Shhh...Call me Miss Sweet Treats

Mmmmm, have to try this one...

2010-11-10T16:58:00.001-07:00

Almond- Cranberry Squash Bake

ALMOND- CRANBERRY SQUASH BAKE
www.RecipeGirl.com

4 cups hot mashed butternut squash
4 Tbs butter, softened, divided
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
16 ounce can whole-berry cranberry sauce
½ cup sliced almonds
¼ cup packed brown sugar

1. In a large bowl, combine the squash, 2 T. butter, salt, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg; mix well. Transfer to a greased 2-quart baking dish. Stir cranberry sauce until softened; spoon over squash.

2. Combine almonds, brown sugar and remaining butter; mix well. Sprinkle over cranberry sauce. Bake, uncovered, at 350°F. for 50- 60 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Servings: 8

Mmmmm....Shrimp

2009-08-31T15:11:00.000-07:00

Shrimp Salad-Stuffed Tomatoes

Hollowed-out tomatoes were the secret to elegant lunches in the '50s - and they deserve a comeback today. Look for bright red, aromatic tomatoes without any mushy spots or discolorations. You can also stuff these tomatoes with Bacony Barley Salad with Marinated Shrimp or Curried Tofu Salad.

Ingredients

1 pound peeled cooked shrimp (21-25 per pound; thawed if frozen), tails removed, chopped
1 stalk celery, finely diced
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
10 Kalamata olives, pitted and finely chopped
1 medium shallot, minced
2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
Pinch of freshly ground pepper
4 large ripe tomatoes, cored

Directions

Combine shrimp, celery, basil, olives, shallot, mayonnaise, vinegar and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir to combine.

Carefully hollow out the inside of each tomato using a melon baller or small spoon; reserve the scooped tomato for another use (see Tip). To serve, fill each tomato with a generous 1/2 cup of the shrimp salad.

Save the scooped-out tomato insides to use in fresh tomato soup or pasta sauce. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Tomorrow be prepared because I'm researching my Kabobs ! :)

XOXO

Brownie Batch Number Seven

2009-08-11T09:39:00.005-07:00

Chocolate Brownie Crunch

Recipe courtesy The Neely's

Ingredients

Butter, for greasing pan
1 (21-ounce) box brownie mix
3 large eggs
10 chocolate-caramel covered wafers
Ganache, for brownie topping, recipe follows
Whipped topping, recipe follows
Fresh raspberries
Chocolate shavings

Directions

Preheat oven at 350 degrees F.

Prepare brownies as directed on the box for "cake-like" brownies but add additional 3 eggs. Spread half the batter into an 8 by 8-inch prepared pan, top evenly with the chocolate caramel covered wafers.. Cover with remainder of batter. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the brownies are almost cooked through. Remove brownies from oven. Cool completely. Remove brownies from pan keeping square intact. Place on a baking sheet.

Top with ganache, whipped topping, raspberries, and chocolate shavings.

Ganache:

2 tablespoons light corn syrup
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped finely
1/2 cup heavy cream warmed

Mix together syrup and chocolate. Pour warm cream over syrup and chocolate. Stir until melted.

Whipped Topping:

1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons cognac

Whip the heavy cream, adding the sugar and cognac.

foodnetwork.com

Brownie Batch Number Six

2009-08-11T09:25:00.004-07:00

One of my Favorites....

Cookie Brownies

This recipe allows for many alterations of your own.
This could possibly be the easiest party treat ever.
So if your in a pinch and you need a fast treat for a get together or just a snack.....
then this is the best thing for you :)

Level: Simplest.

Basically the only thing you need is a package of your favorite brownie mix and a package of your favorite cookie mix :)
This allows for many different kinds of treats........

Lets say we're just making a traditional fudge brownie and chocolate chip cookie mixture.

Make the brownies as directed on the package and spread evenly throughout a 9x13 inch pan.

Then proceed to make the cookies as directed and plop large*** portions of the batter throughout the pan of brownie mix......

The final result should appear as 6-8 large**** cookies amidst the pan of brownie mix......

Bake the brownies as directed on their box and watch the cookies carefully as the time winds down.

The cookies should finish golden brown and the brownies warm and gooey yet still cooked throughly :)

What can I say.....the best of both worlds with this dish :)

Brownie Batch Number Five

2009-08-11T09:22:00.003-07:00

Coffee and Cookie Brownies

Ingredients

1 16.5 to 18-oz. pkg. refrigerated sugar cookie dough
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 19.5 oz. pkg. milk chocolate brownie mix
1/2 cup cooking oil
1/3 cup cooled strong coffee
1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate pieces

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Press sugar cookie dough into bottom of a 13x9x2-inch baking pan; set aside.

2. In a large bowl combine the eggs, brownie mix, cooking oil, and coffee until just combined. Spread batter over sugar cookie dough. Sprinkle with chocolate pieces.

3. Bake for 40 minutes or until edges are set. Cool in pan on a wire rack. To serve, cut into bars. Makes 24 brownies.

Brownie Batch Number Four

2009-08-11T09:20:00.003-07:00

Black and White Brownies

Ingredients

12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup butter
6 eggs
1-1/2 cups sugar
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon shortening

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine 12 ounces semisweet chocolate and the 1/2 cup butter. Cook and stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Cool slightly.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending foil over the edges of the pan. Butter foil; set aside.

3. In a large bowl, combine the 6 eggs and the 1-1/2 cups sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and lemon-colored.

4. In a medium bowl, combine the 1-1/2 cups flour, the baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to egg mixture; beat until well mixed, scraping side of bowl occasionally. Gradually add melted chocolate mixture and the 1 tablespoon vanilla; beat well. Spread evenly in prepared pan; set aside. Wash beaters thoroughly with soap and warm water; dry beaters.

5. In another large bowl, combine cream cheese and the 6 tablespoons butter. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the 3/4 cup sugar; beat until fluffy. Add the 3 eggs, the 2 tablespoons flour, and the 2 teaspoons vanilla; beat well. Carefully spoon cream cheese batter evenly over the chocolate batter.

6. Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until cream cheese layer appears set in center when gently shaken. Cool in pan on a wire rack (center may fall slightly as brownies cool).

7. In a small saucepan, combine the 3 ounces chocolate and the shortening. Cook and stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Drizzle chocolate mixture over cooled brownies. Let stand until set. Using the edges of the foil, lift the uncut brownies out of the pan. Cut into bars. Store leftovers in refrigerator. Makes 32 bars.

8. To Store: Place bars in a single layer in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Brownie Batch Number Three

2009-08-11T09:15:00.005-07:00

Chocolate-Caramel Bars

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
20 vanilla caramels, unwrapped
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup milk chocolate pieces or semisweet chocolate pieces

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. For crust: In a medium bowl, stir together flour and brown sugar. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press onto the bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, for filling: In a small bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and vanilla.

3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes more or until filling is set. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine caramels and milk. Cook and stir over medium-low heat just until caramels are melted. Drizzle caramel mixture over filling. Sprinkle with chocolate pieces. Cool completely. Cut into bars. Makes 24 bars.

bhg.com

Brownie Batch Number Two

2009-08-11T09:12:00.002-07:00

Triple-Chocolate and Espresso Brownies

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon espresso powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate pieces
1 recipe Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Chocolate-covered espresso beans, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, bittersweet chocolate, and unsweetened chocolate. Cook and stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat; cool. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8x2-inch baking pan with heavy foil, extending foil over the pan edges. Grease foil; set pan aside.

2. Stir the sugar into the cooled chocolate mixture. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating with a wooden spoon just until combined. Stir in espresso powder and vanilla. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture; stir just until combined. Stir in chocolate pieces. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.

3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Spread Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting over cooled brownies. Using the edges of the foil, lift the uncut brownies out of the pan. Place on cutting board; cut into brownies. If desired, sprinkle with chocolate-covered espresso beans. Makes 20 brownies.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting: In a small saucepan, heat and stir 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate pieces over low heat until smooth. Remove from heat; let cool. In a medium bowl, stir together one 3-ounce package softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Stir in melted chocolate until smooth.

To Store: Place bars in a single layer in an airtight container; cover. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw bars, if frozen. Let refrigerated bars stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

bhg.com

12 days of Brownies <3

2009-08-11T08:56:00.004-07:00

Everyone Loves Brownies

Toward the end of every summer I begin to dread returning to school. Especially this year in the sense that I have faced some rather unfortuante roommmate issues, much beyond my control. In the awful feeling that school is ready to resume I begin to think of the next time I will be home, CHRISTMAS ! Which just happens to be my FAVORITE time of year ! Aside from that wonderful feeling in the fall when the trees are impecable and the apple pie, strusel and cobbler fills the air........
Treats of all kinds just tend to consume me....... And sharing some of my favorite recipes with fellow bloggers is super fun ! So due to the onsetting of the dreaded school feeling I have prepared a fun Christmas/Summer twist !
I LOVE the 12 days of Christmas.......... So instead because it is August and I'm just feeling very Christmasy*** I have decided to share with you

The 12 days of Brownies !!!!
1. because everyone LOVES brownies
2. because everyone deserves to indulge in sinful treats once in a while. and
3. WHo doesn't LOVE to bake !

Brownie Batch Number One
Chunky Path Brownies

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
1 cup water
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups tiny marshmallows
Chocolate Topper or Chocolate-Peanut Topper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil, extending the foil up over the edges of the pan. Grease foil; set aside. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, the water, and cocoa powder. Bring mixture just to boiling, stirring constantly. Remove pan from heat. Add the chocolate mixture to the flour mixture; beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Add eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Beat for 1 minute more (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pan.

3. Bake in the preheated oven about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. Sprinkle marshmallows over hot brownies. Top with Chocolate Topper or Chocolate-Peanut Topper. Cool in pan on a wire rack.

5. To serve, remove brownies from pan by lifting foil. Place on cutting board; cut into bars. Makes 48 brownies.

Chocolate Topper: In a medium saucepan, combine one 12-ounce package semisweet chocolate pieces, 1/2 cup whipping cream, and 1/4 cup butter. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until melted. Drizzle over brownies.

Chocolate-Peanut Topper: In a medium saucepan, combine 1-1/3 cups semisweet chocolate pieces, 1 cup creamy peanut butter, and 3 tablespoons butter. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until mixture is smooth. Drizzle over brownies. Sprinkle with 1 cup chopped dry roasted peanuts.

TO STORE: Place brownies in a single layer in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

XOXO

Heaven...

2009-04-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

Frozen Chocolate Cookie Cake

Recipe adapted from Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Desserts

Ingredients

Ganache and Filling:

1/2 gallon cookies and cream ice cream, softened
1 cup heavy cream
1 (12-ounce) bag semisweet chocolate morsels

Cake:

Butter, for pans
Flour, for pans
1 (18.25-ounce) box devil's food cake mix
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs

Directions

Line 1 (9-inch) cake pan with plastic wrap, with 3 inches overhanging. Spread softened ice cream into lined pan in a smooth, even layer. Freeze for 3 hours, or until frozen solid.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Butter and flour 2 (10-inch) round cake pans and set aside. In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat cake mix, water, oil and eggs in a large mixing bowl on medium speed for 2 minutes, or until well blended. Using a spatula, divide batter between the 2 prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of each pan to loosen cakes and remove from pans.

While cakes are cooling, heat heavy cream in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat until bubbling around the edges. Remove pan from heat, add chocolate morsels, and stir with a whisk until smooth. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes, until cool and slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Spread ganache on top of and around sides of both cake layers, keeping layers separate and not fitting together yet. Refrigerate entire cake for 1 hour, or until ganache is set.

Place 1 cake layer, ganache side up, on a serving platter. Remove ice cream from pan, peel off plastic wrap, and place on top of cake layer. Place second cake layer on top of ice cream, ganache side up. Freeze until ready to serve, but let stand at room temperature 5 minutes before seving.

Barbies

2009-04-09T17:31:00.004-07:00

I absolutely HAD to share these with yall.

