Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

 

 What You Will Need:

1 12 oz. bag of cranberries

1 cup of sugar (a little less for a more tart taste)

1 cup of water

1 cup of sugar

1 chopped apple (optional)

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 In a sauce pan, dissolve water into sugar and bring to a boil.

 

 Next, add cranberries and chopped apple and return to a boil.

 

 Let simmer for 10 minutes

Finally, cover and let cool to room temperature.

The cranberry sauce will thicken as it stands.

 

 

The finished product will look like this:

 

 

 Enjoy!



Super Easy, Delicious Monkey Bread

Super Easy, Delicious Monkey Bread

25 Minutes Prep Time

1 Hour, 5 Minutes Total Time

 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp. Cinnamon

2 cans "Grands" biscuits

1/2 cup walnuts (if desired)

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

 

Step One:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 12-cup fluted tube pan with shortening or cooking spray.

In a large, plastic food bag mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.

 

Step Two:

Open and separate dough into 16 biscuits. Then cut each biscuit into four pieces. Shake in bag to coat with the sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Add walnuts, if desired.

 

Step Three:

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and butter. Arrange biscuit pieces in the tube pan, then pour sugar and butter mixture over the biscuits.

 

Step Four:

Bake 28-32 minutes or until golden brown and no longer doughy in center.  Cool in pan 10 minutes. Turn upside down onto a serving plate. Pull apart to serve. Serve warm and enjoy!



Grape Salad

Grape Salad


You Will Need:
2 lbs . red seedless grapes
2 lbs. green grapes
1 (8 oz.) of cream cheese (room temperature)
1 (8 oz.) container of sour cream
1 Tbs. vanilla flavoring
1/2 cup granulated sugar


Topping:
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup of sliced almonds
1/2 cup pecans (chopped)
3 Tbs. butter


Mix together cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla, and sugar.
Once you have this combined, add grapes, mix well, then put into refrigerator.


Now it's time to assemble the topping:


Heat oven 250 degrees.


Melt the butter then add brown sugar, almonds, and pecans and mix well.


Spread mixture onto a cookie sheet and place in oven for 30 minutes.


Once nut mixture has cooled, spread onto the top of the grape mixture.


Chill and serve.


Enjoy!

** I apologize for not having a photo with this post. My computer was acting crazy. I will try to update with a photo soon.

Easy, Delicious, Made-From-Scratch Banana Bread

Kelly's Famous Made-From-Scratch Banana Bread

 

I was recently given the nickname "Kelly-Deli" because of my love for baking, so I decided to live up to my name! Here's my famous banana bread. It's a super easy recipe!

 

 

 

What you will need:

 

2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1tsp. baking powder

3 or 4 very ripe bananas (the riper, the better!)

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. Vanilla

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. Cinnamon

 

Here's What To Do:

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

In a large bowl, cream together eggs and sugar

Stir in mashed bananas, vanilla, oil, and cinnamon.

Stir in flour mixture, one third at a time, until just combined.

Divide batter into two 9x5 (greased) loaf pans.

Bake for one hour or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.

Allow to cool on cooling rack before cutting...if your family can wait!! My banana bread usually just barely makes it out of the oven before we are cutting into it!

Hope You Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Made From Scratch Zucchini Bread

Zucchini Bread

 

 

Ingredients:

 

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons baking soda

3 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs, beaten

1/3 cup water

2 cups grated zucchini

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans OR raisins (optional)

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, nutmeg, baking soda, cinnamon, and sugar.

 

In a separate bowl, combine oil, eggs, water, zucchini, and lemon juice.

 

Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients, add nuts or raisins and fold in. (If you chose to add nuts or raisins)

 

Divide batter into two standard size loaf pans, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

 

ENJOY!

 

 



Peanut Butter Delights

Peanut Butter Delights

 

 

Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups quick oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter

2 tsp. Vanilla

1 stick butter

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup milk

4 tbsp. cocoa

 

 

Here's What You Do:

 

Measure oatmeal and peanut butter in a bowl and set aside.

Put butter in pot and melt

Add sugar, mil, and cocoa and boil for approx. 1 1/2 minutes

Remove from heat and quickly add oatmeal, peanut butter, and vanilla.

Stir until mixed.

Pour into buttered pan.

Let cool and cut into squares.

 

Enjoy! 

Fresh Made From Scratch Apple Cake With Homemade Caramel Frosting

Fresh Made From Scratch Apple Cake With Homemade Caramel Frosting:

 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

2 cups sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 1/2 cups flour

1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

3 cups finely chopped or shredded apples (I used a cheese grater and it worked very well)

 

Frosting:

1/2 cup butter (or 1 stick)

1 cup brown sugar

3 to 5 teaspoons milk

1 box (about 4 cups) confectioners' sugar

 

Directions:

Measure vegetable oil into a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, vanilla,and eggs.

