~Best Ever Irish Soda Bread~

Irish Soda Bread
(File Photo)

It's especially at this time of year that Irish Soda Bread is baked and enjoyed! You know the yummy bread that is just filled with sweet raisins with every bite. At least the Irish Soda Bread that I bake is. Yes, you can purchase one that can be a tad dry in texture and /or not contain lots of raisins. If you are going to enjoy this delicious traditional bread on St. Patrick's Day weekend, bake one using this recipe. It's that good!

***Three ingredients are key here- Butter, Raisins and Buttermilk. The Butter is melted first and cooled before adding into the other ingredients. The Raisins are soaked in hot water and drained before adding them in.

Did I mention that no eggs are needed in this recipe? There are no eggs. 

In the photo below the sticky raisin filled dough is ready to be placed in the oven.

Raisin filled dough
(File Photo)

Click here for my recipe for this delicious Irish Soda Bread.

Add Butter, Raisins and Buttermilk to your grocery list this week. Then, bake this delicious Irish Soda Bread to enjoy this upcoming St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

Delicious Thanksgiving Day Dessert

Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp
waiting for a small scoop of vanilla ice cream
(File Photo)

Apple Crisp is always a welcome dessert! Slices of baked apples combined with dried cranberries and raisins that have an oat cinnamon/ nutmeg topping. Yum! A small scoop of vanilla ice cream is always placed on top whenever we enjoy this dessert. I have baked one this autumn. It was so good! Next week the day before Thanksgiving Day I will be baking another Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp. It is such a delicious dessert to enjoy on that special day. And also many other special days!

At this time of year so many restaurants, grocery stores and specialty food shops advertise their Apple Pies. Some may be good, but others are just o.k. Instead of purchasing one, bake a Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp! There is no pie crust to roll out. That is an added plus! It sure does save time involved in preparing this tasty dessert.   

My easy recipe for Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp is here. 

Add Apples to your grocery list for this weekend. The other ingredients you probably already have. If not, add those ingredients, too. This is one dessert that beats buying an apple pie.

Enjoy!
Yummy!

Best Ever Irish Soda Bread

Best Ever Irish Soda Bread
(File Photo)

It's that time of year when every one is Irish! It's also that time of year when I look into my fridge to see if I have unsalted Butter and Buttermilk.  I will be baking Best Ever Irish Soda Bread this week. It is delicious! A slice warmed for a few seconds in the microwave to enjoy on St. Patrick's Day has become a tradition! This Irish Soda Bread is filled with plump Raisins.  They are plump, because they are soaked in hot water while I prepare the dough.  It does make a difference.

Ready to be placed in the oven.
(File Photo)

I have also learned that slices of this delicious bread freeze well.

If you have never baked this yummy bread, bake one using this recipe.  I found it many years ago when I was searching for a recipe.  The ones that I had always seemed to be too dry.  You know, like the Irish Soda Breads that you purchase in the grocery stores.  This bread is just the best!

Click here for the recipe and my helpful hints. 

Bake this delicious bread this year!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

 

Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp

Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp
before adding the vanilla ice cream on top.
(File Photo)

In September when it gets a bit chilly here in Western MA I always think of baking an Apple Crisp! Actually, I think of baking a Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp and top it with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream before serving!  It's the dessert containing peeled/ sliced apples that is baked and has a delicious cinnamon nutmeg oat topping.  Did I mention that mixed in with the baked apple slices are puffed Craisins (dried cranberries) and puffed raisins?  The dried fruits absorb the moisture while they are baking and puff up.  At this time of year I use McIntosh and/ or Cortland apples.  During the winter season, sometimes, I use Empire Apples. 

This is definitely a tasty dessert made with apples and it does not require a pie crust!  It has been a family favorite for years!  A small scoop of ice cream or a small amount of whipped cream added on top adds to the delicious taste.  

I have posted my recipe many times in the past, so I am including my complete recipe here:

Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp Recipe 

Add apples- McIntosh or Cortland to your grocery list this week.  Read the recipe to learn if you have the other ingredients.  You probably do have old fashioned Oats in your pantry along with brown sugar, and the cinnamon and nutmeg.  If not, add those, too.  Plan on baking this delicious dessert soon!  It is so good!

Enjoy!
Yummy!                 

