Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (2 to 3 pound) butternut squash, peeled and seeded
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 6 cups chicken stock
• Nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Cut squash into 1-inch chunks. In large pot melt butter. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add squash and stock. Bring to a simmer and cook until squash is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove squash chunks with slotted spoon and place in a blender and puree. Return blended squash to pot. Stir and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Serve.

Chai Tea

5 Cardamon
1-2 Cinnamon Sticks
7 Peppercorn
10 Cloves
2 inches Ginger (peeled and smashed)

Boil the above ingredients for 10 minutes

Add 2 heaping Tbsp. black tea, steap 5-10 minutes

Add 1/2 as much milk as water, add sugar to taste.

Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes

4 russet potatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch slices
1 onion, sliced into rings
salt and pepper to taste
3 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Butter a 1 quart casserole dish.
2. Layer 1/2 of the potatoes into bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Top with the onion slices, and add the remaining potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. In a medium-size saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Mix in the flour and salt, and stir constantly with a whisk for one minute. Stir in milk. Cook until mixture has thickened. Stir in cheese all at once, and continue stirring until melted, about 30 to 60 seconds. Pour cheese over the potatoes, and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
4. Bake 1 1/2 hours in the preheated oven.

Savory Chicken Noodle Bake

• 6 ounces thin egg noodles, cooked, drained
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 6 to 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 1 2/3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup pimiento, drained, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups cooked diced chicken
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed under hot water
• 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese , plus more for topping

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 2 1/2- to 3-quart baking dish.

In large skillet or saucepan over low heat, melt butter; sauté mushrooms until tender. Blend in flour, stirring until smooth and bubbly. Gradually add chicken broth, milk, pimiento, and salt and pepper; stir constantly until sauce is thickened. Stir in chicken, peas, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, and the cooked noodles. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over top. Bake chicken noodle casserole 20 to 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Serves 8.

Country Corn Bake

1 (15 oz) can cream-style corn
1/2 cup butter
1 (8.5 oz) pkg. dry corn muffin mix
1 (8 oz) pkg. prepared French onion dip
3 eggs, beaten
1 tsp salt
1 tsp celery salt
1 tsp ground black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 2 quart casserole.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine corn, butter, corn muffin mix, French onion dip, eggs, salt, celery, salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
3. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 40 to 60 minutes.

Apple Pie Filling

• 10 pounds Apples, More Or Less As Needed (Amount Of Apples Depends On How Thickly You Slice Them)
• 4-½ cups Sugar, Divided
• 10 cups Water, Divided
• 1 cup Corn Starch
• 2 teaspoons Cinnamon
• 3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• ¼ teaspoons Nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoons Cloves

Combine 3 1/2 cups sugar and 9 cups of water together; bring to a boil and make sure sugar is dissolved.

While it’s heating, combine 1 cup corn starch, remaining 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Stir in a bowl until no longer lumpy.

After sugar and water are boiling, whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Keep whisking to make sure lumps don’t form. Add in remaining ingredients (except apples) and bring to a boil to thicken.

Pack hot jars with peeled and sliced apples. Ladle into jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace. Remove bubbles and adjust 2-piece caps. Process in a water bath for 20 minutes (additional time may be needed according to your altitude). Makes about 7-8 quarts.

Note: sometimes I do a thick slice of apples for apple crisp.

Carmelized Crock Pot Onions

• 1 pound Onions
• 2 Tablespoons Butter

The measurements for the ingredients are per part. For a 6-quart crock pot, I used 6 pounds of onions and 2 sticks of butter. Next time, I’ll use my 18-quart roaster, and hopefully 18 pounds of onions and 6 (!) sticks of butter.

Use any onion you like. Yellow onions are usually cheapest. They will be very sweet when they are done, so only use sweet onions if you *really* like the sweetness.

Slice onions 1/2-inch thick. Pile them into the crock pot and fill it as much as you can. Top with pats of butter. Turn crock pot on low. Stir after a few hours, and leave overnight.

These can be put into containers to refrigerate, or they can be canned.

To can: sterilize jars and lids. Fill with onions, and replace lids. Process.

The possible uses are endless.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

• 1 bottle (750ml Bottle) Good Quality Vodka
• 3 whole Vanilla Beans Per Container
• 10 jars (Small Jars) With Tight-fitting Lids

For each jar of extract you would like to make:

Slice three vanilla beans down the center, being careful not to cut through them so that they will release their seeds. Place all 3 vanilla beans into each jar and then fill each jar with vodka. Don’t quite fill to the top.

Place the lids on tightly. Store them in a dark and cool place. Give the jars a good shake once a week. Vanilla extract will be ready to use in approximately 8 weeks.

Garlic Confit

• 1 jar Whole, Peeled Garlic Cloves
• 2 cups Olive Oil (use Only Enough To Cover Cloves)

The quantities listed above assume you have purchased a giant jar of whole, peeled garlic cloves from the grocery store, used about 10 while the rest are in serious peril of getting moldy before you use them all! Garlic Confit is perfect for that.

Alternatively, if you have only a handful of garlic cloves you wish to make this with, you would only need perhaps 1/2 cup of olive oil. Basically, only use as much oil as you need to cover the cloves.

DIRECTIONS:

Put garlic into a heavy-bottomed pan and add enough olive oil to cover.

Bring to just barely a simmer and immediately turn heat down to the lowest heat setting. Cook for at least an hour. If you see the cloves getting brown, you are cooking them at too high of a temperature.

When the garlic is as meltingly soft as butter, they are done. Pour the garlic and the oil into container(s) that you can store in your refrigerator. Use the cloves in place of raw garlic for a delicious twist. Use just the oil for a subtle garlic flavor in any dish you would normally use plain olive oil.

I love using Garlic Confit because my husband is sensitive to raw garlic and this allows him to eat my food (and live in my house and stay married to me!).

Easy Freezy Apple Butter

• 4 cups Jonagold Apples, Or Whatever You Like
• 4 cups Sugar
• ⅓ cups Cinnamon Red Hots

Spray a large crock pot with nonstick spray, or use a liner.

Core, peel and slice 4 cups of apples. Place in the crock pot.

