Swedish Kringler

Time for some Christmas baking!

First up is some Swedish Kringler. A favorite of Brent's...and mine! I love anything almond and that flavor shines in this recipe.

It starts with a flakey pie crust bottom. The next layer is pate choux which has almond in it. The final layer is the almond icing sprinkled with toasted almonds.

It's ready for the Christmas brunch at bible study tomorrow morning...hope they enjoy!

If not Brent will be a willing participant in any leftovers...lol

Swedish Kringler

Mix as for pie crust using a pastry blender until crumbly. Add water 1 Tablespoon at a time if needed:

1 cup flour

1 stick cold butter

1 to 2 Tbsp water

Gather into a ball and cut in half. Take one half and place onto ungreased cookie

sheet. Pat into a 12 x 4 oval strip. Take the other half and pat into another 12 x 4 oval strip.

Set pan aside.

In a saucepan add:

1 cup water

1 stick butter.

Bring to a boil and take off burner. Add:

1 cup flour

Stir until incorporated.

Add one at a time:

3 eggs ( I use room temperature)

Stir after each egg until smooth. Add:

1 tsp almond extract

Stir in and spread the mixture onto each oval strip.

Bake at 375 for 45 minutes.

Cool.

Mix:

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tbsp soft butter

1 to 3 Tbsp cream( milk or water also works)

1 tsp almond extract

Stir until smooth adding 1 tablespoon of cream at a time until of spreading consistency.

Spread on top of the two strips and sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds.

Slow Cooker crustless Pecan Pie

I like to buy those huge bags of pecans at Costco. I keep them in the freezer so I can grab some to add to yogurt...salads....or for baking

sweet treats like Pecan Pie.

This recipe for pecan pie has no crust and is made in the slow cooker. So simple to throw together and tastes just like a pecan pie. Warm and gooey ...so delicious!

It cooks for about 2 hours. You will need to watch so the edges dont burn. The center will be moist.....each crock pot is different, check it every so often.

It's just mouth watering served warm with a dab of ice cream or whipped cream!

Slow cooker crustless pecan pie

1 cup of brown sugar

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1 1/4 cup chopped pecans

2 large eggs, beaten

1/2 cup melted butter (cool slightly)

1 tsp. Vanilla

Mix the flour, pecans and brown sugar. Add the melted butter and mix. Stir in the beaten eggs and vanilla.

Pour into a well greased crockpot. Cook on high about 2 hours. It will be moist in the middle, but not runny, when done.

I hesitate to say how many this will serve. One scoop wasn't enough for us! I would guess 6 if served with ice cream on top.

BONUS...your house will smell wonderful while this cooks!

Weight Watchers 3 pt Lilly's Chocolate Chip Donut

Most of you prolly have already heard WW switched plans up again in January of 2020. I ended up in the GREEN plan, and its working well for me.

I love chocolate and this baked donut does the trick for me. It's not very sweet, but does have LOTS of chocolate flavor. If you wanted to sweeten it up a bit, you could drizzle on some icing made of powdered sugar and water. It might add an extra point, but a 4 pt donut still isn't bad! 

I added 10 Lilly's chocolate chips onto each one before I baked them, and to make them purdy I sprinkled on some powdered sugar. (If you don't have a donut pan, you could use a cupcake pan.) Lilly's chocolate chips are Stevia sweetened, and on the GREEN plan you can have 60 for 2 points. Lilly also makes some awesome candy bars...pricey but good.

I have one of these with a cup of tea for my afternoon snack...a perfect combo!

Baked Chocolate Donuts

1 egg

1/2 c. 1% milk

1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 Tbsp. sugar

1/2 c. flour

1/4 c. cocoa powder

1 tsp. baking powder

60 Lilly's chocolate chips

Mix the wet ingredients and then add the dry. Spoon into a 6 donut pan, that has been sprayed generously with Pam. Drop 10 chocolate chips onto each donut. Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes.(WW Green 3 pts is what I get on my app)

If you want to drizzle on some icing: mix 1/4 c. powdered sugar, 1/4 tsp. vanilla, and 1 to 2 Tbsp water until desired consistency. (adds another point)

Apple Kuchen

Wow! This stuff is GOOD!

I'm glad I stumbled upon the recipe on Pinterest...yes it's another "Pinned it..tried it...and LOVED it!"

I could have used this recipe a LONG time ago. I'm thinking holidays...potlucks...it's so easy and feeds quite a few. I'll be putting it to good use in the future though, that's for sure.

It's basically an apple crumb pie in a  9 x 13 pan. First you make the crust....but NO ROLLING....yay! You bake that,and let it cool while you make the filling and the crumb topping.

It's amazing, and right in time for baking with all those apples that are around this fall!

Apple Kuchen

2 c. flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1 c. cold butter

Mix with pastry bender until size of peas.

Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of cold water until crumbs are just moistened. Pat in a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes until edges are just turning slightly brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Meanwhile, peal and slice 8 cups of apples. Mix with:

1 c. sugar

2 tsp. cinnamon

Place on top of the cooled crust.

Mix until coarse crumbs form:

1 c. flour

1 c. sugar

1/2 c. cold butter

Sprinkle on top and bake at 350 for 60 to 70 minutes or until apples are soft and crust is lightly browned.

Peach Dump Cake...Pinned it and tried it

What an awesome dessert, and SO quick to make!

Just a cake mix, a can of peaches and a few other ingredients.

I added a bunch of chopped pecans,too.

I pinned it, tried it and LOVED it! I saw several different variations of this recipe on Pinterest, so I combined a few. I will definitely make this again!

Peach Dump Cake

29 oz. can of sliced peaches, in heavy syrup

1 white cake mix

1 stick of butter

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

nuts, coconut, etc. if desired

Pour the peaches into a 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix and cinnamon on top. Drizzle butter over all and sprinkle nuts on top. Bake at 350 for about 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.

Chocolate Fudge Cake.... better than sex cake

Chocolate Fudge cake...aka.... Better than Sex Cake...is a great dessert to take to a potluck. It's super EZ, and you usually come home with a clean pan. And let's not forget it's chocolate and sinfully delicious!

I've been craving this cake, and haven't made it for SO long. It's way too much for only 2 people, so I have to wait for an occasion. It just so happens in the last few weeks I had 3 potlucks....and yes, I made it for each one! LOL!

It's an easy dessert to make, and can be made a day ahead. I usually put the topping on right before serving, but you don't have too. It tastes great either way.

Brent's been a pretty happy camper this month, as Heath bars are his favorite candy bar!

Chocolate Fudge Cake

(better than sex cake)

1 chocolate cake mix

1 can sweetened condensed milk

12 oz. jar of caramel sauce ( I use about half of a jar or so)

crushed heath bars ( I use about 4 or 5)

8 oz. Cool Whip

Bake the cake according to package directions. Cool about 10 minutes. Mix the condensed milk and caramel sauce together. Poke holes all over the cake with the back of a wooden spoon. Pour the caramel mixture over the entire cake. Sprinkle 2 or 3 crushed heath bars on top. Refrigerate until serving. Top with Cool whip and 2 or 3 more crushed Heath bars. (you can also drizzle with caramel or chocolate topping if desired) Store in refrigerator.

Christmas Cranberry Cake with butter sauce

My friend and I were talking on the phone, and she was making a Cranberry Cake for Christmas, with BUTTER sauce! As she was telling me..... I was already looking up the recipe..haha!

I've made this once or twice many years ago after getting the recipe from a co-worker, and that butter sauce is ridiculous. Ridiculous GOOD!!! 

I had leftover cream and a bag of cranberries, so I made a small 9" pan with this recipe. The cake itself is very dense,with a bit of tartness from the cranberries, and once that sauce is poured on top, every bite is sinfully delicious!

Such a pretty dessert for the holidays!

Cranberry Cake

3 Tbsp.butter, softened

1 c. sugar

1 c. evaporated milk

2 c. flour

3 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 1/2 to 2 cups FRESH cranberries, sliced in half

Cream the butter and sugar, stir in the milk. Add the flour,baking powder and salt and mix. Gently stir in the cranberries. Pour in a greased 9" pan and bake at 350 for about 40 minutes, or until a tooth pick comes out clean.

Butter Sauce

1 stick butter

1 c. heavy cream

1 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Melt the butter in a sauce pan, add the sugar and cream. Bring to a boil and boil until thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in vanilla. Pour warm over cake and enjoy!!!

Apple Crisp

It's fall...time to use some of those fresh apples you see at the store to make Apple Crisp!

I have several recipes that I LOVE for crisp, including this one....we like it because it's makes such a nice glaze that clings to the apples as it bakes. When it's warm, it has more of a syrup than some of my other recipes. 

My mom used to love to make apple recipes in the fall...applesauce was always on the table along with apple cakes, crisps and pies.

 I think I will have to dig out a few more of her apple recipes...this crisp wasn't around long!

Apple Crisp

5 c. peeled and sliced apples

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 Tbsp.flour

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 c. water

Place apples in a 9" square pan. Mix sugar, flour and cinnamon. Sprinkle over apples and pour water over all.

1/2 c. oats

1/2 c. flour

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/8 tsp. baking soda

1/8 tsp. baking powder

1/4 c. butter, melted

Combine oats,flour, brown sugar, baking soda,baking powder and melted butter. Sprinkle crumble on top and bake at 350 for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until apples are tender and crumble is golden brown. ( I put some tin foil on top half way through baking to prevent burning)

Milano Ghosts and Reeses Witch Brooms

Pinned it, tried it, and LOVED it!

