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Rainbow Sprinkle Cake Slices

Apr9

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Friday, April 4, 2014

Rainbow Sprinkle Cake Slices

Rainbow Sprinkle Cake Slices

A package of store-bought cake mix and pudding mix along with a sprinkling of multicolored candies and a few pantry staples is all it takes to prepare irresistible treats both children and adults will enjoy.

Perfect for backyard picnics, brunches, or just about any gathering, these moist and flavorful slices of cake are ideal for picking up and nibbling. Simply arrange slices on a variety of attractive white serving plates like this Chef’s Table Small Rectangular Platter from Oneida and let guests help themselves.

With minimal ingredients and a colorful array of candy sprinkles, it’s easy to create mouthwatering goodies everyone will like to bite into. Happy Spring!

RAINBOW SPRINKLE CAKE SLICES

1 (4-serving size) package instant vanilla pudding and pie filling mix
1 (16.5-ounce) package white cake mix with pudding in the mix
4 eggs
1 cup water
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup multicolored candy sprinkles, plus more for garnish
Whipped Cream Frosting
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with shortening; dust with flour; reserve 1/4 cup pudding mix for frosting (see below). In a large bowl, combine the remaining pudding mix, cake mix, eggs, water, and oil. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed until moistened, about 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium; beat 2 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup candy sprinkles. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 28 to 33 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Frost with Whipped Cream Frosting; garnish with candy sprinkles. Cut into slices. Makes 30 servings.

WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING

1/4 cup instant vanilla pudding and pie filling mix
1 pint heavy (or whipping) cream
In a medium bowl, combine pudding mix and heavy cream. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until thickened and peaks form.

Thanks to Oneida for providing serveware

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Feb12
Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

If you would like to whip up a sweet treat for your Valentine but are short on time, then this quick to prepare recipe is for you.

By simply microwaving chocolate chips, stirring in a touch of shortening and then dipping strawberries into the melted goodness, a decadent dessert with a touch of elegance is ready to serve.

Make it extra special by pouring a couple glasses of champagne to share with your beloved. Classy flutes like these Oneida Compose Flutes are perfect for romantic occasions and make it easy to celebrate any time of the year.

So when it comes to wishing your sweetheart a Happy Valentine’s Day, it’s as simple as a glass of champagne and handmade chocolate covered strawberries. Cheers!

CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES

16 large strawberries
1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
1 teaspoon vegetable shortening
Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Rinse strawberries; pat dry. Place chocolate morsels in a microwave-safe glass measuring cup; microwave until melted. Stir in shortening. Dip strawberries in melted chocolate; place on prepared baking sheet. Let stand until set, 10 to 15 minutes. Makes 4 servings.

Thanks to Oneida for providing drinkware and serveware

Mini Brownie Trifles

Dec11

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2

Mini Brownie Trifles

Mini Brownie Trifles

Looking for a decadent dessert that will impress family and friends at this year’s holiday get-together? Then get this cute Anchor Hocking Presence Mini Trifle Set, fill with layers of fudgy brownies and creamy pudding; top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings—and celebrate the Yuletide in good taste.

Using store-bought brownie mix is one sugarplum of a shortcut, and no one will guess how easy this recipe is to prepare. Get a jumpstart on preparation by making the trifles up to 24 hours in advance and store, covered, in the fridge. Just before serving, top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves.

The mini trifle dishes are ideal for entertaining. When not in use, simply decorate with festive ribbons and fill with colorful candies. Whether you place them around the house or line them up on the holiday table, these miniature trifle dishes serve a multitude of purposes. So treat your loved ones to a decadent brownie dessert then make use of the dishes throughout the holidays. Now this is the sweetest way to help make the season bright.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas.

Pick up a copy of The Harried Housewife’s Cookbook for more easy holiday recipes.

MINI BROWNIE TRIFLES

1 (19- to -22 ounce) package brownie mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons brewed coffee
2 tablespoons water
2 eggs
1 (4-serving size) package chocolate instant pudding and pie filling mix
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix (from a 4-serving size package)
1 3/4 cups whipping (or heavy) cream
Whipped cream (optional)
Chocolate shavings (optional)
Fresh raspberries (optional)
Mint leaves (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, vegetable oil, coffee, water, and eggs. Stir with a wooden spoon until mixed. Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack; cut about 3/4 of the brownie into 1-inch pieces.

Meanwhile, prepare chocolate pudding mix as directed on package for pudding, using milk; cover and refrigerate. In a large bowl, combine vanilla pudding mix and whipping cream. Beat with an electric mixer until creamy; cover and refrigerate. In 6 miniature trifle dishes, arrange 7 of the brownies in the bottom and up the sides of the dishes; cover with chocolate pudding. Arrange 5 of the brownies in similar style; top with the whipped cream mixture. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours; top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings before serving, if desired. Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves, if desired. Makes 6 miniature trifles (12 servings).

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing photography and dishware

Pumpkin Gingerbread Cake

Dec4

As seen on NEWSChannel 2 Friday, December 20, 2013

Pumpkin Gingerbread Cake

Pumpkin Gingerbread Cake

Take a trip back in time to Grandma’s holiday kitchen by baking this spicy and moist Pumpkin Gingerbread Cake. Dripping with a cream cheese glaze that’s dusted with flakes of edible white glitter, this aromatic cake will glisten like icicles freshly coated with a blanket of new-fallen snow.

