HONEYCOMB CANDY

HONEYCOMB CANDY
Made this as dessert for our meal we have the week before Easter - a meal like Jesus would eat.  Found in The Friend.  The kids thought it was way cool.  And it tasted good too.  It really looks like a honeycomb inside when you break it. I did it in the microwave.  Don't have a candy thermometer (sp) so I think I might have cooked it a little too long.  I did like 3 minutes, stir and then maybe another 2 minutes.

The scriptures say that Jesus ate honeycomb after He was resurrected (see Luke 24:42). This honey-flavored candy can be a sweet reminder of the joy of Easter. Remember to get an adult’s help when cooking.

3/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons water

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1. 1. 
   Grease a cookie sheet.
2. 2. 
   Combine sugar, honey, and water in saucepan. Simmer over high heat without stirring until the syrup looks like caramel and reaches 300°F (150°C).
3. 3. 
   Remove pan from heat and mix baking soda into the syrup. The syrup will foam up. Stir just long enough to mix the ingredients.
4. 4. 
   Pour mixture onto baking sheet. Do not spread.
5. 5. 
   Allow the candy to cool, then break into pieces and enjoy!

RESURRECTION ROLLS

RESURRECTION ROLLS
http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4281&Itemid=5
We do these sometime during the week before Easter (see link above- where I get a lot of ideas).  Read the notes. It does work better if you cut the marshmallow and cook in a muffin tin.  The kids love it.

Crescent rolls
melted butter
large marshmallows
cinnamon
sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Give each child  a triangle of crescent rolls. The crescent roll represents the cloth that Jesus was wrapped in.

Give each child a marshmallow, this represents Jesus. Have them dip the marshmallow in melted butter, which represents the oils of embalming. Then dip the buttered marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar which represent the spices used to anoint the body.

Then wrap the coated marshmallow tightly in the crescent roll (not like a typical crescent roll up, but bring the sides up and seal the marshmallow inside.) This represents the wrapping of Jesus' body after death.

Place in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. The oven represents the tomb.

When the rolls have cooled slightly, the children can open their rolls (cloth) and discover that Jesus is no longer there, He is risen. (The marshmallow and the crescent roll is puffed up, but empty.)

NOTE: I had problems the first time I made them. I re-did them last night and they worked. What I did was I cut the large marshmallow in half. Then instead of baking them on a cookie sheet I put them into cupcake papers and baked them in the muffin tin. They worked MUCH better and they were hollow inside. When I did it the first way with the whole marshmallow and on a cookie sheet, they oozed marshmallow everywhere and were not hollow).



Just for reference - this is what the kids love and look forward to doing on Saturday night before Easter:

My mother-in-law came up with this when she was teaching seminary and we've been doing it with the whole family ever since (never mind the fact that we're all adults!).
 

She buys a ton of candy.  The only specific candy you have to buy is 3 Cadbury eggs which will represent the Godhead.  The rest of the candy can be whatever your family likes.  Other required supplies include a bag and a blindfold for each participant.  We've never been fancy with this - we've just used grocery bags and strips of fabric or t-shirts for blind folds.
 

We always waited until it was dark for this activity because it symbolizes the darkness the Nephites experienced after the Savior's death.  The scriptures say absolutely NO light could be seen and so we used the blindfolds to make the darkness absolute.
 

My mother-in-law would send us all out on the front porch while she prepared the house.  While we waited she would turn furniture upside down and move things all around to symbolize the destruction of the land after the Savior's death.  Then she would scatter the candy, which symbolized our family members, everywhere.  When the house was sufficiently wrecked, she would come on the porch and tell us what had happened using the story from the Book of Mormon.  (It might be a good idea to read it and bring out whatever points you think are important for your family.) 

She would say things to the effect of "there's been terrible destruction.  The whole face of the land has been changed.  You have been separated from your family members.  You must find them."  She would continue to narrate the story and end by telling us that there were 3 special eggs that represented Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost.  We were to try and find them, our family and then try and get to the highest place (usually a stack of couch pillows) which represented the temple (this is, of course, where the Nephites gathered).  Then she would blind fold us and give us our bags.  We would go into the house and get down on our hands and knees (it's much safer this way!) and crawl around stuffing candy (family) in our bags.  When we had been at it a while and we were pretty sure most of the candy had been collected we would all make our way to the "temple".  This has been a GREAT activity that seems to appeal to ALL ages.My mother-in-law came up with this when she was teaching seminary and we've been doing it with the whole family ever since (never mind the fact that we're all adults!).

