Gooey and Delicious! Caramel Apples

Caramel apples are pretty easy to make, but if you're like me then you might want to place some paper bags or something on your counter and floor to catch the drips.



What you need for a Basic Caramel Apple Recipe:
6-8 Apples (I like using green Granny-Smiths, and Washington apples)
Wooden popsicle sticks
1-1/2 cups Brown sugar
1-1/2 tablespoons of Butter
6 tablespoons of Milk
1/2 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
1/2 to 1 cup of peanuts, mini baking chocolates, or whatever other chopped up topping that you would like.

**Tip** To save yourself a little hassle you could buy a bag of caramels and skip the above ingredients. The downside is that you have to unwrapped the little suckers before you melt the caramel. Also, you still will want to add a little liquid--approximately 2 tablespoons worth.

The other nice thing about buying premade caramels is that they often come with popsicle sticks in the bags.

Step 1. Get your apples ready ahead of time.

a. Wash them and remove the waxy coating. You can do this by dipping them very quickly in boiling water then wipe the wax off. Fit vegetable spray works okay, but the boiling dip works better.

b. Chill the apples in the fridge for at least an hour before you want to dip them.

Step 2. Now that you have washed and chilled apples, you are ready to set up your station.

a. Make sure your nuts and other toppings are chopped and place in a mixing bowl.

b. Line a flat pan (cookie sheet) with wax-paper (to place the apples on once they are coated.

Step 3. In a suacepan mix your ingredients.

** If you are using pre-made caramels, add in the unwrapped candies/milk. Melt these on low heat.

Step 4. Cook on medium heat until approximately 235 degree Fahrenheit. Remove from heat.

Step 5. Dip your apples, turning them in the caramel.

After you dip the apple you are working with in the caramel, quickly dip into your toppings. Then place on the wax sheet.

Step 6. One each of the apples are coated and topped, you must refrigerate them for another hour. Keep them stored in the fridge as well.

Check out Mahalo for more caramel apples recipes and tips. The chocolate caramel recipe on that page sounds sinfully delicious!

Cinnamonny Goodness: Easy Applesauce IRL

Mmm... Nothing says fall like warm apple-filled treats.

Applesauce is easy to make and worth the extra effort that you'd exert instead of opening a premade jar.



Really, this isn't fixing the global economy. It's simply based on the ancient process of boiling fruit in a little sugar-water. So if you're new to the kitchen try this recipe, and impress your mates. The nice thing is that if you boil it on low enough heat you have a few minutes of lee-way for gaming.

What you need:
A bunch of Apples (8-10).
Cinnamon. Use about 1-1/2 tablespoons ground if you like it nice and cinnamonny.
1/2 to 1 cup of Sugar. You can use 1/2 brown and half white; I like to use 1/2 cup of brown sugar, packed.
1 cup of Water
1/2 teaspoon Salt
2-3 squirts of lemon juice (fresh or the stuff sitting in the fridge).

Step 1. Peel, core, and quartered your apples. I like to mix the apples in sauces and pie recipes. Try a mix of 2 Golden Delicious, 2 Granny Smith, 2 Fuji, and 2 Gala.)

Step 2. Place your apple slices in a large pot.

Step 3. Squirt with the lemon juice. This just helps stop the apples from browning, and can bring out the flavor of the apples.

Step 4. Add the water, cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Stir to coat.

Step 5. Bring to boil. Lower the heat and let the mix simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Step 6. Remove from heat. Mash with potato masher or large spoon.

Ready to serve, either hot or chilled.

Eat some now, and freeze some for later! :)

Variations: Try with a little vanilla bean extract (about 1/2 teaspoon cooked in during step 4). Also try swapping out the gala apples with a few pears. Mmmm!

Easy Cucumber, Dill, and Tomato Salad

This is a quick prep salad. However, the veggies will become more flavorful if you let it chill for a few hours, rather than eat it right away. Just relax, play, and give those veggies some time to soak up all the yumminess. Then serve with a slotted spoon so it's not so juicy.



What you need:
1 Roma (Italian) Tomato (or 6-8 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half)
1 medium sized Cucumber
1 tablespoon of Fresh Dill
2 tablespoons of Vinegar (white wine or apple cider)
1 tablespoon of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 tablespoon of Water
1/2 teaspoon of sugar (I know some people might bump this up to a teaspoon or more, but just do it to taste.)
1/4 teaspoon of salt

**Optional** Add in a little onion or some black olives.

This recipe will make 2-3 servings.