Best Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread
(File Photo)

Add unsalted Butter, Buttermilk and Raisins to your grocery list this weekend! It's time to get ready to bake a delicious Irish Soda Bread!  Yes, they can be purchased, but this Irish Soda Bread is filled and I did write filled with moisty Raisins.  Every bite is just so yummy!  This is by far the best Irish Soda Bread that I have ever tasted!  I had used other recipes in the past, but they always were d- r- y.  And, they did not contain enough Raisins.  

Quite a few years ago I "googled" to find what recipe I could come up with.  I did not expect to find much, because I only had 1 Cup of Buttermilk to use.  To my surprise I found a blog with an Irish Soda Bread recipe that required that 1 Cup of Buttermilk.  It was so very easy to prepare.  It had so many Raisins, too!  I was hooked.  I baked it and boy was it delicious!  This recipe is just the best!  I have never searched for another!

Click on this link for the recipe with all of my hints!  The complete story, too!  You will be very happy you did!  I have learned that slices of this Irish Soda Bread freeze very well!  This delicious bread is also a wonderful treat to bake, cool and mail to our sons- for St. Patrick's Day or other special occasions.  You guessed it!  It is a family favorite!  Did I mention that it is easy to prepare??  It is!! 

Irish Soda Bread
cut and packaged to mail
(File Photo)

Yesterday, the Buttermilk was purchased for my St. Patrick's Day Irish Soda Bread baking.  Slices will be on our breakfast table on March 17th!  Heated in the microwave for a few seconds- ah, YUM!!  Bake one this year!

Enjoy!
Yummy!    

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Bake a Batch of Hermits!

Hermits
(File Photo)

Got Raisins?  Got Molasses?  Got Ground Ginger and Ground Cloves??  If not add them to your grocery list!  You will be on your way to baking a batch of Hermits! The delicious molasses flavored bar cookies that are filled with raisins are a great choice for your holiday cookie tray.  Three "logs" of dough are placed on a large cookie pan.  Then, they are baked in your oven.  All at one time!

Ready to be placed in the oven!
(File Photo)

After the three logs of dough are baked each log is cut diagonally into serving pieces.  Then, after the bar cookies cool, one is ready for a "taste test".  It is not necessary, because of course it will taste scrumptious!  But, who can resist a taste test of a homemade cookie??

Which Hermit should I "taste test"?
(File Photo)

Hermits have been a favorite cookie for so many years! Click here for my recipe and the complete easy directions!  

These bar cookies also freeze well!  Place 4- 6 of them in a freezer bag and pop in the freezer.  Freeze more if you are able to do so.  We enjoy most of them after I bake them.  What a special treat to find a package of Hermits to defrost in about 1 month.  Bake a batch this week!  Don't forget the taste test!

Enjoy!
Yummy! 

~Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp~

Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp
(File Photo)

When September rolls around baking an Apple Crisp using the local fresh McIntosh and Cortland apples is always on my agenda.  It was this year, too.  Now, the middle of October has arrived and another will be placed in our oven.  No pie crust is needed here, which makes this dessert easy to prepare.   

Apple Crisp is a great dessert!  Slices of baked apples with a crispy oat cinnamon/ nutmeg flavored topping.  I always combine a few Craisins (dried cranberries) and raisins with the apples before adding the oat topping.  When serving, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream is added on top of the Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp and it tastes so good!

Back in October 2011 I posted my recipe.  This post has a printable recipe card for Craisin Raisin Apple Crisp, too!  I cannot remember when I began baking this delicious apple treat, but it remains a favorite in my household.  The weekend is here, so purchase some apples and bake this dessert.  It is so good!

Remember no pie crust is needed!  Click here for the recipe! 

Enjoy!
Yummy!

        

~Best Ever Irish Soda Bread~

Best Ever Irish Soda Bread
sliced and ready to eat!

St. Patrick's Day is this week!!  That means one thing to me and it's a BIG THING!!! It's time to bake and then enjoy Irish Soda Bread!!!  The delicious bread that's filled with raisins.  Buttermilk is an ingredient, so Buttermilk was on my grocery list this past week.  No way we will not have a big slice of Irish Soda Bread for breakfast on the 17th of March!!

It is such an easy bread to bake.  Yes, they are available to purchase in grocery stores and bakeries, but after you bake and then taste this Irish Soda Bread you will soon discover that this is the one for you, too.

