Soul Food Saturday #8

Good Morning, Happy Saturday and for some like us, Welcome to the first weekend of Summer Vacation! Yep, yesterday was our last day of school, and I think I'm just as excited as Monkey. I can't help it. I love having him home with me all summer; and am looking for lots of fun in the sun with my favorite little man.

This week Bekki is celebrating graduates every where and the start to a great summer vacation!

I want to congratulate all of the new graduates of 2013! Whether it was middle school, high school or college. Congrats to you all! This one is for you! For the days that treats had to be on the go, this is a tribute. But because summer vacation has started, we can take things a little easier now.  Cut these up as you wish, but however you do it there's plenty for a party. Grab your favorite drink and have it however you would like. A snack, a dessert or just because we're celebrating our new grads and summer vacation!!!  

Caramel Popcorn Treats

3 TBS butter or margarine

1 (10oz.) package marshmallows

3 packages butter lovers’ microwave popcorn

½ c. mini chocolate chips

¼ c. butterscotch chips

Caramel sauce for drizzling

Cooking spray for lining pan

1. Follow package directions to pop microwave popcorn.

( *Note: To ensure you get no unpopped kernels in your dish; Allow popcorn to cool slightly. Before opening shake bag to allow kernels to fall to the bottom of bag. Tilt bag to the side and slowly drop kernels into another bowl.)

2. In a large saucepan or medium stockpot melt butter over medium heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

3. Add popcorn and stir until well coated.

4. With a buttered spatula evenly press mixture into a 9x13x2 pan lined with foil and coated with cooking spray.

5. Sprinkle chocolate and butterscotch chips over the top.

6. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top as desired. *a little extra is always great J

*Note : I used the one made for caramel milk, because of the ease of the squeeze bottle.

Cool completely and cut in desired size squares

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Good Morning, Happy Saturday and for some like us, Welcome to the first weekend of Summer Vacation! Yep, yesterday was our last day of school, and I think I'm just as excited as Monkey. I can't help it. I love having him home with me all summer; and am looking for lots of fun in the sun with my favorite little man.

This week Bekki is celebrating graduates every where and the start to a great summer vacation!

I want to congratulate all of the new graduates of 2013! Whether it was middle school, high school or college. Congrats to you all! This one is for you! For the days that treats had to be on the go, this is a tribute. But because summer vacation has started, we can take things a little easier now.  Cut these up as you wish, but however you do it there's plenty for a party. Grab your favorite drink and have it however you would like. A snack, a dessert or just because we're celebrating our new grads and summer vacation!!!  

Caramel Popcorn Treats

3 TBS butter or margarine

1 (10oz.) package marshmallows

3 packages butter lovers’ microwave popcorn

½ c. mini chocolate chips

¼ c. butterscotch chips

Caramel sauce for drizzling

Cooking spray for lining pan

1. Follow package directions to pop microwave popcorn.

( *Note: To ensure you get no unpopped kernels in your dish; Allow popcorn to cool slightly. Before opening shake bag to allow kernels to fall to the bottom of bag. Tilt bag to the side and slowly drop kernels into another bowl.)

2. In a large saucepan or medium stockpot melt butter over medium heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

3. Add popcorn and stir until well coated.

4. With a buttered spatula evenly press mixture into a 9x13x2 pan lined with foil and coated with cooking spray.

5. Sprinkle chocolate and butterscotch chips over the top.

6. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top as desired. *a little extra is always great J

*Note : I used the one made for caramel milk, because of the ease of the squeeze bottle.

Cool completely and cut in desired size squares

Pin It

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Toasted Marshmallows and Our Meals

The marshmallow has been a toasted favorite for years. Children love making smores and adults love adding them to desserts such as sweet potato pie. Regardless of their application, it is a fact that marshmallows have been around for much longer than you might expect.

