Melt-In-Your Mouth Cranberry or Blueberry Pikelets

I love crumpets and wanted to make my own.  However, they're made with yeast, and I wanted something a little quicker.  I decided pikelets were the answer...they're kind of a cross between a pancake and a crumpet.

Some of the pikelet recipes I found were made with self-rising flour.  Now, I know some the best biscuits are made with self-rising flour.  However, my mother didn't use it; therefore, I've never used it...until now.  Baking powder is added for a little extra boost.

These melt-in-your mouth little pikelets are the size of a large cookie and just firm enough to be handheld.  They have almost a cake flavor...perfect for breakfast, brunch or snack.  I added cranberries, but they're also great with blueberries...or, you can just make them plain.  I resisted the temptation to add nutmeg or cinnamon...sometimes you just want a simple flavor as these offer.

                              I'll Have Mine with Just A Smear of Butter...

                      But, You Might Like With A Dab of Jam or Preserves!

Salted Caramel Bread Pudding with Bittersweet Chocolate ~ Topped with Homemade Whipped Cream

My daughter's mother-in-law gave me a fabulous jar of Williams-Sonoma Salted Caramel Sauce for the holidays and said she was anxious to see how I'd use it.  I knew immediately that I wanted to use it in a bread pudding!

Large morsels of bittersweet chocolate dot this decadent caramel pudding.  You may think that 1/2 c. of these morsels may not be enough for the recipe; but, believe me, it's just the right amount.  Homemade whipped cream perfectly mellows the rich pudding.

Serve this sinfully delicious caramel pudding for Valentine's Day, and you'll be sure to leave them swooning!

                                     
                                                  It's So Good...

                                       I Just Can't Stop Eating It!

Crunchy Retro Turkey Casserole with Wild Grain Rice

It's comfort food weather, and you crave an easy and unpretentious hot dish...like this gratifying retro turkey casserole.  This is an ideal recipe to use up that leftover holiday turkey hanging around in your freezer.  With the water chestnuts inside and the crushed cracker topping, you'll find this casserole satisfies the desire for a little crunch.  And, yes, it's possible to enjoy a good recipe that includes a can of soothing, creamy soup (you know you have)!

Make this as your next take-along dish, and they'll be sure to ask you to bring it to future potlucks!

                          Be Sure To Give Me Lots of Crunchy Topping!

Crafty Chocolate-Coated Spoons

I enjoyed making and presenting these chocolate-coated spoons as gifts during the holidays.  They add that little bit of something special when stirred and melted into hot milk, cocoa or coffee.  My favorite way to use them is in hot milk. ...which is kinda funny; since I rarely drink milk, and I'm a real coffee fan.  It's not like having hot cocoa, but more like enjoying hot chocolate milk.  Oh, don't even think about trying to eat the chocolate off the spoons...I know it's tempting, but the chocolate is better melted into a hot drink.

These fun and easy chocolate spoons are especially good for last minute gifts, and they would make welcomed hostess gifts on New Year's!

                                                  Stirring Up A Little...

                                                    Chocolate Fun!

Chunky Cranberry Applesauce In The Slow Cooker

My daughter wanted to serve a cranberry applesauce for Thanksgivukkah.  Since I normally bring the homemade cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving, I volunteered to add this to my contributions for this year's very special holiday.

When I discovered Dawdling Darlings' easy, chunky cranberry applesauce, I knew this was ideal for our celebration.  I made twice as much as the original recipe, so I altered the other ingredients as well and omitted the water.  To achieve a chunky applesauce, it was not pureed.

The festive red color of this sauce makes it an ideal condiment or side dish for your Christmas meals. 

                                                 Tart, Tangy and ....

                                                   Sophisticated!

Comforting Beef Casserole with Homestyle Egg Noodles and Colby-Jack Cheese

With the hustle and bustle of all the holidays, coupled with the cold weather, you want an easy, hearty warm dish to prepare for dinner.   You're kinda over the turkey (at least for the moment) and ready for a little beef...

Between all the holiday fare, you and your family will love this uncomplicated and comforting, cheesy beef casserole made with homestyle egg noodles! 

                                             Nice To Come Home To...

                       And So Easy...Give It To The Teenagers To Prepare!