Author: sarafillmer

Turtle Cookies

On By sarafillmerIn Cookies, DessertLeave a comment

This recipe is courtesy of the blog The Kitchen is My Playground.  They are very pretty, and pretty easy to make.

Cookie

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup cocoa
  • 1/4  teaspoon salt
  • 1 stick butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, separated, plus one extra egg white
  • 2  tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped

Caramel Filling

  • 14 soft caramel candies (I used Kraft)
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream

Begin by combining the flour, cocoa and salt; set aside. With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolk, milk and vanilla, mix until just incorporated.  Reduce speed to low and mix in flour mixture.  Wrap dough in saran wrap and refrigerate about an hour.  Whisk egg whites until frothy, placing chopped pecans in a separate bowl.  Roll chilled dough into 1″ balls, then coat in egg whites, then roll in the pecans. Place the balls approximately 2″ apart on a baking sheet, then use a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon to make an indention in the top.  Bake at 350 until set, or about 12 minutes.

To make the caramel filling, melt the caramels and heavy cream in the microwave at 30 sec intervals until smooth.  Once the cookies come out of the oven, gently re-press the indentions, and fill the indentations with about a 1/2 a teaspoon of caramel.  If desired, melt some semi-sweet chocolate to drizzle on top.

 

Salmon Marinade

On By sarafillmerIn MarinadeLeave a comment

Once again, this marinade came from Pinterest, more specifically, thecozyapron.com  I’m not a huge fish fan, so this marinade was perfect for me because it gave the fish a great flavor that would go well with almost any kind of fish.

  • 2 garlic cloves, pressed with a garlic press
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

In a small dish, combine the ingredients and whisk to combine.  Then brush over your fish and let marinade for 35 minutes.  This quantity will cover 4 thicker cut salmon filets, or I brushed it over a two pound slab of salmon.  Whatever floats your boat.  After it is marinaded, broil on high for 8-9 minutes, or until moist and flaky.  Serve with rice or choice of vegetable.

Pecan Pie Cookies

On By sarafillmerIn Cookies, DessertLeave a comment

I got this recipe from the blog yumsugar.com via Pinterest. As someone who is not a huge pecan fan, I have to admit that these were really yummy.

Cookies

  • 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups (256 g) flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Filling

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat the oven to 350.  Combine all cookie ingredients except the flour and baking powder and beat on medium speed until creamy.  Add in the flour and baking powder and beat on low until fully incorporated.  In a separate bowl, combine the filling ingredients and mix well. Roll or use a cookie scoop to get 1 1/4″ balls and place on an ungreased or parchment lined baking sheet.  Use your thumb to make a depression in the cookies, then fill with the pecan filling. They will spread a tad, so don’t make the hole for the filling too deep.  Bake for 8-12 minutes depending on your oven.  I baked mine for 10 and they were perfect.  Try not to eat them all in one sitting.  Makes 4 dozen.

Southern Peach Cobbler

On By sarafillmerIn DessertLeave a comment

This is the most delicious peach cobbler I’ve ever had.  I found it via Pinterest, with the original coming from allrecipes.com  A few of the steps to this recipe are unorthodox, but they work.

  • 8 fresh peaches – peeled, pitted and sliced into thin wedges
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup (128 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup boiling water
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  In a large bowl, combine peaches, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly, and pour into a 2 quart baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.  Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine flour, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Blend in butter with your fingertips, or a pastry blender, until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in water until just combined.  Remove peaches from oven, and drop spoonfuls of topping over them. Sprinkle entire cobbler with the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Bake until topping is golden, about 30 minutes.

Chili Dog Casserole

On By sarafillmerIn EntreeLeave a comment

This recipe is courtesy of Peace, Love & Understanding (thatchbo.blogspot.com) via Pinterest.  I knew it was a hit when my six year old asked for more.

  • 2 15 oz cans chili with beans (I like Wolf Brand Chili)
  • 1 16 oz package beef frankfurters (I prefer Ball Park bun sized)
  • 10 8 inch flour tortillas (the fajita sized ones)
  • 1 8 oz package Cheddar cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Spread 1 can of chili and beans in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Roll up franks inside tortillas and place in baking dish, seam side down, on top of chili and beans. Top with remaining can of chili and beans, and sprinkle with cheese.  Cover baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes.