I remember so many years ago when I was googling for a recipe.  A recipe that only used 1 Cup of Buttermilk, because that was all the buttermilk that I had in my fridge.  I found a blog "Charli and Me" written by Carol that had a very easy recipe posted.  Not only was it easy, but it originally was shared by an older Irish woman.  That was all I needed to know.  I baked the bread using that recipe and it has definitely become a family fave.

Friends that I have shared it with get back to me at this time of year happily sharing that they have baked it for March 17th, also!  Yes, it is that good!

I've posted the recipe here on my blog before and I'm sharing that post today.  It is worth that extra click to read and then use the recipe.

***For an extra treat, heat a slice in the microwave for a few seconds!  YUM!!! 

Enjoy!
Yummy!

 

   Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

~Hermits~

Hermits
just waiting for a "taste test"
(File Photo)

It's time to bake a batch of Hermits!  That yummy bar cookie that has Molasses, Cinnamon, Ginger, Ground Cloves and Raisins as ingredients!  Hermits are baked in three rows in a cookie baking pan.  Especially in the winter months I see these cookies in grocery stores.  They usually do not have many or any Raisins.  Hermits with Raisins are just the best!

This bar cookie is easy to prepare!  They taste so good!  After they have baked and come out of the oven and cool a bit, each row is cut into diagonal pieces.  Usually after cutting them into the diagonal bars, there is a "taste test".  I mean, who can resist biting into a warm cookie with Molasses and Raisins?  I never can.

Bake a batch of Hermits to enjoy over the holidays!  Click here for the recipe!

These cookies also freeze well.  It's always a great surprise in January or February to look into our freezer and find a small package just waiting to be defrosted and enjoyed.

Enjoy!
Yummy!

~Apple Crisp with Craisins/ Raisins~

Apple Crisp with Craisins/ Raisins
(File Photo)

It was quite surprising that this past weekend I baked my first Apple Crisp this Autumn.  Usually, when the local early McIntosh apples are available I purchase them and bake this family favorite dessert.  I guess we have had a few apples, but eating a sliced apple was just so tasty there were never enough left to bake with.  Well, this yummy apple dessert that has a crunchy oat topping is now in our fridge to enjoy again later tonight!  Did I mention that Craisins and raisins are hidden between the slices of baked apples?  They are!  They give this dessert a great taste!  A little scoop of ice cream is always added on top before serving.

I do not want to waste any time sharing my Apple Crisp with Craisins/ Raisins recipe, so click here for the complete Directions!  It is definitely worth the extra click!

It is so good!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

       

Best Ever Irish Soda Bread

 

Best Ever Irish Soda Bread
(File Photo)

St. Patrick's Day is soon!  It's the day when just about everyone is Irish!  Me??  Oh, I'm Irish by marriage.  For that reason, I just knew years ago that I needed to bake a really great tasting Irish Soda Bread.  The kind of Irish Soda Bread that tasted better than any that I had tasted. 

I did locate a great recipe!  Now, whenever I sample a slice of other breads, it's always, "Ah, no, not as good."  Sometimes, they are a bit too dry.  Other times there are not many raisins to enjoy.  That does make a big difference.  

In my quest for the "perfect" Irish Soda Bread, I googled.  At that time my search led me to Carol who also had a foodie blog.  The ingredients were few and the method was so easy.  In my haste one year I melted and cooled the unsalted Butter.  That error led to a much easier method of preparing the dough.  

The dough is very sticky.  It's also plump full of Raisins!  The Raisins are soaked in hot water, first, drained and then added to the other ingredients.

Ready to be baked!
(File Photo)

This year, rather than write out the recipe for Best Ever Irish Soda Bread, here is the link.  Yes, it is worth it to click on this link!  Last week I purchased the needed ingredients, because I knew I had to bake this yummy bread for this Tuesday.  I'll be baking it tomorrow!   

If you have any extra slices, they can be frozen to enjoy at another time.  I place each half slice in a sandwich bag and then place all of the sandwich bags into a freezer bag.  The needed amount can be defrosted. This also makes a great gift for other family members!  In this photo it's cut and sliced and ready to be enjoyed.

