Snickerdoodle Blossoms

I "love" chocolate and Snickerdoodle Cookies!  I get to combine the
cookie with a bit of chocolate.  Both cookie and chocolate make for
one scrumptious tasting cookie!



Snickerdoodle Blossoms

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
52 chocolate stars

1.)  In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, and the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.  Beat at medium speed until mixture is light and creamy.

2.)  Add the egg, vanilla extract and salt; continue beating until well mixed.

3.)  Add 1 cup of flour and the baking soda to the bowl, and beat on low speed until ingredients have been mixed together well.

4.)  Add the remaining cup of flour; beat on low speed until it has been thoroughly mixed together.

5.)  At this point you will need to refrigerate the dough (in a bowl covered with aluminum foil), so the dough firms up enough to shape into dough balls.  This may take anywhere from 1-2 hours.  (I let mine set overnight in the refrigerator, so I can bake mine the next day, and when I have the time.)  I then let the dough sit on the counter (in the bowl covered with foil) for an hour or two before making it into cookies.

6.)  When ready to bake the cookies, heat your oven to 350º F.  And in a shallow bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and the Tablespoon of ground cinnamon.

7.)  Shape the cookie dough into 1-inch balls.  (I used a small cookie scoop which is equivalent to 1 tablespoon, to make each cookie, then shape the cookie dough into 1" balls.)

8.)  Roll the dough balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture, then place them 2-inches apart onto either ungreased baking sheets, or baking sheets lined with parchment paper.  (I prefer to line my baking sheets with the parchment paper.)

9.)  Bake the dough balls for 10 minutes, and after removing baking sheet from the oven, immediately press 1 chocolate star in the center of each cookie.

10.)  Let the cookies sit for 1-minute on the baking sheet, then remove the cookies and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

11.)  Makes: 52 cookies

12.) To store the cookies: I place the cooled cookies onto clean baking sheets in a single layer, then place the baking sheets in the freezer, until the chocolate star is firm.  I then place the cookies in a cookie tin or in a Tupperware container, and store the cookies in the freezer.  These cookies do keep well for quite sometime in the freezer. When ready to serve, just take out as many cookies as needed, and let them sit for a bit before serving.  (About 5 minutes.  Providing you can wait that long!)

-Snickerdoodle Blossoms | Just A Pinch Recipes-

Ziploc Bag Omelet

I use to prepare omelets in one of those omelet pans, but not anymore!  Preparing them in those quart-size Ziploc Freezer Bags, is so much easier, a lot quicker, and hearty enough for 1-serving.



Ziploc Bag Omelet

1 quart size Ziploc Freezer Bag

2 large eggs

A sprinkle (or two) of black pepper (See *Note)

1-1/2 to 2 slices of bacon, cooked & crumbled (See *Note)

1 Tablespoon diced onion

1 Tablespoon diced green bell peppers

2 or 3 Tablespoons of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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1.)  Fill a large saucepan (half-way) with water, then bring water to a rolling boil.  (I used a 3-quart saucepan.)


2.)  While waiting for the water to come to a boil, crack the 2 eggs into the quart size Ziploc Freezer Bag.

3.)  Seal the bag, and mush the eggs by squeezing the bag.

4.)  Open the bag, add the black pepper, then add the bacon, onion, green peppers, and the cheese.  Mush the ingredients together.

5.)  Squeeze out as much of the air as you can, then seal the bag.

6.)  Place the bag into the pan of boiling water, and boil exactly for 14 minutes.  (After 7 minutes of cooking, I turn the baggie over.  I do this using a pair of tongs.)

7.)  Use tongs to remove the Ziploc bag from the boiling water, and place the bag onto a plate.

8.)  Unzip the bag, or use a pair of scissors, and carefully cut off the top of the bag.

9.)  Hold the two bottom corners of the baggie up over the plate, and let the omelet slide out onto the plate.  Season the omelet with a bit of the salt, if desired.

10.)  Yields: 1 serving (But if making 2 omelets, read the *Additional Note following the recipe.)

11.) *You can substitute McCormick's Hot Shots!  Black & Red Pepper Blend, or Lawry's Seasoned Pepper, for the black pepper.   Also, you can use a variety of ingredients to make the omelets, such as: Canadian bacon, chopped ham or chopped pepperoni, other cheeses, also diced red, yellow, or orange bell peppers.