 

She buys a ton of candy.  The only specific candy you have to buy is 3 Cadbury eggs which will represent the Godhead.  The rest of the candy can be whatever your family likes.  Other required supplies include a bag and a blindfold for each participant.  We've never been fancy with this - we've just used grocery bags and strips of fabric or t-shirts for blind folds.
 

We always waited until it was dark for this activity because it symbolizes the darkness the Nephites experienced after the Savior's death.  The scriptures say absolutely NO light could be seen and so we used the blindfolds to make the darkness absolute.
 

My mother-in-law would send us all out on the front porch while she prepared the house.  While we waited she would turn furniture upside down and move things all around to symbolize the destruction of the land after the Savior's death.  Then she would scatter the candy, which symbolized our family members, everywhere.  When the house was sufficiently wrecked, she would come on the porch and tell us what had happened using the story from the Book of Mormon.  (It might be a good idea to read it and bring out whatever points you think are important for your family.) 

She would say things to the effect of "there's been terrible destruction.  The whole face of the land has been changed.  You have been separated from your family members.  You must find them."  She would continue to narrate the story and end by telling us that there were 3 special eggs that represented Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost.  We were to try and find them, our family and then try and get to the highest place (usually a stack of couch pillows) which represented the temple (this is, of course, where the Nephites gathered).  Then she would blind fold us and give us our bags.  We would go into the house and get down on our hands and knees (it's much safer this way!) and crawl around stuffing candy (family) in our bags.  When we had been at it a while and we were pretty sure most of the candy had been collected we would all make our way to the "temple".  This has been a GREAT activity that seems to appeal to ALL ages.My mother-in-law came up with this when she was teaching seminary and we've been doing it with the whole family ever since (never mind the fact that we're all adults!).

 

She buys a ton of candy.  The only specific candy you have to buy is 3 Cadbury eggs which will represent the Godhead.  The rest of the candy can be whatever your family likes.  Other required supplies include a bag and a blindfold for each participant.  We've never been fancy with this - we've just used grocery bags and strips of fabric or t-shirts for blind folds.
 

We always waited until it was dark for this activity because it symbolizes the darkness the Nephites experienced after the Savior's death.  The scriptures say absolutely NO light could be seen and so we used the blindfolds to make the darkness absolute.
 

My mother-in-law would send us all out on the front porch while she prepared the house.  While we waited she would turn furniture upside down and move things all around to symbolize the destruction of the land after the Savior's death.  Then she would scatter the candy, which symbolized our family members, everywhere.  When the house was sufficiently wrecked, she would come on the porch and tell us what had happened using the story from the Book of Mormon.  (It might be a good idea to read it and bring out whatever points you think are important for your family.) 

She would say things to the effect of "there's been terrible destruction.  The whole face of the land has been changed.  You have been separated from your family members.  You must find them."  She would continue to narrate the story and end by telling us that there were 3 special eggs that represented Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost.  We were to try and find them, our family and then try and get to the highest place (usually a stack of couch pillows) which represented the temple (this is, of course, where the Nephites gathered).  Then she would blind fold us and give us our bags.  We would go into the house and get down on our hands and knees (it's much safer this way!) and crawl around stuffing candy (family) in our bags.  When we had been at it a while and we were pretty sure most of the candy had been collected we would all make our way to the "temple".  This has been a GREAT activity that seems to appeal to ALL ages.

PRETZEL ROLLS

PRETZEL ROLLS
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2012/10/pretzel-rolls/
These really taste like pretzels.  Fun to make with the kids. Jackson especially liked measuring the dough out on the scale.  Didn't take as long as I thought they would.  Allow approx 2 hours due to rising. Liked that it only made 12 rolls.  With the leftovers made egg sandwiches - yum!  Made these for our Jesus meal - Easter week 2013.

1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115 F)
1 tablespoon rapid rise or bread machine yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
4 3/4-5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling
1/4 cup melted butter
1 egg, separated
1/4 cup baking soda
8 cups water

Instructions:

In a large measuring cup, combine the water, sugar, and yeast and allow to stand for 10 minutes and the mixture is frothy.

While the yeast is proofing, combine the salt and 4 1/2 cups flour in the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer (or a large bowl, if mixing by hand). Add the melted butter, egg yolk, and the bubbly yeast mixture. Mix until combined. If necessary, add up to an additional 1/2 cup of flour, about a tablespoon at a time, until the dough pulls off the sides of the bowl and barely sticks to your finger when you touch it. Cover the bowl and place it in a warm, draft-free area and allow the dough to rise for an hour or until doubled in bulk.

When the dough has risen, turn it onto a surface lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Divide into 12 equal pieces or use a scale to measure out 3-ounce pieces of dough. Shape the dough into balls, place on a lined baking sheet (parchment or a silicone liner), cover, and allow to rise for 30 minutes.

