Healthy Almond Joys

Are you an Almond Joy lover, but trying to eat healthier?  This is for you.  It doesn't taste exactly like an Almond Joy but it is made with almonds and is a "joy" to the taste buds.  And it will be a "joy" to you because it's healthy!

Healthy Almond Joys

2 cups pitted dates
1 cup almonds
1/2 - 3/4 cup shredded coconut (I used unsweetened)
2 Tablespoons dark cocoa powder
1/4  teaspoon almond extract

Put almonds in high speed blender (I used my VitaMix) or food processor and blend until almonds are fine consistency.  Add the coconut and blend.  Then add the dates, cocoa and almond extract.  Blend until combined, scraping sides. (It will be lumpy, but that's okay.)

Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.  Put mixture into the pan and press with your hands and finger into pan.  Refrigerate and cut into squares.  Keep in an airtight container in the fridge.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Happy New Year!

Now is the time to make your New Year's resolutions.  Of course, I always have the same resolutions each year because I start off with a bang and then, POOF--they disappear.  Each year I say I'll do better.  So again this year I will try to do better.  One of my goals for 2015 is to EAT HEALTHIER!  I can't guarantee how long I'll keep it, but enjoy the healthy recipes while you can.

Here is a delicious, no bake, cookie dough that tastes like candy.  Healthy candy, of course.  See, I'm already thinking about candy and it's just the first day of the new year.  But this is healthy candy, right?  You're gonna love these! I sure do.  It makes about 14 balls and I could eat every one at one sitting!  But that wouldn't be healthy would it?!

Here's to you and me keeping our resolutions in 2015!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

1 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 Tablespoon dark cocoa powder
1 Tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons peanut butter
pinch of salt
2 Tablespoons chocolate chips

Using a VitaMix, blend the cashews and rolled oat together.  Add maple syrup, vanilla, cocoa and salt and blend/pulse until combined.  Mixture will be a little sticky and you'll need to scrap sides.  Add chocolate chips, blend.  Add peanut butter and pulse again, scraping sides.  Put mixture in a bowl and knead together.  Form into balls and enjoy.

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge--if they last long enough!

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies

I'm always looking for good gluten free recipes.  My niece's friend, Jenny, gave her this recipe and she shared it with me.  Actually, Jenny's mom makes these for my niece who is gluten free.  These cookies are absolutely, unbelievably DELICIOUS!  Everyone will love these--gluten free or not!

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup peanut butter (I used creamy)
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking powder

Beat peanut butter and sugar with hand mixer.  Add egg and baking powder.  Roll into balls, then roll in some extra sugar. (You could use red or green sugar to make them for Christmas!)  Place on a cookie sheet.  Press each cookie with a fork.  Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.

 

Hope you have a very 

MERRY  CHRISTMAS!

Monster Cookies

I don't know why these are called Monster Cookies  Maybe because they have a monster of a good taste.  Sounds like a Halloween cookie but would be great for that Christmas Cookie Swap using the red and green Christmas M&Ms..

Monster Cookies

12oz jar creamy peanut butter

4 ½ Cups of quick oats (not instant) oatmeal
1 Cup of granulated sugar
1 ¼ Cups of packed light brown sugar
3 eggs
1 stick of butter (softened)
1 Tsp of vanilla extract
½ Tsp salt
2 Tsp baking soda
¾ cup of chocolate chips
Approx. ½ cup of M&Ms

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper (not essential, but helpful). In a large bowl combine eggs and sugars; add in salt, vanilla, butter, and peanut butter. Stir in chocolate chips, baking soda, and oatmeal.

Drop in heaping teaspoons onto cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes. Pull out of oven and while cookies are still piping hot press M&Ms into tops of cookies. Remove from cookie sheet and allow to cool.

Makes about 3 dozen.

Enjoy!

Gluten Free No Bakes

I also wanted to make something sweet for my niece who eats gluten free, so I used gluten free ingredients in my No Bake recipe.  I used almond butter and they were delicious!

Gluten Free No Bakes

1 cup white sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 stick butter (melted)
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup almond milk

Bring the above ingredients to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.  When it comes to a boil, boil for 1 minute, continue stirring.  Remove and heat and stir in the following:
          1/2 teaspoon vanilla
          1/4 cup almond butter
          1 1/2 cups gluten free quick oats

Drop by Tablespoons onto wax paper or plastic wrap.  Let cool and enjoy!  Makes about 12 to 14 cookies. 

