Caramel Pops

In the fall around here, you can get Barrel 0'Fun Corn Pops in plain or kettle corn flavor.  We love both of them.  One year Syd's sister showed the recipe on the side of the plain bag for Caramel Pops.  We quickly found we loved them.  I must be honest and say I have never made them.  This is Syd's speciality.  We  hope everyone likes them as much as we do. 

one 8oz bag of Barrel O'Fun Corn pops*
Place in a large roasting pan (we use the one we cook our Thanksgiving turkey in)

Caramel Coating (use a 2 qt sauce pan)
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda

In a 2 qt sauce pan, mix together the butter, corn syrup and brown sugar. Cook until  melted and bubbly around the edges, remove from heat.  Add one tsp baking soda to cause foaming (this will allow for proper coating of pops). Pour caramel slurry over corn pops and stir until pops are properly coated.  Place in a 250 F oven for approximate 45 minutes, stirring ever 10 minutes.  Remove from and oven and pour onto waxed paper.  Break apart (before pops can cool) to desired piece size. 

*Barrel O'Fun Corn Pops come in two sizes, 8 oz and 16 oz.  We have been known to double the recipe and use the 16 oz size.  Sadly these are only available in the fall.  Luckily Frito Lay makes some called Chester's Puffcorn - Butter flavored. It comes in 3 1/2 oz bags so you will need at least two.

Brazilian Lemonade

We didn't try this in Brazil, but when I tried it at the neighbor's cooking class it was obviously Brazilian. In Brazil, they call limes lemons, and use sweetened condensed milk in so many things. True Brazilian sweetened condensed milk is slightly different, not quite as sweet and thick as ours. This can not be made very far in advance as it spoils quickly, thus you wouldn't want to use it for a party, but your family will ask for it frequently, once they have tried it.

1 cup sugar
6 cups cold water
4 juicy limes (smooth, thin skinned limes are juiciest and least bitter)
5-7 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
Crushed ice

Mix cold water and sugar until sugar dissolved. let chill until ready to use. (this part can be made in advance).
Wash limes really well with soap. You will need to get the wax and pesticides off they skins as you using the whole lime. Cut the ends off, then cut into eighths.. Place half the limes in the blender and half the sugar water. Pulse 5 times (or more if necessary) to release the flavors. Place a strainer over the pitcher you are serving out of and pour mixture through the strainer. With a spoon press out the rest of liquid. Repeat with remaining limes and sugar water. Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk and serve over lots of ice. Serving cold is important.

Pina Colada Salad

Once a month, our neighbor offers a cooking class. Not only is she an excellent cook, but the evening is quit entertaining. It's always fun to go, not to mention tasty. Sometimes she has a recipe that just has to be shared and this is one of them. The combination may seem strange, try it you will be surprised, and it looks so pretty.

1 cup cashews (salted or raw, try it bot ways)
2 cups dried cranberries (I have used cherry flavored craisins, just make them fresh)
1 cup diced celery
2 cups diced FRESH pineapple (canned may be used but it won't be quite as good)

Pina Colada Dressing:
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup pina colada drink mix (usually found in the liqueur aisle)
1 1/2 cup sour cream (or be healthy and use plain yogurt)

Mix the cashews, cranberries, celery and pineapple together. Whisk the sugar, pina colada drink mix and sour cream together and pour over the salad. Mix well. Serve immediately or store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

If serving immediately you could also try chopped apples in it.

Gorgonzola Pear Cheeseball / Dip

I was asked to make a cheeseball for an activity. I have many recipes that I like but I wanted something different. I had been to a cooking class where they had a Gorgonzola Pear Salad that we fell in love with. I had recently made it and had some left over ingredients so I go on line and found a recipe, made a few minor changes and this is now our new favorite cheeseball / dip.

1 firm pear, peeled, seeded and cubed
splash of olive oil
8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
3/4 c Gorgonzola cheese crumbles (you may also use blue cheese)
1 Tbsp grated onion
1/2 c craisins or dried cherries, chopped
toasted pecans or hazelnuts, chopped (optional)

1. Heat oven to 400 put pears in shallow baking dish. drizzle with olive oil. Roast for 10 - 15 minutes. Drain off juices and mash.
2. Cream together cream cheese and Gorgonzola cheese. Add pears, onion and craisins. Mix until well blended.
3. Top with nuts.

You can make it without roasting the pear and omit the nuts if necessary.