A great treat to share!
(File Photo)

If you do not have Buttermilk in your fridge, save this recipe to use after purchasing it in the coming weeks.  The other ingredients, too, if they are not in your pantry.  This is one very tasty Irish Soda Bread!!  Whenever I bake one I always think of Carol who introduced me to this delicious bread!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

     


                     and

               Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Apple Crisp- with Raisins and Craisins

Apple Crisp- with Raisins and Craisins
(File Photo)

One just might believe that I forgot what our fave family dessert is in autumn!  That was not totally true!  I had been waiting for the McIntosh and Cortland apples to be available to purchase.  Then, suddenly, they were.  Naturally I purchased both varieties.  Then, for 2 weeks they sat in our fridge.  Waiting.  Every time I saw them it was a reminder. 

On Friday I finally baked Apple Crisp- with Raisins and Craisins, of course.  It's the dessert that tastes sooo goood with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.  It's also the dessert that has a great topping of oats and brown sugar.   Apple Crisp is just so so- without the addition of Raisins and Craisins (dried cranberries).

This is delicious!  Bake this treat after purchasing some McIntosh or Cortland apples.  If only one of the varieties is available- use it.  During the winter months I find in my area that Empire apples are available, so at that time of year I use the Empire apples.

Click here for my recipe!

Now that I've baked it, I'm sure that in about 2 weeks there will be plans for another.  It is a great dessert! 

Enjoy!
Yummy!

      

~Raisin Rice Crispies Treats~

Raisin Rice Crispies Treats

So many times I have purchased a bag of marshmallows.  So many times I have plans to make a batch of Raisin Rice Crispies Treats.  But, so many times I was not quick enough and my DH had opened the bag and started snacking on those yummy white puffs and soon they were gone!  Well, this week I was quick enough!  Woohoo!  This is a snack that we have enjoyed for so many years and I make occasionally! 

• They are so easy to make. 
• However, read the directions first.
• The key is to work quickly!  :)
• After cutting into bars, store in fridge.  
• Before eating, microwave a bar for 7- 9 seconds to warm slightly!

 Raisin Rice Crispies Treats

Ingredients:
4 Tablespoons Butter/ Margarine 
1 (10 ounce) package Marshmallows
5 and 1/2 Cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 Cup Raisins

Method:

1.  In a large pot (6 quart pot) melt 4 Tablespoons Margarine/ Butter over Low heat.
2.  Add in 1 bag (10 ounces) Marshmallows, stirring until completely melted.
3.  Turn off heat.
4.  Add in 3 Cups Rice Krispies cereal, stir quickly.
5.  Add in 1 Cup Raisins, stir quickly.
6.  Then, add 2 and 1/2 Cups more Rice Krispies cereal, stir again.
7.  Place the mixture (will be sticky) into a 9" x 15" glass baking dish (sprayed with PAM).  Press down lightly with the bottom of the measuring cup.  
8.  Cover with plastic wrap & place in fridge for 1 hour.
9.  Cut into bars, place in covered container & store in fridge until serving. 

These are definitely a treat!!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

Best Ever Irish Soda Bread

Best Ever Irish Soda Bread!
(File Photo)

It's like clockwork!  Every year about a week before St. Patrick's Day I check to see if I have unsalted Butter in the fridge.  Buttermilk is always on the top shelf.  Raisins in the pantry, too.  Those are 3 of the needed ingredients to bake an Irish Soda Bread.  Every year on St. Patrick's Day we enjoy a slice of this light sweet tasty bread at breakfast.  It's also called Spotted Dog!  

This week I've baked 3 of these yummy breads.  One son had a bread delivered and the other son will have one delivered, soon.  
 

Sliced & packaged!

The third bread is for my DH & me to enjoy.  Oh yum!! 

It's become a tradition with me to share with all of you how I discovered this best ever Irish Soda Bread.  I post this story every year:  

"I'll always remember the year I was "googling" for an Irish Soda Bread recipe that used 1 Cup of Buttermilk.  That's all I had in the fridge.  There was the recipe on the blog Charli and Me written by Carol.  Carol shared that this great recipe originally came from the Will O'Glenn Irish Bed and Breakfast in Michigan with Mrs. Biddy Gahan sharing it.  I'm always so happy that all of these kind folks passed it along!  I use unsalted & fat free/ low fat ingredients & it's so good!  Every year I bake this Irish Soda Bread for St. Patrick's Day & also a couple of other times during the year." 

