Cinnamon Applesauce

Applesauce from the store is just, well, applesauce from the store. Make it special - make it yourself.

I pulsate my cooked apples in the blender for just a few seconds, as I like it somewhat chunky. If you wish, pulsate until the applesauce is completely smooth. Also, adjust the sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice to your liking.

I prefer Mcintosh apples for applesauce. But Granny Smith is also a good choice.

Ingredients:

3 to 3 1/2 lbs peeled, cored and quartered apples

2 tablespoons lemon juice

3 inches of cinnamon stick

1/4 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup white granulated sugar

1/2 cup water

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Into a large pot, add all ingredients; cover and bring to a boil

Lower heat - simmer for 20 minutes.

Remove applesauce from heat; remove cinnamon stick.

After sauce slightly cools, pour into blender and pulsate a few seconds (longer for really smooth applesauce).

Ready to serve!

Store left-overs in refrigerator or freeze in plastic air-tight containers.

FUN: add green food coloring before freezing and serve during Christmas dinner.

Blueberry Cheddar Crisp

• This Blueberry Cheddar Crisp won't heat up the kitchen - it's baked in the microwave. So, you don't have to wait for cooler weather to enjoy a Crisp.
• Cheddar cheese gives this Crisp that something special.

Ingredients:

• 5 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• FILLING:
• 4 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 
  
• topping:
• 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 5 tablespoons cold butter

Directions:

• 
  
• In a 2-qt. microwave-safe dish, mix together the 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• Microwave, uncovered, on high for 8 minutes, stirring once half way through.
• In a mixing bowl, using electric mixer, beat shredded cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, egg, 1 tablespoon flour and milk; beat until smooth.
• Spread cheese mixture evenly over blueberry mixture.
• In a bowl, combine together all of the topping ingredients except for butter. Once ingredients are well combined, cut in the butter and work it until crumbly.
• Sprinkle the topping over cheese mixture.
• Microwave, uncovered, on high for 6 minutes.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Cheese Ball with Sesame Seeds

• My cheese ball with sesame seeds and assorted crackers is a good appetizer to serve with wine to your guests - and little fuss to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon tabasco sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup toasted sesame seeds

Directions:

• In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, blue cheese, Cheddar cheese, onion, tabasco sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Shape into a ball and wrap in saran wrap; place in refrigerator at least 4 hours.
• When cheese ball is firm, spread toasted sunflower seeds on a baking sheet; roll cheese ball until coated well.
• That's it -- ready to serve with your favorite crackers
• 
  
• The next day, gather the cream cheese mixture into a ball. Spread the walnuts out on a dinner plate. Roll the cheese ball in nuts until coated. Refrigerate or serve immediately.

Yolk Haters Egg Salad

Not everyone appreciates the taste of an egg yolk; give that part to your spouse, the family pet or toss away, and make yourself an egg salad sandwich with just the egg whites. Just be sure to add some paprika for color.

Ingredients:

4 hard boiled eggs -- yolks discarded!

2 tablespoons lite Ranch dressing

lite mayonnaise

1/8 teaspoon paprika

3 tablespoons sweet onion, finely chopped

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Chop cold egg whites very fine; mix in Ranch dressing; add mayonnaise one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.

Add remaining ingredients.

Spread on your favorite bread or crackers.

Marshmallow Fondant

Marshmallow fondant is the better alternative to the not-so-great tasting regular fondant. It is easy to work with and it actually gets eaten!

If you love cake decorating, or want to learn, a good place to start is with my Baby Shower Cupcakes. They are surprisingly easy to do and they are a HUGE hit!

Click on the article link for directions on how to make these adorable cupcakes -- Marshmallow fondant recipe is also included.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2032432/baby_shower_cupcakes_made_with_marshmallow.html

English Muffin Pizza

English Muffin Pizzas are great for lunch. Split one muffin in half for each serving. Top with ham and pineapple, chicken, pepperoni, veggies, whatever... I love to make these with extra sharp cheddar cheese. But I would be embarrassed to tell you how many I can eat at one sitting!

Ingredients:

(for one)

1 english muffin, split in half

6 tablespoons bottled pizza sauce

your favorite toppings

shredded or slices of cheese

Directions:

Set oven to broil.

Place the halved english muffins on baking sheet.

Spoon pizza sauce over muffins; arrange toppings over sauce and cover with cheese.

Broil 3 to 5 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and edge of english muffin is golden brown.