The BEST Oven Roasted Pot Roast With Red Wine

A Classic Oven Roasted Pot Roast with
perfectly seasoned carrots & potatoes.

 Ingredients:

3 pound boneless chuck roast

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons all purpose flour

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 large yellow onions cut into large chunks

1 cup red wine (or 1 cup grape juice + 1 tablespoon red wine or apple cider vinegar)*

3 cloves of garlic, chopped (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves

2 sprigs fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon tomato paste**

4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

2 1/2 cups peeled & cut (baby) carrots (if desired, cut in half)

3 cups quartered yukon gold or red potatoes

Method:

Arrange the oven rack in the center of the oven or to a position that allows a Dutch oven, with the lid on, to fit inside of the oven. Preheat to 325*.

Gently rinse the blood off of the roast and pat dry. Trim any fat from the outer edges of the roast. Liberally season both sides of the roast with salt and freshly ground pepper. Sprinkle the flour over both sides and use your fingers to rub and coat the seasonings and flour to completely cover the meat.

Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the roast and sear for 5 minutes on each side until deep golden brown in color. Transfer to a platter or foil lined pan to rest.

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onions and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the Dutch oven. Saute for 4 minutes. (Just until the onions are soft and starting to brown.)

Add the red wine to the pot. Use a silicone spatula or bowl scraper to scrape down the sides of the pan and the browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire, garlic, thyme, rosemary and bay leaves. Return the roast and any juices to the pot. Heat to simmering. 

Cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 1 hour 45 minutes. (The meat will be tender, but not fully cooked.)

Remove from the oven. Carefully add the carrots and potatoes around and under the raost to make certain that all of the vegetables are coated with the sauce. Cover and return to the oven. Continue cookinf for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the meat easily falls apart. If desired, transfer the roast and vegetables to a serving platter or serve directly from the pot. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

*I don't drink wine, but I do keep bottles of innexpesive red and white wine in the refrigerator to have on hand for recipes that call for wine. If you don't want to use wine, you can substitute grape juice (red or white) and vinegar.

**I buy tomato paste in a tube, which makes it easy to keep and use when cooking.

Note: This pot roast produced a wonderful aroma while it was in the oven roasting! The flavor of the meat and veggies was excellent ~ somewhat caramelized and with no alcohol taste. ❤

Comfort Food ~ Chicken & Biscuit Bake

This delicious and aromatic meal
is similar to chicken pot pie ~ it 
features flaky cheddar, bacon &
chive biscuits instead of pie crust.  

Casserole Ingredients:

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/3 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground thyme

1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage leaves

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/3 cup butter

1/3 cup all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 1/2 cups milk or half & half

2 tablespoons butter

1 large yellow onion, diced

8 ounces sliced mushrooms

1/2 teaspoon Frank's Red Hot Sauce (optional)*

1 cup diced carrots**

1 cup frozen peas

2 cups frozen cubed southern hashbrown potatoes (unseasoned)

4 cups cooked shredded chicken breasts

1/3 cup chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)

Biscuit Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup cold butter, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup finely diced cooked bacon

2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives

additional flour

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Method:

In a small bowl, stir together the salt, pepper, thyme, sage and paprika. Set aside.

Assemble all of the measured casserole and biscuit ingredients on the counter so that they are ready as you need them.

Preheat oven to 425*. Use a small amount of additional butter to lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

In a large saucepan, over medium heat, melt 1/3 cup butter. Add the 1/3 cup flour to the melted butter, while whisking constantly to blend, for one minute. Gradually add the broth and half & half. Whisk constantly for about 6 to 7 minutes or until the mixture thickens and is bubbly. Remove from the heat.

Stir in the spices and if desired, add the hot sauce.

Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a large Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the onions and mushrooms and saute for ten minutes, or until they are tender.

Stir in the mixture from the saucepan, chicken, potatoes, carrots, peas and 1/3 cup parsley. Spoon the entire mixture evenly into the prepared 9x13 dish. Bake for 15 minutes.

