Category: Appetizers, Desserts & Snacks

Cinnamon French Toast Bake

I could’ve just opened a few tubes of cinnamon rolls and baked them for my wife to take into the office to treat her co-workers. But that’s just not me. Nothing wrong with a tube of cinnamon rolls (as I’m about to prove). They just need a little help to be even more awesome and this cinnamon French toast bake is definitely more awesome. Fluffy rolls in a cinnamon egg maple French toast batter, covered with chopped pecans, maple syrup and icing. It’s enough to make the other cinnamon rolls sitting in tubes jealous.

Cinnamon French Toast Bake

This Isn’t The Diet Version

There’s nothing I would change about this recipe. Sure this cinnamon French toast bake isn’t light. It’s not low on calories. But it’s mighty good. And since the rolls are cut into small pieces before you bake them you can easily cut and serve smaller portions. If you want to, that is.

I use pecans from my dad’s nut trees when I make this recipe and any other that calls for pecans. Sorry, I don’t share since they are very near and dear to me. You’ll have to settle for store-bought pecans (unless you know someone with pecan trees too)!

Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Pecan Halves, No Added Salt, 16 Ounce
Amazon Brand – Happy Belly Pecan Halves, No Added Salt, 16 Ounce

Also try my brioche French toast.

Cinnamon French Toast Bake
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5 from 1 vote

Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Fluffy rolls in a cinnamon egg maple French toast batter, covered with chopped pecans, maple syrup and icing. It’s enough to make the other cinnamon rolls sitting in tubes jealous.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword French toast
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 451kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Pillsbury

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375° F.
  • Pour melted butter into a 13″ x 9″ baking dish.
  • Open both cans of rolls. Separate the rolls and cut each into four pieces. Place pieces into the baking dish.
  • Beat the eggs in a medium bowl. Whisk in the cream, cinnamon and vanilla. Pour over the tops of the cinnamon rolls.
  • Sprinkle nuts over tops of rolls and drizzle with 1 cup of the syrup.
  • Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes.
  • Drizzle remaining syrup over rolls.
  • Microwave the icing containers on half power for 10-15 seconds. Drizzle over rolls.

Notes

Also great using walnuts!

Nutrition

Calories: 451kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 484mg | Potassium: 171mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 278IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Praline Crunch

Praline crunch is the kind of good stuff that you put in a bowl on the table during a football game for guests to snack on and by halfway through the first quarter you are wondering where it all went. “Why didn’t I double it?” is what you’ll be asking yourself, so I’m telling ya right now: double it. Crunchy and just the slightest hint of vanilla. And pecans! I love pecans!

Praline Crunch

Substitutions Allowed

This recipe for praline crunch is pretty flexible. If you aren’t a fan of pecans, shelled peanuts also work fine and do cashews. You can also substitute other cereals, or use a mix. Praline crunch is good no matter what you put into it, just make sure you double the recipe!

Note: I used baking powder because, somehow, I was out of baking soda! You can substitute baking soda by using just 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda versus the 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder.

I use pecans from my dad’s nut trees when I make this recipe and any other that calls for pecans. Sorry, I don’t share since they are very near and dear to me. You’ll have to settle for store-bought (unless you know someone with pecan trees too)!

Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Pecan Halves, No Added Salt, 16 Ounce
Amazon Brand – Happy Belly Pecan Halves, No Added Salt, 16 Ounce

Also try my caramel crunchy Cheetos!

Praline Crunch
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5 from 2 votes

Praline Crunch

Praline crunch is the kind of good stuff that you put in a bowl on the table during a football game for guests to snack on and by halfway through the first quarter you are wondering where it all went. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword crunchy, nuts
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings 10 cups
Calories 412kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 250 F.
  • Lightly spray a deep 9″ x 13″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Combine the cereal and nuts in a large heat-safe bowl.
  • Melt the butter in a medium sauce over medium high heat.
  • Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir while bringing to a boil.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla and the baking powder until smooth and the baking powder has dissolved.
  • Pour the mixture over the cereal and stir to coat.
  • Pour the mixture into the baking dish and distribute evenly.
  • Bake for 1 hour, stirring carefully every 20 minutes.
  • Pour mixture out onto parchment paper and spread out evenly to a thickness of 1″.
  • Let cool then break into pieces and serve.

