This is a super easy candy recipe for children learning how to follow directions. It was the first “candy” recipe my children learned to make on their own.
Easy “Turtles”
Greek Dolmades with Avgolemono Sauce
When the kids were younger, we wanted to introduce them to recipes from around the globe. Allan had a friend from work who shared her recipe that she said was handed down for a few generations. Janet mentioned her family made these for Christmas Eve every year.
We have tried these once or twice and they were good. Last year we could not find jarred grape leaves at any store (this year we ordered early online). We also bought the ground lamb when we found it at the store and froze it so we knew we had it. Finding those ingredients was the hardest part of the recipe!
The recipe we were given uses lamb, but many online recipes use beef. So feel free to use either.
When we made these in 2012, Megan they they were wonderful! The rest of us enjoyed them also, but debated if they were too lemony or not.
Red River Date Muffins
Mom really likes Red River Cereal and wanted me to try it. I agree. It is very good! However, it takes awhile to cook, so we decided to look for muffin recipes that use it. After cooling the muffins, we freeze them for an easy breakfast. Just remember to pull early so they can thaw out.
Baked Beignets
This is one of the recipes Andrea made in Culinary Class this week. I think we all agree it may be our very favorite recipe so far this year. (Ummm, schoool year 🙂 )
Grandma Mabel’s Fruit Cake
This is Grandma Mable’s recipe that she sent to Uncle Tim with some modifications and comments that he and Oma made. While the recipe calls for an angel food cake pan, Uncle Tim only remembers Grandma making in loaf pans. So, that is the way I will make it too 🙂
Instead of using candy fruitcake mix, mix and match your favorite combination of dried fruits; such as apricots, cranberries, currants, golden raisins, candied ginger, orange peel and a few candied cherries.
“Frantic Mother Cookies”
I have no idea where Mom found this recipe years ago. I am pretty sure it was in a “how to Mom” type book. We rarely made chocolate chip cookies growing up, but we made these often. Usually we made them drop cookies, but bar style gets them done a lot faster! They are a dryer, crispier cookie, so add a little extra water if desired.
While you can use any type of cereal, corn flakes or rice cereal is the best. One day I made them for the family I was babysitting and used Cheerios. Dom informed me that I could put most anything I wanted into the cookies I made for them, but NEVER use Cheerios again 🙂
Use 1 cup of your favorite “fillings”. Growing up we usually used half unsweetened coconut flakes and chocolate chips. But mix and match with walnuts, pecans or other favorite nuts, raisins, craisins or dried cherries (or other dried fruit sliced in small pieces) and your favorite chocolate chips.
Cookie Dough Truffles
I am not sure where we found this recipe, but it was one of the first truffle recipes we tried.
If you prefer not to eat “raw” flour, place flour on cookie sheet and bake for 5 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool before using. The truffles will have a nuttish flavor.
Egg Nog
At a Christmas party this year, one of my children tried store bought egg nog. He was so disappointed that it was nothing like this recipe that Allan has been making us for years. He was sure to request that Daddy make some “real” egg nog soon.
I know that some people prefer alcohol in egg nog, but I think it is non essential! Using freshly grated nutmeg is the best, but use powder if that is what you have.
If you are concerned about eating raw eggs, either buy pasteurized eggs, or look online on how to make them yourself.
Cinnamon Rolls (with Caramel Option)
This recipe is one we often use for Christmas or for the children’s breakfasts as they head to summer camp. They are easy to turn into caramel rolls by a simple step that I included.
If you prefer to make the dough early, you can form the rolls, place in pan and then cover with heavy aluminum foil. Place in the refrigerator at least 12 hours, but not longer than 24. Then, when ready to bake, place unwrapped pan in cold oven and bake until golden brown (35-40 min).
Cream Cheese Truffles with Variations
When we first started learning to make desserts, this is one of the first, and easiest truffles we learned. Have fun experimenting with your own variations!