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Butterscotch Pumpkin Pudding

Sep7

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Butterscotch Pumpkin Pudding

Butterscotch Pumpkin Pudding

Butterscotch Pumpkin Pudding

When it comes to ending the grand Thanksgiving feast, there’s nothing more pleasing than pumpkin. While traditional pumpkin pie is always welcome, there still is room for another sweet treat made with the tasty combination of pumpkin and butterscotch.

Just right for hectic households, this recipe makes good use of packaged butterscotch pudding mix. By simply embellishing the mix with pumpkin and a few pantry staples, a pleasing dessert can be ready to serve in no time. And it can be prepared up to one day in advance and stored, covered, in the fridge. Store larger portions in bigger custard cups like these Anchor Hocking Oval Custard Cups or store smaller portions in these Custard Cups.

Whether you make one or a few batches, this comforting pudding will be a delightful addition to your cornucopia of treasured family recipes. From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.

BUTTERSCOTCH PUMPKIN PUDDING

1 (4-serving size) package butterscotch cook-and-serve pudding and pie filling mix
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling (optional)
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup 100 percent pure pumpkin
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Whipped cream (optional)
In a medium saucepan, combine pudding mix, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, 4 to 6 minutes, stirring continuously. Remove from heat. Add butter, pumpkin, and vanilla; whisk until smooth. Divide among 4 custard cups. Cover surface of pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing serveware

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Lemon Cheesecake Tarts

Aug16

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Lemon Cheesecake Tarts

Lemon Cheesecake Tarts

Lemon Cheesecake Tarts

A refreshing treat everyone will enjoy, Lemon Cheesecake Tarts are a delightful addition to any get-together. Whether it’s a finale to dinner or to pair with afternoon tea, these miniature goodies will appeal to both children and adults.

Ideal for a crowd, it’s easy to double or triple the recipe. And they are great for making ahead. Prepare up to four hours in advance and store covered and refrigerated. Simply add a dollop of whipped cream and lemon slices before serving, if desired.

With minimal ingredients and a short amount of time spent on preparation, these zesty tarts will serve a multitude of purposes—while being simple to prepare. Enjoy!

LEMON CHEESECAKE TARTS

1 (6-count) packages store-bought mini graham cracker pie crusts
1 (8-ounce) package regular or reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
Whipped cream (optional)
Lemon slices (optional)
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Place crusts in their foil pans on a baking sheet. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until creamy. Add sugar; beat until smooth. Add egg and lemon juice; beat until combined. Stir in lemon zest. Divide batter among crusts. Bake until centers are just set, 20 to 22 minutes. Place tarts on a wire rack. Cool completely. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 2 hours. Remove tarts from their disposable foil pans, if desired. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Garnish with lemon slices, if desired. Makes 6 servings.

Stovetop Shells and Cheddar Cheese

May25
Stovetop Shells and Cheddar Cheese

Stovetop Shells and Cheddar Cheese

If you can’t get enough of creamy macaroni and cheese, then pick up a box of shell pasta, grab a package of cheddar cheese, and you will be on your way to homemade macaroni and cheese in no time.

Perfect for time-crunched cooks, this quick to prepare recipe makes it easy to have a mouthwatering dish of shells and cheese on the table in a jiffy. Use packaged pre-shredded cheddar cheese for the ultimate in speed and convenience.

When it comes to making the most of weeknight suppers, this family-pleasing recipe is a surefire winner. Enjoy!

STOVETOP SHELLS AND CHEDDAR CHEESE

8 ounces dried medium shell pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded regular or reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
Begin cooking macaroni in a large saucepan according to package directions. Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour and onion powder. Add milk. Bring to a boil. Boil 1 minute, stirring continuously. Remove from heat. Stir in salt and pepper. Add cheese. Stir until cheese has melted. Drain macaroni; return to saucepan. Add cheese mixture; stir gently to combine. Cook over medium-low heat 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings.

Cinnamon Chip Pancakes

Apr12
Cinnamon Chip Pancakes

Cinnamon Chip Pancakes

Homemade pancakes are a delightful way to start the day, but if you like the taste of cinnamon, they can be even better. By simply stirring cinnamon chips into the batter, it’s easy to add spicy flavor to a stack of tender pancakes.

Ideal for a Mother’s Day celebration or a leisurely weekend breakfast, this recipe for Cinnamon Chip Pancakes is a family-pleasing favorite. Look for bags of cinnamon chips in the baking aisle of most large supermarkets. Aromatic and delicious, they can be added to a variety of recipes such as breads, cakes, and cookies.