To start with, the history of the marshmallow is actually very different from what it's known for today. In Ancient Egypt, it was applied for both its medicinal and flavor abilities. Originally, the marshmallow was an extract from the mallow plant, which is renowned for its ability to ease a sore throat. The mallow root was squeezed, releasing a substance that had several applications. Because pharaohs were required to speak to large audiences, this often left them hoarse, in which case the mallow came into popular use.

The Greeks also put the plant to use, including the leaves as an extract to reduce muscle aches, burns, and even alleviate severe medical conditions such as bronchitis. But, in these particular cases, they relied primarily on the leaves to make a marshmallow tea, rather than a sweet treat.

Since then, the marshmallow has undergone recipe changes and seldom includes mallow extract in its composition. There are various recipes, many of which include gelatin, sugar, and often vanilla extracts, which vary according to the producer, but have become extraordinarily popular in Asia.

The popularity of the marshmallow has grown so much that it even has its own dedicated holiday in Japan. In 1978, as an answer to those who gave chocolates and sweets during Valentine's Day, March 15 was designated as their National Marshmallow day to pay homage to the women of Japan.

Regardless of location, it is obvious that the marshmallow has been a symbolic sweet throughout time, and has made a mark in the books of history. For this, it has earned recognition and honor that can only be expressed by enjoying a dish that incorporates some toasted marshmallows. And while we may consider the only place a campsite favorite, we can always rely on our West Texas caterers to whip up a dish that puts this age-old favorite to tasty use.

As for those who enjoy the marshmallow here at home or in the back yard, we are truly able to understand what it means to spend some time roasting a few sweets together. After all, it's not always about the sweetness of the treat. It all comes down the experience we share together.

The marshmallow has been a toasted favorite for years. Children love making smores and adults love adding them to desserts such as sweet potato pie. Regardless of their application, it is a fact that marshmallows have been around for much longer than you might expect.

To start with, the history of the marshmallow is actually very different from what it's known for today. In Ancient Egypt, it was applied for both its medicinal and flavor abilities. Originally, the marshmallow was an extract from the mallow plant, which is renowned for its ability to ease a sore throat. The mallow root was squeezed, releasing a substance that had several applications. Because pharaohs were required to speak to large audiences, this often left them hoarse, in which case the mallow came into popular use.

The Greeks also put the plant to use, including the leaves as an extract to reduce muscle aches, burns, and even alleviate severe medical conditions such as bronchitis. But, in these particular cases, they relied primarily on the leaves to make a marshmallow tea, rather than a sweet treat.

Since then, the marshmallow has undergone recipe changes and seldom includes mallow extract in its composition. There are various recipes, many of which include gelatin, sugar, and often vanilla extracts, which vary according to the producer, but have become extraordinarily popular in Asia.

The popularity of the marshmallow has grown so much that it even has its own dedicated holiday in Japan. In 1978, as an answer to those who gave chocolates and sweets during Valentine's Day, March 15 was designated as their National Marshmallow day to pay homage to the women of Japan.

Regardless of location, it is obvious that the marshmallow has been a symbolic sweet throughout time, and has made a mark in the books of history. For this, it has earned recognition and honor that can only be expressed by enjoying a dish that incorporates some toasted marshmallows. And while we may consider the only place a campsite favorite, we can always rely on our West Texas caterers to whip up a dish that puts this age-old favorite to tasty use.

As for those who enjoy the marshmallow here at home or in the back yard, we are truly able to understand what it means to spend some time roasting a few sweets together. After all, it's not always about the sweetness of the treat. It all comes down the experience we share together.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

For My Sweets

Today I am sharing with you what I made for my boys for their Valentine's Day dessert. Well, to be truthful since the 14th fell on a Thursday- Which for us means work, school, Taekwondo and this year I had the added duty of retrieving my mom from the airport after a 3 week vacation in Florida (Yes, you can hiss at her now. We all did too.)- I made one of their favorite meals the Sunday prior, my Buffalo Chili, and this was our dessert.

