DIY Chocolate Syrup

I was craving "Chocolate" it didn't matter if it was a chocolate bar, a cookie or cake or even Chocolate Gravy (Yes that's a thing in the south) I would have even settled for some good, old-fashioned Chocolate milk like my mother use to make. I found her syrup recipe in some old files and even though I didn't make it, just recalling how it tasted and how to make it helped sooth my cravings for Chocolate.

chocolate syrup

1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup water
2 cups sugar
1/3 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Mix the cocoa powder and the water in a saucepan. Heat and stir to
dissolve the cocoa. Add the sugar, and stir to dissolve. Boil for 3 minutes
over medium heat. Be careful not to let it get too hot and boil over! Add
the salt and the vanilla. Let cool. Pour into a clean glass jar, and store
in the refrigerator. Keeps for several months, but trust me it will be gone
before then. Yields two cups.

 

 

Billie C.

 I Live in Tennessee.

Garden zone 7b

    

Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

Ole Country Bakery, Brooksville, MS

1 cup raisins

1 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking powder

2 cups flour

2 cups oatmeal

Place raisins in small kettle; cover with water and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Drain. Set aside.

Cream shortening, sugars, eggs and vanilla until fluffy. Mix soda, salt and baking powder. Add flour, oatmeal and raisins. Mix well.

Scoop desired size onto cookie sheet; flatten. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden.

Author: Geneva Nightengale

from the Nov. 2001 issue of Today in Mississippi

Billie C.

 I Live in Tennessee.

Garden zone 7b

    

Oatmeal Animal Crackers

Oatmeal Animal Crackers

2 cups sugar                            1/2 cup shortening

2 cups old-fashioned oats       1/2 cup hot water

1 tsp baking soda                    1 tbsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt                               2 to 2 1/2 cups flour

            In a large bowl, combine the sugar, oats, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the shortening until crumbly. Add the water and vanilla. Stir until blended. Add enough flour to form a stiff dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into rectangles or use a floured cookie cutters. Using a floured spatula, transfer to greased baking sheets. Place 2 inches apart. Bake at 350 F for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Makes about 4 dozen

Billie C.

 I Live in Tennessee.

Garden zone 7b

    

Applesauce Carrot Cake Muffins

I made these, this morning and even Hubby, who is a picky eater, likes them.

Applesauce Carrot Cake Muffins

A small batch recipe for moist applesauce carrot cake muffins. A healthy and flavorful breakfast or snack!

Ingredients:

·       1/4 C applesauce

·       1/2 Tb vegetable oil

·       1/4 C granulated sugar

·       1/4 C light brown sugar

·       1 whole egg

·       1 tsp vanilla extract

·       3/4 C carrots, finely shredded

·       1/4 tsp salt

·       1 tsp cinnamon

·       1/4 tsp nutmeg

·       Pinch ground cloves

·       1 1/2 tsp baking powder

·       1 C all purpose flour

Directions:

1.     Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with six paper liners.

2.     Finely shred carrots and chop well to eliminate any large pieces.

3.     In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together applesauce, vegetable oil and sugars until fully combined. Mix in egg and vanilla, followed by carrots. Scrape the bowl as needed. Add remaining dry ingredients, mixing well until no streaks remain.

4.     Divide mixture evenly between prepared paper liners, adding 1 heaping large cookie scoop per liner. Liners should be nearly full.

5.     Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

6.     Cool in pan for several minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

7.     Store in an airtight container for up to several days.

Billie C.

 I Live in Tennessee.

Garden zone 7b

    

No Bake Cookies

This are a rich, calorie laden cookie that my family has enjoyed for over 50 years.  You can change up the flavors by adding in crushed candy or nuts or dried fruit.  

No bake cookies

 

1/2 C Milk

1/2 C Butter

2 C Sugar

3 C Quick oats

1 tsp Vanilla

1 C Peanut Butter

6 Tbsp Cocoa

3/4 C Chopped Nuts

 

   Put milk, butter, sugar, vanilla, peanut butter and cocoa in large pan. Heat and stir until butter melts and mix is smooth. Remove from heat, and add oats and nuts. mix well. drop by spoon onto wax paper. Chill until firm.

Billie C.

 I Live in Tennessee.

Garden zone 7b

    

Happy New Year

Happy New Year.

May your year be filled with joy, good health, love and peace.

Billie C.