Sandwiches

Philly Cheese Sloppy Joes

Dear Sis,

I have always enjoyed a good Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich… traditional beef or chicken. However, they are a mouthful for toddlers. I finally found a recipe that works for the whole family!

Philly Cheese Sloppy Joes
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Ingredients
  1. 1 lb. lean ground beef
  2. 1 onion, chopped
  3. 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  4. 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, chopped
  5. 2 T salted butter
  6. 1 c beef stock
  7. 2 T ketchup
  8. 1 T Worcestershire
  9. 1/2 t ground pepper
  10. 2 - 3 T unbleached flour
  11. 2 c shredded Italian Cheese
  12. buns of choice
Instructions
  1. Brown beef, with butter and chopped vegetables, in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  2. Stir in stock, ketchup, Worcestershire, and pepper. Simmer and stir in as much flour as needed to thicken.
  3. Top with cheese and heat until melted. Serve on your favorite buns. We use Hawaiian Sliders because they are easier for our toddler to handle:)
Adapted from Dinner Then Dessert
Adapted from Dinner Then Dessert
Tag Sis, You're It! http://www.tagsisyoureit.com/
Love,

b

Watermelon First Birthday Party

Dear Sis,

I was super fun planning and preparing a party for Evelyn! She looked adorable in her watermelon dress with her hair braided:)

Her Mama looked lovely too! One would never guess she is expecting Evelyn’s new sister or brother this coming winter:)

Menu

Ice Water & Pink Lemonade

Meatball Hoagies & Chili Dogs

Minted Cucumber Finger Sandwiches with Red Grapes

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels with Carrots, Celery, & Ranch Dip

Potato Salad, Deviled Eggs, & Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Fruit Pizza & Watermelon Rice Krispy Treats

Watermelon Slices

Watermelon Cupcakes & Fondant Toppers

Ice Cream Cones

Love,

b

 

Roast Beef Sandwich Loaf

Dear Sis,

We tried the French Dip Bread recipe you recommended yesterday during our final playdate, before Mama Jenn has Carter’s new little brother. We were so busy enjoying our company that I forgot to take a picture. However, the leftover  reheat well at breakfast time:)

Roast Beef Sandwich Loaf
Serves 6
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Ingredients
  1. 4 T salted butter
  2. 1 onion, halved and sliced
  3. 1 t thyme
  4. 1 fresh baked loaf Italian Bread
  5. 3/4 lb. roast beef slices
  6. 10 slices provolone, halved
  7. garlic powder
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté onion and thyme until caramelized.
  2. Slice bread in 1/2 inch slices, taking care not to slice all the way through. Fold a slice of roast beef and place it between two half slices of provolone. Place a cheese and meat portion between every other slice. Place a spoonful of caramelized onion in each sandwich.
  3. Brush sandwich loaf with remaining melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder. Wrap in foil and bake 15 minutes.
Adapted from Delish
Adapted from Delish
Tag Sis, You're It! http://www.tagsisyoureit.com/
We didn’t use the dipping sauce. I found it salty and unworthy of the sandwich. I’d rather dip it in chicken soup:) However, your husband… Mr. Fancy Pants, likes it, so I figured it would post it too!

French Dip for Roast Beef Sandwich Loaf
Serves 6
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Ingredients
  1. 1 T unsalted butter
  2. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  3. 1 1/2 c beef stock
  4. 1 T Worcestershire sauce
  5. 1 t thyme
  6. 1/2 t ground pepper
Instructions
  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melted butter. Sauté garlic and add remaining ingredients. Simmer 10 minutes until reduced.
  2. Serve with Roast Beef Sandwich Loaf if desired.
Adapted from Relish
Adapted from Relish
Tag Sis, You're It! http://www.tagsisyoureit.com/
Love,

b

Potluck

Dear Sis,

We joined the Trenton Historical Society last summer. Tonight we went to a potluck dinner. Most members are retirees, so its like a room full of friendly grandparents. William loved all the attention! They were even sweet enough to have a dish of beef along side the pulled-pork entree.