While the dough is rising the second time, preheat the oven to 425. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. When the water begins to boil, add the baking soda and bring back to a full boil. Working with one roll at a time, carefully place each roll, seam-side down into the baking soda bath. Boil for 30 seconds then flip and boil for another 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove the boiled roll from the water and place, seam-side down, on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough balls.

Whisk together the reserved egg white and 2 tablespoons of water. Brush the egg white over the boiled dough balls and then sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake for 12-18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Remove from oven and cool on baking sheets. Makes 12 rolls.

HAWAIIAN CROCKPOT CHICKEN

HAWAIIAN CROCK POT CHICKEN
This was very tasty.  Was at WinCo when I bought the sauce.  I just got some terriayaki sauce found in the Asian aisle.  Scott said the leftovers would make a good chicken sandwich.  Update: makes awesome sandwiches!

4 -6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 (16 1/2 ounce) can crushed pineapple
1 (16 1/2 ounce) bottle archer farms hawaiian style barbecue sauce (found at Target)

Directions:

Place breasts in crock pot, pour pineapple on top of chicken and then pour sauce over all. Cook on low for 6 hours.

Read more at: http://www.food.com/recipe/hawaiian-crock-pot-chicken-467722?oc=linkback

MUDDY BUDDIES

MUDDY BUDDIES

McCleve cookbook (2nd edition) pg. 170

Trick Or Treat Muddy Buddy Mix

We all really liked this.  Perfect treat while we were carving pumpkins.

• 9 cups Corn or Rice Chex Cereal
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 cups candy corn
• 1 1/2 cups Reese’s Pieces
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 2 cups pretzels (minis, regular, sticks or squares)

Instructions

1. 1. Pour the Chex Cereal into a large bowl and set aside.
2. 2. In a microwave safe bowl melt chocolate chips, butter and peanut butter together on high for one minute. Stir and return to microwave, microwaving in 30 second increments until melted together and smooth. Stir in vanilla.
3. 3. Pour chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal and gently stir to coat.
4. 4. Place cereal in a large zip lock bag, pour powdered sugar in, seal and shake until evenly coated.
5. 5. Spread cereal out on to wax paper and let cool completely.
6. 6. In a large bowl combine cereal, candy corn, Reese’s Pieces, marshmallows and pretzels. Store in an air-tight container or Ziploc bag.
7. Enjoy!

http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/trick-or-treat-muddy-buddy-mix/

Cake Batter Buddies
http://taste-tester-investor.blogspot.com/2012/07/our-first-ever-recipe-swap.html - University Village recipe swap that I didn't attend.

These are so yummy!  In the following ways I liked them better than Muddy Buddies: easier to make, not as messy or not as sweet

5 cups rice chex cereal

10 oz (5 squares) vanilla flavored almond bark

1 tsp vegetable shortening

1 1/2 cups cake mix (any kind will do) - next time I would do only 1 cup

1/2 cup powdered sugar - next time I would do 1/4 cup

Melt almond bark according to package directions, adding vegetable shortening to thin. Pour the cereal into a large bowl and drizzle the melted almond bark over the cereal. Mix gently with a large spoon or spatula. Dump the cake mix and powdered sugar onto the cereal and mix gently with spoon until all the cereal is evenly coated.

Cookies and Cream Puppy Chow

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ingredients

"Cream" Puppy Chow:

5 C. rice chex cereal

1 C. white chocolate melts (or chocolate chips)

8 Oreos finely crushed

1/2 C. powdered sugar

"Cookies" Puppy Chow:

5 C. rice chex cereal

1 C. milk chocolate melts (or chocolate chips)

8 Oreos finely crushed

1/2 C. powdered sugar

Extra chopped Oreos

directions

1. "Cream" Puppy Chow: Measure out rice chex cereal and place in a large bowl.

2. Measure out powdered sugar and crushed Oreos and place in a large plastic bag or in a large tupperware with a lid (You'll need to shake the bag/tupperware later).

3. Melt white chocolate and stir until smooth.

4. Pour melted chocolate over rice cereal and stir until coated.

5. Transfer chocolate coated rice cereal into your plastic bag with sugar/cookies. Shake, shake shake until coasted.

6. Dump onto a cookie sheet to cool.

7. Repeat steps 1-7 using "Cookies" Puppy Chow ingredients.

8. Once cooled, mix the "Cookies" and "Cream" Puppy Chow together and fold in extra chopped Oreos.

RAINBOW JELLO

This was really fun to make and looks way cool!  I ran out of space at the end and also yogurt, so the last layer was just jello.  So next time I would buy a little more yogurt and split it into a 9x13 and a glass bowl or use bigger pyrex pan. 