Notes

Store in an air-tight container until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 412kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 271mg | Potassium: 281mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 1095IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 9mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Smoky Ranch Saltines

Flavored saltines are a favorite snack in our house. They are so easy to make. They are great for travel snacks. You can make them in pretty much any flavor you can think of. From Buffalo wing-flavored to spicy Fire-Eater saltines, to these smoky ranch saltines, you can’t go wrong with them.

Smoky Ranch Saltines

No Boring Crackers Here

If you’re not gentle when tossing the saltines they will crumble and not get fully covered in the flavoring. If you double or triple this recipe for smoky Ranch saltines make each sleeve of crackers in it’s own bag or you’ll have trouble getting the smoky Ranch seasoning to coat each individual one.

If you want your crackers to have a little kick, add a few pinches of cayenne to the smoky ranch seasoning. Chile powder is also a great addition as it also adds a bit more smokiness.

365 by Whole Foods Market, Salted Saltine Crackers, 16 Ounce
365 by Whole Foods Market, Salted Saltine Crackers, 16 Ounce

Also try my Buffalo wing, Fire-eater and lime pepper saltines.

Smoky Ranch Saltines
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Smoky Ranch Saltines

Flavored saltines are a favorite snack in our house. They are so easy to make. They are great for travel snacks. You can make them in pretty much any flavor you can think of.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword crackers, Ranch, smoky
Prep Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours
Servings 30 or so crackers
Calories 22kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the Saltines

For the Smoky Ranch seasoning (makes approx 7 tablespoons)

Instructions

For the Saltines

  • Place crackers in a large resealable bag or container.
  • Pour in the oil.
  • Sprinkle with the seasoning.
  • Seal and gently toss to coat.
  • Let sit (on the counter) for 12 hours to get ‘happy’, tossing gently every once-in-a-while.

For the Smoky Ranch seasoning

  • Combine all ingredients.

Notes

You can use other crackers, too.

Nutrition

Calories: 22kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 83mg | Potassium: 7mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 115IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Lime Pepper Saltines

It seems that I have a bit of an addiction to flavored saltines. It all started when I made Fire-Eater saltines, which disappeared in no time. I should probably hide them, but then, I’d still know where they are so that isn’t going to help. Guess I’ll try moderation instead. These lime pepper saltines aren’t going to help either. They have just a hint of lime with a great pepper flavor. I was very pleasantly surprised as to just how much I liked them.

Lime Pepper Saltines

Seasoned Just Right

I found the seasoning at our local GFS store, but you can also find a mix like it at your local grocery store. You can also substitute lemon pepper, which seems to be a bit more common. Lime pepper saltines are different, more citrusy to me.

365 by Whole Foods Market, Salted Saltine Crackers, 16 Ounce
365 by Whole Foods Market, Salted Saltine Crackers, 16 Ounce

Also try my Buffalo wing, Fire-eater and smoky Ranch saltines.

Lime Pepper Saltines
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1 from 1 vote

Lime Pepper Saltines

These lime pepper saltines have just a hint of lime with a great pepper flavor. I was very pleasantly surprised as to just how much I liked them.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword crackers
Prep Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours
Servings 30
Calories 38kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place crackers in a large resealable bag or container.
  • Pour in the oil.
  • Sprinkle with the seasoning.
  • Seal and gently toss to coat.
  • Let sit (on the counter) for 12 hours to get ‘happy’, tossing gently every once-in-a-while.
  • Serve as-is or with cream cheese for topping.

Notes

Also great topped with your favorite sliced cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 38kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 41mg | Potassium: 6mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Homemade Pizza Rolls

Back when I was knee-high to a grasshopper I was lucky enough to live right next to my school. That meant that some days I could run home and grab a quick lunch (while watching The Gong Show, but that’s a whole other story). Now, mom usually made me a sandwich or maybe heated some soup, but on rare occasions she’d heat up frozen pizza rolls (at my request… or begging!). I could devour them no matter how many she made and no matter how much they burned the top of my mouth (who waits for them to cool off?).

Homemade Pizza Rolls

Pizza Rolls Are For All Ages

Well, here I am a few years later. And I still love pizza rolls. But now I make them at home. A little pizza sauce, some baby pepperoni, cheese and a little heat, all wrapped in a wonton wrapper. In no time I’m burning the roof of my mouth again, enjoying the snacks and memories from years ago.