We Brought:

Chicken Salad Apple Rings

Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches

Pineapple Mandarine Sunshine Cake

Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches
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Ingredients
  1. 1 dozen eggs, hard boiled
  2. 1/3 c mayonaise
  3. 1/4 c shredded carrot
  4. 1/4 c snipped fresh dill
  5. 1/4 c minced red onion
  6. 2 T dijon mustard
  7. 1 t cider vinegar
  8. 1 t paprika
  9. 1 t poppy seeds
  10. 1 loaf pumpernickel cocktail bread
  11. 1/4 c julienne radishes
  12. fresh dill sprigs
Instructions
  1. Peel and mash eggs.
  2. Stir in mayo, carrot, snipped dill, red onion, mustard, vinegar, paprika, and poppy seeds. Chill.
  3. Place heaping spoonfuls of egg salad on each piece of cocktail bread.
  4. Garnish with julienned radishes and sprigs of dill.
Adapted from Tag Sis, You're It!
Adapted from Tag Sis, You're It!
Tag Sis, You're It! http://www.tagsisyoureit.com/
Love,

b

P.S. We are waiting on a recipe from for a delicious sheet cake from one of the ladies. We’ll share it upon arrival:)

 

Memorial Day 2019

Dear Sis,

I like to make a special treat and cook out on Memorial Day. It was a perfect opportunity to test another recipe for Evelyn’s birthday picnic next month:) 

Watermelon Rice Krispy Treats
Yields 12
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Rind Ingredients
  1. 3 T salted butter
  2. 4 c mini marshmallows
  3. green food coloring
  4. 4 c crisp rice cereal
Watermelon Ingredients
  1. 3 T salted butter
  2. 5 c mini marshmallows
  3. red food coloring
  4. 5 c crisp rice cereal
  5. mini semi sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Grease two round cake pans with butter.
  2. For rind, melt butter and marshmallows in a microwave safe bowl for 60 seconds. Stir until smooth. Stir in color. Stir in cereal. Press half mixture around outer edge of each cake pan.
  3. For watermelon, melt butter and marshmallows in a microwave safe bowl for 60 seconds. Stir until smooth. Stir in color. Stir in cereal. Press half mixture into center of each cake pan. Sprinkle each watermelon center with chocolate chips and press them in. Stand until set.
  4. Turn each pan out on a board and slice into 6 pieces, just before serving.
Adapted from Thrifty Fun
Adapted from Thrifty Fun
Tag Sis, You're It! http://www.tagsisyoureit.com/
While I was in the kitchen, Josh mowed and trimmed for me. William played most of the time, but also got a chance to help. The mower stalls a lot when a two year old is holding down the bar:)

I’ve finally got my burger recipe perfected, so I guess it is time to share it:)

Cheesy Chive Burgers
Yields 12
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Ingredients
  1. 3 lb. ground beef
  2. 3 c shredded Cheddar Jack
  3. 1/2 c fresh parsley, minced
  4. 1/4 c fresh chives, minced
  5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  6. 1 1/2 t hickory salt
  7. 1 t ground pepper
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients until well mixed.
  2. Press into a dozen burger patties.
  3. Grill, panfry, or layer between waxed paper and freezer for later. Thaw in fridge before cooking.
  4. Serve with buns, cheese slices, and all your favorite burger fixings.
Adapted from From Freezer to Table
Adapted from From Freezer to Table
Tag Sis, You're It! http://www.tagsisyoureit.com/
Happy Memorial Day!

Love,

b

Slow Cooked Sandwiches

Dear Sis,

This week we tested hot dogs and meatball hoagies in the slow cooker. I’ve always done them on the range, so I wasn’t sure how long we’d need to have them in before the party.

Hot Dogs need a two hour head start, and then will keep the duration of the party on warm.

I put frozen meatballs in the slow cooker and covered them with jared sauce.

Again, a two hour head start is plenty, to get the meatballs good and hot for the party. 