Step 1. Cut of the cucumber and tomatoes. You can cut them however you'd like.

Step 2. Add in the oil, vinegar, water, dill, and sugar. Stir and put into the fridge to chill. I usually leave it in the fridge for about an hour, you could leave it longer if you'd like.

A variation on this recipe is to skip the olive oil, and instead bump up the vinegar content to 3 tablespoons, and water up to 1 tablespoon.



More Snack Ideas: Simple Cracker Snacks, Brilliant Smallfish Cracker Snacks, Cucumber, Dill, and Tomato Salad, My Keys are Happy! Veggie Dip, By Thecookie, Celery Snack Ideas! More Easy Celery Snack Ideas, Nethaera's Epic Chicken Nachos, 4 Layer Mexican Black Bean Pie Dip, Mexican Layered Pie Dip, Devilishly Delicious Devilled Eggs, Quickee Tasty Quesadillas, Salami and American Crackers! Pizza 101, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!

Brazilian Puss in Boots, by Cygnusbr

This is a simple and tasty pudding dish. I served it with some strawberries, but you could eat it on it's own and be very satisfied.



The recipe below yielded the amount in the picture. If you'd like more, simply double the recipe.

What you need:
1 Banana, mushed
1/3-1/2 cup of Ricotta Cheese
1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon

**Optional** To thicken it slightly use a little (about a teaspoon) flour or cornstarch. I didn't find this necessary, but if yours comes out watery.

Step 1. Mush your banana in with the ricotta, until it is smoothly blended.

Step 2. Sprinkle with the cinnamon. You can stir it in if you'd like.

Step 3. Heat in the microwave for at least 5 minutes. The cheese should be warm, and the banana pretty much melted.

Serve on it's own or with some fruit to dip.


More Dessert Ideas: Chocolate Cherry Pie, Maple-Walnut Apple Pie, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!



More Breakfast Ideas: Nubcakes! Aka Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes, Blueberry Nubcakes! Elwynn Forest Lumberjack Special, aka Crepes by Randalflagg, Kiethras's Breakfast Tubers, Sausage and Eggs, Grizzly Frontier Special! Aka Western Style Omelet, Simple Fruits, Great Taste! Telaari Grape Salad, Tundra Berry Salad, Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich, Curiously Tasty Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Omelet Sammich! How to Cook Perfect Bacon, Brazilian Puss in Boots, by Cygnusbr, Mmm Coffee!



More Snack Ideas: Simple Cracker Snacks, Brilliant Smallfish Cracker Snacks, Cucumber, Dill, and Tomato Salad, My Keys are Happy! Veggie Dip, By Thecookie, Celery Snack Ideas! More Easy Celery Snack Ideas, Nethaera's Epic Chicken Nachos, 4 Layer Mexican Black Bean Pie Dip, Mexican Layered Pie Dip, Devilishly Delicious Devilled Eggs, Quickee Tasty Quesadillas, Salami and American Crackers! Pizza 101, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!

Grizelle's Easy LAN Party Quiche

Need an idea of what food to make for your next LAN Party? Here's a Grizelle original that will help when the munchies hit all your guests.

This recipe does take longer than a typical flight path, and really is suited for entertaining people. At the bottom of the post, Grizelle has included easy modifications for preparing a single, large quiche (as pictured). This will save you time in preparation, if that is your concern.



Remember to prepare this recipe ahead of time. Bake it while your guests are setting up their computers, so that it's nice and toasty when you serve them.

What you need:
4 Eggs
1 cup Milk
1/2 cup Half & Half
1 bunch of Scallions, chopped fine (about 1/2 cup)
1 cup diced Cooked Ham - about 1/4 inch pieces (I used the Hormel Black Label brand.)
1 cup shredded Swiss Cheese (I like the Amish variety.)
1 package Pillsbury All Ready refrigerated Pie Dough (2 pie shells)
Non-stick muffin tins

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350, and unroll your pie dough. Cut circles in the dough with a biscuit cutter; this is for the quiche crusts. You can get 6-8 circles per pie dough sheet. I took the scraps and rolled them out to get a few more.