Hostess with the Mostess blogged about these simply scrumptious looking concoctions that I HAD to pass on to all of you :)

One they're Barbie so what girl wouldn't love them :)

Two. Pink Drinks !!!!!!

Barbie Dolls

1.5 oz Knob Creek
1 oz Cranberry
.75 oz Pineapple Juice
.75 oz fresh OJ
.75 oz fresh Lemon Juice
Ginger Ale

Combine all the ingredients except ginger ale in a shaker.
Shake well and pour.
Top with a splash of ginger ale.

XOXO

<3meg

TRY THIS !

2009-03-01T21:18:00.002-07:00

Absolutely Delish ! I was watching Paula's Party last night and she made this, it looked so fabulous I had to try it, so I made it for dessert tonight and I will tell you, between 5 people, yeah only 5 !
the entire thing was gone in like 2 hours !
Really Try It, it's that good :)

Chocolate Bread Pudding

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen, 2007

Serves:
8 to 10 servings

Ingredients

* 1 loaf French or Italian bread, cut into cubes (about 15 cups)
* 3 cups milk
* 1/3 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup coffee flavored liqueur
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/4 cup cocoa powder
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
* 2 teaspoons pure almond extract
* 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 6 eggs, lightly beaten
* 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
* Pecan Rum Flambe Sauce, recipe follows

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Lightly grease a 13 by 9-inch baking dish fill with bread cubes.

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, and liqueur. In another bowl, combine the granulated and brown sugars with the cocoa powder and mix well. Add the cocoa mixture to the milk mixture and whisk to combine.

In a medium bowl, add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and the cinnamon to the beaten eggs. Combine the egg mixture with the milk mixture and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes; let stand, stirring occasionally, for at least 20 minutes, or until the bread has absorbed most of the milk mixture. Bake the pudding for 1 hour, or until set; a cake tester inserted into the center of the pudding should come out clean.

Serve the pudding warm or cold, with Pecan Rum Flambe, dessert sauce.
Pecan Rum Flambe Sauce:

1 stick butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup dark rum

In a large skillet, melt the stick butter and add brown sugar, stir together. Add the pecans and cook until sugar has caramelized over medium-high heat. Turn off the stove and pour in the rum. Stand back and carefully light with a long lighter. Be careful; a flame will shoot up above the pan. As the alcohol cooks out, the flame will die down. Serve over chocolate bread pudding.

XOXO MMmmm

2009-02-26T21:03:00.002-07:00

Sweet Potato Tartlet

Recipe courtesy The Neelys

Serves:: 12 servings

Ingredients

1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup whipping cream
1 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 large baked sweet potatoes
3 store-bought rolled up dough
Nonstick cooking spray
Whipped Cream, for topping

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, mix together butter and brown sugar until it becomes a sand-like texture. Add eggs and beat with electric mixer. Add whipping cream and vanilla extract; mix until smooth. Add in flour, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg.

Scoop out the inside of the sweet potatoes and transfer them to a medium bowl and mash. Once mashed, add potatoes into the flour mixture and blend with electric mixer.

Roll out the dough and with tartlet pans, divide the dough into 12 (4-inch) rings. Spray the tartlet pans with nonstick cooking spray and insert dough. Cut off excess dough with a knife.

With an ice cream scooper, scoop out potato mixture; about 1/4 cup each and place into tartlet pans.

Bake for 30 minutes. Once cooled, garnish with whipped cream.

<3 Finally

2009-02-02T13:07:00.002-07:00

The much anticipated !
I've started my cookbook !
My bestie and I have decided to compile all of our best concoctions into a cookbook !
WooT WooT !
It's ok to not contain your excitement !
We've just begun the compilation process so I'm guessing about a month-ish
And to celebrate, I will be giving the very first one away !!!!

XOOXOO
Stay Tuned ! :)

Chocolatini's <3

2009-01-25T16:08:00.005-07:00

First off, those are chocolate shoes ! No way right ! Yes way !!!!
O my freaking god I want them !!!

Emmmm deliciosity ! To the Max !
Emmmm ok-- no really these are that fantastic !
And I love them the most because they aren't rediculously girly---
so here's what you do-- simplest thing ever ! And everyone Loves them ! :)
So you use a margarita mixer, or in my situation a bullet thermose haha--
works perfectly too by the way--

So you just need:
Milk
Hershey's Chocolate Syrup (or Strawberry fo Strawtini's haha)
And Smirnoff or Absolut Vanilla Vodka (creme de caccoa and espresson vodka work nicely as well, I like the vanilla vodka the best though)
Then some cutesy martini glasses
and lastly hot coccoa :)

Ok, so you mix about 1-1 1/2 cups of milk
1 shot of chocolate syrup
and 2 shots of your liquor

Shake it all up, really well- the frothier the better :) Mmmmm
and rim the glass with vodka and roll it in the hot coccoa

:) ENjoy

let me know what you think :)
xoxoxox
MissSweetTreats <3>

Joy to my Cupcakes

2008-12-26T15:16:00.003-07:00

Well if you know me you know I love cupcakes, and if I have an opportunity to make them I jump at it, so I'm going to a Christmas dinner party Sunday night and I wanted to make fun Christmas treats for the after party, now I have hundreds of cookies left -not kidding- haha---but I wanted to make maybe a taco dip, fruit dip, this new potato onion cheese dip I found absolutely divine ! (I'll give you that recipe later)

But I decided to make some cupcakes as well and wanted to make some snowmen :) I've made may snowmen cupcakes in the past but I wanted them to be extra cute this time:) I found this recipe because I love love love almond so I'll make these cupcakes....

