I am busy this week. Monday was a whirlwind of activity outdoors. It was beautiful and I worked my poor back into a dither!!!! Much more of the same today. Got to get it done when dry and nice.
So a quick post of fun projects for your kitchen - tips for you or for gifting.
KRISPY TREATS
We all love rice krispy treats - but did you know you can use different cereals? Corn flakes, chocolate puffed rice, fruity cereal............ whatever you got! There is NO right way - use different cereals and you may be surprised and create a new favorite.
GREEN TOMAOTES AND ZUCCHINI
Did you know that you can slice them a little thicker than normal - lay on a pan and flash freeze and then bag for the freezer? Pull them out and dip in egg and batter mix and fry WITHOUT thawing. That is the secret to not having soggy slices! Nice to have these summer favorites in the winter.
SWEET BREADS
Zucchini, pumpkin, squash, banana, etc. - jazz it up. Add different types of chips or nuts before baking (always dust in flour before adding to batter so they don't sink). Raisins, dried cranberries or any dried fruit can be added. Make bread or muffins. Don't get tired of the same old recipes.
CRUSTS
We generally think of graham crackers for cheesecake crust or crust for non-bake pudding pies. Keep thinking!!!! Gingersnaps, chocolate wafers, vanilla wafers, any flavor of hard cookie can be used. How fun and tasty!
POTATO CAKES
Great way to use up those leftover mashed potatoes. I like to add other stuff as well! A small can of chicken (drained) or pieces left from dinner, drained corn, cheese, jalapenos......... there is no limit to the add-ins for a different side dish!
POTATO BREAD
GOODIES/GIFTS
Think about making chocolate covered apple for yourself or for a special gift for that person who has everything! Pick nice unblemished apples - add a popsicle stick - then dip in melted chocolate. Can be any type of chocolate - leave as is - or sprinkle with nuts, coconut, sprinkles or colored sugar while wet. Set on wax paper to dry. If gifting, place one apple per small candy/cookie gift bags and tie with twine or ribbon. You can get those little bags at the dollar stores.
Such a fun gift and well - who wouldn't like it?????
Make dipped pretzels as well. Can be large stick pretzels, regular or bite size pretzels. Dip and drizzle with another type of chocolate or cover with sprinkles.
Make a nice down home old time Christmas - and get off of the commercial out-of-control train!
Hope you find something you can use.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Stay well and make busy while you can!
Thanks, Cheryl! I'll give that potato bread a try soon! My hubby often does chocolate dipped treats for special occasions, usually fresh strawberries, but has done pretzels, dried fruits (dried apricots are especially good), and other things as well. You can dip Oreo-type cookies, too for much less than the T.J. Maxx $4.99 price of 5-6 foil wrapped ones. It's a little more expensive, but he likes Guittard chocolate chips to melt down for dipping purposes.
ReplyDeleteLOVE your ideas. --Elise
Thanks. Hope you enjoy the bread. I like chocolate dipped anything! Fruit is really good.
DeleteYes, any of those you buy already dipped is so expensive - so it saves doing it yourself.
Have a good one.
Chocolate dipped means fun! All the pretty sprinkles or fancy sugars really dress them up. When I worked in an elementary school the teachers and assistants were always bringing in goodies. One teacher brought in a beet quick bread which used baby food beets. It was quite good. Good tip about the green tomatoes. Have to try that.
ReplyDeleteThis weather is perfect for working outside. I'm going to start on the greenhouse this morning. It is a disaster to put it plainly.
Enjoy your day and don't work too hard!
Agree - chocolate anything is fun!
DeleteI bet that bread was tasty. So many things we can use - just don't think about it.
It will be glorious again today. Much to do.
Have a good day
Yum, all kinds of good things here. We enjoy potato pancakes here too. It’s one of the nicer ways to deal with leftover mashed potatoes.
ReplyDeleteI love potato cakes. My Mom used to make them often and I do whenever I make mashed potatoes.
DeleteHave a good one
Good morning, Thank you for the tips. I was thinking of the same things yesterday. What do I have in my pantry to make for Christmas goodies so I don't spend this year. Lots of things came to mind. Yesterday we also worked in the yard and when it warms up, it's 37 right now; I'll be heading out again!
ReplyDeleteThat is my plan this year. Trying to do a make at home Christmas - kind of old fashioned!!!
DeleteThere are so many things we can do - if we just put our thinking caps on!!!!! If you come up with some fun ideas let everyone know PLEASE.
Brrrr - we were only 45* this AM. I went out to Aldi and came home and it was nice - so just came in from mowing the yard. More to do!
Have a great one!
Chocolate dipped .... plastic (or thrift store) spoons, with sprinkles. Good for stirring into coffee or hot chocolate, and they make a wonderful addition to a gift of a coffee mug. Used to do these to dress up a mug and small coffee or hot chocolate packets for Secret Santa gift giving.
ReplyDeleteYES!!!! I have made those in the past. I think I need to add that to my list again this year. Always fun and tasty too!
DeleteI still have a big bag of plastic spoons to use.
Thanks for another neat idea!
Okay now I am hungry.... Happy? I love, love ,love rice krispi treats and will eat the whole pan in a day. No self control here. Also love choco pretzels, really love them with caramel underneath the chocolate. Okay I love sugar.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY!!!! LOL
DeleteI am the same way with krispi treats - can't stop. That is why I usually make them and give away.
Something about sweet and salty with the pretzels - Mmmmm
Awesome idea for the zucchini I have written it down and will try some this way next year.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Thanks - it really works well. No more soggy zucchini!
DeleteSome things don't go with chocolate. Those things go with cheese!
ReplyDeleteOur two major food groups!!!!! LOL
DeleteI really like chocolate - but I CRAVE and LOVE cheese!