Archive by Author | The Harried Housewife

Hot Cocoa

Jan9

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Hot Cocoa

Hot Cocoa

Hot Cocoa

Plummeting temperatures and a nip in the air are constant reminders that winter is in full swing.

While many folks long for the hazy days of summer, why not make the most of what winter has to offer. Whether it’s sledding, skiing, or any frosty activity, now is the time to go outside and enjoy the season.

And when you come in from outdoors, treat yourself to a decadent drink that will warm you up from the inside out. Smooth and soothing, a steaming mug of old-fashioned hot cocoa is something to look forward to after spending time in the great outdoors.

So when chilly winds blow, curl up with a blanket and savor this seasonal sipper. After all, warmer months are sure to come.

HOT COCOA

1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
3 cups milk
1 cup half-and-half or fat-free half-and-half
1 teaspoon vanilla
Miniature marshmallows or whipped cream
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Add water; bring to a boil, stirring continuously. Add milk and half-and-half. Cook until mixture is thoroughly heated, stirring frequently (do not boil). Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour into mugs; top with miniature marshmallows or whipped cream. Makes 6 servings.

Mixed Greens and Apple Salad with Cherries, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts

Jan2

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 The Harried Housewife Mixed Greens Salad

Mixed Greens and Apple Salad with Cherries, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts

Mixed Greens and Apple Salad with Cherries, Blue Cheese, and Walnuts

If one of your New Year resolutions is getting more fruits and vegetables into your diet, then this savory salad is for you.

A refreshing mix of salad greens along with fresh apples, dried cherries, crumbled blue cheese, and toasted walnuts drizzled with tangy vinaigrette is a good way to stick with this year’s resolution.

And if you would like to make it a main-dish salad, just add cooked chicken or your choice of protein. Serve on square salad plates like these from Oneida for both practicality and sophistication.

One thing is certain: With a colorful plate of appetizing ingredients, sticking to your New Year’s resolution will be a cinch.

MIXED GREENS AND APPLE SALAD WITH CHERRIES, BLUE CHEESE, AND WALNUTS

2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons honey
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 small apples, cored and thinly sliced
12 cups mixed greens
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts
For vinaigrette, in small bowl, combine vinegar, salt, honey, mustard, onion powder, and pepper. Whisk in vegetable oil. In a large bowl, combine apples, mixed greens, and cherries. Drizzle with desired amount of vinaigrette; toss to combine. Arrange on a large platter or 6 plates; sprinkle with blue cheese and walnuts. Makes 6 servings.

Thanks to Oneida for providing dinnerware

Easy Snickerdoodles

Dec4

Featured on WKTV NEWSChannel 2

Easy Snickerdoodles

Easy Snickerdoodles

Love the taste of Snickerdoodles but don’t have a lot of time to prepare them? Then put a package of yellow cake mix to good use by combining it with a few pantry staples for a shortcut version of a classic cookie recipe.

A terrific way to spend a snowy afternoon, making Christmas cookies is a fun family activity that will create fond memories to last a lifetime. And this recipe is perfect for little hands as they enjoy shaping the dough and then rolling it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

After the cookies are baked and cooled, arrange them on decorative platters like these Anchor Hocking Isabella Platters for a fun display of fresh-baked cookies that everyone will enjoy.

Whether you make them for Santa or share with friends who come to call, homemade Snickerdoodles will bring comfort and joy to those near and dear.

Here are more Easy Christmas Recipes from The Harried Housewife’s RECIPE BOX.

EASY SNICKERDOODLES

3 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 (16.5 ounce) package plain yellow cake mix
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, flour, butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir with a wooden spoon until mixed. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake until centers are almost set, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Makes about 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing serveware

Easy Christmas Recipes from The Harried Housewife’s RECIPE BOX:

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Harried Housewife: Thanksgiving Holiday Recipes

Nov25

Tom Turkey may be the star of the Thanksgiving table, but a variety of other mouthwatering recipes completes the meal. With this in mind, following is a cornucopia of time-honored holiday recipes to add to your Thanksgiving menu.

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.

Mini Pecan Pies

Mini Pecan Pies

Mini Pumpkin Spice Bread

Mini Pumpkin Spice Bread

Easy Whole Kernel Cornbread Muffins

Easy Whole Kernel Cornbread Muffins

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Sugared Walnuts

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Sugared Walnuts

Herb and Apple Dressing

Herb and Apple Dressing

Whole Kernel Corn Bread Loaf

Whole Kernel Corn Bread Loaf

Easy Miniature Pies

Easy Miniature Pies

Butterscotch Pumpkin Pudding

Butterscotch Pumpkin Pudding

Microwave Applesauce

Microwave Applesauce

Pumpkin Pancakes

Pumpkin Pancakes

Cranberry Pomegranate Cocktails

Cranberry Pomegranate Cocktails

Butternut Squash Bisque

Butternut Squash Bisque

Microwave Applesauce

Nov14

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Microwave Applesauce

Microwave Applesauce

Microwave Applesauce

Homemade applesauce is a time-honored treat that appeals to both children and adults. And when it can be prepared in a short amount of time, it’s even better.

By using a microwave oven instead of a stovetop, a dish of slightly sweetened and spiced applesauce can be ready to serve in no time. A delicious choice to grace the table on Thanksgiving Day, this recipe makes good use of the microwave and allows the stovetop to be freed up for other recipes.

So when you would like to savor the yummy goodness of classic applesauce in a hurry, put your microwave oven to use. After all, modern-day convenience makes enjoying an old-fashioned favorite even better.

