Tag: chocolate

Christmas, Food

Christmas Crack

meghanewhite

If you are looking for a sweet, last minute, homemade gift, this is the one. This addictive toffee candy is fantastic. It hits all my requirements, simple and delicious. Don’t let the toffee intimidate you because it couldn’t be easier since you are not making actual toffee. No candy thermometer required, and you probably already have the ingredients on hand.

Customize the candy to your liking. Add nuts, sprinkles, and salt, or drizzle another type of chocolate on top. Christmas crack makes a nice gift for friends and family. It’s also great to have for your holiday gatherings. I hope you will give this delightful recipe a try.

Merry Christmas!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Christmas Crack

 

 

Ingredients

1 to 2 sleeves saltine crackers (35 to 50 crackers)

1 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°.
  2. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment. 
  3. Place saltine crackers evenly in a single layer filling the baking sheet.
  4. In a medium sized sauce pan place brown sugar and butter. Over medium low heat, melt the butter. Turn up heat to medium/medium high and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, set a timer for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  5. Pour hot toffee evenly over crackers.
  6. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot layer and let sit for a few minutes. Spread melted chocolate evenly across the hot toffee layer.
  8. Add any toppings like nuts, salt, or sprinkles.
  9. Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour to set up.
  10. Break into pieces and enjoy!

Notes

  • Add any toppings you prefer like nuts, salt, sprinkles, or drizzle melted chocolate.
  • It’s recommended to store the toffee in the fridge, but I keep it in a sealed container at room temperature.
  • I always use salted butter for all my baked goods. Use whatever you like.
  • For a 18 x 13 baking sheet it takes approximately 50 saltines.
  • For a 10 x 15 baking sheet it takes 35 saltines.
  • Pretzels, graham crackers, or other crackers can be used for the bottom layer.
  • Use your choice of chocolate: dark, milk, white, etc. 

Food

Peppermint Bark

meghanewhite

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If you love peppermint like I do, then you will enjoy this very simple holiday treat. This would make a great addition to a cookie platter, or a very nice homemade gift. I made it with a semi-sweet chocolate base and a white chocolate top, but you could just use one type of chocolate. I like the contrast of the two chocolates with the mint.

Need a last minute gift, or treat for a party? Peppermint bark will save the day. Delicious, chocolatey, minty goodness all in one super easy no bake dessert. Only four ingredients for this fantastic recipe. Here is my last minute gift to you.

Merry Christmas!

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

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Peppermint Bark

Ingredients

1 bag white chocolate chips (11 oz.)

1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips (11 oz.)

½ teaspoon peppermint extract

6 candy canes, crushed

Instructions

  1. Line a large baking sheet (9 x12, or larger) with parchment going up the sides of the pan.
  2. Put a freezer bag inside another freezer bag and place the candy canes inside. Break them into small pieces using a rolling pin. Set aside.
  3. In a small glass bowl put the semi-sweet chips. Microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring between until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
  4. Pour the melted semi-sweet chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread out evenly using a rubber spatula.  Place in the refrigerator for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is almost set.
  5. Melt the white chocolate in a small glass bowl while the semi-sweet chocolate layer is setting up in the fridge. Heat in the microwave for 20 seconds at a time, stirring in between until the white chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in ½ tsp peppermint extract. Pour the melted white chocolate over the semi-sweet layer. Carefully spread out the white chocolate using a rubber spatula.
  6. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the white chocolate and gently press the candy canes into the chocolate. 
  7. Refrigerate the bark until completely set, about an hour. 
  8. Break into pieces and enjoy!

Notes 

  1. The semi-sweet layer should be a little bit soft when you pour the melted white chocolate on top. This way the layers will adhere together. If the semi-sweet is completely set the two chocolate layers can separate. 
  2. White chocolate chips are a bit temperamental and want to harden fast after melting. Work quickly so the candy canes will stick to the chocolate before it sets up. 
  3. The microwave is the easiest way to melt the chocolate but a double boiler is ideal. 
  4. My bark is thin since I used a large pan, spreading my chocolate thin. Use a smaller pan for thicker bark. 
  5. Store bark in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. It can be left at room temperature for a few days, but it will get soft.

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Photo Credits: Meghan E. White

Food, Uncategorized

Homemade Magic Shell

meghanewhite
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I remember begging my mom for Magic Shell at the grocery store when I was a kid. I think she gave in a few times, but with five kids we didn’t get treats like that very often. For those who have never heard of it, Magic Shell is a chocolate topping that hardens once it’s poured on ice cream. It’s so good!

I was excited to find out Magic Shell is super easy to make at home. If you are a chocolate lover like me, you will love this wonderful topping. Only two ingredients, chocolate chips and coconut oil. Easy peasy! 

Happy Eating!

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

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Magic Shell

Ingredients

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

6 tablespoons coconut oil

Yield: 1 1/2 cups (12 oz.)

