Chunky Monkey Brownies -One Ripe Banana Recipe

I grabbed a quick pic of these Chunky Monkey Brownies just so I could share the idea with Ma after the holidays, didn't plan to post it, but here we are... Super simple, just substitute the oil with mashed banana and top them with salted roasted peanuts. Trust me folks, the salt really makes these brownies pop with flavor:@) This is another great way to use up that one ripe banana on the counter. What if it's a smaller one and it doesn't fill the 1/3 cup? Top it off with the oil. Easy-peasy. These brownies were thoroughly enjoyed by my crew at dinner. I do think they are best eaten the day made, but doubt that will be an issue!

Chunky Monkey Brownies from Mix

8x8 brownie mix

Plus ingredients called for, except...

1. Fill measuring cup for oil with mashed banana. Top with oil if needed to fill cup.
2. Mix brownies, pour batter into 8x8 baking dish.
3. Rough chop as many dry roasted salted peanuts as desired, sprinkle on batter.
4. Bake per package instructions.
5. Cool and serve.

Enjoy a treat and

Have a Happy Day:@)

Football!!! Eagles Bracelets, Welcome Sign, Serving Platter & Nuts...

We're always excited about football season here at Pig In Mud and this year is no different:@) I started wearing my bracelets to work for what I've declared Fandom Fridays... So naturally, even though baseball season is still in swing, I had to make an Eagles bracelet too. Dollar Tree had the black, gray, and white beads, they work well with my team colors.

📌My Football Fun Pinterest Board here.

I'm looking for a fun Eagles logo to make something for the O in my welcome home sign. In the interim, I fished this old football out of my stash, added a magnet to the back and... Well, this will certainly do for now!

What goes with football? Snacks of course! Wanted to mention I've found several different flavors of Planter's Peanuts at Dollar Tree in the 6oz cans. Regular, Vinegar, Chipotle, and the latest, Salted Caramel. The nuts are perfect for everything from tailgating to couchgating to charcuterie boards. I like this size can too, it's not too big.

And finally, I stopped at Aldi and was pleased to find a couple of these football field platters still on the shelf. They are a nice medium size, about 16" long, not too big, not too small. Oh yes folks, we are ready for some football in Philly:@)

🏈Grab it when you see it, and

Have a Happy Day:@)

GO BIRDS!!!

Easy Football Party Treats-Super Bowl! Candy, Cookies, Brownies, Marshmallows, etc...

If you've been around Pig In Mud for a while you know I love football theme'd foods and party ideas. And I'm especially fond of ~easy~ snacks for any occasion... So I thought we'd do a quick round-up of the easiest ways to bring a little fun to your Super Bowl Party. I'll start off with a no-brainer, purchased team color candy. And to help keep us on budget this year, both teams just happen to be red and yellow/gold:@)

My Dollar Tree Candy:

I like to cut these in half, 

making them bite size.

Does your store have Easter candy yet? Party City may also have some of these foil wrapped sports balls. Perfect little treats to add to charcuterie boards or serving bowls. 

These sprinkles are in the cake decorating section of Walmart. For some reason the red looks maroon and pink in this pic, they are a true red. The sprinkles can decorate baked goods, or you can dip pretzels, marshmallows, or purchased cookies, into melted chocolate, or candy melts, and then into the sprinkles.

Candy Coated Marshmallows with Sprinkles

or colored sugar.

A few more snack ideas:

Football Cupcake Decoration using store bought Icing ~ Football Spritz Cookies ~ Football Shaped Peanut Butter Dip ~ Football Shaped Large Brownie

So there we have just a few ideas to help make the party festive. I really don't have a team to root for this year, so I'll be watching for the E-Trade babies commercial and hoping I win a quarter in my office block pool:@) 

🏈Happy Super Bowl Weekend Everyone,

Have a Great Day:@)

Candied Jello Popcorn -Team Colors or Holidays

Popping in a second time today with what I really wanted to share this Saturday. Some snowy weather has me a bit behind schedule...