One year in my haste, I melted the unsalted Butter in the microwave.  I then learned that it was much easier to mix the cooled melted Butter with the flour mixture, so that has now become my method.  I also add the drained Raisins and stir in before adding in the Buttermilk. 

Some Hints:

• Melt, then cool Butter before using. 
• Before placing the very sticky dough in the pie plate, rub a little Butter on your hands, so the dough will not stick to your hands.
• Spray the pie plate with PAM.

 

Ready for the oven!
(File Photo)

Best Ever Irish Soda Bread 
Oven:  400°F, then lowered to 375°F.

Total Baking Time:  40 - 45 Minutes

Ingredients:
1 and 1/2 Cups Raisins
1 Cup Boiling Water
* * * * * * *
1 stick unsalted Butter 
2 and 1/2 Cups Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
5 Tablespoons Sugar
1 Cup Buttermilk, can be Fat Free or Low Fat

PAM- to spray on pie plate

Method: 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Spray Pyrex pie plate with PAM.
3. In a small bowl combine Raisins & boiling water.  Let sit while preparing dough.
4. Melt Butter.  Cool.
5. In large mixing bowl combine Flour, Baking Soda, Baking Powder & Sugar.
6. Add melted Butter to dry ingredients.  Stir in.
7. Add drained Raisins.  Stir.
8. Add Buttermilk.  Stir.
9. Shape the dough into a ball after placing in pie plate.  **Dough will be sticky.
10. Bake 15 Minutes at 400°F.
11. Then, lower oven temperature to 375°F.  Bake 25- 30 Minutes longer.
12. Use a cake tester or toothpick to test for "doneness".
13. Remove bread from pie plate to a cooling rack.
14. Cool on rack.
15. Wait at least 5 hours before cutting into slices.
16.  Enjoy!

***Before removing from pie plate, I use a knife to separate bread from pie plate edge.  A spatula also helps to lift the bread to the cooling rack.

This is the best Irish Soda Bread I've ever tested, 2 thumbs up!!!  It is yummy served warm or cold.  However, heating a slice in the microwave for a few seconds is just the best.

2 slices are also placed in our freezer to enjoy sometime in the next 2 weeks.

Put unsalted Butter & Buttermilk on your grocery list!  Raisins, too, if you do not have 1 and 1/2 Cups ready to use.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

  

Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread

It's March! Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day!  It's time to bake the Irish Soda Bread to enjoy this weekend!!!  This yummy bread is also called Spotted Dog.  Oh, it is so good!

Unsalted Butter, Raisins & Fat Free or Low Fat Buttermilk are 3 of the ingredients.  Enjoying a slice or two of this bread on St. Patrick's Day is a tradition in my family.  What a great bread!  If you have any extra slices, they can be frozen to enjoy another weekend.  There just may not be any extra slices.

Here's my history of me finding this recipe: 

I'll always remember the year I was "googling" for an Irish Soda Bread recipe that used 1 Cup of Buttermilk.  That's all I had in the fridge.  There was the recipe on the blog Charli and Me written by Carol.  Carol shared that this great recipe originally came from the Will O'Glenn Irish Bed and Breakfast in Michigan with Mrs. Biddy Gahan sharing it.  I'm always so happy that all of these kind folks passed it along!  I use unsalted & fat free/ low fat ingredients & it's so good!  Every year I bake this Irish Soda Bread for St. Patrick's Day & also a couple of other times during the year.

***My hints:

• Melt & then cool the Butter before using.
• Before placing the sticky dough in the pie plate, rub a little Butter on your hands.
• Spray the pie plate with PAM. 

Ready to place in my oven!

Irish Soda Bread
Oven: 400°F, then lowered to 375°F.

