Fast n Easy Dip for New Year Party!

Here is a family favorite of ours. Many have seen the cream cheese with salsa poured over it. I do the same but blend the softened cream cheese with 1 1/2 cups of picante sauce. It makes a fast and easy dip that people rave over. They always ask for my recipe and I feel rather sheepish to let it out as it is soooo easy to make! :)

Simply blend 8 oz. blocks of softened cream cheese with 1 1/2 cups of picante sauce. You might not be able to tell with the pic, but the Bosch blender has a vortex action that completely purees the dip. The Bosch blender makes this so fast and easy.

Serve with corn chips.

Hope you enjoy and have a safe Happy New Year!

Truffles Made Easy!

These are a delectable truffle that are so easy to make. I always love eating truffles and thought them to be a gourmet delicacy and way too far out of my cooking ability. Little did I realize how many easy variations there are out there and how easy they are to make.

We made them for some small gifts to give to friends. They were a real hit and were also great at our Christmas parties.

Here are some great variations you can use for your next gathering...New Year's Eve party....foo-foo luncheon!

I have posted 3 different variations for you of truffles fillings you can make. With each truffle recipe, you would dip the formed truffle ball in melted almond bark. You can do white or chocolate. Both are great tasting and make a beautiful presentation for your truffle.


Truffle One (Oreo):
Blend 1 package of Oreo cookies in your Bosch blender till crumbs. Pour crumbs and 1 8 oz. package of softened cream cheese, and 1 tsp. vanilla into your Bosch mixer. Mix well and form into small balls.

Truffle Two (cookie dough):
from Taste of Homes
1/2 cup butter softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Mix well in bosch bowl. Makes about 5 1/2 dozen


Truffle Three (pumpkin cookie):
Process cooked pumpkin cookie recipe (see below)
1 # cookies
1 8 oz. cream softened cheese
Use your bosch food processor to mix well and then form into balls.
This was an earlier post of these pumpkin cookies. Simply use the same cookie and make them into truffles. Delicious!
from "Delicious Meets Nutritious" (click here to learn more)
1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cup Xagave
1 tsp vanilla
3 1/2 cup pastry flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
2 cups milk chocolate chips
1-2 cups rolled oats (optional)
Steps:
Mix pumpkin, eggs, butter, Xagave, and vanilla with Bosch bowl using the cookie paddles. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and mix with pumpkin mixture. Add chocolate chips and oats. Scoop about 6 cookies per cookie sheet, leaving 2 to 3 inches between cookies. Bake 325 degrees for 18 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

After you have chosen/mixed the truffles, form them into small balls and place on your stainless steel cookie sheet. Freeze the truffle balls for at least one hour. Remove from freezer and dip in melted almond bark. We found that we would place the truffle on a fork and it would drip the excess almond bark off nicely. Place back on the cookie sheet. When the cookie sheet is full, put in the freezer to harden. We simply made a bunch of them and kept them in the freezer as we 'needed' them for our parties or gifts.

They have been a real hit this year. Enjoy.

Chestnut Dip

from Sue Gregg's "Holiday Menus"
If you are looking for finger foods for your New Year's Eve get together, this will be a lovely dip to celebrate the New Year coming!

1. Blend together with Bosch gourmet whips:
3/4 cup whole plain yogurt
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cups mayonnaise
1 small can water chestnuts, drained, chopped
Spike seasonings to taste (found in local health food store)

2. Steam, drain, chop well, chill and add to dip just before serving: 1 bunch fresh spinach.

Note from Paula: This is a great dip you can make ahead and simply cook/add the spinach the day you serve the dish. The bright green from the spinach will lose it vibrancy over the hours so you don't want to prepare the dip with spinach too far in advance. The fresher the spinach the better so it will be a festive green for your holiday table!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Wishing you a blessed day and day to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas...Jesus birthday. True, this is not the official day but it is the day we remember that Jesus came as a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes laying in a manger.

The King of Kings chose to come to earth to lay down His life to pay the price for our sins. This day we celebrate the beginning of His short life on earth to give us a small view of His great love.

Enjoy this day by celebrating Jesus.

Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies!

We fixed these for our after Thanksgiving Party that we celebrated. We made an assortment of cookies and these were a real hit!