This Team Colored Candied Jello Popcorn would be a fun idea for the playoffs or Super Bowl. Or works great as an after school Valentine's Day snack. And while we might think of this mostly as a treat for the kids, this is a fun TV munchie:@) At this point in football, I really don't have a favorite team in the running... So I used a red Jello. Good for several teams still playing, or ♥ day, or if I really want to stretch it... Looking forward the the Phillies and baseball season.

I chose red and gold, and red, white and blue... Hmmm... I think there's a prime time game showcasing those colors:@) Now, I used Cherry Jello, and yep, it packs a flavorful punch! My first inclination was strawberry, I'll use strawberry next time...

Oh and...

Maybe next year for the green😢

Jello Rainbow Popcorn-from Kraft
8 C popped popcorn
1 C salted peanuts or cashews-optional
1/4 C butter
3 Tblsp light corn syrup
1/2 C brown sugar or white sugar-I used white
1 small box Jello-any flavor or color, but it needs to be regular Jello with sugar

Sprinkles, Jimmies, Sixlets, Cake Decorations-optional

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees, line a sheet pan with foil or wax paper. Reynolds Release or silicone is best.
2. Toss popcorn and peanuts in large bowl, I just mix it all on the sheet pan.
3. Place butter and corn syrup in small pan, heat on low until butter is melted.
4. Add sugar and Jello, stir until Jello has dissolved.
5. Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Pour immediately over popcorn, toss well to coat. This is why I mix it on the sheet pan, I can drizzle it over as much popcorn as possible.
7. Put popcorn on sheet pan and spread out using 2 forks. I find the best way to mix it is with silicone coated tongs.
8. Bake for 10 minutes-I suggest stirring it halfway.
9. Remove from oven, -immediately- shake on sprinkles or candies if desired, cool completely, break apart and store in an air tight container.

🏈Enjoy the remaining games...

And Have a Happy Day:@)

Celery Stick Appetizer Tray -Are You on Team Savory or Team Sweet?

I've been talking about it for years folks, a Celery Stick Appetizer Tray can be a very economical contribution to bring to a party. Whether it's a holiday, ~or~ your favorite team just happens to be headed to the Super Bowl:@) I like the idea of one inch-one bite munchies, just big enough to pick up with a food pick and pop into the mouth. The fastest way to stuff the celery? By using a disposable icing bag, or you could try snipping the corner off of a sandwich bag. The icing bag will be sturdier. I just used a butter knife this time.

The new flavor combination for this post, 

Olive and Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery. 

Two ingredient mixture, 

cream cheese and pimento stuffed green olives.

My crew loved this one! 

Plenty of sweet ~and~ savory options,

a little something for everyone:@)

Olive and Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery

1. Celery, washed and dried.
2. Cream cheese to chopped olive ratio = approximately half and half, start with less olives, adjust to taste. 
3. Gently mix softened cheese and olives, stuff celery. 
4. Cut to desired length.
5. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Celery Stick Appy Tray-Other Stuffing Options:

Cream cheese

Boursin or Alouette Cheese

Holiday Bacon and Pickles with Cream Cheese

Everything Bagel Topping with Cream Cheese

Buffalo Chicken

BBQ Chicken or Pork

Tuna Salad

Ham Salad

Peanut butter

Peanut butter and raisins

Peanut butter and chocolate chips

Peanut butter topped with blueberries

Cream cheese mixed with strawberry jam

Enjoy a snack and have a happy day:@)

Peanut Butter and Jelly Spritz Cookies

A couple years ago I made some almond spritz with jam centers , and they were a big hit with my crew. But these Peanut Butter and Jelly Spritz Cookies have been on my mind ever since... As you might think, it's a match made in heaven:@) And the best part? You can split the dough up and make some plain peanut butter cookies, some with jam, and maybe even some with chocolate in the center. An easy way to help fill your holiday cookie tray.

Tip: Try to fish the bits of fruit out of the jam,

that will make the centers extra chewy.