Almond Cupcakes
1/2 c butter, room temp
2/3 to 1 c sugar( depends on how sweet you like it)
3 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond
zest of one small lemon
1 1/2 c flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 c milk
Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts and lemon peel. Mix flour, salt, and baking powder, stir in and then beat in milk.
Pour into lined muffin cups and bake 18-20 minutes at 350. cool

Cream Cheese Almond Frosting

8 oz cream cheese room temp
4 tbs butter
3 c confectioners sugar
1 tsp almond
1/2 tsp vanilla

beat butter and cream cheese together until mixed. Add rest of ingredients and beat until fluffy. Add a little cream if needed to get the right consistency. Use to frost cupcakes

and decorate them like this I believe :)
..............

to build/construct these cute little fellows you will need to:
*make your cupcakes two sizes, some in normal muffin/cupcake pans
and some in the smaller pans that make the mini muffins,
*put the smaller one on top of the large cupcake attaching it by frosting the bottom of the small one
*then frost your cupcakes as you wish- with the frosting above or your own
*cover both balls with coconut
*stick a big marshmellow on top for the head :)
* two pretzels or chocolate liccorice for arms-chocolate liccorice is gross to warn you so i use pretzel stix :) haha- some ppl use cinnamon stix but you can't eat those so i don't
* then an upside down reeses cup for a hat
*cinnamon drops for buttons or chocolate chips I like sometimes :)
* then decorate their little faces however you wish :)
These are an excellent crowd pleaser and BIG hits with the little ones :)
Have Fun :)
Happy Holidays
XOXO
MissSweetTreats <3

Bring on the Bacon !

2008-12-05T16:46:00.001-07:00

Sooo delicous---PERFECT for a party dish-- Excellent finger food-
and so fast and easy to make :)

All you need is lettuce, tomatos, sour cream, nice juicy bacon, and little bread bagettes

You need to chop/shread the lettuce
dice the tomatos
fry up that wonderful bacon and chop it into small pieces
find a nice big plate
plop lots of sour cream in the middle
surround it with lettuce all around the edge of the plate
top lots of tomatos on the sour cream
the bacon goes on top of that
then line the edge of the plate with your bagettes
WONDEROUS !

Your Set :)

XOXO
Meghan

Apron Giveaway

2008-12-02T17:09:00.001-07:00

Maple Lane is hosting a giveaway
a beautiful red half apron
head on over and check it out :)
Hurry it ends Dec. 10th :)

XOXO

BLOGGER REUNION !!!

2008-12-01T14:11:00.003-07:00

Hi All,
Thanksgiving!!!!
Had a wonderful Turkey Day !! Hope you all did too :)
Started off with baking numerous delicious pies--- so good!
and of course the Macy's parade :) Tradition for sure !
Enjoyed the 3 F's (Family, Food, and Football) very much !!!
all the cooking and baking and then shopping on top of it made for one CRAZY WEEKEND---
so much happened in my few days away from BloggaLand !!!!

But, speaking of Thanksgiving Cooking we had fried turkey this year--
I was quite sceptacal at first spiting witty comments in my initial disgust about just eating at McDonalds-- America is fat enough and then we take a tradition of home cooked turkey through it out the window and FRY POOR OLD TOM ! UGH
I'm saddened to say I've been dragged to the dark side, because the fried turkey was AMAZING !
Literally melted in your mouth-- as with all my other family recipes I can't let you have this one either :( But if you can get enough info from this---give it a try for Christmas :)
the turkey was injected with a creole butter seasoning (which combined is like a cajun but not to spicy buttery flavor of deliciousness)
and then Tom was rubbed down heavily with a garlic and herb spread-- also fantastic :)
Well let me tell you after all these fabulous flavors were put together and then fried-- I just have to tell you-- one of the best turkeys I have EVER tasted :)

Happy Monday to all -- Don't forget about Cyber Monday -- so kick back with some left-overs in your easy chair and shop shop away :)
Get Shopping <3

XOXO
MissSweetTreats <3

2008-11-24T13:28:00.003-07:00

Happy Monday

I was in NYC Friday and I happened to order some beer battered apple and onion rings at a cafe we stopped at-- which is strange because i just recently watched an episode of Giada at home on the Food Network and she showed us how to make these- so when i saw them on the menu I had to order them :)
SOOOO GOOD !
And so simple to make

Beer Battered Apple and Onion Rings

XOXO
Happy Baking
MissSweetTreats <3

10 Year wish list.......

2008-11-19T21:28:00.002-07:00

Wasted Wednesdays

2008-11-19T14:05:00.002-07:00

This wednesday--- a
Cappucino Rum Shake for everyone that needs a drink :)

Ingredients

* 1 pint (2 cups) softened coffee ice cream
* 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) dark rum, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 cup whipped cream
* Garnish: unsweetened cocoa powder and cinnamon sticks

Preparation

In a blender, blend ice cream, rum and ground cinnamon until smooth but still thick and pour into 2 chilled stemmed glasses. Top drinks with whipped cream and garnish with cocoa powder and cinnamon sticks.

XOXO
MissSweetTreats <3

2008-11-17T13:15:00.001-07:00

Monogram Chick is hosting a wonderful giveaway for her 100th Post and its a good one:)
Head over to her blog to check it out, and Please....tell her that Shhhh...Call me Miss Sweet Treats...Sent you over !!!!! :)
THANK YOU <3>

XOXO
Happy Monday
BelieveInMe<3g

Hey Y’all!

2008-11-15T21:46:00.003-07:00

It's Paula Deen :) I just love this woman- excellent cooking-rockin personality- sweet as sugar and just a riot to watch and listen to....the thing I really love about Paula is the fact that she just LOVES food- its not about the fat and calories its about creating an excellent meal !
Paula has an amazing story and I'm sure many of you have heard it before, but here's a snipet :)

You know, I meet so many wonderful people everywhere I go that are willing to share their life story with me, that I want to share a little bit of my story with all of you. Of course, there’s more in my new memoir – It Ain’t All About the Cookin’ – but, for now, I hope you pull up a chair and visit with me here for a while!

Everyone has a beginning, and mine really starts in my Grandmother Paul’s kitchen. I promise you, she knew everything you ever needed to know about making the perfect Southern meal. Every day I was amazed at all the things she knew and shared with me – cooking techniques, tips, secret recipes, and, most importantly laughter, life lessons, and love! Of course I didn’t know it at the time, but those would be the things that would always pull me through.