Add 4 cups sugar. Add 1/3 cup cinnamon red hots. Stir well and cook on LOW for 6 hours or until soft.

Using a stick-blender, blend until smooth. Pour into freezer jars and freeze. Use within 1 year.

Apple Butter

• 5 pounds Tart Apples
• 2 cups Apple Cider
• 3 cups To 5 Cups Sugar
• 3 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
• ¾ teaspoons Ground Cloves
• ½ teaspoons Ground Allspice
• ½ teaspoons Ground Nutmeg

Core and quarter apples (peeling isn’t necessary). Cook apples slowly in cider until tender (I put them in my crock pot), then blend in a food processor or blender.

Add 3 cups of sugar and check for sweetness, then add more as necessary (sometimes up to 5 cups total). Add spices and stir together.

Cook for 6 to 8 hours in a crock pot. I just cook it overnight on low.

Test for thickness by spooning butter on a cold plate. If no liquid comes out the edges, it is thick enough. If it isn’t thick enough, take the lid off the crock pot and turn it up to high. Let some liquid boil off, but stir and check back often.

Ladle into sterile jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude if necessary.

You can also freeze this apple butter if you prefer.

Note: this recipe as stated makes ten 1/2 pints of butter. I use a few more apples as I have a large crock pot and I just fill the thing with apples. My crock pot makes about 16 1/2 pints of butter.

Homemade Chunky Salsa

• 8 quarts Tomatoes, Diced
• 1 quart Sweet Peppers, Chopped
• 1 quart Onions, Chopped
• 1 quart Celery, Chopped
• 1 quart Cider Vinegar
• 2 cups Water
• 1 cup Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• ⅓ cups Canning Salt, Not Iodized
• 1 Tablespoon Pickling Spice, Tied In A Cloth
• 2 Tablespoons Chili Powder
• 3 Tablespoons Cayenne Pepper, More If You Want It Hotter
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
• 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
• 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
• Tabasco Sauce, To Taste (None For Mild Salsa, Plenty For Hot Salsa)
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper To Taste

Combine all ingredient in a large, heavy kettle or roasting pan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 3 to 3-1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Remove the picking spice that was tied in a cloth. Pour hot salsa into clean, sterilized pint jars. Process in a pressure canner at 10 lbs. pressure for 30 minutes.

This makes a mild to medium-heat salsa. For killer hot, we drop in 2 or 3 jalapeno peppers.

Yields 14 pints.

(We’ve cooked this in the oven, on the barbecue, and on a portable propane burner. All methods work equally well.)

Canned Vegetable Soup

• 2 quarts Carrots, Diced
• 1 head Cabbage, Shredded
• 3 whole Green Peppers, Seeded And Diced
• 1 bunch Celery, Chopped
• 1 gallon Tomatoes (peeled And Diced)
• 3 whole Onions, Diced
• 1 quart Green Beans
• 1 cup Sugar
• ¼ cups Pickling Salt

Cut up all vegetables and combine in a large stock pot. Cover with water and cook for 1 hour.

May be frozen in quart freezer bags or ladled into hot jars, sealed and processed in a hot water bath. This makes about 10 quarts.

When pulling out a bag or jar to prepare for a meal, add meat, potatoes, and or pasta and a quart of beef or chicken broth. Can also be made using hamburger, stew meat, chicken, or Italian sausage. When using Italian sausage, add Italian seasonings and garlic to taste.

* I have also added okra, shredded zucchini and fresh corn off the cob.

Peach Jam

• 7 cans Empty Canning Jars
• 7 whole Peaches
• 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
• 1 Tablespoon Butter
• 1 package Sure-Jell
• 5-½ cups Sugar

Prep:
-place lids and bands in water
-place on stove and begin to boil
-place jars in water
-place on stove and begin to boil

-peal peaches and cut into sections
-place in large bowl
-smash peaches
-place 4 cups smashed peaches in large stock pot
-place lemon juice, butter, and sure jell in pot with peaches

-Stir constantly
-bring peach mixture to a rolling boil
-once to a rolling boil add sugar and stir one minute

-pull jars out of boiling water
-turn upside down for a few seconds
-turn jars right side up
-place large funnel in jar
-pour peach mixture in jar

-once all jars are filled, wet a paper towel
-wipe all sides of jars
-drain bands and lids
-place on clean towel
-place bands on jars first
-place lids on jars

-use paper towel to screw lids on tight (will be hot)
-turn upside down immediately (5 minutes)
-after 5 minutes place right side up
-wait for jars to POP! (seal)

Onion Jam

• 3 cups Red Onion
• 1-½ cup Apple Juice
• ½ cups Red Wine Vinegar
• 1-½ teaspoon Fresh Sage
• ½ teaspoons Black Pepper
• 4 cups White Sugar
• ¾ cups Light Brown Sugar
• 1 box Powdered Pectin

Peel and dice onions.

Add apple juice, vinegar, sage (chopped) and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Measure sugars in separate bowl, set aside.

Stir pectin into onion mixture in saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.

Stir in sugars. Bring to full rolling boil and boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat, skim off foam and ladle into hot jars. Process in boiling water bath 10 minutes.

Sweet Pickle Relish

• 4-½ cups Finely Chopped Cucumber
• 1 cup Finely Chopped Carrot Or Red Bell Pepper
• 3 cups Finely Chopped Onion
• ¼ cups Pure Salt (no Additives)
• 1-½ cup Mild Honey
• 2 cups Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Yellow Mustard Seed
• 1 Tablespoon Celery Seed
• ¼ teaspoons Turmeric Powder

Finely chop all of the vegetables and mix them together in a large bowl.

Sprinkle the salt over the vegetables and mix. Cover the vegetables with filtered water and let stand for 4 hours in your refrigerator.

During the last hour sterilize your clean jars, rings and lids by boiling them in water for 15 minutes. Leave them in the water until you’re ready to fill them.

Drain the vegetables thoroughly in a colander, pressing out the excess liquid.

Combine honey, vinegar, and spices in a large pot and bring to a boil.

Stir in the drained vegetables and simmer for 10 minutes.