I used my old Mirro cookie press and the swirled disc.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Spritz Cookies
1/2 C shortening (I use 1/4 C shortening, 1/4 C butter)
1/2 C creamy peanut butter
1/4 C brown sugar
1/2 C sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 C flour
1/2 tsp salt-can just add a pinch
1/8 tsp baking powder

Jam, a red flavor will hold up best to the peanut butter-I used strawberry

1. Cream shortening/butter, peanut butter and sugars. 
2. Mix in egg and vanilla.
3. Sift dry into wet, mix well.
4. Load press and form cookies on cool, ungreased cookie sheets.
5. Lightly indent the center of each cookie, add a small amount of jam.
6. Bake at 375 degrees for 9-12 minutes, or until just beginning to brown around the edges.
7. Makes approximately 70 cookies.

Enjoy a cookie and have a happy day:@)

I'm Joining:

Full Plate Thursday

Creatively Crafty

A Morning Cup of Joe

Handmade Monday

Creative Muster

Pumpkin Season! Yo-Yo Fabric Pumpkins, Spiced Candied Peanuts & Barbie Pumpkin Head Costume

In honor of fall I thought we'd have a little ReView of assorted pumpkin posts... Even 11+ years later, these Yo-Yo Pumpkins are still one of my most popular tutorials:@) It's an easy little sewing craft and a great stash buster project. 

Pumpkin Spice Candied Peanuts are an easy slow cooker snack

that's perfect for football parties and the upcoming holiday season:@)

Now, I'm not saying Barbie is calling Ken a pumpkin head, but... I wanted to mention this while they're still at Dollar Tree, turn a recycled Stretchy candy container into a Pumpkin Head for Halloween. Kids will be tickled with this easy Halloween costume for Barbie, Ken and action figure dolls. Simply pull over the doll's head-done:@)

What I started with:

Have a great weekend:@)

Peanut Butter Dip -Oven or Little Dipper Crock Pot

This Peanut Butter Dip is a nice treat that can be served with anything from apples and celery, to pretzels and graham crackers for dipping. Actually, bagel chips might be really good too... The recipe was written up for the Little Dipper Crock Pot, but since not everyone has one, I made this batch in the oven and it turned out just fine. The main difference, the slow cooker will keep it warm longer, but then, it might not last long enough to worry about that anyway:@) This is a little thicker than the average dip, yet more dippable than peanut butter. I might stir in one last splash of cream next time.

I used my 5" LeCreuset square baking dish.

Peanut Butter Dip-from A Year of Slow Cooking

3/4 C smooth peanut butter

1/4 C brown sugar-I added 2 Tblsp

1/4 C cream or half and half

1 tsp vanilla

4 regular size marshmallows

Anything you'd like to dip that goes with peanut butter.

Oven: 

• Place in baking dish big enough to hold everything, yet shallow enough for dipping. Cover with foil, bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove foil stir, return to oven until marshmallows have melted enough to incorporate, maybe 10-15 minutes more. Stir well and serve.

Little Dipper Crock Pot:

• Add everything, cover, heat for one hour, or until everything melts and can be stirred together.

Have a sticky sweet happy day:@)

Toffee Coated Peanuts -Small Batch or Large

I knew these Toffee Coated Peanuts would be perfect for football season, but I also have to say they'd make great holiday or hostess gifts too. Sweet, cinnamon-y and crunchy, they are just a perfect little snack! And if you've ever made candy with a thermometer, you'll appreciate the ease of this recipe:@) This is also a project that from start to dishes washed will be done in less than an hour, with most of that baking time. Another great thing, you can make a small batch too, use the recipe below for the 4 oz size of Planters peanuts at Dollar Tree.

Tip: As the dishwasher... 

I lined my baking sheet with Reynolds Release and mixed everything right on it, 

no extra bowl to wash or sugar baked onto the sheet.

Christmas tip: I like to buy 6, 8 or 10 pack sets of Lock-N-Lock from QVC. 

Then I'll add treats and gift some since I don't need all of them. 