The Perfect Party Bites

These homemade pizza rolls are great for parties. You can make them ahead of time and freeze them. Bake just before your guests arrive. You can also make all sorts of variations on them, using your favorite pizza toppings. Just don’t use anything too wet, such as canned mushrooms, without first patting it dry. Otherwise the wrappers might get too soggy and they’ll pop while baking.

You can also use homemade spaghetti sauce when making these. If you prefer the pre-made pizza rolls, but want to improve on them, try my garlic Parmesan pizza rolls.

Rao's Homemade Classic Pizza Sauce, 13 oz, Keto Friendly, Tomato Sauce, Premium Quality Tomatoes from Italy and Olive Oil
Rao’s Homemade Classic Pizza Sauce, 13 oz, Keto Friendly, Tomato Sauce, Premium Quality Tomatoes from Italy and Olive Oil

Also try my pizza pretzel nuggets and mini deep-dish pizzas.

Homemade Pizza Rolls
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5 from 1 vote

Homemade Pizza Rolls

A little pizza sauce, some baby pepperoni, cheese and a little heat, all wrapped in a wonton wrapper. In no time I’m burning the roof of my mouth again, enjoying the snacks and memories from years ago.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword pizza rolls
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 40 rolls
Calories 2112kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Amy’s Cooking Adventures

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 F.
  • Combine the pepperoni, cheese, sauce, and red pepper flake in a large bowl.
  • In a separate bowl whisk together the egg and water.
  • Working in batches, lay the wonton wrappers out on a flat surface in the shape of a diamond, with one point pointing towards you.
  • Lightly brush the edges of the wrapper with the egg wash.
  • Spoon about a tablespoon of the sauce mixture into the center of the wonton.
  • Grab the topmost (furthest away from you) point of the diamond and fold over the sauce mixture.
  • Press down around the edges to seal.
  • Fold in the left and right sides and press down on the edges to seal.
  • Finally, fold over the bottom side (the point pointing towards you) and then press lightly around the edges to seal. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with foil or use a silpat.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Serve hot with warmed additional pizza sauce for dipping if desired.

Notes

You can make these ahead and freeze them. Just pop them in a 425 F oven for 15-20 minutes when ready to heat and eat.

Nutrition

Calories: 2112kcal | Carbohydrates: 278g | Protein: 103g | Fat: 62g | Saturated Fat: 33g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 384mg | Sodium: 5265mg | Potassium: 1356mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 2816IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 1411mg | Iron: 19mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Creamed Spinach Deviled Eggs

These creamed spinach deviled eggs were definitely the star of the show when we made them for our Thanksgiving dinner. They looked elegant and they tasted fancy. And yes, I admit, several of them never made it to the platter thanks to some ‘quality control’ by myself and my wife. Hey, you have to make sure they pass the muster (and boy do they)!

Creamed Spinach Deviled Eggs

Use Fresh Or Frozen Spinach

You can use frozen spinach if you cannot find fresh. Just make sure that it is completely thawed and drained very well. Wet spinach will make the filling far too thin. When I say drain it, I mean squeeze the heck out of it, several times, to make sure you get every last drop of water out of it.

I am not the world’s expert hard boiled egg cooker person. Instead, I ‘cheat’. I use this little egg cooker instead. It makes 7 eggs in about 15 minutes and they come out perfectly each and every time.

DASH Electric Rapid Egg Cooker for Hard Boiled/Poached/Scrambled Eggs or Omelets with Auto Shut-Off Feature, Black, 7 Egg Capacity
DASH Electric Rapid Egg Cooker for Hard Boiled/Poached/Scrambled Eggs or Omelets with Auto Shut-Off Feature, Black, 7 Egg Capacity

If you’re taking the creamed spinach deviled eggs to a get-together you can pipe them before leaving. They seem to travel pretty well. I would wait until you get to your destination before adding the crumbled feta.

Also try my jalapeno popper deviled eggs and my insanely-good chili deviled eggs.

Creamed Spinach Deviled Eggs
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4.50 from 2 votes

Creamed Spinach Deviled Eggs

These creamed spinach deviled eggs were definitely the star of the show when we made them for our Thanksgiving dinner.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword deviled, Easter, eggs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 24 halves
Calories 92kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Genius Kitchen

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the shallot and garlic and saute until softened and starting to turn golden brown, about 3 minutes.
  • Slowly stir in the spinach, stirring. Cook until wilted and bright green, about 2 minutes.
  • Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl.
  • Stir in the cream cheese. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the mayonnaise, salt and pepper.
  • Slice the eggs in half. Transfer the egg yolks to the spinach mixture and stir until smooth. You might have to add a bit more mayonnaise. You want the mixture to be just thin enough to pipe thru a piping bag or icing tool.
  • Transfer mixture to a piping bag or icing tool and pipe into the center of each egg.
  • Serve topped with the crumbled feta.

