Stuffed Sweet Potato

Stuffed Sweet Potato

Gather all ingredients before beginning recipe

Equipment: Oven safe pan, Oven, Knife, oven mits, measuring cups

Step 1
Sweet Potato 1 ea

Step 2
Marshmallows 1 Cup
Caramel Sauce 2 oz

Always wash your hands and sanitize work area and equipment before starting any recipe.

• Once you cook your sweet potato make an cut in the top of the potato.
• Using oven mitts open the potato by pushing the ends toward the center.
• Place ½ the marshmallows into the sweet potato
• Pour 2 oz of your favorite caramel sauce over the marshmallows.
• Place the rest of the marshmallows over the caramel sauce.
• Put potato bake on an oven safe pan and put back in the oven on Broil.
• Remove from oven when marshmallows start to brown.
• Serve as soon as possible.

Candy Sugar Hearts

These homemade conversation hearts make a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift. This recipe produces candy hearts that taste just like the ones you buy at the store, but your homemade hearts can be customized with whatever drawings or messages you choose. Be sure not to miss the photo tutorial with step-by-step illustrations showing how to make conversation hearts!

This recipe requires an extensive drying period, so be sure to start this process 24 hours before you need the hearts. Additionally, you will need special food-coloring markers for writing on the hearts, such as the "Gourmet Writer" markers from AmeriColor.

Ingredients:

• 1 packet (1/4 oz, or 2 tsp) unflavored gelatin
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tsp light corn syrup
• 2 lbs powdered sugar, plus additional for dusting
• Assorted flavoring extracts of your choice
• Assorted food colors of your choice
• Heart-shaped cutters
• Food coloring markers

Preparation:

1. Place the corn syrup, gelatin, and water in a small microwave-safe bowl. Stir until the gelatin is well-distributed. Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds, so the gelatin dissolves, and stir well.

2. Pour the gelatin mixture into the bowl of a large stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Alternately, if you are using a hand mixer, pour the gelatin mixture into a large bowl. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and turn the mixer to low, mixing until the sugar is incorporated.

3. Once the sugar is mixed in, add another cup of sugar, again mixing on low until it liquefies. Continue to add the remaining powdered sugar, one cup at a time, pausing in between additions to allow the sugar to mix in, until the full two pounds of powdered sugar is added. Periodically, stop the mixer and scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl. The candy will progress from a thin, watery liquid to a very stiff dough.

4. Once all of the sugar is incorporated, dust a work surface (counter or large cutting board) with powdered sugar and scrape the candy out onto the work surface. The candy will be very sticky and stiff. Generously dust the top of the ball of candy with powdered sugar, and begin to knead the candy like bread dough: fold the ball of dough over onto itself, then use the heel of your hand to push it down. Give the candy a quarter-turn, and repeat the process, dusting it with more powdered sugar as often as necessary to prevent it from sticking to the board or your hands. Knead until the candy is satiny and not sticky.

5.Decide how many colors/flavors of conversation hearts you want to make, and divide the candy dough into that many portions. To flavor and color the candy, take one of the balls and flatten it into a palm-sized disc. Add a few drops of food coloring and flavoring extract to the center of the disc, and fold it over on itself. (It is a good idea to wear disposable plastic gloves during this step to keep your hands free of colors and odors.) Knead the dough ball, just as you did before, until the color is evenly dispersed throughout the candy, and all streaks have disappeared. Repeat this process with remaining candy balls and colors/flavors, until all of your candy is colored and flavored.

6. Dust your work surface and a rolling pin with powdered sugar, and roll out one of the candy balls to your desired thickness. Small store-bought conversation hearts tend to be fairly thick, generally over 1/4” thick. I find that this thickness works well for small hearts (under 1”), but it makes larger heart sizes very substantial and a little overwhelming. However, the thickness is entirely a matter of personal preference and does not affect the taste of the final candy.

7. Use heart-shaped cutters to cut hearts out of the rolled candy, and transfer the hearts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Smaller hearts are more realistic, but larger hearts are easier to write messages on. Once you have cut out your hearts, you can re-roll the scraps to get more shapes out of the candy. Repeat with remaining candy balls.

8. Allow your hearts to air-dry for at least 24 hours before you write on them. This step is VERY important, because the extra moisture in the hearts will cause the ink to run if you do not let them dry properly.

9. After the hearts have dried for a day, use the food writing markers to write messages or draw designs on the hearts. Store your conversation hearts in an airtight container at room temperature.

Rock Pop Candy Part 2

Allow the sugar syrup to cool for approximately 10 minutes off the heat. Place a large-mouthed funnel over the top of the jar.




Carefully pour the hot syrup into the jar through the funnel




Carefully lower the sugared skewer or string until it hangs about 1 inch from the bottom and fasten at the top with clothespins or balanced from a pencil. Do not let the end of the skewer or string come too close to the bottom or sides of the jar, or else the rock candy will grow into the sides of the jar. Carefully place your jar in a cool place, away from harsh lights, where it can sit undisturbed. Cover the top loosely with plastic wrap or paper towel. You should start to see sugar crystals forming within 4-6 hours. If you have seen no change to your skewer or thread after 24 hours, try boiling the sugar syrup again and dissolve another cup of sugar into it, then pour it back into the jar and insert the string or skewer again.




