Tag Archive | winter

White Russian Hot Chocolate

Dec21

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2

White Russian Hot Chocolate

White Russian Hot Chocolate

When the landscape glistens with new-fallen snow, it’s time to gather with family and friends and have a cup of cheer.

The perfect potion on a cold winter’s day, this seasonal sipper will warm everyone’s spirits. Of course you can leave out the alcohol and just enjoy the creamy hot chocolate instead, if desired.

Whichever way you prefer, here’s wishing you a holly, jolly Christmas—this year. Cheers!

For more tasty tidbits, cozy concoctions, and easy diy ideas, pick up a copy of my latest book, Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons.

Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons

Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons

WHITE RUSSIAN HOT CHOCOLATE

2 cups half-and-half or fat-free half-and-half
1 1/4 cups milk
1 (4-serving size) package cook-and-serve chocolate pudding and pie filling mix
1/2 cup coffee liqueur, such as Kahlua
1/4 cup vodka
Fresh, lightly whipped cream
Chocolate shavings (optional)

In a large microwave-safe bowl, whisk together half-and-half, milk, and pudding mix. Microwave on HIGH until hot and slightly thickened, 7 to 9 minutes; whisk in coffee liqueur and vodka until well blended. Ladle into mugs; top with lightly whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired. Makes 6 servings.

Homemade Bottles of Creme de Menthe

Dec15
Homemade Bottles of Creme de Menthe

Homemade Bottles of Creme de Menthe

Homemade Bottles of Crème de Menthe make ideal holiday gifts from your kitchen. Perfect for when friends come to call, you can share some of this seasonal sipper with them and then send them home with a bottle too.

You can pick up small glass bottles that are just right for storing this yummy drink at places like Target. Simply attach a tag noting that refrigeration is required.

And if you like making holiday goodies to share with those near and dear then pick up a copy of my latest book, Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons.

Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons

Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons

In it you’ll find easy to make recipes and project ideas to take you through all the seasons of the year. Here are some easy yet elegant holiday ideas featured in the book:

Creamy Eggnog Cupcakes (from Cooking, Baking, and Making)

Creamy Eggnog Cupcakes (from Cooking, Baking, and Making)

Christmas Ornament (from Cooking, Baking, and Making)

Christmas Ornament (from Cooking, Baking, and Making)

Winter Centerpiece (from Cooking, Baking, and Making)

Winter Centerpiece (from Cooking, Baking, and Making)

Here’s to a happy holiday season. Cheers!

Homemade Bottles of Crème de Menthe

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups water
2 cups fresh mint leaves, torn, divided
Cheesecloth
1 1/4 cups vodka
3 to 4 drops green food color (optional)
Glass bottles such as small milk bottles

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and 1 cup mint leaves. Heat over medium heat until sugar has dissolved, 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in the remaining 1 cup mint leaves. Let stand four hours, stirring occasionally.

Place a strainer over a pitcher; cover strainer with cheesecloth. Pour mixture into cheesecloth; use a wooden spoon to press on mint. Squeeze cheesecloth to extract as much liquid as possible Remove strainer and cheesecloth. Add vodka and food color, if desired. Stir to combine. Pour into bottles. Cover, and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Makes 16 servings

Christmas Almond Cookies

Dec11
Christmas Almond Cookies

Christmas Almond Cookies

Whether it’s for a cookie exchange, to share with family and friends, or to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve, nothing is better at this time of year than a batch of home-baked cookies.

Sure to be well received, these flavor-packed cookies are easy-to-prepare and are perfect for folks of all ages. One thing is certain; when it comes to celebrating the holidays, these festive cookies will help make the season bright.

Enjoy!

CHRISTMAS ALMOND COOKIES

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups flour
Almond Frosting
Holiday candy sprinkles

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine butter and sugar; beat with an electric mixer until well blended. Add egg, milk, and extract; beat until combined. Gradually beat in salt and as much flour as possible; stir in the rest. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls; place 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets. Bake until set and bottoms are light golden, about 10 to 12 minutes. Cool 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Cool completely. Dip tops of cookies into Almond Frosting. Sprinkle with candy sprinkles. Makes about 4 1/2 dozen cookies.