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Serves 8
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Ingredients
  1. 1 (8.5 oz) pkg Fully Cooked Gemelli Pasta, microwaved
  2. 1 1/2 c rotisserie chicken, shredded
  3. 6 c chopped romaine
  4. 1 c Caesar salad Dressing
  5. 1 c croutons
  6. 1/2 c shredded Parmesan
Instructions
  1. Toss together, pasta, chicken and dressing.
  2. Add lettuce and cheese; toss again.
  3. Top with croutons or serve on the side to keep croutons from getting soggy.
Adapted from https://lmld.org/chicken-caesar-pasta-salad/
Adapted from https://lmld.org/chicken-caesar-pasta-salad/
Tag Sis, You're It! http://www.tagsisyoureit.com/

The salad pairs perfectly with the hoagies! 

Love,

b

Recipe Testing for Evelyn’s First Birthday Party

Dear Sis,

I am super excited to be working on recipes for Evelyn’s First Birthday Picnic! We tried one of our watermelon theme desserts and a sandwich option.

Fruit Pizza
Serves 16
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Sugar Cookie Crust
  1. 1 pkg. Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie mix
  2. 1/2 c unsalted butter, softened
  3. 1 T all-purpose flour
  4. 1 t almond extract
  5. 1 egg
Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. 2 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/2 c powdered sugar
  3. 1 t vanilla extract
Fruit Toppings
  1. 2 kiwi fruits
  2. 1 lb. strawberries
  3. 2 T semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
Sugar Cookie Crust
  1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease and line 2 (9 inch) round baking pans or pie plates with parchment cut to fit the base.
  2. Combine cookie dough ingredients until dough forms. Divide dough into two portions and press one portion into the bottom of each prepared baking pan.
  3. Bake 15-18 minutes. Cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. Beat together frosting ingredients until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Remove crust from baking pans and place on serving plates or boards. Cut each cookie into 8 slices before frosting. It makes serving much easier later! Spread half frosting over each crust. Chill.
Fruit Toppings
  1. Peel, half, and thinly slice kiwi fruits. Layer sliced kiwi around the outer edge of the fruit pizza.
  2. Wash, remove greens, and slice strawberries. Layer sliced berries in the center of the fruit pizza.
  3. Sprinkle each pizza with 1 T mini chocolate chips.
  4. Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
  1. Fruit Pizza doesn't have to look like a watermelon. You can use your favorite fruits in any design you desire!
Tag Sis, You're It! http://www.tagsisyoureit.com/

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheel Sandwiches
Yields 32
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Cheese Spread
  1. 1 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese, softened
  2. 1 c cheddar cheese, shredded
  3. 1/4 c blue cheese, crumbled
  4. 2 T sour cream
Buffalo Chicken Filling
  1. 2 c rotisseri chicken, shredded
  2. 1/2 c Buffalo wing sauce
  3. 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  4. 8 (8 inch) flour tortillas
Cheese Spread
  1. Cream together all ingredients until smooth.
  2. Place equal portions in the center of each tortilla and spread smooth.
Buffalo Chicken Filling
  1. Toss together chicken, wing sauce, and onion.
  2. Spread equal portions over the cheese layer on each tortilla.
  3. Roll up each tortilla and chill 2 hours.
  4. Cut away ends and slice each tortilla into four equal pinwheel sandwiches. Serve.
Adapted from Sugar Apron
Adapted from Sugar Apron
Tag Sis, You're It! http://www.tagsisyoureit.com/
I am going to put these sandwiches on a platter with ranch dip, baby carrots, and celery sticks. The flavors complement each other so well and remind me of eating real wings… only less messy:) 

We went to a library program, while the wraps were chilling, and ate them for lunch. William has an amazing tolerance for spicy considering he is only 2.5!

Love,

b

Our Wedding

Dear Sis,

A year ago today, Josh and I said, “I do.” Now that the stress of planning and creating a D.I.Y. wedding are over, I feel I can document the experience.

Stationary

Save-the-Dates

Save-the-Date

Wedding Invitations

Invite

Invite

 

Inserts

I used this to get started:

Vicky and Things: D.I.Y. Wedding Invitation Tutorial.

