Hoot Owl Cookies

I love holidays and I love traditions with my kids. Halloween is one of my favorite times of year. There are so many opportunities to be together doing fun fall things together...apple orchards, pumpkin patches, nature walks...and of course, fall baking. These cookies have been made in Kandi's kitchen since I was a little girl. They are adorable and the kids start asking about them as soon as October hits. 

Hoot Owl Cookies

1 3/4 cup flour (If dough is a sticky, add a little more)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp water (optional...check the consistency. It should be dough, not crumbly...but also not too sticky)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 oz unsweetened chocolate
1/4 tsp soda
m&ms and cashews

Cream butter, sugar, egg and vanilla well. Melt chocolate in a separate bowl. Set aside to let cool. Add dry ingredients gradually to egg mixture. Beat well. Add water if needed. Put 2/3 dough on a flour board and mix in chocolate. Roll into a log (looks like a large tootsie roll...) Roll out white dough and fold around chocolate dough. Chill 1/2-1 hour in tinfoil. Slice. Press two slices together slightly to make the eyes. Pinch ears. Add m&ms and cashews. Bake at 350 for 8-12 minutes. 

Baked Apple Dessert

I mentioned a few weeks ago that we are in love with picking our own apples lately. The orchards are fun and the apples are delicious! We are especially loving Zestar and Honeycrisp. But when I have fresh delicious apples in the house I have a problem. I CRAVE baked apple dessert. Its kind of apple crisp-ish except soft which in my opinion is SO MUCH BETTER. This is a childhood favorite. I love, love, love it. We may or may not have made it twice this week. And bonus, it makes a to die for breakfast. Leftovers are totally husband approved. 

Baked Apple Dessert

6 cups apples, peel and dice

Spread them in a 9X13 pan

Cover with: 

1 cup sugar

1 cup flour

1/2 cup butter

1 heaping tsp cinnamon

(Note: I always double the sugar mixture. I love it gooey.)

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes

Top with one of the following:

whipped cream (again, the REAL thing...no fake stuff. ;) ), vanilla ice cream or a little half & half

Apple Pudding Cake

Fall is in the air! The weather is changing and we have been frequenting the local apple orchards. It is my favorite time of year in Minnesota and my favorite time to bake all things apple and pumpkin. This recipe is one that I have enjoyed for as long as I can remember. It is the perfect dessert to serve to dinner guests. It is unique and combines flavors that you might not consider putting together...until now!

Apple Pudding Cake

Blend: 

2/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup shortening

Add: 

1 egg

Beat together.

Add:

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp soda

pinch salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp cloves

2 cups diced apples

Spread in a 9X9 pan. Bake at 350 for 1 hour 

(Note: 9X13 pan for a double batch)

Lemon Sauce

Mix well:

1/3 cup sugar

2 Tbsp flour

1/8 tsp salt

Stir in: 1 cup hot water

Cook until thickens; turn to simmer for 15 minutes stirring often. Add 2 Tbsp butter, 1 tsp vanilla and the juice of one lemon.

Serve warm and top with whipped cream. (Note: It's a sin at our house to use anything but real whipping cream...no cool whip or whipped topping from a can! Use real whipping cream, whip it and sweeten with sugar and vanilla.) 

THEE Best Hot Fudge Sauce...EVER!

Honestly, THEE best chocolate sauce I have ever tasted. Like, I fill a bowl with it and then add a small scoop of ice cream as a topping. It's delish! You will definitely be the hit of a party with this yumminess!

Hot Fudge Sauce
Jan Nyman

2 cups sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup cocoa

Mix above ingredients with a wire whip.

In pan, melt:
1 cube butter; add 1 cup evaporated milk, and pour in sugar mix

Bring to boil for 1 1/2 minutes, whipping the entire time. (Caution: can scorch...watch closely...as soon as it is starting to thicken, remove from heat.)

Add 1 tsp. vanilla

Serve over ice cream or whatever delicious dessert you'd like to make A-Mazing!

Meltaway Cookies

Just as the name suggests, these cookies literally melt in your mouth. Add a light food color to the frosting for the perfect bridal or baby shower goodie or add bold colors for holidays...These would be perfect for a St. Patty's Day treat! (Oh, and did I mention they are super easy to make??)

Meltaway Cookies

Jolynn Sorenson

1 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup cornstarch (measure like flour)

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1 cup flour

Beat and form into 1 tsp balls (quarter size.) Bake at 325 for 11 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet. Cool and frost.

Frosting:

3 oz cream cheese

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

food coloring if desired

Best Chocolate Cake in the World

Honestly, the most moist, melt-in-your-mouth, to-die-for Texas sheet cake in the world. Kandi has this one perfected! Definitely one of my childhood favorites!