High Protein Wheat Bread

I don't know if I ever mentioned that my mother worked as a cook in the hot lunch at one of the local elementary schools. They would get some fun recipes and she would break them down so the average family could use them. This is one of them. Some of the ingredients are unusual bread ingredients but that's what makes it moist and tasty.

5 c white flour
2 c whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 tsp yeast
1 c water (add up to 1/4 c more for moister bread)
1/2 c. honey
1/8 c butter
1 c cottage cheese
1/2 c oats
1 egg
1 c nuts or sunflower seeds (or part raisins or craisins or ?)

Mix flour, salt and yeast. set aside. Heat water, honey, cottage cheese and butter till war. Add to dry mixture. Add eggs, mix. Add oats and nuts. Knead 8-10 minutes. Let raise until double, put in greased bread pan. let rise. Bake at 375 for 35-40 minutes.

Firewater or Primary Punch

This was served at many, many socials. It's name was determined by which social you usually had it at. Primary, Relief Society or YW Punch and when we added pop or club soda we called it Firewater. We loved it.

12 oz orange juice concentrate
12 oz lemonade concentrate
1 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond extract
9 c water
1 12 oz can up to a liter of lemon-lime pop, or club soda (optional)

Hot Spice Punch

Some foods, or in this case drinks, are filled with memories. Christmas wouldn't be the same with out a big pot of Hot Spice Punch. Another favorite memory is o several winters going to the mountains to play in the snow. I'd mix up a crock pot full of this and keep it on low for all to enjoy when they would come in from the cold. This is similar to Wassail, so it is easy to be creative and make changes.

1 6 oz can of orange juice, mixed up
1 c lemon juice
2 quarts apple juice or cider
2 c. sugar
1 quart water

In a tea or cheesecloth bag:
2 Cinnamon sticks
8 whole allspice
10 whole cloves
a tsp chunk of ginger

Let the spice bag steep at least 5 minutes in the juices. Longer for spicier.

Variations I have tried:
Using pineapple or a other juice
Leaving out the ginger
Using a 6 oz can of lemonade
More or less of any of the juices.

Be Creative

Apple Cider Stew

Two words describe this best, Sweet and Savory, and of course delicious. I found this on a recipe website I like to browse. I had some apples I needed to use up so I decided to give it a try. We enjoyed it. The reviews said it was better the 2nd day but we ate it all so I can't vouch for that.
I will post the recipe as I found it and then the second one with what I did because I didn't have all the ingredients.

1 # beef stew meat, cut into bite size pieces
2 tsp flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp dried thyme (optional)
2 tsp vegetable oil
2 1/2 C apple cider
4 carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, chopped
2 sm Fuji apples, peeled, cored and chopped
1 C chopped onion
1 stalk celery, chopped (optional)
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp thyme

1. Combine the beef stew meat with flour, 1/2 tsp salt, pepper, and 1/8 tsp thyme. Toss to coat evenly.


2. Heat oil in a large pot, cook meat in oil until nicely browned about 5-7 minutes. Pour apple cider over meat, reduce heat down to medium low and simmer until tender, about 1 hour.


3. Add carrots, potatoes, apples, onion, celery, 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp thyme. Continue cooking at a simmer until vegetable are tender, about 1/2 hour.

what I did
1/2 # hamburger (You can use more, that's just all I had)
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 potatoes, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 apples, chopped (used what I had, I think they were Galas)
2 C apple juice (or cider)
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp beef bullion
1/2 C frozen peas (optional)
1 pkg brown/beef gravy mix
1/2 C cold water

1. Brown the hamburger. Add other ingredients, except gravy mix and water, and simmer until tender.


2. Add frozen peas.


3. Mix gravy with water. Add to stew, and cook until thickened.


4. ENJOY

Peach Cheesecake Pie

I found this recipe in a magazine. The title alone attracted me. I tried it, we loved it, and each year when the fresh peaches are in season I make it at least once.

2 9" pie crusts
4-5 peaches, peeled and sliced
2/3 c. sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 c. orange juice
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1 tbsp sugar

• To sliced peaches add 2/3 c. sugar and cinnamon. Stir cornstarch into orange juice, stir into peaches. Bring to a boil, for 1 minute. Reduce heat to low; simmer until thickened, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool at least 20 minutes.
  Preheat oven to 350. Place foil lined baking sheet on middle rack in oven. Place one pie crust in 9" pie pan, trim and flute edges.
  Beat cream cheese and 1/2 c. sugar until fluffy. Beat in 1 egg and vanilla. Spread in crust. Bake on hot sheet until just set, 20 minutes.
• Top with peach mixture.
• Cut remaining pie crust into 1/2" wide strips. Arrange in lattice pattern over peach layer, trimming as necessary. Press ends to fluted edge. Beat one egg; brush over down. Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp sugar.
• Bake on hot baking sheet, 45 minutes or until golden. Cool on rack 3 hours.

