Monday, September 22, 2008

Satisfying Snacks

Keeping the kids bellies full and content can be a full time job in itself sometimes. Some of our favorite snacks all involve Cream Cheese. If you want to try all of these, the best deal is to buy in bulk at Costco or other warehouse club.

Cheese Ball
16 oz cream cheese
packet of ranch dip mix
1/4 cup mayo
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Mix all ingredients except for 1 cup of cheddar in mixer. Separate into two balls and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for several hours.
When ready to serve roll balls in shredded cheddar and serve with your favorite cracker! YUM!!
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Another Cheese and Cracker Treat
8 oz block of cream cheese
sweet chili sauce from Trader Joes
Just pour the chili sauce over cream cheese and serve with crackers, yummy and easy!
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Dip for Apples
I got this one from here. Try it, it's yummy!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Another "Pocket" Meal

I've shared my Pizza Pockets and Veggie Pasties on different posts, and today I have yet one more tasty pocket meal. I wasn't to sure the kids would like this one because of the broccoli, but they all love it! It also freezes well, and if wrapped in foil while hot and placed in an insulated bag, it could be a good meal on the go idea as well. This isn't my own creation, so here is the link to where I stole it from. Broccoli Calazone.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Veggie Pasties

Growing up my mom used to make the yummiest pasties ever, but they had meat in them, and other than that they only had potatoes, carrots, onions and if I recall correctly, tomatoes. I have been trying to come up with a good veggie recipe for the longest time, unsuccessfully...until I found this site a few weeks back.

This one is my favorite:


Veggie Pasty
Ingredients:
The Crust
2 cups flour
2/3 cups butter (or Crisco)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold water
The Filling
2 1/2 cups peeled, diced potatoes
1 cup finely diced sweet potatoes
1/2 tablespoon oil or butter
1 clove of garlic
1/2 cup diced, cooked mushrooms (about 3/4 cup uncooked)
1 1/2 cups diced broccoli
1 small onion (1/2 cup chopped)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon season salt
1/2 tablespoon of olive oil
4 oz. cream cheese (1/2 package)
3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup milk for moistening and sealing crust
Crust:
Cut butter into flour and salt until it forms pea-size lumps. Add cold water and knead until well-blended. Form into 4 balls and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Roll in to an 8-inch circle. Use plenty of flour while rolling out.
Filling:
In a tablespoon of oil or butter, saute garlic and mushrooms, broccoli, onion, salt, black pepper, and one tablespoon of olive oil in a large bowl.
Construction:
Put 1 1/2 cups of filling on half of the pastry crust. Cut cream cheese block into quarters, and then cut each quarter into 4-5 pieces, and scatter on top of the filling pile. Add a tablespoon or two of shredded cheddar cheese to the top of the filling. Moisten the edges with milk or water, fold over, and pinch to seal. Brush outside lightly with milk. Cut 3-4 slits on the top to vent steam. Put on a lightly-greased cookie sheet, and bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the crust is golden brown.
We have had these a few times in the last couple of weeks. They are SO yummy!!
If you wrap these in foil and keep in an insulated bag you can take these on the go with you too!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

The BEST Chocolate Cake....EVER!!

I got this recipe several years ago from a "friend" over at Homeschool Blogger, when I used to blog over there. I honestly can't recall who it was now, as I'd love to give proper credit for this one.

When I was a little girl we use to go to my moms friends and she'd always have the BEST chocolate cake waiting for us. It was just so moist it was unbelievable! One day my mom asked for the recipe and couldn't believe the secret ingredient. Over the years I wondered about that recipe and where I could find it. My mom is no longer here with us and all I remembered was the incredible taste and the secret ingredient.

One day over at HSB I stumbled upon this one and I am pretty sure this is the same recipe as it has the secret ingredient and is SO yummy! In fact I have it baking in the oven right now to take to a dinner we are going to this afternoon.

Chocolate Cake
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup mayonnaise(THE secret ingredient...shhhh)
1 cup water
2 tsp baking soda
4 Tbsp. Cocoa Powder
1 tsp vanilla
mix all ingredients in a bowl.
pour batter into 9x13 greased and floured pan(I just spray some Pam)
Bake for 20-30 minutes at 350
cool and frost with frosting and enjoy!
Now, the lady at HSB that I stole this from, put a nice twist on this one. She included a totally yummy MOCHA frosting recipe:
Frosting
4 cups powdered sugar
3 Tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp instant coffee
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup water
1 tsp vanilla
Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl.
Beat until smooth and creamy, 2-4 minutes, on medium speed.
Enjoy!! YUM!