Monthly Archives: February 2015

Caramelized Pecans

28 Saturday Feb 2015

Posted by in Salads

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I made these tonight for a spinach, strawberry, and yellow pepper salad. I can think of so many salads that they would be good in. They are super easy and only take 5 minutes.

Ingredients-

1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup pecans (whole or chopped)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a medium sized, non-stick frying pan. Stir constantly over medium heat with a heat proof spatula until the sugar and butter caramelize. This takes about 5 minutes of constant stirring. Be prepared to lower the temperature or remove from the heat if they get too hot.

Cinnamon Bun Pancakes with Maple Butter Icing

14 Saturday Feb 2015

Posted by in Breakfast

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These are my second favorite pancakes next to James’s. I found the recipe on The Pioneer Woman website. I have linked to it, but the link is broken and will not take you to the recipe. You can look at her yummy photographs, though. I am posting the whole recipe here so I can always find it. Also, the last time I was able to link to it the icing recipe was not there. Make these often!

Ingredients–

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 whole eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon vanilla

Instructions–

In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon with a whisk.

In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, milk, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla. Combine with the flour mixture. It’s okay if it’s slightly lumpy.

I cook mine on an electric griddle at 350 degrees. Pour about 1/4 cup batter onto the griddle. I have a scoop that is exactly 1/4 cup and this works perfectly. Drizzle with warm icing to serve.

Icing–

1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
Dash of salt
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/4 cup milk

Whisk all ingredients together until smooth, adding more milk as needed.

 

S’mores Bars

12 Thursday Feb 2015

Posted by in Bar Cookies, Cookies, Desserts, Institute Treats

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I found this recipe on I Heart Naptime. I made it a few weeks ago for a group and it was a hit. I made a few adjustments to the recipe and added some suggestions that made the process easier for me. Sorry there are no photos. Go to the I Heart Naptime page to see her photo.

Ingredients-

  • CRUST:
  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • 1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (this is a little more than one packet)
  • DOUGH:
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup butter (softened)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • Top the dough with the following before baking:
  • 1 Hershey’s Bar (cut into pieces)
  • 2 Graham Crackers (broken into pieces)
  • 3/4 cup marshmallows

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.
  2. Combine melted butter and graham cracker crumbs into a small bowl with a fork. Then line a 13×9 with foil and press down crust. Set aside.
  3. Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl. Add in eggs and vanilla and stir until combined. Mix the baking powder and salt with 1 cup of flour. Pour into the butter mixture and stir in the rest of the flour. Fold in chocolate chips and marshmallows.
  4. I put spoonfuls of the dough evenly all over the top of the graham cracker crust. Then carefully press dough into pan with flour on your hands. This is a bit tricky because the graham cracker crust keeps pulling up. Then add the Hershey’s bar, broken graham cracker and marshmallows on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Be carefully not to overcook or the bars will be dry. Oven temps will vary. The dough should be slightly soft in the center.
  5. Allow bars to cool before cutting.