**Tip** If you don't have a biscuit cutter, use a large rimmed cup or washed tuna can (they are the perfect size), and cut out the circles. If you're using a cup, make sure that the rim is large enough to produce circle that will fill the bottom and sides of a regular sized muffin tin.

Step 2. Place a dough circle in each ungreased muffin cup, and gently press to cover the bottom, and about a half inch or so up the sides.

Step 3. Place about a tablespoon of the diced ham in each cup. Sprinkle with about a half teaspoon of the chopped scallions, and a tablespoon of the grated Swiss cheese.

Step 4. Lightly beat the eggs, and add milk & half & half. Stir until smoothly blended.

Step 5. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the filling in each cup. Do not pour higher than the dough - you may have to wait a bit and add some more as it has to trickle down. So go back to your comp, and make sure you haven't been ganked.

Step 6. Bake on middle rack in preheated 350 degree F oven for approximately 25 minutes. The quiches will puff up to fill the cups, and will be golden brown on top. A knife inserted should come out clean when it is fully set.

Step 7. Gently remove the quiches using a heat resistant spatula, and place them on a plate to serve.

This recipe made 16 quiches using regular sized muffin tins. You can use smaller or larger tins if you want, but you will have to play around with the amount of dough for the circles, and adjust the cooking time.

If you are concerned the quiches are going to get too brown before they are done, place a piece of aluminum foil loosely over the top for about the first half of the baking time.

For a large Quiche version:
If you want to make one big quiche, simply press one entire pie crust sheet in the bottom of an 8 or 9 inch pie pan. Spread your scallions, ham, and cheese evenly over the crust, and slowly pour the whole egg mixture over the top. Bake at 350 F, for about 30 minutes. Then test it with a knife same as the mini quiches. Just cut into wedges to serve.



Grizelle says, "I made these minis for an office brunch, and they were completely devoured!"

Helboar Bacon Buns, by Ozra, Moon Guard

Although there are many types of boars throughout World of Warcraft, many of us can remember all the Helfire Peninsula boar quests. There were quite a few, but one of the most memorable ones involved purifying the Helboar meat for Legassi, the Chef Extraordinaire. After many failed attempts of purifying the meat (all those Tainted Helboar Meats sitting in your bag), your efforts are rewarded with Legassi's own Helboar Bacon.

Ozra, Moon Guard was inspired by Legassi's generosity, and offers us this treat to serve at LAN Parties instead of ordinary sandwiches. If you make these, your guests will always want to hold the parties at your place.

Another name for this dish is "Lazy American Bacon Buns," a parody of "Latvian Complicated Bacon Buns."

What you need:
1 lb Bacon - your favorite variety
1 large Sweet Onion
3 packages Crescent Rolls (typically 8 per package)
Pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of Butter

**Optional** 1 egg white, sugar

Step 1. Preheat oven to 350 or whatever the crescent roll package tells you.

Step 2. Dice onion

Step 3.Chop/Cut bacon into small pieces (scissors actually work well for this, the bacon may stick together at first if you cut 5-6 pieces at a time, but will separate while being sauteed.)

Step 4. Melt the butter in your skillet.

Step 5. Add the Bacon bits, and onion. Pepper to taste (except if you used peppered bacon).

Step 6. Sauté until bacon is mostly cooked, but not crispy and onion is soft. About 10 min on medium heat.

Step 7.Put bacon onion mix in freezer for 5 minutes, to bring its temperature down.

Step 8. Spoon mixture into unrolled crescent dough. Roll into crescent shapes.

Step 9. Bake for approximately 11 minutes, until crust is golden brown.

**Optional** Use the egg white, and a little bit of sugar to glaze the tops of bacon buns. This will help make the surface crispy.

Ozra says, "These things are freaking delicious, and easy to make!"


More Sandwich Ideas: Monster Veggie Wraps! Revdeath's Sloppy Joes, Helboar Bacon Buns, Crunchy Boomkin Turkey Melt, Bronzebeard Bacon Melt, Classic BLT, Turkey Day, Any Day Sammie, Carson's Meat Lovers Sammie, Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich,Jack Dandy Special, Sushi Style Turkey Wraps, Simple Chicken Salad, Traditional American Combo Hero, Alterac Swiss Melt, Turkey and Salami Sammie, Monstrously Delicious Salami and Cheddar Sammie, The Classic Italian Hero, Salami and Cheese Sammies, Philly Cheesesteaks, Tasty Turkey Melt.

