Monday, December 29, 2014

Butterscotch Bark

I found this recipe in Martha Stewart's Everyday food magazine. I used to love that magazine because it was full of wonderful simple recipes that have become staples in my home and I have passed on to many friends of mine. I am sad to say they don't offer this magazine anymore but thank goodness I saved all of my favorites. I hope that one day they will bring it back. 

This recipe is very easy and reminds me of the magic cookie bar meets brittle. The graham cracker with butter/sugar baked in is what makes it taste like butterscotch. My son just loves it and I have to say it lasts for many days after and still taste as good as the first day. However they don't last very long. This is good to make for friends or teacher gifts. Try them and let me know what you think. 
Once they are toasted and cooling


graham crackers must fill the entire cookie sheet
It's important to add chocolate chips after nut mixture cooled or they will melt
After it has baked for 10 minutes and bubbling
All done and ready to cool


Ingredients

1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1 cup semi sweet Chocolate chips
12 graham crackers
12 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup light brown sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  On a baking sheet spread chopped pecans and coconut and bake for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and then toss with Chocolate chips.

Line a 10 by 15inch backing sheet with foil. Break 12 graham crackers in half and fit them all on the sheet in a single layer.

In a medium sauce pan whisk butter and brown sugar over medium heat until melted and smooth. Spread over crackers.

Bake until bubbly, 10 minutes. sprinkle nut topping over the top and gently press down. Cool and then break into pieces.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Scratch Margarita



There is nothing worse than a bad margarita. I'm sorry to say I have had my fair share. I am always reluctant to order them because most often they are made with a super tart mix that is just plane gross. So when I find a good one I want to tell everyone about it.

I went on a road trip with my sister and niece recently and found this lovely margarita at a Mexican restaurant in a tiny little town called Moscow, Idaho. They called it a scratch Margarita and it was made with fresh squeezed lime and orange juice. I instantly fell in love and have recreated it the best I could. Its a perfect combination of sweet, tart and salt. Try it and let me know what you think. 

Ingredients

Juice of 1 lime
Juice of 1 orange
1 1/2 ounce tequila
1 ounce triple sec
salt to rim the glass
Ice for shaker and for glass

Directions

Pour all ingredients into shaker with some ice. Shake well and pour over ice. It makes enough for one drink.