mixer until well blended and creamy. Spoon the mixture into the potato skins. Top each with remaining cheese, green onions and bacon.
Bake for another 15 minutes.

Crescent Cristo Sandwich Loaf

This layered masterpiece is not only amazingly delicious, but it is packed with happy memories for me... every bite sends me into a fit of nostalgia. :)

When I was a young soon-to-be bride, and my soon-to-be hubby and I were needing some time together, my sweet new sister-in-law Chelsea offered to make us a picnic. I don't know why it just touches my heart to think of it even now- she spent all day putting together a special meal for us in the cute new picnic basket she had just received from her wedding and probably never used. She made us these heavenly sandwiches, and we could taste the love. :) I can remember how she carefully wrapped each one on foil so it would stay warm. It was one of our best dates and it made me love Chelsea- she has always been an amazing example of silent service and compassion. I think she gives up a lot for herself, and makes sure things are "just perfect" for others. She's just that kind of person- the kind that strengthens marriages. I'm lucky to have such a sweet sister!

Well, I couldn't help but think of her as I prepared these a few weeks ago for a little picnic date. Our schedules are busy, but we were able to meet for a picnic lunch on campus, and it was a fun walk down memory lane. BUT- my memories aside, you should try this one--delicious. The taste has stuck with me for over seven years and I finally just got around to recreating it. :) It's about time!!!

Crescent Cristo Sandwich Loaf (Pillsbury.com)

Loaf

2 cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 2 cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations™ flaky dough sheet

2 tablespoons LAND O LAKES® Butter, melted

2 tablespoons honey

6 oz thinly sliced smoked cooked turkey breast

6 oz medium sliced muenster cheese

6 oz thinly sliced cooked ham

1/3 to 1/2 cup SMUCKER'S® Red Raspberry Preserves

Topping

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon sesame seed

Heat oven to 375°F. Separate or cut dough into 4 long rectangles. Place rectangles crosswise on 1 large or 2 small ungreased cookie sheets (rectangles should not touch); if using crescent dough, firmly press perforations to seal. In small bowl, mix butter and 2 tablespoons honey. Brush over dough.

Bake 8 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown; cool 15 minutes.

Grease 15x10x1-inch pan. Carefully place 1 crust on pan. Top evenly with turkey. Place second crust over turkey; top with cheese and ham. Place third crust over ham; spread evenly with preserves. Top with fourth crust; brush top with 2 tablespoons honey. Sprinkle honey with sesame seed.

Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until crust is deep golden brown and loaf is hot. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut into 8 slices.

We Make A Good Pear...

I guess I am too lazy to put up step by step instructions with picture tutorials; however, I'm not to lazy to put up the fruit. That's got to count for something, right? I bottled up 3 boxes of pears from the farmers market a couple weeks ago- a lot of peeling. Gave me some good time to ponder life's questions... in-between interruptions with little kiddos. Here is a link to the site I used. Happy canning!

Cornmeal-Wheat Pancakes

I love pancakes! I never get tired of trying out a new recipe. I do get tired of mixing them up in the morning though. This took a little more work, but it was worth it. Made a great batch of pancakes with a nice texture from the cornmeal. I passed on the honeybutter for the homemade plum syrup I recently made. Delish! :)

Cornmeal-Wheat Pancakes (Taste of Home)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
1-1/2 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup canola oil

HONEY BUTTER:
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Combine the eggs, buttermilk and oil; add to dry ingredients just until moistened.
Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a greased hot griddle; turn when bubbles form on top. Cook until the second side is golden brown.
In a small bowl, combine the butter, honey and cinnamon. Serve with pancakes. Yield: 12 pancakes (1/2 cup honey butter).

Baked Cinnamon Chips

Am I on a cinnamon kick or what? :) This is a good thing. I promise.

So every once in a while, I accidentally skip over a gem- thank goodness I occasionally go back through. "Eureka!" This is a yummy one that my little sis made this summer. Can you tell those are sweet garden fresh strawberries- so cruel to post that now... mouths watering until next spring! Please forgive. :) Anyway, she said they were pretty simple to make and I can attest to them being a fabulous treat! They didn't last long. Thanks Pete!

Bake Cinnamon Chips (Our Best Bites)

Flour Tortillas (I like the little 6″ ones)
Melted Butter
Cinnamon Sugar

Preheat oven to 350.

Lightly brush one side of each tortilla with melted butter. You could use cooking spray instead of butter, buy why would you ever want to do that? Life Lesson from Sara: If ever given a chance to choose between butter or cooking spray, butter wins. Always.

Then sprinkle on some cinnamon sugar. A little or a lot. Since we’re doing life lessons today, here’s another: If ever faced with the decision to go with a little sugar or a lot of sugar, a lot wins. Always.

Use a pizza cutter to cut those tortillas into wedges. Last life lesson of the day: If you don’t own a pizza cutter go buy one. You will use it for all sorts of things you never knew you needed a pizza cutter for.

Place them on an ungreased baking sheet (sugar side up, incase you are visually impared and can’t tell by the picture) and bake them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll see them crisp up. Watch for the edges to turn up.

Remove from oven and let cool. I usually place them on a cooling rack so I can fill up the pan with more, but they can just cool on the pan as well.

Iced Cinnamon Chip Cookies

Happy Halloween! I wish you could come over to our house for some of my "Prize Winning Chili" and homemade donuts and rootbeer! But these yummy little cookies might make you feel better if you have other plans. :) They are good with or without the frosting. Happy Halloween!

Iced Cinnamon Chip Cookies (Taste of Home)

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 package (10 ounces) cinnamon baking chips (I actually used butterscotch chips and it was yummy.)
• 
  ICING:
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Fold in cinnamon chips.

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.

In a small bowl, combine icing ingredients; beat on high speed for 1-2 minutes or until fluffy. Spread over cooled cookies. Yield: about 3-1/2 dozen.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 158 calories, 8 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 23 mg cholesterol, 148 mg sodium, 20 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 2 g protein.