Keep a stash of cinnamon chips on hand along with other pantry staples, and you will be able to whip up a batch of mouthwatering pancakes in no time.

CINNAMON CHIP PANCAKES

2 cups flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
2 eggs
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, melted
Vegetable oil, for griddle (optional)
3/4 cup cinnamon chips
Pure maple syrup
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and eggs; whisk just until combined. Stir in butter. Heat griddle to 375 degrees or set a heavy skillet over medium heat. Lightly brush griddle or skillet with vegetable oil, if necessary. Gently fold in cinnamon chips. Working in batches, ladle 1/4 cup batter onto griddle. Cook pancakes until tops are covered with bubbles and edges are slightly dry, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn pancakes over; cook until bottoms are golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve with maple syrup. Makes 6 servings.

Spring Nests: Recipe for the Season

Mar25

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Spring Nests

Spring Nests

Spring Nests

Celebrate spring and the joy of Easter by making edible nests that are just right at this time of year. Ideal for folks who like the taste of sweet and salty treats, these yummy nests are easy to make and can be filled with a variety of assorted candy.

From jelly beans to robin eggs, little ones will have fun decorating with their choice of colorful candies. They can make them for loved ones to share on Easter Sunday, or they can be a fabulous finale to any springtime dinner.

Whatever the occasion, these crowd-pleasing goodies will make celebrating the beauty of the season even sweeter.

SPRING NESTS

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
2 cups miniature marshmallows
2 ounces high-quality white chocolate, finely chopped
4 cups pretzel sticks, broken
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
3/4 teaspoon water
3 to 4 drops green food color
Assorted candy
Lightly coat 12 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray. In a large saucepan, melt butter. Add marshmallows and white chocolate. Cook over medium-low heat until marshmallows and white chocolate are melted, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Add pretzel sticks; stir until completely coated. Cool 3 minutes. Coat hands with cooking spray; press mixture onto bottom and up sides of prepared cups. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine coconut, water, and food color; toss to combine. Remove nests from cups; fill with tinted coconut and assorted candy. Makes 12 spring nests.

Blueberry French Toast Sticks

Mar20

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Friday, July 11, 2014

Blueberry French Toast Sticks

Blueberry French Toast Sticks

Whether it’s for a casual breakfast or an elegant brunch, Blueberry French Toast Sticks are the perfect addition to any morning or mid-morning meal.

Filled with yummy goodness, these flavor-packed strips are easy to pick up and are just right for both children and adults. No need for syrup, a sprinkling of confectioners’ sugar is all it takes to add a touch of sweetness.

Make them extra special by serving with a smattering of fresh blueberries, and savor a tasty morning treat everyone will enjoy.

BLUEBERRY FRENCH TOAST STICKS

2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup blueberry jam
8 slices day-old white bread
2 tablespoons butter
Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Blueberries (optional)
In a shallow dish, combine eggs, milk, and vanilla. Spread jam on 4 slices of bread. Top with the remaining bread. Trim crusts and cut each sandwich into 3 strips. Dip into egg mixture, coating both sides. In a 12-inch skillet or on a griddle, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add half of the strips and cook until golden brown on each side, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining butter and strips. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Serve with blueberries, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

Limesicle Shakes

Mar10

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Friday, March 14, 2014

Limesicle Shakes

Limesicle Shakes

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the 40 shades of green with a frosty beverage as pretty as the landscape of Ireland.

Perfect for both children and adults, this refreshing drink calls for minimal ingredients and can be whipped up in no time. Keep the ingredients on hand for a last-minute treat that can easily be adjusted by using your favorite gelatin in place of lime.

Sprinkle with candy shamrocks to add a festive touch in honor of St. Patrick—and don’t forget your shamrock on St. Patrick’s Day. After all, March 17 is a day for the wearin’-o’-the-green. From my family to yours, Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Cheers!

(Since there’s no such thing as having too many green beverages, here’s a recipe for Green Beer. And here are a couple more St. Patrick’s Day recipes. Enjoy!)

LIMESICLE SHAKES

1 pint vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt
1/4 cup lime gelatin (from a 4-serving size package)
3/4 cup milk or reduced-fat milk
1/4 cup half-and-half or fat-free half-and-half
3 to 4 drops green food color (optional)
Whipped cream (optional)
Candy sprinkles (optional)
In a blender, combine ice cream, gelatin, milk, half-and-half, and food color, if desired. Blend until thickened, about 25 seconds. Pour into glasses; top with whipped cream and candy sprinkles, if desired. Makes 3 servings.