UPDATE: Only had lemon, lime and orange on hand.  Made it for when Dan & Judi were coming over.  They LOVED it!  Used Greek vanilla.

To make sure you have the Luck o’ the Irish at your St. Patrick’s Day feast, be sure to bring your own rainbow!  Not only is it easy to make, and gorgeous to look at, it’s fun to eat!

I’ve been making Rainbow Jell-O almost every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas since High School! It’s super fun to either peel apart the layers and eat them one by one, or have a flavor burst when you eat them all at once!  It’ll be fun to incorporate it into our St. Patrick’s Day fun too!

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Rainbow Jello Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 small box Red Jell-O (I like cherry over strawberry, it gives a deeper red)
• 1 small box Orange Jell-O
• 1 small box Yellow Jell-O
• 1 small box Green Jell-O
• 1 small box Blue Jell-O
• 1 small box Purple Jell-O
• 4 cups vanilla or plain yogurt
• 10 cups water, divided

Instructions

Starting with either Red or Purple, work your way thought the different boxes of jell-o in the order (or reverse order) listed above.

Dissolve 1 package Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water.

After dissolved, split into 2 bowls.

Add 2/3 cup yogurt to one bowl, and stir until smooth

Add 2/3 cup cold water into the other bowl, and stir for 10-15 seconds.

Pour yogurt mixture into 9x13 pan and let solidify in fridge for 45 minutes.

Pour water mixture slowly over yogurt mixture, and let solidify in fridge for at least 45 minutes.

Repeat with each color.

Note

So this recipe doesn't take over my entire day, I like to split it up. I do one color as soon as I wake up, one color before I cook dinner, and one color right before I go to bed. That way it only takes a few minutes per day.

Read more at http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/2013/03/st-patricks-day-recipe-rainbow-jell-o.html#iGK4QccDijyCMc2t.99 

ALMOST TOO MUCH CHOCOLATE CAKE

ALMOST TOO MUCH CHOCOLATE CAKE
Got this recipe from Luann who got it from Chad's mom.  We made this for Abagail's 5th birthday (instead of nuts at the top we did a 5 out of M&M's) Lisa had made it a couple of times and told us how yummy it is.  I didn't have a 2nd piece, but Jackson said the next day that it was even better.  One thing that is good is you can make the cake and frosting ahead of time.

First, bake the cake
Cake Recipe
18.25 ounce) package devil’s food cake mix
1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/2 cup water
1.5 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, mix together the cake and pudding mix, sour cream, oil, beaten eggs and water. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour batter into 2 well greased 8 inch pans (I put parchament paper on bottom and used 9" pan)
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.  Cool cake thoroughly in pan at least half an hour before putting on a cooling rack.  
 **This cake can be made gluten free using Pamela’s gluten free Chocolate cake mix.

Second, make the Chocolate buttercream  
This makes a lot - could probably use it for 2 cakes (or I thought it would be fun to make sometime by cutting the cakes in two and making 4 layers) 
1 cup vegetable shortening
3-4 Tlb milk
½ cup unsweetened coco powder
½ tsp clear vanilla extract (buy it by the cake decorating supplies, wilton makes it)
1 lb powder sugar
Mix all ingredients with mixer until smooth.

Third, add buttercream between the 2 cake layers-

Fourth, make ganache

2 tablespoons corn syrup (not sure if you really need this)
6 ounces heavy cream
12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

I didn't do it like stated but made it how I have made genache in the past.  Put heavy cream in bowl until simmer (see steam). Take off heat and add chocolate.  Let is sit for 3-5 minutes then stir with a whisk until all melted.  In a small bowl on top of a double boiler, combine the corn syrup, chocolate and heavy cream. Let melt and combine while whisking often. Remove from heat and add vanilla.
Let the ganache cool for a few minutes.

Fifth, pour the ganache over the top of the cake letting it drip down the sides. Take a spatula and spread the ganache over the parts not covered.
Pipe buttercream stars on the rim of the top.
Add Almonds. Take raw sliced almonds and place them over medium heat in a sautee pan. Keep them moving by wiggling the pan until they get lightly golden. Remove from heat and alow to cool. Sprinkle them on top of your cake

DIY HARD TACOS

DIY HARD TACOS
http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/11/how-to-make-hard-taco-shells-in-your-ovenplus-a-recipe-for-baked-tacos.html

I was kinda surprised this really worked. I had my doubts.  Everyone really liked them. I didn't love the meat mixture, but thought it was okay.  Scott and the kids really liked it.  I would definitely make these again. So much healthier and cheaper than buying boxed taco shells.

