Chocolate Chip Cookies from Lion House Bakery

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups butter
• 1 ¾ cups brown sugar
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 5 ½ Tbsp. Water
• 1 ½ tsp. vanilla
• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp. salt
• 1 ½ tsp. baking soda
• 3 cups chocolate chips

Method:

Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper or parchment paper; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add eggs, water and vanilla and mix until creamy. Mix together the flour salt and soda; add to the butter mixture. Mix well. Gently fold in chocolate chips (semi sweet or milk), mixing only until ships are evenly distributed. (Over mixing results in broken chips and discolored dough.) Drop by teaspoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden around the edges. Makes 5-6 dozen 3 1/2 - inch cookies.

Chewy Pretzel Bites

Chewy Pretzel Bites

from melskitchencafe.com

*Note: if using active dry yeast, increase the yeast to 1 tablespoon. Proof the yeast in the warm water and sugar (let it bubble and foam - maybe about 5 minutes) before adding it to the flour and salt.

*Makes about 2 dozen pretzel bites

Dough:

2 1/2 cups (10 1/2 ounces) all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

1 cup (8 ounces) very warm water

Topping:

1/2 cup (4 ounces) warm water

2 tablespoons baking soda

Coarse salt (optional)

3 tablespoons butter, melted

In a large bowl or the bowl of an electric mixer, place the flour, salt, sugar and yeast. Mix to just combine. Add the water and mix well, adding more flour, as needed, a bit at a time to form a soft, smooth dough that clears the sides and bottom of the bowl. Knead the dough, by hand or machine, for about 5 minutes, until it is soft, smooth and quite slack. The goal is to get a really soft dough that isn't overly sticky. Lightly flour the dough and place it in a plastic bag; close the bag, leaving room for the dough to expand, and let it rest for 30 minutes or up to 60 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 500°F. Don’t be afraid of the high heat! This is what will help those pretzels to brown up perfectly and stay soft on the inside. Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or lightly greasing them.

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased work surface, and divide it into about four strips of equal length. Allow the pieces to rest, uncovered, for 5 minutes. While the dough is resting, combine the 1/2 cup warm water and the baking soda in a liquid measuring cup (deep enough to dip the pretzel bites into). Make sure the baking soda is thoroughly dissolved. Sometimes I have a hard time getting the baking soda completely dissolved, so I just lightly stir up the mixture right before adding each pretzel.

Cut each strip of dough into about 6-8 pieces, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in width. You don’t have to be completely exact, just eyeball it. Dip each pretzel bite in the baking soda solution (this will give the pretzels a nice, golden-brown color), and place them on the baking sheets. Sprinkle them lightly with coarse, kosher, or pretzel salt. Allow them to rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Bake the pretzels for 7-8 minutes or until they're golden brown. Bake one sheet at a time - it won't hurt the other pretzels to chill out for a little longer.

Remove the pretzels from the oven, and brush them thoroughly with the melted butter. Keep brushing the butter on until you've used it all up; it may seem like a lot, but that's what gives these pretzels their ethereal taste. Eat the pretzels warm, or reheat them in an oven or microwave on low heat.

Crockpot Hearty Beef Stew

Hearty Beef Stew {Slow Cooker}
Printable Version with Picture
Printable Version

*Note: this stew recipe has a few steps that I am going to strongly encourage following – even if it makes you roll your eyes to have to go to the work/mess of browning meat before adding it to the slow cooker. I get it, I do! But let me emphasize that there is a reason this stew has more flavor and deliciousness than any other slow cooker stew I’ve had – and I believe it is because of the few minutes you have to spend at the beginning browning up the meat, onions and quickly bringing the sauce to a simmer. Browing = flavor. Now, if you absolutely refuse to do it…don’t worry, I’ll still like you. Go ahead – throw it all in – but don’t tell me before you do or else I’ll spend the day cringing. Also, unless you can find prepackaged stew meat in large pieces, it pays to buy a whole chuck roast and cut it up yourself, plus if you look for chuck roast on sale, it will probably save you a penny or two!

*Serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS:
5 pounds boneless chuck roast, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or beef broth
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 bay leaves
1 pound carrots, peeled, and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 pound red potatoes, washed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons Minute tapioca
2 cups frozen peas

DIRECTIONS:
After the meat has been cut into chunks, pat it dry with a paper towel and season all the pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat until the oil is rippling and hot. Cook half of the beef until it is well browned on each side, about 4 minutes. No need to cook it all the way through – just get some great brown color all around. Toss the meat in the slow cooker and follow the same process with the second half of the meat (you may need to add another tablespoon of oil to the pan if it looks a little dry). Remove the meat to the slow cooker, trying to keep as much oil in the pan as possible.

Return the skillet to medium heat and add the onions and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook until the onions are translucent and golden, about 6 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the broth, soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon thyme and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil and transfer it to the slow cooker, pouring it over the meat.

In a large bowl, toss the carrots, potatoes, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. On the counter, lay out a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil (use two sheets of regular foil on top of each other if you don’t have heavy-duty). Place the tossed vegetables on one side of the foil. Fold the foil over the vegetables and crimp the edges really well to form a little foil packet that will fit in the top of your slow cooker. Stir the tapioca into the slow cooker. Place the foil packet of vegetables on top of the stew, cover the slow cooker, and cook on high for 6-7 hours or low for 10-11 hours.

When the stew is finished cooking, carefully remove the foil packet from the top of the stew. Discard the bay leaves from the stew. Carefully open the foil packet (be careful of steam that may escape as you open it!). Return the vegetables and any juices to the slow cooker and gently mix them into the stew. Stir in the frozen peas and let them rest in the stew for 5-10 minutes, until they are heated through. Serve.

Peanutty Cream Bars

Peanutty Cream Bars

Whipping cream and peanut butter chips are the secrets in this fabulous bar cookie.

Prep Time

15

Minutes

Total Time

2:35

Hrs:Mins

Makes

25

bars

1 1/4

cups Original Bisquick® mix

1/2

cup powdered sugar

1/4

cup cold butter or margarine

1

tablespoon hot water

3/4

cup whipping cream

1

bag (10 oz) peanut butter chips (1 2/3 cups)

1/2

cup dry-roasted peanuts

1. Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, mix Bisquick mix and powdered sugar. Cut in butter, using pastry blender or fork, until mixture is crumbly. Stir in hot water. In ungreased 8-inch or 9-inch square pan, press mixture firmly on bottom.
2. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until set and golden brown around edges.
3. In 1-quart saucepan, heat whipping cream and peanut butter chips over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Pour over baked crust; spread evenly. Sprinkle with peanuts. Refrigerate at least 2 hours until set. For 25 bars, cut into 5 rows by 5 rows.

Makes 25 bars

Nutty Noel Bars

Nutty Noel Bars

Original Bisquick® mix provides a simple addition to these nutty bars – a delicious dessert made in 35 minutes!

Prep Time

15

Minutes

Total Time

35

Minutes

Makes

32

bars

1 1/2

cups Original Bisquick® mix

1

cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats

3/4

cup packed brown sugar

1/3

cup butter or margarine, softened

1

egg

1 1/4

cups white baking chips

2

tablespoons whipping (heavy) cream

1 1/2

cups mixed nuts or cashews

1. Heat oven to 350º. Lightly grease bottom only of rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches, with shortening or spray bottom with cooking spray.
2. Stir Bisquick mix, oats, brown sugar, butter and egg in large bowl until well blended. Press on bottom of pan. Bake 16 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Place white baking chips and whipping cream in small microwavable bowl. Microwave uncovered on Medium-High (70%) 1 minute; stir. Microwave 10 to 15 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Spread over baked layer. Sprinkle with nuts; press gently into topping. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 4 rows.

Makes 32 bars

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Stroganoff, once only weekend special can now be served weeknights thanks to slow cooking.

Prep Time

15

Minutes

Total Time

8:15

Hrs:Mins

Makes

8

servings

2

pounds beef stew meat

1

cup chopped onion

1

can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed golden mushroom soup

1

can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of onion soup

1

jar (6 ounces) Green Giant® sliced mushrooms, drained

1/4

teaspoon pepper

1

package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed

1

container (8 ounces) sour cream

6

cups hot cooked noodles or rice

1. In 3 1/2- to 4 1/2-quart slow cooker, mix beef, onion, soups, mushrooms and pepper.
2. Cover and cook on low heat setting 8 to 10 hours or until beef is very tender.
3. Stir cream cheese into beef mixture until melted. Stir sour cream into beef mixture. Serve over noodles.