Telaari Grape Salad

So I've been trolling the forums, and I've seen a few requests for a healthy snack. I think I have something to satisfy those requests. This is a recipe for grape salad.

This is something you would make ahead of time and let cool for a few hours, but you will have lots of left overs and its very, very tasty.

Mats:
2 lbs. Red Seedless grapes (They need to be washed and dried off. I usually throw them into a strainer with a paper towel on the bottom and top, and then I just dry them that way.)
8oz of room temperature Cream Cheese (Now for a healthier snack you could use a light cream cheese.)
8 oz of Sour Cream (again you could use a lite sour cream as well)
1/2 cup Sugar (this could be substituted with Splenda)
1 tbs. Vanilla extract
3/4 cup chopped Pecans (You can find them in the bakery isle at your grocery store.They will have tiny bags of already chopped pecans that work perfectly for this.)
3/4 cup Brown Sugar

Step 1: After you wash and dry off your grapes, you will want to put them in your dish that you will be serving this out of. I use a large chip bowl, because you will have left overs.

Step 2: In a separate mixing bowl, mix everything together minus the pecans. Mix this until it's smooth. Careful though, you don't want it to be runny.

Step 3: Once its mixed up, you will transfer it from the mixing bowl onto the grapes. (I then try to coat all the grapes with the mixture, but you don't have to. You could let it just sit on top of the grapes.)

Step 4: Add the pecans. Cover and let them sit in the fridge for a few hours to chill.

This recipe does take about 5-10 minutes to prep. Plus it does have a cool down time (Don't you love having those IRL too!) But, it will literally take you less than a minute to grab some out of the refrigerator, and have a yummy midnight, mid-day, mid-morning, mid-anything snack. That's both yummy and healthy.


More Dessert Ideas: Chocolate Cherry Pie, Maple-Walnut Apple Pie, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Simple Cheesecake Bake, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!



More Snack Ideas: Simple Cracker Snacks, Brilliant Smallfish Cracker Snacks, Cucumber, Dill, and Tomato Salad, My Keys are Happy! Veggie Dip, By Thecookie, Celery Snack Ideas! More Easy Celery Snack Ideas, Nethaera's Epic Chicken Nachos, 4 Layer Mexican Black Bean Pie Dip, Mexican Layered Pie Dip, Devilishly Delicious Devilled Eggs, Quickee Tasty Quesadillas, Salami and American Crackers! Pizza 101, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!



More Breakfast Ideas: Nubcakes! Aka Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes, Blueberry Nubcakes! Elwynn Forest Lumberjack Special, aka Crepes by Randalflagg, Kiethras's Breakfast Tubers, Sausage and Eggs, Grizzly Frontier Special! Aka Western Style Omelet, Simple Fruits, Great Taste! Telaari Grape Salad, Tundra Berry Salad, Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich, Curiously Tasty Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Omelet Sammich! How to Cook Perfect Bacon, Brazilian Puss in Boots, by Cygnusbr, Mmm Coffee!

Nethaera's Epic Chicken Nachos

When a Blizzard Blue post purples on the OT Forums.



By the way, this was delicious!

What you need:
1 pre-cooked chicken or chicken breast (sold at most grocery stores)
Diced tomatoes
Chopped onion
1 small can of sliced black olives
1 package of shredded Mexican cheese
1 jar of cheese dipping sauce (usually jarred in the chip aisle)
1 bag of corn chips

**Optional Toppings** Sour Cream and Guacamole dip

Step 1. If your chicken is not cooked, cook the shredded chicken in some taco seasoning in a pan on the stove (since the pieces are small this will only take 2-3 minutes).

Step 2. Layer chips, cheese sauce, chicken, shredded cheese, tomato and onion as desired.

Step 3. Top with slice back olives.

Step 4. Place in microwave for approx 1 minute to slightly melt cheese or place in a 325 degree oven for five minutes.



Top with optional toppings and enjoy.



Other Tex-Mex Favorites: Nethaera's Epic Chicken Nachos, Tacos, Tacos, Tacos! Mexican Layered Pie Dip, 4 Layer Mexican Black Bean Pie Dip, Quickee Quesadillas, OMG Fajita Tuesday! Burrito Style Enchiladas, Mair's Super-Simple Taco Soup, Monti's Crock Pot Ready Tortilla Soup, Burrito Style Enchiladas, Mini Burrito Dessert.