Oreo Rice Krispie Treats

Since being diagnosed with breast cancer, I have had so many people reach out to me (Thank You!).  Praying for me (and it's working), serving me (I can't express my gratitude for this), and feeding me (yum, yum)!  My sweet friend, Tara, made these delicious Oreo Rice Krispie Treats for me and knew I had to share the recipe with you.  I think she found it on Pinterest, of course!

Oreo Rice Krispie Treats

6 cups Rice Krispie Cereal
20 regular Oreo cookies, chopped and mashed
6 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
4 Tablespoons butter
white chocolate for drizzle (optional)
 
Grease a 9 x 13 pan with butter.  Put Rice Krispie Cereal in a large bowl.  Add the chopped, mashed oreo cookies. (You can put the cookies in a zip lock bag and crush with the handle of a knife.  Crumbs should be different sizes from chunky to fine.)  Sir together.

In a medium sauce pan, heat butter and marshmallows together over medium heat, stirring constantly, until they melt together.

Pour melted marshmallows over cereal and oreos and use a spatula sprayed with non-stick cooking spray to quickly combine all ingredients.  Spread mixture into the 9 x 13 dish.  Use spatula to press the mixture around the dish and flatten as needed.  Let sit until completely cooled and the drizzle some white chocolate on top.  Let it set until hardened.

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

I want to wish everyone a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!  I wanted to make something for my Young Single Adults for this special day and found this easy recipe on Pinterest.  The cookies are pink in color and very festive.  Most of all they are delicious!  Hope you have a wonderful day.  I love you all!

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 box strawberry cake mix (I used Duncan Hines)
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 large eggs
1/3 cup canola oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl mix together the cake mix and the baking powder.  Set aside.  In a small bowl (I just mixed it in a measuring cup) whisk together eggs, oil and vanilla.  Add egg mixture to the cake mixture and stir vigorously until all of the pockets of dry cake mix are gone.  Gently mix in the chocolate chips.

Put rounded balls of dough onto baking sheet.  You can put a few chocolate chips on top if you'd like.  Bake for 10 minutes--do not let cookies get brown.  Allow to cool on baking sheet for 3 minutes.  They will be very soft at first. If top of cookies seem too fat you can press them down gently with your fingers.  Put cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.

Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Chocolate Chip Surprise Cookies/Muffins

For someone who is on Weight Watcher's all the time, I sure do make a lot of desserts. Hmm, maybe that's my problem.  But I bake them for my family and friends.  Right? 
I found this recipe at www.iheartnaptime.net and had to make it.  The surprise is Rolo candy.  My youngest son loves Rolo's and even though he lives in San Francisco I made them in honor of him and ate them in honor of him also :-)
(Jonathan, I'll make you some at Thanksgiving.  Promise!)

Chocolate Chip Surprise Cookies/Muffins

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 package (3.4 oz.) vanilla instant pudding mix
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Rolo Candy (regular or mini)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cream together butter and sugar.  Add pudding mix and vanilla.  Beat in eggs one at a time.  Add flour, salt and baking soda.  Mix well and stir in the chocolate chips. Spoon cookie dough onto baking sheet and stick a mini rolo in the middle and cover with dough. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes until done. 

I made mine in a mini muffin pan and used the regular Rolos.  I sprayed the pan with cooking spray.  Then I put some cookie dough in the bottom of each muffin tin, stuck a rolo in the middle and covered it with more cookie dough.  I baked it for about 15 minutes.  Everyone loved them!  

Sister Acra's Delicious Oatmeal Cookies & Raisins

Sister Acra is 95 years young and serves at the Columbia, South Carolina Temple.  Almost every Thursday morning she brings her famous oatmeal cookies.  She shared her recipe with me and I feel honored to be able to post it on my blog.

Sister Acra's Delicious Oatmeal Cookies & Raisins

2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 sticks butter
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 Tablespoon vanilla
3 Tablespoons milk
2 large eggs
3 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup raisins

Put together flour, salt, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, oats and raisins, set aside.  Mix butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla and milk.  Add dry ingredients and mix well.  Drop onto lightly greased pan.  Bake at 375 degrees until lightly brown on edges (about 10 - 12 minutes).