We found this recipe in the Taste of Homes and simply adapted it to be healthier. Now keep in mind, cookies would probably not fall under a health food but doing a few changes does make it on the healthier side. :) They were a real hit with our family.

3/4 cups butter softened
1 1/4 cup brown sugar (can substitute with 1 cup Xagave)
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup soft pastry flour
1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup white chocolate chips (our addition!)
3 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
1 cup chopped peeled tart apples
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1. Cream butter and brown sugar in your Bosch bowl with cookie paddles on speed 1. Add beaten eggs, milk and vanilla. Combine flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda and nutmeg, gradually to creamed mixture. Stir in oats,cranberries, apple and walnuts.

2. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks.

!!MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Dear Fellow Bread Lovers!

With Christmas looming around the corner, you may have forgotten those stocking stuffers. Let me help you during this harried season be a one stop shop! Last Christmas Eve, we had all our company stay for the night as an unexpected blizzard hit northeaster OK! Was I ever glad that I had items tucked away to pull out to give our guest that Christmas morning! :)

Usually, the Christmas stocking fill with cheap items that don't last more than a week. Below are some ideas that will enhance any cook's kitchen and a great gift. These are great stocking stuffers OR you can pick up that small item as quick gifts to have on hand.

Let me help you finish your Christmas shopping list.

God bless you and Merry Christmas,
paula :)
paulasbread@gmail.com

Great Stocking stuffers UNDER $10 for the cook:

Heavy duty Kitchen scissors: $8 (click here)

Stainless steel shears have razor-sharp edges curved blade that reaches around joints for cutting through bones. The scissors feature a nutcracker between the handles.

Silicone Hand grip: $6.50 (click here)
Easy way to keep your pans safe while your kids are helping you cook. The silicone handle fits most pans and will stay on the handle unlike a hot pad that will slip around on the hot handle!

Pancake/Egg Rings (3 to choose from): $4.75 (click here)
Make breakfast fun. Set of star/flower-shaped, heart shape, or boy/girl pancake egg rings. Can be used as a large cookie cutter.

Magnetic Measurement Equivalent: $8 (click here)
Attach this handy magnet to your stove or refrigerator and never have to leaf through your cookbooks trying to find a conversion again.

Stainless Steel Pastry Blender: $8 (click here)
Stainless steel design cuts through butter and shortening easily. Heavy duty construction.

Cutter/Scraper: $6 (click here)
Stainless steel cutter/scraper has a soft, non-slip grip. Ideal for chopping or mincing garlic, fresh herbs, vegetables, fruits and nuts. Perfect for scraping and scooping up chopped ingredients and dividing. Convenient measures for cutting and measuring dough.

Spoonula: $8.99 (click here)
It is a spoon but also a spatula! You have a dual purpose tool that works great when mixing. I love this kitchen tool.

Excellent professional stainless steel utensils: $8.99 (click here)
This link only takes you to one of the many options for high quality stainless steel utensils. Check out all that are available to enhance your kitchen!

Silicone Pastry Brush: $8.99 (click here)
High heat resistant to 400 degrees. Won't stain, lose shape or retain odor. Dish washer safe! Safe for use with glass, nonstick and other surface!

Pizza Roller: $9.00 (click here)
Helps you to roll thin, uniform crusts for pizzas. Works for pastry and pasta doughs as well! The large roller spreads dough over broad surfaces, while the small roller fills in edges. Great handy tool!

Pizza Cutter: $10 (click here)
Stainless steel pizza wheel with a solid-filled handle guaranteeing a water tight seal. Perfect for cutting your pizza like the professionals!

You can see the details on my web site: www.paulasbread.com

Almond Pancake Mix in a bag!

This is a great unique gift! Everyone has seen the cookie in a jar but not many have gotten breakfast in a jar! Try this fun/unique Christmas gift I found in an old Christmas idea cookbook I came across!

Prepare the mix!!
Mix:
3 cups tofu powder
2 1/2 cups pastry flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup finely ground almonds
2/3 cup baking powder
1/3 cup raw sugar
1 Tbs. salt

Mix all ingredients together in your Bosch Mixer with cookie paddles until well blended. Store in a resealable plastic bag.