Bite Sized Apple Pies

On By sarafillmerIn Dessert, PieLeave a comment

I found this recipe on Pinterest. It comes from a blog, cookinupnorth.blogspot.com and was really nice, because you only have to make as many as you want to eat right then. I also used crescent rolls instead of refrigerated pie crust.

  • 1⁄2 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 pkg. crescent rolls, or refrigerated pie crust
  • 3 tablespoon melted butter, divided
  • 1-2 medium tart apples, cut into 8 wedges

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon, set aside 1 tablespoon. n a lightly floured surface, unroll the pastry. Brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter, sprinkle with remaining sugar mixture. Cut each sheet into 8 one inch strips, about 8 inches long. Wrap one strip around each apple wedge, sugar side against the apple. Place on parchment paper lined baking sheet. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar mixture. Bake at 425° for 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm, preferably with ice cream.

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

On By sarafillmerIn DessertLeave a comment

I found this recipe on Pinterest also. They were very easy to make and tasted yummy.

  • 1 pound large strawberries
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3-4 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • graham cracker crumbs

Rinse strawberries and cut around the top of the strawberry. Remove the top and clean out with a paring knife, if necessary. Prep all strawberries and set aside. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy. Add cream cheese mix to a piping bag or ziplock with a corner snipped off. Fill strawberries with cheesecake mixture. Once strawberries are filled, dip the top in graham cracker crumbs. Refrigerate if not serving immediately

Caramel Crunch Bars

On By sarafillmerIn Bars, DessertLeave a comment

I got this recipe from the back of a bag of caramel baking chips. I didn’t have any marshmallows, so I used the marshmallow spread and put it under the caramel. It was extra gooey, but still really yummy

  • 4 1/2 Honey Maid graham crackers
  • 1  11 oz bag Kraft Caramel Bits
  • 2  tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 cup peanuts
  • 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pretzels
  • 4 squares semi sweet baking squares, melted

Line an 8-inch square pan with foil, with ends of the foil extending over the sides of the pan. Grease foil generously with shortening. Place grahams on bottom of pan, cutting to fit if necessary. Microwave the caramel bits and milk in microwaveable bowl on high for 2 minutes, or until the caramel bits are completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring every 30 seconds. Pour over grahams; top with the next 3 ingredients. Drizzle with chocolate. Refrigerate for at least an hour. Use the foil handles to remove from pan before cutting into bars to serve.

Snickerdoodle Brownies

On By sarafillmerIn Bars, DessertLeave a comment

This recipe is courtesy of the blog My Own Sweet Thyme. They taste just like a warm snickerdoodle cookie.

  • 2 2⁄3 cups (342 g) flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1  teaspoon salt
  • 2  cups packed brown sugar
  • 1  cup butter, at room temperature
  • 2  eggs, at room temperature
  • 1  tablespoon vanilla
  • 2  tablespoons white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease bottom and sides of 9×13 pan; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla until smooth. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and beat well until blended. Batter will be thick. Spread evenly into the prepared pan. In a small bowl, combine the white sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the batter in the baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the surface springs back when gently pressed. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack. Cut while warm if desired.

Peanut Butter Nutella Brownies

On By sarafillmerIn DessertLeave a comment

This recipe comes from noblepig.com via Pinterest. The thing I like about this brownie is the peanut butter really balances out the nutella and makes a really pleasing brownie.

  • 1  cup butter, melted
  • 2  cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (128 g) flour
  • 3/4 cup cocoa
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup Nutella
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease bottom and sides of 9×13 pan; set aside. In a medium bowl combine all purpose flour, cocoa (sift this in to get rid of lumps), baking powder and salt. Set aside. Over low heat, melt butter and stir in sugar and vanilla extract until well combined. To the butter-sugar mixture whisk in the cocoa mixture until fully combined. In a microwave safe bowl add Nutella and peanut butter. Heat in the microwave in 20 second intervals until it reaches a runny consistency. Stir into the batter. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes. Let brownies cool completely before cutting.