No Bake Reindeer Cookies

Looking for something quick and easy to make for a Christmas treat?  I found this at http://www.southernliving.com/ and I thought they were so cute.  Come on, you gotta admit they are CUTE!  And they are QUICK and EASY.  My grandkids and their friends loved them.  They can even make them themselves.  Watch this VIDEO to see how to make them.

No Bake Reindeer Cookies

Nutter Butter Cookies
M & Ms
White Classic Icing (not whipped)
Pretzels

Watch this VIDEO to see how to make them.

Merry Christmas!

Easy Cookie Recipe

My friend, Angelyn, shared this easy cookie recipe with me.  She made our family some using a spice cake mix.  She said you can use any kind of cake mix, so I used chocolate and I also made some with the confetti cake mix.  Each one was delicious.  So choose your favorite cake mix and make you a batch of these delicious, easy cookies.

Easy Cookie Recipe

1 cake mix (your choice)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs

Mix all ingredients together.  Drop by teaspoons onto greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes.

**The ones pictured above are the cookies made with spice cake.  Just sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar on top.

Below are some chocolate ones I made and I added some sprinkles.  I've also made chocolate ones with sugar sprinkled on them.

Rocky Road Squares

When I came across this recipe I thought it not only sounded delicious, but it looked easy to make.  Right on both counts--delicious and easy!

Rocky Road Squares

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 (6 oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup nuts, chopped

Combine butter and sugar and beat until light and fluffy.  Mix flour and graham cracker crumbs together and add to creamed mixture.  Pat into greased 9 x 9 or 11 x 7 x 1.5 inch pan.  Sprinkle marshmallows, chocolate chips, and nuts on top of crust.  Bake at 375 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes.  Cool and cut into squares.

Pecan Pie Squares

Have a taste for pecan pie?  Try these Pecan Pie Squares.  They are more like a cookie than a pie.  Cookie?  Pie?  It doesn't matter because they are absolutely delicious!

Pecan Pie Squares

Crust:
3 cups flour
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 teaspoon salt

Grease 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1 inch jelly roll pan.  Beat on medium speed until crumbly.  Press firmly in pan and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Filling:
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups Karo light or dark syrup (I used light)
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
3 tablespoons butter, melted

Mix all ingredients, except nuts, until well blended.  Add nuts and pour over baked layer.  Bake until set, about 25 to 30 minutes.  Cut into squares. 

HINT:  Cut into squares while still warm with a plastic knife.  After they cool, cut again.  I found that doing it this way the squares don't crumble and are easier to remove from pan.  I also took the knife around the edges while the squares were still warm.  The end pieces didn't seem to stick as bad to the pan since I did this.

Yummies

As I was looking through my old cookbooks for recipes to try, I came across this recipe called "Yummies".  I guess the name intrigued me so I had to make them to see if they really were "yummy".  And yes, they smelled yummy while baking and tasted oh so yummy--plus they were so easy to make!  Man, these are some yummy "Yummies"!  You gotta try 'em!

Yummies

1 yellow cake mix
1 stick butter, melted
1 egg
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
2 eggs
1 pound box powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix first three ingredients together and put in the bottom if a 9 x 13 pan. (I sprayed my baking dish with Baker's Joy first.)  Next, beat together cream cheese, eggs, powdered sugar and vanilla.  (I used my mixer.)  Pour over above mixture.  Bake at 350 for 35 - 40 minutes.  Cool, cut into squares and refrigerate. 

Gooey Chocolate Cookies

I was looking for an easy cookie recipe and found this one in my 2010 Taste of Home Annual Recipes book.  Not only was it easy, but the cookies were delicious. 

I always try to make my cookies and other sweets on the weekend so my daughter can take them to her Young Women.  That way I'm not tempted to eat all of them.  You know, I'm on a diet :-)  Well, the Young Women loved them.  Of course, they're just happy to have treats.  But I know they really liked these because they wanted the recipe.  So, here it is girls.

Gooey Chocolate Cookies

1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package (18 1/4 oz.) chocolate cake mix

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.  Beat in the egg and vanilla.  Add the cake mix and mix well (dough will be sticky).  Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Roll rounded tablespoonfuls of the dough into balls.  Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 9 - 11 minutes or until tops are cracked.  Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

**You can replace the chocolate cake mix with a different flavor.  I have a Lemon Supreme cake mix.  I bet that would be delicious.  I'm definitely going to try it.  My 98 year old mother-in-law loves lemon anything.  I think she will really enjoy these.

