Saturday, December 15, 2012

Festive Party Spirals

We had a family Christmas party today and I needed bring an appetizer.  Well, I decided to take a favorite of mine-the party spiral- and make it a little more festive.  Have you ever seen the green tortillas in the bread aisle?   I had never tried them, but thought they would look so pretty with bright red pimientos in that cream cheese center.  They were delicious and looked adorable assembled as a little wreath on my platter!  If you want to see my Ranch Party Spiral recipe or learn how to make them, go HERE.  I just changed a few things from that recipe to come up with this one!


Simply arrange them on the rim of a plate to make your wreath.  The bottom has two rows of spirals and I put one row on top.

 
 
Festive Party Spirals
6 - 10" green tortillas ( I used Mission brand- Garden Spinach Herb)
2 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened
2 green onions, chopped (both white and green parts)
1/2 pkg. dry Ranch dressing mix
4 oz. chopped pimientos, DRAINED WELL (I let mine drain on paper towels to get them very dry.)
 
Mix cream cheese, chopped green onion, and 1/2 pkg. Ranch dressing mix in medium bowl.  Spread mixture evenly among the 6 tortillas.  Spread the mixture over entire tortilla.  Sprinkle pimientos evenly among the 6 prepared tortillas.  (I wish I wold have taken a pic of the inside of the tortilla before rolling.  I would say no more than a teaspoon of pimientos per tortilla.  It really doesn't take very many.)  Roll each tortilla tightly.  Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour (or even overnight).  Cut each tortilla into 3/4" slices.  Keep refrigerated!
 
 
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Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Turtle Bark

When I saw this recipe from Chocolate, Chocolate and More Chocolate, I knew I had to try it!  These are sooooo AMAZING!!  They are also quick and easy to make!  I only deviated slightly from the original recipe.  I used my favorite melting chocolate-Peter's Westchester caps instead of the chocolate bark.  (Local friends- you can get the candy melts at the Cake & Candy Connection in Moweaqua.)  I used 20 oz. of the caps, 1 bag of the caramel bits, and 6 oz. of pecan halves.


Place the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl.  Melt in microwave.  I do this 20 seconds at a time, stirring in between.  I HIGHLY recommend sticking to the 20 second intervals.  The chocolate will melt quickly.  It will likely only take a minute or so total time to get it completely melted.

Get your pecans and caramel bits open and ready to dump in the chocolate!

The chocolate is ready!

Pour in the caramel and pecans and coat well!

Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and spread to desired thickness.

 
Look at all those bits of caramel and pecan!!!
 
Turtle Bark
 
 
20 oz. chocolate candy melts (or chocolate almond bark)  I used Peter's Westchester caps- Wilton makes candy melts too.
1 package Kraft caramel bits
6 oz. package of pecan halves
 
Place chocolate in microwave safe bowl and melt in microwave at 20 second intervals stirring in between until completely melted.  This will take about 1- 1 1/2 minutes total.  Add pecan halves and caramel bits to the melted chocolate and coat completely.  Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.  Spread mixture to desired thickness making sure it is evenly distributed.  Cool on counter or in fridge until set.  ( I put mine in the fridge for about 15 minutes.)  Cut into desired size pieces and store in an airtight container.
 
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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Glazed Pecans

Several years ago I hosted a Christmas goodie/cookie exchange for my sorority sisters.  It was so much fun and there were so many delicious treats.  We also exchanged the recipes as well!  One of the ladies brought these pecans to share and they were wonderful.  I've made these many times over the years.  I even made them for my sister-in-law's baby shower and they were a hit.  These are super easy and so delicious!  Hope you enjoy!  (P.S.  These are great to make before you have company coming!  They will make your house smell wonderful!!)


 
 You will need a 1b. of pecan halves, 1 egg white, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 T. lemon juice, and 1 tsp. cinnamon.

 
 Mix egg, sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon in large bowl.

 
 Add pecans and coat well.

 
Place on cookie sheet LINED WITH PARCHMENT PAPER!  Bake at 250 degrees for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes. 



Spread on parchment paper to cool.  (Note:  Use a clean piece of parchment for the cooling!)


Enjoy!
 

Glazed Pecans

1 egg white
1/2 cup sugar
2 T. lemon juice
1 t. cinnamon
1 lb. pecan halves

Mix first four ingredients in large bowl.  Add pecan halves into mixture and coat well.  Spread pecans on parchment paper lined cookie sheet or jelly roll pan.  Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour stirring every 15 minutes.  Spread on parchment paper to cool.

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Everyday Mom's Meals