Total baking time:  40- 45 Minutes

Ingredients:
1 and 1/2 Cups Raisins
1 Cup Boiling Water
**********
1 stick unsalted Butter 
2 and 1/2 Cups Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
5 Tablespoons Sugar
1 Cup Buttermilk, can be Fat Free or Low Fat 
PAM

Method:  

1.  Preheat oven to 400°F.
2.  Spray Pyrex pie plate with PAM.
3.  In a small bowl combine Raisins & boiling water.  Let sit while preparing dough.
4.  Melt butter.  Cool.
5.  In large mixing bowl combine Flour, Baking Soda, Baking Powder & Sugar. 
6.  Add melted Butter to dry ingredients.  Stir in.
7.  Add Buttermilk. Stir.
8.  Add drained Raisins.  Stir. 
9.  Shape the dough into a ball after placing in the pie plate.  Dough is sticky.
10.  Bake 15 Minutes at 400°F.
11.  Then, lower oven temperature to 375°F.  Bake 25- 30 Minutes longer.
12.  Remove bread from pie plate after using a cake tester or toothpick to test for "done".  
13.  Cool on rack.
14.  Wait at least 5 hours before cutting into slices.
15.  Enjoy!

Heat half of a slice in the microwave for a few seconds.  What an extra special treat!  Warm or room temperature, this is just so good!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!    

Butternut Squash Raisin Muffins

~Butternut Squash Raisin Muffins~

We have a few packages of Butternut Squash in our freezer!  Ah, just a very few.  It's the veggie that we purchase in autumn from Meadowbrook Farm.  After bringing the bushel home the next step is to steam/ mash/ package/ label/ freeze it to enjoy during the other months of the year.  Yesterday, while we were enjoying this yummy orange colored veggie during dinner I decided to save out 1/2 of a cup.  I had Butternut Squash Muffins on my mind.  The yummy muffins that most people think about & enjoy in autumn.  Why wait for autumn in 2017?  These light muffins with Raisins are also  flavored with Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Cloves.  They taste so good any time of year & during the winter they are a great treat.

Looking outside, the snow in our yard has certainly melted!  Streets & sidewalks are clear.  That makes taking the daily walk outdoors so easy!  After returning from the walk, the Butternut Squash Raisin Muffins were soon baking in the oven!  Yum!         

Butternut Squash Raisin Muffins
Oven:  400°F
Time:  20- 22 Minutes
Yield:  12 Muffins

Ingredients:
1 and 1/2 Cups Flour
1/2 Cup Sugar
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon Ground Cloves
2 Egg Whites (or 1 Whole Egg)
3/4 cup Soy Milk (can be 1%, 2% or Whole Milk)
1/4 Cup Olive Oil for baking & sauteing
1/2 cup Butternut Squash cooked & mashed 
1/4 cup Raisins

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Line muffin pan with liners.
3. Combine the first 7 dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir to mix.
4. Separate Egg Whites & place in small bowl & beat with a fork. 
5. Add Soy Milk & Olive Oil to small bowl. Combine.
6. Add mashed Butternut Squash to liquid mixture, combine.
7. Pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients.
8. Add Raisins.
9. Mix all ingredients together until moistened.  Batter may be lumpy.
10. Fill muffin liners.
11. Bake 20- 22 Minutes in 400°F oven until muffins are lightly browned on top.
12. Remove muffins from pan immediately.
13. Cool on racks.

After these muffins cooled for about 10 minutes, suddenly 1 was gone from the rack!  You guessed it.  My Hubby walked into the kitchen.  :)

Will you be baking a batch of these muffins?

Enjoy!
Yummy!

 
  

Raisin Rice Crispies Bars

Raisin Rice Crispies Bars

A bite of Raisins combined with marshmallows & Rice Krispies cereal!  Oh Yum!  I could not escape the thought of this chewy dessert!  The dessert I always had in the fridge waiting when my sons were "back home" from college.  I could purchase this treat that is also commercially made, but it just does not taste as good.  The packaged goodies are quite dry.  Really!

A  few weeks ago we stayed overnight in Boston.  In the hotel my hubby purchased one of the packaged goodies.  While eating it he mentioned it was quite DRY.  Well, it was commercially made & there was not a raisin to be seen inside the wrapped snack.  At that moment I knew I needed to make a batch in the near future. 

It was yesterday afternoon!  No one is home on semester break from college, it was for US!   Oh, yes, they are that good!  There's something about adding 1 Cup of Raisins into the pot when you are stirring the melted Margarine/ Butter + Rice Krispies cereal.  The Raisins give this treat that extra pizazz in taste & also moisture. 

They are SO easy to make!  Add a bag of Marshmallows to your grocery list along with the Rice Krispies cereal.  Make a batch!  Just remember not to get carried away & enjoy eating too many all at once.  Save some for later in the week!  :)

***A few Hints when making this snack:

• Remember the secret is to work quickly!  The melted marshmallows + butter/ margarine & cereal  will begin to stick together.  You need to get it into the baking dish.