Makes 8 servings

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker^® Kitchens

Time Saver

Save time and tears. Use prechopped onions found in the freezer case of your supermarket. Thaw before adding.

Fluffy & Flaky Biscuits

Fluffy & Flaky Biscuits

• 2 c. flour
• 1 T. baking powder
• 1/2 t. baking soda
• 1/2 t. salt
• 1/2 c. butter, frozen
• 1/2 – 1 c. milk

1. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.

2. Quickly grate the frozen butter on a cheese grater.

3. Cut the frozen butter into the flour mixture. You can use two knives to cut in the flour, but I always find my hands are the best tools for this job. It gets done quickly and effectively with little effort.

4. Pour in the milk, starting with just a half cup and adding more as needed until the dough comes together. You want the dough to be soft, but not too soft to handle.

5. Pour the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead for just a minute.

6. Roll the dough into a rectangle. Fold it on top of itself to make 3 or 4 layers. Roll out again and fold into thirds or fourths. Repeat at least one or two more times.

7. For the final rolling of the dough, leave it about an inch thick. Cut out biscuits with a biscuit cutter or glass.

8. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden brown on top. Fold remaining dough back together and roll out again. Repeat process until done.

You should get about 8 – 10 biscuits out of this recipe, depending on how big you make them. They rise nice and high and be full of fluffy, flaky layers. It just doesn’t get any better!

Mozzarella Sticks

Added by Ree on May 25, 2010 in Appetizers, Snacks

Prep Time 30 Minutes Cook Time 2 Minutes

Servings 8

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

• 16 pieces String Cheese, Removed From Wrappers
• ½ cups All-purpose Flour
• 2 whole Eggs
• 3 Tablespoons Milk
• 1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley Flakes
• Canola Oil, For Frying
• Marinara Sauce, For Dipping
• 2 cups Panko Bread Crumbs

Preparation Instructions

Slice string cheese pieces in half, for a total of 32 pieces.

Place flour in a small bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk.

In another separate bowl, combine panko bread crumbs with parsley flakes.

TO ASSEMBLE: One by one, roll mozzarella sticks in flour, then dunk in egg/milk mixture, then place in panko crumbs. Use your hand to sweep crumbs all over the mozzarella stick. Gently remove and place on a tray or cookie sheet. Repeat until all mozzarella sticks are coated.

***Place tray in freezer for 20 to 30 minutes to flash freeze.***

TO COOK: Heat 1 1/2 inches canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add mozzarella sticks 8 at a time. Watch closely and turn over to evenly brown, cooking less than 2 minutes. Do not allow cheese to bubble and leak.

Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.

2

Mozzarella Sticks

Added by Ree on May 25, 2010 in Appetizers, Snacks

Prep Time 30 Minutes Cook Time 2 Minutes

Servings 8

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

• 16 pieces String Cheese, Removed From Wrappers
• ½ cups All-purpose Flour
• 2 whole Eggs
• 3 Tablespoons Milk
• 1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley Flakes
• Canola Oil, For Frying
• Marinara Sauce, For Dipping
• 2 cups Panko Bread Crumbs

Preparation Instructions

Slice string cheese pieces in half, for a total of 32 pieces.

Place flour in a small bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk.

In another separate bowl, combine panko bread crumbs with parsley flakes.

TO ASSEMBLE: One by one, roll mozzarella sticks in flour, then dunk in egg/milk mixture, then place in panko crumbs. Use your hand to sweep crumbs all over the mozzarella stick. Gently remove and place on a tray or cookie sheet. Repeat until all mozzarella sticks are coated.

***Place tray in freezer for 20 to 30 minutes to flash freeze.***

TO COOK: Heat 1 1/2 inches canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add mozzarella sticks 8 at a time. Watch closely and turn over to evenly brown, cooking less than 2 minutes. Do not allow cheese to bubble and leak.

Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.

3

Mozzarella Sticks

Added by Ree on May 25, 2010 in Appetizers, Snacks

Prep Time 30 Minutes Cook Time 2 Minutes

Servings 8

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

• 16 pieces String Cheese, Removed From Wrappers
• ½ cups All-purpose Flour
• 2 whole Eggs
• 3 Tablespoons Milk
• 1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley Flakes
• Canola Oil, For Frying
• Marinara Sauce, For Dipping
• 2 cups Panko Bread Crumbs

Preparation Instructions

Slice string cheese pieces in half, for a total of 32 pieces.

