Easy Ice Cream Dessert

3 quarts ice cream (favorite varieties are cookies and cream OR chocolate and peanut butter)

40+ Oreo cookies (3 sleeves, or one box plus some more) (OR Nutter Butters!)

5 Tbs melted butter

12 oz. jar hot fudge sauce

optional: melted peanut butter!

Mash up all the Oreos, then measure three cups of crumbs into a bowl and stir in melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened.  Press the crumbs into the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan (make sure it's a LARGE 9 x 13 pan, not a "not quite that size" pan) and place in the freezer for 20-30 minutes.  While it's setting, take the ice cream out of the freezer so it will soften and be easier to handle.  

After 20 minutes, scoop half the ice cream into the pan and spread around evenly.  It doesn't have to be pretty!  Warm the hot fudge sauce (don't let it get hot, just gooey) and spread around in an even layer (you can add softened peanut butter to this layer, too, if desired!).  Sprinkle about 3/4 c of the Oreo crumbs over the fudge, then scoop the rest of the ice cream on top and spread.  Top with the remaining Oreo crumbs, cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and put everything back into the freezer to set.

If it's had time to hard-set before serving (this will keep in the freezer for up to two months), you might want to take it out 20 minutes before serving so it's easier to cut and serve.  

From Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Overnight Creme Brûlée French Toast Bake

6 Tbs butter

3/4 c packed brown sugar (light or dark brown)

2 Tbs maple syrup (real or pancake; or corn syrup)

6 to 8 1-inch thick slices French bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes (not the crusts)

4 large eggs

1 c half-and-half

1 Tbs vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

Sweetened whipped (+ fresh strawberries or raspberries as desired)

Add butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved.  Stir to combine.  

Lightly grease a 9X13 inch pan with cooking spray.

Spread the brown sugar mixture in the bottom of the pan and arrange the bread cubes in a single layer over the top.

In a bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla and salt.  Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes.  Cover the pan and refrigerate overnight (8 to 10 hours).

Remove the pan, uncover, and place in the cold oven.  Preheat the oven to 350℉.  Once the oven reaches temperature, bake for 30-35 minutes, until the bread is golden and the caramelly syrup is bubbling (alternately, you can bake for 20 minutes and then, using a large, flat spatula, flip the bread pieces and bake for another 10-15 minutes).

Serve warm with sweetened whipped cream and fresh berries.

From Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Red Velvet Pancakes

Pancakes:

2 1/3 c flour

3 Tbs cocoa powder

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 c milk

2 Tbs white vinegar

1/2 c sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 Tbs red food coloring

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/3 c butter, melted 

Cream Cheese Glaze:

8 oz. cream cheese softened

8 Tbs butter, softened

2 1/2 c powdered sugar

1/3 c milk, plus more if desired

3/4 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat an electric, non-stick griddle to 350℉.  

Prepare glaze by blending together cream cheese and butter in an electric mixer until well combined and fluffy (about 2 minutes).  Add in remaining ingredients and mix about 1 minute until well combined, adding additional milk to thin if desired.  Set aside (or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator) until ready to use.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, set aside.  Measure out milk into a liquid measuring cup and whisk in vinegar.  Allow to rest for two minutes.

Pour milk mixture into a separate large mixing bowl and add in sugar, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla, and melted butter.  Whisk until well combined.  While whisking, slowly add in dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Butter griddle if necessary, and pour out 1/2 c batter (for LARGE pancakes!) out onto hot griddle.  Cook until bubbles begin to appear on the top surface of the pancakes then flip and cook opposite side until pancake is cooked through.  Serve warm with cream cheese glaze!

From Cooking Classy

Cucumber Sandwiches

12 slices white bread

8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 tsp dried dill

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp freshly cracked pepper

2 Tbs lemon juice

1 green onion, sliced

1 large English cucumber, peeled and sliced finely

Lay the bread out on parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least one hour.  (This will make slicing the bread slightly easier.)

Whip together the cream cheese, dill, garlic powder, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and green onion until everything is evenly mixed and the cream cheese is soft and spreadable.

Slice the crusts off the bread, then spread with cream cheese and layer cucumbers on top.  Cut into smaller sandwiches.  