Sift the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda into a large bowl. Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the cold butter into the sifted ingredients. Use your fingers to finish blending in the butter, until the mixture is crumbly and resembles small peas. 

Add the cheese, bacon, chives and cream to the flour mixture. Mix with a large fork just until the ingredients are all mixed together. Use some additional flour to lightly dust your work surface.

Turn the dough out onto the flour dusted surface. Lightly knead the dough 4 times. Pat or roll the dough into a 3/4 inch thick rectangle. Use a sharp non-serrated knife to cut the dough into 12 squares.

Carefully, remove the baking pan from the oven. Arrange the biscuits on top of the casserole and return the casserole to the oven. Continue baking for 25 miutes or until the biscuits are golden brown. Immediately brush the tops of the biscuits with the melted butter.

If desired, garnish each portion with additional chopped parsley. Makes 6 to 12 servings.

*Frank's Red Hot sauce just added flavor and did not make the dish spicy at all. 😀

**My family likes a slight crunch to the carrots. If you prefer the carrots to be completely cooked, steam, cook in water or microwave in a bowl of water to slightly cook before adding to the casserole.

Notes: While baking, this casserole filled the home with a delicious aroma! The ultimate comfort food. ❤

 

Lemon Oreo Cookie Truffles 🍋

If you like lemon Oreo cookies, you will
like these simple lemony truffles! 🍋

 Ingredients:

36 (19 ounces) lemon Oreo cookies

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature 

1 talespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)

1/8 teaspoon pure lemon extract

3 cups yellow (vanilla flavored) candy melts

1 tablespoon white non pareils sprinkles

candy wrappers, optional

Method:

Line a small baking sheet or 9x13 pan with waxed paper and set aside.

Add the cookies to the container of a food processor. Pulse until the cookies become fine crumbs.

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cookie crumbs, cream cheese, lemon zest and extract until the ingredients are combined and smooth. Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and place them onto the lined baking sheet or pan. Freeze for 1 hour or overnight.

Place the candy melts in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds at half power or defrost mode. Stir until smooth. (If needed, heat an addition 10 to 30 seconds.) Insert a wooden szewer into each truffle and dip into the melted candy wafers. Tap off excess and place on the lined sheet. If needed, use a second wooden skewer to slide the truffle off of the first skewer. Drizzle a tiny amount of the meled candy to cover up any holes or uncovered filling. Immediately sprinkle a pinch of non pareils on top of the dipped truffle. Repeat with remaining cookie balls.

Refrigerate for at least 5 minutes to set. If desired, the truffles can be placed in individual candy wrappers. Store in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months. Makes 44 truffles.

Note: These lemony cookie truffles are simple to make ~ My husband actually prefers them frozen.

Sunshine Raisin Biscuits ~ A Copycat Recipe (English Garibaldi's)

These crisp little biscuits/ cookies remind
me of the Sunshine Raisin Biscuits that
my English Grandma always had in her
cookie cabinet and served to me with tea.

 Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (6 tablespoons) powdered sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt**

1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter**

1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (6 tablespoons) orange juice

2 teaspoons orange zest

3 cups raisins

parchment paper

1/4 cups egg whites (or two eggs) lightly beaten (just until frothy)

Method:

Add the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt to the container of a food processor. Pulse to combine. 

Cut the butter into small chunks and sprinkle over the flour mixture. Pulse until the butter is mixed in and the dough is crumbly. Add the orange juice and zest. Pulse just until the dough forms a ball. (If the dough doesn't hold together, add a tablespoon of ice water and pulse.)

Divide the dough into four portions. (about  4 1/2 ounces each) Shape each portion into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight. 

Next, add the raisins to the food processor and pulse just until they are chopped. (No need to clean the food processor before adding the raisins.)

When you are ready to bake the biscuits, preheat the oven to 350*. Cut 4 pieces of parchment paper to fit inside of baking sheets.  Place one of the parchment pieces on the counter and lightly dust with flour.

Place one of the discs of dough on the parchment. Roll into a rectangle that is 12 inches long and 8 inches wide. Lightly brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg whites.