12.) *Additional Note:  You can prepare 2 Ziploc Bag Omelets at the same time, but... by boiling them in a larger pot.  (I used a 5-quart Dutch Oven.)  Just be sure the pot you are using, is able to cook both baggies together, side-by-side.


........... A close-up picture of the omelet ...........

Ziploc Bag Omelet | Just A Pinch Recipes

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Caramel Krispie Bars

These are my all-time favorite marshmallow krispie bars!

Caramel Krispie Bars

2 (8 oz.) bags Kraft Jet-Puffed Caramel & Vanilla Swirled Marshmallows
1 stick of butter (8 Tablespoons)
8 cups Kellogg's Rice Krispies Cereal

1.)  Butter the inside of one 13x9x2-inch cake pan, then set the pan aside.

2.)  In a large stock-pot, melt the butter over very low heat.  (Whenever I make rice krispie bars, I use an 8-quart Teflon coated stock-pot.)

3.)  After the butter's melted in the pot, add the marshmallows, and stir until the marshmallows have completely melted.

4.)  Remove pot from the heat, add the cereal, and stir until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.

5.)  Press the marshmallow/cereal mixture into the buttered pan.

6.)  Let bars sit for 2-3 hours, before cutting them.

7.)  Yields: 24 bars

Caramel Krispie Bars | Just A Pinch Recipes

Strawberry Lemonade 🍓 🍋

This is a great tasting strawberry lemonade!  For this recipe, I used my own strawberries, which I picked, sweetened with sugar, and then froze them to use later.



Strawberry Lemonade 🍓 🍋

1 (12-oz.) can frozen lemonade concentrate

4 -1/2 cups of water

1 (10-oz.) pkg. frozen sweetened strawberries, partially thawed

1.)  In a large pitcher mix together, the lemonade concentrate and the water.

2.)  Stir in the strawberries, then pour the mixture into a blender, and purée until mixture is liquefied.

3.)  Strain the lemonade twice, to remove excess seeds from the strawberries.

4.)  Rinse the pitcher, so there aren't any seeds from the strawberries in it, then pour the strained strawberry lemonade back into the pitcher.

5.)  To serve, pour strawberry lemonade in glasses filled with ice.

6.)  Yields: 56 ounces of delicious strawberry flavored lemonade!

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Strawberry Lemonade | Just A Pinch Recipes

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Kool-Aid Strawberry Lemonade

Here's a great tasting strawberry lemonade, which I've made using 2 packets of unsweetened Kool-Aid Lemonade, and with freshly picked strawberries. Who'd a thought you could make a yummy strawberry lemonade with Kool-Aid. Well you can, and it's quite refreshing!



Kool-Aid Strawberry Lemonade

2 (0.23 oz.) packets of Unsweetened Kool-Aid Lemonade

1-1/2 cups sugar

4 cups fresh, sliced, strawberries

3 cups of water, divided

ice cubes, or crushed ice

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1.)  Mix together in a blender, the sugar, strawberries, and 2 cups of water.

2.)  Pour the strawberry mixture into a 2-quart pitcher, along with the remaining cup of water, and add the 2 packets of lemonade.  Stir mixture with a spoon.  (This lemonade has a consistency of being syrupy.)

3.)  Strain the lemonade twice, to remove excess seeds from the strawberries.

4.)  Rinse the pitcher, so there aren't any seeds from the strawberries in it, then pour the strained strawberry-lemonade back into the pitcher.

5.)  To serve, pour strawberry-lemonade in glasses filled with ice.

6.)  Yields: 56 ounces of delicious strawberry flavored lemonade!

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Kool-Aid Strawberry Lemonade | Just A Pinch Recipes

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Berry Bread

This actually is a dessert which my family enjoys on those hot Summer days.  Just mix together, the already thawed, sweetened strawberries, with the cream, and served over torn pieces of white bread.



Berry Bread

3-1/2 lbs. frozen, sliced, sweetened strawberries, thawed

1/2 pint heavy whipping cream

white bread, homemade or store bought, torn into small pieces

1.)  In a large bowl, add the 3-1/2 lbs. of (thawed) sweetened sliced strawberries.


2.)  Stir in the heavy cream, until the strawberries and cream are blended together.


3.)  Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or 1-2 hours.


4.) In a serving bowls, add torn pieces of homemade, or store bought white bread.

5.)  Pour desired amounts of the berry mixture, over each bowl of already torn pieces of bread.