Apparel

The Dress

The first dress I tried on and liked… but “like” wasn’t enough:)

casablanca 1966

The second dress I more than liked, but still felt like something was missing.

Casablanca 1918

The dress I said yes too!

Untitled

The Look II

Bridal Party

4070

Simplicity 4070

For the bridesmaids, we chose option A, used satin with an organza overlay, and accented the dress with more satin.

maids

 Our junior bridesmaid had a simpler dress. We used the McCalls pattern below, option C. The dress was a visual inversion of the bridesmaid dress, featuring satin with organza accent.

M6020

McCalls 6020

shrug

Jamie knitted lovely shrugs to complete the regal purple and gold look.

The pattern is from: Finish-Free Knits by Kristen Tendyke Vest & Tie

 Last but not least, our Ring Bearer had a satin vest with organza overlay and a satin tie.

We used pattern option C and E.

4762

Venue

Old Economy Village

The Feast Hall was a beautiful ceremony space.

 For the reception, the garden was not only lovely, but big enough to accommodate our guests, food, and lawn games.

Feast Hall

Garden

The Shower

The Ceremony

Programs

Program

Carmin, Josh, and I worked together to write our own ceremony.

I’ve never heard any vows like ours at another wedding, but they suit us:)

Vows

Procession

to Canon in D, Johann Pachelbel

Bride’s Mothers Parents

Bride’s Father’s Parents

Bride’s Adoptive Father’s Parents

Groom’s Mother’s Mother

Mother of the Bride

Groom’s Parents

Officiant – Adoptive Father of the Bride

Groom

Bridesmaid & Groomsman – Sister & Brother-in-Law of Groom

Junior Bridesmaid – Cousin of Bride

Ring Bearer – Nephew of Groom

Maid of Honor – Sister of Bride

Bride and Father of the Bride

Carmin’s Opening Address

This marriage is more than a commonwealth’s recognition of a financial union. It is the formation of an entity which may choose to produce children.  Brandy Middle Name Last Name and Joshua Middle Name Last Name have created a contract. It is their best knowledge of what each of them should do in order to be able to peaceably coexist forever. They applied months of effort to the words and still express uncertainty. None of us know the future. Therefore, I am certain that, over time, they will expand upon their initial agreement. But Brandy and Josh have slowly marched in front of as many people that were willing to come in order to make public their contract. So that every word may be strengthened. And to cause these words to be engraved permanently upon their hearts. We thank G-d in attempt to cause the entity which is to be made, breath life forever.

Declaration of Intent & Exchange of Vows

Josh

Brandy

Will you marry me

Brandy, I love you.

I will strive make you happy.

You are the perfect woman to create a family with.

Will you marry me?

  
 

Yes, I will

Yes Josh, I will marry you.

I will take your name,

and I will be good to you. 

I like the person you help me to be.

I will always remain faithful to you.

I will remove myself from temptation.

Your comfort and happiness will motivate me.

  
 

I will find security in my trust in you. 

I will not consider any other man.

I will choose to see the good in you.

I will forgive your mistakes.

I will support you when you need me.

  
 

I will appreciate all that you provide.

I will budget wisely for our family.

I will perform family tasks with love and joy.

I will work, motivated to support our family

I will bring home all I earn.

I will praise your productivity.

  
 

I will voice my concerns.

I will follow our agreements.

I will set a good example for our family,

and cooperate with you to resolve conflict.

I will listen to you as my partner.

I will follow the agreements I made with you.

I will compromise with you in the ongoing effort to live together.

  
 

I will prioritize and organize our family’s needs.

I will labor to keep our family healthy and happy.

I will keep our family safe and associated with good people.

I will ensure family needs have the proper environment and resources required.

  
 

I will help you teach our children.  

I will create our family routine,

and make time for fun, as well as chores.

I will be a good role model for our children.  

I will build our family by the example my parents have made.

  

And together we will teach our children how to raise children.

 Unity Ceremony

Today marks the blending of families.  