Pack into hot sterilized jars to within 1/2 inch from the top. (Using a canning funnel will keep the jars clean)

Run a butter knife around the inside of the jars to release any air bubbles. Make sure the top edge of the jar is free from pieces of relish.

Put the lids on the jars and screw the rings on firmly.
Process in boiling water for 10 minutes.

Remove them from the water to cool on a rack. After they’ve cooled, check each jar to be sure it’s sealed properly. The lid should not make any noise or move up and down when you push on the center. You can remove the rings and use them on something else.

Multi-Berry Jam

• 4 cups Mashed Berries (any Type) I've Used Strawberries, Raspberries, Black Raspberries, Blackberries, And Blueberries In All Combinations Before
• 1 envelope No Sugar Needed Pectin (I Like My Jam More Fruity Than Sugary, And Always Use Low Sugar Pectin)

Before canning, make sure your supplies are ready, so wash and clean 6 pint sized jars, or 12 half pint sized jars. Clean the rims of the jars, and prepare the tops in hot water (not a full boil).

-Wash and prepare berries by removing any stems or bad pieces.

-Place in a large measuring cup, enough for at least four cups, and mash with a potato masher. You will need four cups mushed berries.

.-Pour the berries into a large sauce pan, and stir in the packet of pectin.

-Bring the mixture to a full boil, while stirring continuously.

-Once it’s reached a boil let it roll for two minutes. Continue stirring so you don’t get anything burnt to the bottom of the pan.

-Stir in all the sugar at once. Depending on the sweetness of your berries you can adjust between 1-2, or even 3 cups of sugar.

-Bring the mixture to a boil again, and let it fully boil for 3 minutes, again stirring the whole time.

-Ladle into jars, leaving 1/4″ headroom at the top.

-Wipe off any excess jam that spilled over, and seal the lids and tops “finger tight”.

-Place the jars in a boiling water canner, or a large pot of water. Bring to a full rolling boil with lid covered and let boil for 10 minutes.

-With tongs (or silicon oven mitt) remove the jars, making sure there’s no water left on the top. Place them right side up to cool until all the lids “pop” into place.

-If the lids do not seal, make sure to put the jar in the fridge and eat it within the next week or so. If the lids did seal they will store in the cabinet for up to a year, but need refrigeration after being opened.

Stewed Tomatoes

• 2 quarts Tomatoes
• 2 whole Any Bell Pepper
• 1 whole White Onion
• 4 stalks Celery
• 1 whole Medium Size Zucchini
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 2 Tablespoons Celery Salt
• 4 Tablespoons Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Salt

With food processor using the chop mode, chop all veggies till fine but not pureed.

Add remaining ingredients and cook on low heat til ingredients are hot.

Pack in hot canning jars to 1/2 inch from top. Put lid and screw band on tightly. Process in boiling water bath for 1 hour.

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

• 5 cups Rhubarb
• 10 ounces, weight Frozen Strawberries
• 4 cups Sugar
• 3 ounces, weight Strawberry Jello

Wash and cut rhubarb into 1 inch pieces. Place strawberries and rhubarb into kettle and bring to a boil.

Add sugar into boiling kettle and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in package of Strawberry Jello and let simmer for about 5 minutes more. Pour Jam into jars and seal.

**I have substituted sugar for Splenda and used sugar free Strawberry Jello and jam still turns out yummy!

Old Fashioned Raspberry Jam

4 cups raspberries
4 cups sugar

Wash 4 half-pint canning jars and rest them on a cake rack at the bottom of a tall stock pot. Cover the jars with at least 1 inch of water and bring to a soft boil. (A rack can be improvised by tying several canning rings together with string.) Keep a kettle of water on the boil to sterilize lids later.

Place sugar in a shallow baking dish in a 250 degree oven for 15 minutes. (Warming the sugar makes it dissolve more readily.)

Place the berries into a medium-sized heavy bottomed pot and place on high heat. Use a potato masher to crush the fruit. Bring to a full rolling boil for 1 min, stirring constantly.

Add the warm sugar to the hot berries and return to a full boil until the mixture gels, stirring to avoid scorching.

Gelling can be tested a few ways:

1.) When a candy thermometer reads 220 degrees

2.) When a cold teaspoon dipped into the syrup collects on the edge of the spoon and sheets rather than dripping off

3.) Using a chilled plate, place a dollop of hot jam and return it to the freezer for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, push the cooled jam with your finger and if the surface wrinkles it’s ready to be packed. You can also tilt the plate to see if the jam moves, if it moves very slowly it’s ready.

The time it takes for the raspberries to reach gel stage varies anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes depending on the moisture content in your fruit. Remove jam from heat.

Place canning lids (not rings) in a bowl and cover with boiling water. The lids need to stand for a couple of minutes to soften the sealant material. Use a canning jar lifter, or tongs to lift your hot jar, pouring all of the water out.

Pour jam into a glass measuring cup to ease filling the jam jars leaving a 1/2″ of headspace. Clean up any dribbles on lip of the jar using a clean dishtowel dipped in boiling water.

Grab a hot lid using a pair of tongs and place on the jar, screw on the canning ring until just snug. You want to avoid screwing the band on too tightly as air needs to escape later. Fill remaining jars.

Carefully lower the filled jars into the stock pot. Arrange the jars so that they stand upright and do not touch. Make sure the jars are covered with at least 1 inch of water and bring to a boil. Once the water comes to a strong boil, process for 10 minutes. Higher elevations may need to add more time, these can be looked up online.

After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and allow the jars to remain in the hot water for 5 more minutes.

Remove jars from water and place on a cutting board in an undisturbed spot. They should seal if not immediately, in 12-24 hours. You should hear a sucking sound and the lid will be concave in the middle.

In the event the jars don’t seal, consume the jam immediately and store in the refrigerator. Properly canned jam can be stored up to a year in cool dark spot.