Following this carefree and wonderful time in my life, I graduated from high school, and married my high school sweetheart. Like all young people, nobody could tell me anything at the time, and I set out believing I’d be the perfect wife and mom and he’d be the perfect husband and father. Well, needless to say, that’s where things started to turn. First, there was the sudden and heartbreaking death of my beloved father, followed by the loss of my sweet mom just a few short years later – when our mom died my little brother Bubba was only 16, I was 23, and had two little babies of my own to raise. Everything that held me together was gone, and I truly didn’t know where to turn and felt frozen in my tracks. I managed through the next decade or so, but again things took a major turn for the worse when my husband announced one day he had taken a job in Savannah. I was 40 years old and was having such severe panic attacks that I literally could not leave my house, becoming a prisoner in my own home.

But, you know – things happen for a reason, and one day it just dawned on me: I was going to take control of my life and my destiny! So, I decided to do what I do best – taking a lesson straight from Grandmother Paul – and started The Bag Lady. With $200 and the help of my boys, the real adventure began. Of course you can read The Lady & Sons history page, but from the beginning we were blessed with faithful patrons that have become like family to us that allowed us to blossom. Our bag lunch delivery and catering service turned into a full-service restaurant and we went from leasing a place at the Best Western hotel to our very own place downtown.

During that time I’ve had my first cookbook “discovered” and more published, had the honor of receiving the “International Meal of Year” designation by USA Today, of having not one, but two of my own shows on the Food Network, and opened up another restaurant – Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House - with my little brother Bubba. And, guess what? I’ve even been star-struck myself appearing on the Oprah Winfrey show and meeting Oprah herself!

All of my dreams really are coming true. I’ve married my soul mate, Michael Groover – gaining a whole other extending family with Anthony and Michelle in the process, managed to raise two wonderful and successful boys, Jamie and Bobby, and created a wonderful career by doing what I love best. And, the icing on the cake? The birth of my first grandchild, Jack, in 2006.

But, you know what, none of this would have happened if I hadn’t of taken the good with the bad, embraced both the heartache and joy, and taken control of my life when I thought it could not have gotten worse. Most of all, during good times and bad, I’ve had the love and support of family, friends, and you – my fans. From my heart, I always wish you love and best dishes, from my kitchen to yours. And I can’t wait to continue the adventure with you!
(Courtesy of pauladeen.com)

Along with Paula's story I give you 2 of her best recipes chosen by the fans....

The Lady's Cheesy Mac
and
Baked French Toast Cassarole

Happy Baking :)
XOXO
MissSweetTreats<3

I'm an Only Child-but I can share...

2008-11-13T23:59:00.007-07:00

YUM !
Here are TWO of my absolute favorite Fall Time Desserts (who am I kidding I have 1000 favorites)
These are family recipes- but once again family recipes are SWORN to secrecy haha
so I found the alternatives on Food Network
for you all to try :)
They are pretty darn close, Enjoy!

Almost Famous Pumpkin Cheesecake-
Can you say Fabulous !

Pumpkin Roll Cake- the one thing this has that mine doesn't however is toffee (which I love) and I am adding it to ours this year :) Shhhh

XOXO
MissSweetTreats <3

Add a Cranberry Granny.....

2008-11-13T13:15:00.004-07:00

Sooo Thanksgiving is so super close and I love that, because I pretty much LOVE food :)

and as I've told you millions of times before I'm a sucker for tradition--

so anyway on the topic of food and tradition- that is pretty much the definition of

Thanksgiving is it not?

Well add in a few Indians and Pilgrims and then we've got the definition :)

So Thanksgving !

My favorite thing about thanksgiving is my Granny's homemade cranberry sauce

(she absolutely HATES when I call her Granny)- every time I do I swear I get the chill of the devil from her evil glare-haha....the irony: My grandma isn't old in the slightest shes the grandma that still bakes everyday of her life- gardens, runs, has parties, plays cards, cherishes beautiful jewelry (that I get when she gets new things-YAY) and wears the sweetest Track Suits Ever ! :) BA haha- God I love her :)

Thats the reason why its a bit Ironic that I call her Granny

So now that you've met Granny-- her cranberry sauce- I wish I could give you the recipe soo you could try this stuff--its phenomonal-- like really its the best-- sweet, tart, bitter, chunky and just about the best thing I can ever have---However she refuses to leak the secret of her recipe so I guess you'll just have to imagine :)

But because I can't give you THE recipe-- I found some really amazing recipes for cranberries that you should definitely try.....

Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Black Forest Cookies

These I have actually made before and if you like cranberries and chocolate these are AMAZING!-- I like to make them with dark chocolate and no nuts though- thats my twist :)

Cranberry Pumpkin Cookies

These too I have made- and I LOVE them- but I also am in love with just about ANYTHING pumpkin

Banana Cranberry Bread

This just sounded good- but I would add chocolate chips (YUM)

Happy Almost Thanksgiving

Happy Baking

XOXO

MissSweetTreats<3

Wearing Mascara Giveaway <3

2008-11-12T19:04:00.002-07:00

So exciting -Wearing Mascara is doing a giveaway
for her 100th post- but hurry it ends at 11:59 TONIGHT-
comment on her post you'll be entered 1 time
become a follower be entered 3 times
and then post about it in your blog and get entered 5 more times
9 TIMES :)
Oeeee
Winner is Announced Tomorrow ----So Exciting :) <3
Show her some love, her blog is Splendiferous :)

Xoxo

BelieveInMe

Candy Corn Cookie Bark

2008-11-11T16:04:00.006-07:00

So I have had a HUGE sweet tooth lately and I've been baking up a storm- Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies and Pumpkin Whoopie Cookies and so much more =)
Even though this is a Halloween sort of theme I don't mind--everyone loves candy corn =)
I was toodeling around some blogs this afternoon and found this recipe on Miss Understood's page and thought I would share it. I will let you know how it is. But how can you go wrong - Candy Corn and Chocolate-- YUM !!!