I got the idea for this based on my Strawberry Cream Salad, another favorite. I was simply looking for something pink (have to be festive after all) to serve them, and since I've made the strawberry a thousand times, I thought using cherry as the base would be a good idea. Then I started playing around with things "cherry-ish". Chocolate covered cherries...okay, I'll add chocolate chips. (And since my boys love cherry cordials, this was an added bonus!) Nuts in a warm cherry cobbler, okay I'll add pecans. Marshmallows....well, I just had those in the cupboard!

I might have made this for Valentine's Day, but it is a easy as can be dessert for any night of the week. Plus, it's a great base to begin playing with and finding different flavor combos your family will love. Making something for my sweets is one of my favorite parts of the day of love...rather we are celebrating the day of...a few days before...or a few days after!

Cherry Bliss Salad
1 (20 oz) can cherry pie filling
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 c. mini marshmallows
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1 (12 oz) tub Cool Whip, cooled
1/2 c. semi sweet morsels
Maraschino cherries, for garnish

In a large bowl combine pie filling and condensed milk. Stir well.  Add Cool Whip and mix well. Gently fold in marshmallows, chocolate chips and pecans. Stir well. Chill overnight to set. Top with extra chocolate chips and maraschino cherries if desired.

Shared on Make Ahead Meals Feb. 18, 2013
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain Feb. 20, 2013
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Feb. 21, 2013
Shared on The Country Cook Feb. 22, 2013

Cherry at Very Good Recipes
Pin It

Today I am sharing with you what I made for my boys for their Valentine's Day dessert. Well, to be truthful since the 14th fell on a Thursday- Which for us means work, school, Taekwondo and this year I had the added duty of retrieving my mom from the airport after a 3 week vacation in Florida (Yes, you can hiss at her now. We all did too.)- I made one of their favorite meals the Sunday prior, my Buffalo Chili, and this was our dessert.

I got the idea for this based on my Strawberry Cream Salad, another favorite. I was simply looking for something pink (have to be festive after all) to serve them, and since I've made the strawberry a thousand times, I thought using cherry as the base would be a good idea. Then I started playing around with things "cherry-ish". Chocolate covered cherries...okay, I'll add chocolate chips. (And since my boys love cherry cordials, this was an added bonus!) Nuts in a warm cherry cobbler, okay I'll add pecans. Marshmallows....well, I just had those in the cupboard!

I might have made this for Valentine's Day, but it is a easy as can be dessert for any night of the week. Plus, it's a great base to begin playing with and finding different flavor combos your family will love. Making something for my sweets is one of my favorite parts of the day of love...rather we are celebrating the day of...a few days before...or a few days after!

Cherry Bliss Salad
1 (20 oz) can cherry pie filling
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 c. mini marshmallows
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1 (12 oz) tub Cool Whip, cooled
1/2 c. semi sweet morsels
Maraschino cherries, for garnish

In a large bowl combine pie filling and condensed milk. Stir well.  Add Cool Whip and mix well. Gently fold in marshmallows, chocolate chips and pecans. Stir well. Chill overnight to set. Top with extra chocolate chips and maraschino cherries if desired.

Shared on Make Ahead Meals Feb. 18, 2013
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain Feb. 20, 2013
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Feb. 21, 2013
Shared on The Country Cook Feb. 22, 2013

Cherry at Very Good Recipes
Pin It

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Sweet Treat For Your Sweetie

For all the men reading this who might not be paying attention to the calendar, you have 3 more days until Valentine's Day. There, I've done my civic duty and reminded you, so please don't be one of those husbands and boyfriends in the store on Thursday at 5pm wandering around trying to find the last box of chocolate and thumbing through the greeting cards that have all been picked over. Your wife or girlfriend doesn't want the generic "Happy Valentine's Day to a Great Person" Hallmark greeting!