Meatless Spaghetti Sauce

• 30 pounds Tomatoes, Peeled And Chopped
• 1 cup Onion, Chopped
• 1 cup Green Pepper, Chopped
• 1 cup Celery, Chopped
• ¼ cups Sugar
• ¼ cups Fresh Parsley, Chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 4 Tablespoons Canning Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Sweet Basil, Chopped
• 1 Tablespoon Oregano, Chopped
• 1 Tablespoon Thyme, Chopped

Combine ingredients in a large kettle, Heat rapidly to simmering and simmer until thickened, about 1 1/2 hours (or more, depending on type of tomatoes). Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Bring to a boil and pack into clean hot sterilized quart jars, leaving 1 inch headroom. Adjust clean hot lids. Process in a boiling water bath for 40 minutes. Remove and cool. Makes about 7 quarts.

* I use a Victorio strainer. My youngens don’t like chunks in their sauce! If using a strainer, core and chop tomatoes and heat in large kettle. Run tomatoes through the strainer. Transfer pulp and juice to large kettle and add other ingredients and proceed with instructions.

**I also chop the celery, pepper and onion in a blender or food processor until very fine — almost to a paste and then add them to the juice.

Our Favorite Salsa

Makes 10 Servings

20 lbs. vine-ripened tomatoes
2 whole large bell peppers
6 whole large anaheim or other large chili peppers
5 whole jalapeno peppers
6 whole large white onions
1/2 cup minced garlic
2 cups white vinegar
1/2 cup salt
6 oz. fluid can tomato paste
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Peel tomatoes (dip in boiling water for about 1 minute, then into ice water, then peel); cut out stem and chop. You need to have at least 6 quarts, and a bit more won’t hurt.

I seed and de-vein the bell peppers and 3 of the jalapenos. For the 2 remaining jalapenos, I leave the seeds in.

Chop all the veggies (except the tomatoes) in the food processor. Add tomatoes, onions, garlic and peppers to large stock pot; stir in vinegar and salt. Cover and heat to boiling (this takes a while), then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. After simmer time is done, stir in tomato paste and cilantro.

Can as usual in a water bath canner or a steam canner for 20 minutes for quarts. For more info on canning procedures, the Ball Blue Book of Canning is a wonderful resource. You shouldn’t can without it.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Tomatoes
Salt
Olive Oil
Herbs

Step-by-step directions: http://www.mynewoldschool.com/2009/08/29/make-your-own-sun-dried-tomatoes/

Those fancy sun-dried tomatoes at the store are usually Roma tomatoes, but you can use any kind for drying, even cherry. Simply slice the tomatoes into rounds (like what you’d put on a hamburger) or lengthwise in half, for smaller Romas. For the lengthwise type, cut a shallow slit in the opposite side (skin side).

Spread them out on dehydrator trays or cookie sheets and sprinkle with salt, if you like. If using a dehydrator, turn it on a medium high setting. If using the oven, set it for the lowest temperature and leave the door slightly ajar. To sun-dry, you’ll need to rig some sort of covering to keep bugs off, like cheesecloth, and you’ll need to bring them in at night, and set them out again during the day. Depending on the thickness of the slices, it will take 1 to 3 days. Test for dryness by tearing one in half. There should be no beads of moisture along the tear. The ideal dried tomato is leathery, not moist at all, but not brittle. Store in glass jars, Ziploc bags, or anything that will keep them dry and cool. No need to process or freeze, but you can freeze if you want, for added longevity.

To pack them in oil, just put them in a jar, along with your favorite herbs (like garlic and fresh basil) and cover with olive oil. Let stand for 24 hours at room temperature before using, and then refrigerate. No need to process the jars, but use within a few weeks.

For step-by-step pictures and instructions, see related blog post.

Strawberry-Rhubarb Freezer Jam

8 cups chopped rhubarb
3 cups sugar
1 box strawberry jello (6 oz.) - use 1/2 cup plus 4 tsp. and save the rest for next time

Place rhubarb and sugar in a large pan and bring to a boil. Stir and boil for 5 minutes. Stir in the jello, mix well. Ladle into pint size jars, wipe lid, and place on the lid. Cool to room temperature. Place in the freezer.

I have always used canning jars which are tempered and can be placed in the freezer. Never have had a problem with cracking. Ever.

Frozen Cream Corn

36 ears corn
1 quarter half-and-half
1 pound salted butter

Blanch corn and cut from cobs.

Put in a large roasting pan and add half-and-half and cubed butter.

Bake for one hour at 325 F. Stir every 15 minutes.

Let cool and freeze in freezer containers.

Easy Dill Pickles

2 quarts vinegar
1 quart water
3/4 cups sugar
1 bunch pickling cucumbers
1 jar mustard seed
1 jar dill weed
1 jar jalapenos
1 jar garlic

Bring 2 quarts vinegar, 1 quart water, and 3/4 cup salt to a boil. Also, boil your jar lids and rings while preparing the jars.

While waiting on the liquid to boil, slice cucumbers and add to jars. Also add mustard seed, dill weed, jalapenos, and garlic. There are no precise amounts, just however much you think you need to season the pickles. If you like hot pickles, add more jalapenos, etc.

After the solid ingredients are in the jars, you will add the boiling liquid. Fill to the rim and then seal with a hot lid and ring. The jars will “pop” and the pickles will be preserved until ready to eat. They are usually ready in about three weeks.

Granny Smith Applesauce

5 whole green apples
1/2 cups sugar
2 Tbsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup water

Peel, core, and slice the apples into wedges.

Place apples, sugar, cinnamon, and water into slow cooker, on high.

Let cook on high for about 3 hours, or on low for 4-6 hours, until the apples are mushy and easily mashed into sauce.

Once apples are to a sauce consistency, place applesauce into canning jars and seal.

Let cool then enjoy!

Easy Canned Whole Tomatoes

4 quarter cherry tomatoes
4 cups water
3 tsp. pickling salt
1 1/2 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp per pint pickling vinegar

Remove tomato skins by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds. Gently remove skin.

With a toothpick, carefully puncture tomatoes and gently squeeze out all seeds. Try to not cause damage during this process.

Place tomatoes in a large pot and gently simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Pack tomatoes tightly into properly sterilized pint jars leaving ¼ inch of headroom.

Add 1 T. of pickling vinegar along with water mixture to each pint leaving ¼ inch of headroom. Process in boiling water canner for 20 minutes.

