Food for Thought

BY EDWARD ARRIOLA AND TASHA GROSS

FAMILY & MWR SPECIAL EVENTS

The holiday season is rapidly approaching. That means spending more time with the loved ones in your life. If you’re like us and need to broaden your culinary skills, MWR has your back. Tasha and I (Eddie) worked together on some easy recipes to try. I wanted to learn how to bake, so Tasha took me under her wing to teach me something new. She loves to bake and provided the recipes. In this issue, we focus on three simple and fun desserts that are sure to spark the creative side of even the most novice cooks. Each one can be attempted with your children, with a friend, or even by yourself. So start those ovens and let’s get cooking.

Halloween Treats for all

The spooky month of Halloween is always a fan favorite for children and adults who have never grown up. When I think of Halloween I picture houses decorated with ghosts, spiders, and all things unappealing. As children we would go door to door braving the night just for a chance to get those delicious delectable treasures. Now you can start a new Halloween tradition with homemade Lollipops! I’ve been an avid candy lover for years but never thought to make some myself. It was a simple process and they were fun to make and decorate. Have each person decorate their own for a contest. Of course the child in me had to make a giant version. What can I say I’m a sucker for a giant sucker!

Lollipops

2 C Sugar

2/3 C Light Corn Syrup

1/4 C water

2 tsp Flavoring extract (of your choice)

Sprinkles

Lollipop sticks

Candy thermometer

Ice

Yields about 10 (2-3 inch) lollipops

Steps:

1- Fill a bowl with ice and water large enough to fit the pot used to melt the candy

2- Combine the sugar, corn syrup and water in the pot and attach the candy thermometer so the thermometer is below the liquid surface but not touching the bottom of the pan.

3- Heat on Medium and constantly stir until the sugar is fully dissolved

4- Bring to a boil until the mixture reaches 310 degrees (also known as the hard crack stage of candy making)

5- Remove pot from stove and dip/ swirl the pan in the ice water for about 15 secs

6- Add flavoring. If the mixture starts to harden it can be reheated on the stove before pouring.

7- Pour the mixture into mold or small circles on parchment paper and quickly press the lollipop sticks and any sprinkles into them. (We used a spoon to press the sprinkles into the lollipop mixture)

8- Wait about 10 mins for the mixture to cool and harden. The larger and thicker the mold, the longer the cooling time will be.

Clean up tip- After using all the candy mixture fill the pot half way with water and boil. The residual candy mixture will break away from the sides and form a lump that can be removed for easier clean up.

Thanksgiving delights

Thanksgiving has always been a holiday to truly enjoy. I mean what’s not to love, it’s all about family, friends, and food! I especially love a good pumpkin or pecan pie. If you’re like me you will enjoy this new twist on pie. Now you can make hand pies – a pie that can fit right in the palm of your hand!

Less pie means less guilt and more servings. Making them is half the fun and it’s great for even the pickiest of eaters because the filling is your choice. So blueberries for you, cherry for your spouse, and even chocolate-filled for the kids.

Hand pies

2¾ C Flour

1 Tbsp salt

1½ C butter (cold Not Softened)

¼ to ½ C Water Canned pie filling of your choice (Or make your own)

Yields 12

Steps:

1- Mix flour, salt and butter in a bowl by hand. To make this process easier cut the butter sticks into Tbsp size slices.

2- Add water a little at a time until the mixture is moist but not wet or sticky. If the dough becomes too soft or warm refrigerate for 5-10 mins. It should be pliable like Play-Doh.

3- Take a small ball of the dough and flatten it by hand on a lightly floured surface. Then cut out a circle about 3-4 inches in diameter. We used a small bowl to cut out our circles.

4- Place dough circles on a sheet and refrigerate for 20-30 mins. (the dough should be malleable not hard for the next step.)

5- Place 3-4 Tbsp of filling on a dough circles and then place a second dough circle on top. Crimp or press edges together firmly.

6- Bake for 18-25 mins at 400°F

7- Remove from oven when golden and let cool.

Christmas Sweets

Now we come to everyone’s favorite or perhaps, least favorite holiday of all time. Christmas is the time of year where you turn into either Buddy the Elf or the Grinch. No matter which side of the spectrum you are on, you can rest easy knowing that these cookies will make everyone happy.

The thought process behind the recipe is creative expertise. You make the dough and the family decorates it however they want. This is sure to bring holiday cheer to even the grumpiest of grumps. This was a great little activity which brought back some memories of when I went cookie monster on all the cookies my mom used to make. This is one I plan on trying this year with my family.

Remember, homemade cookies are always a neighborhood gift giving favorite! So spread some holiday cheer and make a batch for family far and near.

Cookies

2 C Flour

1 Tbsp Cornstarch

1 Tsp Baking soda

3/4 Tsp salt

3/4 C Butter (softened to room temp)

3/4 C Brown Sugar

1/2 C Sugar

1 Egg

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

1 Cup Candy, nuts, sprinkles or dried fruit of your choice

Yields about 3 dozen cookies

Steps:

1- Mix flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a bowl

2- Mix brown sugar, sugar, and butter in a bowl on med speed until thoroughly mixed. Add egg and vanilla to mixture until creamy.

3- Add flour mixture to sugar mixture and mix until fully incorporated.

4- Add desired candy, nuts, sprinkles or dried fruit of your choice. (We separated the dough into four and made one of each using about ¼ c of each topping)

5- Drop dough in about 1-2 inch balls onto a cookie sheet.

6- Bake at 350°F for 8-10 mins.

Baking together has been a staple for every holiday show and movie. Let’s start incorporating these traditions in our own lives. Give these recipes a shot and let us know if they were a hit. Thank you and enjoy the family times.