More Snack Ideas: Simple Cracker Snacks, Brilliant Smallfish Cracker Snacks, Cucumber, Dill, and Tomato Salad, My Keys are Happy! Veggie Dip, By Thecookie, Celery Snack Ideas! More Easy Celery Snack Ideas, Nethaera's Epic Chicken Nachos, 4 Layer Mexican Black Bean Pie Dip, Mexican Layered Pie Dip, Devilishly Delicious Devilled Eggs, Quickee Tasty Quesadillas, Salami and American Crackers! Pizza 101, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!

Super Stuffed Ganking Apples

These apples rock. They're very simple. Most of the mats you will usually have laying around the kitchen anyway so it will work out really well for you.



Mats:
4 larger apples (take your pick of apple, they all work)
1 tsp. Lemon juice
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup of either instant oatmeal or rolled oats
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
4 tablespoons butter (cut into individual slices)
1 tsp. cinnamon
*optional* chopped walnuts

Step 1. Alright, you will want to start off by preheating your oven to 425 degrees. While the oven is heating up you will want to take the insides out of the apples leaving the bottom so that nothing falls out. But you need to hollow the apple out as best as you can. You could save the apple bits (minus the core) that you took out and use them in the oat mixture (which is step 3).



Step 2. When your done that sprinkle each one with some lemon juice.

Step 3. In a separate large bowl you will want to mix the rest of the ingredients (minus the slices of butter) *this is where you would toss in the apple bits*

Step 4. Then take about a handful and begin to stuff the apples. Do not completely fill them. When you finish putting the first handful in each, evenly distribute whatever you have left into each apple.

Step 5. Take your slices of butter and put them on top of the stuffed apples.

Step 6. Place the apples on a cookie sheet, and bake for 20 minutes.

When you take them out you could top them with ice cream and/or whipped cream (Zonoma has an easy whipped cream recipe you could use).



You're all set with a rather healthy snack. Now go camp some gankers! The stuffed apples will make the experience all the better. =)


More Dessert Ideas: Chocolate Cherry Pie, Maple-Walnut Apple Pie, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Simple Cheesecake Bake, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!



More Snack Ideas: Simple Cracker Snacks, Brilliant Smallfish Cracker Snacks, Cucumber, Dill, and Tomato Salad, My Keys are Happy! Veggie Dip, By Thecookie, Celery Snack Ideas! More Easy Celery Snack Ideas, Nethaera's Epic Chicken Nachos, 4 Layer Mexican Black Bean Pie Dip, Mexican Layered Pie Dip, Devilishly Delicious Devilled Eggs, Quickee Tasty Quesadillas, Salami and American Crackers! Pizza 101, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!

Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes

This recipe is from a modified version of the whipped cream recipe.



What you need:
3/4 cup of whipping cream
2-2.5 teaspoons of sugar (you can substitute this with 1-1.5 packets of sweet and low)
1.5-2 tablespoons of unsweetened Baking Cocoa

Just whip these up as you would normally.



Add a spoonful or two of the cream to the shortcake, and decorate with the strawberries. In the second picture, the mint is for decoration, not eating. ;)

**Note** For a lower-carb treat, leave the shortcake out. Just dip some strawberries into the chocolate cream.


More Dessert Ideas: Chocolate Cherry Pie, Maple-Walnut Apple Pie, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Simple Cheesecake Bake, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!



More Snack Ideas: Simple Cracker Snacks, Brilliant Smallfish Cracker Snacks, Cucumber, Dill, and Tomato Salad, My Keys are Happy! Veggie Dip, By Thecookie, Celery Snack Ideas! More Easy Celery Snack Ideas, Nethaera's Epic Chicken Nachos, 4 Layer Mexican Black Bean Pie Dip, Mexican Layered Pie Dip, Devilishly Delicious Devilled Eggs, Quickee Tasty Quesadillas, Salami and American Crackers! Pizza 101, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!

Strawberry Shortcakes with Real Whipped Cream in under 5 minutes!

Summertime is here, and strawberries are in season. This is a super fast dessert to make.



