When You Have Snow Outside...Must Make Some For Inside

Winter is definitely here.  We have SO MUCH snow. I am actually getting sick of it. Today I thought I would try and make some yummy snowball treats for the boys after school snack....Popcorn balls.

Popcorn "SnowBalls"
adapted from: http://lifemadesimplebakes.com/2014/04/popcorn-snowballs/

1/4 margarine
1 (10oz) bag mini marshmallows

1/2 cup (unpopped popcorn - pop in an air popper (place in a large bowl)
1 cup M-Ms

In a large non-stick pan melt margarine. When it is almost fully melted stir in the marshmallows. Coat them with the melted margarine.  Continue stirring until just melted and smooth.  Pour over popcorn; stir to coat. Toss in the M-Ms. Stir. With buttered/greased hands, form popcorn mixture into 15 balls. Place on parchment paper to completely cool. Enjoy!

Christmas Cookies (err...Candy)

Did you ever read CS Lewis' beloved book of Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe?  After reading this book in a class at school my curiosity was perked wondering what Turkish Delight tasted like.  My teacher did all of us a favor and ordered some from a delicious local candy store. My mom then tasted this delicious candy and LOVED it too, especially the green lime flavor coated in rich dark chocolate.  Hope this delicious recipe makes you feel like a kid again.

Turkish Delight
adapted from:  http://allrecipes.com/recipe/turkish-delight/

1 1/2 cups water
3 cups sugar
3 T light corn syrup
1/2 cup orange juice (lime juice)
3 T orange (lime) zest
3 (0.25oz) envelopes unflavored gelatin
3/4 cup cornstartch
1/2 cup cold water
1 T vanilla
3/4 cup chopped pistachios (omitted)
powdered sugar to dust
melted dark chocolate (to dip)

Bring 1 1/2 cups water, sugar and corn syrup to a boil in a large saucepan. Cook, stirring all the while, until temperature reaches 240*F on a candy thermometer. Set aside (keep HOT). In another bowl combine orange juice and zest. Pour gelatin powder over.  Let rest. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; combine into hot syrup. Cook over medium low heat until SUPER thick. Remove from heat; add orange juice mixture and vanilla (with nuts if desired). Grease an 8x8pan (sprinkle and coat with powdered sugar).  Cool completely. Sprinkle with more powdered sugar and cut into small pieces. Dip individual pieces into melted chocolate. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Chill. Place in an air container and store (I like to store in fridge).

Perfect (Addictive) Treats

With this oh-so-easy treat in the house (freezer), it is hard to eat just one piece.  For me one often turns into WAY more than ten...oops.  However I highly recommend making this recipe at least once during the year.  My mom gave me the recipe...awesomeness.  Make sure to store OUT OF SIGHT in freezer if you want it to last.

Cracker Cookies

adapted from: http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2009/04/chocolate-caramel-crackers/

4 to 6 sheets of Matzo crackers (or saltines)*

1 cup UNSALTED butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

pinch of sea salt

1/2 t vanilla

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

1 cup chopped and toasted nuts (my mom also adds coconut)

Preheat oven to 350.  Line a 11x17 baking sheet with foil...grease well.  Line with crackers to cover completely.  In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together on medium heat. Boil EXACTLY 3 minutes, stirring all the while.  Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla.  Pour caramel (evenly as possible) over crackers. Bake for 15 minutes; watching carefully to ensure it does not burn.  Remove from oven and immediately top with chocolate chips.  Let rest 5 minutes.  Spread chocolate chips all over (should be melty-enough to spread).  Top with nuts,coconut or other toppings (I wonder if mini marshmallows might work to create 'smore like cookies).  Place in freezer to firm up (about 1 hour).  Break into pieces and store in airtight containers (zip bags work too) in fridge or freezer.
*NOTE: I have used club crackers and graham crackers with good results.

Complicated Matters Made Simple

Hmmm...I would have never thought that making fudge could be so simple.  I discovered a very simple recipe for making homemade fudge.  It is really good too.

Candy Cane Fudge
adapted from: http://www.northpole.com/kitchen/cookbook/rec0573.asp

1 pkg vanilla milk chips
1 can Vanilla Creamy Supreme Icing (frosting)
1/2 t peppermint extract
4 drops red food coloring  
2 T chopped/crushed candy canes (peppermint flavored)

Place vanilla chips in pan on stove on medium heat.  Stir until melted.  Stir and continue to do so when you add icing.  Remove from heat.  Add peppermint extract.  Pour into greased foil lined 8inch square pan.  Add 1 drop food coloring to each corner. Swirl with butter knife.  Top with candy canes (I had candy sprinkles.  Cover and refrigerate until firm.  Cut into small pieces.

My variation:
Use 2 cups chocolate chips (really good dark is best)
chocolate icing/frosting
NO food coloring
1/2 t orange extract
no candy canes
Follow above directions with these ingredients instead

Christmas Cookies

Yesterday I made the most delectable little goodies that I have made yet this Christmas season. I have always loved the taste of chocolate and mint together. (BAP must love it too since he always gravitates toward the mint chocolate chip ice cream. I am sure it does not have to do with the fact that "Green is my favorite color Mommy") Anyways, these are not green but they just plain irresistible.

Peppermint Oreo Truffles
http://www.handletheheat.com/2011/12/peppermint-oreo-truffles.html

1 (16.6 oz) package regular Oreos, crushed (even the filling, a food processor works well) - just over 3 1/2 sleeves if you get the Costco pack

6 regular size candy canes, crushed (spearmint starlight mints good too)

8 -10 oz cream cheese, room temperature

16 oz semi sweet chocolate (chocolate almond bark works well too), melted (after chilling rolled balls) {for the spearmint ones I dipped them in white chocolate)

Combine all ingredients (minus about 2 T crushed candy canes). Shape into balls. Place on a greased piece of parchment. Let chill (I put mine on my deck for an hour) until hardened. Dip chilled balls into melted chocolate. Sprinkle each piece with reserved candy cane after it takes its chocolate bath. Then chill again (again used my deck). After well chilled and hardened again. Place in an air tight container. Store in the refrigerator.