Beat on low til creamy.

Sift flour and measure. Sift again and add salt, soda, and baking powder.

Add a small amount of the flour mixture at a time into the creamed mixture.

Beat very well after each addition.

Batter will be very thick at this point, but don't worry that's normal!

When all flour has been incorporated into batter, fold in pecans and chopped apples with a wooden spoon. (at this point you will see the batter loosen up and look more like "regular" cake batter)

Spread batter evenly into a 9x13 greased pan or you can divide into two round 9 inch pans with greased wax paper in the bottom of the pan. (I decided do the layered cake)

Bake in 350 degree oven for 45-55 minutes or until toothpick inserted into middle of cake comes out clean.

Let the cake(s) cool for about 5 minutes in the pan(s).

Very carefully loosen the edges of the cake to be sure it doesn't stick to the sides, then remove cake from pan and allow to cool completely before frosting.

 

Directions For Frosting:

Cook butter and sugar together until well blended and the sugar has dissolved. 

Add 3 tablespoons of milk and the confectioners' sugar.

Beat and add just enough milk to be able to spread the frosting.

You don't want too much milk because it will make the frosting runny and it will not stay on the cake. 

Super Delish 4 Ingredient Smoothie

Super Delish 4 Ingredient Smoothie:

 

Ingredients:

3/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (or store bought is fine, I just happened to have some fresh orange juice on hand)

 

1 cup fresh strawberries

 

1 whole ripe banana (when it's really ripe, it blends much easier)

 

8-10 cubes of ice (I added a little more ice, I like extra ice!)

 

*optional fifth ingredient: a few TBS heavy cream (this turns it into an Orange,Banana, Strawberries and cream smoothie)

 

Directions:

Put all ingredients into blender and mix until all ingredents are well blended.

 

Pour into glass and enjoy!

 

 

*** Note from The Happy Homemaker: Please feel free to leave comments or questions. I would love to hear your feedback and any requests you may have! *** 

Homemade Fresh Coconut Macaroons

Homemade Fresh Coconut Macaroons:

 

You Will Need:

 

1 1/2 Cups Fresh Coconut

1/3 Cup brown sugar

2 TBS. whole wheat flour

A Pinch of Salt

2 egg whites

1/2 tsp. Vanilla

 

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325

 

Mix freshly grated coconut, sugar, flour, and salt together.

 

 

Mix egg whites with vanilla then add.

 

Drop heaped teaspoons of mix onto nonstick pan.

Bake at 325 for 22-24 minutes or until lightly browned.

 

Makes 9-12 Macaroons.

 

Enjoy!!!

 

 



 

Oreo Truffels

 

Oreo Truffles

 

*This is the ultimate go-to dessert! So easy to make! *

 

You Will Need:

 

1 18 oz. pack of Oreo Cookies

1 8 oz. pack of Cream Cheese

2 8 oz. bars of "Bakers Chocolate" (you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate or some of both! Whichever you prefer!

 

 

 

Here's What You Do:

 

Crush you Oreo cookies either in a food processor or you can put them in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin to crush them.

 

Blend together the Oreos and Cream Cheese until completely incorporated.

 

Take small amounts of the Oreo mixture and for into balls (I do mine just slightly smaller than golf balls. They are pretty rich so you don't want them to be to big. I think the ideal size is one that can be eaten in two bites.) Lay them on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.

 

Place the balls in the freezer for a few minutes so they will become slightly hard. This will make them easier to work with when you are dipping them in the chocolate.

 

Next, you need to melt your chocolate.  You can do this using a double boiler or in the microwave, whichever you prefer.

 

Take the Oreo balls out of the freezer and insert a toothpick into each ball. (This makes it easier to dip them into the melted chocolate.

 

Once you have the Oreo balls ready for dipping, dip each ball into the chocolate and sit them back onto the cookie sheet lined with wax paper.  Once they are all covered with the chocolate you will need to put them into the refridgerator for a few minutes so the chocolate can set.

 

And there you have it!  Oreo Truffles that are sure to be a big hit and I'm pretty sure there won't be any left overs!!!

 

Enjoy!

 



Homemade Caramel Sauce

Homemade Caramel Sauce:

 

 

You will need:

1 cup of sugar

2 TBS. Corn Syrup

2 TBS. Water

1/8 tsp. Lemon Juice

1/2 cup heavy cream (for best results, heat the cream before adding it in the mixture)

1 TBS. unsalted butter

 

 

Here's What You Do:

Stir the sugar, corn syrup, water, and lemon juice together in a 2 cup measuring cup or medium sized microwave safe bowl.