• After measuring ALL of the cereal, place a little Butter/ Margarine on the bottom of the measuring Cup & spread with a paper towel or waxed paper.  Then it's much easier to press down lightly on the mixture (in the baking dish) with the bottom of the Cup.  Nothing sticks together!  

• I spray the 9" x 15" glass baking dish with PAM, so the bars will be removed easily after cutting.    
  

Raisin Rice Crispies Bars

Ingredients:
4 Tablespoons Butter/ Margarine
1 (10 ounce) package Marshmallows
5 and 1/2 Cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 Cup Raisins

Method:  

1. In a large pot (6 quart pot) melt 4 Tablespoons Margarine/ Butter over Low heat.
2. Add in 1 bag (10 ounces) Marshmallows, stirring until completely melted.
3. Turn off heat.
4. Add in 3 Cups Rice Krispies cereal, stir.
5. Add in 1 Cup Raisins, stir.
6. Then, add 2 and 1/2 Cups more Rice Krispies cereal, stir.
7. Place the mixture (will be sticky) into a 9" x 15" glass baking dish (sprayed with PAM).  Press down lightly with the bottom of the measuring cup. 
8. Cover with plastic wrap & place in fridge for 1 hour.
9. Cut into bars, place in covered container & store in fridge until serving.

***These are crispy & crunchy & so good! 

Before enjoying one, place a Raisin Rice Crispies Bar on a plate & microwave 7- 9 seconds & you will have a softer bar.

This is one of our fave treats from long ago!  It's all about the Raisins!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

  

Apple Crisp with Craisins & Raisins

Apple Crisp
with Craisins & Raisins
(File Photo)

There's a dessert change going on here for Thanksgiving Day dinner!  A treat with Apples & dried Cranberries are perfect for this time of year.  The Cortland Apples have been purchased!  Usually my rolling pin & pastry sheet are used the day before Thanksgiving.  Well, I've been cutting back on baking desserts for the past few months, so this year Apple Crisp with Craisins & Raisins will be baked today.  The yummy crustless dessert with slices of sweet apples along with Craisins & Raisins.  It also has a toasted oat topping that begs for a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.  Oh, yum!

My fave apple to use here is a crispy Cortland.  In the early part of Autumn, I use McIntosh Apples.  Once the Cortlands are harvested, I use this type until they are no longer available.  Then during the winter months, Empire Apples makes great tasting Apple Crisp!

Today is baking day!  The recipe below I've posted before.  It's been a family fave for so many years.  This dessert tastes so much better when it is baked one day & served the next.  It seasons very well with the toasted oat topping.    

Apple Crisp with Craisins & Raisins

Oven Temperature: 375°F
Time: 45 - 50 Minutes    

Ingredients:
6 - 7 peeled sliced large apples (I have Cortland.)
3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup Flour
1/2 Cup Old Fashioned Oats
3/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
1/3 Cup + 1 Tablespoon softened Butter or Margarine
1/4 Cup Craisins
1/4 Cup Raisins

Method:

1.  Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.  Spray PAM in 8" x 8" (or 9"x 9") glass baking pan/ dish.
3.  Rinse apples under cold running water & dry.
4.  Peel & slice apples.
5.  Place peeled/ sliced apples in pan/ dish. 
6.  Add Craisins & Raisins and mix in.
7.  Thoroughly mix remaining ingredients together in small bowl.
8.  Sprinkle over apples. 
9.  Bake 45- 50 Minutes or until apples are tender.
10.  Serve warm or chilled with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. 
11.   When cool, cover & refrigerate any leftovers.

Will you also be baking an Apple Crisp?

Enjoy!
Yummy!

        

Sassy Raisin Sauce

Two ingredients in Sassy Raisin Sauce
Raisins & Apple Juice

Are you serving Baked Ham this Sunday for dinner?  If you are, Sassy Raisin Sauce is a yummy topping for the tender slices of Ham!  Filled with Raisins, it's an easy sauce to prepare at the last minute.  You probably already have the ingredients:  Apple Juice, Raisins, Cornstarch & Butter/ Margarine. 