Include with your mix gift...
Recipe for pancake:
Combine
2 1/2 cups pancake mix
1 1/4 cups water
1 egg
2 Tbs. canola oil
Cook on hot grease griddle over medium heat. For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup batter onto griddle and cook until top of pancake is full of bubbles and underside is golden brown. Turn with a spatula and cook until remaining side is golden brown. Serve with butter and syrup! Yum!

Gift of Bread

I have said this a million time but the gift of gold is a simple loaf of home made whole wheat bread. It is so easy to make and only costs $1! What better way to save on your Christmas budget! Quick breads are nice but people really rave over the bread. You can take this inexpensive gift and make it look really nice with a bow, candy can and tag.

Make this Christmas season less stressful and put a fresh loaf of bread on your Christmas gift giving list!

I usually include this tag on the loaf of bread:

Mint Meringues

from Taste of Homes "Best-loved Cookies & Candies"

This is a light and beautiful cookie to serve this Christmas! Everyone has seen the white meringue cookies but now you can turn your table into a festive look with these wonderful cookies!


2 egg whites
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1/8 tsp peppermint extract
6 to 8 drops green food coloring (optional)
1/2 cups sugar
1/3 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

1. In Bosch Universal mixer (use gourmet whips) beat egg whites, salt, cream of tartar, extract and food coloring on speed 2 until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, 1 Tbl. at a time beating on Speed 3 until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. This will be fast!! Gently fold in chocolate chips.

2. Drop by rounded tsp. 2" apart onto parchment paper-lined stainless steel baking sheets. Bake 250 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until firm to the touch. Turn oven off; leave meringues in oven for 1 1/2 hours. Remove to wire racks. Store in an airtight container. Yields 32 doz. cookies.

Note from Paula: Your Bosch will shine with this recipe as it will make more meringue than other mixers! A cookbook will tell you that one egg will make 1/2 cup of meringue but the Bosch will make up to a 1 1/2 cups of meringue! The point?! Your Bosch will let you make more cookies with this recipe! Yum!!

Now another tip for these cookies!! You can't use natural peppermint flavoring. You have to use the imitation stuff as it will alter the liquid ratio. Another tip, the sugar needs to be added slowly so it can work into the meringue.

How do I know this??? My first batch, I did my usual dump all the ingredients. Not good idea. :) It is important to follow directions on this cookie. Have fun.

Christmas Fun!

This is such a fun way to celebrate this Christmas season. The kits are usually found on sale at Wal-Mart or Michael's. We divide the family up into teams to create their gingerbread house. It is comical to watch the teams as they 'argue' over how to design the house, how to pipe the icing, how to...too funny. I am amazed every year as these little pre-cut houses turn out so different. You can see last year's post brought us a redneck garage home and an adobe house to name a few.

This year brought us a "girly" house in honor of the new daughter born to that team; a flatten tent with so much candy that probably collapsed the 'tent;' a 'welcome to wal-mart' smiling house much to the consternation of one of the partners; a 'two-faced' house as the team couldn't decide how to decorate so each took a side; and finally our typical ginger bread look.

It was a fun afternoon. I think it makes it more fun to make teams and everyone decorated at once. You should try it for a fun twist to the Christmas season.

Hoping your Christmas is not as stressful and putting fun traditions into your home.

Do you have one you would like to share? Would love to hear new ideas.

Our 'girly home'


welcome to wal-mart!

the candy 'drenched' tent

a house divided!

our little house

Spice Tea Mix

Spice Tea in a Jar!
from my sweet mother in law

1 1/4 cups Tang
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup instant tea
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves

Make this easy to make by mixing together in your Bosch Universal Mixer with the gourmet whips. Add 2-3 tsp of mix to 1 cup of boiling hot water.

So what is the big deal about using your Bosch to mix the tea? I have tried to mix it with a spoon and the ingredients really didn't mix well. Your bosch mixer will evenly mix the dry ingredients and they will be nicely swirled in your jar. Makes a beautiful gift.

Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

It began 5 years ago with a straggly cedar tree along the side of the road. One night coming home, we noticed this straggly tree had a Christmas bow! We decided to put some garland on the tree. As Christmas approached, a new ornament or decoration would appear on this forlorn little tree. It was so fun as no one knew who was adding what to the tree. It added to our Christmas fun to drive by and see what had been added.

Well, our little tree died last year. :( This year, we planted two little trees in its place complete with garland. Will keep you posted through out the Christmas season on how our little trees fair on my blog/facebook.

