Christmas Cookies

The road to wellness is often bumpy and rough.  This delicious recipe reminds me of the Rocky Road recipe Mom made when I was younger. However now since I am an adult (and sensitive to nuts) I have to come up with my own twist on avoiding nuts in recipes.  When I found this recipe I was tickled; it did just that....it worked well for all.

Candy Cane Rocky Road
adapted from: http://tasteandseerecipe.blogspot.com/2013/12/candy-cane-marshmallow-fudge.html

1 (11.5oz) bag chocolate chips
1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 t vanilla
3 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Grease a piece of foil and place in a 9x13pan.  In a large bowl (microwave-safe) melt together chocolate and milk, stirring often.  Once melted completely stir in vanilla, marshmallows and candy canes.  Spread evenly into dish.  Cover and refridgerate.  Keep cold before serving.

Want S'More?! A Little Love With (Very) Little Fuss

Do you remember as a child loving those sticky gooey sandwich thingies that you made around the campfire?  Life is simplified now.  You don't need fire (unless you are pyro-at-heart).  You can have the same delicious flavors in about 10minutes fresh from your 'neighborhood' kitchen. So easy. So good.

Golden Graham S'more Bars
adapted from: http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2012/06/20/golden-grahams-smores-bars/

8 cups Golden Graham cereal
5 cups mini marshmallows
1 1/2 cups chopped Hershey bars (chocolate chips would work in a pinch)
1/4 cup light corn syrup
5 T butter
1 t vanilla
1 cup (additional) mini marshmallows

Grease a 9x13pan.  Place cereal in a large bowl. In another heat proof bowl combine 5 cups marshmallows, chocolate, corn syrup and butter.  Microwave (stirring every 30 seconds) until mixture is melted and smooth.  Add vanilla. Stir. Carefully fold cereal and melted mixture together (use a greased spoon to do so).  Stir in additional marshmallows.  Spread out in the greased pan.  Let set up (harden slightly).  Store in an airtight container. (I like just spreading the mixture out in my large rectangular box to begin with so I don't have to worry about transferring them.)  These can be at room temperature for a couple days.  If you are not going to eat them all right now, put in the fridge.

Ingenious Idea...Why Did I Not Think Of That

I found this recipe and I thought what a wonderful idea.  I just HAD to try it out for testing purposes.  It was just as delicious as it looked. What an indulgent snack especially after the little guys went to bed. :D Yes I am mean not giving them dessert - they had skipped their naps.

Brownies in a Mug
http://catholiccookiejar.blogspot.com/2012/09/brownies-in-mug.html

1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup flour
2 T cocoa powder
pinch of salt
2 T oil (I used mild olive oil...and it did NOT impart any funny flavors)
3 T water

Grease a microwave safe mug. Dump all ingredients in. Stir until smooth and not very lumpy. Microwave for 50sec-1minute40sec. I microwaved mine closer to 1min15sec just so it was gooey still and hot. The authoress of the link did hers for 50 - must for a really gooey brownie.  Top with ice cream and chocolate chips. I used vanilla ice cream, craisins and white chocolate chips...mmm.

Simple & Easy Snack

We love love popcorn around here. We cannot have it in enough. It is a great go-to snack. A few years back a friend from Alaska gave me a recipe for homemade microwave popcorn. I love being able to adjust the taste with an amount of butter and other toppings that I want. My recent love topping is grated cheddar cheese. Too addicting.

Microwave Popcorn

1/3 - 1/2 cup popcorn kernels a small-ish brown paper bag (like the ones lunches could get packed in)

Fold down the bag twice. Place 2 staples in (make sure they are a few inches apart). Microwave for 2-3 minutes until popping slows down. Drizzle with butter and desired toppings. Voila!