Spread 3/4 cup of the raisins on half of the dough. (along the long side.) Place a piece of waxed paper on top of the raisins and gently press them into the dough.

Lift the parchment paper to carefully fold the empty side of the dough over the raisins. 

Roll the dough again to form a rectangle 15 inches long and 6 inches wide. (It's okay for some raisins to show through the top of the dough.) Brush the top with egg whites.  Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into 24 squares. (about 2 inches square) Do not separate the squares.

Slide the parchment with dough onto a baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaing dough and raisins. Bake each prepared baking sheet for 17 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown. 

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet or slide the parchment off the baking sheet and onto the counter until completely cooled. Separate the biscuits. If needed use the pizza cutter to cut any edges that are still attached. If desired, transfer to a cooling rack to make certain the biscuits are completely cooled. 

Store in an airtight container, at room temperature, or in the refrigerator. Makes 8 dozen (96 biscuits)

**If you use salted butter, only add 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Notes: 

When I was a young girl, Sunshine baked "Golden Raisin Biscuits" that were sold at grocery stores. Keebler purchased Sunshine in 1996 and sadly, in 2001, stopped making the cookies.This recipe is close to the original biscuits and a wonderfully nostalgic treat. ~ a tasty cookie that is not overly sweet.

In the UK, officially these cookies are called Garibaldi Biscuits”. The first Garibaldi Biscuits were created in the year 1813. "Garibaldi Biscuits are named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, a famous Italian General and patriot who unified Italy. Garibaldi was so immensely admired in England that supposedly the whole country shut down for 3 days when he visited.”

The cookies are still sold in the UK and are made with small currants instead of raisins that need to be chopped. “They are known colloquially as fly sandwiches, dead fly biscuits or squashed fly biscuits because the squashed fruit resembles squashed flies.” Oh yummy! (If you ever are offered a dead squashed fly biscuit, you will know that it really is a raisin cookie!) 😂

Very Low Carb Almond Cheesecake Squares

These tasty low carb cheesecake squares
are light, creamy and so simple to make!

Crust Ingredients:

2 cups finely ground blanched almond flour**

1/3 cup Lakanto Monkfruit Baking sweetener or ultra fine monkfruit sweetener***

1/4 teaspoon maple extract

6 tablespoons butter, at room temarature

Filling Ingredients:

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

1/4 cup Lakanto Monkfruit Baking sweetener or ultra fine Monkfruit sweetener***

1 egg

2 tablespoons heavy cream

2 - 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (1 medium lemon)

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract

1/4 cup sliced almonds

Method:

Preheat oven to 350*. Line an 8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.

Use a large fork to combine all of the crust ingredients in a medium bowl. Mash and stir until well combined. (You may also use your fingers to create a crumb texture.)

Remove one cup of the crumb mixture and set aside. Press the rest of the mixture into the bottom of the lined baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool for 20 minutes.

In a large bowl, cream together the cream cheese and sweetener with an electric mixer, at medium speed, until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, cream, juice and extracts. Mix very well, at medium speed, until all of the ingredients are very smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.

Sprinkle the reserved one cup of crumbs on top of the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle with the sliced almonds. Press the crumbs and almonds gently on top of the cream layer.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, being careful not to let the top brown too much. When the pan is wiggled the middle should not wiggle. Cool on a rack for one hour at room temperature. 

Finish cooling and allow to set in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight. Cut into 16 squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. (If desired, serve with a few fresh berries.)

**To create an almond flour with a finer texture, pulse in a food processor.

***If you do not have Lakanto Baking sweetener, you can process regular granulated Monkfruit sweetener in a food processor to create a finer powder. This does make a difference in the texture of baked goods.

Notes: These light and creamy cheesecake squares aren't overly sweet. They are good by themselves or garnished with berries. 

 I made these for a family with a dad who could not eat sugar and the entire family loved them!

