Thursday, December 14, 2017

A Fantastic M & M Toffee Bark Recipe


It's the perfect treat for any holiday, but especially at Christmas time. The bark is graham cracker based mixed with a layer of hard and brittle toffee, a layer of peanut butter, then a layer chocolate and an extra special layer of M&M's® and red and green sprinkles for the topping. You cannot fail with this extra special treat. Your friends and family will eat this up in no time at all. You may have to make more.

We begin by buttering the pan, or cooking spray if you prefer. Add 1 cup each of butter and brown sugar to a pot, and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Next you layer the bottom of the pan with Graham Crackers, and pour in your boiled butter/brown sugar mixture. Bake for 4 minutes at 400 F.
Remove from oven and add 3/4 cup of peanut butter. You can spread it with a spatula, but as you can see...I did not. I'll leave that up to you. Place back into the oven for a minute, until the peanut butter is melted (about 1 minute).
Remove from oven and layer your chocolate on top (2 cups, and I used milk chocolate chips), and place back in oven until melted. This will probably take a minute or two. When the chocolate is melted you can then spread it out with a spatula.
When you are finished spreading the chocolate, sprinkle the M % M candies over the top, and add red and green sprinkles...just for fun. Cool at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill completely. Once it is chilled completely you will be able to break the toffee bark into pieces. Then it's time to enjoy your work!

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

1941 Black "Midnight Cake" Recipe for your Spooky Halloween Party

I think this black “Midnight Cake” could be just the thing for your Halloween Celebration this year.
It is a strikingly dark and chocolaty, not to mention, very moist, and light cake. This 1941 recipe is great for those who are eager to learn how to make a perfect black Devil's Food Cake, and you can mix it up in no time at all.
The Snowy White frosting makes for a great contrast.

Black Midnight Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Shortening
1 1/4 cups Sugar
2 Eggs
1 cup Hot Water
1/2 Cocoa
1 1/2 cups Sifted Gold Medal “Kitchen-tested” flour
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Vanilla
Double-boiler icing ingredients:
1 Egg White
3/4 cup Sugar
1/8 tsp. Cream of Tartar
3 tbsp. Water
1/2 tsp. Vanilla (or other flavoring)
Cake Directions:
Cream shortening, add sugar gradually, and cream until fluffy. Blend in well-beaten eggs. Slowly add hot water to cocoa and mix until smooth. Stir to dissolve completely.
Sift flour, salt, soda, and baking powder together, and add to creamed mixture alternately with hot water and cocoa mixture. Blend in vanilla.
Pour into an 8-inch square pan (2-1/2 inches deep) which has been greased and lined with paper. Bake 50 to 55 minutes in a moderate oven (350 F).
When cool, spread Double-Boiler Icing (see below) over top and sides.
Icing Directions:
Combine in top of a double boiler the egg white, sugar, cream of tartar, and water, and beat together just enough to completely blend ingredients. Place over rapidly boiling water, and beat with rotary beater until mixture is white and very light. (Icing is done when it barely holds its shape and is not runny as the beater is pulled out.) This takes 5 to 7 minutes depending on the size of boiler and vigor of beating. Remove from over hot water, and do not beat any more. Fold in the flavoring.
This makes a generous amount of icing for an 8-inch square cake.
Note: If icing becomes “grainy,” add a few drops of lemon juice to make it satiny smooth again.
Fluffy Marshmallow Icing Variation:
Add 3 marshmallows, cut in quarters, to the icing immediately after removing it from heat. Stir until marshmallows are melted and icing is fluffy.
After that, maybe you would like to try a little Snow Ghost Pie!