As individual vessels of sand are poured into one, 

the granules and their characteristics unite.

Please welcome Josh’s Grandmother, Ms. Patricia Last Name, to the piano.Granny at Piano

Song

Unity

Ring Ceremony

The rings please.

ring barer

May these rings remind you of the promises made today.

Josh, do you take Brandy to be your wife?  

Do you accept her?

Do you vow to love her,

and care for her?

Do you promise to be a faithful and loving companion,

for as long as you both shall live?  

I do.

Place the ring on Brandy’s finger and repeat after me.

I, Joshua Middle Name Last Name, 

I, Joshua Middle Name Last Name, 

take you, Brandy Middle Name 

take you, Brandy Middle Name 

to by my wife.  

to by my wife.  

I will love you,

I will love you,

respect and cherish you, 

respect and cherish you, 

all the days of my life.

all the days of my life.

. . . . .

Brandy, do you take Josh to be your husband?  

Do you accept him?

Do you vow to love him,

and care for him?

Do you promise to be a faithful and loving companion,

for as long as you both shall live?  

I do.

Place the ring on Josh’s finger and repeat after me.

I, Brandy Middle Name, 

I, Brandy Middle Name, 

take you, Joshua Middle Name Last Name 

take you, Joshua Middle Name Last Name

to by my husband.  

to by my husband.  

I will love you,

I will love you,

respect and cherish you, 

respect and cherish you, 

all the days of my life.

all the days of my life.

Pronouncement & Presentation

You are now man and wife.  You may kiss the bride.

It is my great pleasure to present to you, Mister and Misses Joshua Middle Name Last Name.  

Recessional

Recession

to Ode to Joy, Ludwig van Beethoven

The Reception

Receiving Line

Recieving Line

A great way to make sure you personally thank and speak to each and every guest!!!

Fun

Badminton

Badminton II

Croquet

Croquet

Giant Jenga

giant jenga

Guest Book

Guest Book

Kur-Plunk

Kur-Plunk

Giant Pick-up-Sticks

Pick up Sticks II

Popcorn

DSC_2137

String Trio

Trio II

Food

Cookies

Jam Filled Almond Linzer Cookies

Cream together 1 c unsalted butter and 1/2 c brown sugar. Beat in 1 egg and 1 t vanilla. Stir in 1/4 t cinnamon, 1/2 t each baking power and salt, 2/3 c almond meal, and 2 1/2 c flour. Chill dough.

Preheat oven to 350. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thick. Cut bases and tops with a liner cutter. Bake 10 minutes. Cool.

Fill with jam and dust with powdered sugar, just before serving.

Source Recipe: RealSimple: Raspberry-Almond Linzer Cookies

Glazed Almond Shortbread

Cream together 1 c unsalted butter and 3/4 c sugar. Beat in 1 egg and 2 t vanilla extract. Combine 2 c flour, 1/2 t baking power, and 1/4 t salt. Stir into beaten mixture.

Shape dough into a log, wrap in waxed paper and plastic, and chill dough.

Preheat oven to 375. Slice log into 1/4-inch thicknesses. Bake 8 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Icing: Combine 2/3 c powdered sugar, 1 1/2 t each almond extract and milk. Smooth over cookies with a spoon. Stand until set. Makes 3-4 dozen.

Source Recipe: The Novice Chef: Almond Meltaway Cookies

Baklava

Blueberry Oatmeal Cookies

Preheat oven to 375. Line baking sheets with parchment.

Cream together 1 3/4 c brown sugar and 1/2 c each unsalted butter and shortening. Beat in 1 egg, 1/3 c milk, and 2 t vanilla. 

Combine 1 1/2 c flour, 1/2 c graham flour, 1 t each baking soda and cinnamon, 1/2 t salt, and 1/4 t nutmeg. Stir into creamed mixture 1/2 c at a time. 

Fold in 4 c old fashion oats and 1 c fresh blueberries. Drop spoonfuls on prepared baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes. Cool 1 minute on sheets before removing to wire racks.