Candy Corn Cookie Bark

14 to 16 whole Oreos, broken up
1½ cups mini pretzels, broken into pieces
1 lb white chocolate (chocolate wafers work best... try Wiltons or Guittard brand)
1 cup candy corn
brown and orange colored sprinkles
1. Place waxed paper on large cookie sheet. Spread cookies, pretzels and about 3/4 cup of the candy corn into a 13x9-inch rectangle on the waxed paper.
2. Place chocolate in glass measuring cup and heat in microwave for about 1½ minutes. Stir and then microwave for about another 30 seconds until melted and smooth.
3. Drizzle melted chocolate immediately over cookie mixture, spreading with spatula (if needed) to coat evenly. Top with reserved candy corn and colored sprinkles. Work quickly before chocolate hardens.
4. Place into refrigerator until firm. Remove and gently break apart into small pieces for serving. Store in airtight container.
Yield: About 2 dozen pieces

Emmm Happy Baking :)
XOXO
MissSweetTreats <3

Pumpkin Whoopie Cookie Pies :)

2008-11-11T14:21:00.003-07:00

Absolutely Divine- Just in Time for Thanksgiving :)

5 Stars - Heavenly <3>

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups firmly packed dark-brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 cups pumpkin puree, chilled
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
FOR THE CREAM-CHEESE FILLING
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Make the cookies: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat; set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves; set aside. In another large bowl, whisk together brown sugar and oil until well combined. Add pumpkin puree and whisk until combined. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk until well combined. Sprinkle flour mixture over pumpkin mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
Using a small ice cream scoop with a release mechanism, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Transfer to oven and bake until cookies are just starting to crack on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of each cookie comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely on pan.
Make the filling: Sift confectioner' sugar into a medium bowl; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until smooth. Add cream cheese and beat until well combined. Add confectioners' sugar and vanilla, beat just until smooth. (Filling can be made up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate; let stand at room temperature to soften before using.)
Assemble the whoopie pies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Transfer filling to a disposable pastry bag and snip the end. When cookies have cooled completely, pipe a large dollop of filling on the flat side of half of the cookies. Sandwich with remaining cookies, pressing down slightly so that the filling spreads to the edge of the cookies. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate cookies at least 30 minutes before serving and up to 3 days.

Just a tip if you want to use fresh pumpkin its better- more work obviously but better :)
Happy Baking
XOXO
MissSweetTreats <3>

Dr. Seuss Cake Extrodinare

2008-11-11T11:18:00.004-07:00

Four top cake artists design cakes inspired by some of Dr. Seuss' s popular books,
including Horton Hears a Who, Green Eggs and Ham,
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and Cat In The Hat!
The winner takes home $10,ooo.
I caught a re-run of this episode this past Saturday actually- it was quite amazing -
4 top cake designers were assigned a Dr. Seuss book to work with and had about 6 hours to create a Dr.Seuss cake and battle to win 10,000 dollars.Other elements were used, rather than just cake- Fondant (thin layers of dough to coat cakes that gives the cake a smooth and perfect finish), Rice Krispies, Molding Chocolate, Food Dyes, dowels and various frostings were used to complete these four cakes.
In the end with a 97 point score--the Cat in the Hat Cake by designer
Mary Maher (3 time champion) took the ribbon =)
Her cake was superbly crafted and contained so many elements of the book itself--
little additions like a fish and teacup really pushed her over the top !
2nd Place was the Green Eggs and Ham cake which was also full of vibrant details =)
XOXO
MissSweetTreats <3>

Pink Cake Box <3

2008-11-04T17:52:00.008-07:00

HOLY CAKES

CHECK THESE OUT

Founder: Anne Heap--- Anne is a graduate of the Pastry Arts Program at the French Culinary Institute in NYC. Since she was six years old Anne has had a love for baking aroused by her mother, and now over 20 years later Anne is a phenomonal pastry chef

and founder of Pink Cake Box. Anne graduated for Advertising in 2001--baking fresh goodies for co-workers and friends joking that some day she would own her own cookie shop-- and today her success at Pink Cake Box--has opened doors to many clients and corporate events, she has appeared on The Food Network--In Modern Bride Magazine--People Magazine and many others.

(Information: Courtesy of Pink Cake Box.com)

Ohhhh My Goodness !!!

Some of the Most fabulous cakes I have ever seen---- I just love them :)

Take a look---most of the cakes are courtesy of Pink Cake Box

fabulous designers by the way .....

Xoxo

MissSweetTreats <3>

2008-11-04T10:41:00.003-07:00

Election Day 2008

Barack Obama Vs. John McCain

Don't forget to Vote !

Have a say in the next leader of your country...

Long lines formed this morning as polls opened across the country

Malfunctioning machines and Impatience were just 2 of the factors involved in voting...

Yet that didn't stop people from voting for the next leader of the country !

Don't forget to watch the Election Coverage tonight

when the polls close around 9:00 EST on CNN

2008-10-31T10:58:00.002-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

There's a goblin at my window,
A monster by my door.
The pumpkin at my table
Keeps on smiling more and more.
There's a ghost who haunts my bedroom,
A witch whose face is green.
They used to be my family,
Till they dressed for Halloween :)

Have a Wonderful and Safe Holiday :)
Enjoy all the wonderous treats
XOXO
MissSweetTreats <3>

Savory Soapy Sweet Tooth!

2008-10-30T10:11:00.004-07:00

YAY !
If you haven't heard of Bath & Body's line of Temptations Products- you better throw on your parka and go try it !--- The line includes many fabulous scents of 3-in-1 Body Products....
Bubble Bath, Body Wash and Shampoo-- many of the scents are seasonal like my favorites Pumpkin Pie Paradise and Simply Devine Cherry Pie !
These are truly Heaven on Earth-- I've had many compliments in the dorm bathrooms !!!
People can smell them for miles, and the thing is, they really smell like baking Cherry and Pumpkin pie, its devine :)
The soaps work up such a nice lather and leaves you in a silky creamy like state :)
And the best thing is it's Shampoo and Body Wash-- so you won't have fighting scents-- just delicious scents all around :)

You can find them at Bath and Body in store
or online at Limited Times:)
For $12.00...
Other Scrumptious Scents:
Twisted PepperMint
Sassy Strawberry Mint
Pecan Passion
Forever Frosting
Hello Sugar (*NEW) and Fabulous
Spiced Apple
Sugar & Spice
Perfect Peach
ICED TEA TWIST-- one of my favorites !!! <3 smells EXactly like Iced Tea and Lemon :)
Sunset Mango
Pomegranate Martini
Island Coconut
Glittery Gumdrop
Melon Cooler
Beyond Berry
Frozen Daqari
Vanilla Ice Cream <3
Banana Smoothie
Cinnamon Bun Heaven
and more........<3

Happy Bathing
xoxo
MissSweetTreats <3

Cook for the Cure !