6.) Note: If using your own frozen strawberries, you may need to add a bit more granulated sugar, but add according to taste.  Do this before adding the cream.  The amount of strawberries and cream added; depends upon you.

More photos of the ingredients I used when making Berry Bread.  This really is a delicious desert to enjoy anytime throughout the year.

http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/dessert/dessert-fruit-dessert/berry-bread.html

Cherry Rhubarb Crisp

A delicious rhubarb dessert to enjoy! 

Cherry Rhubarb Crisp

1 cup quick cooking oats
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 stick cold butter, cut into pieces

4 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup granulated sugar
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling
1/2 cup chopped pecans
vanilla ice cream
Reddi Wip (or) Cool Whip Whipped Topping

1.)  To make the crust: In a bowl mix together, the oatmeal, brown sugar, flour, and salt.

2.)  Cut in the pieces of butter, with either a fork or pastry blender, until mixture becomes crumbly (like a streusel topping).

3.)  Press half of the crumb mixture into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish.  (I probably added 2/3's of the crumb mixture.)

4.)  To make the filling: In a large saucepan (I used a 3-quart saucepan), add the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water.  Stir until blended, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat; stirring continuously, and until the mixture thickens.  The mixture should thicken within 3 minutes.  (At least mine did.)

5.)  Once the mixture has thickened, thoroughly stir in the extracts and pie filling.

6.)  Now spread the rhubarb over the crust, then spoon the cooked pie filling on top, and sprinkle on the remaining crumb mixture.

7.)  Lastly, top the crumb mixture with the chopped pecans.

8.)  Bake in a 350ºF oven for 45-55 minutes.  (I baked mine for 55 minutes.)

9.)  Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.  (Refrigerate any leftovers.) Enjoy refrigerated leftovers with either Reddi Wip, or Cool Whip Whipped Topping.

10.)  Yields: 7 to 8 Servings.

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Cherry Rhubarb Crisp | Just A Pinch Recipes

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Iced Caramel Latte

I've made this delicious iced caramel latte several times.  I've also made it using the caramel ice cream topping, and also with the caramel sundae syrup, but I have to say... I really didn't care for the caramel sundae syrup.  So, when making this caramel latte, be sure to use the caramel ice cream topping, like Hershey's.  It gave this latte a nice rich caramel flavor that I enjoyed.

Iced Caramel Latte

3-1/2 to 4 teaspoons instant coffee granules
2 Tablespoons hot water (which I heated on top the stove)
1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping (I used Hershey's)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
ice cubes

1.)  In a tall beverage glass, add the coffee granules and hot water; until coffee is dissolved.

2.)  Add the caramel ice cream topping; stir well to combine.

3.)  Add the milk and water; stir until combined.

4.)  Add ice to the glass; and serve immediately.

5.)  Yields: 11.5-ounces (or 1-1/4 cups)

6.)  Note: Not quite sure how much coffee granules to add when making this latte?  I've experimented several times trying to decide what would be the right amount to add.  If adding the 4 teaspoons, I've found the coffee does taste a bit stronger, but it doesn't seem to over power the taste of the caramel topping that's in it, but... after letting the Latte sit for a while, and letting the ice cubes melt a bit into the coffee, I found the coffee didn't taste as strong, and I still could taste the caramel topping in it.  And when I adding less coffee grounds, (the 3-1/2 teaspoons) I found I didn't have let the coffee sit, and let the ice cubes melt just a bit, so the coffee didn't taste as strong.  I was able to enjoy the Latte immediately.  So, the amount of instant coffee granules you decide to add, I'll leave that up to you!

Iced Caramel Latte | Just A Pinch Recipes

Cream of Broccoli and Mushroom Soup

This is a delicious, creamy vegetable soup to put together. 

Cream of Broccoli and Mushroom Soup

2 (10-3/4 ounce) cans condensed cream of broccoli soup

2 (10-3/4 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup

2-1/2 cups milk (I use 2% milk)

1 (16 ounce) bag frozen chopped broccoli

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

black pepper, season according to taste

2 (4-oz.) cans mushroom stems and pieces, drained

1.)  In a large stock-pot, add the cans of soup.

2.)  Gradually stir in the milk.

3.)  Add the frozen broccoli and remaining ingredients, and stir.

4.)  Cook soup over low heat until it's heated through; stirring often.

5.)  Ladle soup into bowls and serve.