Source Recipe: Cozy Country Living: Blueberry Cobbler Oatmeal Cookies

Caramels
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Ingredients
  1. 2 c sugar
  2. 1 c brown sugar
  3. 1 c corn syrup
  4. 1 c half-n-half
  5. 1 c milk
  6. 1 c salted butter
  7. 4 t vanilla
Instructions
  1. Butter a 9x13 dish generously.
  2. Bring sugars, syrup, half-n-half, milk, and butter to a boil in a heavy bottom pot over medium heat; stirring constantly.
  3. Reduce to medium-low and cook stirring to firm ball stage (248 degrees)
  4. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Cool to room temperature. Chill.
  5. Cut caramels and wrap individually in waxed paper. Store airtight.
Notes
  1. Makes 2 pounds caramel.
Tag Sis, You're It! http://www.tagsisyoureit.com/

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Covered Oreos, Twizzlers, & Pretzel Rods

Candy

Chocolate Crinkles
Yields 60
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Ingredients
  1. 2 1/4 c sugar
  2. 1/2 c brown sugar
  3. 1 c + 2 T unsalted butter
  4. 2 eggs
  5. 1/4 c milk
  6. 2 t vanilla
  7. 1 1/4 c cocoa powder
  8. 3 c flour
  9. 1 T + 3/4 t baking powder
  10. 1 1/4 t salt
  11. powdered sugar
Instructions
  1. Cream together butter and sugars.
  2. Beat in eggs, one at a time, milk, vanilla, and cocoa.
  3. Combine dry ingredients; stir into creamed mixture 1/2 c at a time.
  4. Preheat oven to 375. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in powdered sugar. Arrange on greased sheets. Bake 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
Adapted from Domino Sugar
Adapted from Domino Sugar
Tag Sis, You're It! http://www.tagsisyoureit.com/
Chocolate Fudge or Chocolate Walnut Fudge
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Ingredients
  1. 3 c (18 oz) semisweet chocolate chips
  2. 1 c salted butter, thinly sliced
  3. 4 c sugar
  4. 1 (12 oz can) evaporated milk
  5. 1 t vanilla extract
  6. 3 c crushed walnuts (optional)
Instructions
  1. Combine chocolate chips and sliced butter in a large heat safe bowl. Butter a 9x13 dish.
  2. Bring sugar and evaporated milk to a rolling boil, in a heavy bottom pot, over medium heat, stirring constantly.
  3. Boil precisely 8 1/2 minutes more, stirring constantly.
  4. Remove from heat. Pour hot mixture over chocolate and butter and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla and nuts, if using. Spread into prepared dish. Chill until firm. Cut just before serving. Store airtight.
Notes
  1. I like to make 2 1/2 pounds with nuts and 2 1/2 pounds without. I butter two square dishes instead. Then I divide the chocolate chips and butter between to medium heat safe dishes. I prepare the cooked mixture as usual. Then, stir half into each bowl. Lastly, I stir in 2 t vanilla into each bowl and nuts into just one.
Tag Sis, You're It! http://www.tagsisyoureit.com/
Cinnamon Chip Shortbread Cut-Outs
Yields 24
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Ingredients
  1. 1 c unsalted butter
  2. 1/2 c powdered sugar
  3. 1 3/4 c unbleached flour
  4. 1/2 c cornstarch
  5. 1/4 t salt
  6. 1 c cinnamon chips
Icing
  1. 1/2 c powdered sugar
  2. 2 t milk
Instructions
  1. Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in vanilla.
  2. Combine dry ingredients. Stir into creamed mixture. Fold in cinnamon chips. Chill dough.
  3. Preheat oven to 350. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thick. Cut out. Place on baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
  4. Combine icing ingredients. Brush over cookies. Return to oven 4 minutes more. Cool.
Adapted from Barbara Bakes
Adapted from Barbara Bakes
Tag Sis, You're It! http://www.tagsisyoureit.com/