Brazilian Beans and Rice

Several years ago we had a wonderful Brazilian exchange student. From her we learned that just like every family in the USA has their recipe for potato salad, every Brazilian family has their version of Brazilian Beans and Rice. This is a basic meal for the average family, similar to Feijoada, which is a more involved bean dish. This is USA version of Vanessa's recipe

Beans:
several slices of bacon, chopped (you can also use sausage, dried beef or pork)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 small onion, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1 can black beans with juice
1 cube or tsp beef bullion
1 small tomato peeled and chopped
brown the bacon, add garlic, onion, and green pepper and saute until tender, add beans and bullion, simmer for several minutes. Add tomato and heat through. Serve over rice.

Rice:
1/2 small onion, miniced
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
1 tbsp oil or butter
1 c rice
2 c water
saute onion and garlic in oil, until tender. Add rice and lightly brown. Add water, cover, turn heat to low and cook about 20 minutes or until done.

Coconut Syrup

We had the opportunity to spend a night at a dear friends cabin. For breakfast we had a super delicious breakfast of bacon, hash browns, and french toast served with fresh fruit, whipped cream and this coconut syrup. Did I mention it was delicious? Thanks VL.

1 cube butter
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. milk or 1/2 & 1/2 or straight cream (she used cream, of course)

Bring to a boil for one minute then add:

1/2 tsp coconut extract
1/2 tsp soda

Stir and remove from heat. Enjoy!

Use a deep pan because it will boil up when the soda is added.

Rosie's Popcorn

When the Beazer/Hendrix/Walker family got together Rosie made this delicious caramel/candied Popcorn. I really must share the recipe.

1 & 1/4 cup corn syrup
3 cups brown sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 stick butter
Mix syrup and sugar and bring to a boil. Add sweetened condensed milk and return to boil. Add butter and stir until softball candy stage. Make sure to stir constantly, to prevent burning.
Coat and mix the caramel over all the popcorn.

this will cover 3 batches of air popped popcorn.

Spinach Dip

I love to make spinach dip, besides it also tastes yummy. I could eat whole batch by myself. I frequently get asked for my recipe, the problem is I don't follow a recipe. I just dump and pour and do what feels right, proportions are really a matter of guessing. I will try my best though to create it on paper, but there will be lots just do what you want in it.

8 oz cream cheese, softened (I have made it with out and with low fat and non fat, it changed the make-up slightly and it just depends on who is coming over and what I have in the fridge)
1 c. (or several large spoonfuls) sour cream (regular or non fat, doesn't matter)
1 c. (or several large spoonfuls) mayonnaise (regular or non fat, doesn't matter, just don't use miracle whip or salad dressing)
1 pkg frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed out (I also use fresh and chop, don't worry about cooking, use as much as feels good
1 can water chestnuts, minced
1 + tbsp ranch dressing mix (use the whole pkg if you want a stronger flavor)
1 + tbsp chopped pimento, (optional, mostly for color, you could regular red pepper and get the same effect)

Whip the cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise till creamy, add everything else.
Open a box of crackers and enjoy.

Cheese and Green Chili Dip

Several weeks ago we went playing in the snow with Syd's family. One of his nephews (John) brought this dip. It was a delicious change from the usual ones we make. Can hardly wait to have some folks over to play games so we'll have an excuse to make it.

1 pkg (8oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 c Cheddar cheese , shredded
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 tbsp onion, minced
1 can (4oz.) diced green chilies
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp instant chicken bouillon granules

In a small bowl beat cream cheese and cheddar cheese until well blended. Stir in rest of ingredients. Chill before serving.
Serve with crackers or Frito's.

Honey Lime Enchiladas

Stayed at a friends cabin and this recipe was on the counter. Decided to try it and I was glad. They are as yummy as it said they would be.