From Budget Bytes

Bacon Jalapeño Popper Dip

Dip:

12 oz. bacon, chopped

16 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 c mayonnaise

1/2 c sour cream

3-4 medium jalapeños, finely chopped and seeds removed

3-4 green onions, finely chopped

4 oz. can green chiles

2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp sweet or smoked paprika

1 c (4 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 c (4 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Topping:

3/4 c panko bread crumbs

1/2 c finely grated Parmesan cheese

4 Tbs butter, melted

Additional chopped green onions, for serving

For serving:

Tortilla or corn chips

Baguette slices

Pita Chips

Fresh veggies like celery, bell peppers, cucumbers

Preheat oven to 350℉.  Lightly grease a deep dish pie plate and set aside.

Cook bacon until crisp, remove to paper towel lined plate to drain.  Chop finely, and measure out 1/4 c and set aside to be used for topping.

In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, chiles, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika together until well-combined and creamy.  Add the shredded cheeses and bacon (except for reserved 1/4 c) and mix until evenly combined.  Spread the dip evenly in prepared pan.  

In a small bowl, toss the panko and Parmesan cheese together.  Add the melted butter and mix until even combined.  Spread the topping evenly over the dip.  Bake for 30-40 minutes until the dip is bubbly and topping is golden (tent with foil if it's browning too quickly).  Sprinkle with reserved bacon and green onions over the top.  Serve warm with chips, veggies, bread, etc.

From Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Chocolate Cream Pie

Graham Cracker Crust

1.5 c graham cracker crumbs (about 13 rectangles)

1 Tbs brown sugar

6 Tbs melted butter

 

Pudding Layer

3 Tbs cocoa powder

3/4 c brown sugar

1/3 corn starch

1/4 tsp salt

3 c milk

1 c semisweet chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 ounces cream cheese, softened

2/3 c heavy whipping cream

1/4 c powdered sugar

Whipped Cream Topping

1.5 c heavy whipping cream

1/4 c powdered sugar

Optional Garnishes

Chocolate curls, sprinkled toffee bits, dusting of cocoa powder, etc.

For the crust, preheat the oven to 350℉. Combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a bowl.  Stir in the melted butter until evenly mixed.  Press the mixture in the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate.  Bake the crust for 8 minutes.  Remove and let cool completely.  Cover with saran wrap until ready to use (this can be made several days in advance if kept well-covered).

For the pudding layer, in a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, brown sugar, cornstarch and salt.  Add the milk and whisk to combine.  Stir in the chocolate chips.

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.  Continue to whisk as the mixture comes to a oil and large bubbles break across the surface and the mixture has thickened.

Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.  Scrape the pudding into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressed directly on the surface.  Refrigerate until chilled and set up (2-3 hours).

In a blender or an electric stand mixer, whip the 3 ounces of cream cheese together with the cream and powdered sugar together until thick and creamy.  Using a rubber spatula, gently fold this mixture into the chilled chocolate pudding until combined.

Evenly spread the pudding mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust.  At this point, this can be refrigerated for 1-2 days (the crust will get slightly soft, but whatever) or go ahead and top with the whipped cream mixture and refrigerate for an hour (up to 4 hours) before serving.

For the whipped cream layer, whip the 1.5 c heavy cream and the 1/4 c powdered sugar together until soft peaks form.  Gently spread the whipped cream over the top of the pie and garnish with chocolate curls, sprinkled toffee bits, a dusting of cocoa powder-- or whatever you like!  Serve chilled.

From Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Brownie Peppermint Bark Pudding Trifle

Brownie Layer:

1 9 x 13 pan of brownies, cooled and chilled (this will make them easier to cut)

White Chocolate Pudding Layer:

4 c prepared white chocolate pudding (either store bought or homemade), chilled

Peppermint Cheesecake Layer:

12 oz. cream cheese, softened

3/4 c granulated sugar

1 1/4 c heavy whipping cream

1/4 to 1/3 c crushed mint candy canes or peppermints

1 tsp peppermint extract

Whipped Cream Layer:

1 1/2  c heavy whipping cream

1/4 c powdered sugar

1/4 to 1/3 c crushed mint candy canes or peppermints

Hot fudge sauce (optional)

Make sure the brownies and pudding have been prepared and chilled.

