5 Of My Favorites From 2017!

I can't believe that 2017 is almost over... Seriously fastest year ever.
I think I say that every year, but I feel like it is true, each year seems to go faster and faster.

I didn't blog as much this past year, I don't really know why I just felt like I needed a bit of a bloggy break.  I do plan on a lot more recipes for 2018! I already have a bunch of recipes on my "To Make" list.

Here are 5 of my favourite recipes from this past year, in no particular order.  I have made these recipes multiple times this year, that is how good they are.

1. Tomato & Cheese Tortellini Soup

This soup is so simple and so tasty. The best part is ,it freezes so well!! I have made multiple batches this year and frozen them in individual containers for quick work lunches! I give this recipe 2 or even 3 thumbs up!

2. Mini Blueberry Muffin Loaves

I do love me a muffin or quick bread. I think I have over 30 on the blog!! These super cute little loaves are a delight. They are moist and tender and full of blueberry goodness!

3. Salmon Cakes with Dilly Tartar Sauce

If you can get your hands on some fresh salmon, I do hope you will make these amazing Salmon Cakes. They are so crisp and delicious! The sauce is killer as well!

4. Depression Era Chocolate Cake

I often have a strong need for a piece of chocolate cake. This is the perfect cake for that craving. All the ingredients are things you are sure to have on hand and it cooks up quick and perfect. It is moist and tender and so chocolaty! I love it!!

5. Grilled Sausage & Veggies Packs

This was my go to summer recipe. I made it or some variation of it at least once a week. I love that you can use different veggies and sausage and spices each time. I also love that you can prep the packs in advance, always a win for weeknight meals. They taste amazing and they really are the perfect summer meal!

What were your favorite recipes this year? Any best by requests for recipes for 2018?

Love you guys! Thanks so much for taking time to ready my tiny little blog! It means a lot to me!

I wish you all health, happiness and laughter for 2018!!

Jen

Merry Christmas!

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas!

May your holiday be filled with lots of love, laughter and a little magic!

Jen

Eggnog Cranberry Cheesecake Squares

How is it a week until Christmas?? How?? Seriously this month has flown by. I thought at the end of November that I was on track to have a chaos free December. I had timeline to get all the things done, then suddenly it was December 17^th and I was like WHAT???

Oh well, ready or not here come Christmas! At least I have these delightful little Cheesecake squares to make it all better!

They are super simple and beyond delicious!

What you need,

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For the crust,

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

¼ cup granulated sugar

½ tsp. ground nutmeg

4 tbsp. melted butter

For the batter,

2 blocks of cream cheese, softened to room temperature

¾ cups granulated sugar

¾ cup eggnog

2 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

½ tsp. ground nutmeg

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

½ tsp. salt

1 ½ tbsp. all purpose flour

1 cup cranberry sauce, this is the recipe I always use but you can use whatever kind you like.

Heat the oven to 350 degrees.  Line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper and spray liberally with non-stick spray.

In a bowl stir together the graham crumbs, sugar, nutmeg and butter.  Press the crumbs into the prepared pan.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until just starting to get golden brown.

Meanwhile in a bowl beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add in the eggnog and the eggs and mix until well combined. Add the vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt and flour, stir well.

Pour the batter onto the prepared crust.  Dollop the cranberry sauce over the surface and swirl with a knife gently into the batter.

Bake in the centre of the oven for 40-45 minutes until it is set. Let the cake cool completely on a rack then refrigerate for a couple hours until fully chilled.

Carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan and cut into squares. You can store the squares in an airtight container in the fridge or they freeze well too!

If you are thinking you need one more treat to add to your cookie platter I really think you should make these. They are incredibly tasty!  They have all the flavors of the holidays and are just a joy to eat!

I hope you all have a very Happy Holiday! I know I have been a little light on the blog this year… but I have bigger goals for 2018.

Enjoy!

Jen

Soft & Cakey Christmas Sugar Cookies

I can’t believe we are are like 2 weeks from Christmas Day… HOW is that possible. Man, this month is flying by. I have done a little baking, tarts, ginger crinkles and these cuties!

These festive sugar cookies are just a delight. They are soft and cakey and delicious!

They are totally different than my old-time sugar cookie recipe which was nice for a change of pace.

I found them easier to decorate too since they were just round. But they are just as cute I think!

What you need,

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½ cup butter

½ cup sour cream

1¼ + 2 tbsp. granulated sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

¼ tsp. almond extract

3 cup all purpose flour

¾ tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

Pinch of salt

For the icing,

½ cup butter

½ tsp. vanilla

¼ tsp. almond extract

2 cup icing sugar

2 tbsp. milk

Food coloring and Sprinkles!

Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a Silpat mat and set aside.

In a large bowl beat together the butter, sour cream and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla and almond extract and stir to combine.

Mix in the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt until fully mixed in.

Scoop the cookies by the heaping tablespoon and roll into balls. Use the bottom of a flat glass dipped in flour to press the cookies flat to about 1 inch thick.

Bake for 10-11 minutes or until just set around the edges. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes then cool completely on a wire rack.

Once the cookies are cooled you put the icing on them.

Beat the butter and vanilla and almond extract together. Mix in the icing sugar. Add the milk a little at a time until you get a nice smooth icing. Add food coloring to your preference and sprinkle with holiday fun!

What are all of you making for the holidays?? I still have Almond Bark to make and I have one more new recipe I am gonna try and if it turns out I will post it before Christmas! Here is hoping it is success. It sure sounds good, it has cranberries in it!!

Enjoy!

Jen