Cranberry Coconut Citrus Cookies

Cranberry Macadamia White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crispy Peanut Butter Balls
Yields 72
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Ingredients
  1. 2 c peanut butter
  2. 1/2 c soft butter
  3. 2 c powdered sugar
  4. 1 t vanilla extract
  5. 2 c crisp rice cereal
Chocolate Coating
  1. 10 oz dark chocolate candy coating
  2. 2 oz semi sweet chips or baking chocolate
Instructions
  1. Line sheets with parchment.
  2. Cream together peanut butter and butter with a hand mixer. Gradually beat in sugar and vanilla. Stir in cereal. Shape into 1-inch balls. Chill on prepared sheets.
Chocolate Coating
  1. Melt chocolates until smooth, over double boiler. Dip each ball in chocolate coating. Stand on lined sheets until set.
Tag Sis, You're It! http://www.tagsisyoureit.com/

Honey Cookies

Preheat oven to 350. Melt together 1 c each honey, shortening, and sugar. 

Beat together 2 eggs, 1 t each baking soda, ginger, and vanilla. Stir in melted mixture and 4 c flour, 1/2 c at a time.

Drop onto baking sheets. Bake 12 – 15 minutes.

Source Recipe: All Recipes: Old German Honey Cookies

Italian Citrus Knots
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Ingredients
  1. 3/4 c sugar
  2. 1/2 c heavy cream
  3. 1/4 c unsalted butter, melted
  4. 3 eggs
  5. 1/2 t anise extract
  6. 1/2 t lemon extract
  7. 1/2 t orange extract
  8. 1/2 t vanilla extract
  9. 1/8 t salt
  10. 1 T + 1 1/2 t baking powder
  11. 2 1/2 c flour
Glaze
  1. 1/4 c lemon juice
  2. 1 1/4 c powdered sugar
Instructions
  1. Beat together sugar, cream, melted butter, eggs, and extracts. Combine dry ingredients and stir into beaten mixture. Chill dough.
  2. Preheat oven to 375. Shape dough into logs on a floured surface. Knot. Bake 12-14 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
Glaze
  1. Brush lemon sugar glaze over cookies with a pastry brush. Stand until glaze sets.
Tag Sis, You're It! http://www.tagsisyoureit.com/

Italian Wedding Sandwich Cookies

Preheat oven to 375.

Beat together 2 c flour, 1 c soft butter, and 1/3 c heavy cream.

Roll dough to 1/8-inch thick on a floured surface. Cut 5 dozen rounds. Prick with a fork twice to vent each cookie. Bake on sheets 7-8 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

For Filling, Beat together 3/4 c powdered sugar, 1/4 c butter, 1 t vanilla and optional food color. Spread over one cookie and top with another to create a sandwich. Makes 30 cookies.

Source Recipe: Velvet Strawberries: Italian Wedding Cookies

Jam Pinwheels

Nut Table

Layered Cranberry Orange Pecan Shortbread

Cream together 1 c each unsalted butter and sugar. Beat in 1 egg, 2 T milk, and 1 t vanilla. Stir in 1 1/2 t baking powder and 3 c flour.

Divide dough into thirds. Work 2 t orange zest into one portion. Work 2/3 c dry cranberries, 1/4 c crushed pecans, and 10 drops red food color into remaining two portions.

Press half cranberry portion into a parchment lined loaf pan. Then, press in orange portion and remaining cranberry portion. Chill.

Preheat oven to 375. Cut loaf in half lengthwise and slice dough into 1/4-inch thicknesses. Place on baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Source Recipe: Taste of Home: Cran-Orange Icebox Cookies

Lemon Coolers

Cream together 1 c powdered sugar and 2/3 c each unsalted butter and sugar. Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, 1 t vanilla and 1/2 t lemon extract. Stir in 1/4 t salt, 2 t lemon zest, 1 T baking powder, 2 T lemon juice, and 3 c cake flour. Chill.

Preheat oven to 325. Shape cookies into 1-inch balls. Bake 16 – 18 minutes. Cool slightly. Toss in a mixture of 1 c powdered sugar and 2 t lemon zest. Finish cooling on wire racks.