2008-10-29T14:57:00.004-07:00

October is Breast Cancer Month and I don't know about you but I LOVE PINK
and my mom was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer--- so I'm purchasing this Kitchen Set for Christmas this year-- not only will my kitchen be FABULOUS but it will be Pink and everytime I cook I can think of the fact that I'm helping the cause :)
By purchasing the objects you're donating money to the cure :)
KitchenAide Pink Cook for the Cure products
Check it out :)
Happy Baking
xoxo
MissSweetTreats <3

Yay Cupcakes !

2008-10-28T11:28:00.013-07:00

Um Hi !

Halloween is just a few days away and who doesn't love cupcakes- well I'll tell ya what I LOVe cupcakes !

It's perfect you don't feel obligated to eat a whole cake because it's a tiny cake !

-- What a clever idea- Kudos to the Cupcake man!!

Anyway as I've mentioned 100's of times before I LOVE Fall so of course I've been doing some baking lately !

Such as Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies a fall FAVORITE in my house, and ever so popular cut-outs-- ghosts-witches- pumpkins you know ! :)

And then my personal Halloween favorite !-- Homemade Peanut Butter Doughnuts with Chocolate frosting :) Delish :)

But as for those recipes--- I can't leak them--- family secrets :)

Anyway so I was like I haven't made a Halloween cake-- so we need to hop on that one :)

But cake's waste quicker- not as convienent you know--- so i was researching Cupcake decorations and found some favorites :)...... and a few other Holidays as well :)

Happy Baking :)

Xoxo

MissSweetTreats <3

Wankers :)

2008-10-23T10:13:00.003-07:00

This really isn't a treat but it does have to do with food ! ! !
So in my graphic ideals class- we're working in groups to create a new concept for a restaurant ---we decided to do an English Style Pub ---that mainly survives on its humorous conversations with customers haha ! Thus far we've named it Wankers- The Good Mistake
We're quite in love with the idea and so excited to start !!!!

Be back tomorrow with hopefully another fun fall treat --
xoxo
MissSweetTreats
<3

Absolutely Delish <3

2008-10-21T11:46:00.003-07:00

Starbucks--- Pumpkin Spice Latte
Tastes exactly like liquid Pumpkin Pie :)
It's Heaven <3>

Perfect Pumpkin Pie

2008-10-21T07:44:00.004-07:00

Just in time for Halloween..........I absolutely Love this Recipe :D

Cook Time: 55 Minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup pumpkin pureé, canned or fresh cooked
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup half-and-half
1 9-inch pastry shell, unbaked

Preparation:

Combine pumpkin, sugar, salt, and spices. Add beaten eggs and half-and-half. Blend well. Pour pumpkin mixture into prepared pie shell. BAke at 450° for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 325°; bake 45 minutes longer, or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.

MMmmmmm
Enjoy :D
MissSweetTreats <3>

October Break

2008-10-09T13:24:00.002-07:00

Don't fret I'll be back I'm going on a little vacation for a few days ---some fall fun and baking of course planned-shopping and maybe a haunted hayride or two :)
Homecoming Weekend at home-- so I'm excited !!!

Here's a fall craft for you to try :)
A molded candle can light up a room even after the flame is out. Create whimsical orange pumpkins, yellow gourds, and green 'Forelle' pears with blushes of red). They're ideal as a centerpiece for the holiday table or as a gift for a dear friend.

The first thing you'll need to make these candles is a mold in which to pour the molten wax.

A large selection of molds is available at crafts stores, or you can make your own, as we've done using birch logs and pumpkins. Even a candy mold will do the job. Just don't use plastic, which may melt.

Beeswax is soft, with an opaque glow, which provides a visual warmth that remains after the wax has been colored. Finally, dress up some of the candles with paint.

Grouped together, pumpkin and gourd candles, along with walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, and bittersweet, make an eye-catching display.

Color Glossary
Colorant is sold in blocks; cut 1/4-inch square shavings with a knife or a vegetable peeler. For every pound of bleached beeswax, use the following number of shavings to create the various projects in this article.

Pale-orange pumpkins and gourds: 6 white, 4 brown, 2 rust brown, 2 sunshine yellow, 1 olive
Orange pumpkins and gourds: 10 sunshine yellow, 5 rust brown, 2 brown
Yellow gourds: 6 sunshine yellow, 4 white, 2 brown, 1/2 rust brown
Burnt-orange gourds: 6 sunshine yellow, 4 brown, 4 rust brown, 3 cherry, 3 ruby
Violet pinecones: 3 violet, 2 brown, 1 ruby
Logs: 10 brown, 3 rust brown, 3 true black
Pears: 2 olive, 1 turquoise, 1 sunshine yellow, 1/2 rust brown

XOXO
Happy Crafting

Caramel Crunch Apple Pie

2008-10-07T10:54:00.004-07:00

If you love caramel apples in the fall and can't get enough Apple Pie then try this one out---its delicious- but- my personal trick is to sprinkle toffee crunchies on top--- FABULOUS !

INGREDIENTS

TOPPING:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
PIE:
6 cups peeled, sliced baking apples
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (9 inch) unbaked pastry shell
28 caramels
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk

DIRECTIONS

Combine flour, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon; spread into an ungreased 8-in. square baking pan. Bake at 400 degrees F for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown. Cool; crumble and set aside. Sprinkle apple with lemon juice. Combine sugar, flour and cinnamon; toss with apples. Place apples in pie shell. Cut a circle of foil to cover apples but not the edge of pastry; place over pie. Bake at 425 degrees F for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 375 degrees F; bake for 35 minutes or until apples are tender.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan over low heat, melt caramels with milk, stirring frequently. Remove foil from pie. Pour caramel mixture over apples. Sprinkle with topping; return to the oven for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

<3>

XOXO
Happy Baking
let me know how it turns out :)
Miss Sweet Treat <3

FaceinHole

2008-10-06T21:15:00.004-07:00

My New Favorite Toy !!!
This doesn't have much to do with my blog but I had to share ....
These are soooo fun and definite stress relievers...
Try some and share them with me :)
heres the link>>>>>FACEinHOLE

XOXO
Happy Playing
Be back tomorrow with a new baking treat and some really fun fall place settings :)
Hugs and Chocolate Kisses
<3

Mmmm Fall is Here......

