Tag Archive | Harried Housewife Recipes WKTV

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Hearts

Feb12

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

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Hearts

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Hearts

If your busy schedule has left you little time for planning a special treat for your sweetheart, you still can make a decadent dessert your valentine will love. Perfect for those who are short on time, these homemade confections will go straight to your loved one’s heart.

By embellishing packaged brownie mix with cream cheese, red food color, and a few pantry staples, it’s easy to whip up a moist and colorful chocolate treat swirled with the yummy taste of cheesecake. To make them extra special, set on decorative doilies and arrange on pretty platters like these Anchor Hocking Isabella Platters.

So go ahead and give it a whirl. After all, rich confections made fresh from your kitchen will guarantee you a sweet place in your valentine’s heart forever. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love chocolate? Here are a few more recipes with the decadent taste of chocolate: Molten Chocolate Cakes, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Hot Cocoa, and Mini Brownie Trifles

RED VELVET CHEESECAKE BROWNIE HEARTS

1 (18- to -21 ounce) package fudge brownie mix
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup brewed coffee
1 1/2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon red food color
1 teaspoon white vinegar
2 eggs
1 (8-ounce) package regular or reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
1 (3-ounce) package regular or reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
1 egg white
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil, letting ends extend beyond edges on 2 sides. Coat foil with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, cocoa powder, vegetable oil, coffee, 1 1/2 tablespoons food color, vinegar, and eggs. Stir with a wooden spoon until mixed; spread in prepared pan.

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheeses, egg white, and confectioners’ sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Remove 1/2 of the batter to a small bowl; stir the remaining 1 teaspoon food color into this batter. Drop plain batter by tablespoons randomly onto brownie batter. Drop red 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, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Remove brownies by lifting foil ends; place on a cutting board. Remove foil; use a cookie cutter to cut heart shapes. Makes 16 large heart-shaped brownies.

This recipe and a recipe for Filet Mignon with Mushroom Sauce can be found here.

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing serveware

Molten Chocolate Cakes

Feb7

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Friday, February 7, 2014

Molten Chocolate Cakes

Molten Chocolate Cakes

A miniature chocolate cake for two that oozes with melted goodness is a luscious way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your sweetie. And while it might seem like these lavish, restaurant-style cakes require a lot of time and effort to prepare, they actually can be made quickly and easily.

They also are an excellent choice to share with family and friends, and the batter can be made a day in advance. Just divide into prepared custard cups, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge. When it’s time to bake the cakes, just remove the plastic wrap, place on a baking sheet, and bake as directed increasing the bake time by about 2 minutes.

A sprinkling of confectioners’ sugar and a dollop of whipped cream adds the final flourish. With an over-the-top dessert like this, it’s easy to create a memorable Valentine’s Day beginning in your own kitchen.

Here’s another easy recipe for your Valentine: Chocolate Covered Strawberries

MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKES

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
4 ounces high-quality unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, plus more for garnish (optional)
1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 eggs
3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur, such as Kahlua
Whipped cream (optional)
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Butter 6 (6-ounce) custard cups. Place on a baking sheet. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, unsweetened chocolate, and butter. Microwave on HIGH until butter has melted, about 2 minutes. Whisk until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir until combined. Add eggs, egg yolks, and coffee liqueur; whisk until well blended. Divide batter among prepared custard cups. Bake until cakes are firm around the edges but are soft in the centers, 13 to 14 minutes. Let stand 1 minute. Run a thin knife around the edges; invert onto dessert plates. Top each cake with a sprinkling of confectioners’ sugar and/or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Makes 12 servings, 1/2 cake each.

Come say hello!

February 8, 2014 at 11:00 ~ Presentation and Book Signing ~ Sherrill Free Library, 543 Sherrill Rd., Sherrill, NY 13461

February 8, 2014 at 2:00 ~ Meet and Greet ~ Representing the Observer Dispatch’s Entree Magazine ~ Turning Stone Resort and Casino Home Show, 5218 Patrick Rd., Verona, NY 13478

Cajun Peanuts

Jan23

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Cajun Peanuts

Cajun Peanuts

Cajun Peanuts

Whether it’s a Super Bowl party or any get-together, spicy nibblers are always welcome. Ideal for any game-day gathering, these crunchy tidbits are quick and easy to prepare.

You probably already have the ingredients on-hand to make your own Cajun seasoning. And by simply combining this seasoning with cocktail peanuts and heating on the stove, a zesty snack can be ready in no time.

Perfect for making ahead, just store, covered, at room temperature for up to two weeks. With this flavor-packed variety of spices coating crunchy peanuts, tackling what to prepare for the big game couldn’t be easier or tastier.

CAJUN PEANUTS

1 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons vegetable oil
24-ounces cocktail peanuts
For seasoning mix, in a small bowl, combine paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and salt. Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until hot; add seasoning mix. Cook 30 seconds, stirring continuously. Add peanuts; cook until completely coated, about 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Cool 10 minutes. Makes 16 servings.

Corn Chowder

Jan16

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

Corn Chowder

Corn Chowder

Make the most of a blustery day by savoring a steaming bowl of homemade chowder. A delicious way to chase off the chills, old-fashioned chowder will warm you up in no time.

Thick and rich with flavor, this family-pleasing recipe makes good use of pantry staples. You can add extra flavor and make it even heartier by adding a few slices of cooked and crumbled bacon, if desired. Stylish dinnerware like this Anchor Hocking Annapolis glass dinnerware is a great way to highlight the color of the food, and the pieces can go in the dishwasher too.

Whether you enhance with bacon or enjoy as it is, a bowl of hearty chowder is the ultimate in cozy goodness.

CORN CHOWDER

2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 cups regular or reduced sodium chicken broth
1 1/4 cups regular or fat-free half-and-half
1 1/2 cups fresh corn (from about 3 ears), or frozen corn
1 medium scallion, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and potatoes. Cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in chicken broth. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in 1 cup half-and-half, corn, and scallion. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. In a small bowl, stir together flour and the remaining 1/4 cup half-and-half. Stir into chowder. Bring to a boil. Boil 1 minute, stirring frequently. Stir in parsley; season with salt and pepper. Makes 4 servings.

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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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! 🙂