Caramel Apples

Happy Halloween!!!  Hope all you boils and ghouls are planning on having a wonderful time Trick or Treating tonight!  I know we are, despite the rainy weather!

My kiddos and I decided to make some caramel apples for Halloween last night.  I know they're easy and it's barely a recipe, but hey, I'm sharing anyway!  So here ya go...some Caramel Apples....

Ingredients:

- 1 3lb bag of Red Delicious Apples, washed and dried
- 2 bags of Caramels
- 4 Tablespoons Milk (not pictured)
- Candy sticks

Directions:

1.  After washing and drying your apples, grab two cute assistants to help you in the kitchen.  One can peel your caramels and the other can de-stem your apples.  Free labor! ;-)

*Becky's having a hard time de-stemming that apple, lol!  Oh...and ignore the messy play area/hubby's workout area in the background! ;-)

2.  Now take your apples and stick the candy stick into the stem part of you apple.  Place on the table for caramelization in a few minutes.  You may have a "drunk apple" that refuses to stand up...that's okay!  It'll still taste good!

3.  Place some parchment paper onto a sheet tray and then pour your caramels into a microwave safe, large bowl.  Toss in your milk and then microwave for about 2-3 minutes stirring every minute until your caramels are melted completely. 

4.  Working quickly, dip your apples into the caramel, swirling around until covered.  Place the caramel covered apple onto the sheet pan covered with parchment paper and continue until all your apples are done or until you run out of caramel (we ran out...with a couple apples left...no worries though!  Into the fruit bowl they went....)

5.  Allow the caramel to set for a bit and then enjoy!  Here's the final product.....

So oohy-gooey good!  Try this one out tonight or anytime!  And again....


HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Cookie N Cream Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake is my FAVORITE dessert, bar none!  Pair it with cookies and cream and well...it's just perfection!  I recommend trying this one out for yourself!  It's perfect to make when company comes over because you make it in advance and they're always pleased to munch on these delicious cheesecake bars!

Ingredients:

- 2 1/2 pkgs of Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (such as Oreo brand)
- 1 stick of butter, melted
- 3 boxes of Cream Cheese, softened at room temp.
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 3/4 cup Sour Cream, at room temp.
- 1 tsp. Vanilla
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- 3 large Eggs, at room temp.

Directions:

1.  In a large resealable plastic bag, toss in 1 1/2 of the sandwich cookies.  Crush them into fine chunks with a large rolling pin, or you can use a food processor to chop them up. Set aside.

2.  Preheat your oven to 325 degrees and line a 13X9inch baking dish with foil.  Spray the foil with cooking spray.  Pour your crushed cookies into a large bowl.  Melt your butter then pour the butter into the cookies and mix with a rubber spatula.  Then press your cookie mixture into the pan to create a crust.  Bake for 10-15 minutes.  Remove and allow to cool COMPLETELY!  I place mine into the fridge while I make the filling.

3.  Crush the rest of your cookies, but leave them a bit chunkier than before.  Set aside.  In a large bowl, toss in your cream cheese and your sugar and beat until fluffy.

4.  Now add the sour cream, vanilla and salt and begin to beat together.  Add in your eggs one at a time and beat the entire mixture until well combined and smooth.

5.  Now stir in your remaining cookies and stir until just combined.  Pour mixture into your crust and bake again at the same temperature for about 40 minutes, until wiggly in just the center.  Remove and allow the cheesecake to cool for at least 15 minutes before covering and placing into the fridge overnight.

6.  The next day, when ready to serve, pick up the sides of the foil and remove the foil, placing the cheesecake bars onto a cutting board.  Using a damp knife, cut into bars and serve!

Here's the final product...

There are no words....you just HAVE TO try these!!!  Enjoy!

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls are awesome!  Preparing Cabbage Rolls...NOT so awesome!  It takes A LOT of work, and although the work is worth it, who has the time?  This recipe is made right in the slow cooker therefore it's simple, easy, and perfect for me, a working Mom!  Try this one today and you won't be disappointed! 
*sorry in advance for the blurry pictures...I was in a hurry!*

Ingredients:

- 1 to 1 1/2 lb of ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped roughly
- 2 small onions or 1 large onion
- 1 small can of tomato sauce
- 1 large (28oz) can of stewed tomatoes
- 2 tsp. of Garlic
- 1 bell pepper ( I added this b/c I had to use one up...feel free to leave it out!)
- 1 cup of water (give or take!)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Rice served on the side

Directions:

1.  In a frying pan, brown your hamburger and onion.  Cook until done and drain.

2.  While your meat is browning, chop up your cabbage and place in your slow cooker.  Toss your meat and onions on top.  Add your salt and pepper and your garlic.  Add in your bell pepper and your water and give it a nice stir.

3.  Set your slow cooker on low and cook about 8 hours.  I made some white rice and poured the "soup" over it.

Here's the final product....

Very good despite the photo, lol!  Trust me, if you enjoy these flavors, and you like Cabbage Rolls, you WILL love this!  Enjoy!