Strawberry Freezer Jam

2 cups strawberries
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
4 cups sugar
1 pkg. pectin
6 jars pint-sized canning jars

Wash your strawberries and cut off the tops. Mash the strawberries, a little at a time, until you have two cups.

Add in the lemon juice and the sugar. Then mix it all together thoroughly.

On the stove, add the pectin into 3/4 cup water and bring to a full boil. Boil, stirring constantly, until it becomes clear (about 3 minutes).

Add the hot pectin into the strawberries and stir, stir, stir.

Pour the mixture into clear jars, leaving 1/2 inch at the top. This will allow for expansion when it freezes. Wipe off the edges of the jars and put the lids on snugly.

Cool them in the fridge for at least 24 hours. Store them in the freezer until you’re ready to eat!

Pancakes (from scratch)

2 cups flour
2 heaping Tbsp. baking powder
3 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 3/4 cup milk
2 eggs beaten
1/4 cup melted butter

Mix dry ingredients. Combine eggs and melted butter to milk and slowly stir in the flour. Heat pan then pour batter in pan to desired size and cook until browned on both sides.

Simplifying Personal Health...

I've been thinking about health in general, especially as we're preparing to go back to the United States. My eating habits here are very different, but I'm wondering if that's due to necessity or if I've actually changed. As I think about how I want to live my life, I realize that health/weight/food play a huge role in the choices I'll be able to make. And so, I'm proactively thinking about how I want to treat my body next year.

Nutrition "Do's"
Water: 2 Nalgene containers each day

Health Supplement: Total Balance for Women

Breakfast: Fruit Smoothie
Whole-grain toast w/peanut butter

Snack: Apple, raisins, yogurt, etc.

Lunch: Lettuce Salad (w/a vinaigrette salad dressing)
Orange, strawberries, blueberries, etc.
Sliced turkey-breast

Snack: Low-fat cottage cheese, Crackers w/peanut butter, raw almonds

Supper: Salmon, chicken breast, tuna, etc. (grilled/baked)
Vegetable/Fruit Salad

Nutrition "Don'ts"
Coffee
Pop
Sugar snacking
Eating out
Late-night snacking
Pitfalls: Ice cream, cold coffee drinks, oreos, candy bars in the check-out line (basically if there's sugar around, I'll eat it!)

Workout "Do's"
- My first goal is to run a half-marathon in October. There are 3 options in Iowa, and I'm going to do one of them!
- I'm realizing that unless I get up to work out in the mornings, I won't do it.
- Options: Bootcamp Class with mom, "Making the Cut" (Jillian Michaels: a one-month intense workout plan), half-marathon training schedule
- I do well with short-term "projects" - a class, a race, a "season", etc. Note to self: don't fight it, just make your workouts fit your personality!

*I need to be organized in the rest of life, so I can maintain a workout regimen without feeling exhausted.
*You have to make this a priority.

Personal Health "Do's"
- I'm committing to say "no" to everything extra for at least a year. If Chris and I decide to be part of something together, that's fine. But, I won't take on any leadership roles or time commitments for an entire year.
- I'm committing to make relationships and friendships a priority.
- I'm committing to watch little or no television during the work week.
- I'm committing to be in bed/lights off by 9:30 PM during the work week.
- I'm committing to purposefully spend time in Jesus' presence often - get creative (watch sermon series, listen to Bible in the car, memorize during travel, worship during workout, etc.)

ENERGY TIME: 5:30 AM-8:00 PM
MAINTAIN/ME TIME: 8:00 PM-9:30 PM Weeknights, All Day Saturdays
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SLEEP: 9:30 PM - 5:30 AM

The Ultimate Breakfast Smoothie

The Ultimate Breakfast Smoothie

• half a Banana
• four to six frozen strawberries
• half cup plain yogurt
• half to one cup orange juice
• one Tbsp Flax seeds
• one Tbsp whey protein powder

In a blender add the banana, strawberries, yogurt, and orange juice. Blend until smooth. Add the flax seeds and whey, blend until evenly distributed. Pour in two glasses and enjoy! Makes 2 smoothies.

This simple recipe demonstrates the basics for a delicious smoothie. For variety, it can be easily modified to suit your taste.

Witches Brew

This recipe features a frozen red hand!

1 latex dishwashing glove

1 (10 oz.) package frozen raspberries, thawed

2 1/2 cups cranberry juice

2 envelopes unflavored gelatin

2 liters ginger ale

2 liters sparkling apple cider (non-alcoholic)

6 gummy snakes candy

Directions

How to Make Frozen Hand

Wash the outside of a brand new latex dishwashing glove; rinse thoroughly.

Turn the glove inside out and set aside.

Combine the raspberries and cranberries in a 4-cup capacity measuring cup.

Pour 2 cups of the raspberry mixture into 2-quart saucepan. Over low heat, sprinkle the gelatin over the mixture, stirring constantly until gelatin dissolves.

Pour warm mixture back into the remaining raspberry mixture in measuring cup.

Pour the entire raspberry mixture into the glove (leave inside out).

Tie top of glove (wrist part) securely with twine. Place glove in freezer.

Leave in freezer for several days before using, or if time is a factor, make sure ice is frozen solid.

How to Make Punch

With scissors, carefully cut away latex glove from frozen hand. Sit the frozen hand inside of a large punch bowl, with palm facing up, so that it leans against the side of bowl. Add ginger ale, sparkling cider and gummy bears.

Warm and Spicy Punch

This punch will fill your home with a warm citrusy aroma.

2 oranges

8 whole cloves

6 cups apple juice

1 cinnamon stick

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 cup honey

3 tablespoons lemon juice

2 1/4 cups pineapple juice

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Poke cloves into oranges. Bake oranges 30 minutes.

Combine apple juice and cinnamon stick in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower heat to medium temperature; simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Stir in nutmeg, honey, lemon and pineapple juice.

Twice Baked Potato Mummies

These cute little mummy twice baked potatoes make a spooky compliment to any Halloween meal.