Place flour in a small bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk.

In another separate bowl, combine panko bread crumbs with parsley flakes.

TO ASSEMBLE: One by one, roll mozzarella sticks in flour, then dunk in egg/milk mixture, then place in panko crumbs. Use your hand to sweep crumbs all over the mozzarella stick. Gently remove and place on a tray or cookie sheet. Repeat until all mozzarella sticks are coated.

***Place tray in freezer for 20 to 30 minutes to flash freeze.***

TO COOK: Heat 1 1/2 inches canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add mozzarella sticks 8 at a time. Watch closely and turn over to evenly brown, cooking less than 2 minutes. Do not allow cheese to bubble and leak.

Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.

Chessy Mexi Bubble Bake

INGREDIENTS:

1

container (18 oz) refrigerated taco sauce with seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken

1

can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury® Grands!® Homestyle refrigerated buttermilk biscuits or 1 can (17.3 oz) Pillsbury® Grands!® refrigerated golden corn biscuits

1

cup shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend (4 oz)

1/2

cup Old El Paso® Thick 'n Chunky salsa

Shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, sliced ripe olives and/or green onions, if desired

Hide Directions

DIRECTIONS:

• Heat oven to 375°F. Microwave ground beef as directed on container. Spoon into ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish.
• Separate dough into 8 biscuits. Cut each into 8 pieces; add to ground beef in dish. With rubber spatula, stir gently until pieces are coated; spread evenly.
• Bake about 20 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and biscuits are golden brown. Sprinkle cheese over top; bake 5 to 10 minutes longer or until cheese is bubbly. Top individual servings with salsa and desired toppings.

No-Bake Chocolate-Peanut Butter Candy Bars

No-Bake Chocolate-Peanut Butter Candy Bars

24

creme-filled chocolate sandwich cookies

4

cups miniature marshmallows

1/4

cup butter or margarine

1

cup semisweet chocolate chips (6 oz)

1

can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)

1

bag (10 oz) peanut butter chips (1 2/3 cups)

1/4

cup creamy peanut butter

1

cup coarsely chopped honey-roasted peanuts

4

Nature Valley® peanut butter crunchy granola bars (2 pouches from 8.9-oz box), crushed

1

teaspoon vegetable oil

1. Line bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with foil, leaving foil hanging over 2 opposite sides of pan. In food processor bowl with metal blade, place cookies. Cover; process until cookies are finely chopped.
2. In 2-quart saucepan, cook marshmallows and butter over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted. Stir in chopped cookies and 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips until well mixed. Press in bottom of baking dish.
3. In medium microwavable bowl, microwave milk and peanut butter chips uncovered on High 30 seconds. Stir; microwave 30 to 60 seconds longer, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth and creamy. Stir in peanut butter until smooth. Stir in peanuts and crushed granola bars. Spread over chocolate layer. If peanut butter mixture starts to set, microwave uncovered on High 15 to 30 seconds or until warm and spreadable.
4. In small microwavable bowl, microwave remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips and the oil uncovered on High 30 to 45 seconds or until chips are melted and can be stirred smooth. Drizzle chocolate diagonally over peanut butter layer. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until set. To cut bars, remove from pan, using foil to lift. Cut into 8 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in cool place.

Makes 32 bars

Make-Ahead Butterhorns

(makes 32 rolls)

• 2 Tablespoons dry yeast, heaping
• 1/3 cup warm water (110-115 degrees)
• 9 cups flour, divided (you can use any mixture of white or whole-wheat flour you’d like)
• 2 cups warm milk (110-115 degrees)
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar (we substituted sucanat)
• 6 eggs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3-4 Tablespoons butter, melted

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add 4 cups flour, milk, butter, sugar, eggs and salt. Beat 2 minutes or until smooth.

Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto floured board and knead lightly. (Or, knead in mixer until sides of bowl are clean, then knead two more minutes.)

Place in a greased bowl, turning dough once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (1-3 hours).