Notes

Make sure that the spinach is nice and chopped evenly.

Nutrition

Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 209mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 742IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Slow-Cooker Bourbon Cocktail Sausages

I wasn’t going to post these slow-cooker bourbon cocktail sausages when I first made them. I didn’t think that the world needed another cocktail sausage recipe. But after making them, and watching them disappear at a family get-together, I decided I just had to share.

Slow Cooker Bourbon Cocktail Sausages

Tasty Yet Easy

Slow-cooker bourbon cocktail sausages are very, very simple, yet very, very delicious. I actually left out the bourbon and was still left with a (just slightly) spicy sauce that was wonderful with the smoked sausage slices. It’s hard to stop eating these sausages.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

I used sliced smoked sausage when I made these slow cooker bourbon cocktail sausages, but you could just as easily add Lit’l Smokies cocktail links. Make sure you let everything get happy in the slow cooker for the full 3 hours. The sauce will flavor the sausages over time, so give them time.

Also try my sweet-and-sassy slow cooker appetizer meatballs and my tailgate cocktail smokies.

Slow Cooker Bourbon Cocktail Sausages
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5 from 1 vote

Slow-Cooker Bourbon Cocktail Sausages

I wasn’t going to post these slow-cooker bourbon cocktail sausages when I first made them. I didn’t think that the world needed another cocktail sausage recipe. But after making them, and watching them disappear at a family get-together, I decided I just had to share.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword cocktail, crockpot, sausage, slow cooker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 223kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Betty Crocker

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound smoked sausage cut diagonally into 1/2″ slices
  • 1 12 ounce chili sauce
  • â…“ cup bourbon optional
  • ¼ cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 tablespoons white onion grated
  • dried red pepper flake or hot sauce, to taste (optional)

Instructions

  • Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain well.
  • Combine the chili sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, onion and red pepper flake or hot sauce in the bottom of a slow cooker.
  • Add the sausage and stir.
  • Cook on low for 3 hours.

Notes

You can also use Polish sausage, kielbasa or even large hot dogs.

Nutrition

Calories: 223kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 485mg | Potassium: 133mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count
Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count

Slow Cooker White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Candy

This slow cooker white chocolate peppermint pretzel candy was divine. I don’t know why I didn’t think of melting chocolate in a slow cooker. I’ve always been somewhat challenged at melting chocolate, be it in the microwave or in a double boiler. I always over melt it or something and it ends up thick, gloppy and just a big huge pile of chocolate sadness. My success rate was pretty low.

The slow cooker made it as easy as it could be, turning out the perfectly creamy smooth chocolate. They are nice and crunchy and packed with peppermint flavor. These were an instant holiday success in our household (and at my wife’s office!).

Slow Cooker White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Candy

Delicious Crunchiness

The chocolate mixture in this slow cooker white chocolate peppermint pretzel candy was very easy to work with. I didn’t have to rush to get the mix onto the baking sheets before it began to set. I had plenty of time to do it right.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

This candy was easy to make in part because of the shortening. I think that the low-and-slow melting of the chocolate in the slow cooker also helped. I plan on using this same approach with any future chocolate goodies that I make.

Also try my chocolate-dipped peanut butter Bugles.

Slow Cooker White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Candy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel Candy

This slow cooker white chocolate peppermint pretzel candy was divine. I don’t know why I didn’t think of melting chocolate in a slow cooker. I’ve always been somewhat challenged at melting chocolate, be it in the microwave or in a double boiler.
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword candy, crockpot, slow cooker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 449kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Number 2 Pencil

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the shortening into your slow cooker set to low.
  • Add the white chocolate chips. Cover and let melt at least 20 minutes, until creamy smooth, stirring often.
  • Meanwhile, line 3 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Stir in the peppermint extract.
  • Slowly stir in the pretzel pieces and 1/2 cup of the crushed candies. Make sure they are all well combined.
  • Spoon the mixture out onto the baking sheets.
  • Sprinkle with the remaining crushed peppermint candies. Let sit at least 30 minutes until firm.
  • Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips per the package instructions.
  • Drizzle or pipe over the pretzel candies.
  • Let cool before serving or packaging.