3 (8 or 10 oz.) baking potatoes

12 frozen ready-to-eat Italian style meatballs

1 cup tomato pasta sauce

6 slices mozzarella cheese

12 small pimento-stuffed olives

1 dill pickle, sliced and cut into twelve 1 1/4-inch pieces

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Wrap individual potatoes in aluminum foil. Bake 1 hour, or until fork tender.

Let stand 10 - 15 minutes.

In a medium saucepan, cook meatballs and pasta sauce over MEDIUM HIGH

heat for 5 - 7 minutes, stir frequently.

Cut each baked potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out the pulp, leaving about

1/4-inch of potato inside the shell. Discard or save pulp for some other use.

Place 2 meatballs inside of each potato shell. Spoon 2 tablespoons of sauce

over meatballs. Place potato halves onto an ungreased 15x10x1-inch

pan.

Cut cheese into 1/4-inch slices. Layer cheese over each potato half in a

criss cross fashion to resemble bandages. Tuck extra cheese inside of shell.

Bake shells 2 minutes, until cheese melts slightly. Arrange two olives at top of potato shell to create eyes and two pickle pieces at the other end to create

feet.

Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

These roasted pumpkin seeds are easy to make and extremely delicious.

1 1/2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon garlic salt

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds

Directions

Preheat oven to 275 degrees.

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Place seeds in a shallow baking dish.

Bake for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Pumpkin Spiced Butter

This pumpkin butter makes a delicious compliment to breakfast or a cup of tea.

1 (15 oz.) can solid pack pumpkin

2/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup orange juice

1 teaspoon ground ginger

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a heavy saucepan and cook over MEDIUM heat (about 25 minutes); stirring occasionally, until mixture is thick and like the consistency of spreadable jam.

Keep remainder refrigerated.

Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream

This delicious premium homemade pumpkin ice cream makes a nice dessert finale to any festive Fall or Winter meal.

1 1/2 cups evaporated reduced 2% fat milk

1 large egg

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

2/3 cup canned solid pack pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Large pinch ground nutmeg

Pinch salt

Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring milk to a boil.

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg and sugar. Gradually whisk in the boiling milk.

Add pumpkin, vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; stir well.

Refrigerate ice cream mixture until thoroghly chilled.

Freeze mixture in an ice cream maker. Follow directions for your specific ice cream machine. Soften ice cream slightly before serving.

Kick it up a Notch: You can add in raisins, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts or pecans, crushed gingersnaps, swirls of maple syrup.

Melting Witch Cups

1/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 teaspoon shortening

8 Bugles brand snacks

1 (4 serving size) box white chocolate pudding mix

1 (4 serving size) box chocolate fudge pudding mix

4 cups cold milk

6 drops green food coloring

8 creme filled chocolate sandwich cookies or chocolate covered mint patties

8 pretzel sticks

1 tablespoon chow mein noodles, broken in half

16 gummi worm candies

Directions

Witch Hat

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper. In a small microwaveable bowl, combine chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave on HIGH heat for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes or until chocolate is completely melted. Stir until smooth.

Dip each Bugle snack, one at a time, into chocolate; coat completely. Let excess chocolate drip off. Place hat point side up on cookie sheet. Let stand until chocolate has set.

Witch Pudding Cups

Prepare white chocolate pudding mix using 2 cups of milk according to package directions. Prepare chocolate fudge pudding mix using 2 cups of milk according to package directions.

Add green food coloring into white chocolate pudding; stir until well blended.

In 8 small, individual serving dishes, add 2 tablespoons of green pudding and on top of that add 2 tablespoons chocolate pudding. Keep adding green and chocolate pudding to form 4-layers.

Using the handle end of a spoon, gently swirl the top two layers.

Push a sandwich cookie down inside of pudding cup and top with a chocolate coated Bugle to resemble a witch's hat. Cookie forms brim of hat.

Add one pretzel stick next to hat and surround with chow mein noodles to create a broomstick.

At the other end of the dish, insert two gummy worms for the witch's legs.

Martian Cookies

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Even Marvin the Martian would have a difficult time resisting these goodie-packed cookies. Each bite is a tasty exploration of chocolate, zucchini, nuts and butterscotch.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup quick cooking oats

1 cup grated zucchini

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup butterscotch chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until soft, add sugar and beat until fluffy.

Add in the egg and vanilla; beat until well blended.

In a medium sized bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt; stir well.

Using an electric mixer on low speed, add flour mixture to butter mixture a little bit at a time; beat until well mixed.

Stir in oats, zucchini, nuts and chocolate chips with a wooden spoon.

Drop a rounded teaspoon full of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, keep dough

2-inches apart. Bake 10 - 12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool on cookie sheet 1 minute. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack.

Marshmallow Mummies

These colorful marshmallow mummies are just waiting to be discovered by adventurous party guests.

18 large marshmallows

6 thin pretzel pieces

1 (4.5 oz.) box chewy fruit snacks, any flavor

1 (0.68 oz.) tube black decorating gel

Directions

Press 3 marshmallows down onto each pretzel stick to create 6 mummy bodies.

Unwrap the fruit snack rolls (do not unroll). Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut rolls into 1/2-inch strips. Unroll each strip and remove plastic.

Wrap each fruit roll around marshmallows to create a bandaged mummy look.

Leave a small opening to create two dot eyes with the decorating gel.

Note: You can display each mummy inside a glass "case". Take a clear drinking glass and fill bottom with small candies. Set mummy inside.

Jack-o-Lantern Mini Pizzas

1 (16.3 oz.) can homestyle refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

1 pound lean ground beef

1 (15.5 oz.) can sloppy joe sandwich sauce

1 (11 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained

8 slices American cheese

8 small pieces green bell pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Separate biscuit dough into 8 pieces. Arrange biscuits on a large cookie sheet.

Press down on each biscuit to make a 4 1/2-inch round dough piece.

Bake 12 - 15 minutes until golden brown.

In a 12-inch non-stick skillet, cook ground beef over MEDIUM heat for

8 - 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain fat. Stir in corn and sloppy joe sauce. Reduce heat to MEDIUM LOW. Cook an additional 3 - 5 minutes,

stirring occassionally.

With a knife, cut cheese into circles. Cut out eyes, nose and mouth to make a Jack-o-Lantern face.