Source Recipe: Uncommon Designs: Lemon Cooler Cookies

Macaroon Kisses

Maple Pecan Pie Tartlets (Paleo)
Yields 24
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Crust
  1. 1/3 c coconut oil
  2. 1/2 c almond meal
  3. 1/4 c coconut flour
  4. 1/4 c tapioca starch
  5. 1 egg, beaten
  6. 2 T banana, puree
Filling
  1. 1/4 c maple syrup
  2. 2 eggs, beaten
  3. 2 T coconut sugar
  4. 1 T coconut oil
  5. 2 t cinnamon
  6. 1 t vanilla
  7. 1 c pecans, crushed
Instructions
  1. Combine almond meal, coconut flour, and tapioca starch. Cut in coconut oil.
  2. Whisk together egg and banana puree. Cut into dry/oil mixture. Chill crust mixture.
  3. Combine all filling ingredients.
  4. Preheat oven to 375.
  5. Press crust mixture into 2 dozen lined mini muffins cups. Fill 3/4 full of filling. Bake 10-12 minutes.
Adapted from The Kosher Cave Girl
Adapted from The Kosher Cave Girl
Tag Sis, You're It! http://www.tagsisyoureit.com/

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Mint Oreo Truffles

Sand Dollar Cookies

Prepare Cinnamon Almond Snowflake dough. Roll out as directed and cut rounds. When completed with decorating step that involves brushing cookies with beaten egg white and dusting with cinnamon sugar, press 5 sliced almond in the shape of a star in the center of each cookie. Bake as directed. Makes 6 dozen.

Paleo Cut-Out Cookies with Citrus Icing

Beat together 1/2 c butter, 1/4 c honey, and 1 egg. Stir in 1 t baking soda and 3/4 – 1 c coconut flour. 

Preheat oven to 350. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thick on parchment. Cut out. Bake 8 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Make a glaze with powdered sugar and lemon juice. Spoon over cookies as royal icing. Stand until set. Makes 1 dozen.

Source Recipe: Small Wonders: Coconut Flour Butter Cookies

Paleo Madelines

Peach Shortbread

Peanut Butter Butterscotch Bars

Nut Free IIIPerfect Sugar Cookies

Cream together 1 1/2 c sugar and 1 c unsalted butter. Beat in 1 egg and 1 t vanilla.

Combine 2 3/4 c flour, 1 t baking soda, and 1/2 t baking powder. Stir dry ingredients into creamed mixture 1/2 c at a time. Add 2 – 4 T buttermilk, to reach consistency. 

Preheat oven to 375. Shape dough into 1-inch balls, arrange on baking sheets, and sprinkle with colored sugar. Bake 10 minutes. Cool 2 minutes on sheets before removing to wire racks.

Source Recipe: Food Network: Chewy Sugar Cookies

Rocky Road Bark

Line a square pan with parchment. 

Melt 16 oz quality chocolate and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Stir in 1 c each coarsely crushed walnuts and mini marshmallows.

Spread into prepared pan. Stand until set. Cut into pieces. Store airtight. Makes 1 pound.

Source Recipe: Brown Eyed Baker: Rocky Road Chocolate Bark

Sandwich Buffet

buffet

Barbecue Chicken

Meatball Hoagies

Philly Cheesesteak
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Ingredients
  1. 2 lb. beef steak, cut into strips
  2. 1 green pepper, sliced
  3. 1 onion, sliced
  4. 1 t garlic powder
  5. 1 t pepper
  6. beef stock, to nearly cover beef
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a stock pot over medium-low heat. Simmer 2 - 3 hours.
  2. Serve on rolls with provolone cheese slices.
Adapted from Mom on Time Out
Adapted from Mom on Time Out
Tag Sis, You're It! http://www.tagsisyoureit.com/

Sloppy Joes

Beverages

Drinks

Cake

Cake

Favors

Prep 12

Jamie and I binged through over 100 jars of jam in one weekend! Dressing it up with labels and toppers took almost as long as the canning.

Love,

b