Punch dough down and divide into four equal parts. Roll each part into a 12-inch circle and brush with melted butter.

Cut each circle into 8 pie-shaped wedges.

Roll up each wedge for wide edge to tip of dough and pinch to seal. Place rolls, top down, on baking sheets and freeze. When frozen, place in freezer bags and keep frozen until needed.

To bake: Take out as many frozen rolls as you’ll need and place them on a greased baking sheet. Thaw for five hours or until doubled in size. Bake at 375 degrees until lightly browned (about 8-10 minutes). Brush with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. Remove and serve immediately or cool on wire racks.

Cheesy Potato Bites

Cheesy Potato Bites

1 1/2 lb. potatoes, peeled and quartered (you can use any kind of potato. I had yukon golds on hand, so that’s what I used.)
4 T. butter or margarine
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 c. flour
1 egg, beaten
1 t. salt
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. black pepper
1 c. breadcrumbs

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot filled with cold water. Bring to a boil and boil until potatoes are fork tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, just to absorb any liquid still left on the potatoes.

2. Add the butter or margarine to the pot and mash with the potatoes. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a large mixing bowl.

3. Add the cheese, flour, egg and seasonings to the mixing bowl. Stir to combine well.

4. Using 1-2 tablespoons of potato mixture at a time, roll into a ball. Roll the balls into the breadcrumbs until covered completely and place on a baking sheet. Repeat until done.

5. Drizzle the potato bites with some melted butter or spritz with baking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, until golden brown and lightly crunchy.

This recipe should make about 3 dozen potato bites, depending on the size.

To freeze the potato bites, flash freeze on a large dish or baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a plastic freezer bag.

Popcorn S'Mores

Ingredients

• 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 10 cups freshly popped popcorn, cooled (do not use air-popped popcorn, as the kernels are too delicate for the hot syrup)
• 1 (10 1/2-ounce) package mini marshmallows
• 2 cups mini graham cookies (we used Teddy Grahams)
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Combine the brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup in a medium saucepan and cook over high heat for 5 minutes (this mixture gets very hot). Remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda.

2. Combine the popcorn and the marshmallows in a large metal or heat-resistant glass bowl (not plastic; the heat could damage it). Drizzle the sugar mixture over the popcorn, then gently stir in the graham cracker cookies and chocolate chips.

3. Let the mixture set until cool enough to handle, then using buttered plastic sandwich bags on your hands, form the mixture into golf-ball-sized balls. Store in an airtight container. Makes about 30.

Make Your Own Febreeze

1/8 Cup of Your Favorite Fabric Softener
2 Tablespoons Baking Soda
Hot Tap Water - To Fill a 32 oz. bottle to the Top

Shake it up in your Spray Bottle and you're ready to go and fight those Stinky Odors!

Carrot Bars

Carrot Bars

Mix:

4 eggs, beaten

1 ½ c. oil

2 c. sugar

13 oz. pureed baby food carrots (use 4 small plastic containers of the Level 2 baby food)

Add:

2 ½ c. flour

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

Bake on a greased jelly roll pan at 350 for 30 minutes.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

3 ½ c. powdered sugar

½ c. butter, softened

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

½ tsp. vanilla

Cheese Ball

Cheese Ball
2 – 8oz Cream Cheese (softened)
1 – Small Jar Dried Beef (chopped) – I usually get the Armour brand 2.25 oz jar.
1 – Small bunch Green Onions (chopped)
1-2 tsp Soy Sauce
Chopped Walnuts

Mix beef, onion, and soy sauce in a bowl. Work in cream cheese until well blended. Refrigerate overnight. Form into a ball and roll in walnuts. Serve with crackers.

**You can chop the beef and onions any size you prefer. I usually run them in the food processor until they are chopped fine. Soy sauce is to taste. This cheese ball makes several appearances around Christmas because of its yummy taste, but also because the red and green specks of the beef and onion in the white cream cheese just looks festive

Bacon Cheddar Pinwheels

INGREDIENTS:

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet

2 tablespoons ranch dressing

1/4 cup cooked real bacon pieces or 4 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled

1/2 cup finely shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz)

1/4 cup chopped green onions (4 medium)

DIRECTIONS:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; separate into 2 long rectangles. Press each into 12x4-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; cut lengthwise into 2 long rectangles. Press each into 12x4-inch rectangle.
• Spread dressing over each rectangle to edges. Sprinkle each with bacon, Cheddar cheese and onions.
• Starting with one short side, roll up each rectangle; press edge to seal. With serrated knife, cut each roll into 8 slices; place cut side down on ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake 12 to 17 minutes or until edges are deep golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm.

