Cream Cheese Strawberry Crescents

So recently I went to someone's house for a get together. I wanted to take something, but it was kind of last minute, so I needed to make do with what I had in the kitchen. Lucky for me, I had a roll of refrigerator crescent rolls. You can make so much with those things, seriously.

I then looked to see what I could find to stuff inside these lovely rolls. I found cream cheese and strawberry jelly. Perfection.

These were the result of the experiment. I will say they made a lovely sticky sugary mess on my baking sheet, so next time I might do things a little differently, but they were still good. You could do these with a full crescent roll instead of cutting them smaller like I did, too. I was just trying to make smaller treats. :)

Ingredients:
-refrigerator crescent rolls
-About 1/4 of a block of cream cheese
-About 1/3 cup jelly

Directions:
Preheat oven according to package directions.

Lay out the crescent roll dough on a baking sheet. If using the full rolls, just separate them. If cutting into smaller bits, cut and separate (I didn't separate very well, and it made it harder to roll them around the filling).

Spread a little cream cheese on each roll.

Spoon a little strawberry jelly over the cream cheese.

Roll the crescent dough around the filling and evenly space them on the baking sheet.

Bake according to package directions, until golden brown and yummy.

Remove from baking sheet before they cool, especially if the jelly oozed out and made a mess. Once it cools, it's almost impossible to get the rolls off without mangling them. Serve and enjoy.

Yum!

Giftable Goodies! Chocolate Dipped Cookies and "Stir-In" Spoons

Hooray for some more giftable goodies! Today's featured yummies are Chocolate dipped sandwich cookies (like Oreos), and "Stir-In" spoons. Basically it's a bunch of stuff dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with more sugary stuff. Haha.

These really are pretty easy to do, but be prepared to get slightly messy. It's amazing how melted chocolate seems to get everywhere. It wasn't too terrible, and most of it was on my hands, so it all worked out. ;)

The "stir-in" spoons are basically just spoons dipped in chocolate, and you stir them into either coffee or hot chocolate to flavor the hot drink. I did chocolate and white chocolate, but you can be creative. Caramel dipped spoons would be fun, and adding certain types of candy like peppermints can add another dimension of flavor (think peppermint mocha). The possibilities are endless.

So without further ado...giftable goodies!

Dipped Cookies
Ingredients:
-1 package sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
-1 package chocolate chips (you might need a little more than 1 package, depending on how many cookies you do)
-sprinkles, crushed candy, or whatever other topping you'd like (you could also melt some white chocolate and drizzle...)

Directions:
Melt the chocolate chips, either in the microwave or with a double boiler. In the microwave...dump the chips into a microwave safe bowl (I used my large Pyrex glass measuring cup). Heat the chips for 1 minute, then stir to get the chips all mixed up. Heat in 30 second increments, stirring after each time, until the chips are JUST melted. If you over heat the chocolate, it will get nasty. I know this from experience. Be very careful. Haha. In a double boiler, heat the chips, stirring frequently, until just melted. Remove from the heat.

Dip one side of the cookie in the melted chocolate. Let the excess drip off.

Next, drop the whole cookie into the chocolate, non-dipped side down, so the already dipped side is facing up out of the chocolate.

Using a fork, make sure the bottom and sides of the cookie are covered in chocolate. Scoop the cookie out of the chocolate pool with the fork, letting the excess chocolate run off through the tines.

Place the dipped cookie on a waxpaper lined baking sheet.

While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with whatever sprinkle or crushed candy you have to decorate the tops.

When the cookie sheet is full of dipped cookies, place in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate set. When the chocolate has set, package the cookies in whatever fun packaging idea you have, and give away! (If you can manage not to eat most of them yourself...)