Grandma Cleo's Pecan Cookies

We made a book for my mother-in-law about her life (she's 97 and will probably out-live us).  It included memories from her children and grandchildren, pictures, some of her funny jokes and her delicious cookie recipe.  I thought I would share this recipe with you.  It really is a delicious cookie--you can't eat just one! 

Grandma Cleo's Pecan Cookies

2 cups self-rising flour
2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
2 cups finely chopped pecans
1 stick butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs, beaten

Melt butter and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.  Add flour and pecans.  Mix well.  Drop cookie dough by teaspoons ontp a greased cookie pan.  Bake at 350 for 8 - 10 minutes.

Sugar and Spice Cookies (Molasses/Ginger Christmas Cookies)

I had wanted to post this recipe before Christmas because it is a great cookie to make for your neighbors or that cookie swap you were invited to. I got the recipe from my daughter-in-law Mandy who got it from my daughter-in-law Brandi. Well anyway, it's a molasses/ginger Christmas cookie that everyone will rave about.

Sugar and Spice Cookies

(Molasses/Ginger Christmas Cookies)

3/4 cup unsalted butter

1 cup sugar

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/4 cup molasses

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon cloves

3/4 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

sugar

Preheat oven to 375. Cream the first four ingredients together. Mix dry ingredients together and add to mixture and stir. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and roll in sugar. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes. Makes about 4 dozen.

You can also make smaller ones (about 1/2 inch balls) and bake for 8 - 9 minutes.

**If dough is sticky and hard to roll into a ball, add a little more flour.

I also wanted to take the opportunity to thank all of you who visit my blog. I enjoy sharing my recipes and hope you are enjoying them too. This Christmas I got several gifts in honor of my blog--ornaments, cookbooks, a salad spinner, plates, graters--here are a few pictures I wanted to share.

This is an ornament my friend Lynn gave me. It is so precious--I just love it!

This plate was made for me by my friend Tara to serve my goodies on. Isn't it beautiful?

My daughter-in-law Tricia made this recipe holder. Cute, huh?

Thank you everyone for your support and love.

Happy Cooking!

Oreo Cookies

My daughter-in-law, Brandi, is a great cook. I'd like to say she gets it from her mother-in-law (ME!), but I can't take the credit. Here is another of her delicious, creative recipes that the family enjoys.

Oreo Cookies

1 package of chocolate cake mix (I use Duncan Hines Devil Food)

1/2 cup melted butter

1 egg

Mix all ingredients above and roll into 1 inch balls. Bake at 350 for about 7 - 8 minutes. Take our before it starts to crack on top.

Oreo Middle:

2 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup shortening

1 egg white

1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix ingredients together. Put a dollop in the middle of a cookie and put another cookie on top.

You've got homemade OREO Cookies! Yummy!

Chocolate Button Cookies

Several years ago, my friend brought these cookies to a covered dish dinner. I went crazy over them. Not only did they look delicious (I love Nonpareils), they were delicious! I've made them many times since she gave me the recipe. I hope you like them as much as I do. These make great treats to bring to a friend or neighbor.

Chocolate Button Cookies

1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted

3 eggs, beaten

2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 (8oz) bag of Nonpareils Real Chocolate Candy

powdered sugar

In a large bowl mix and blend together the sugar, butter, vanilla, and unsweetened chocolate. Add the 3 beaten eggs and stir well. Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.

Chill dough at least 1/2 hour. Make 1 inch balls and roll in powdered sugar. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie pan. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes or until edges are set. Remove from pan and press a "Nonpareil "candy in the middle of each cookie. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

**The Nonpareil candy can be found in packages above the candy bars or in bulk food bins at your grocery store. I found them at Walgreens and Rite-Aid in the candy section.

Brandon's No Bake Cookies

I couldn't leave Utah without making my son Brandon's favorite cookies. I like to make these because you make them right on top of the stove. That's why they are called "no bake", duh! So try it--you'll like it! (Warning: This does contain peanut butter.)

Brandon's No Bake Cookies

2 cups white sugar

1/2 cup cocoa

1 stick butter (melted)

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup milk

Bring the above ingredients to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. When it comes to a boil, boil it for 1 minute--continue stirring. Remove from stove and stir in the following:

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup peanut butter

3 cups quick cooking oatmeal

Drop by tablespoons onto wax paper (I never have wax paper so I just use any kind of plastic wrap.) Let it cool and eat!