Best Chocolate Cake in the World

Bring to a boil: 1 stick margarine, 7 Tbsp baking cocoa powder (equivalent to 3 squares baking chocolate) and 1 cup water. Remove from heat. Add this to 2 cups sugar and 2 cups flour. Beat well. Add 2 beaten eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp soda.

Pour into a greased jelly roll pan (15 1/2 X 10 X 1) Pan size is important. The batter will be thin. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. Put on the following frosting while the cake is still hot.

Frosting:

Bring to a rolling boil: 1 stick margarine, 4 Tbsp cocoa powder and 6 Tbsp milk. Remove from heat. Add 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla. Mix well. One cup nuts may be added if desired. (Kandi makes it without nuts...) Pour over cake. The frosting is thin.

Note: The combination of the hot cake and the thin frosting makes it so the frosting drips off the sides. I will admit that as kids (okay, and as adults...) we would stand by and help "clean up" the frosting that was dripping. Before serving, Kandi takes a warm dish cloth and wipes around the edges.

Spinach Vegetable Dip

I can't believe we haven't put this on the blog yet! This is a tried and true FAVORITE...you just may want to whip some up for the Super Bowl this Sunday! I just made some for a party and my friends were dipping their vegetables AND pizza in it. I looked to see if this was on the blog after copying the recipe for people. Sorry we didn't give you this recipe sooner...you will never want to buy store bought veggie dip again!

Spinach Vegetable Dip

2 cups mayonnaise
1 tsp salt
1/4 tall bottle chives (3-4" tall)
1 tsp Accent*
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 pkg frozen chopped spinach.

Cut spinach into about 4 pieces. (Works well if you soften it SLIGHTLY so it is not rock hard, but keep it mostly frozen.) Put in food processor (or a blender works fine too) and chop until fine.

In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, salt, chives, accent and pepper. Add frozen, chopped spinach and stir well.

*A lot of people aren't familiar with Accent...it is a salt like seasoning found in the baking aisle.

PS - Click here for another Super Bowl guaranteed hit!!

Best. Sugar. Cookies. EVER!

With Valentine's Day approaching, many of you are bound to making sugar cookies. Although there are many recipes out there, this one is the BEST! These cookies are SOFT, just the right thickness and get rave reviews everywhere we go! Kandi has this one mastered! Give it a try and let us know what you think!

(picture taken after decorating our Christmas cookies)

Cookie Jar Sugar Cookies

(Yields approx. 2 doz)

2/3 cup shortening

3/4 cups sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 egg

2 Tbsp milk

2 cups four

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

Cream shortening, sugar and vanilla. Add egg--beat until creamy. Add milk and beat again until fluffy. Add all dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Divide dough in half; chill 1 hour (or more)

Roll dough and cut out cookies. Note: The key to a great sugar cookie is not rolling the dough too thin...about 3/4 inch. To easily cut them out, lay a piece of saran wrap on the cupboard, place ball of dough on wrap and cover with an additional piece of saran wrap. Roll out dough. Remove top layer of wrap, use cookie cutter to cut out shape and then pick up the bottom layer of wrap to help get the shape out. This keeps the dough from getting too sticky in your hands.

Bake on a greased cookie sheet (or I prefer parchment paper) at 375 for 6-8 minutes. You will know if they are done when the very edge is the SLIGHTEST light brown. Do not overcook! That is the other biggie in making it the perfect cookie. Cool slightly. Remove from pan. Cool on cooling rack, frost (with HOMEMADE frosting) and decorate.

Frosting:

4 cups powdered sugar

3/4 cube softened margarine

pinch of salt

1 tsp vanilla

food coloring

Add little bits of milk or canned milk. Whip or stir.

Layered Salad

This fabulous layered salad is the perfect side dish...and it tastes even better if made the night before, so you can get it checked off your busy list prior to your actual meal preparation. Seriously, I love, love, love this!

Layered Salad

Cindy Humphreys

Fill a 9X13 pan half full of shredded iceberg and red lettuce. Layer the following ingredients on top:

1/2 cup chopped red onion

1 cup chopped celery

1 (10 oz) pkg petite peas (thawed)

1/2 lb cooked and crumbled bacon

Spread on top:

1 pint (2 cups) mayonnaise mixed with 2 Tbsp sugar (Can also use a little milk to thin, about 2 tsp)

Sprinkle 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded

Butterscotch Breakfast Rolls

Easy. Delicious. Prepared the night before...Fancy breakfast with little effort! One of my favorites when entertaining company! {And my kids go crazy over this!}

Butterscotch Breakfast Rolls

18 frozen Rhodes dinner rolls

1 (3 3/4 oz) butterscotch pudding (not instant)

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped pecans

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 cube butter, melted

Put frozen rolls in greased bundt pan. Sprinkle dry pudding over the rolls; sprinkle rolls with brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans. Pour melted butter over rolls. Cover with foil and let sit overnight. DO NOT REFRIGERATE. When ready to bake, leave foil on and bake in preheated oven at 350 for 30 minutes. Hint: Place a cookie sheet under the bundt pan...the mixture sometimes boils over.