Take biscuits out of oven. Spoon beef mixture over each biscuit round.

Lay a cheese face over the beef mixture on each round. Use bell pepper piece to create a pumpkin stem.

Return to oven and bake an additional 3 - 5 minutes, or until cheese melts.

Jack-o-Lantern Smoothies

1 tablespoon semisweet chocolate chips

4 (8 or 9 oz.) plastic cups

3 (6 oz.) containers orange or peach yogurt

1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

1 (11 oz.) can mandarin orange segments, chilled and drained

1 banana, sliced

Directions

In a small microwaveable bowl, melt the chocolate chips for 1 minute, or until completely melted, on HIGH heat.

Use the tip of a knife to create two chocolate eyes, one chocolate nose, and a chocolate mouth inside each cup. It's like you are painting a face on the inside of the cup with chocolate. Refrigerate cups for 5 minutes until chocolate has set.

In a blender, combine all of the remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour smoothie into plastic cups with the chocolate faces.

Hot Apple Cider

6 cups apple cider

1/4 cup real maple syrup

2 cinnamon sticks, plus 6 sticks for serving (optional)

6 whole cloves

6 whole allspice berries

1 orange peel, cut into strips

1 lemon peel, cut into strips

Directions

In a large stainless steel saucepan, combine apple cider and maple syrup.

Wash a square piece of cheescloth and place inside it: cinammon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange peel, and lemon peel. Fold up the sides of the cheesecloth and tie securely with kitchen twine. Add spice bundle to cider mixture.

Cook cider over medium heat 5 - 10 minutes, or until very hot. DO NOT BOIL.

Remove from heat. Discard the spice bundle. Pour cider into large mugs.

Garnish each mug with cinnamon stick, if desired.

Honey Chocolate Chip Bars

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 pounds miniature marshmallows

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup peanut butter

5 cups old fashioned oat

4 1/2 cup crisp rice cereal

1 cup graham cracker crumbs (16 squares)

1 cup flaked coconut

1 cup crushed peanuts

1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips

Directions

In a large saucepan, combine butter, oil, marshmallows. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture is completely melted with a smooth consistency.

Remove pan from heat. Stir in the honey and peanut butter.

In a small bowl, combine oats, cereal, cracker crumbs, coconut and peanuts.

Pour into marshmallow mixture. Stir well.

Press granola mixture into a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Cool for 10 -15

minutes. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top, gently press chips into mixture.

Let granola cool completely before serving.

Halloween Snack Mix

6 cups caramel corn

2 cups salted cashews or peanuts

1 1/2 cups candy corn

1/3 cup raisins

Directions

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients.

Makes 2 quarts.

Store in airtight container.

Homemade Alfredo Sauce

1/2 cup butter
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese
1 cup half and half
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon garlic powder (optional)
pepper, to taste

This by far is the easiest and best Alfredo sauce recipe I have found yet! I love pasta and Alfredo and searched forever to make it homemade. I think that too many recipes have too many ingredients and that others are too watery. My girlfriend loves it and makes me cook it at least once a week.. plus you can add it to so many different things! This is a great, simple recipe to make for someone coming over for a dinner date ;)

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter.

2. Once butter is almost melted, add the package of cream cheese. It's easiest to cut it into 4 pieces so that it melts quicker.

3. Once butter and cream cheese are mixed well together, add the cup of half and half, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and then shake pepper on top. Stir all together until well mixed.

4. Once it's mixed well and saucelike, take it off the burner and set aside so it can thicken up. Stir every few moments.

5. DONE! Pour over your favorite pasta, I love it with tortellini!

Don't forget some breadsticks to dip in the extra sauce! :)

Shepherd's Pie

1 onion, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb. lamb, minced
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 large carrot, diced
1 beef stock cube
1 lb. chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon corn flour
3 tablespoons tomato puree
pinch of salt and pepper
2 lb. potatoes
1 stick butter

This is how to make a real English shepherds pie, made with lamb. If made with beef, it would be known as cottage pie.

Firstly, heat the olive oil in a pan, add the onion, garlic and carrot and cook until soft. Add minced lamb and stock cube, then cook until the mince is brown and shows a crumbly texture. Stir in the tomatoes and tomato puree, and add the corn flour. Leave to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about fifteen minutes, or until thickened.

Meanwhile, peel and chop potatoes and boil until soft, then mash them with the butter and salt and pepper to taste.

Put the filling into a deep dish, then top with the mashed potatoes and put under a warm grill (broiler) until the top is brown and crisp.

Delicious topped with melted cheese. Enjoy!

Granola Bars

2 cups Trail Mix (Go to the bulk bins - mix several varieties of fruit and nuts) Even add in some flax seeds to make it extra healthy)
2 cups - Oatmeal
1/3 cup - Milk Chocolate Chips (optional - but recommended)
3 Ripe Bananas
1 Egg
2 tbsp - Honey

-Pre-heat oven to 350°F.

In a Large bowl combine trail mix (even add in some flax seeds to make it extra healthy), chocolate chips and oatmeal. -In a smaller bowl mash the bananas, then add your egg and honey and mix it all together. Add the banana mixture to the trail mix and stir it all together making sure everything is evenly coated.

Press the mixture into a greased 12 X 9-inch cake pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges are brown. Allow to cool, cut and enjoy

Potato-Spinach Chowder

1 can (15 ounces) spinach or kale
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) potatoes
1/2 cup chopped green onion, divided
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 can (14 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon mace
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/4 cups plain, fat-free yogurt, divided

Mince spinach, potatoes, 1/4 cup green onion and garlic together in a food processor, using the pulsing action. Combine the spinach-potato mixture with broth in a medium saucepan. Add mace and pepper. Blend well; heat through over medium heat. Just before serving blend in 1 cup yogurt. To serve, top the chowder with dollops of the remaining yogurt and green onion.

Servings: 6

Tuna Cupcakes

1 lg. can tuna
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
Baking powder biscuit dough to fill 10 to 12 cupcake tins

Roll out dough, cut in squares and fit into cupcake tins. In cast iron skillet, pour tuna and soup. Rinse out soup can with milk, thicken if necessary. Peas can be added. Fill pastry 2/3 full with mixture. Pull a little dough over the edges so the tuna mix won't boil out.