I saw a few local vendors selling these strawberries on the side of the road, and had to stop! :)

What you need:
1-2 Strawberries per cake
1 strawberry shortcake/sponge cake (You will often find these right next to the strawberries in the grocery store.)
~2 tablespoons of whipped cream per cake

Step 1. Make your whipped cream. You can use the canned stuff, but why would you?! Fill the shortcake with approximately 2 tablespoons of whipped cream.

Step 2. Cut 1-2 strawberries (depending on their size) longways. Add to the cake.

Step 3. Decorate the cake any way you like. For example, a delicious chocolate truffle in the center will make this a decadent dessert.



I sprinkled a little cinnamon on one cake, and place a mint leaf on the other. Be as creative as you'd like.



**Tip** If you are making these for guests, don't forget to stick them into the fridge until you are ready to serve them.


More Dessert Ideas: Chocolate Cherry Pie, Maple-Walnut Apple Pie, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Simple Cheesecake Bake, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!



More Snack Ideas: Simple Cracker Snacks, Brilliant Smallfish Cracker Snacks, Cucumber, Dill, and Tomato Salad, My Keys are Happy! Veggie Dip, By Thecookie, Celery Snack Ideas! More Easy Celery Snack Ideas, Nethaera's Epic Chicken Nachos, 4 Layer Mexican Black Bean Pie Dip, Mexican Layered Pie Dip, Devilishly Delicious Devilled Eggs, Quickee Tasty Quesadillas, Salami and American Crackers! Pizza 101, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!

Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast

If you have never tasted real whipped cream then you are in for a treat.

I used this recipe to make some strawberry shortcakes, and with some of the left over whipped cream, I made my coffee into a treat. You could also just dipped your fruits into the cream for a lower-carb, reduced sugar treat.

Each cup of heavy cream will yield twice as much whipped cream.

What you need:
3/4 cup of whipping cream
2 teaspoons of sugar (you can substitute this with 1 packet of sweet and low)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)

Step 1. With a hand or standing mixer, beat the ingredients on medium to high speed until soft peaks form. This will take about 2-4 minutes. You can use a wire whisk, but it takes longer.

That's it! Inorite! Sooo easy, and it's worth it.

Variations: If you'd like to season your whipped cream, try adding a little of any of the following ingredients: cocoa powder, almond extract, cinnamon, syrups for flavoring coffee (no more than a teaspoon or two).


More Dessert Ideas: Chocolate Cherry Pie, Maple-Walnut Apple Pie, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!

Caitlin's Southern Style: Devilishly Delicious Devilled Eggs

Alliteration ftw! But seriously now folks, this is a great finger-food that will not make a mess of your keys. Master your one-handed playing skillz with this dish.

A delicious egg dish- famous in the South!

Serving size: 6 eggs yields 12 devilled eggs

You will need:
6 eggs
Mayonnaise
Mustard (the squirt kind is easiest)
Salt
Pepper
Paprika

Step 1. Place the eggs in a pot and cover with water. You don't need to fill up the pot- I usually fill it halfway, so that it covers the eggs with some room to spare. Heat on the stove until it comes to a rolling boil.

Step 2. Let the eggs boil for a few minutes (but no more than 10), then take them off the hot eye until the water cools to the point that you can reach in and grab an egg.

Step 3. Take the eggs out of the pot and into a bowl. Cover with cold water. You can leave these in there as long as you like. This step is optional, but strongly advised- it keeps the shell from sticking and tearing the egg when you peel it.

Step 4: Tap the eggs gently (GENTLY!!!!) against a hard surface to crack the shell. Peel off the shell in pieces until the egg has no shell remaining, and set it to the side. Repeat until all the eggs are shell-less.

Step 5: Cut all the eggs in half. In a medium-size bowl, gently squeeze the halves until the yolk is released into the bowl.

Step 6: Mush all the egg yolks with a fork. Try to get them as squished as possible. You don't need to be gentle here. Start to add mustard. Go easy on it- you can always add more later if you need it. Two good squirts should be plenty for you.

Step 7: Mix this up, then add the mayonnaise. A good rule of thumb: use about twice as much mayonnaise as you do mustard. Start with 3 good dollops. Add a pinch each of salt and pepper. Mix to combine.