Pumpkin Bread

This is a classic from Kandi's kitchen and one that gets rave reviews with everyone who has the pleasure of tasting such yumminess! The best part is that you make it beforehand and keep it in the freezer (as its easier to cut and doesn't fall apart...) so it can be pulled out last minute to WOW unexpected guests...This recipe is one of my favorite parts of the arrival of fall and keeps us company {and happy} clear through spring...You're gonna love it!

Pumpkin Bread

Mix in given order:

3 1/2 cups flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp soda

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp cloves

3 cups sugar

1 cup oil

1 cup water

4 eggs

2 cups Libby's canned pumpkin (I think the brand makes a huge difference!)

Pour into 3 greased and floured loaf pans. Bake at 350 for one hour. Cool and freeze in ziplock bags. Slice lengthwise and then crosswise into thin slices. Spread with filling and make into little sandwiches.

Cream Cheese Filling:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese

1/2 cup butter (1 cube)

3 cups (approx) powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Blend with mixer.

Big Batch Freezer Pie Crust

SOOOO much better than store bought pie crust. Super easy. Flaky and delicious every time. Try it when you try this awesome pumpkin pie recipe!)

Big-Batch Freezer Pie Crust

6 cups flour

2 tsp salt

2 1/3 cups vegetable shortening

1 1/3 cups cold water

In a large bowl, stir together flour and salt. With a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in shortening until mixture resembles cornmeal. Add cold water all at once. Mix lightly with a fork until water is absorbed and mixture forms a ball. Divide dough into 6 equal portions; then shape each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly, place in freezer Ziploc bags, making them airtight.

Each ball is enough to make one 9" pie crust.

----------------

To make crust for a pie WITHOUT top crust:

Partially thaw 1 ball of pie crust. Roll out dough to thin 11" circle. Place dough, without stretching, in a 9" pie dish. Flute edge.

If recipe calls for a baked pie crust, preheat oven to 425. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until very lightly browned. Cool; fill and bake as recipe directs. (HINT: if you place tin foil over shell and fill it with uncooked beans (for weight) and cook it for 8 minutes and then take beans and foil out and cook for 3-4 minutes until brown, you get a perfectly flat shell on the bottom, with no bubbles.)

To make crust for a pie WITH a top crust:

Use 2 balls of dough. Roll out 1 ball (as outlined above.) Fill pie. Roll out second ball; place top crust over filling. Seal and flute edge. Cut several slits or designs in top of crust to allow steam to escape.

**Can last well in freezer for 6 months.**

Grandpa's Pumpkin Pie

I won't be making pies until next week, so I don't have a picture to add with this post (yet!) However, if any of you are looking for an AWESOME pumpkin pie recipe for Thanksgiving...look no further!

Grandpa's Pumpkin Pie

8 eggs slightly beaten

1 large can (29 oz.) Libby's** solid pack pumpkin (equals about 3 1/2 cups)

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 tsp salt

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp ground cloves

2 cans evaporated milk

4-5 dashes nutmeg

4-5 dashes allspice

Mix filling ingredients in order given. Stir by hand...DO NOT USE A MIXER! Pour into unbaked pie crusts (for an easy, fantastic pie crust recipe, click here.) Bake at 425 for 20 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 and continue baking for 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center of pie comes out clean.

**I am not usually a name brand snob when it comes to most foods, but don't go generic on the pumpkin...Libby's is the best! Also, make sure to not get the Libby's Pumpkin Pie filling...just get the straight pumpkin.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

Having guests for dinner? Whip up this delicious pasta, pair it with a yummy salad and some garlic bread or rolls and you've got a meal that tastes like you've slaved all day in the kitchen...A big hit with kids and adults alike!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

16 oz Mostaccioli Pasta, cooked as directed.

1 jar White Ragu Classic Alfredo pasta sauce (mixed with 1/2 cup water)

8-12 oz Swiss Cheese, shredded

1/2 cup diced ham or candian bacon

2 cups cooked chicken, diced (about 1 1/2 lbs frozen chicken)

3/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (1/2 lb)

3 bunches green onions, chopped

8 oz package fresh mushrooms, sliced

1 small can sliced olives

Mix together and put in greased 9X13 pan. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Cover with tin foil. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Taffy Apple Pizza

This is a new recipe that my mom and I just tried while she was visiting a couple of weekends ago. It was fun for fall and deliciously unique. {Note: Be careful not to overcook the cookie dough crust or it will be crunchy rather than soft.}

Taffy Apple Pizza

1 1/2 packages pre-packaged sugar cookie dough

8 oz cream cheese

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup peanut butter

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 med Granny Smith apples

cinnamon

caramel sauce

1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Roll out cookie dough into a large cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 16-18 minutes. ( Do not overcook.) Let cool completely.