I packaged mine in clear plastic bags with some pretty ribbon and a tag. :)



"Stir-In" Spoons
Ingredients:
-Plastic disposable spoons (you can use nicer non-disposable spoons if you want the gift to be a little nicer)
-1 package chocolate chips (I did some chocolate and some white chocolate), which will dip between 10 and 15 spoons, depending on how generous you are
-Fun sprinkles, crushed candy, etc for decorating/flavoring

Directions:
Melt the chocolate chips, either in the microwave or with a double boiler. In the microwave...dump the chips into a microwave safe bowl (I used my large Pyrex glass measuring cup). Heat the chips for 1 minute, then stir to get the chips all mixed up. Heat in 30 second increments, stirring after each time, until the chips are JUST melted. If you over heat the chocolate, it will get nasty. I know this from experience. Be very careful. Haha. In a double boiler, heat the chips, stirring frequently, until just melted. Remove from the heat.

Dip each spoon into the chocolate, making sure to cover both sides well. Let the excess drip off, then set on a wax paper lined baking sheet.

While the chocolate it still wet, sprinkle with your decorative/flavoring fun stuff.

When the sheet is full,

place in the fridge for about 20 minutes to let the chocolate set up. When the chocolate is set, package the spoons for gifting!

I used some long, skinny clear plastic bags I got at a craft store. They were labeled pretzel bags, and I also use them for my dipped pretzel rods. They were the perfect size for this.

I will say that whatever packaging method you choose to use, they should probably be air-tight so the chocolate doesn't start to look odd. Sometimes as chocolate dries out, it starts to look spotty or weird. Not great for gifting.



Just as an aside, I'm posting pictures of my little goodie bags I'm giving away to friends. They include a Cookie Tower (a stack of three types of cookies in a clear plastic bag), my dipped pretzels, the stir-in spoons above, the dipped cookies above, previously posted peppermint bark and turtles, and a candy cane. I included a little Christmas card as well, so they know who it's all from and that we wish them a Merry Christmas! :)

Here's my table covered in goodies waiting to be packaged up,

and here is my table with all the goodies in cute little gift bags, ready to go!

And here's a look inside!

So excited to see how they are received. Enjoy your giftable goodies!

Giftable Goodies! Peppermint Bark and Turtles

These two Giftable Goodies are awesome, and pretty stinking easy to make. But they look so much more complicated than they are. And they're kinda pretty. Haha.

The first is Peppermint Bark. It's literally two ingredients and takes about 5 minutes to make, plus some chilling time in the fridge.

The second goodie is called Turtles. They kinda look like turtles, and they are typical "turtle" flavors, as far as caramel-y, chocolate-y, nutty goodness is concerned. I'm not talking about green reptillian creatures that mutated into ninjas. Sorry, I had to do it. Hehe. There are several ways to make these, and my method involves caramel chips and chocolate chips with pecan halves. My mom makes these with Rolos candies instead of the chips. Either way is fine...use what you can find at the store. :)

I usually make things like this, as simple as they are, and make them special with packaging. It's pretty amazing what a clear plastic bag and ribbon can do. I sometimes add tags, as well, and that makes it even more fun. Don't be limited by my examples...go for your own creative solutions! It's amazing the fun stuff you can find to package goodies in...cute printed tins, clear "paint buckets," special boxes made for goodies, and endless other possibilities.

But before you can package the goodies, you should probably make them, huh? So here we go!

Peppermint Bark (This makes approx. one 9 x 13 inch sheet of bark)
Ingredients
-2 packages white chocolate chips
-approx. 1 cup crushed peppermint candy (put the candy in a sturdy plastic zipper bag, and bang them with something hard until they smash into a million pieces. Good stress relief, but don't make the pieces too terribly small)

Directions:
Line a baking sheet with wax paper.

Melt the white chocolate chips, either in the microwave or with a double boiler. In the microwave...dump the chips into a large microwave safe bowl (I used my Pyrex glass mixing bowl). Heat the chips for 1 minute, then stir to get the chips all mixed up. Heat in 30 second increments, stirring after each time, until the chips are JUST melted. If you over heat the white chocolate, it will get nasty. I know this from experience. Be very careful. Haha. In a double boiler, heat the chips, stirring frequently, until just melted. Remove from the heat.