Chef John's Baked Jalapeño Popper Dip

Ingredients
1/2 cup seeded and finely chopped fresh jalapeño peppers (about 4 medium)
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup mayonnaise
1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chili peppers, drained
1/2 cup (2 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (2 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
25 Keebler® Club® Original crackers , crushed to 1 cup
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted


Directions

1. In small skillet cook jalapeño peppers in oil over medium-high heat about 1 minute or until softened. Set aside.

2. In food processor bowl combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, green chili peppers, cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Cover and process until smooth. Transfer to bowl. Stir in jalapeño peppers. Spoon into shallow 2-quart casserole or 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.

3. In small bowl stir together the crushed 25 KEEBLER CLUB Original crackers, Parmesan cheese and butter. Sprinkle over cheese mixture. Bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with additional crackers.dkitchen.com).

Crockpot Sugared Almonds

cooking spray

1 1/2 cups sugar (try not to freak out on me)

3 tablespoons cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

1 egg white

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 1/4 cups whole raw almonds (that's what was in the packages I bought; it's a weird measurement)

aluminum foil or parchment paper

The Directions.

Use a 4-quart slow cooker. Spray the stoneware well with cooking spray. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set this bowl aside.

In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the egg white and vanilla extract. Pour the almonds into this bowl and stir well to coat. Add your cinnamon mixture to the top of the nuts and toss with spoons to fully coat (too many nuts to do the plastic bag toss---you'd have to do batches).

Put the almonds into the slow cooker and cover. Cook on high for 2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes or so to keep the almonds on the side of the crock from getting too crispy.

When the nuts are all hot and toasty, let them cool fully on a length of foil or parchment paper. When fully cool, store in an air-tight container.

Holiday Morning Buns

from King Arthur Flour blog

3 1/2 cups (14 3/4 ounces) all-purpose Flour + 1/2 cup (2 1/4 ounces) cornstarch
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons (7/8 ounce) sugar
2 to 2 1/4 cups heavy cream

Coating
7 tablespoons butter, melted, OR 2 5/8 ounces milk
Cinnamon and sugar for rolling (I just mixed my own together)

Lightly grease a 9″ x 13″ pan, line with parchment, and grease the parchment. Parchment isn’t absolutely necessary, but it makes it easier to get the bubbly, sugary buns out of the pan once they’re baked.

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add 2 cups of the cream all at once, then toss and stir the mixture till the dough comes together. If necessary, add additional cream to make the dough cohesive. Gather the dough in your hands and knead it a few times to make sure there are no dry spots.

Place the cinnamon sugar in a small, shallow bowl or pan; or in a plastic zip-top bag. Break off pieces of dough about the size of a ping pong ball, or about 1 1/8 ounces. Dip each piece in melted butter or milk, then roll or shake in the cinnamon-sugar to coat. Place the cinnamon-coated dough balls into the pan of your choice in a single layer; they’ll be touching one another, which is just fine.

Cover the pan with plastic, and place in the freezer overnight, or for up to a week or so. If freezing longer than overnight wrap the entire pan in plastic wrap, then in foil. Next day, remove the pan from the freezer, and let the buns rest at room temperature while you preheat your oven to 350°F. The buns don’t need to thaw.

If you’re baking the buns immediately (not frozen), bake them for 45 to 50 minutes, till the buns in the center are cooked through. You can asses this by taking a toothpick and actually digging into the center bun to take a look; it should look totally baked, not doughy. If the buns have been frozen, bake them for 65 to 70 minutes, testing for doneness as instructed above. Tent them with aluminum foil after 45 minutes of baking. (I actually forgot the “tenting” step and the buns didn’t get burned – phew!)

Remove from the oven, and serve immediately. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired, right before serving.