Notes

Store in an air-tight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 449kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 57mg | Potassium: 216mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 22IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Ting-A-Lings

We’re always on the hunt for something to make for my wife to take to work to share with her co-workers. Usually that means snacks. And although we like to keep it simple, that doesn’t mean we’d ever sacrifice flavor. When I came across this recipe for Ting-A-Lings I quickly put it on our to-make list. They’re crunchy, chocolatey, and butterscotchy and fun! Oh yes, they disappeared in no time. And they’re pretty easy to make when you have a double boiler.

Ting-A-Lings

A Few Variations

You can make all sorts of different variations on Ting-A-Lings. Use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet. Try different nuts. Substitute fried Ramen noodles (a dash of oil in a skillet, add crushed Ramen, and fry until golden. Also great on salads or in soups!). You name it, you can’t go wrong.

Farberware Classic Stainless Series 2-Quart Covered Double Boiler
Farberware Classic Stainless Series 2-Quart Covered Double Boiler

For a nice twist, substitute your favorite chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts would be great!) for the salted peanuts. Toast them for a few minutes in a small skillet first, letting them cool completely before adding to the chocolate and butterscotch mix.

Also try my slow cooker white chocolate peppermint pretzel candy. Whew that’s a lot of words! But it’s great too, so it was worth all of the typing!

Ting-A-Lings
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3.91 from 11 votes

Ting-A-Lings

When I came across this recipe for Ting-A-Lings I quickly put it on our to-make list. They’re crunchy, chocolatey, and butterscotchy and fun! Oh yes, they disappeared in no time.
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword chocolate, nuts
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 2 dozen
Calories 2121kcal
Author Inspired by a recipe from Big Red Kitchen

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Lay out a good sized piece of wax paper.
  • Melt the chocolate and butterscotch chips in a double-boiler.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the noodles and peanuts.
  • Drop mixture by the tablespoon onto the wax paper.
  • Let cool and set. If your room is hot (like our kitchen was) you’ll want to transfer the candy to the fridge to set.

Notes

Store in an air-tight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 2121kcal | Carbohydrates: 302g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 77g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 2136mg | Potassium: 1079mg | Fiber: 26g | Sugar: 106g | Vitamin A: 130IU | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 15mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Sugar Cookie Dum-Dum Pops

Finding uses for leftover Halloween candy is my new obsession. Ok, it’s ONE of my new obsessions. We ended up with a good amount of leftover candy this year, mostly Dum-Dums. That’s despite using them in my classic self-serve pumpkin, which is always a huge hit at Halloween. So, I made sugar cookie Dum-Dum pops. Fantastic baked sugar cookies with that light crunch, surrounding lightly melted Dum-Dums, perfect for licking after finishing off the cookie.

Sugar Cookie Dum-Dum Pops

The Key To Success

The key to making these sugar cookie Dum-Dum pops is to very, very gently press the pops into the dough. It softens while it bakes. If you push too hard the dough will crack and you’ll end up with sad (but still good) pops. After doing a few I got the technique down.

NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine - Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14"x6"x3", Black
NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine – Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14″x6″x3″, Black

These pops were a big hit at my wife’s office.

Also try my homemade Jolly Rancher lollipops.

Sugar Cookie Dum-Dum Pops
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5 from 1 vote

Sugar Cookie Dum-Dum Pops

Fantastic baked sugar cookies with that light crunch, surrounding lightly melted Dum-Dums, perfect for licking after finishing off the cookie.
Course Treat
Cuisine American
Keyword cookies
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 16 cookies
Calories 127kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tube sugar cookie dough
  • 16 Dum-Dums unwrapped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven per cookie dough package instructions.
  • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper (even though the dough package may say you don’t need to).
  • Cut the dough per the package instructions. Lay out onto the parchment paper.
  • Place pops in the center of the dough circles. VERY lightly press into the dough. Do not press hard.
  • Bake for 5 minutes then VERY lightly press the pops into the dough some more.
  • Bake another 5 minutes and check if you can press the pops even further into the dough.
  • Finish baking until golden brown, per the package instructions.
  • Let cool before removing from the parchment paper.

Notes

Store in an air-tight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 85mg | Potassium: 43mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)