Yes, I confess. I have been spending lots of time on Pinterest lately! I like to look at all the fall things people have been posting. 

I ran across these "cute as can be"ghosts and witch brooms and had to make a few! They were so easy, and tasty. I didn't think Milano's could get better, but we loved them with the white chocolate. I just dipped half of the cookie and added some black sprinkles for eyes. 

The brooms were even easier! I took a toothpick and made a hole in the Reese miniature cup, and stuck the pretzel inside. Who doesn't love a sweet and salty snack? Yum!

These would be fun for kids of course,but also great for Halloween parties. I think I will head back to Pinterest and see what else I can find...LOL!

Have a great day!

S'more Oreo's...pinned it and tried it

Pinned it, tried it and LOVED it!

I wasn't sure s'mores could get any better, but I have to say they are even better made with Oreo's!!!

Just twist an Oreo open, add the chocolate, roasted marshmallow, put the top back on and ENJOY!

Skillet Brownie for 2

Sometimes you just need a brownie. 

Not a big pan...or you might eat the whole thing. That's when you can make this skillet brownie for 2. Actually you could also bake it in a small loaf pan if you don't have a  6" skillet. The skillet adds a nice texture to the sides though.

I like to add some chocolate chips on top and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, but you could make a bit of icing. Or eat it plain too...either way it's a delicious treat!

Skillet Brownie for 2

5 Tbsp. flour

6  1/2 Tbsp. sugar

2 1/2 Tbsp. cocoa powder

1/8 tsp.salt

1 egg 

3 Tsp. oil

handful of chocolate chips

Mix the flour,sugar,cocoa and salt. Add the egg and oil. Mix well and pour into a 6" cast iron skillet. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Bake at 350 for 20 to 30 minutes.

Cream Cheese Pie

Hands down this is one of Brent's favorite desserts!

I love the fact that it literally takes minutes to prepare, and of course he LOVES the taste. The best part just may be that graham cracker crust...so buttery and delicious.  I make this treat a couple times a month all summer...tastes awesome with fresh berries!

Cream Cheese Pie

1( 8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temp

1/3 c. sugar

1 (8 oz. ) container Cool Whip

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix the sugar,vanilla and cream cheese together. Fold in the cool whip and spoon into a graham cracker pie crust. Chill. Serve topped with fresh fruit.

Graham Cracker Pie Crust

1 1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs

1/3 c. sugar

6 Tbsp. butter, melted

Mix together and pat in a pie pan. Bake at 375 for about 5 to 7 minutes. Cool Completely.

Patriotic Dessert Kabobs

These are festive and fun! 

They are also very EZ to make and look SO pretty for the holiday.

Have a Happy 4th!

Patriotic Dessert Kabobs

Sara Lee pound cake, cut in squares

strawberries

blueberries

white chocolate melts

wooden skewers

(whipped cream to serve along side if desired)

Thread a chunk of cake, a strawberry, and 2 blueberries until the skewer is full. Drizzle with melted white chocolate and serve with whipped cream for dipping.

Texas Sheet Cake for 2

Oh my! Look at that icing.

This will satisfy any chocolate craving.

I used to love to make Texas Sheet Cake, but it makes such a BIG pan. With just the 2 of us..... that can be DANGEROUS!

I was so happy when I found this recipe that makes just 2 single servings ....and actually each one is enough for 2 servings. They are so rich, half of one is just about right. 

IF you can save the other half for later, that is.

Texas Sheet Cake for 2

3 Tbsp. butter

3 Tbsp. cocoa powder

3 Tbsp. water

Microwave until melted and cocoa powder is dissolved. Stir and set aside.

1/4 c. plus 1 Tbsp. flour

1/4 c. sugar

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 tsp. baking powder

Mix dry ingredients and add to cocoa mixture.

1 egg

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/4 c. buttermilk

Mix egg, vanilla and buttermilk and add to the rest of the mixture. Pour into 2 greased 8 oz. ramekins. Bake at 350 for 20 to 30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Let cool just a bit. While still slightly warm, pour frosting on top:

1 Tbsp. melted butter

2 tsp. cocoa powder

2 Tbsp. milk

1/2 c. powdered sugar ( I added a bit more)

2 T. chopped pecans ( I omitted)

Monday's with Mom .....Swedish Nut Cake

My mom loved walnuts and pecans, and usually leaned towards recipes that featured them, like this Swedish Nut Cake. The frosting is covered with them, and some are also included inside the cake. You are sure to get some in every bite!

This is a super moist cake, as it has a can of pineapple WITH juice. It's a great dessert for any occasion, but mom often made it for company. She always kept bags of nuts in the freezer, and I do too. It's so handy to have them on hand for recipes like this one...and for snacking of course!