The perfect treat to share with those near and dear, this recipe adds just enough pumpkin to lend a tasty twist to a time-honored classic. And placing this frosty-looking dessert on a cake plate like this simple yet stylish Anchor Hocking Presence Cake Plate with Dome will only add to the charm of an old-fashioned Christmas.

As the intoxicating aroma of familiar spices wafts through the air and conjures up warm reminiscences of Grandma’s kitchen, it’s gratifying to know that baking this cake will honor her—and create fond memories for generations to come.

PUMPKIN GINGERBREAD CAKE

2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter flavored vegetable shortening
1 egg
1 cup 100 percent pure pumpkin
1 cup hot water
3/4 cup molasses
Cream Cheese Glaze
Edible white glitter flakes (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10-inch fluted tube pan with shortening; dust with flour. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and cloves. In a large bowl, combine sugar, brown sugar, and shortening. Beat with an electric mixer until well blended. Add egg; beat until combined. Add pumpkin, hot water, and molasses; beat until blended. Add flour mixture; beat until combined. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Cool completely; transfer to cake plate. Drizzle with Cream Cheese Glaze and sprinkle with edible glitter, if desired. Makes 16 servings.

CREAM CHEESE GLAZE

1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup milk
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer until creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar; beat until combined. Gradually add milk, beating after each addition, until glaze is of drizzling consistency.

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing photography and serveware

Coconut Cupcakes

Nov27

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Newstalk Harried Housewife Coconut Cupcakes Recipe

Coconut Cupcakes

Coconut Cupcakes

Coconut Cupcakes

Coconut Cupcakes

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Then fill pedestals like this Anchor Hocking Presence 3 Tier Platter Set with layers of luscious coconut cupcakes and enjoy a winter wonderland of tasty confections.

Easy and elegant, these pretty cupcakes are terrific for entertaining. They will be a festive addition to the dessert table and will appeal to both children and adults.

As exciting as snowballs made with fresh-fallen snow, these moist and delicious treats highlight the merry shade of white that’s so welcome at this time of year.

Happy holidays!

For more easy recipes, pick up a copy of The Harried Housewife’s Cookbook.

COCONUT CUPCAKES

1 (4-serving size) package instant coconut cream pudding and pie filling mix
1 (16.5-ounce) package plain French vanilla cake mix
4 eggs
1 cup water
2/3 cup vegetable oil
Easy Coconut Cream Frosting
Sweetened coconut flakes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 24 muffin cups or line with paper liners. Reserve 2 tablespoons pudding mix for frosting (see below). In a large bowl, combine the remaining pudding mix, cake mix, eggs, water, and oil. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed until moistened, about 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium; beat 2 minutes. Divide into muffin cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before removing to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with Easy Coconut Cream Frosting; sprinkle with coconut flakes. Makes 24 cupcakes.

EASY COCONUT CREAM FROSTING

2 tablespoons instant coconut cream pudding and pie filling mix
1/2 cup heavy (or whipping) cream
1 (8-ounce) carton regular or light frozen whipped topping, thawed
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
In a medium bowl, combine pudding mix and heavy cream. Whisk for 1 minute. Stir in whipped topping and vanilla.

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing photography and bakeware

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

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Easy Miniature Pies

Nov6
Easy Miniature Pies

Easy Miniature Pies

EASY MINIATURE PIES

Pies are a highly anticipated finale of the Thanksgiving Day feast. And while pumpkin pie is certain to be on the menu, it’s always fun to sample a couple of other pies too.

A terrific way to prepare several pies, and make it easy on the cook at the same time, is to use a couple sets of these six-inch Anchor Hocking Mini Pie Plates instead of the conventional nine-inch pie plates. This is a great idea if you would like to offer a sampling of various pies to guests. And if you are going to someone’s house for dinner, you can leave a mini pie or two at home and bring the rest to share.

Quick to prepare, the recipe for Mini Coconut Custard Pies is the ultimate in ease. Ideal for folks pressed for time, it makes its own crust and is a tried and true favorite. The pastry dough for the Mini Pecan Pies and Mini Pumpkin Pies is easy to make, and the pecan and pumpkin fillings can also be whipped up in a hurry. If planning on making all six pies, bake the Mini Coconut Custard Pies first then boost the oven temperature to 350 degrees for the remaining pies.

Whether you take them to your loved one’s house on Thanksgiving or share them with company at your home, these diminutive pie plates make it easy to savor a sampling of pies—and still have time to relax and enjoy the day. Savoring the grand Thanksgiving feast couldn’t be sweeter.

Mini Coconut Custard Pies

Mini Coconut Custard Pies

MINI COCONUT CUSTARD PIES

Vegetable shortening, for pie plate
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for pie plate
2 cups milk
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, cut into small pieces
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Whipped cream (optional)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease 2 6-inch pie plates with shortening; dust with flour. Combine milk, coconut, sugar, 1/2 cup flour, butter, eggs, and vanilla in a blender. Cover; blend until mixed, 1 minute. Divide into prepared pie plates. Bake until a knife inserted in centers comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Dollop with whipped cream, if desired. Makes 8 miniature servings.