Nutritional info per square: 63 calories ~ 6.15 grams fat ~ .525 grams total carbs ~ .075 grams fiber ~ .45 grams net carbs ~ .7 grams protein

Super Easy & Tender Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs (With Grill Option) ABSOLUTE FAVORITE!

These ribs are the best I have ever
had ~ So tasty and simple to make!

Ingredients:

3 - 4 pounds baby back ribs

plastic wrap

1 tablespoon pink Himalayan salt or fine sea salt

2 teaspoons black pepper

2 tablespoons smoked paprika

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves

1 tablespoon brown sugar

heavy duty aluminum foil

1 cup (or more) sweet barbecue sauce**

Method:

Rinse the ribs and pat dry. Place on 1 or 2 pieces of plastic wrap large enough to fully wrap the rack of ribs.

In a small bowl, stir together all of the spices and brown sugar. Rub the spice mixture on both sides of the ribs. Allow the spices to absorb into the meat for a minimum of 15 minutes or wrap in the plastic and place in the refrigerator for longer. (I placed in the refrigerator overnight.)

Preheat oven to 350*. Remove the plastic wrap and wrap in foil. Place on a baking sheet and put on the center rack in the oven. Bake for two hours.

Open the foil. Generously brush the barbecue sauce all over the top of the ribs. Return to the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the sauce darkens and is warmed.

Cut into 4 portions and serve. Makes 4 servings. If desired, serve with a side of extra sauce.

Grill Method:

Preheat grill to 350*. Wrap the ribs in foil and grill for 1 hour. Unwrap the ribs and brush with the barbecue sauce. Rewrap and grill for 15 minutes.  Unwrap again and brush with more sauce. Rewrap and cook for an additional 25 minutes or until tender.

**You may use your favorite barbecue sauce, but a sweet sauce works best with the spices in the rub.

Served with a Crispy Air Fried Smashed Red Potato: https://carriekitchencreations.blogspot.com/2024/08/crispy-air-fried-smashed-red-potatoes.html

Notes: 

These ribs are spicy, not make you sweat or cry spicy, but they do have some heat. If you don't like spicy, the black pepper and cayanne pepper may be omitted.

My husband never has liked ribs prepared with a spice rub, but he really liked the combination of the spices and the barbecue sauce ~ Absolutely Delicious! These ribs are so excellent, that I will only prepare them this way in the future. 😀

English Dried Fruits Slice & Bake Cookies

These little cookies contain a cornucopia
of delicious fruit bits in every bite!

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups (8 ounces) chopped dates

2 3/4 cups (12 ounces) raisins

1 1/3 cups (8 ounces) candied cherries, coarsely chopped**

1 cup (6 ounces) dried apricots, coarsely chopped

3 3/4 cups (12 ounces) chopped pecans

2 tablespoons honey

1/4 cup dry sherry or vermouth

2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon pink Himalayan or fine sea salt

5 1/3 cups all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon pink Himalayan or fine sea salt

1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground cardamon

1 cup superfine sugar***

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

parchment paper

Method:

Add the dates, raisins, cherries, apricots, pecans, honey, sherry, lemon juice and 1/8 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. Stir to combine. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and allow to sit 8 hours or overnight.

Sift together the flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside.

In an extra large bowl, cream the butter, cloves, cardamon, and sugars with an electric mixer, at medium speed, for 3 minutes or until the mixture is smooth. With the mixer at low speed, mix in eggs, on at a time, until completly mixed in. 

With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour to the creamed ingredients. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the fruits and pecans (including any liquid in the bowl).

Cut 4 pieces of parchment paper that are 18 inches wide. Divide the dough into 4 portions. (about 10 ounces each) Place each portion of dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Roll the dough into logs that are 18 inches long and 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches thick. Wrap with the parchment paper and refrigerate for 2 hours or longer. (The logs need to be firm.)

Preheat the oven to 350*. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Remove one log from the refrigerator. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 1/2 inch thick slices. Place the slices 1/2 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Repeat with remining logs.

Bake for 17 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack to finish cooling.