Instructions

  1. Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl.
  2. Microwave for 1 minute 20 seconds. Heat for 30 seconds at a time then stir in between until smooth and melted.
  3. Let the chocolate cool to room temp and place in an airtight container. Store at room temperature. Use Magic Shell on your ice cream and enjoy!

Notes

* If the chocolate and coconut oil separate after being stored for a while, just pop it back in the microwave to warm it up for a few seconds, give it a stir, and you’re good as new.

* Magic Shell takes up to a minute to harden up on ice cream.

* Magic Shell is delicious on Banana Ice Cream 

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Faith, Food, Uncategorized

Millionaire’s Shortbread

meghanewhite

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One bite of this rich dessert won’t make you wealthy, but it will make you smile. Buttery shortbread crust, a soft caramel center, topped with dark chocolate, and a sprinkle of sea salt make this bar worth a million. I would pay top dollar at a bakery for this delicacy.

Do you like Twix candy bars? This decadent little bar is similar, but even better than the store bought treat. It’s worth the effort to make these indulgent goodies. The trickiest part is the caramel. If you cook the caramel for too long it will be tough. It’s also quite easy to burn caramel. Just follow the directions for the caramel, and you’ll do fine.

Let me encourage you in your cooking and baking endeavors. Each winter I teach a cooking class to kids ages twelve and up. My students this year, most of whom had never cooked, made this recipe. They did a phenomenal job. There was no burned caramel. The kids all cooked it beautifully. If they can do it, and I can do it, you can do it too. 

Millionaire’s shortbread is a special treat that lives up to its name. Make it for your family, your friends, your neighbors, or anyone who could use some happiness. Chocolate and caramel are always a winning combination.

Happy Eating!

 

Delight yourself in the Lord,

 and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4 

 

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Millionaire’s Shortbread

 

Shortbread Crust

¾ cup butter (softened)

⅓ cup sugar

1 ⅓ cup flour

 

Caramel

½ cup butter

½ cup brown sugar 

½ cup sweetened condensed milk

2 tablespoons regular pancake syrup 

 

Chocolate

1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips

1 tablespoon butter 

 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°

2. Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with foil or parchment and leave enough over the edges to create a sling. This will make it easy to take it out of the pan and cut into bars.

3. Make the shortbread crust:

Mix the butter, sugar, and flour with a spoon until small crumbs form. Press evenly into the bottom of your pan.

Bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden brown.

Cool completely before adding caramel.

4. Make the caramel:

In a medium saucepan place butter, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and syrup. Heat everything on low heat until the butter melts. Then turn up the heat to medium/medium high & bring it to a boil. Stir continually. (Be careful because caramel can burn easily) Once it’s at a boil, turn down to a simmer and stir continually until caramel turns an amber color & is slightly thickened. Turn off the heat & immediately pour hot caramel over the cooled crust. Cool before adding the chocolate.

5. Melt the chocolate:

Combine the chocolate and butter in an oven safe glass bowl. Melt in the microwave for 90 seconds total. Stop every 30 second and stir the chocolate. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer. Let it set up completely before cutting. 

Optional: top with sea salt.

 

Notes: 

*Make the crust and cool completely before you make the caramel. If not, the crust will tear when you add the caramel.

*If the caramel gets little brown bits, it’s OK, it will still taste good.

*Place the shortbread in the refrigerator between layers to speed up cooling.

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You can read this article at the link below, and get all of my recipes on Mustard Seed Sentinel. Go to More and scroll down to Meghan’s Corner.

https://www.mustardseedsentinel.com/post/meghan-s-corner-millionaire-s-shortbread

friends, grief, Trials, Uncategorized

Thank God for Good Friends

meghanewhite

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These beautiful chocolate bars were waiting for me as I stumbled into the guest room at my friend’s house the other night. Exhausted, and a bit overwhelmed at the thought of facing Mom’s memorial and all that involved, some sweetness to console me.

Moonstruck Chocolate is my favorite chocolate. It’s based in Oregon and I had completely forgot about it, until Tuesday night. My amazing friend Carol remembered my love of Moonstruck and she blessed me. Coming to her house is a respite in the storm.

When I walked in the guest room in a bit of a daze, and saw a bag of goodies and those two bars sticking out of the top, my heart was full. Only a dear friend would do something that thoughtful.

Thank God for good friends who love, support, and care for you in difficult times. A true friend in life is a blessing. A true friend stands by you in all the ups and downs. A true friend is the one you can call in the middle of the night when everything is falling apart and lend a listening ear. And, a true friend is the one you can laugh with and cry with.

Carol is just this type of friend. The Lord brought us together many years ago and the friendship was instant. We have stood by each other through thick and thin.

I have several other rock solid friends that I will share about another time. God has blessed me beyond measure with good people in my life who love me and take care of me. I try and do the same for them as well.

To have good friends you need to be a good friend. I hope I can give back in some small way the love and care that has been given to me.

During this not easy time of saying goodbye to my mom and preparing for her memorial, I am blessed.

Thank you Lord for good friends!

Love you all,

Meghan