Toffee Coated Peanuts-from Iowa Housewife

For every 1 C dry roasted peanuts:

1 Tblsp butter, melted

2 Tblsp sugar

1 Tblsp corn syrup-I had light corn syrup

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp salt-can omit if using salted peanuts

up to 1/8 tsp nutmeg-I didn't measure, just grated some in

1. Mix everything except nuts. Stir in peanuts, coat well.
2. Pour onto greased baking sheet (or onto parchment or Reynolds Release).
3. Bake at 300 degrees 20-25 minutes or until deep brown and bubbly. Stir at each 10 minute mark. 
4. Remove from oven, give one last stir, allow to cool on rack.
5. My suggestion: Once they cool let nuts rest on paper towels for a bit so any excess butter/moisture can be blotted a bit.
6. Break apart and store in air tight container.

✉Click HERE to sign up for email notifications for new posts!

Snack well and have a happy day:@)

I'm Joining:

Creative Muster

Wonderful Wednesday

Party In Your PJ's

Full Plate Thursday

Creatively Crafty

A Morning Cup of Joe

Handmade Monday

Craftastic Monday

Weekend Potluck

Barbie goes to a Baseball Game & Barbeque Roasted Nuts

You can thank me later for this song being stuck in your head all day:@)

~Take me out to the ballgame... 

~Take me out with the crowd...

~Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack...

I don't care if I never get back...

~Let me root-root-root for the Phillies...

If they don't win, it's a shame...

~For it's one-two-three strikes, *Chelsea's* out...

*After* the old ball game😎

DIY Links: Foam Finger,  

Beaded Necklace,  Shirt Pattern

And since we're working with a bit of a baseball theme this week folks... These Barbeque Roasted Nuts make a very nice snack with minimal prep and lots of wiggle room to amp up the flavor. Perfectly at home whether watching a game or having a cocktail party... We like that kind of munchie here at Pig In Mud:@)

⚾Make something just for fun and have a happy day!

Red Hots Candy Coated Roasted Salted Peanuts

These Red Hots Candy Coated Roasted Salted Peanuts are an easy little snack that only requires two ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time. I like that in an impressive and boldly tasty treat! Cinnamon goes very well with peanuts and the red color is perfect for the Christmas season... Or they're great for a football game... Or, any ole Tuesday:@) If you like peanuts, like cinnamon, and like a sweet snack... I think you'll like this one folks.

Red Hots Candy Coated Roasted Salted Peanuts
5.5 oz box Red Hots-the $1 size at Walmart and Dollar Tree
3 Tblsp water
2 C roasted salted peanuts

1. In a non-stick skillet, add candy and water and on ~very low~ heat slowly melt candy while constantly stirring with silicone spatula. You will notice the water turns red quickly, then the candy begins to turn to toffee, then it begins to melt down. Use the back of a spoon to push any candy that sticks to the spatula back into the pan. 
2. When totally melted and liquid, pour nuts into pan and turn off heat. Stir to fully coat all of the nuts.
3. Turn out onto parchment paper, spread out a bit and allow to cool completely.
4. Break apart and store in air tight container.

Enjoy and snack and have a happy day:@)

*No Sugar* Sweet and Spicy Mixed Party Nuts

I know that a lot of us have committed to cutting back a bit on calories now that the holidays are over, but... It's the time of year for playoff football and we do still need snacks for that! And maybe something strong to wash them down with if you're an Eagles fan-ugh. I grew up with Sweet'N Low (anyone remember the little packs of iced tea?), so I thought it would be fun to try these Lower Calorie Sweet and Spicy Party Nuts for the games over the weekend. And I have to say, they are pretty darn good! While they don't have a crunchy candy coating like my slow cooker peanuts, there is no mistaking that they are sweet. And you control the heat with your choice of chili powder and how much cayenne you add. Don't hesitate to give this a try folks, I think you'll be pleased, I know we were:@)

Full disclosure: I just picked up a can of mixed nuts at Dollar Tree 

and filled the rest of the measuring up with peanuts to equal one cup.