This dessert is so easy, anyone can make it, even you guys out there racking your brains for something special to do for your sweetie. It's chocolate so the women in your life will be happy with that simple fact, and your evening will be off to a good start!

Or maybe you are a busy wife, and you still want something delicious for your hubby when he gets home from work. These work perfectly for that too! Or if you're like me and you have a little one and you want something fun and yummy for an after school treat. Or, you and the munchkin can make these together and surprise Daddy or Mommy when they get home! The possibilities are endless because they are easy enough for anyone to make~ man, woman or child!

I got this recipe the same day as my Strawberry Yogurt Bites, but with it being chocolate I saved it to share for this week for obvious reasons. However, speaking of those yummy yogurt bites, if you've got someone who can't have chocolate, those would be perfect come Thursday as well.

If you like Rocky Road ice cream, you're gonna love them. Plus, if you use the sugar free pudding mix, and the "lite" Cool Whip, they only have 130 calories each.

Whatever you have planned for Valentine's Day, include this simple dessert and you are well on your way to smiles, hugs and kisses!

Rocky Road Parfaits From JELL-O
1 (1.4 oz) package chocolate instant pudding
2 c. cold milk
1/2 c. Cool Whip, thawed
12 miniature marshmallows
2 TBS dry roasted peanuts, chopped

Combine milk and pudding mix in a medium bowl. Using a wire whisk, mix for 2 minutes. Remove 3/4 c. to another bowl. Combine that with Cool Whip. Mix well. Pour remaining pudding mix into 4 parfait or dessert cups. Top evenly with Cool Whip mixture. Refrigerate 15 minutes. Top each parfait with 3 marshmallows and even amounts of peanuts.

Shared on Make Ahead Meals Feb. 11, 2013
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain Feb. 13, 2013
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Feb. 14, 2013
Shared on The Country Cook Feb. 15, 2013

Dessert at Very Good Recipes
Pin It

For all the men reading this who might not be paying attention to the calendar, you have 3 more days until Valentine's Day. There, I've done my civic duty and reminded you, so please don't be one of those husbands and boyfriends in the store on Thursday at 5pm wandering around trying to find the last box of chocolate and thumbing through the greeting cards that have all been picked over. Your wife or girlfriend doesn't want the generic "Happy Valentine's Day to a Great Person" Hallmark greeting!

This dessert is so easy, anyone can make it, even you guys out there racking your brains for something special to do for your sweetie. It's chocolate so the women in your life will be happy with that simple fact, and your evening will be off to a good start!

Or maybe you are a busy wife, and you still want something delicious for your hubby when he gets home from work. These work perfectly for that too! Or if you're like me and you have a little one and you want something fun and yummy for an after school treat. Or, you and the munchkin can make these together and surprise Daddy or Mommy when they get home! The possibilities are endless because they are easy enough for anyone to make~ man, woman or child!

I got this recipe the same day as my Strawberry Yogurt Bites, but with it being chocolate I saved it to share for this week for obvious reasons. However, speaking of those yummy yogurt bites, if you've got someone who can't have chocolate, those would be perfect come Thursday as well.

If you like Rocky Road ice cream, you're gonna love them. Plus, if you use the sugar free pudding mix, and the "lite" Cool Whip, they only have 130 calories each.

Whatever you have planned for Valentine's Day, include this simple dessert and you are well on your way to smiles, hugs and kisses!

Rocky Road Parfaits From JELL-O
1 (1.4 oz) package chocolate instant pudding
2 c. cold milk
1/2 c. Cool Whip, thawed
12 miniature marshmallows
2 TBS dry roasted peanuts, chopped

Combine milk and pudding mix in a medium bowl. Using a wire whisk, mix for 2 minutes. Remove 3/4 c. to another bowl. Combine that with Cool Whip. Mix well. Pour remaining pudding mix into 4 parfait or dessert cups. Top evenly with Cool Whip mixture. Refrigerate 15 minutes. Top each parfait with 3 marshmallows and even amounts of peanuts.

