Marshmallow Truffles

Just one thing to say about these..TDF ( to die for).
NEED:
1 7-ounce jar marshmallow creme
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups powdered sugar
Toasted whole almonds, toasted pecan halves, toasted macadamia nuts, toasted hazelnuts (filberts), quartered pitted dates, and/or dried cherries
Powdered sugar
8 ounces semisweet chocolate squares, chopped
1 tablespoon shortening
Finely chopped toasted nuts, toasted coconut, or candy sprinkles
White baking chocolate, melted

Line a large baking sheet with waxed paper; butter the paper. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine marshmallow creme, butter, almond extract, and salt. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the 3 cups powdered sugar, beating until well mixed. Cover and chill about 1 hour or until mixture is easy to handle.

Lightly dust your hands with additional powdered sugar; shape marshmallow mixture into 1-inch balls, forming the mixture around a whole almond, pecan half, macadamia nut, hazelnut (filbert), date piece, or dried cherry (you may need more marshmallow mixture to completely cover the pecan halves and almonds). Place balls on prepared baking sheet. Cover lightly; freeze for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine semisweet chocolate and shortening. Heat and stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.

Line another large baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside. Remove balls, a few at a time, from the freezer; dip balls in chocolate and use a fork to lift balls out of chocolate, drawing the fork across the rim of the saucepan to remove excess chocolate. Place balls on waxed-paper-lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle tops with finely chopped nuts, toasted coconut, or candy sprinkles. Let stand at room temperature about 15 minutes or until completely set. If desired, drizzle truffles with melted white chocolate.

Makes about 40 truffles.

ENJOY!

Zucchini Bread in Jars

These are great. This was also given to me by a cashier at Walmart. I didn't use the larger jars but did use small jelly jars. Either way, follow the instructions. This makes a great fast treat for home or a great gift.
NEED:
4 wide mouth canning jars -- (1 1/2 pint )
4 new lids - don't use old ones
4 rings okay to use old ones
3 egg whites -- whipped
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup margarine --or butter, at room temperature
2 cups zucchini -- grated
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cloves

Place a baking sheet onto middle rack and remove top rack from oven. Before starting batter, wash jars, lids, and rings in hot soapy water and let drain, dry, and cool to room temperature.

Generously prepare inside of jars with margarine.

To prepare batter, combine flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

In another mixing bowl, combine egg whites, sugar, margarine, and zucchini.

Divide batter among 4 jars (should be slightly less than half full). Carefully wipe rims clean, then place jars on baking sheet (or they'll tip over) in the center of oven.

Oven at 325 degrees. Bake 40 minutes. If using smaller jars check for doneness at 30 minutes. Insert toothpick, if it comes out clean bread is done.

Keep lids in hot water until they're used. When cakes are done, remove jars which are HOT from oven one at a time. If rims need cleaning, use moistened paper towel. Carefully put lids and rings in place, then screw tops on tightly shut.

Place jars on a wire rack; they will seal as they cool.

Once jars are cool, decorate with round pieces of cloth, if desired.
Unscrew the ring (the lid should be sealed by now) and place a few cotton balls on top of the lid (makes it puffy on top), then a piece of cloth (about 3" larger than the lid) on top and screw the ring back on. Decorate as desired (example pinking shears).

ENJOY!

READ Gift to Give

I was hoping that the recipes listed below would have that heading but it didn t come out that way. Please, read that for ideas on how to give the cookies listed below in beautiful jars or tins. Any cookie, brownie or cake mix can be given this way as a wonderful gift, simply by seperating the dry and wet ingredients and providing a complete recipe on a card or paper. Be creative and above all.. Enjoy!

GREAT Chocolate Cookies

Place the following dry ingredients in your jar or zip lock bag. ( needs to hold 1 quart) 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1 cup packed brown sugar 3/4 cup candy coated chocolate candies ( m&m's) 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts 1/2 cup raisins 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt List the above dry ingredients on your recipe card and add: 2/3 cup softened butter 2 eggs - beaten 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat butter until smooth. Add beaten eggs and vanilla until blended. Add all dry ingredients and stir until well mixed. Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls on ungreased cookie sheet. Place 2 inches apart. Bake 11 to 12 minutes. Let cookies rest on cookie sheet for 2 mintues and then place on wire rack to cool completely. 2 doz. cookies Enjoy!