I'll list my smaller 1 C version below, you can click the link for the original 3 C version.

No Sugar Sweet and Spicy Party Nuts-from Sweet'N Low
1 C mixed nuts-preferably non-salted-mine were salted
1 tsp butter, melted
1 tsp chili powder
shake of cayenne pepper
1 packet/envelope of Sweet'N Low
1/4 tsp sea salt if using non-salted nuts

1. Mix nuts with butter. (I put butter on parchment paper and melted it in microwave. Then laid the parchment on a baking sheet and mixed nuts right on the parchment.
2. Sprinkle nuts with chili powder, cayenne, Sweet'N Low and salt (if using it).
3. Mix well.
4. Bake at 300 degrees for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
5. Cool completely, store in airtight container at room temperature.

Snack well and have a happy day:@)

I'm Joining:
Creative Muster
Wonderful Wednesday
A Morning Cup of Joe

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Candied Peanuts -Small or Larger Batch and Easy Football Centerpiece

There's a reason they hang those bags of candy, chips and nuts near the cash registers folks. I picked up a 4 oz bag of salted Planter's peanuts ~just in case~ an idea popped into my head, and since it's fall and pumpkin spice season... These Pumpkin Spice Slow Cooker Candied Peanuts really turned out great and they are a perfect snack for football, or any fall event or holiday. And they'd make a tasty little gift too:@)

 I used my 2 quart Crock Pot and only made 1 bag/cup of the candied nuts.

Simply use a larger slow cooker for larger amounts of nuts.

 You can find a sweet and spicy variation HERE.

I set-up this super easy football centerpiece to honor the season's kick-off.
Both items came from Dollar Tree. The runner is actually a tablecloth,
I just chose to keep it folded up and trimmed the length to work for my table.
The football is that honeycomb design that folds flat for storage.
I think I'll safely store them away until the playoffs or Super Bowl... We have big hopes here in Philly this year:@)

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Peanuts
For each 4 oz bag or roughly 1 C salted peanuts:
1/4 C sugar
2 Tbsp water
2 tsp butter
1/2 tsp pumpkin spice

1. Add peanuts to vessel.
2. Pour the sugar all over the nuts, sprinkle with water and spice.
3. Dot top with butter, do not stir.
4. Place folded paper towel under lid and cook on high for 1 1/2 hours, stirring well after 45 minutes. Be sure to lift lid away from opening so condensation doesn't drip into nuts.
5. After 1 1/2 hours give it a stir, the sugar should look melted and glossy. If it doesn't, replace the paper towels/lid and let cook for 15-20 minutes more and stir again.
6. Stir nuts to cover well with coating, pour onto silicone mat, parchment or Reynolds Release foil.
7. Spread out with spatula or fork (melted sugar is very hot folks), allow to cool completely and break apart as necessary.
8. Store in air tight container.

Enjoy a seasonal snack and GO TEAM!!!:@)

I'm Joining:
Wonderful Wednesday
Creatively Crafty
A Morning Cup Of Joe
Meal Plan Monday
Weekend Potluck
Homemade and Otherwise
Meal Plan Monday
Happiness is Homemade
Creative Muster
Handmade Monday

Coconut Milk and Mango Cole Slaw

I'd like to thank Food Network Magazine for adding to my series of different coleslaws:@) I should probably give a shout-out to Aldi too since they had mangoes for 49 cents. This Coconut Mango Cole Slaw is one of those slaws that's a quick stir and serve. The dressing will be thinner than those with a mayonnaise base but I thought this was very good, especially the bites with peanut, and I do like the addition of lime juice. I just sprinkled the peanuts on top. If you love cabbage and slaws, don't hesitate to give this a try folks.

  Instead of a bagged mix, I sliced some cabbage and made thin matchstick carrots.