ALMOND FROSTING

2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 to 1/3 cup milk

In a medium bowl, combine sugar, extract, and 1/4 cup milk. Mix until smooth, adding more milk as necessary to reach desired consistency.

For more easy holiday recipes, order a copy of Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons

Warm Spiced Cranberry Cocktails

Nov22
Warm Spiced Cranberry Cocktails

Warm Spiced Cranberry Cocktails

Warm up a chilly afternoon by indulging in a decadent drink overflowing with flavor. A seasonal potion perfect for sharing with family and friends, this recipe mingles cranberry juice cocktail with seasonal spices for the ultimate in aromatic cozy goodness.

Add a splash of rum to each serving, if desired.

5 cups cranberry juice cocktail
1 cup orange juice
1 cup water
3 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar
2 (3- to 3 1/2-inches each) cinnamon stick, plus more for serving (optional)
8 whole allspice berries
8 whole cloves
1 star anise, plus more for garnish (optional)

In a medium saucepan, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, water, brown sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, cloves, and star anise. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 5 minutes; remove from heat. Let stand 10 minutes. Pour cranberry juice mixture through a strainer; discard cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, cloves, and star anise. Serve with cinnamon sticks and float star anise, if desired. Makes 8 servings.

Book Release and Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins

Nov17
Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins

Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins

If you enjoy the taste of pumpkin and cinnamon/sugar doughnuts, then you’ll love this easy to make recipe.

Simply combine pumpkin with a few pantry staples, bake in muffin cups, and then dip the tops in melted butter and cinnamon-sugar.

Before you know it, a batch of family-pleasing muffins will be on the table. And if you’d like to sample a taste of these muffins, stop by my book signing tomorrow, November 18th from 1:00 to 3:00 at Barnes & Noble Book Sellers, Consumer Square, 4811 Commercial Drive, New Hartford, NY 13413. Hope to see you there! 🙂

Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins

Nonstick cooking spray
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, softened
1 egg
3/4 cup 100% pure pumpkin
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, allspice, and ginger. . In a large bowl, combine brown sugar and softened butter. Beat with an electric mixer until well blended. Add egg and pumpkin; beat until combined. Add flour mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Divide batter among prepared muffin cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool in pan 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine sugar and the remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Dip warm muffin tops in melted butter, then in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Makes 12 muffins.

Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons by Cynthia O’Hara

May9

Packed with DIY Ideas, Holiday Recipes, DIY Recipes, DIY Cooking, and more, The Harried Housewife’s forthcoming book, Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons, will be available September 19, 2017. Pre-Order Sale Price!

Cooking, Baking, and Making book by Cynthia O'Connor O'Hara

#1 New Release!

Here are some ideas featured in Cooking, Baking, and Making:

* Host a springtime luncheon and include recipes like Herbed Cucumber Tea Sandwiches and Smoky Bacon Deviled Eggs. Present these tasty tidbits on Tiered Serving Platters made with dishware you already have, or with dishes bought from the dollar store.

* Enjoy an alfresco get-together during summer with seasonal recipes like Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Burgers and Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa. Make a pretty and practical Frozen Ice Bucket to chill a bottle of wine; serve wine in glasses decorated with unique Wine Charms that you’ve made for guests.

* Chase away the chills during the cool months of autumn with hearty bowls of Corn and Crab Chowder. Buy pot holders from the dollar store and use fabric glue to embellish them with autumn-inspired decorations. Use Embellished Pot Holders for handling the chowder and serve on No-Sew Placemats that are made from fabric remnants.

* Gather with those near and dear during the winter holidays and savor a taste of the season with Creamy Eggnog Cupcakes. Entertain with ease by setting up a Velvety Mashed Potatoes with Assorted Toppings Martini Bar. Give tasty gifts to those you love such as Homemade Bottles of Crème de Menthe.

* Make Custom Coffee Mugs and fill with coffee beans; place in festive gift bags and decorate with personalized Salt Dough Gift Tags—which also can be used as Christmas tree decorations.