Step 8: Taste your mixture. If it is too bland for you, add a little bit of mustard. If it is too strong, add some mayonnaise. You will also need to test consistency. Spoon up a little and let it drop. It should be loose, but not soupy. If it just falls off the spoon and immediately blends with the mixture in the bowl, it is too soupy and you have added too much mayonnaise. If it is very chunky or thick, and you have to shake it off your spoon, you need to add mayo. If you have added too much mayo, don't fear- your eggs can be saved. Just go back and boil another egg or two. After you have de-shelled them, squish them extra fine, including the white, until it's the same consistency as your egg yolks before the mayo and mustard, then mix it with the rest. Problem solved!

Step 9: Once you've got the taste and consistency right, spoon some mix into each egg half. You should put enough to fill each hole, and have some extra, but not too much! You don't want the goop falling all over your fingers when you apply a little pressure to the sides. Top with a little bit of paprika. Place in the fridge, or eat right away. Voila! You've made devilled eggs!!

**Tip** It helps a lot if you hold the eggs under running water, the colder the better, while you peel them.



More Snack Ideas: Simple Cracker Snacks, Brilliant Smallfish Cracker Snacks, Cucumber, Dill, and Tomato Salad, My Keys are Happy! Veggie Dip, By Thecookie, Celery Snack Ideas! More Easy Celery Snack Ideas, Nethaera's Epic Chicken Nachos, 4 Layer Mexican Black Bean Pie Dip, Mexican Layered Pie Dip, Devilishly Delicious Devilled Eggs, Quickee Tasty Quesadillas, Salami and American Crackers! Pizza 101, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!

Tundra Berry Salad

This idea is for something that's really good for "one of those days." Like when you just don't feel like cooking, or as a snack. Whatever floats your boat. It's a very light recipe.

Mats:

Salad greens.. Lettuce, or baby spinach is good. For a quick fix, use one of the bags of mixed greens.
a Handful of Raspberries
a handful of Dried cranberries
1 can of Mandarin Oranges. you'll want to drain these
a handful of grapes
about a cup of shredded cheese. Your choice.
You could add some sliced almonds if you want as well.

Throw everything in a bowl. Add your dressing. I would use a vinaigrette with this. Raspberry would be really good.

If you're looking for something more, add a few pieces of chicken as well.


More Dessert Ideas: Chocolate Cherry Pie, Maple-Walnut Apple Pie, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!


More Breakfast Ideas: Nubcakes! Aka Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes, Blueberry Nubcakes! Elwynn Forest Lumberjack Special, aka Crepes by Randalflagg, Kiethras's Breakfast Tubers, Sausage and Eggs, Grizzly Frontier Special! Aka Western Style Omelet, Simple Fruits, Great Taste! Telaari Grape Salad, Tundra Berry Salad, Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich, Curiously Tasty Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Omelet Sammich! How to Cook Perfect Bacon, Brazilian Puss in Boots, by Cygnusbr, Mmm Coffee!



More Snack Ideas: Simple Cracker Snacks, Brilliant Smallfish Cracker Snacks, Cucumber, Dill, and Tomato Salad, My Keys are Happy! Veggie Dip, By Thecookie, Celery Snack Ideas! More Easy Celery Snack Ideas, Nethaera's Epic Chicken Nachos, 4 Layer Mexican Black Bean Pie Dip, Mexican Layered Pie Dip, Devilishly Delicious Devilled Eggs, Quickee Tasty Quesadillas, Salami and American Crackers! Pizza 101, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!

Mini Burrito Dessert

This dessert was inspired by mini chimichangas that my favorite Mexican restaurant served. Instead of deep-frying though, these are grilled.



What you need:
2-4 small flour tortillas
Cream cheese
Chocolate (The party-sized Hershey's milk chocolate, about 12 chocolate chips,or chocolate-hazelnut sauce that you can buy in a jar near the jellies taste really good with this.)

Step 1. Heat the pan while wrapping the tortillas around the chocolate and cream cheese like a burrito.

Step 2. Grill these while covered with a lid, on medium heat. Use a non-greased pan. They are finished when the tops and bottoms are browned and a little crispy (approximately 2 minutes per side).

**Top with vanilla ice cream, honey, or plain.


More Dessert Ideas: Chocolate Cherry Pie, Maple-Walnut Apple Pie, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Simple Cheesecake Bake, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!