Makes about 104 cookies. (8 dozen + 8) Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

**Dried cranberries may be substituted for the cherries.

***If you do not have Bakers Superfine Sugar, you can put granulated sugar in a food processor

Notes: I needed a lot of cookies because I was baking for a Christmas party and to give as gifts. You can cut the recipe in half if you want a smaller batch. 

These cookies freeze well. ~ Just place in an airtight container with a piece of waxed between layers. Wrap the container with plastic wrap. Freeze for 3 to 6 months.

I cut 1/2 inch slices, which makes a soft cookie. If you would like a thinner cookie, cut the recipe in half and make 1/4 inch slices. Reduce cooking time to 13 minutes.

The original name for these cookies was "Fruitcake Cookies". I changed the name because many people who do not like fruitcake do like these cookies made with dried fruits.

 

Simple Italian Lemon & Ricotta Cookies 🍋

These soft Italian cookies can be
made with Ricotta or cottage cheese.

Cookie Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 cup granulated sugar

1 1/3 cups (8 ounces) ricotta cheese*

1 egg

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon pure lemon extract

1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest

Icing Ingredients:

3 teaspoons finely chopped lemon zest

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

5 to 6 tablespoons lemon juice**

Method:

Preheat oven to 350*. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium until the ingredients are smooth and creamy. (2 to 3 minutes) Add the cheese, egg, extracts and zest. Mix until smooth.

Add the sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture. Mix on low speed just until all of the ingredients are well combined. (The dough will be fluffy and a bit sticky.)

Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough, two inches apart, onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 13 minutes or until the cookies are just lightly brown around the edges.

Allow to cool for 15 minutes on the pan. Place a sheet of parchment paper underneath a cooling rack. Transfer the cookies to the rack to finish cooling.

Add the icing ingredients to a small bowl and stir to mix well. (If the icing is too thick to spread, additional juice can be added.) Use the back side of a teaspoon or a tiny bowl scraper to spread a thin layer of icing evenly on top of each cookie. Allow the icing to set for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature. 

Transfer to an airtight container with sheets of waxed paper between layers of cookies. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 4 dozen.

*Cottage cheese may be substituted for the ricotta. Make smooth in a food processor or blender before adding to the creamed ingredients.

**If the icing is too thick to easily spread, additionally juice may be added.

Notes: 

Cooled cookies without icing can be frozen, defrosted and then iced when ready to be served.

These traditional Italian cookies are soft, lemony and delicious! Perfect with tea and coffee. Serve alone or with berries for a light dessert.

Greg's Candy Suprise Cookies

Giant Oatmeal Cookies full of Heath Toffee
Bar bits, Butterfinger candy bits, peanut
butter chips and dark chocolate chips!!

Ingredients:

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour

1 taespoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon salt1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups quick cooking oats

3/4 cup dark (or semi sweet) chocolate chips

3/4 cup peanut butter chips

3/4 cup Heath Toffee bar bits

3/4 cup Butterfinger candy bar bits

Method:

Preheat oven to 350*. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. 

Sift  together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars, with an electric mixer on medium, for 2 minutes until blended and creamy. Add the eggs and the vanilla and mix until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Add one third of the sifted ingredients to the creamed ingredients and mix and on low speed until mixed in. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Repeat with the remaining two thirds of the sifted ingredients. 

Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, toffee bits and Butterfinger bits. 

Use a 1/4 cup scoop to put portions of dough on the prepared sheets. (6 scoops to a sheet.) 

Bake for 13 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and set. The center of the cookies will not appear completely cooked, but they will continue cooking while resting on the baking sheets.

Allow to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack to finish cooling completely. Store in an airtight container in the rfigerator. Makes 46 large cookies.

(To make regular sized cookies, scoop portions of two tablespoons and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes. Makes 92 cookies 7 .6 dozen.)

Note: My husband proposed the idea of these cookies and ingredients to me and they turned out amazing! 

Simple & Gourmet ~ Toffee Pecan Cookies (With Whiskey)

These cookies are special and impressive! So simple to make ~ family and
friends loved the gourmet flavors.