From Food Network Magazine June 2019 edition:

 Eat well and have a happy day:@)

I'm Joining:
Mix It Up Monday
Made By You Monday
Celebrate Your Story
Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday
Wonderful Wednesday
Creatively Crafty
A Morning Cup of Joe
Happiness is Homemade

Crock Pot or Slow Cooker Chili Spiced Peanuts

I've been infatuated with slow cookers lately and I'm determined to use mine more often... These Crock Pot/Slow Cooker Chili Spiced Peanuts are a great snack for football parties, would be a crunchy addition to your fancy meat and cheese platter for any occasion and... Would make a nice hostess gift for the holidays. I made these with an envelope of mild chili seasoning, you could always choose a spicy hot variety if your crowd likes more heat. This is a nice little three ingredient inexpensive snack folks, don't hesitate to give it a try:@)

Making this for one or two people?
4 oz bag Planters Salted Peanuts from Dollar Tree, 1 tsp melted butter, 1 1/2 tsp chili seasoning. 

Add to 1-2 quart Crock Pot and cook per directions below.

Crock Pot/Slow Cooker Spiced Peanuts-from Simple Nourished Living
24 oz cocktail peanuts
2 Tblsp butter, melted
1 envelope (1.25 oz) chili seasoning mix-I used the 40¢ Walmart brand

1. Add nuts to vessel, drizzle with butter and stir in chili seasoning until well blended. 
2. Place paper towel under lid (my suggestion) and set to low for 2 hours. Stir every 30 minutes replacing paper towels if wet.
3. Remove lid, turn to high and cook for another 15 minutes stirring often.
4. Serve warm or cool-I suggest allowing them to thoroughly cool.
5. Store in an air tight container.

Enjoy a munchie and have a happy day:@)

I'm Joining:
What'd You Do This Weekend?
Cooking and Crafting with J&J
Made By You Monday
The Scoop
Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday
Wonderful Wednesday
Share Your Cup
Full Plate Thursday
Best of the Weekend
Happiness is Homemade

Sweet and Spicy Peanuts -Crock Pot/Slow Cooker Recipe

I love this simple Crock Pot/Slow Cooker technique for making candied nuts folks, it truly does make a nice glazed candy coating. These Sweet and Spicy Peanuts couldn't be easier and are a great snack for any time of year or occasion. And if you've been around Pig In Mud for a while it won't surprise you to hear me suggest subbing extra hot sauce for some of the water:@)

I've given measurements for a smaller batch below, you can check out the original recipe for a bigger party.

Sweet and Spicy Peanuts-adapted from Taste of Home
For each 1 C salted peanuts:
1/4 C sugar
1 tsp hot sauce
2 tsp water-if you like hot sauce... use 1 tsp water, 1 tsp hot sauce
2 tsp butter, softened
1/3 tsp chili powder-just estimate

1. Mix everything in vessel of slow cooker (I use my 2 quart Crock Pot).
2. Place paper towels under lid and cook on high for 1 1/2 hours, stirring well once at 45 minutes. Be sure to remove the lid away from the vessel so condensation doesn't drip back down into the nuts.
3. Pour onto silicone (preferably) or parchment or ~good~ wax paper (do not use dollar store wax paper... trust me).
4. Spread out and allow to cool completely. Break apart and store in air tight container.

Have a sticky sweet happy day:@)

Rocky Road Magic Cookie Bars

I see several more cookie posts between now and Christmas... Yep, there are lots of things I still want to try:@) We really enjoyed these hearty Rocky Road Magic Cookie Bars! They're loaded with peanuts, marshmallows and chocolate chips, I even added a little seasonal color with a sprinkling of red and green jimmies. This is one very tasty (and addicting) cookie folks, don't hesitate to whip up a batch.

 Out of the oven cooling, num-num...

A few more holiday Magic Cookie variations can be found HERE.