Once the white chocolate is melted, stir in most of the peppermint candy pieces, reserving about 1/4 cup to sprinkle on top. Spread the chocolate/peppermint mixture onto the wax paper lined baking sheet in an even, thin layer, approximately 1/4 inch (you don't have to be perfect...).

While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the reserved peppermint candy on top.

Stick the whole shebang into the fridge for about 45 minutes to let the chocolate set and harden.

Once the chocolate is set, remove the baking sheet from the fridge. Gently break apart the sheet of pepperminty chocolate into chunks.

Place a few chunks together in your fun packaging and give away

...or serve for friends and family at Christmas get togethers. They'll think you're extremely talented in the treat making department. Haha. Enjoy this festive goodie!



Turtles (This makes approximately 100 turtles)
Ingredients:
-1 package mini pretzels
-1 package caramel bits or chips (2 cups)
-1 package semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (2 cups)
-2 bags pecan HALVES (NOT chopped pieces)

-Substitute 2 packages of Rolos candies (one Rolo per turtle) for the caramel and chocolate chips, if you'd rather. It's slightly less labor intensive.

Directions:
I make these in two batches of fifty each.

Line a baking sheet with foil or oven safe wax paper/parchment paper. Turn on your oven to the broiler setting.

Lay out the pretzels in a single layer, leaving a little room between them.

Place three caramel chips on the pretzels.

Continue by adding three chocolate chips to the pretzels.

Place under the preheated broiler for no more than a minute...you just want to the chips to melt a bit. Take the sheet out of the oven, and IMMEDIATELY start placing the pecan halves on top of the melted chips, so they'll stick.

Work quickly, because as the chips cool, the pecans will no longer stick to them. Place these in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to set the caramel and chocolate.

When the caramel and chocolate are set, remove the sheet from the fridge. Repeat the process for the second batch of fifty. When all 100 are ready to go, melt some of the remaining chocolate chips. In the microwave...dump the chips into a microwave safe bowl (I used a Pyrex glass measuring cup). Heat the chips for 1 minute, then stir to get the chips all mixed up. Heat in 30 second increments, stirring after each time, until the chips are JUST melted. Be very careful not to overheat them. If using a double boiler, heat the chips, stirring frequently, until just melted. Remove from the heat.

Drizzle the melted chocolate over the turtles.

If the chocolate isn't "runny" enough, put it into a piping bag and use it like icing, drizzling the turtles that way. Return the sheet of turtles to the fridge to once again let the new chocolate set. When they're all set and ready to be packaged, place a few turtles in a cute package and gift to your favorite people.

These are also great snacks for holiday parties. Hope you enjoy!

In the Spirit of Christmas...Giftable Goodies!

Hello everyone. I'm sorry I haven't posted in a little while. Things have been a little crazy around here. But never fear! I'm about to post a bunch of super fun holiday snacks that are perfect for giving away.

To start us off, I'm linking you to some previous posts of things perfect for gifting...Chocolate Dipped Pretzels and Trail Mix! They are super fun, and everyone will think you are awesome for making these and giving them away. Look out soon for more giftable goodies!

Click here for Chocolate Dipped Pretzels!

Click here for Trail Mix!

Taco Dip

Can I just say that some days, I just want to snack all day? Meals are no fun, and I just want to munch. That was why this ended up on the menu. However, it is full of such great stuff it could totally make a meal. Haha. My husband and I were totally satisfied eating this for dinner. Cause we're cool like that.

This would also be a great dish to take to a party, or to have at your own. It's super easy, and it's great cold or room temperature, so no worrying about keeping it warm. So I hope you enjoy this as much as we did!

Ingredients:
-1 can refried beans
-1 lb ground beef
-1/2 cup water
-1 tablespoon garlic powder
-1 teaspoon onion powder
-2 tablespoons chili powder
-1/2 teaspoon cumin
-1/2-3/4 cup red enchilada sauce
-1.5 cups guacamole* (homemade recipe below)
-1.5 cups sour cream
-1 cup shredded cheese (I used Colby Jack)
-tortilla chips, for dipping

Directions:
Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium/high heat until no longer pink. Drain and return to skillet. Add the water, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cumin. Stir to incorporate well.