Oat & Strawberry Bars

Place the following dry ingredients in your jar or zip lock bag. ( needs to hold 1 quart) 2 1/4 cups uncooked quick oats 1 cup all purpose flour 1 cup, packed, brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt List the above ingredients on your recipe card and add: 1 can - 21 ounces - strawberry pie filling 1 cup softened butter 3/4 teaspoon almond extract Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray or grease a 9 x 13 baking pan. Beat butter until smooth. Add dry ingredients and mix until well blended. Press 2/3 of mixture into bottom of baking pan. Bake 15 minutes, remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes on wire rack. With food processor or hand mixer, mix strawberry pie filling until smooth Stir in almond extract. Pour mixture over prepared crust and sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture. Place in oven and bake for 20 min or until topping is golden brown and filling is slightly bubbly. Cool completely on wire rack. Enjoy!

No Fuss Cookie Bars

Place the following dry ingredients in your jar or ziplock bag. ( needs to hold 1 quart)
1 cup coconut - flaked
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

List the above dry ingredients on your recipe card and add:

1 can sweetened condensed milk

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray or grease a 9 x 13 baking pan.

Place dry ingredients in a large bowl and add sweetened and condensed milk. Stir with until well blended.

Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are golden.

Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Once cool cut into squares

Enjoy!

Orange, Walnut, Chocolate Chip Cookies

Place the following dry ingredients in a jar or ziplock bag. ( needs to hold 1 quart) 1 1/2 cups uncooked old fashioned oats 1 cup brown suger ( packed) 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1 tablespoon grated orange peel 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda List the above dry ingredients on your recipe card and then add: 1 egg 1/2 cup butter...softened Preheat oven to 375 and lightly spray or grease a cookie sheet. In large bowl, blend butter until smooth. Beat in egg until well blended. Add dry ingredients and stir until blended. Drop, by rounded teaspoonfuls, 2 inches apart. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand on cookie sheet for 2 minutes then remove to wire rack to cool completely. Repeat until all dough is used. 3 1/2 dozen cookies. Enjoy.

Magic Bars

Place the following ingredients in your jar of ziplock bag. ( needs to hold 1 quart) 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans 3/4 cup flaked coconut 3/4 cup semi chocolate chips 1/2 cup uncooked old fashioned or quick oats 1/2 cups raisins All the above dry ingredients to your recipe card and add: 1/3 cup butter 1 can sweetened condensed milk Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place butter in a 9 x 13 baking dish and place in oven until melted. Remove pan from oven. Place all dry ingredients in a large bowl and add sweetened condensed milk. Spread mixture evenly in pan and bake for 25 minutes or until lightly brown. Cool, in pan on wire rack, for 5 mintues...cut and allow to cool completely. Enjoy

Oat and Fruit Squares

Place the following dry ingredients in your jar of ziplock bag. ( needs to hold 1 1/2 quarts) 2 cups uncooked oats 2 cups of all purpose flour 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon of baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamom List the above ingredients on your recipe card and add: 2/3 cup of softened butter 1 1/2 cups of apricot, cherry, strawberry or other fuit preserves. Preheat oven to 350 degreees. Spray or lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking pan. Place all dry ingredients in a large bowl and add butter. Stir with a fork until mixture is crumbly. Set aside 1 cup of mixture. Press remaining mixture into baking pan and bake 7 to 8 minutes. Spread preserve of your choice over baked crust, sprinkle with reserved crumb mix and bake for 25 mintues or until golden brown. Cool competely before cutting.