Note: If you choose to make half of the recipe,
the other half of the sweetened condensed milk can be used for half a batch of fudge HERE...
  Just sayin':@)

Rocky Road Magic Cookie Bars-from Yay for Food
1/2 C butter, melted, plus extra for greasing pan-I lined pan with Reynolds Release instead
1 1/2 C graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 C chocolate chips, divided-I used semi-sweet
1 1/2 C unsweetened shredded coconut
1 1/2 C roasted salted peanuts
1 1/2 C mini marshmallows
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

1. Mix butter and graham cracker crumbs, press into bottom of pan.
2. Layer 1 C chips, coconut, peanuts and marshmallows. Pour condensed milk over everything, coat it all well, even the edges of the pan. 
3. Bake at 350 degrees 18-22 minutes or until marshmallows are puffed and golden brown, remove from oven. 
4. Melt remaining 1/2 C chocolate chips and drizzle over top. Note: I just added all of the chips and mixed everything up when adding to the pan. Also sprinkled it with seasonally colored jimmies.
5. Cool and cut into bars.

Enjoy a cookie and have a happy day:@)

I'm Joining:
Full Plate Thursday
Foodie Friday and Everything Else
What to do Weekends
Inspiration Gallery

Magic Cookie Bar Round-Up, Three Easy Christmas Cookie Ideas

These days I'm smitten with Magic Cookie Bars, they are a nice easy *no-fail* treat-I like that in a cookie:@) Today I'm sharing three recipes that would look pretty on a Christmas cookie tray and all received great reviews from the Peanut Gallery here at Pig In Mud!

Salty Sweet Magic Cookie Bars with Peanuts and Pretzel Crust

Cherry Magic Cookie Bars

Chocolate Mint Magic Cookie Bars

My best tip... Don't add the M&M's, Sixlets, Reese's Pieces and other candies with a hard shell until after the cookies are done baking.
I just poke them into the top of the hot cookie, that way the candy stays shiny and doesn't crack from the heat of the oven.

Enjoy a cookie and have a happy day:@)

I'm Joining:
Full Plate Thursday
Foodie Friday

Microwave Rum, Raisin and Nut Fudge

I love the idea of making fudge for Thanksgiving and Christmas, it's especially nice if you want to bring a treat and don't bake. Let's take that one step further and say this Rum, Raisin and Nut Fudge comes together in no time (start to clean-up in less than 30 minutes). These flavors are warm and homey and would be a perfect treat for the holiday season. I think you'll like this if you try it folks:@)

Notes:

• Instead of letting my raisins soak in the rum for 30 minutes I mixed them in a bowl and microwaved them for 20 seconds. This works great.
• Speaking of raisins... add more!
• Toast the nuts for better flavor. 350 degrees for about 8-10 minutes. Don't walk away, if you begin to smell the nuts take them out of the oven.
• Speaking of nuts... add more!
• If you use peanuts this would be like a grown-up Chunky Bar:@)
• You can make the fudge more festive by adding some holiday colored sprinkles to the top if desired.

Microwave Rum, Raisin and Nut Fudge-adapted from gazingin.com
18 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips-I like Ghirardelli
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
1/2 C raisins
2 Tblsp rum-I used Myers Dark Rum
1/2 C nuts of your choice-I used walnuts, original recipe used honey roasted peanuts
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1. Line 8x8 pan with parchment paper, leaving 2" hanging over sides so you can lift it out. I use Reynolds Release.
2. Soak the raisins in rum for 30 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds. Toast nuts if necessary.
3. Pour chips and milk in large microwave safe glass bowl. Heat on high for approximately one minute, stir well. **Note: Every microwave is different, mine runs very hot so I set it for 45 seconds-adjust accordingly. If all of the chips haven't melted you can put it back into the microwave and heat for short spurts, approx 10 seconds, until the candy is smooth. You'll do a lot of stirring so eat your Wheaties for breakfast:@)
4. Quickly stir in the raisins, nuts and vanilla. I just spooned the raisins into the chocolate, leaving whatever rum was left in the bowl. You can pour it all in if you'd like.
5. Quickly pour into prepared pan and refrigerate until set, a few hours or so.

You'll find eight other recipes and ideas grouped as 'fudge' in my recipe index HERE.

Happy holiday planning:@)

I'm Joining:
Foodie Friday
Link Party Palooza
featured on Edible Crafts

A Theme'd Link-Up for All Things Thanksgiving