Bake at 350 degrees until biscuit is done. Any extra sauce can be served as an extra sauce of gravy.

Volcano Cupcakes

1 batch baked cupcakes
1 c. whipping cream, whipped
M&M'S®

1. Cut conical shape from top of each cupcake and remove.

2. Place dollop of whipped cream in each cupcake and place removed pieces on top. Garnish with M&M'S®

Ghoulishly Good Cupcakes

8 oz. cream cheese
1/3 c. sugar
1 egg
Pinch of salt
2 tsp. grated orange peel
2 drops red food coloring
2 drops yellow food coloring
1 c. chocolate chips

Beat until smooth - all ingredients but chocolate chips. Stir in chips and set aside.

CUPCAKES:

1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/3 c cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 c. vegetable oil
2/3 c. sugar
1 c. water
1 tbsp. vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine ingredients, in order listed, in large mixing bowl. Blend well on low speed. Fill 24 muffin cups 2/3 full with batter. Spoon 1 tablespoon filling onto each cupcake. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Goblin Cupcakes

8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
1/3 c. sugar
1 egg
1/8 tsp. salt
2 tsp. grated orange peel
2 drops red food coloring
2 drops yellow food coloring
1 c. chocolate chips

Combine cream cheese, sugar, egg, salt, orange peel and food coloring in a small bowl. Beat until smooth. Add chocolate chips. Set aside.

CUPCAKES:

1 1/2 c. unsifted all purpose flour
1 c. sugar
1/3 c. cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 c. vegetable oil
1 c. water
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. vinegar

Combine ingredients in order listed. Blend well on low speed. Fill 24 paper muffin cups 2/3 full with batter. Spoon about 1 tablespoon cheese filling onto each cupcake. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.

Black-Bottom Cupcakes

FILLING:

8 oz. cream cheese
1 egg
1/2 c. sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
6 oz. chocolate chips

Combine all ingredients above and blend well. Set aside.

CUPCAKE BATTER:

1 1/2 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. water
1/3 c. oil
1 tsp. vinegar

Combine above batter ingredients and beat together. Fill cupcake holder 2/3 full with cupcake batter. Put 1/2 teaspoon filling on top of cupcake batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Makes 2 dozen.

Classic Vanilla Cupcakes

1/2 cup softened butter
3/4 to 1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2/3 cup cold milk

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Bake Time: 18-24 minutes.

Yield: 12 cupcakes.

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in vanilla.

In a separate bowl, stir together all dry ingredients. Add to butter mixture; stir in milk.

Spider Cupcakes

18.25 oz chocolate cake mix
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
12 large marshmallows
chocolate sprinkles
48 M&M'S® mini baking bits
192 pieces black licorice

Prepare cake batter according package directions. Fill 24 greased or lined muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 21-26 minutes. Cool 5 minutes in pan; transfer to wire rack to finish cooling.

FOR FROSTING:

Combine sugar, cocoa, butter, and milk in small pot. Bring to a boil on medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla. Cool to 110°F.

Beat with wooden spoon until thick and losing gloss, about 8 minutes. Cut marshmallows in half width wise; place 1/2 on each cupcake. Frost marshmallows and tops of cupcakes. Dip in sprinkles.

Place dab of frosting on each M&M and press on to look like eyes. Using skewers, poke 4 holes on each side of each cupcake. Insert a piece of licorice into each hole.

Cinnamon Spiced Cappuccino Cupcakes

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 brewed coffee, the stronger the coffee the more coffee
flavor
1 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee, more for stronger flavor
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup white frosting
chocolate covered coffee beans (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Put cupcake papers in muffin tin.

In bowl mix flour, baking powder, allspice, cinnamon and salt.

In large mixing bowl beat butter and sugar til light and smooth. Add eggs and beat well. On low speed add flour mixture alternately with coffee. Fill cupcake papers evenly, about 1/3 cup each.

Bake for 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Meanwhile in a small bowl, mix instant coffee, vanilla and 1 teaspoon warm water. Stir until coffee is dissolved. Mix in white frosting. Spread on cupcakes. Top with coffee bean.

Moist Chocolate Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vinegar

Mix all of the ingredients well with a mixer. It should be brown and smooth. Free of lumps. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Cupcakes will turn out moist and delicious.

Buttermilk or milk may be substituted for water. Melted butter may be substituted for oil.

Santa Claus Cupcakes

Cupcakes, how many it is you need
White frosting for cupcakes
Red colored sugar
White mini marshmallows
Mini chocolate chips
Red hot candies
Coconut

Frost cupcakes with white frosting. Sprinkle red sugar across top half of cupcake. Put marshmallow to one side of red sugar for tassel. Pat on 2 chocolate chips on for eyes. Put on one red hot for nose. Sprinkle bottom 1/3 with coconut for beard.

Poppyseed Cupcakes

1 pkg. Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
3/4 c. Crisco
1 c. water
2 tbsp. poppy seed
2 pkg. butterscotch pudding mix
4 eggs

Combine all ingredients and mix for 4 minutes with electric beater. This can make regular cupcakes or small cupcakes.

ICING FOR CUPCAKES:

6 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
3 tbsp. butter
1/2 box 4x sugar
1/2 c. nuts

Cream together and spread on cupcakes.

Goblin's Delight Cupcakes

A Halloween Treat For All Ages

8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
1/3 c. sugar
1 egg
1/8 tsp. salt
2 drops each red and yellow food color
1 c. Hershey's chocolate chips

CUPCAKES:

1 1/2 c. unsifted all purpose flour
1 c. sugar
1/3 Hershey's cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 c. vegetable oil
1 c. water
1 tbsp. vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla

Filling: Combine cream cheese, sugar, eggs, salt, food color in small bowl. Beat until smooth. Add chocolate chips. Set aside. Cupcakes: Combine ingredients in order listed in large mixing bowl. Blend well on low speed. Fill 24 paper muffin cups 2/3 full with batter. Spoon about 1 tablespoon cheese filling onto each cupcake. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in cake portion comes out clean.