Friday, June 30, 2017

Old Style Texas Tornado Cake

Texas Tornado Cake
It may go by many names, but this wonderful cake with it's coconut and walnut frosting is moist, delicious, and very easy to make!
Texas tornado cake contains fruit and nuts, with coconut icing. It’s not clear when this cake was invented, or where it’s from. Some insist that “Texas tornado cake” is another name for an “earthquake cake.”
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs 3 cups fruit cocktail with liquid
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped nuts
Frosting:
1 Stick butter
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk 1 cup flaked coconut
Directions:
Cream together sugar, eggs, fruit cocktail, baking soda and flour. Pour into lightly greased and floured 13x9x2-inch cake pan. Mix brown sugar and nuts together and sprinkle onto unbaked batter in the pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 40 minutes or until golden brown on top. While still hot, poke holes into the cake to allow the frosting to seep inside. Ice cake while hot.
Frosting Directions:
Boil margarine, sugar and milk 2 minutes. Stir in coconut. Spoon over cake as soon as cake is taken from the oven. I am sure you will be enjoying this delicious cake just as much as I, and others did!

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Blackberry Coffee Cake

A Very Good, and Old Fashioned Blackberry Coffee Cake.
Light and fluffy, crisp on the top, and filled with blackberries!

Ingredients:
Cake:
5 tablespoons salted butter, cubed, plus more for greasing the pan
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup whole milk
2 cups fresh Blackberries
Topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
6 tablespoons butter, cubed
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Sugar, for sprinkling over top (before placing in oven)
Directions:
For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 9inch baking pan with butter.
Add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt to a medium bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.
Cream together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer. Add the egg and mix until combined. Mix in the vanilla. Add the flour mixture and milk alternately and mix until totally incorporated. Do not over-beat. Stir in the blackberries until evenly distributed. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
For the topping: Mix the flour, sugar, butter, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl and spoon evenly over the batter. Sprinkle a little suger over the top of that. Bake until the cake is golden brown, 45 to 50 minutes. Until toothpick comes out clean.

Friday, May 12, 2017

No Butter Chewy Double Chocolate Chip Cookie

Chewy Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar (or brown sugar)
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat oven at 350 Fahrenheit.
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.
In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.
Add the flour mixture into the wet mixture and blend. Fold in the chocolate chips. Take about one teaspoon of dough and drop the dough on a baking sheet.
Bake for about 10 minutes. Not only are they chewy on the inside, but the outside is crispy. You will love these!

Friday, April 28, 2017

The Making of a Blue Ribbon Butter Cake

A Blue Ribbon Butter Cake Recipe
The blue ribbon is a symbol of high quality. The association comes from The Blue Riband, a prize awarded for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by passenger liners and, prior to that from Cordon Bleu, which referred to the blue ribbon worn by a particular order of knights. In some fair competitions in the U.S., particularly 4-H and FFA livestock and horticultural events, blue ribbons may be awarded to any project or exhibit which meets or exceeds all of a competition's judging criteria.
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
BUTTER SAUCE:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup water
1-1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions:
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.
Pour into a greased and floured 10-in. tube pan. Bake at 350° for 65-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Run a knife around edges and center tube of pan. Invert cake onto a wire rack over waxed paper.
For sauce, combine the sugar, butter and water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat just until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat; stir in extracts.
Poke holes in the top of the warm cake; spoon 1/4 cup sauce over cake. Let stand until sauce is absorbed. Repeat twice. Poke holes into sides of cake; brush remaining sauce over sides. Cool completely.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Homemade Blueberry Snickerdoodle Bars

Blueberry Snickerdoodle Bars
If you feel guilty eating the traditional Snickerdoodle's you could try this delicious, and slightly healthier alternative! Blueberries are one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world and contain large levels and a broad range of antioxidants. So why not do yourself a favor, and try these today they are absolutely wonderful!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 Sticks Butter
1 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
2 Eggs
2 teaspoons Vanilla
2 Cups Flour
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Cup Blueberries
For Topping:
2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
Directions:
Heat oven to 350° F.
Spray or grease bottom only of a 13x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, and set aside.
In large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Beat in sugars. Gradually beat in eggs and vanilla into sugar mixture until combined. On low speed, beat in dry ingredients until combined. Fold in cup of blueberries, and pour into baking pan.
Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for topping in a little bowl. Evenly sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of the batter.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cherry Pie Bars

Cherry Pie Bars
You can bake up a pan of these cheery Cherry Bars in just 30 minutes with staple ingredients and pie filling.
A classic cherry dessert is almost like pie. Just a couple of cans of cherry pie filling and you have a delicious, and tasty treat.
Ingredients:
For the bars:
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 (21 oz.) cans cherry pie filling For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°.
In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar and salt until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extracts. Gradually add flour.
Spread 3 cups dough into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Spread with pie filling.
Drop remaining dough by teaspoonfuls over filling. Bake 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
In a small bowl, mix confectioners’ sugar, extracts and enough milk to reach desired consistency; drizzle over top.

