11.15.2010

Pumpkin Pie Caramel Corn

2 bags kettle corn, popped and all un-popped kernels removed.
2 bags Milk Chocolate Pumpkin Caramel Ghirardelli Squares (I get mine at Target...only around the holidays)
9 T butter
1 1/4 c. packed brown sugar
2/3 c. corn syrup
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 250. Place popped corn into a large bowl and set aside.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Bring to a light boil, place the lid on the pan and set the timer for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Remove from heat, whisk in vanilla and baking soda. Mixture will foam. Add the Ghirardelli squares and stir until melted, making sure not to let the chocolate burn. Pour over popped corn, stir to coat evenly and spread on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. (I sometimes skip the baking step for chewier caramel corn.)

**NOTE: Next time I am going to add a 1/4 tsp of pumpkin pie spice to the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup mixture...just for a slightly stronger flavor.

11.12.2010

Greek Pasta Salad...

1 12 oz angel hair pasta
1/2 c olive oil
4 1/2 tbs. lemon juice
4 1/2 tbs. mayo
3 tbs cavender's greek seasoning
1 small can chopped olives
4-5 chopped green onions
3-4 diced roma tomatoes

Cook pasta; cool. mix oil, lemon juice, mayo, and greek seasoning in a seperate bowl with wire whisk. then mix all ingredients. chill in refrigerator. Better flavor if made a day in advance. If dry add a little more oil....

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread...

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp soda and 1/2 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp salt and 1 tsp cinnamon

1 cup pumpkin, 1 cup sugar

1/2 cup milk

2 eggs

1/4 cup soft butter

1 cup chocolate chips or nuts

Bake 350 for 45-55 min in a bundt pan

Spaghetti Casserole...

½ lb. Sausage or Hamburger browned
4 oz. cooked spaghetti noodles
2 beaten eggs
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 Tbs. butter
1 cup cottage cheese
½ cup chopped onion (optional)
¾ cup spaghetti sauce
½ cup shredded mozzarella

Combine 1 egg, parmesan cheese, & butter. Stir in hot spaghetti. Press into 9 in. square pan. Combine cottage cheese & egg and spread over noodles. Cook meat & drain. Stir in sauce and heat through. Spoon over noodles. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Top with mozzarella cheese.

Tomato Chicken...

2 15 oz. cans crushed or diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce (I use Italian style)
1 package onion gravy mix
1 package mushroom gravy mix
2-6 chicken breasts
1 tsp. basil
dash of salt and pepper

Cook on low in crockpot all day. Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Pumpkin Cake...

1 box yellow cake mix
1 small can pumpkin
1 small pkg instant vanilla pudding
1/4 tsp soda
2 eggs
3/4 c water
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 TBS. of each ginger, nutmeg, and cloves
Beat together for 4 minutes. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan. bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 min.

Topping
Whip 1/2 pint Heavy Cream
Fold in 8 oz. cool whip
Fold in 1/2 cup brown sugar

After cake in completely cool, put topping on and put into refrigerator until serving.

Pumpkin Bars...

4 Eggs
1 2/3 cup Sugar
1 cup Oil
16 oz Pumpkin
2 cup Flour
2 tsp. Baking Powder
2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1/8 tsp. Nutmeg

Mix eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin together. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Pour into a sheet cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Frosting

6 oz. Cream Cheese
Stick of Butter
2 tsp. Vanilla
3-4 cups Powdered Sugar