by Marsha | Jan 7, 2013 | Breads, Holidays |
Nothing quite says “Holidays” like some fresh hot pumpkin bread. This bread is moist and flavorful. I have taken it to several functions and get asked for the recipe every time! The best part is it makes 2 loaves so you can take one with you and leave one at home for later. They make great gifts, just purchase new loaf pans and make the pan part of the gift. You can also make them ahead of time and freeze until ready to eat. Just thaw in the refrigerator the day before. 1 (15 oz.) can of pumpkin Puree – not pie filling 4 eggs 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil 1/2 unsweetened apple sauce 2 teaspoons orange zest 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice 2 cups sugar 3 1/2 cups plain all purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger Directions: In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, eggs, oil, applesauce, orange zest, orange juice, and sugar. Mix until combined. In a separate large bowl, combine dry ingredients, flour , baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, and ground ginger. Stir dry ingredients with a whisk until thoroughly combined. With the mixer on lowest setting, slowly add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture until just combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of bowl and mix for 30 more seconds. Pour into 2 loaf pans that have been greased and lightly dusted with flour. I also added a light dusting of sugar but this is optional. Bake in 350...
by Marsha | Mar 27, 2011 | Breads, Desserts, Holidays, Vegetarian Recipes |
This bread is so good! It has a nice blend of spices along with chunks of apple and ginger that makes this bread something special. It smells so good cooking and fills the house with a wonderful aroma. My family loved it! 3 2/3 cup bread flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 4 eggs 2 cups cooked sweet potato – mashed 1 cup apple -peel and chopped 1/3 cup canola oil 1 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 1/2 cup chopped candied ginger Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 2 loaf pans(9x5x3 inch), set aside. Stir together dry ingredients, flour, soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger with a wire whisk until well mixed; set aside. In a mixer bowl, beat eggs, sweet potato, buttermilk, applesauce and canola oil until blended. Blend in flour mixture until just mixed. (do not over beat). Fold in apples and candied ginger. Divide batter evenly between loaf pans and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool...
by Marsha | Aug 15, 2010 | Desserts, Holidays, Parties, Summer |
This is one of my favorite recipes. I used to make this as a teenager to take to picnics and outings. It is simple to make and the taste is out of this world good! This recipe makes enough to fill a large punch bowl, but if you want to make one for just your family just half the filling and berry topping recipe and it still works fine. I made one in 2 large bowls and shared some with my neighbors. This cake is heavenly! You can make this cake a day ahead and keep them in the refrigerator. Cake: 1 Angel Food Cake (baked or bought) cut or tear into one inch pieces Filling: 2 (8 oz) bars cream cheese 1 cup lite sour cream 1 1/2 cups sugar 12 oz. whipped topping (can use fat free too) In a mixer, combine cream cheese and sugar until blended. Add sour cream and mix. Fold in whipped topping. Refrigerate until you are ready to assemble the cake. Berry topping: 2 pints strawberries 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup cold water 3 tablespoons cornstarch Wash and hull berries. Mash enough berries to make 2 cups. (running them through the food processor works too) Slice remaining berries and place all berries in a stock pot. Add sugar to berries and stir. Combine water and cornstarch in a measuring cup and stir until cornstarch is dissolved. Add cornstarch mixture to berries and heat over medium heat stirring constantly until juice has thickened. Cool completely. When all your parts are done, simply layer the cake in a punch bowl starting with a layer of cake, then a...
by Marsha | Feb 10, 2010 | Desserts, Holidays, Parties |
These cookies are good for any occasion. All you have to do is change cookie cutters. They are made from simple ingredients that I always keep on hand. They have a softer texture and a wonderful flavor. The dough is a dream to work with! Ingredients 2 cups sugar 1/2 cup butter (at room temperature) 1/2 cup shortening (at room temperature) 1/2 cup buttermilk 3 eggs slightly beaten 1/2 teaspoon soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoons vanilla 5-6 cups plain flour (enough to form a soft dough) Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream together the shortening, butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla mix to combine. In a large bowl, sift 3 cups flour along with soda, salt, and baking powder. Slowly add flour to sugar mixture and 2-3 cups more sifted flour or enough to make a soft dough. Turn dough out onto floured surface and knead briefly. Roll dough to 1/4 inch and cut out cookies with festive cookie cutters. Bake for 10-12 minutes To decorate with sprinkles: Brush cut out cookies lightly with water and sprinkle with colored sugar or candies. Bake as directed. To decorate with frosting: Bake cookies as directed and cool completely on cooling rack. Frost with the following soft frosting and sprinkle with candies or melted chocolate. Frosting: 3 cups confectioners sugar 1/2 cup butter (at room temperature) 5 Tablespoons cream or half and half Place all ingredients in mixing bowl and mix until smooth. Frost cookies and enjoy. ~Marsha...
by Marsha | Nov 4, 2009 | Holidays, Parties |
My sister gave me this recipe years ago. I always make it around Thanksgiving and Christmas each year. The holidays just wouldn’t be the same without this recipe. I know the ingredients may sound odd, but it has a wonderful flavor and it is usually the first cheese ball devoured at parties. 2 8oz bars of cream cheese (can use the 1/3 less fat variety too) 1 Tablespoon finely chopped onion 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 8 oz cans of crushed pineapple (well drained) 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 1/4 teaspoon red pepper (cayenne) Chopped pecans, walnuts or parsley for garnish (optional) Drain pineapple thoroughly by mashing it in the strainer until mostly dry. Reserve juice for another use. In a mixing bowl combine all ingredients except for nuts and mix thoroughly. Shape into ball or log and garnish if desired. Cover and refrigerate. This recipe tastes better if it is made the day before and chilled overnight in the refrigerator. It gives all the flavors time to marry. Serve with chips, crackers, cut carrot and celery sticks, whatever you like. ~Gina...
by Marsha | Oct 5, 2009 | Holidays, Parties |
Some of the best foods are simple ones. These hors d’oeuvres are simple, elegant and delicious! Try serving these at your next party. 1 package whole pitted dates 1 package bacon (regular or maple flavor) Cook bacon until done. Working quickly while bacon is plyable wrap half a piece of bacon around each date. You can use decorative toothpicks to hold them in place if desired, but as bacon becomes crisp it will stay wrapped around the date. Place on a decorative dish and serve. *Note: I cook 2-3 pieces of bacon at a time in the microwave. I use a microwave bacon tray so the grease will drain away. By cooking just a few pieces at a time you can work with the bacon before it crisps up. ~Marsha...