PASTRY FOR FOUR 6-INCH SINGLE-CRUST PIES

3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold vegetable shortening
10 to 13 tablespoons ice water
In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons water over the flour mixture; toss with a fork. Push moistened flour mixture to the side of the bowl. Repeat, using 2 tablespoons of the remaining water a time, until all of the flour mixture is moist. Gather pastry into a ball. Divide into 4 portions; shape each portion into a disk. Cover each disk with plastic wrap; refrigerate 20 to 30 minutes.

Flour rolling surface and rolling pin lightly. Roll each pastry disk into circles about 8-inches in diameter. Trim to about 7 1/2 -inches. Carefully remove trimmed dough. Fold dough into quarters. Unfold and press into 4 6-inch pie plates. Transfer desired fillings into pie crusts, flute or crimp edges as desired. Bake as directed. Makes 4 miniature pies.

MINI PECAN PIES and MINI PUMPKIN PIES

Pastry for 4 6-inch pie crusts (see above)
Pecan filling (as follows)
Pumpkin filling (as follows)
Whipped cream (optional)
Prepare pastry for 4 6-inch pie crusts as directed. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 4 6-inch pie plates with pastry crust. Prepare pecan filling and pumpkin filling. Divide pecan filling into 2 crusts; divide pumpkin filling into 2 crusts. Bake until pecan filling is puffed, 35 to 40 minutes, and pumpkin filling is set, 40 to 45 minutes. Cool pies completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate pumpkin pies until thoroughly chilled, about 4 hours. Top each pie with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Makes 16 miniature servings.

Mini Pecan Pies

Mini Pecan Pies

PECAN FILLING
3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans or pecan halves
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla. Stir in pecans.

Mini Pumpkin Pies

Mini Pumpkin Pies

PUMPKIN FILLING
3 eggs
1 (15-ounce) can 100% pure pumpkin
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/2 cup regular or fat-free half-and-half
1/4 cup heavy (or whipping) cream
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin, sugar, maple syrup, half-and-half, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.

Thanksgiving pies

Thanksgiving pies

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing photography and bakeware

Halloween Crispy Treats

Oct23

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Halloween Crispy Treats

Halloween Crispy Treats

Halloween Crispy Treats

Scare up excitement on Halloween by whipping up a batch of creepy crispy treats that witches and ghouls of all ages will love to sink their teeth into.

Crawling with fun, these mouthwatering goodies are perfect for any spooky celebration. And they are magically easy to prepare. Simply stir colorful autumn mix candy into the crisp rice and marshmallow mixture, transfer to an easy to clean baking dish like this one from Anchor Hocking, and in no time you will be on your way to a memorable monster bash.

With minimal ingredients and dependable bakeware, there’s no trick to preparing these goblin-friendly treats. From my family to yours, Happy Halloween!

HALLOWEEN CRISPY TREATS

Nonstick cooking spray
6 cups crisp rice cereal
1 1/2 cups autumn mix candy
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
1 (10-ounce) package marshmallows
Coat a (3 quart) 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place cereal in a large bowl. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat; stir in marshmallows. Cook until melted and smooth, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; pour over cereal mixture. Stir until just coated. Add candy mix; stir until combined. Press mixture into prepared pan. Cool completely. Cut into squares. Makes 24 squares.

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing photography and bakeware

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Brownies

Oct9

Recipe featured on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 October 11, 2013

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Brownies

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Brownies

Fudgy brownies are good enough on their own, but the addition of a slightly spiced pumpkin cheesecake mixture takes them over the top.

Swirled to tasty perfection, these decadent brownies are just right for fall get-togethers. While they look fancy, they actually are easy to prepare. And the nonstick coating on baking pans like this one from Oneida means you don’t have to use a lot of nonstick cooking spray to ensure the brownies are released from the pan with little effort.

For flawless squares and ease of cutting, refrigerate brownies for a least an hour. Cut them in half vertically down the center, then use a large spatula to remove each half to a large cutting board. Cut into squares.

With exceptional bakeware and delectable ingredients, scrumptious brownies with the pleasing taste of pumpkin cheesecake can be on your table in no time.

PUMPKIN SWIRL CHEESECAKE BROWNIES

Nonstick cooking spray
1 (19- to -22 ounce) package brownie mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons brewed coffee
2 tablespoons water
3 eggs
1 (8-ounce) package regular or reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup pure 100% pure pumpkin
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, vegetable oil, coffee, water, and 2 eggs. Stir with a wooden spoon until mixed. Spread 3/4 of the batter into prepared pan. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, pumpkin, confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and the remaining egg; beat with an electric mixture until smooth. Drop pumpkin mixture by heaping tablespoons randomly onto brownie batter. Drop the remaining brownie batter in the same manner. Using a butter knife, swirl through the batters to create a marbled effect. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 29 to 34 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before cutting. Makes 24 brownies.

Thanks to Oneida for providing photography and bakeware

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.