Christmas Gifts from the Kitchen

Top 7. Dec 16, 2003 11:49 AM

» LadyKelien - Re: Brownie Recipie and Fudge

In response to message posted by DarleneCheek:

Now see that is something I can understand. But, for me Im always drinking something. Usually Mt. Dew. It is after all the necter of the Gods.

-- posted by LadyKelien

Top 8. Dec 18, 2003 8:25 AM

» mastiffs2005 - Candle, Spiced Tea, Caramel Sauce...

In response to message posted by LadyKelien:

I forgot one thing that I always give out for Christmas, and that's spiced tea... I saw a recipe for it on an aol clicky thing this morning and remembered to share LOL Here's their recipes for spiced tea, an easy caramel sauce, and a cool candle idea...

Spiced Tea

1 (21.1-ounce) jar orange-flavored instant breakfast drink
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup lemonade mix
1 cup instant tea mix
1 (3-ounce) package apricot-flavored gelatin
1 tablespoon ground cloves

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, stirring well. Store in airtight container.
Spiced Tea: To serve, place 1 1/2 tablespoons mix in a cup. Add 1 cup boiling water, and stir.

Yield: Makes 5 cups

(I've never tried it with the apricot gelatin, and I add cinnamon and nutmeg to mine. Otherwise, I reckon most spiced tea is pretty much the same. I like mine with Myers Spiced Rum smile )

Caramel Sauce

1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups whipping cream

Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat; add sugar and lemon juice, and cook, stirring constantly, 6 to 8 minutes or until mixture turns a deep caramel color. Gradually add cream, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth. Remove from heat, and cool. Pour into hot sterilized jars, and seal. Store in refrigerator up to 1 month.

Christmas Candle

For the candle, they took a regular white pillar candle, and hot glued peppermint sticks around the outside, then tied a red bow around it. I can just imagine how that warm peppermint must smell! Yummy smile And it was pretty, too!

Hope everyone's wrapping things up smile

Love & Hugs,
Dar

-- posted by mastiffs2005

Top 9. Dec 19, 2003 9:04 AM

» Loni - Re: Candle, Spiced Tea, Caramel Sauce...

In response to message posted by DarleneCheek:

Dar: What great recipes you have here. I especially like the peanut brittle one, 'cause our son just loves that stuff. The last time I ever made peanut brittle was in high school! Way too many years ago to count, lol.

Can you use peanuts that are salted? I assume that raw peanuts haven't been roasted and salted, but don't know where those could be found, except maybe at a place where they sell nuts and candy. We have a few of those stores around here. I could phone and ask them, right?

Mini loaves of bread are also a great idea. And they're quick and easy to make. Wrap those up in colorful plastic wrap, add a bow, and you're all set to go.

Thanks for the great ideas.

(((( Hugs )))) Loni

-- posted by Loni

Top 10. Dec 19, 2003 11:31 AM

» mastiffs2005 - Re: Re: Candle, Spiced Tea, Caramel Sauce...

In response to message posted by Loni:

(((Loni))) Well thank ya ma'am smile Oh peanut brittle is one of my favorites, too! I made it last year, and I was disappointed to have to give any of it away LOL I haven't tried it with salted peanuts... it might not hold together right. I actually found mine at the grocery store - reckon they had them in stock because it was the holidays because they don't normally carry them.

The mini loaves turned out really nice! I got an order from a lady at Dave's work, so I went out and bought then pans... they were about $1.00 apiece, and I've used the billions of times since I got them. Then I found the ones that are hooked together like muffin pans, and THOSE are extra handy! Easier and more convenient to use, too, and one batch of bread fills up the whole tray.

Hope your Christmas is wonderful in every way!

Love & Hugs,
Dar

-- posted by mastiffs2005

Top 11. Dec 19, 2003 7:03 PM

» Loni - Re: Re: Re: Candle, Spiced Tea, Caramel Sauce...

In response to message posted by DarleneCheek:

Guess what? They had raw peanuts at the store! First time I've ever seen them there, so maybe it's a holiday item, like it was at your store.

It's a shame that there are so many things that you can get only at holiday season. Cranberries are another item. Not sure, but I think those can be frozen before cooking them.

Didn't look for the mini loaf pans today, but I know that you can also get the aluminum ones. Just bake them and wrap them. No pans to wash.

Hope your holidays are great also. Don't forget to P-A-C-E yourself so that you can enjoy it all.

Loni

-- posted by Loni

Top 12. Dec 19, 2003 7:12 PM

» mastiffs2005 - pacing...

In response to message posted by Loni:

Oh yes... absolutely pacing smile I think we've actually got everything done except printing out my cookbook that I'm giving and making peanut brittle, which I'm doing tomorrow smile Glad you found peanuts!! Yes, it's sad they don't carry some items until holidays... I love cranberries all year long but have to wait til Christmas here, too. I have found them dried every once in a while. Oh, the aluminum is a great idea! I've seen those, and what a time saver, you're right!

Merry Christmas! smile
Love & Hugs,
Dar

-- posted by mastiffs2005

Top 13. Oct 24, 2004 11:15 AM

» jerrib - I'm already getting in the holiday mood

I enjoyed reading your Christmas treat article. I certainly never thought of doing candy bars in Rice Krispies treats. Neat idea.

-- posted by jerrib

Top 14. Oct 26, 2004 7:51 AM

» TDarCheek - Re: I'm already getting in the holiday mood

In response to I'm already getting in the holiday mood posted by jerrib:

Thanks so much, Jerri! I actually thought of the candy bar idea because I was living in a motel and there were cereals in one vending machine and candy bars in the other, and a kitchenette in my room LOL Now you've got me wanting to make some hahaha

Love & Hugs,
Dar

-- posted by TDarCheek

Top 15. Dec 15, 2004 5:44 PM

» jerrib - Re: Re: I'm already getting in the holiday mood

In response to Re: I'm already getting in the holiday mood posted by TDarCheek:
Sounds yummy. I think I'll make some of these with my grandkids this year!

Merry Christmas, Darlene.

-- posted by jerrib