Shared on Make Ahead Meals Feb. 11, 2013
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain Feb. 13, 2013
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Feb. 14, 2013
Shared on The Country Cook Feb. 15, 2013

Dessert at Very Good Recipes
Pin It

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Marshmallow Inspired

So a few weeks ago I was rushing through Meijer trying to pick up a few last minute items I had actually forgotten the previous day when I was grocery shopping when all of a sudden an "end-cap" display stopped me dead in my tracks. What could have caught my attention so much you ask? Well, it was something I had never seen before and instantly knew would be going home with me...Pumpkin Spiced Marshmallows.

 Have you seen them at your store? I just love all these creative & yummy flavors they are coming out with! Last year we discovered the Peppermint ones at Christmas time (so delicious in hot cocoa!), and then this summer I used the Mint Chocolate ones for my first s'mores ever! And now the perfect ones for autumn! I wasn't even sure what I would do with them but I knew I had to come up with something!

After about a week of sitting in my cupboard I finally knew what I wanted to do. A snack mix, of course. I just love trail mixes and coming up with different combos is both challenging for me, and fun for Alex. Last Halloween I shared with you my Goblin Mix and then more recently Monkey Munch I served at his birthday party. They just make such great party foods, or even after school snacks. For this one, I wanted every ingredient to be fall colored, so it took a little extra effort, but the result is both pretty and yummy! If your child's class is having a fall party, put some of this in cute treat sacks and the kiddies will love it! And be sure to be on the lookout for new flavors of marshmallows coming to a baking aisle near you!

Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix
1 (8oz) package pumpkin spice marshmallows
1 c. cashew halves
1 c. golden raisins
1 (9.9oz) package White Chocolate Candy Corn M&Ms
1 (14.5oz) package Reece's Pieces Candy

In a large bowl, combine all and mix well. Store in airtight container.

Shared on The Country Cook Oct. 12, 2012
Shared on Make Ahead Meals Oct. 15, 2012
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box Oct. 16, 2012

Snacks at Very Good Recipes
Pin It

So a few weeks ago I was rushing through Meijer trying to pick up a few last minute items I had actually forgotten the previous day when I was grocery shopping when all of a sudden an "end-cap" display stopped me dead in my tracks. What could have caught my attention so much you ask? Well, it was something I had never seen before and instantly knew would be going home with me...Pumpkin Spiced Marshmallows.

 Have you seen them at your store? I just love all these creative & yummy flavors they are coming out with! Last year we discovered the Peppermint ones at Christmas time (so delicious in hot cocoa!), and then this summer I used the Mint Chocolate ones for my first s'mores ever! And now the perfect ones for autumn! I wasn't even sure what I would do with them but I knew I had to come up with something!

After about a week of sitting in my cupboard I finally knew what I wanted to do. A snack mix, of course. I just love trail mixes and coming up with different combos is both challenging for me, and fun for Alex. Last Halloween I shared with you my Goblin Mix and then more recently Monkey Munch I served at his birthday party. They just make such great party foods, or even after school snacks. For this one, I wanted every ingredient to be fall colored, so it took a little extra effort, but the result is both pretty and yummy! If your child's class is having a fall party, put some of this in cute treat sacks and the kiddies will love it! And be sure to be on the lookout for new flavors of marshmallows coming to a baking aisle near you!

Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix
1 (8oz) package pumpkin spice marshmallows
1 c. cashew halves
1 c. golden raisins
1 (9.9oz) package White Chocolate Candy Corn M&Ms
1 (14.5oz) package Reece's Pieces Candy

In a large bowl, combine all and mix well. Store in airtight container.

Shared on The Country Cook Oct. 12, 2012
Shared on Make Ahead Meals Oct. 15, 2012
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box Oct. 16, 2012

Snacks at Very Good Recipes
Pin It

reade more... Résuméabuiyad