For the peppermint Cheesecake layer: in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes.  Add the heavy cream, crushed peppermints, and peppermint extract.  Mix on low speed to combine and then increase the speed to medium and continue mixing until the mixture is thick and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes (or longer, if needed).  Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Cut the brownies into 1/2-inch cubes.

To assemble, spread half of the brownie cubes in a trifle dish or a 9x13 pan.  Spoon half the pudding over the brownies and spread into a somewhat even layer (this doesn't have to be perfect).  Spoon half of the peppermint Cheesecake layer over the pudding and spread evenly.  Repeat all those layers again: brownies, pudding, peppermint Cheesecake.

For the sweetened whipped cream, in the same bowl as the peppermint cheesecake (no need to wash!!!), mix the cream, powdered sugar on medium speed until soft peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.  Spread the sweetened whipped cream over the top of the dessert and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.  

Refrigerate for at least one hour or up to 8 hours.  Served chilled with lightly warmed hot fudge sauce drizzled over the top.

From Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Pie Crust

1 1/4 c flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 c butter, diced, then chilled (or just freeze it ahead of time)

1/4 c ice cold water (or as needed)

Combine flour and salt in a large bowl.  Use a pastry blender to cut in the chilled, diced butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add 1 Tbs cold water at a time, mixing with a spatula or your hands until the dough comes together; you may need less than 1/4 c water.

Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Place chilled dough on a generously floured surface and roll out to an 11-inch circle, adding more flour to your rolling pin as needed.

Carefully roll dough onto the rolling pin, then unroll over a 9-inch pie dish.  Press dough evenly into the bottom and sides of the dish.  Trim any excess dough and flute the edges.

Blind-bake or fill and bake as directed in your pie recipe.  

From allrecipes.com

Pumpkin Pancakes

Pancakes

3/4 c flour

3/4 c whole wheat flour

1/4 c brown sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground cloves

3/4 tsp ground ginger

1 1/2 c buttermilk

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 Tbs canola oil

2 eggs

2/3 c pumpkin puree

Cream Cheese Whipped Cream
4 oz. cream cheese

1/4 c powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 c whipping cream, whipped until medium peaks form

maple syrup for drizzling

Prepare whipped cream by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.  Take 1/2 of the whipped cream (that you already whipped) and beat it in until smooth.  Add the rest of the whipped cream and use a spatula to gently fold in (do not beat).  Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Prepare pancakes.  Whisk together flours, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.  Make sure to break up any clumps of brown sugar.  In a separate bowl whisk together the buttermilk, vanilla, oil, eggs, and pumpkin.  Combine wet ingredients with dry and gently combine until mixed.  Do not overmix.

Heat a nonstick griddle to medium heat.  When hot, use butter or nonstick spray to coat the pan.  Drop 1/4 c batter to form each pancake and cook until edges set (if you wait until they bubble, it might be just a bit too long).  Flip pancakes and cook remaining side.

Serve warm pancakes with a dollop of cream cheese topping and a drizzle of maple syrup.

From Our Best Bites

 

Missy's Cinnamon Rolls

The night before: set out 8 oz. cream cheese, 2 sticks + 2 Tbs (divided!) of butter to soften.

Dough:

22.4 oz. milk

34 oz. flour

4 oz. white sugar

Slightly less than 1 Tbs. salt

2.5 Tbs yeast

10 Tbs butter (or 1 stick plus 2 Tbs!)

Slightly less than 1 Tbs vanilla

5 tsp lemon juice

Cinnamon Layer:

8 Tbs butter

2.6 oz sugar

5 oz. brown sugar

3 Tbs cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz. cream cheese

8 oz. powdered sugar

8 oz. white chocolate chips

1/2 Tbs vanilla

1/2 Tbs milk (if needed)

Put pot on scale to measure the milk, then heat to 130° F.  Combine flour, sugar, salt and yeast in mixer, beat with bread hook.  Add softened butter and mix again, then add all liquids and mix again.  Knead in mixer for 5 min.  Turn out dough onto floured surface and let rest for 15 minutes.  Preheat oven to 375° F.  Prepare 12 X 18 cooking sheet with parchment paper.  Wash the mixing bowl

While dough is rising, combine cinnamon layer ingredients.

