As is our tradition, we're spending Thanksgiving at Sarah's parents' farm in Johnstown, Ohio. Grandma Dee Dee Havens Wadsworth makes the most amazing pies and I usually bring a bunch of other sweet treats for munching on over the few days everyone is in town. I make something new each year so the list of what I bring just keeps getting longer. Here is what's making an appearance in 2009 and the recipes for each of them!
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread -- Dick's specialty with my modifications
3 boxes Jiffy cornbread muffin mix
1 cup buttermilk
3 eggs
4 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
3 cans cream style corn
8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
Grease a large baking dish. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend muffin mix, eggs, buttermilk together. Add jalapenos, corn and 6 ounces of the cheese and mix well. Pour into prepared dish and cover with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
**This is also delicious without cheddar cheese. I added it in this year so I wouldn't be tempted to eat so much of it. If you omit the cheese, you will not need to cook it quite as long.
Lucia's (My Mom's) Super Moist Banana Bread
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 8 small loaf pans or 3-4 large ones.
Mix together:
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter, softened
4 eggs, beaten
6 bananas, mashed
In a separate bowl, combine:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamon (optional)
Add wet mix to the dry mix and blend well.
Divide mixture evenly among the greased pans. If I'm pressed for time, I'll bake them without any additions, however, I like to add the following in various combinations (1/2 cup each):
-- dried pineapple and dried mango
-- coconut
-- walnuts or other nut of choice
-- mini chocolate chips
-- peanut butter chips
-- chopped frozen strawberries
If using mini loaf pans, bake for 30 minutes. Large loaf pans take about 45-50 minutes to cook through. I find it easiest to put the loaf pans on a cookie sheet in case any of the breads spill over. It also makes it easier for taking the loaves in and out of the oven.
Puppy Chow -- one of Becca's favorite treats!
Place the following into a large, microwave-safe bowl:
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 12 ounce bag chocolate chips
Melt in microwave at 30 second intervals until smooth (usually less than 2 minutes), stirring frequently.
Add 6 cups of square shaped rice or corn cereal (Chex or Crispix work well, I usually buy whichever is on sale) to chocolate mixture. Blend until well combined.
Place cereal mixture and 2 -3 cups of powdered sugar into a gallon sized plastic bag and close tightly. Shake until cereal is well coated with powdered sugar, adding more sugar as needed. Enjoy with some wet paper towels nearby!
No Bake Cookies -- a request from Aunt Wendy this year
Spread about 2 feet of wax/parchment paper on a flat surface.
Bring the following to a boil on medium heat in a medium pot:
2 cups white sugar
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup milk
When the mixture comes to a rolling boil, add:
3 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
Mix well. Drop mixture by spoonfuls onto wax paper, working quickly so the mixture doesn't harden in the pot. Allow to cool on wax paper. When cookies are set, enjoy!
Tropical Cookies -- feels like you're on the beach!
1 package sugar cookie mix
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
1 egg
1/2 cup dried mango, chopped
1/2 cup dried pineapple, chopped
1/2 cup coconut
2 tablespoons grated orange rind
Mix all ingredients together. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes, until edges are light, golden brown. Cool on flat surface.
Buckeye Cookies -- a twist on my famous Buckeye bars
Bake 1 batch of peanut butter cookies using your favorite recipe or a prepackaged mix.
Bring 1 small container heavy cream to a low boil. Pour over 1 bag chocolate chips. Wait 2-3 minutes to allow the cream to melt the chocolate chips. Stir until well combined.
Dip cookies into chocolate mixture and place on wax paper to set.
Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving and happy baking!