UPDATE: SEE BELOW FOR RECIPE TO USE LEFTOVERS

HOW TO MAKE HARD TACO SHELLS IN YOUR OVEN, PLUS . . . A RECIPE FOR BAKED TACOS!

This recipe has got to be one of the bigger successes I have had in the kitchen in a long time! Everyone in the family LOVED these!  Not a speck was leftover, which is always a sign that it really and truly was a HIT.

This dish has so many things going for it, that there wasn’t much chance it would be a FAIL, but one never knows with me. :-)

First of all….it’s TACOS!  I honestly don’t think I’ve ever met anyone that doesn’t like tacos in one form or another.

It’s quick and easy to make.

It’s got a “Make Your Own”aspect to it…which always makes me happy.

AND…it’s gluten-free!

Oh yeah…and it’s delicious.

Let’s start with the DIY portion of this dish…making the taco shells.

I can count on ONE HAND the number of times I have actually ever purchased hard taco shells from the store. I like the way one guy referred to them in a comment I read. He called themoverpriced preformed tortilla shapes. lol.  That pretty much sums it up right there. They are always a disappointment. Especially since crisp taco shells are my favorite.

So this tip for making crunchy taco shells in your oven was mind-blowing to me. Why oh why haven’t I known about this before now!  All the wasted years that have gone by! ;-)

Let’s not waste another minute!

How to Make Your Own Baked Taco Shells

by Eating Well

Working with 6 tortillas at a time, wrap in a barely damp cloth or paper towel and microwave on High until steamed, about 30 seconds. Lay the tortillas on a clean work surface and coat both sides with cooking spray. Then carefully drape each tortilla over two bars of the oven rack. Bake at 375°F until crispy, 7 to 10 minutes.

What??? That’s IT?? Ridiculously easy. The only thing that makes it even slightly difficult is having to do more than one batch. Of course, in hindsight, I could have definitely done another row of shells on the back of the oven rack. Oh well, next time…because there is definitely going to be a next time…and a next time…and a next time…

Now that we have our shells, we are ready to make Baked Tacos! Why I never thought of this before completely mystifies me. It makes perfect sense. I especially like how the cheese is nice and melty instead of cold like on a traditional taco.

I have posted my version of the recipe from Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures below…but you really just need to make taco meat/filling like you usually do, fill the shells and bake them casserole style! I decided to try a variation on Lynn’s recipe and we all liked it a lot! We might just have a new go-to way to eat tacos around here. (Just between you and me, I didn’t tell No. 3 son – aka The World’s Pickiest Eater – that there was refried beans in the taco meat…and he didn’t even notice. I think he ended up having six! lol. shhhhh)

Baked Tacos

Adapted from Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 can refried beans
• 15 ounce tomato sauce
• 1 pkg taco seasoning or 2 – 3 Tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 – 2 cups shredded cheese (I didn’t measure)
• 18-20 hard taco shells (I think I used 15, but I crammed them pretty full)
• Your favorite taco toppings.

Brown ground beef. Drain off any fat and add refried beans, tomato sauce, and seasoning.
Spoon mixture into taco shells.
Place filled shells into a 9×13 pan, standing up. Sprinkle with cheese.
Bake at 400 for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.

As you can see from the picture…I topped my taco with a Tomatillo Salsa that I purchased at a local restaurant called Loco Lizard Cantina. It is THE BEST green salsa! I really need to figure out how to make a homemade version of it. It was soooooooo good on the baked tacos! (If anyone has a good recipe…please share!)

FRITO DISH

Made this dish with the leftovers.  We all really liked it.  I had the Fritos scoops.  Crushed them with hands so they weren't so big.  Didn't add any extra salt or pepper.  Put one cheese in the mixture and 1 cup on top with Fritos.  Had with fresh cut up tomatoes, lettuce and guacamole. 

Ingredients

1 1/4 pounds ground beef
1 (16 oz.) can refried beans
1 (4 oz.) can mild green chiles, diced
2 cups cooked rice
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated, or Mexican cheese blend
2 cups Fritos (or corn chips of your choice), divided
1 cup salsa
1/4 cup water
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 (1.25 oz.) package taco seasoning
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350º.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown beef until cooked through and no longer pink.
3. Drain fat, reserving 1 tablespoon, and saute onions until softened and translucent. 6-8 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper and add taco seasoning. Return beef to pan, then add salsa, chiles and water.
5. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in rice, cheddar cheese, and refried beans, and transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Top with 1 cup Fritos and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until cheese is melted and dish is warmed through.
8. Remove from oven, top with remaining Fritos and serve hot.