Ho-Ho Cocoa Mix

Nothing better than coming in from the cold to a steaming hot cup of Hot Cocoa loaded with marshmallows! I'm not a coffee drinker like most of my family and friends are, but I look forward to the colder months so I can drink this without breaking a sweat!
You can find this recipe in the Christmas Cookbook on pg. 142.

Ho-Ho Cocoa Mix

1 1/2  cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 cup non-fat powdered milk
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup non-dairy creamer
1 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
(I don't add the marshmallows until I make the cup of cocoa. Not
everyone likes marshmallow!)

Combine all ingredients, stirring well. Store in an airtight container up to 2 months. For each serving, add one cup hot water to 1/2 cup cocoa mix; stir well. Makes 8 servings.

Chocolate Frostie

I love to find copycat recipes.

Especially when they really do taste just or a lot like the real thing!

We love Wendy's Frosties!

So, when I found this recipe on Pinterest,

(Trains and Tutus blog)

I knew we had to try it.

And guess what?

It's so close to being identical in taste,

we all decided that this recipe is a 'real' keeper!

Chocolate Frostie

 1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 8 oz carton of whipped topping

1/2 gallon chocolate milk

Mix together the condensed milk, whipped topping

half the container of chocolate milk.

 Mix together until smooth and creamy.

Pour in to your ice-cream freezer,

then add the remaining chocolate milk.

Freeze according to your freezer's directions.

Allow to sit for approx 20 minutes

 And this is what it looks like when you forget to take the final photo 

until it was almost all gone and had begun to melt!

Either way...it's delicious!!

ENJOY!

Homemade Lemonade Syrup

It's that time of year again.

A cool breeze, the birds are chirping, the smell of fresh cut grass...

all signs of Spring, with Summer just around the corner. 

The perfect drink for days like this is

Ice Cold Lemonade

 

Homemade Lemonade Syrup

 2 cups sugar

1 cup water

1 cup lemon juice

Bring sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat; boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice.

Set aside to cool; cover and refrigerate.

I poured mine in to a canning jar with a lid.

To serve, stir 2 TBSP syrup 

(or more if you'd like) 

into 3/4 cup cold water; add ice.

Makes 20 servings.

Not too tangy, not too sweet. 

And yes, very refreshing!

Blueberry-Banana Smoothie

 One of my favorite fruits are blueberries. They are so pretty and soooo good in muffins breads, pies, coffee cakes and yes....smoothies!!
 Did you know that blueberries are a great source of antioxidants!! Yep!...so that makes this smoothie not only delicious and filling...but also very good for you!!

Blueberry-Banana Smoothie

2 servings...but so easy to double or triple this recipe!!

1 ripe banana
3/4 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup frozen blueberries

Combine all ingredients together in blender. Process until smooth!

 And that's it! 

It's that easy!!

 You can use low fat yogurt for this recipe, if you chose.
My blueberries were purchased fresh, then frozen in freezer bags.

Sunshine in a Glass

Even when it's cold outside, I always enjoy a cold drink with my breakfast.
This cold and frothy drink is one of my favorites and so easy to make. Just put it all in the blender while your breakfast is cooking and it'll all be ready at the same time! YUM!



 SUNSHINE IN A GLASS

cup frozen orange juice concentrate, partially thawed
1/2 cup milk
10 - 12 ice cubes
1 t. vanilla extract



Place ingredients in an electric blender and blend until smooth. Makes 2 1/2 cups. 

If you want to add a little 'sweet' to it, you can add a teaspoon of sugar or sweetener to it while it's in the blender.
I've also been known to add strawberries and or bananas to add some extra flavor and leave the sugar out!
I like mine extra frothy...can you tell? Yum!!

Egg Nog and Potato Candy

How do you feel about egg nog? Most of my family loves it! When I came across this recipe for "Egg" Nog in Gooseberry Patch Christmas book 10, I knew I had to try it.  It actually taste pretty much like the ‘real' thing! I was impressed at what a little box of vanilla pudding mix could do!

"Egg" Nog
3 oz pkg vanilla instant pudding
1/3 cup sugar
8 cups milk
2 t. vanilla extract
½ to 1 t. nutmeg

In a large bowl, mix first four ingredients until combined. Add desired amount of nutmeg. Serve chilled. Keeps well in the refrigerator. Makes about 8 cups.

Have a little extra potato left over from a meal?  Make candy!
You can find this recipe in the Gooseberry Patch Family Favorites cookbook! There are so many good recipes in this book too! If you don't have it, or Book 10, then hop on over to Gooseberry Patch and pick up a copy for yourself and a gift for someone else! You will be glad you did!!


I made POTATO CANDY! Yep...exactly...candy made out of potatoes! It's some pretty yummy stuff if I do say so myself! You can find the recipe on pg 203 in Family Favorites cookbook. But, in case you don't have this book already...I will give you the recipe!

Potato Candy
1 lb unsweetened shredded coconut
2 medium potatoes, cooked and mashed
1 lb English walnuts, ground ( I used ground pecans instead!)
2 lbs. powdered sugar
semi-sweet chocolate chips

Combine coconut, potatoes and walnuts, mixing well; refrigerate several hours. Shape into walnut-sized balls and roll in powdered sugar. Drizzle melted semi-sweet chocolate over candy for a delicious treat. And there you have it......Now that's a sweet treat!!

I know that pictures don't always look as good as the real thing. 

I guess I could use a 'nicer' camera.

Hmmm....Dear Santa, ..........