Monday, October 25, 2010

Looking For A Quick And Tasty Snack?

I actually found this recipe online, and I really liked it! So, I decided to try it, and it sure was delicious! It is the perfect snack if you are looking for something chocolaty and peanut buttery. It's quick and easy and is a recipe that you'll definitely want to keep for future party planning. This easy treat is called Reese's Squares. And guess what? IT REQUIRES NO BAKING!

You'll Need:
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • 1 lb confectioner's sugar (3 to 3 1/2 cups)

  • 1 1/2 cups peanut butter 

  • 1 cup butter, melted

  • 1 (12 ounce) bag milk chocolate chips



  • First you must combine the graham crumbs, sugar and peanut butter and then mix well. Next, you blend in all of the melted butter until well combined. Then,  firmly press the mixture evenly into a 9 x 13 inch pan. Melt chocolate chips in microwave or in double boiler, and spread over the peanut butter mixture. Then chill until just set and then cut into bars (these are very hard to cut if the chocolate gets "rock hard").


    This recipe was actually a good turn out for me. Although my family enjoys a sweet treat every now and then, they don't really go for chocolate and peanut butter together. But surprisingly, they really liked them, and I even ended up giving a portion of them to my neighbors. And they enjoyed them just as well.

    Sunday, October 17, 2010

    Stuffed Shells May Be What's For Dinner Tonight

    Pasta may seem like the common, easy-yet boring to eat meal. But I think it just depends on how the pasta is cooked and what flavors you add to it. You can make fettuccini, lingiuni, elbows, angel hair, or just plain spaghetti. But my pesronal favorite are shells. You can practically cook them in any way, and with anything. Well, my love for this type of pasta has created options and new ways to cook them. But if there is one thing I've learned from such experience, it is: I love stuffed shells.

    So I decided that today I'd teach you how to make this delicious meal.

      Stuffed Shells
    For this recipie you need:
    ~3 cups of Ricotta Cheese
    ~1 1/2 cups of shredded Mozzerella Cheese
    ~1 box of Shells
    ~2 eggs
    ~1 tablespoon parsley
    ~1/2 teaspoon garlic
    ~ a dash of oregano

    First, you must boil the shells in some lightly salted water. Just for about 4 to 5 minutes. Then drain the shells, either in paper towels, some waxed paper, or by drainer. Then mix the shredded Mozzerella Cheese, eggs, parsley, garlic, and oregano in a medium-sized bowl. When the shells are fully drained, stuff the shells with the cheese mixture. Then, place all the shells in a glass tray 9'13" and place into the oven. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes- or until heated through. And it is optional, but you can also sprinkle some cheese over the shells once you put them into the oven. Then, just enjoy the meal!

    So, I made the stuffed shells for dinner the other night, and fortunately it came out close to perfection. I thought I was going to have a few problems at first because, after about 10 minutes into the cooking, I checked on the shells and saw no difference. I started to worry that the whole recipie was going to be ruined, but thankfully it was just me. The shells came out fine! They came out nice, warm and cheesy. I hope it comes out as delicious for you, as it did for me!

    Sunday, October 10, 2010

    Making Dutch Butter Cookies

    So, today I decided I was going to make this delicious recipe I found at home called Dutch Butter Cookies. And, I know, I know, it sounds kind of nasty at first, you think "BUTTER? Eww, gross." But butter isn't even the main ingredient you taste, in these amazing cookies! It tasted absolutely fabulous; warm and sweet, with a nice cup of tea, on this cold October day.

    I was all ready and set to begin my cooking today, when I realized, I didn't have enough sugar. So, there is the first lesson to be learned: ALWAYS CHECK FOR ALL INGREDIENTS, FIRST. So, I guess its good to be friends with all your neighbors, you never know when you will need a cup of sugar!

    So here is how to make these scrumptious cookies:
    Ingredients Needed:
    ~1 3/4 cups of flour
    ~1 1/2 sticks of butter
    ~1 cup of sugar
    ~1 egg

    In a bowl, knead everything together. For those of you who don't know what "knead" is, it means to punch the dough almost. Just not too violently. Then, spread the mixture in the bottom of a 9" spring form type pan. Bake in the oven at 375 for 30-35 minutes. Sprinkle sugar on top after it has been removed from the oven. Let it cool off, 2-3 minutes.Cut into wedges and serve warm.


    After I made them, I gave a piece to everyone in my family, and they said they liked it!My younger siblings in particular, who like just about everything that contains sugar, enjoyed it the most. It was a fun experience, and I will definitely be cooking something else for next time!

    Monday, October 4, 2010

    What I Have Learned This Summer With Master Chef

    This whole past summer, I have been watching the show Master Chef. This show has three of America’s top chefs who judged about 20 to 25 average people all over America who thought they could be the Master Chef. In the end, if you won the whole competition, you would win $250,000 and they would allow you to open your own restaurant. These small little cooking skills would always challenge you and your skills in the kitchen. At the end of every episode there would be at least one person going back home, ending their time on Master Chef. I learned a lot watching this show; like how long a soufflĂ© is supposed be out of the oven before it deflates, how just the mood in the area can totally change the fluffiness in egg whites, or how to hand make pasta. I love working in the kitchen, and will soon be cooking something of my own, and sharing it.