EASY YUM from the pantry!

 We all like easy!  We all like yummy!  We all like using the pantry and freezer and using what we have!  

Here are a couple recipes that just brighten a day and can be made pretty much from things many of us keep on hand.

CARAMEL SAUCE

1 - 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk

THAT'S IT!!!

Remove the label from the can.  Place unopened can in a pan of hot water - making sure the can stays covered with water!!!!!  This is important**.  Bring to a soft boil for about 3 hours (keep adding water as needed - important**).  The longer it goes, the darker the caramel.

You can also do this in the slow cooker - but it takes about 8 hours.

Safely remove can from water (it is HOT) - I use my canning tongs.  Let it cool for about 30 minutes.  Pour out of can and stir until smooth.  Pour into a canning jar and refrigerate leftovers.

Use this as you would any caramel sauce.  Over ice cream, over desserts or in baking.  YUMMO and EASY

This is basically dulce de leche.  You can purchased that in the grocery - but it costs a lot more than sweetened condensed milk.  PLUS odds are you have the sweetened milk already in your pantry!!!!

EASY BEER BREAD

I made mine the other day from a mix - but it is very easy to do from scratch.

3 C self rising flour

1/4 C sugar

1 12 oz. beer

Mix this all together (don't over mix) and bake in a greased 9 x 5 bread pan at 350* for about 45 minutes.

*If you don't have self rising flour - make your own by adding a  little baking powder

*You can use any type beer - dark or stouts will deepen flavor of bread

This bread has a sweet yet yeasty taste.  NO beer taste at all.  It isn't the consistency of white bread - it is a bit coarser.

I have even used it for cinnamon/sugar toast!

NO BAKE CHEESECAKE

1 - 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese (softened)

1/3 C sugar

1 small container Cool Whip (thawed)

Mix all these together until smooth.  Pour into a graham cracker crust or whatever crust you have and chill.

You can add any toppings desired.  (HMMMM - maybe caramel from above, a little chocolate syrup and nuts!)

So creamy and tasty.

**I have also mixed cream cheese with a package of instant pudding.  I will make the pudding as directed (maybe a little less milk) and then whip in the softened cream cheese.  This makes for a fluffy and flavored cheesecake 'tasting' pudding!  Super tasty.  I often serve this with a side of vanilla cookies or graham crackers.  Dip and eat!!  No need for a crust.

Hope this gives you an idea or two for a treat over the weekend.  Use what you have in new ways and ENJOY!

We can have fun, eat well, and have a varied menu using just what we have at home.

Live like a queen on pennies utilizing your own resources and skills.