 

 

Easy Rocky Road Candy

Dec16

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Easy Rocky Road Candy

Easy Rocky Road Candy

Easy Rocky Road Candy

Short on time but still want to make homemade treats for those near and dear? Then grab a bag of chocolate chips, miniature marshmallows, and chopped walnuts and you’ll be on your way to crowd-pleasing confections in no time.

Simply melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, stir in the marshmallows and walnuts, and refrigerate until firm. Cut into squares and store, covered, at room temperature for up to one week.

You can substitute milk chocolate chips in place of semisweet chips, and chopped peanuts for walnuts, if desired. However you make it, this quick and easy recipe will help make the season bright.

EASY ROCKY ROAD CANDY

1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with foil, letting ends extend beyond edges on 2 sides. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips in the microwave according to package directions. Stir in marshmallows and walnuts. Spread into prepared pan. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Remove candy by lifting foil ends; place on a cutting board. Remove foil; cut into squares. Makes 24 candies.

Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs

Dec5

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs

Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs

Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs

Just in the nick of time for cocktail parties or holiday get-togethers, this recipe makes it easy to celebrate the Yuletide.

You can save time in the kitchen by using store-bought frozen meatballs that have been thawed instead of making your own, if desired.

Whichever way you choose, these tasty tidbits will be a joyful addition to any holiday gathering.

CRANBERRY COCKTAIL MEATBALLS

MEATBALLS
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
1 small onion, minced
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 egg, slightly beaten
 

SAUCE
3/4 cup jellied cranberry sauce
1/2 cup chili sauce
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. For meatballs, in a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and egg. Shape into 1-inch balls; place in a 10×15-inch baking pan. Bake until browned and cooked through, 28 to 32 minutes. For sauce, in a large saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, barbecue sauce, water, and onion powder. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring continuously. Add meatballs. Reduce heat; simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with wooden picks. Makes about 60 meatballs.

 

Cranberry Cabernet Sauce

Nov11

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Cranberry Cabernet Sauce

 

Cranberry Cabernet Sauce

Cranberry Cabernet Sauce

Jazz up your dish of cranberry sauce by cooking cranberries in a flavorful mixture that’ll lend a sophisticated touch to this Thanksgiving Day staple.

By simmering cranberries in a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and a few other ingredients, it’s easy to add a twist on tradition while still enjoying a classic.

Of course, your favorite red wine may be substituted for Cabernet Sauvignon, if desired. However you make it, this simple yet elegant dish will enhance the Thanksgiving Day celebration.

CRANBERRY CABERNET SAUCE

1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
1/2 cup Cabernet Sauvignon
1/2 cup orange juice
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, wine, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, partially covered, until most of the cranberries have popped, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Mash with a potato masher. Cool at least 1 hour before serving. (May be prepared up to five days in advance; store covered and refrigerated.) Makes 8 servings.

Chicken Vegetable Soup

Feb26

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2

Chicken Vegetable Soup

Chicken Vegetable Soup

Time-crunched cooks always welcome quick and easy recipes. And when it comes to making soup, they’re especially appreciated. By using pantry staples along with store-bought chicken stock or broth, canned chicken, and packaged frozen vegetables, it’s easy to get out of the kitchen quick.

Make it even more delicious by topping each serving with wedges of provolone cheese and a dollop of pesto, if desired. Pouring on the comfort couldn’t be easier.

CHICKEN VEGETABLE SOUP

2 teaspoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried parsley, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
7 cups regular or reduced sodium chicken stock or broth
1 (16-ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables
1 (10-ounce) can chunk-style chicken, undrained, or 2 cups cooked cubed chicken
1 cup dried ditalini or other small pasta
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices provolone cheese, each cut into 8 wedges (optional)
1/3 cup pesto (optional)
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until hot; add garlic, parsley, and basil. Cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Stir in chicken stock or broth, vegetables, chicken, and ditalini. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer until ditalini is tender, 8 to 10 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Top each serving with 4 wedges of cheese, then a dollop of pesto, if desired. Makes 8 servings.