Ingredients:

7 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

2 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup Copper Still Distillery Dutch Apple Pie whiskey (or whiskey of your choice)*

1 egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon caramel extract (or 1/2 teaspoon more pure vanilla extract)

1 (8 ounce) bag toffee bits (1 2/3 cups)

3/4 cup finely chopped pecans

Method:

Add the butter to a small skillet or saucepan. Heat and stir over medium heat for 6 minutes or until it is fragrant and golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium, beat together the cream cheese and sugars for 2 minutes, until smooth and creamy. Add the melted butter, whiskey, egg and extracts. Beat on low speed until all of the ingredients are well combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Gradually add the sifted ingredients to the creamed ingredients 1/2 cup at a time, mixing at low speed after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl throughout the process.

Stir in the toffee bits and pecans until well mixed in. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or over night.

Preheat oven to 350*. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. 

Bake for 12 minutes or just until the edges are lightly golden. 

Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transfering to a rack to finish cooling completely. Store in airtight containers with wax paper between each layer of cookies.** Makes 4 1/2 dozen.

*Copper Still Distillery is located in Lake Havasu, Arizona. They create high quality whiskeys with speciality flavors that are wonderful to sip, bake and cook with.

**To make giant cookies, scoop dough into 1/4 cup balls and bake for 15 minutes. Makes 25 to 26 large cookies. 

Notes: 

You can bake these cookies and freeze for holiday parties and gifts. Simply cool cookies completely, place in airtight container and wrap the container in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 6 months.

My husband likes cookies, but typically only eats one off of the cooling racks. He ate 3 of these and suggested that I double the recipe next time. I agree and will. 😀

Simple & Creamy Homemade Mint Chip Ice Cream

Creamy & Delicious!
This mint chip ice cream
is very simple to make.

Ingredients:

6 cups heavy cream

3 cups half & half

3 cups sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon coarse sea salt

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract

4 to 6 drops of green food coloring (optional)

2 cups mini semi sweet chocolate chips

1 small bag of ice

rock salt

Method:

In a large bowl, stir together the cream, half & half, sugar, juice, salt, extracts and food coloring. Pour into the cannister of an ice cream maker. Stir in the chocolate chips. Follow the instructions for the ice cream maker. When the ice cream has finished processing, transfer to airtight containers and place in the freezer for several hours. Makes about 4 quarts.

Note: This ice cream is wonderful by itself, but if desired, drizzle with chocolate syrup and top with a dollop of whipped cream.

 

Special Game Day Sloppy Joes (Simple & Tasty!)

This deluxe version of the classic
Sloppy Joe is very tasty & satisfying.
 

Ingredients:

1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons yellow mustard

1 tablespoon brown sugar

avocado or olive oil cooking spray

1 pound ground beef

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

3/4 cup diced yellow, red or orange bell pepper

1 cup finely chopped yellow onion

4 cloves garlic pressed or minced

4 large hambuger buns or 6 small or regular sized buns, toasted

1/2 to 3/4 cup grated cheddar & jack cheese

3/4 to 1 cup crispy fried onions

Method:

Add the tomato sauce to a medium bowl and stir in the Worcestershire, mustard and brown sugar. Set aside.

Spray a large skillet, or Dutch oven, with the cooking oil spray. Add the ground beef. Cook and stir to crumble for 5 minutes, over medium high heat, until the meat is beginning to brown. Transfer the meat to a collander to allow excess fat to drain away.

Return the meat to the skillet and season with the salt and pepper. Add the bell pepper and onion to the beef. Cook and stir over medium high heat for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Stir in the sauce. Bring to a light boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until the mixture is thickened.

Divide the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly over the toasted bottom bun halves. Sprinkle with the cheese. Sprinkle the crispy onions on top of the cheese and top with the other half of the bun.  Makes 4 to 6 servings

Variation: Instead of serving on buns, serve as a dip with vegetables and/or tortilla chips.

Note: This simple and flavorful Sloppy Joe mixture is perfect for game day or any day ~ Definitely a family & crowd pleaser!