MICROWAVE APPLESAUCE

6 medium cooking apples, peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar, plus more to taste (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, divided
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine apples, water, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Cover loosely with plastic wrap; microwave on HIGH 10 minutes. Add lemon juice; stir well. Microwave on HIGH, uncovered, until apples are tender, about 2 minutes. Mash with a potato masher to desired texture. Stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir in sugar, 1 teaspoon at a time to taste, if desired. Serve warm or chilled. Makes about 2 3/4 cups.

Pumpkin Pancakes

Oct15

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Friday, October 17, 2014

Pumpkin Pancakes

Pumpkin Pancakes

Savor a taste of autumn with a plate of mouthwatering pumpkin pancakes. Slightly spiced and dripping with flavor, these pancakes are perfect for leisurely fall weekends with family and friends.

Decorate the table with whimsical fall items, serve pancakes on attractive yet practical plates like these from Oneida that go right into the dishwasher, and enjoy a brunch or breakfast filled with the yummy goodness of autumn.

When it comes to making the most of the fall season, a stack of pumpkin pancakes is a great way to start.

PUMPKIN PANCAKES

2 cups flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
2 1/4 cups milk
2 eggs
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, melted
1 cup 100% pure pumpkin
Vegetable oil, for griddle (optional)
Chopped pecans (optional)
Pure maple syrup
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and ginger. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, butter, and pumpkin. Add to flour mixture; whisk just until combined.

Heat griddle to 375 degrees or set a heavy skillet over medium heat. Lightly brush griddle or skillet with vegetable oil, if necessary. 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. Garnish with pecans, if desired. Serve with maple syrup. Makes 8 servings.

Thanks to Oneida for providing dinnerware

Here are more pumpkin favorites:

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Harried Housewife Recipe Box – Applesauce Pecan Muffins

Oct4

Hi! Here is a link to today’s recipe from The Harried Housewife’s RECIPE BOX for Applesauce Pecan Muffins as seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2.

It’s the perfect time of year to make good use of just-picked apples. Enjoy! 🙂

Chocolate Peanut Butter and Banana Roll Up with Marshmallows

Sep24
Chocolate Peanut Butter and Banana Roll Up with Marshmallows

Chocolate Peanut Butter and Banana Roll Up with Marshmallows

Minimal ingredients and a couple of minutes are all it takes to whip up a gooey treat just in time for the back to school season.

Ideal for kids of all ages, this easy to make roll up is both delicious and nutritious. Simply slather a flour tortilla with the new and yummy whipped peanut butter and chocolate flavored spread, top with banana slices, and sprinkle it with miniature marshmallows.

Roll it up, place on a microwave-safe plate like this one from Oneida, and microwave until heated. Terrific as an after school snack, this mouthwatering treat couldn’t be quicker or easier. Now this is a great way to savor the back to school season.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA ROLL UP WITH MARSHMALLOWS

1 tablespoon whipped peanut butter and chocolate flavored spread
1 (8- to 10-inch) flour tortilla
1/2 ripe medium banana, sliced
2 tablespoons miniature marshmallows
Spread whipped peanut butter and chocolate flavored spread on tortilla, leaving 1/2-inch border. Arrange banana slices on spread; sprinkle with marshmallows. Roll up. Transfer to a microwave-safe plate, seam side down; microwave on HIGH until just heated, about 30 seconds. Let stand 1 minute before slicing. Cut into 2 or 4 pieces. Makes 1 serving.

Thanks to Oneida for providing dinnerware

Apple Slices with Peanut Butter Dip

Sep10

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Apple Slices with Peanut Butter Dip

Apple Slices with Peanut Butter Dip

Apple Slices with Peanut Butter Dip

Make the most of apple season by whipping up a slightly sweetened peanut butter dip that pairs perfectly with just-picked apples.

By combining a few pantry staples, it’s easy to create a healthy dip that can be on the table in a matter of minutes. Simply slice a few apples and arrange them along with dip on a sturdy platter like this Chef’s Table Platter from Oneida.

Terrific for the back to school season and just right for little hands to dip into, this nourishing snack is a tasty way to enjoy the abundance of apples—and all the goodness of autumn.

APPLE SLICES WITH PEANUT BUTTER DIP

1/3 cup regular or reduced-fat peanut butter
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Apple slices, for dipping
For dip, in a small bowl, combine peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon; stir until smooth. Serve with apple slices. Makes 12 servings.

Thanks to Oneida for providing serveware

Blue Citrus Cocktails

Aug27

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Blue Citrus Cocktails

Blue Citrus Cocktails

Blue Citrus Cocktails

Savor the essence of a tropical island by sipping on a vibrant drink brimming with refreshing citrus flavor.

Quick to prepare and perfect for Labor Day celebrations or any occasion, this swanky drink looks even more dazzling in this Infinity Pitcher from Anchor Hocking.

When it comes to squeezing out every drop of the fleeting days of summer, this colorful drink makes it easy.

Cheers!

BLUE CITRUS COCKTAILS

4 cups lemonade, chilled
2 cups blue curacao
3/4 cup vodka
3/4 cup cold water
Juice of 1 medium lemon
Ice cubes
Tropical flowers (optional)
In a large pitcher, combine lemonade, blue curacao, vodka, water, and lemon juice; stir well. Place ice cubes in glasses; pour lemonade mixture over ice cubes. Garnish with tropical flowers, if desired. Makes 10 servings

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing drinkware