Mix together cream cheese, brown sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla. Spread over cooled crust. Peel, slice and dice apples and spread over cream cheese mixture. Drizzle caramel sauce, sprinkle cinnamon and spread chopped peanuts on top.

Chocolate Drop Cookies

Chocolate Drop Cookies

Cream: 1/2 cup shortening

1 cup brown sugar

1 egg

Add and mix well:

2 squares melted baking chocolate

1/2 tsp vanilla

Blend in:

2 cups flour

1/2 tsp soda

1/2 cup buttermilk

Drop on greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes at 350. Frost when cool.

Frosting:

1/4 cup softened butter

1 1/3 cup powdered sugar

2 Tbsp cocoa

1/4 cup canned milk

1/2 tsp vanilla

Beat at high speed until thick.

Dinner in a Pumpkin

This has been a tradition in our home since we were little girls...A favorite for Halloween! I have posted pictures of our last two years...You can be creative with how you'd like to serve your festive dinner...In a carved Jack-O-Lantern, with the front cut out of a pumpkin or just with the lid cut off, the pumpkin cleaned out and used like a bowl...

This is so fun for Halloween.

Dinner In a Pumpkin

(clean out a pumpkin to cook the dinner in...)

1 Tbsp minced onion

2 Tbsp vegetable oil

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef

1 can Cream of Chicken soup

1-8 oz can sliced water chestnuts (optional)

2 Tbsp. Soy Sauce

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1-4 oz can sliced mushrooms

1 1/2 cups cooked rice

In a large frying pan, saute onion until tender. Add meat and brown. Drain. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, mushrooms and soup. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add cooked rice and water chestnuts. Pour mixture into pumpkin and bake at 350 for one hour. (Place pumpkin on a cookie sheet when cooking....)

(The pumpkin is yummy too....like squash! Fun to serve with "mummy fingers" (pigs in a blanket) or other spooky side dishes...)

(Note: If you don't have time to bake it in the pumpkin, you can bake at 350 for 15 minutes in a casserole dish and then scoop it into the pumpkin to serve.)

Enjoy!!

Kandi's Stew

This healthy and hearty meal has few ingredients, is quick to put together and because it cooks all day in the crockpot...Your house smells fabulous and dinner is ready when you are with little effort!

In high school, my brother's friends would head straight to our house every Friday afternoon after school for "Stew Crew," their energy meal prior to that night's football game. So, it's a favorite among teenage athletes and the whole family! {The LHS football team barely lost in the state championship game that year...They were full of talent and if I'm being honest...played as well as they did all because of the stew!}

Stew

Brown stew meat in 1/3 cup margarine. Layer:

Potatoes (I use 4-6 potatoes for my family of 5)

Carrots (I bag baby carrots)

Onion (1, sliced)

Use a slotted spoon to transfer meat to top of crockpot. Leave juice in pan. Add 1 cup water and 1 Tbsp. flour. Cook until thick like gravy. Add 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp parsley, and 1 tsp thyme (optional.) Pour gravy on top. Cook on low 8-9 hours or on low for 4 hours.

Serve with some yummy rolls for a delicious meal!

Tomato Macaroni Soup

A combination between pasta and soup, this healthy meal is something the whole family will love! It's a sweet tomato flavor that will leave you coming back for seconds. Perfect comfort food for a fall night.

Tomato Mac

Cook 1 1/3 cup elbow macaroni until slightly undercooked (al dente) and set aside.

In a large soup pan mix the following ingredients:

1 large (32 oz.) can tomato juice and then a half can of water

1 ½ t. dried parsley flakes

1 t. chili powder

½ c. sugar

2 T butter

½ c. Catalina light dressing

1 pound browned ground beef (salt and pepper to taste)

Heat the above and add cooked macaroni last. Simmer until macaroni is warmed.

Mom's Chili

Delicious...SUPER EASY! This Chili recipe is amazing and requires little effort. Perfect for a chilly fall night! Serve with corn bread or breadsticks to round out the perfect middle-of the week meal.

Mom's Chili

2 large cans chili beans

1 Tbsp minced onion

1 tsp salt

dash of pepper

1 Tbsp sugar

1 quart tomato juice

1/2 cup ketchup

1/8 tsp chili powder

2 cups water

Bring to a boil. Add 2 lbs. UNCOOKED hamburger beef. Boil 30-40 minutes. (Watch it so the beans don't burn...I like to stir every few minutes...) Serve with sour cream and grated cheese.