Friday, June 7, 2013

 
Summer is Here!
Great Salad for Lunch.
 
 
Pesto Pasta Salad
 
1 roma tomato diced
1 avocado diced
1/2 large cucumber diced
3 cups cooked pasta
4 tabs. pesto sauce (I used Classico brand)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
toss all of the above together until pasta is well coated.  Top with extra parmesan cheese and avocado. 
Serve with garlic bread. 
Can add some pine nuts for crunch if desired.


 
TODAY IS NATIONAL DONUT DAY!
Lets make doughnuts!
This recipe is a great recipe that I found in the newspaper and it makes very delicious donuts!
2 tab. yeast
1/3 cup warm water
2 tab. sugar
2 cups scalded milk(cool to lukewarm)
4 tab. butter
1 cup mashed potatoes packed
4 tab. sugar
1-1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs, beaten
1/4-1/2 tsp lemon extract
6 cups of flour, divided

Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup boiling water
1 tsp. vanilla

In a small bowl dissolve 2 tablespoons yeast in 1/3 cup warm water and 2 tab. sugar.  In a separate large bowl combine the following: scalded milk, butter, mashed potatoes, 4 tab. sugar, salt, eggs, lemon extract and mix well.  Add the yeast mixture to the large bowl mixture.  Add 3 cups of flour.  Beat until smooth.  Continue to add enough flour to make a sticky soft dough (about 3 more cups).  Cover the bowl and let rise until double-about 45 minutes.  Punch down.  Divide dough in half.  Roll each portion on a floured surface to 1/2-inch thick.  Cut with a doughnut cutter.  By the time all the doughnuts are cut out the first ones will be ready to fry.  Preheat oil in frying pan or deep fryer to 375 degrees.  Fry one side at a time until the doughnut is golden brown.  Let doughnuts drain on a paper bag until cool.  Dip each doughnut in glaze.  Place on a wire rack.

Monday, June 3, 2013

IN THE MOOD FOR A SNACK?
THESE ARE TO DIE FOR!
 


CARAMEL CEREAL TREATS
2 squares butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
3 cups miniature marshmallows
4 cups Special K cereal
 
Melt butter in heavy bottom sauce pan, add brown sugar and bring to a boil.  Boil for 3 minutes.  Remove from heat and add marshmallows and stir until marshmallows are all melted.  Pour cereal into a large bowl and pour caramel mixture over the cereal and mix until cereal is completely coated.  Drop by tablespoons full onto waxed paper or parchment paper.  Let cool.  You can add candy coated chocolate pieces to it or drizzle with chocolate to make them even better. 
Makes about 2 dozen treats
*for a gluten free version use a rice cereal or toasted rice cereal instead of Special K cereal.
 
When I make these they are gone as soon as I make them!  Enjoy!