1 1/2 # pork or chicken, shredded.
Sauce:
1/4 c. lime juice
1/3 c. honey
1 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic or 1 glove crushed

2 10oz cans green enchilada sauce
1+ cups each of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, shredded
1-2 doz flour tortillas

Mix together sauce then add to meat. Let soak into meat about 20 min.
Lightly spray baking dish (9x13) may need to use a second pan depending on how full you stuff. Pour enough enchilada sauce in bottom to coat entirely.
Fill tortilla shells with shredded meat and desired amount of cheese. Roll in place in dish.
Pour remainder of sauce over and sprinkle generously with more cheese.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Then turn on broiler, place near top until cheese is crispy & lightly browned.
Enjoy.

Freezes well, cover with plastic wrap then foil. Before baking be sure to remove plastic wrap and foil.

Creamy Turkey/Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Syd's sister found this in a newspaper and tried it on us. It was a definite keeper. Everyone had seconds.

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 c. sliced mushrooms
3/4 c. celery, chopped
3/4 c. carrots, chopped or sliced
1/4 c. onions, chopped
1/4 c. flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground pepper
4 c. chicken broth
1 c. quick cooking or instant wild rice
3 c shredded or chopped cooked chicken or turkey
1/2 c. sour cream
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (2 tsp dried)

Sauté mushrooms, celery, carrots and onions in oil until soft. Add flour, salt and pepper and cook. Add broth and bring to a boil scrapping up any browned bits. Add rice and reduce to heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until rice is tender, 5-7 minutes. Stir in chicken or turkey, sour cream and parsley. Cook until heated through.

Mexican Pinwheels

This is a nice party dish than can be made ahead. Experiment with it. You might discover something more creative or tasty to add to it.

12 oz. cream cheese, softened
4 oz can diced green chilies
4 1/2 oz can chopped black olives
3 or 4 green onions chopped extra fine
5 tbsp walnuts, chopped (optional, especially is someone is allergic)
garlic powder to taste
Mix well together. Spread on flour tortillas. Roll up jelly roll fashion. Put in pan with Saran wrap, then foil. Chill overnight. slice into 1" slices, garnish with sliced rip olives and Parsley.

Hot Raspberry Apple Cider

One night at a ward party we needed a warm and unique hot drink. We'd done just plain cider before so we needed to be creative. We found this drink on the Internet, made a few minor changes and everyone loved it. so may you.

8 cups apple cider or juice
1 cup raspberry concentrate, thawed
1/4-1/2 cup sugar
1 cinnamon stick
Frozen raspberries
mix all but the raspberries, heat to a simmer and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, ladle in cups and top with a few frozen Raspberries. Enjoy.

Cheese Fudge (aka School Fudge)

This is a blast from the past, if you are from here and about my age, which of course I will not share, you will remember eating it.. Think back to those good old days of School Lunch, when the cooks made real food, macaroni and cheese with big lumps of gooey cheese, chili and Donuts, and fudge. Yes, this is that recipe. I must admit that I don't make Christmas Candy. I've made a few feeble attempts, but that is one thing that intimidates me, even the thought of doing it sends fear down my spine. Luckily my mother was a school cook in her later working years and she passed along this secret recipe. It is one of the few actually successful goodies I have made, especially since there is no cooking required. The schools had to work with what was given them, and so the ingredients are perhaps not what you would normally think of in fudge. Be brave and try it.

1/2 # grated or crumbles processed cheese such as Velveeta (grate or crumble while cold then let it come to room temperature)
1 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. butter or margarine
3/4 c. Carob or 1/2 c. cocoa
4 1/3 tbsp canned milk (I think that is 4 tbsp and 1 tsp)
2 # powdered sugar (a whole bag)
2 tbsp vanilla
1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional of course)
Put all ingredients into mixer, mix well. It will be thick. Put into a buttered (9/13 for thick), and refrigerate overnight.
Can be frozen.
When this was made for the school it was obviously made in huge batches. My mother broke it down into a manageable amount. Thank Mom.

Frozen Apple Pie Filling

Mrs "C" gave me this recipe. So easy and tastes good too. No canner needed and bottles are optional and freezer space is a must when you find out how easy and tasty it is. Give it a try.

12 cups peeled and slice apples
Put in microwave on high for 5 minutes, stir and cook 5 more minutes.
Stir together:
1 c sugar
6 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon (use more if like it more cinnamon)
dash of salt
Add to apples, stir well.
You may add 1/2 tsp vanilla and 1/4 tsp almond extract of desired.
Put in quart freezer bags or quart jars. Freeze and enjoy.