Knead some flour into it a few times if it's too sticky to roll out.  Then roll out dough to approximately 36 in. X 12 in.

Spread 4 oz. softened butter over dough, then sprinkle with cinnamon layer.  Roll up and crease the log, then cut with string into 1 inch rolls.  Place each cinnamon roll on parchment paper, spread out about 1/2 inch between each roll.  Should make about 20-24 rolls.

Bake in oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Melt white chocolate in a microwave safe bowl in 20 second bursts until smooth and creamy.  In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.  Add powdered sugar and mix.  Add vanilla and melted white chocolate, beat again until smooth.  Add milk if it becomes too dry.  

Spread cream cheese frosting on baked cinnamon rolls.  And enjoy!

Modified to family proportions from Missy's Ugly Cookies & Bake Shoppe

Grandma Hansen's Cranberry Relish

4 c fresh cranberries (1 lb) (these are usually sold in 12 oz. packages, so adjust accordingly!)

2 oranges (seeds removed)

2 c sugar

Put cranberries and oranges (including the rind) through the food grinder.  Stir in the sugar and chill.  Makes 2 pints.  Keeps well in the fridge for weeks.

For extra fun, can also add (for every 1 cup relish): 

-1/4 c shredded coconut

-1 tsp lemon juice & 1/2 c thinly sliced celery

-2 Tbs raisins and 1/4 c chopped walnuts

-1/4 tsp ginger and 1 Tbs thinly slivered orange or lemon rind.

For a molded salad, add relish to red jello and add apples, celery, nuts.

From Grandma Hansen

Grandma's Jello Salad

2 small jello packages-- one lime, one lemon jello

1 c sugar

2 c boiling water

1 large can of pears (chilled)

2 c heavy cream

2 tsp vanilla (for the whipped cream)

Empty the jello packets into a pan with the sugar.  Boil the water (enough for both packets) and stirring really well, dissolve the jello and sugar.  Then drain all of the pear juice into the pan (add cold water if it's not a full 2 cups). 

Put the jello in the fridge to let it set, but not all the way (that way it will be smoother).  

Whip the cream, then add the vanilla at the very last minute.  

Once the jello is soft set, stir in the whipped cream and pear chunks.  

Put it back in the fridge to finish setting.

From Grandma Bentley

Chocolate Fondue

10 oz. Ghiradelli milk chocolate chips (maybe use a few semisweet ones, too)
1/3 c milk
1/3 c heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Dipping options: banana slices, rice krispie squares, marshmallows, Nilla wafers, Oreo cookies, etc.


In a saucepan, combine the chocolate, milk, and cream and heat on low, stirring often, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.  Don't let it boil-- keep it on low heat.

Once melted, stir in the vanilla extract.


From Mel's Kitchen Cafe 

Cheese Fondue

16 oz. Gruyere cheese, shredded
12 oz. Swiss cheese, shredded
1/4 c cornstarch
2 c low-sodium, good-quality chicken broth
1/4 tsp lemon juice (just a quick splash)
2 Tbs minced garlic
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp nutmeg
dash (or two) of paprika

Place the shredded Gruyere and Swiss cheese in a gallon-sized ziploc bag with the cornstarch and shake until evenly coated.

In a medium sized saucepan (or stovetop safe fondue pot, if you've got it!), add the chicken broth, lemon juice and garlic and bring to a simmer.  Reduce the heat to medium-low.  Add the cheese, a small handful at a time, stirring constantly, but not briskly.  It works best to use a wooden spoon and stir in an S-shaped motion, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot so it doesn't burn.

Once the cheese is melted and begins to just barely simmer, add the remaining spices and move it immediately to the table with a fondue sterno flame below. 

Serve with: broccoli, cauliflower, apple slices, carrot sticks, bread...


From Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Leftover Turkey Soup

1 Tbs butter
1 Tbs olive oil
1/2 c chopped carrots
1/2 c chopped celery
1/2 c finely chopped onion
1/4 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh, chopped)
1/4 crushed dried rosemary (or 1 tsp fresh, chopped)
6 c turkey stock
3/4 c brown & wild rice
2 tsp kosher salt
pinch of pepper
1 c half and half
1/3 c flour
3-4 c chopped, leftover turkey


In a 6-quart saucepan, heat the butter and oil over medium heat until hot.  Add the carrots, celery, onion, thyme, and rosemary and cook, stirring often, until vegetables are slightly tender, 3-4 minutes.