Other Tex-Mex Favorites: Nethaera's Epic Chicken Nachos, Tacos, Tacos, Tacos! Mexican Layered Pie Dip, 4 Layer Mexican Black Bean Pie Dip, Quickee Quesadillas, OMG Fajita Tuesday! Burrito Style Enchiladas, Mair's Super-Simple Taco Soup, Monti's Crock Pot Ready Tortilla Soup, Burrito Style Enchiladas, Mini Burrito Dessert.



More Snack Ideas: Simple Cracker Snacks, Brilliant Smallfish Cracker Snacks, Cucumber, Dill, and Tomato Salad, My Keys are Happy! Veggie Dip, By Thecookie, Celery Snack Ideas! More Easy Celery Snack Ideas, Nethaera's Epic Chicken Nachos, 4 Layer Mexican Black Bean Pie Dip, Mexican Layered Pie Dip, Devilishly Delicious Devilled Eggs, Quickee Tasty Quesadillas, Salami and American Crackers! Pizza 101, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!

Celery Snack Ideas!

Hungry but don't know what you want? How about a bit of crunch and filled with yummy-goodness. Here are two ways to make your celery go from blah to yum in less than a minute.



If you did not buy your celery pre-cut, grab two stalks and cut each of them into four fairly even sized pieces. In the concave area (I call this the canoe), fill your celery with peanut-butter and add a few raisins on top. Or if you do not like PB, try this with cream cheese instead.

For people who like dipping their foods, skip the tortilla chips and used cut celery with dips that are cheese based. Spinach-cheese dips taste especially good with the celery.

Both of these snacks are great for when you're just looking for a snack to munch on, but don't know what you want to eat.



More Veggies Ideas: Classic Celery Snack, More Celery Snack Ideas: Dips.



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Simple Cracker Snacks

Tired of snacks that get your keys messy? Seriously, think cheesy poofs. The orange cheese-like substance that makes both you and your keyboard look like Oompa-Loompas! Here's a non-color changing experience for you. Um, I mean unless you're into that kind of thing. If so we can talk food dyes!

For a salty, crunchy snack that won't make a mess in your keys, follow this simple recipe.



What you need:
8 Crackers (the round wheat ones).
Cream cheese.
Cucumber slices (Sometimes I like to switch it up and use Roma tomato slices or cherry tomatoes that are cut in half).

Just schmear a little cream cheese on each cracker and top with the cucumber or tomato. It's simple, but really good.



Want a little more? Add a little sprig of fresh dill, or fresh chives to each cracker. Yum!



More Snack Ideas: Simple Cracker Snacks, Brilliant Smallfish Cracker Snacks, Cucumber, Dill, and Tomato Salad, My Keys are Happy! Veggie Dip, By Thecookie, Celery Snack Ideas! More Easy Celery Snack Ideas, Nethaera's Epic Chicken Nachos, 4 Layer Mexican Black Bean Pie Dip, Mexican Layered Pie Dip, Devilishly Delicious Devilled Eggs, Quickee Tasty Quesadillas, Salami and American Crackers! Pizza 101, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!

Pizza 101

It's 4am, and all the pizza places are closed, but you still want pizza. If you have bagels (or rolls), tomato sauce and some mozzarella cheese, then you can make this easy make-shift snack.



Simply spread some sauce (not too thick), and coat with mozzarella cheese. Add your favorite toppings too!



For best toasting results use a toaster over. If you do not have one you can either broil for about 3-4 minutes (stick a piece of foil underneath to catch the drip), or toast your bread before adding the rest, then microwave to melt the cheese.



More Snack Ideas: Simple Cracker Snacks, Brilliant Smallfish Cracker Snacks, Cucumber, Dill, and Tomato Salad, My Keys are Happy! Veggie Dip, By Thecookie, Celery Snack Ideas! More Easy Celery Snack Ideas, Nethaera's Epic Chicken Nachos, 4 Layer Mexican Black Bean Pie Dip, Mexican Layered Pie Dip, Devilishly Delicious Devilled Eggs, Quickee Tasty Quesadillas, Salami and American Crackers! Pizza 101, Mini Burrito Dessert, Telaari Grape Salad, Super Stuffed Ganking Apples, Brazilian Puss in Boots, Chocolate Cream Strawberry Shortcakes, Strawberry Shortcakes, Real Whipped Cream, Really Fast, Simple Strawberry Snack, Tundra Berry Salad, Simple Fruits, Great Taste!