Swedish Nut Cake

1 c. sugar

1 c. flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. vanilla

 10 oz. can crushed pineapple with juice

1 egg

1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Mix well and pour into a 9" greased pan. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes. 

When cool frost with:

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/4 c. butter softened

1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. powdered sugar

Mix well and spread on top of cake. Sprinkle with 1/2 c. chopped walnuts or pecans.

Low fat Lemon Cake

I tried the cake made with Greek yogurt again...this time I used lemon. It was awesome! I served it with cream and berries...it was a big hit.

I can't believe it's low fat, it really has a great texture and flavor. I think spice cake is next...I'll let you know how that one turns out!

Low fat Cake with Greek Yogurt

1 cup Greek yogurt (I used 2 individual 5.3 oz.) 

1 cake mix

1 c. water

Mix and bake in a 9 x 13 for about 20 to 30 minutes.( I found this baked much quicker than the directions on the box)

Monday's with Mom...Fruit Cocktail Cake

I haven't posted a Monday's with Mom for a long time!

Today I'm sharing a cake mom made often for clubs and organizations that she belonged too. In those days, they ALWAYS served a dessert at every meeting. 

She always kept boxed cake mixes, cans of pie filling, and cans of fruit on hand for quick and easy recipes like this one.

One of her favorite pastimes was to sit at the kitchen table and read the paper or magazines....clipping out interesting recipes to try. Now I find myself doing the same thing, and have passed that tradition on to my daughter. My mom would get such a kick out of knowing her granddaughter does the same thing she loved to do too!

I remember eating this cake many times. It's SO moist and scrumptious...a perfect quick dessert for coffee or actually any occasion.

The brown sugar topping is delish!

Fruit Cocktail Cake

3/4 c. sugar

1 c. flour

1 tsp. soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 egg, beaten

14 oz. can fruit cocktail with juice

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix well and pour into a greased 8"pan.

Mix and top with:

1/4 c. brown sugar

1/4. tsp. cinnamon

1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Bake at 325 for 30-40 minutes.

Greek Yogurt and Cake Mix

I've been meaning to try this low fat cake recipe for a long time, so I decided TODAY was the day!

I grabbed a cake mix and 2 individual containers of vanilla Greek yogurt (80 cal) at the store, hurried home and mixed it up! The only other ingredient was a cup of water. 

Well....I did sprinkle on a few chocolate chips here and there, as I was not planning on icing it. 

Pinned it, tried it, and LOVED it!

I think this is much better than the can of pumpkin and cake mix recipe.....much lighter.... and the chocolate taste comes through much better.

It was delicious! I plan on trying a lemon cake mix next.

Low fat Cake with Greek Yogurt

1 cup Greek yogurt (I used 2 individual 5.3 oz.) 

1 cake mix

1 c. water

Mix and bake in a 9 x 13 for about 20 to 30 minutes.( I found this baked much quicker than the directions on the box)

Smore's Cream Puff

Happy Valentines Day!

I made some mini cream puffs and turned them into some smore's for Valentines Day. 

I took off the top and added a Dove chocolate and some mini marshmallows and put it under the broiler until golden.

Then I put the top back on....yum! What a fun treat for Valentines Day!

Mini Cream Puffs

1/2 c. water

1/3 c. butter, cubed

dash of salt

1/2 c. flour

2 eggs

In  a large sauce pan, bring the butter, water and salt to a boil. Stir in the flour all at once until smooth. Take off heat, and let stand a couple of minutes. Add egg one at a time, beating well, until mixture is smooth and shiny. Drop by teaspoons onto greased baking sheets and bake at 425 for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Remove and immediately split puffs open, remove tops and set aside to cool. 

Jenny's Toffee Pecan Pie

This tastes as sinful as it looks!

Our daughter gave me the recipe and said I HAD to bake this for Dad. Well, one look at the ingredients and I saw why....toffee bits!

Brent loves toffee. His favorite candy bar are Heath bars.

So I made it, and Brent devoured it! With ice cream on top of course.

I love pecan pie, and I never thought it could get any better, but I have to say the toffee puts it over the top!

Jenny's Toffee Pecan Pie

 3 large eggs, slightly beaten

1 c. brown sugar

3/4 c. light corn syrup

6 Tbsp. butter, melted and cooled

1 tsp. vanilla

juice of 1/2 lemon

1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 c. roughly chopped pecans

1/2 c. toffee bits

1 frozen pie crust

Put a baking sheet in the oven . Preheat to 425. Mix filling and pour into frozen pie crust. Transfer to baking sheet. Reduce oven to 350 and bake filling until the edge is set, but slightly jiggly in the center, 55 minutes to 1 hour. Cool completely. ( I always put foil around the edges so they don't burn before the filling is done)