It doesn't get much easier than this. Salty, sweet, crisp and melty. Potato Chip Clusters go together really quickly. The biggest amount of time is spent waiting for them to set up. And you can speed that up by placing the parchment lined cookie sheet in the refrigerator or freezer for about 20 minutes. Use your imagination in creating embellishments. I made these early on and still hadn't found the kitchen box from the move with all the Christmas things in it. So red and green sprinkles it was. Either way the taste and texture are still the star! Potato Chip Clusters Print Sweet and salty, crunchy and melty. A perfect mix of texture and flavor. Author: A Pinch of Joy by Charlene Vance Recipe type: Dessert Serves: 3 doz Ingredients 9 ounces white baking ... [Read More]
Christmas
Christmas Wreath Candy – Cornflakes and Marshmallows
Cornflake Marshmallow Christmas Wreaths are a huge tradition in our family. Grandma used to make these every year and hide them in her closet. Because she knew if she left them anywhere else the early arrivers would sniff them out and every piece would be gone when she was ready to serve them. Everybody liked them – crispy, chewy and bright green. That was THE most requested recipe when we compiled a book of Grandma’s recipes one year. I made a batch for Thanksgiving this year. The wreaths were noted the minute they came in the house. Everyone was grown up until dessert time . . . . and then they were gone in a flash. No chance of this tradition making it to the next generation. They do not have a whisper of hope in ever getting a taste. Using the handle of a wooden spoon ... [Read More]
How to Make a Wreath
Gather Supplies Wreath Blank Mesh Ribbon, 4 to 5 inches wide Contrasting ribbon, 1 inch wide Large Bow Large embellishment (or coordinating collection of smaller embellishments) Colored Balls in different sizes -- limit to two colors, but can use several different finishes Small zip ties, green or black Scissors Do a Rough Layout Plan where bow should be placed Determine where largest embellishment should go Plan where next largest embellishments should go -- should be an odd number and somewhat evenly spaced Plan how largest ribbon will lead the eye around the wreath -- zig zag, straight, loops Fasten elements securely Begin with the largest elements and fasten securely When you have fastened the elements planned in the rough layout, ... [Read More]
Four Secrets to Roasting a Moist and Tender Turkey
Turkey -- tender and moist. Crispy and golden on the platter. A twelve to fourteen pound bird that roasts in 2 and a half hours instead of 4. What creates this magic? Mayonnaise makes the turkey moist and tender. And no, there is no mayo taste -- just tender turkey. The bird turns out a beautiful deep golden color. The skin will be thin and on the crispy side. How to achieve a moist and tender roast turkey? Here's secret # 1 -- Begin with a thoroughly thawed turkey -- no ice crystals. Thaw in the refrigerator according to package directions. Guidelines are 24 hours in the fridge for each 5 pounds of turkey weight. For a 12-14 pound turkey that's about three nights so that means plan ahead! If you are like me -- that planning ahead business doesn't always happen! Backup ... [Read More]
Quick and Easy Apple Cream Cheese Danish
Cream Cheese sharpened with lemon juice, topped with cinnamony apples on a barely there crust -- out of this world goodness! This is a perfect make ahead dish for a group brunch. And sooo good hot out of the oven for a spur of the moment snack or dessert. It is so quick and easy to make, which makes it even better. I used no sugar added apple pie filling. One can is okay, but two cans are better, especially if you are using this as a brunch or breakfast dish. Prettier and more filling. Cool the danish overnight or refrigerate after baking. This allows the cream cheese filling to set up and the flavors to meld. It will cut easier and look very nice on the serving plate. On the other hand, right out of the oven -- well not right out of the oven literally. Wait 10-15 minutes ... [Read More]
How to make a large, lighted outdoor wreath
Christmas time in a new house totally different from the last abode. How to decorate for Christmas? We were spoiled with our 10 minute exterior decorating. Ease of installation in potentially frigid air was at the top of our list. Weather is a huge factor and everything has to be able to withstand wind and snow. Our something new needed to be simple enough that it could be done in an afternoon without breaking the budget. Yet large enough that it would make an impact on its own. That large triangle at the front of the house – yes, the one over the garage door – was calling out for something. That space needed: A wreath, of course. The previous owners, who built the house, planned ahead with outlets under the eaves. The wreath could be lighted very easily. There was even a hook at just ... [Read More]