Reduce heat to medium. Let the water start to simmer, and stir occasionally. When the water has mostly evaporated and the meat has absorbed most of the flavor of the spices, it's done. Set aside.

In a square baking dish (approximately 9 by 9 inches), spread the refried beans in an even layer.

Add the ground beef as the next layer. Spoon the enchilada sauce over the beef in as even a layer as possible.

It won't be perfect, but that's ok.

Next, spread the guacamole* over the other three layers.

The next layer will be the sour cream,

and then the shredded cheese.

And you're done!

Serve with tortilla chips for dipping and dig in!

*Homemade guacamole:
Ingredients:
-2 avocados
-1 lime
-1 tablespoon garlic powder
-1 teaspoon onion powder
-1/2 teaspoon cumin
-1/4 teaspoon dried cilantro

Directions:
Cut around the pit of each avodaco. Gently twist the two halves apart. One half should contain the pit. Insert your knife blade into the pit, and gently turn it. If you do it right and you have a good avocado, it should twist right out. Discard the pit. Using a spoon, gently remove the avocado from the skin. Rough chop the avocado and place in a food processor, or a large mixing bowl.

Sprinkle with the juice of one lime. This will help to keep the avocado from oxidizing and turning brown, as well as adding a fresh flavor to the guacamole. Pulse the avocado (or mash with a fork if you don't have a food processor) until it reaches the desired consistency. For me, that's pretty smooth with few chunks, but feel free to leave it a little chunkier if that's your thing. Add the spices and pulse or mash to combine and incorporate well.

Once that's done, your guacamole is ready for consumption. Enjoy!

Trail Mix

Have you noticed that trail mix can be rather expensive when you buy it from the store? It seems like I'm not getting much for my money. And, well...there's usually something in those pre-made versions that I don't particularly care for. You know me...I'm pernickety. So I make my own. Occasionally.

I sometimes get into cycles, or phases, if you will. Sometimes I want nothing but crackers as snacks for a while. Then I'll move on to chips of some sort, or something sweeter. I went through a rice cake phase for a while. It all kinda comes and goes. So right now, apparently, is my semi-healthy sweet and salty snack phase. So I made trail mix. Haha.

Trail mix is really good, though, to satisfy both salty and sweet cravings. And it's not terrible for you since it has decent ingredients. So...as long as you're not gorging yourself on it, it's not all that bad. Which is better than, say...eating half a bag of potato chips in one sitting. Not that I've done that...recently. Nope. Not this gal. Anyway...

This is ridiculously easy. And you can mix together pretty much anything you want to. My favorite mix is below, but feel free to change it up a bit. For instance...I like peanuts, but they're not the healthiest nut out there. Almonds are much better, but I'm not a big fan of them. Dried fruit is never really all bad, but perhaps you don't like craisins and would rather dried apricots or something. Go for it. Not a fan of chocolate? You can buy all kinds of candy chips these days...caramel, white chocolate, etc. My point is, you can mix and match all kinds of sweet and salty bits to make trail mix, and it will be just as lovely as my blend below. So have fun and be creative!

Ingredients:
-1 lb bag pretzels (minis or bite size are best)
-1 bag chocolate candies (approximately 10 oz)
-2 cups(ish) peanuts
-1 1/2 cups raisins
-1 1/2 cups craisins (dried cranberries)

Directions:
In a large zip-top bag or mixing bowl, combine all ingredients; Pretzels,

peanuts,

chocolate,

craisins,

and raisins.

Gently toss to incorporate all ingredients.

Store in an air-tight container.

For quick snacks on the go, you can portion out 1/2 cup or so into individual servings, in plastic sandwich baggies or small storage containers. Send these in lunches to school or work, snack during the day with portion control, or take them with you wherever you happen to be going that day. Easy cheesy!