Friday, March 17, 2017

Non Alcoholic Irish Cream Coffee Cookies

Irish Cream Coffee Cookies
This is a wonderful non alcoholic recipe for those who wish to participate in the Irish Holiday, but do not partake in the spirits of the day. Even the traditional drinkers will love them!
Ingredients:
2 sticks of butter, softened
1 Cup sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1 tsp salt
3 Tablespoons Nestle French Vanilla Coffee Mate Creamer (liquid)
2 Tablespoons instant coffee powder.
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 Teaspoon Almond Extract
2 Eggs
3 Cups of flour
1 Bag of Nestle White Chocolate Chips
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream together the butter, sugars and salt. Add the eggs and blend until smooth. Mix in the coffee powder, French Vanilla Creamer, Vanilla and Almond Extracts. Slowly add in the flour, and finally the White Chocolate Chips
Scoop dollops about a teaspoon in size, and arrange on baking sheets with ample room for spreading.
Bake for 9-10 minutes, then move to cooling racks.

Friday, March 10, 2017

The Amazing White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe
You have probably have has a taste or two of sheet cake in your life, but if you haven't had a piece of White Texas Sheet Cake, please do it soon! This may be one of the best sheet cakes that I have ever tries, and I like cake! One note, I did not have a sheet cake pan so I made it in a regular cake pan.
It's easy to make, even for a first try, and your guest will rave about it. So without further gushing, let's get started. (Photo below is an original recipe with sour cream instead)
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup butter, cubed
1 cup water
2 large eggs
1/2 cup Vanilla yogurt
1 teaspoon almond extract
Frosting:
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup milk
4-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup chopped walnuts
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°. Grease a 15x10x1-in. baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk the first five ingredients. In a small saucepan, combine butter and water; bring just to a boil. Stir into flour mixture. In a small bowl, whisk eggs, yogurt and extract until blended; add to flour mixture, whisking constantly.
Transfer to prepared pan. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 18-22 minutes. Allow to cool.
For frosting, combine butter and milk in a large saucepan; bring just to a boil. Remove from heat; gradually stir in confectioners' sugar and extract. Stir in walnuts. Spread over cooled cake.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

The Best White/Chocolate Cake Ever!

An Old Fashioned, Vintage White Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe
Wouldn't you just love a good old white/chocolate cake just like grandma use to make right now?
Ingredients:
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar.
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, melted.
2 tablespoons water.
2 large eggs.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
Instructions:
PREHEAT oven to 350ยบ F. Grease baking pan(s).
COMBINE granulated sugar, butter and water in large bowl. Stir in eggs and vanilla extract. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl; stir into sugar mixture. Stir in nuts. Spread into prepared baking pan(s).
BAKE for 18 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Cool completely in pan(s) on wire rack. Frost when cooled, and enjoy.
Frosting
Ingredients:
3 cups sifted powdered sugar, divided
2/3 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened
5 to 6 tablespoons milk, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
BEAT 1 cup powdered sugar, cocoa, butter, 2 tablespoons milk and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in remaining sugar and milk until smooth. Makes 2 cups total.

Friday, March 3, 2017

A 1922 Recipe for Peanut Butter Bread

Vintage Peanut Butter Bread Recipe
This is a Royal Baking Powder recipe from 1922, and it is delicious. The Royal Baking Powder Company was one of the largest producers of baking powder in the US. The company was started by Joseph Christoffel Hoagland and William Ziegler in 1866.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
2/3 cup peanut butter
1 cup milk
Directions:
In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In separate bowl add milk to peanut butter; stir until combined. Add dry ingredients, and blend well. Pour into a greased 8-in. x 4-in. loaf pan.
Bake at 350° for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.
You can enjoy it all by itself, or with butter, or jelly. Anyway you choose, you are guaranteed to love it.