 | Lori Horton is the owner of Celebrations by Lori in Pittsburg, Ks. With over 15 years experience in the bakery business, Lori opened Celebrations in 2000. She is always out front with the most unique ideas in cake and cookie decorating for all occasions. Celebrations is also on top of the industries' latest trends and products with the area's largest selection of baking and cake decorating supplies. Open Monday - Saturday, Celebrations can be reached at 620-231-5700 or at www.celebrationsbylori.com |
Candy, Chocolate & Sweets
2012-08-29 15:41:17
Family recipes with little preparation & ingredients
Q- With school back in session and the kids starting in so many activities, what are some easy projects we can still do as a family?
A- It's so hard to plan something that will keep kids interested that you can squeeze in during those infrequent off-times! My best suggestion is recipes that don't require much preparation and have less than 5 ingredients (preferably ones that you keep on hand all the time). Starting out with a trip to the grocery store is a recipe for distraction! While the horrible heat has finally broken for normal temperatures, something that doesn't require oven time is a bonus too. A couple of my favorites are below, try them out and see if they don't give you some fun kitchen time that is quick to the best part... the eating!
No-Bake Chocolate, Peanut Butter & Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients:
½ cup (1 stick) butter
2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup milk
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
½ cup peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1. Add the first four ingredients (through the cocoa powder) to a 4-quart saucepan.
2. Bring to a rolling boil and let boil for 1 minute.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until smooth, then stir in the oats.
5. Drop by heaping tablespoons onto wax paper-lined baking sheets.
6. Let cool until set.
I know, there's 7 ingredients, but trust me, they are easy and quick!
Classic Rice Krispy Treats
Ingredients:
4 Tablespoons of butter or margarine
1 Package of marshmallows (10 ounce bag) or 4 cups of miniature marshmallows
6 Cups of Rice Krispies cereal
Large pan
Spatula
Baking pan (13 x 9 x 2)
1. Melt the butter in a large pan over low heat.
2. When the butter is melted, slowly stir in the marshmallows. Keep stirring until marshmallows are completely melted. Remove from heat.
3. Using a spoon or spatula coated with butter or cooking spray, gently stir in the Rice Krispies cereal. Mix until the cereal is well covered with the marshmallows
4. Begin spooning the mixture into a baking pan coated with butter or cooking spray (wax paper can be used as well) while it is still warm. Press the mixture into the desired shape. If the mixture begins to stick to the spoon, recoat it with butter or cooking spray.
5. Allow it to cool and then enjoy!
The butter and marshmallows can be cooked in the microwave as well. Cook for approximately 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then follow directions 3-5.
These are enjoyed by kids the world over but can have some fun variations too! Try Cocoa Krispies or Fruity Pebbles instead of the standard for some cool treats!
Enjoy!