6.)  Yields: 7 servings 

Cream of Broccoli and Mushroom Soup | Just A Pinch Recipes

                                     

Hamburger Spanish Rice With Bacon

This meaty Spanish rice has lots of flavor.  Every time I make this dish, it reminds me of my childhood days when I was in grade school, and the delicious hamburger Spanish rice which was served for lunch. Prep time includes cooking the bacon, hamburger, and vegetables.



Hamburger Spanish Rice With Bacon

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes

6 slices bacon
1 lb. hamburger
1 medium size onion, chopped
1/2 of one green bell pepper, chopped (See *Note)
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon jarred minced garlic
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
2 cups water
1 (14.5-oz.) can tomatoes, cut-up (See *Note)
2/3 cup long grain white rice, or instant brown rice

1.)  In a 12-inch skillet, cook bacon slices until crisp; drain on paper towel and set aside.

2.)  In the same skillet, along with the bacon grease, brown the hamburger and cook the vegetables; then drain off any excess grease in a colander.

3.)  Return cooked beef and vegetables to the skillet, then add the remaining ingredients.

4.)  Crumble the cooked bacon; add to the skillet, and stir.

5.)  Bring ingredients in skillet to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, and stirring occasionally.

6.)  Yields: 5 to 6 servings

7.) *Note: You can substitute stewed tomatoes for the regular canned tomatoes.  Also, I've substituted a yellow bell pepper for the green bell pepper.  

An additional up-close photo of Hamburger Spanish Rice With Bacon.

I thought I'd also include a photo of the canned stewed tomatoes, as well as the instant brown rice I used, when preparing this dinner as well. 

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Hamburger Spanish Rice With Bacon | Just A Pinch Recipes
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Zesty Italian Hamburger Helper Soup

I created this soup back in 2009, using a box of Betty Crocker Zesty Italian Hamburger Helper. I've also made this soup using a box of Italian Lasagna Hamburger Helper as well. This soup is hearty and delicious!



Zesty Italian Hamburger Helper Soup

1 (7.2 oz.) box Zesty Italian Hamburger Helper,
or 1 (6.4 oz.) box Italian Lasagna Hamburger Helper
..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
1 LB. ground beef
3/4 cup diced onion
2 large garlic cloves, minced
several dashes ground black pepper
4-1/2 cups canned beef broth
1 (14.5-oz.) can stewed tomatoes
1 (10-oz.) can Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
1 cup zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots (l used baby carrots)
1 cup whole kernel corn (frozen, or corn in a can, drained)
8 ounces frozen green beans
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1.)  Spray the inside of a Dutch oven or soup kettle, with a no-stick cooking spray.

2.)  In the Dutch oven or kettle, add the ground beef, and season beef with a bit of black pepper.  (Do not add salt to this recipe!)

3.)  Brown the ground beef three quarters of the way, over medium heat; stirring to break up the meat.

4.)  Add the onions, and sprinkle onions with a bit of the pepper, then add the garlic.

5.)  Finish browning the beef and cooking the onions and garlic, this will just take a minute or two.

6.)  In the meantime, cook the frozen green beans in a microwave, till they are about three quarters of the way done; drain beans and set them aside.  (Note: I sprinkled the green beans with a bit of black pepper, before microwaving them.)

7.)  Add the following ingredients to the kettle of cooked beef, the seasoning packet from the boxed hamburger helper, the beef broth, stewed tomatoes, the Rotel Tomatoes, zucchini, sliced baby carrots, whole kernel corn, the cooked green beans, and the Italian seasoning.

8.)  Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer, cover, and simmer the soup for 10 minutes.

9.)  Uncover the kettle, stir the soup, and add the package of penne pasta, that's included in the box of hamburger helper.

10.)  Bring soup to a second boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover, and simmer the soup for 15 minutes.

11.)  Remove soup from heat, stir the soup, and serve.

12.)  Yields: 7 to 8 servings

15.) Note: I noticed after making this soup and using the (6.4-oz.) box of Italian Lasagna Hamburger Helper (with the mini lasagna noodles in the box) verses the Zesty Italian (which adds mini penne pasta to the box), the next day when I reheated the soup, I had to add a bit more liquid, as the soup had thickened, and it had the consistency of a goulash.  Since the mini lasagna noodles seem to absorb the liquid, I added more broth (a 1/2 cup) plus I added some V-8 Spicy Hot Vegetable Juice.

Zesty Italian Hamburger Helper Soup | Just A Pinch Recipes