2008-10-05T18:22:00.003-07:00

and that means Pumpkin Pie.... a perfect fall dessert, but this one takes the cake ! Or the pie I guess haha... its phenomenal!!!! The candied hazelnut topping is amazing and it fills your home with that beautiful smell of fall that I love sooo much !

INGREDIENTS

Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 teaspoon vinegar
5 tablespoons ice water, or more if needed

Filling:
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoons flour
3 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons Frangelico liqueur (optional)
1/2 cup sour cream

Candied Hazelnut Topping:
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon Frangelico liqueur (optional)
3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 cup hazelnuts, peeled and chopped
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DIRECTIONS
Crust: In a bowl, stir together flour, sugar and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut butter cubes into flour mixture until pieces are pea-size. Sprinkle vinegar over flour mixture, tossing with a fork. Sprinkle 5 to 6 tablespoons cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, over flour mixture, tossing with a fork each time until dough is moistened and crumbly. Press crumbs firmly on bottom and up sides of a 9-inch pie plate.
Filling: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a bowl, stir together pumpkin, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, flour, eggs, Frangelico and sour cream; mix well. Pour into pie crust, fold narrow strip of foil over edges of crust to prevent over browning; bake 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, make topping. In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar and Frangelico. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in hazelnuts.
Remove foil from pie and sprinkle with topping. Bake 15 to 20 minutes more or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com

Xoxo
Happy Baking :)

Mashed Boo-tatos

2008-10-04T15:20:00.003-07:00

=)
Aren't these just spook-tacular---- sorry little bit of fall humor haha
Classic meatloaf is dressed up with two special side dishes. We used a pastry bag to pipe mashed potatoes into ghosts and sweet potatoes into pumpkins. The ghosts' eyes are black sesame seeds. For the pumpkins, pecan halves make the steams and bits of cilantro become leaves..
So creative =)

photo and idea- courtesy of Martha Stewart Living

Xoxo
Miss Sweet Treats

Mackenzie Childs.....

2008-10-03T11:02:00.005-07:00

Mackenzie Childs is located on a 65 acre former farm in Aurora, NY, overlooking Cayuga Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes,
I used to go about once a year when I was younger and explore-- the barn sale every summer is fabulous ----many of the items are discounted and it's easy to blow hundreds !!!! The grounds is open to the public and home to a herd of 25 Scottish Highland cattle, more than 90 birds roosting in the Gothic Revival-style Chicken Palace, a duck pond, a former Cornell horse barn, a 1930’s greenhouse, spectacular and ever-changing gardens ! About 3 years ago I went with a Ceramics class for a tour of the factory-- each piece is handcrafted and handpainted allowing the possibility for NO two pieces to be the same !!!

The story behind the magic--- Richard and Victoria Mackenzie-Childs start the company and after years of creating a fantastic and unique brand- the company was slowing sulking into bankruptcy-- Pleasant Rowland founder of Pleasant Co. (Wells College ALumna-nearby College in Aurora), maker of The American Dolls buys Mackenzie-Childs after making millions with the American Girl Dolls....but recently in May the company was sold to a private company with offices in Rochester and Manhattan-- Rowland put millions of dollars into the company and opened the stores in NY and Florida....the brand is still amazing and simplistic and hopefully will be around for many many more years !
i'll update with next years barn sale when I have the date :)

(photo credits: Mackenzie Childs website)
1st photo: beautifully handcrafted patio table and chairs-- note the gorgeous checkered pattern on the table (their my favorite
2nd photo: Courtley checked patterned dishes- my favorite of the patterns- so simple and elegant-makes any kitchen appear as perfection
3rd photo: gorgeous tablesetting-- featured in the Aurora store

Xoxo
Ciao

Beautiful Fashion for your table.....

2008-10-03T10:01:00.004-07:00

...Rosanna Inc. Designer Tableware :) Love it !
Each collection is elegant beautiful and equisitely crafted... Rosanna Tableware is affordable and an excellent addition to any kitchen or dining room- Rosanna can add a little elegance to any occasion and my favorite thing is that the patterns can be mixed and matched!
This makes decorating your table even more fun :)

"If Rosanna Bowles ran the world, everyone would gather around each evening and enjoy a delicious meal passed around the table on exquisite dishes while laughing, talking and sipping glasses of red wine. She believes that dining together is a giving, loving—and truly fun—experience"
-quoted web-

Xoxo
Happy Decorating

Just call me Miss Sweet Treats <3

2008-10-02T17:24:00.002-07:00

Hey Hey Miss Sweet Treats Here !
This is my second blog dedicated completely to my love and devotion for sweets and baking!!!
I'm a wholesome country girl and I grew up following my mom around the kitchen...
Italian flows through my blood and with that means great cooking, passion and love in EVERY dish...this is what I bake by--- I love every minute I spend in the kitchen....

My ideal day would be baking cookies and cakes and throwing a party with all my goodies...My favorite time of year is Fall--- the absolute best baking occurs when fall starts !!!!
That warm comfortable familiar smell of warm apple pie, spices and caramel this is always present in my house and its the greatest comfort to me :)
And after fall comes Christmas and Christmas in my house means about 2 dozen plus types of cookies and treats ! :)
My blogger job is to provide you with insite and stories on my life growing up in such a wonderful kitchen-- give you heads up on amazing recipes- kitchen tricks-- fun things to create for the holidays-- great restaurants--- and even kitchen decor !

I'm so excited to start sharing my secrets and recipes with you
So let's get started !!!
Xoxo
Don't ever forget to Lick the Spatuala <3