 

Microwave the mixture just until it starts to take on a "caramel like" color (it usually takes between 4 and 8 minutes depending on your microwave. But watch it very closely because you need to be extra careful not to leave it in too long.  It doesn't have to be too dark because it will continue to darken and take on the caramel color as it sits to cool.

 

Once you remove it from the microwave (remember it will not look nearly dark enough but trust me it will start to take on it's color!)  Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it has darkened significantly.

 

At this time you can heat up your 1/2 cup of cream (do not boil) and add to your mixture.  Stir to incorporate the ingredients then add in your butter until it is incorporated.

 

Allow to cool before tasting because this stuff, although very tempting, is hot, hot, hot and will burn you!

 

Once it's cooled you can place it in a jar/container of your choice and refridgerate for up to a few weeks.

 

 

This syrup can be used to drizzle over ice cream, cakes, candies, or any way you like! So enjoy!!

 



Homemade Graham Cracker Pie Crust

Homemade Graham Cracker Pie Crust

 

 

Place approx. 24 graham crackers in a bag and crush.

 

Measure 1 1/2 cups of the crumbs into a standard sized pie plate

 

Add 1/4 cups of sugar and 6 TBS. melted, unsalted butter.

 

Mix together and press onto bottom and sides of the pie pan.

 

Bake for 8-10 minutes in a pre-heated 350 degree oven.

 

Then just pour in your pie filling and bake as instructed.

 

 

Enjoy!

Homemade Cheesecake

*Homemade Cheesecake*

 

You Will Need:

2  (8 oz.) packages of cream cheese*
2/3 cup of sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 tsp. Vanilla flavoring


3 TBS. Sugar
8 oz. Sour Cream
1 tsp. Vanilla flavoring

Instructions:
Beat the cream cheese, 2/3 cup sugar, 3 eggs, and 1/2 tsp. vanilla.  Once the mixture is combined pour into prepared pie crust. (you can use a store bought graham cracker crust or you can check out my recipe for a homemade graham cracker crust. It's super easy!)

Bake at 350 degrees for 22 to 25 minutes.
Turn oven off and remove cheesecake and allow to cool for five minutes.

Combine the 3 TBS. of sugar, sour cream, and 1 tsp vanilla (I also added a little powdered sugar too, just for a little more sweetness to the sour cream).

Once  sour cream mixture is combined spread over top of the warm cheesecake and place back into oven for 5 additional minutes.

Remove from oven, allow to cool for a bit, then refridgerate until set.  I like to let mine set for at least 3 or four hours .

And here you have it!  Enjoy!

 

This is the finished product.  I dusted it with a little cocoa  powder as a garnish then drizzled some homemade caramel sauce over it! Yum!!



Super Moist Succulent Brownies

* This Is The BEST homemade brownie recipe I have found so far! Please give this one a try and I'd love to hear your feedback to find out how they turn out! *

You Will Need:
1 1/2 Cups all purpose flour
2 Cups Sugar
1/2 cup plus 2 TBS. Cocoa
1 tsp. Salt
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
2 tsp. Vanilla

Mix all ingredients together.
Pour into a greased 9 x 13 pan
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes *
I like to dust mine with a little powdered sugar as soon as they come out of the oven. My kids love it, but that's totally optional.
Allow to cool before cutting, then ENJOY!

* If you like a more chewy, gooey kind of brownie (like me), you will want to take them out  just before they are completely done, they will finish cooking once you take them out of the oven. If you like a more "cake-like" brownie then you can cook them the whole 30 minutes. *

Homemade Peppermint Bark

Homemade Peppermint Bark

 

 

Ingredients:


1 Bag "Andes Peppermint Baking Chips" (can be found  in baking section of your grocery store.)


3/4 Pack of Vanilla "CandyQuik" candy coating

 

 

 

 

Melt "CandyQuik" over a double boiler (or in microwave)

Once this is melted, stir in bag of peppermint chips

When mixture is melted and smooth, remove from heat and pour onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper

 

Put in refridgerator for a few minutes until set then break into pieces and ENJOY!!

 

 

You can adjust the amounts of the ingredients to your satisfaction.  Add as much or as little Peppermint as you like, depending on how strong you want the mint taste to be. 

Also, some folks like to add a layer of milk chocolate as well.  I like it better without the milk chocolate but this recipe in versatile and can be adapted any way you like!

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE HAPPY HOMEMAKER!