Think Sunday- you are almost ready to serve dinner.  It's at this time that a tasty topping that comes together so quickly is needed!  What a great added touch!  And- it tastes so good. 

I also like to serve this topping over Butternut Squash Ravioli!

Sassy Raisin Sauce
Yield: about 2 and 1/2 Cups

Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
2 Cups Apple Juice
2 Tablespoons Butter/ Margarine
1 Cup Raisins

Method:

1. Place Cornstarch in small saucepan.
2. Slowly add in 1/2 Cup Apple Juice.
3. Stir, dissolving Cornstarch.
4. Then, add remaining Apple Juice to saucepan, stir.
5. Add 2 Tablespoons Butter/ Margarine.
6. Add Raisins.
7. Stir constantly while cooking over medium heat.
8. Sauce will thicken & boil.
9. Boil & stir for 1 Minute.
10. Serve hot.

If a smaller amount is desired use directions above & the ingredients below-  

     For 2 Servings:  
     1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
     2/3 Cup Apple Juice
     About 1 Tablespoon Butter/ Margarine
     1 Handful Raisins

This is always a great addition to a Baked Ham Dinner!  Or as a Butternut Squash Ravioli Topping!

Enjoy!
Yummy!

Happy Easter!!!

Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread

Unsalted Butter
Fat Free/ Low Fat Buttermilk
Raisins

Those 3 ingredients need to be added to your grocery list if you do not already have them!  The other ingredients are in your pantry.  Why???  St. Patrick's Day is this Thursday & it's time to bake an Irish Soda Bread!  That yummy bread that's also called Spotted Dog.  Sure, you'll find them in bakeries & grocery stores, but why not bake your own?  Once you bake it the first time it will be a tradition for you as it is for me.

I'll always remember the year I was "googling" for an Irish Soda Bread recipe that used 1 Cup of Buttermilk.  That's all I had in the fridge.  There was the recipe on the blog Charli and Me written by Carol.  Carol shared that this great recipe originally came from the Will O'Glenn Irish Bed and Breakfast in Michigan with Mrs. Biddy Gahan sharing it.  I'm always so happy that all of these kind folks passed it along!  I use unsalted & fat free/ low fat ingredients & it's so good!  Every year I bake this Irish Soda Bread for St. Patrick's Day & also a couple of other times during the year. 

I've learned a couple hints to make this an even easier bread to bake:

• Melt & then cool the Butter before using.
  

• Before placing the sticky dough in the pie plate, rub a little Butter on the palms of your hands.  The dough will then be easier to work with.      

Sticky Dough  ready to be placed in my oven.

Irish Soda Bread
Oven: 400°F, then lowered to 375°F

Total baking time: 40- 45 Minutes

Ingredients:
1 and 1/2 Cups Raisins
1 Cup boiling Water 
********
1 stick Butter - I use unsalted.
2 and 1/2 Cups Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
5 Tablespoons Sugar
1 Cup Buttermilk, can be low fat/fat free 

Method:

1.  Preheat oven to 400°F.
2.  Spray a 8" or 9 " Pyrex Pie Plate with PAM.
3.  In a small bowl combine Raisins and boiling Water.  Let sit while preparing dough.
4.  Melt Butter.  Cool.
5.  In larger bowl, combine Flour, Baking Soda, Baking Powder & Sugar.
6.  Add melted Butter to dry ingredients, stir in.
7.  Add Buttermilk, stir.
8.   Add drained Raisins, stir.
9.   Shape into a ball after placing dough into pie plate.  Dough will be sticky.
10.   Bake 15 Minutes at 400°F.
11.  Lower oven to 375°F.  Bake 25- 30 Minutes longer.
12.  Remove the bread from pie plate after using cake tester or toothpick to test for done and cool on rack.
13.  Cool. 
14. Wait at least 5 hours before cutting into slices and eating.

After cutting the bread into slices, I place it in two sealed Ziploc Bags.

This is a very tasty treat!  Heat a half slice or a slice in the microwave for a few seconds.  Yum!

An added treat is to open the freezer door 3 weeks later & find 2 slices in a freezer bag.  Yes, slices do freeze well.   Will you be adding Raisins, unsalted Butter & fat free Buttermilk to your grocery list?  If you do not have a chance to bake this in the next 2 days, it would be a great treat to bake this weekend!

Enjoy!
Yummy!