Whole Grain Chocolate Chip Cookies

Add the following dry ingredients to your jar or ziplock bag. ( Needs to hold 1 quart) 1 cup semisweet choclate chips 1 cup uncooked old fashioned oats 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup sunflower seeds 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking soda dash of salt List the above ingredients on your recipe card and add: 1 egg 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Preheat oven to 375 degrees and lightly spray or grease cookie sheet. Beat butter until smooth, add egg and vanilla and blend until smooth. Add dry ingredients and blend well. Shape into tablespoonfuls size balls and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. Bake 7 to 8 minutes. Do Not Overbake. Cool on wire rack. Repeat until all dough is used. Enjoy.

Cocoa Brownies

1 cup sugar 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ( optional) 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt. Place dry ingredients in jar or zip lock bag ( needs to hold 1 quart) List the above ingredients on your recipe card and add: 3 eggs 3/4 cup of butter--softened 1 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightlly spray or grease 9 x 13 baking pan. Beat butter until smooth, add eggs and vanilla and stir until well blended. Add dry ingredients and mix until well blended. Spread evenly in pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Do not over bake. Cool on wire rack. Enjoy!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Place the following ingredients in your jar or zip lock bag. Will need to hold 1 1/2 quarts. 1 cup raisins 3 cups quick or old fashioned oats 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon List the above ingredients on your recipe card and add: 3/4 cup of butter..softened 1 egg 2 tablespoons of milk 2 teaspoons of vanilla Preheat oven to 375. Lightly spray or grease cookie sheet. Beat butter until smooth, beat in egg, milk and vanilla until well blended. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Drop round tablespoonfuls of dough, 2 inches apart, on cookie sheet. Bake 11 minutes or until golden brown..do not over bake..remove from oven. Allow to remain on cookie sheet approx. 3 minutes then remove to wire rack to cool. Repeat until all dough is used. 3 1/2 doz. cookies

Blonde Brownie Mix

Place to following ingredients in your jar or zip lock bag. ( needs to hold 1 1/2 quarts) 1 10 ounce package of semisweet chocolate chucks or chips--you can also break up 10 ounces of chocolate candy bars. 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup apcked light brown sugar 3/4 cup coarsely chopped macadamia nuts or walnuts 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt List the above ingredients on your recipe card and add: 1/2 cup butter, softened 2 eggs 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray or grease a 9 x 13 baking pan. Beat butter until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla and blend until smooth. Add the dry ingredients and blend well. Spread batter evenly in baking pan and bake 30 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Enjoy.

Tangy Lemon Bar Mix

Layer the following ingredients in your jar of baggie. Either will need to hold 1 quart. NEED: 1 cup sugar 1 cup dried cranberries 2 1/4 cup all purpose flour 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt List all the above on your enclosed recipe and add: 1/3 cup thawed lemonade concentrate 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 egg..beaten Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray or grease a 9 x 13 baking pan. Beat butter until smooth. Add lemonade and egg and blend until smooth. Mixture will looks somewhat curdled. Add dry ingredients and stir until well blended. Press mixture evenly into pan and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, on wire rack, before cutting. Enjoy!

Gifts to Give

I have received many great "Gifts in a Jar" where all the dry ingredients are there and you receive the full recipe of what ingredients you need to add, along with baking temperature and time to bake a tasty treat. Not everyone has jars available and they are not always that easy to find. You can make the same great gifts, place them in ziplock bags and tuck them in great decorator tins. I would always see wonderful tins at the holidays and decided they would work just as well for this project. Try not to purchase tins that are too large. However, if you find one you can not resist simply use tissue paper to hold your bag of ingredients in place. I prefer the ziplock bags over the press and seal. I just feel they are a bit more secure. You certainly do not want your "gift" to spill out into the tin. Select bag sizes that are going to suit your needs. The freezer bags come in many sizes. Also , at the holidays, many of the companies have bags with holiday designs. If you feel that the bag is too large once the ingredients are inside..simple fold over and tie a ribbon around it. Do not use tape as it may tear the bag when removed. Besure to type or clearly write out the entire recipe and place in the tin. You can use simple index cards, paper cut on the edge with pinking scissors, use decorated recipe cards, place on paper and roll into a scroll and tie with a ribbon. We creative. Either way these make great gift items. Enjoy