Allow the rock candy to grow until it is the size you want. This process will take up to a week, depending on how large you want your rock candy. Don’t let it grow too large, otherwise it might start growing into the sides of your jar! Once it has reached the size you want, remove it and allow it to dry for a few minutes, then enjoy or wrap in plastic wrap to save it for later.

**Dog Note-We wrapped ours in clear candy wrappers & used colored twist ties to hold wrapped secure on stick.**

Rock Pop Candy Part 1

We had done this one in the pass the dogs & I It did take a week & a few days to get the stick covered nicely but it was well worth it....Rex handed them out to his class- We used the others with our afternoon hot tea... We prepared 4 mason jars worth... In the lids I cut holes to hold the skewer stick in place This work better then the clothes pins for me. I hope we get around to it & do it again this week-end for Rex;s class this year & Valentine's day. I'll post back what ours turned out looking like next week!
Enjoy recipe below:



Rock candy is a simple sugar candy that can double as a science experiment. The process can take up to a week, but it’s fun to watch the sugar crystals growing over time. Note that the exact quantity of sugar syrup you will use depends on the size of the jar you have. If you want to make several pieces of rock candy, use multiple jars and skewers, and double or triple the sugar syrup solution as necessary. For easily printable instructions, please see the rock candy recipe. Begin by assembling your ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2-1 tsp flavoring extract or oil (optional)
• food coloring (optional)
• glass jar
• skewer or thread (see below)

Prepare your materials: wash a glass jar thoroughly with hot water to clean it. To make rock candy on a wooden stick, cut a thin skewer until it is slightly taller than your jar. Use clothespins balanced across the top of the jar to clip it into place. This method is illustrated above. Alternately, you can make your rock candy on a string instead. Cut a length of thick cotton thread or kitchen twine a few inches longer than the height of the jar, and tape it to a pencil. Place the pencil across the lip of the jar, and wind it until the thread is hanging about 1 inch from the bottom of the jar. Attach a paper clip to the bottom of the thread to weigh it and ensure it hangs straight down.



Wet your thread or wooden skewer, and roll it in granulated sugar. This base layer will give the sugar crystals something to “grab” when they start forming. Set the thread or skewer aside to dry while you prepare your sugar syrup.





Place the water in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a boil.




Begin adding the sugar, one cup at a time, stirring after each addition. You will notice that it takes longer for the sugar to dissolve after each addition.




Continue to stir and boil the syrup until all of the sugar has been added and it is all dissolved. Once the syrup is entirely liquid and smooth, remove the pan from the heat.



If you are using colors or flavorings, add them at this point. If you are using an extract, add 1 tsp of extract, but if you are using flavoring oils, only add ½ tsp, and make sure you don’t stand right in front of the pan—the scent can be very strong as it rises in the steam. Add 2-3 drops of food coloring and stir to ensure even, smooth color.

Cinnamon Heart Pops

**Moon Dog Note**These were always one of my favorites as a child**

Heart pops are a sweet treat for Valentine’s Day. These candies have a cinnamon kick and a cute heart shape. Make sure you have an accurate candy thermometer for this recipe!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ¼ cup water
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon oil
• Red food coloring
• Heart lollipop molds and lollipop sticks

Preparation:

1. Prepare your molds by spraying them with nonstick cooking spray and inserting lollipop sticks into the molds.

2. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Insert the candy thermometer and stir until sugar dissolves.

3. Allow to boil, without stirring, until candy reaches 295 degrees (hard-crack stage).

4. Once the candy reaches 295, remove it from heat. Stir in the cinnamon oil and 1-2 drops of red food coloring.

5. Spoon the candy into the mold cavities, making sure to cover the back of the stick.

6. Allow to cool completely and remove once hardened.

Variation: Mint extract can be substituted for cinnamon.

Huge Chocolate Kiss

This Huge Chocolate Kiss is a large-scale take on the familiar Hershey’s Kiss candy. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion when a small “kiss” just won’t do. Make sure you purchase good-quality chocolate for this one: since the kiss is solid chocolate, it pays to buy the best.

You can use any size funnel you have on hand, but bear in mind that the quantity of chocolate you need might change.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound milk or dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 large funnel

Preparation:

1. Prepare a large measuring cup or wide-mouthed vase by stuffing it with loosely crinkled aluminum foil.

2. Wrap a piece of foil around the bottom of the funnel’s opening and keep it in place with a rubber band or with tape. Securely place the funnel in the measuring cup, adding more crumpled foil at the sides to keep it from moving, if necessary.

3. Temper the chocolate. Pour it slowly into the funnel until it almost reaches the top.

4. Allow the chocolate to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until completely set (at least 5 hours, or overnight).