Slow Cooker Green Chile-Chicken Enchilada Casserole

2	cans (4.5 oz each) Old El Paso® chopped green chiles
1	can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1	can (10 oz) Old El Paso® green enchilada sauce or other green chile enchilada sauce
1/4	cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
12	corn tortillas (6 inch), cut into 3/4-inch strips
3	cups shredded cooked chicken
1	can (15 oz) Progresso® black beans, drained, rinsed
2	cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (8 oz)
2	large tomatoes, chopped (about 2 cups)
2	cups chopped lettuce
1/2	cup sour cream

1. Spray 3- to 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In cooker, spread 1 can of the green chiles. In medium bowl, mix remaining can of green chiles, the soup, enchilada sauce and mayonnaise.
2. Arrange 1/3 of the tortilla strips over chiles in cooker. Top with 1 cup of the chicken, 1/2 cup of the beans, 1/2 cup of the cheese and 1 cup of the enchilada sauce mixture, spreading to edges of cooker to completely cover tortilla strips. Repeat layers twice, reserving last 1/2 cup of cheese.
3. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 6 to 7 hours.
4. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Cover; cook about 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Serve with tomatoes, lettuce and sour cream.

Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 quart Whole Milk
• 1 cup Vegetable Oil
• 1 cup Sugar
• 2 packages Active Dry Yeast
• 8 cups (Plus 1 Cup Extra, Separated) All-purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon (heaping) Baking Powder
• 1 teaspoon (scant) Baking Soda
• 1 Tablespoon (heaping) Salt
• Plenty Of Melted Butter
• 2 cups Sugar
• Generous Sprinkling Of Cinnamon
• _____
• MAPLE FROSTING:
• 1 bag Powdered Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Maple Flavoring
• ½ cups Milk
• ¼ cups Melted Butter
• ¼ cups Brewed Coffee
• ⅛ teaspoons Salt

Preparation Instructions

Mix the milk, vegetable oil and sugar in a pan. Scald the mixture (heat until just before the boiling point). Turn off heat and leave to cool 45 minutes to 1 hour. When the mixture is lukewarm to warm, but NOT hot, sprinkle in both packages of Active Dry Yeast. Let this sit for a minute. Then add 8 cups of all-purpose flour. Stir mixture together. Cover and let rise for at least an hour.

After rising for at least an hour, add 1 more cup of flour, the baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir mixture together. (At this point, you could cover the dough and put it in the fridge until you need it – overnight or even a day or two, if necessary. Just keep your eye on it and if it starts to overflow out of the pan, just punch it down).

When ready to prepare rolls: Sprinkle rolling surface generously with flour. Take half the dough and form a rough rectangle. Then roll the dough thin, maintaining a general rectangular shape. Drizzle 1/2 to 1 cup melted butter over the dough. Now sprinkle 1 cup of sugar over the butter followed by a generous sprinkling of cinnamon.

Now, starting at the opposite end, begin rolling the dough in a neat line toward you. Keep the roll relatively tight as you go. Next, pinch the seam of the roll to seal it.

Spread 1 tablespoon of melted butter in a seven inch round foil cake or pie pan. Then begin cutting the rolls approximately ¾ to 1 inch thick and laying them in the buttered pans.

Repeat this process with the other half of the dough. Let the rolls rise for 20 to 30 minutes, then bake at 400 degrees (see note below) until light golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes.

For the frosting, mix together all ingredients listed and stir well until smooth. It should be thick but pourable. Taste and adjust as needed. Generously drizzle over the warm rolls. Go crazy and don’t skimp on the frosting.

Note: My rolls don’t work for me at 400 degrees anymore. I now bake them at 375 degrees.

Angel Sugar Cookies

Prep Time: 10 Minutes | Cook Time: 11 Minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 18

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Ingredients

• 2 whole Large Eggs
• 1 cup Canola Oil
• 2 sticks Butter, Softened
• 1 cup Sugar, Plus Extra For Sprinkling
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 4 cups Plus 2 Tablespoons, All-purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon Cream Of Tartar

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together eggs, oil, butter, sugars, and vanilla.

Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate dough one hour.

Using a cookie scoop, drop balls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

Smear a dab of butter all over the bottom of a glass, then dip the glass in granulated sugar. Use the glass to flatten each ball of dough, dipping again into the sugar each time. Repeat until all are flattened.

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until cookies are just barely turning brown. Don’t overbrown!

Allow to cool before eating. Cookies are ultra crumbly!