Sunday, November 8, 2015

Santa's Candy Bars

3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond
2 cups  flour
3/4 cup caramel sauce
1/4 cups toffee bits
1/4 cups broken pretzels
1/2 cup coconut (toasted)
4 oz chocolate melted

Preheat oven to 375

Spray a 13x9 metal baking pan with a nonstick spray, then line pan with foil, and spray the foil.

Using a mixer on medium speed beat the soft butter, brown sugar and salt until creamy, beat in the large egg and extract.  At low speed beat in flour until nicely mixed together. 

Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, spread nicely with spatula or lightly floured hands until even across. 

Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.  Let stand to cool about 1 hour.  Spread caramel sauce over cookie, added toffee bits, pretzels and coconut and chill about 1 1/2 hours. 

Return to counter and cut into 2 inch squares.  Can be made ahead and stored no longer than 1 month.  Layer between wax paper.  Makes about 2 dozen bars.  You can add any topping you want to these.  Crushed peppermint candy  or chopped walnuts to name a few.  Enjoy!

Italian Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole

1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/4 cup  grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons  Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
1 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (Mrs Dash)
1 16 oz package broccoli florets (thaw)
1 16 oz package cauliflower florets (thaw)
3 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion chopped
2 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/4 cups of whole milk
4 oz  cream cheese cubed

Mix together Italian bread crumbs, 3 tablespoons of Parm cheese, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, Italian seasoning in a medium bowl.  Put to one side.

If the broccoli and cauliflower need it cut into smaller pieces. 

Melt2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet set to medium heat, add onion, cook stirring for about 8 minutes or until tender.  Add milk, stir until thick, add cream cheese and rest of cheese and stir well until the cream cheese is melted, add the cauliflower and broccoli and coat well. Once coated spoon into a 2 quart casserole dish.  Top evenly with breadcrumbs.

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until the topping is a golden color.  Makes 10 servings.  Enjoy!  This is a great side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas or any family gathering.