5. Once set, remove from refrigerator and unmold by rapping the bottom of the funnel on the counter top. The chocolate should pop right out.

6. Wrap the kiss in a square of foil, twisting at the top. Include a note on a paper “flag” if desired.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Chocolate covered strawberries -- how much more decadent can you get? These luxurious treats are so easy to make and ideal to serve at a dinner party.

I simply melt some dark semi-sweet chocolate buds in a double boiler and then dip in the strawberries. The chocolate needs to set so I place the chocolate strawberries on a waxed baking sheet in the fridge for half an hour.

To make the strawberries extra special I like to melt some white chocolate and then dot on white chocolate seeds.

They're a guaranteed hit every time.

Ingredients:

• 15-20 small - medium strawberries, washed and patted dry
• 1 1/4 cups of dark semi-sweet chocolate buds
• 1/4 cup of white chocolate buds (optional)
• Double boiler or metal bowl to melt chocolate

Preparation:

Wash the strawberries well and then pat dry with a paper towel.

Line a plate with waxed paper. Set aside.

Fill a pot with warm water and then place a metal bowl over the pot. Make sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl.

Place the dark chocolate buds into the bowl and turn up the heat to medium-high.

Stir the chocolate while it melts to make sure it's smooth. Keep stirring until it's completely smooth.

Turn the heat down low but keep it warm enough that the chocolate doesn't harden.

Dip in each strawberry 3/4 of the way. Let any excess chocolate drip off and then place berry gently onto the waxed paper. Repeat process.

Once all the berries are coated place them in the fridge for 30 minutes and then serve.

If you want to decorate them with some white chocolate, then clean and dry the metal bowl. Place the bowl over the pot of water and then repeat process with the white chocolate buds.

Remove the strawberries from the fridge and then use a wooden or metal skewer to dot small amounts of white chocolate onto the dark chocolate coating. Repeat process and refrigerate for another 20 minutes. Serve.

I'm cleaned....

I just finished doing what to me is a Scary Thing
I just finished cleaning out my eMails
I had some from as far back as 2004
Now I have about 32 folders to go through full of information BUT,
From over 3,600 eMails to 30 is Amazing for me.

Plus with tax time here-
I had to clean off my desk....
Now i don't have a small or even regular computer desk
I have one of those EXTRA LARGE Half moon shaped Executive desk
(bought off cheap-plus I need it)
I have only 1/3 of it cleaned BUT, that is one third less to clean.
LOL Still have the other two thirds to finish...LOL

I can FULLY see ALL keys on my keyboard....
That is AMAZING!!!

I have to admit-
I'm not the neatest person when it comes to my desk
the bad part is about half of it Isn't for me-
The kids drop off stuff on my desk
or I'll stick something here to hid from them
so I don't have to hear them fight for it
The only thing to that is IT gets lost...
Eatten' up by my desk clutter!!!!!

Now I have my 2 under desk storage drawers
to go through-One holds ALL Freebies
The other holds crafty thing to do with boys-
Each unit has 4 drawers...

Plus I have 2 XL drawers (suppose to be filling cabinets)
I have my sewing items in...That needs a cleaning out as well

I DO have a filling cabinet next to my desk
that is already CLEAN-It's a 4 drawer system.

1Drawer:
All my pictures on CD/DVDs
Important CDs for computer to work correctly

2 drawer:
Recipes, Cooking ideas, "Top Secret" Recipes,
Cook Books, & notes with recipes for cooking!!

3 drawer:
Gifts, rewards, specials-
this group goes for the boys
good grades, kindness, helping out
cleaning up after ones self with out mom asking
Over all-them being good dogs!!
I have in that drawer what each one likes
for Rex-train magazines & books & special items for his "one day" train city table
for Spot-firetrucks, & construction truck books & stickers
for Juicy-monkey stickers, Blue's Clues stickers, & mini books

I have folders in one drawer-
One folder for each expense such as:
electric bills
phone bills (house & cells)
water bills (house & delivery)
house note
my truck notes
hubby's truck notes
truck insurances
life insurances
health insurances
cable bill
clothes receipts
food receipts
fuel receipts
Donations receipts
Pay Check Invoices
Yard
(this is for the spray of bug control
& our Yard maintenance)

Education
(anything that has to do with the subject
I don't to my son's school for different events)

Entertainment Folder
(that is anything else to do with our family
outings OR what we may spend for others
ex: rent movies, buy PPV UFC, parties,
dinners here at home for guest, vacations)

Hurricane Folder
(when it is that time of the year
I like to keep track of all the spending
that is involved with what it takes to
evacuate, feed, fuel, & live in the event
Plus what my hubby is missing in work as well...BLAAA)

This way come tax time I can find
everything with out going "Mad dog"
on our house-Also comes in handy when
I need to find bills for certain departments-
Keeps everything in order!!!

I hope some of my organizing skills helps y'all out
It does tend to help MY life run just a tad smoother

TTFN-HAGD

Shark Farts