Make your own Ricotta

Recipe from iVillage!

1 quart whole milk		1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt		2 tablespoons white vinegar

Place a double layer of rinsed cheesecloth in a sieve or strainer and set over a large bowl.

Combine the milk, cream and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat and bring to 200 degrees F, stirring occasionally. (If you don’t have a thermometer, milk should have bubbles forming on the surface, but should not be at a simmer.)

Turn off the heat, add the vinegar to the pot and let it sit undisturbed for about 2 minutes.

Slowly and gently stir the mixture with a wooden spoon for about 1 minute, or until the curds separate from the whey. (To check, fill the spoon with some of it: If there are white curds sitting in cloudy liquid, it is ready.)

Strain the curds through the sieve and let drain over the bowl for about 15 to 20 minutes

Playdough Cookies

I have to remember to do this when the little one get big enough to eat cookies!


But I found a recipe that didn't have cream cheese......... Hopefully they will look about the same.
They are from a Better Homes and Garden Cookies for Kids Recipe book from 1983.  I found it here.

Makes about 6 cups of play dough.
2 cups (4 sticks) butter or margarine (use only margarine suited for baking)
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons almond extract
5 cups flour
Food coloring, if desired
→Beat softened butter or margarine with sugar until fluffy. Beat in almond extract. Add flour with mixer on low speed until mixture begins to come together. Divide dough and add food coloring as desired for making different shapes. Bake at 300 degrees on middle oven rack until done. (Cooking times may vary according to size of cookies.)

A sub for Condensed Soup?

I went looking for a substitute for condensed soup because many recipes call for chicken or mushroom.  Yes we have tried potato and celery.  Plus the sodium levels are very high. So I went to yahoo...  I found this recipe:   

3 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. flour
Seasons - pepper, garlic, herbs

Melt butter. Blend in flour and seasonings. Cook until bubbly. Remove from heat and slowly add 1 1/4 cups liquid - broth or milk. Stir to prevent lumps.

I thought a  Roux... duh use to thicken soups and stews.....
I watch the Food Network!

Her favorite: Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie Treats....

• 3 tablespoons  butter or margarine
• 1 package (10 oz., about 40)  regular marshmallows
• - OR -
• 4 cups  miniature marshmallows
• 6 cups  Rice Krispies®
  

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
2. Add KELLOGG'S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated.

3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares. Best if served the same day.


MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:
In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.


So looking at the Kellogg's Rice Krispie site I found Pizza Treats!!
I had to laugh
Make the Rice Krispie treats the same way but press into pizza pan.
Spread strawberry jam on top for "tomato sauce". Carefully spread frosting over jam for "cheese". Add fruit roll-up circles for "pepperoni". Top with sprinkles. Cut into slices to serve. Best if served the same day.
Isn't that a GREAT Idea for a kids get together!!

Chex® Muddy Buddies®

9 cups Corn Chex®, Rice Chex®, Wheat Chex® or Chocolate Chex® cereal (or combination) 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup butter or margarine 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

1.	Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
2.	In 1-quart microwavable bowl, stir together chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter. Microwave uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
3.	Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator. Daughter is making treats today thought I share them.................. She told me that desserts is stressed backwards......... Turn your stress around with desserts!!!!! Wow I'm so proud!