I would encourage you to begin this fun tradition. Find some forlorn cedar tree along the side of the road. Make sure it is not in a place that would be hazardous to those wanting to decorate the tree. Put a few simple decorations on the tree. Wait and see what happens as the Christmas spirit comes over people who see your "Charlie Brown" tree.

Keep updated on our little tree on my blog/facebook. Perhaps you can share your story of your little tree as well.

Coconut Cranberry Cookies in Jar!

This is a great cookie in jar recipe. We got this a couple of years ago from a dear friend. We have since made it as a stand by gift ready for whomever we forgot to get a gift for! Our kids have made them for their married siblings. The cookie is delicious. The cornflakes and the cranberries make a great presentation in the jar.

One challenge to making these cookies in a jar or any jar type gift is the jar itself can drive the price up. The best is to look for cute jars at garage sales or find them on a 90% off sale.

Last year, we found great jars at a store close-out and only paid $1 per jar! I was sooo glad we had made extra as the unexpected blizzard on Christmas Eve caused all our company to stay the night. I was able to pull cookies in jar gifts off the shelf to have presents to give! You can always throw in a stainless steel cookie sheet to make this an even better gift! (click here)

Put this tag on your jar:

In this Jar:
1 1/4 cups flour Add to this Mix:
1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 cup butter
1 tsp. baking soda 1 egg
1/2 cup oatmeal 1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar Cream butter. Add egg and vanilla. Add jar ingredients
1/2 craisins Mix well. Bake cookies 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
1 cup cornflakes Cool 5 minutes before removing from cookie sheet.
1 cup coconut

Christmas Tree Treat!

This is a fun 'twist' to a great Christmas treat presentation. You can use this sweet dough recipe to form lots of shapes. This is a fun way to dress up your Christmas party.

Sweet dough recipe:

1 tsp salt

1 cup milk

1/2 cup honey

1 stick butter

2 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

2 Tbls. yeast

5 to 6 cups whole wheat four

Heat butter, milk, honey, vanilla and salt to warm (115 degrees). Dissolve yeast in warm liquid ingredients in Bosch Universal Mixer. Add eggs. Knead (speed 1) in 3 cups of flour; then ,slowly add the rest of the flour. Knead 8 minutes. Let rise till double. Roll dough in to rectangle (see pic below). Color sugar (I used raw sugar) with green food coloring. Spread butter then the green dyed sugar over the rectangle. Then, form into fun braided form.(See my pics below on how I braided the dough to make a Christmas tree. This time I made the dough into a Christmas tree!

Let rise. Bake 350 degrees for 30 min. or until golden brown. When cooled drizzle icing and garnish with red candied cherries.

So much to be thankful for....

So how did the Sutton's actually spend their Thanksgiving Day? We found multiple things to be thankful for and none of it surrounded food.... It all began for us at 1 a.m. Thanksgiving Day! I awoke to truck horn honking incessantly on our drive. I looked out the window to see our field ablaze in an orangy glow of fire! Our first thanks was for a concerned neighbor to warn us of the danger.

My hubby and I donned on our coveralls and jumped into action to warn our neighbors and called the fire department. Thank you Lord for kind neighbors who all pitched in to squelch the fire. Thank you Lord that no one was hurt nor were any homes burned down. Thank you Lord for fire fighters who helped to battle the fire till 5:30 a.m.!

So let me explain how it all began. We live in the country and occasionally burn our excess trash. That evening there was no wind, which is a rarity in Oklahoma! My husband burned a fire wall around the burn pile and we proceeded to burn the trash. All was good and the fire was out, when we went to bed. The best part of the plan was the thunderstorms were coming that evening to totally douse any possibility of a later fire.

Well, the thunderstorms did come but the rain stopped short of our property. Unfortunately, there were embers in the apparent 'dead' fire. When the cold front came that night, it blew those few embers onto the dry grass and the rest is history.

How grateful I am that no one was hurt nor was any property damaged. Thank you Lord for His protection. My kids have always wanted to fight a fire and they got their full experience that evening. We discovered we had muscles that we hadn't used in a long time letting us know their presence the next day.

Needless to say, we were very thankful for all the ways that God had protected us and those around us. This will be a Thanksgiving Day that will never be forgotten.