Add the broth, rice, salt and pepper.  Bring the soup to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rice is tender.  (For brown & wild rice, about 30 minutes.)

Whisk together (or blend) the half & half with the flour until smooth and there are no lumps.  Stir the flour mixture into the soup, whisking quickly, and simmer gently until slightly thickened, 5-6 minutes.  Stir in the cooked turkey and heat through.  Season to taste with additional salt and pepper as needed.


From Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Chocolate Caramel Faux Pecan Pie

Pie Crust

Chocolate Layer:
1 c semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 c heavy whipping cream
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 c granulated sugar
1 large egg

Caramel "Pecan" Layer:
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
28 caramels, unwrapped (or about 1 1/2 c homemade caramel)
1/4 c heavy whipping cream
1/4 c butter
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 c granulated sugar

Make crust according to your own preferences.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

For the chocolate layer, in a medium bowl, melt the chocolate chips and cream for one minute.  Stir until melted and combined (microwave in short spurts if more time is needed).

In a large bowl (or blender) beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and combined.  Add the egg and mix until just blended.  Scrape in the chocolate mixture and mix until smooth.  Spread the chocolate mixture evenly in the cooled crust.

For the caramel "pecan" layer, lightly crush the Ritz crackers while in their sleeve.  In a medium bowl, combine the caramels, cream, and butter.  Microwave at 1-minute intervals, stirring every 30 seconds or so, until melted and smooth.  Watch carefully so the caramels don't overcook (this can happen more easily with store-bought caramels).  Let the mixture cool slightly.

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, salt and sugar.  Quickly whisk this mixture into the caramel mixture.  Stir in the Ritz crackers.

Pour the caramel mixture over the chocolate layer.  Place the pie plate on a foil-lined baking sheet (in case of spillage) and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the center is almost set (it's okay if it jiggles slightly).  Cover the edges of the pie crust part way through baking if it is becoming overly browned.

Let the pie cool for a couple of hours.  Serve with either whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.


Modified from Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Thanksgiving Turkey

1 Turkey (recommended 12-14 lbs)
1 gallon chicken broth
1 Tbs whole peppercorns
1/2 c brown or white sugar
1 c kosher salt
5-6 cloves garlic, smashed
1 Tbs dehydrated onion
1 large spring fresh thyme
1 large spring fresh sage
1 large spring fresh rosemary
1 handful fresh parsley
8 c cold water
8 c ice
3/4 c salted butter, divided
1 Tbs chopped fresh sage
1/2 c chicken broth
2-3 cloves garlic
3-4 bags of stuffing

About a week before you begin brining your turkey, place it in the refrigerator to defrost

The day before you roast your turkey, combine the chicken broth and remaining brine ingredients (through the parsley) in a very large stock pot.  Bring to a boil and then remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

Remove the packaging from the turkey.  Remove the neck and giblets (be sure to check the body and neck cavities) and toss.  Rinse the turkey in cool water and the place it in a 5-gallon bucket.  Add the cold water and the ice cubes, then add the brine mixture.  Stir to combine.  Cover with the lid and then place in a cold place for up to 24 hours.

When you're ready to roast your turkey, preheat the oven (usually 350).  Soften 1/2 c butter and mix it with the 1 Tbs fresh sage and set aside.  Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse it in cool water, and place in the roasting pan.  Use your hands to loosen the skin between and over the breast.  Spread handfuls of the sage butter between the breast and skin, rubbing any excess over the outside of the skin.

In a blender, combine 1/2 c chicken broth, 2-3 cloves of garlic, and 1/4 c melted butter until completely smooth.  Use a flavor injector to inject the mixture all over the turkey.

Slip and remaining rosemary and thyme sprigs under the skin.

Stuff the turkey with prepared stuffing.  Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast and then place the turkey into the (flour coated) roasting bag and roast until thermometer registers 165.


From Our Best Bites