Key Lime Pie in mason jars

Key Lime Pie in mason jars
1 1/2 pkg. graham crackers, crushed
4 Tbsp. brown sugar
4 Tbsp. butter, melted
1 - 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
1/2 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup sour cream
2 Tbsp. key lime juice
whipped cream

       Crush the graham crackers in a ziploc bag or food processer.  Add the brown sugar and mix together with the cracker crumbs.  Pour in the melted butter and mix it with the crackers and sugar.  Set aside.  In a mixing bowl add the cream cheese.  Mix on high until smooth.  Add the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, and lime juice and mix on high for 3 minutes.  If desired, add 1-2 drops of green food coloring and mix it in. In 6 half pint jars spoon 2 heaping Tbsp. of the graham cracker mix.  Layer with the cream cheese mixture followed by one more spoonful of the graham crackers.  Top with whipped cream.

Sweet & Spicy Steak Chili with Buttermilk Cornbread (Dutch Oven) jars

Sweet & Spicy Steak Chili (Dutch Oven)
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 lbs. Cross Rib or Chuck roast, cut into 1/2-1 inch cubes
1 lg. onion, diced
2 tsp. minced garlic
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 small cans tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
4 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

         In a skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil and brown the steak cubes in it.  In a dutch oven combine the steak cubes, diced onion, garlic, and black beans.  In a medium sized bowl add the tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, pepper and stir together.  Pour the sauce over the meat and beans mix and stir to combine.  Place the lid on the dutch oven and bake in the oven at 350 for 1 1/2 hours or use the coals method.  (About 6-8 coals underneath the dutch oven and 14-17 on top for approx. 1 1/2 - 2 hours.) Remove the lid and pour the cornbread mix (see below) over the chili.  Place the lid on and bake at 375 for 20 minutes.  (20 coals on top for about 20-25 minutes.)

Buttermilk Cornbread

1 stick butter, melted
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder

     In a small bowl combine the melted butter, honey, and sugar.  Add the eggs, one at a time and stir until mixed.  Add the buttermilk and stir everything together.  In a medium bowl add the cornmeal, flour, salt, and baking powder and whisk together.  Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir just until combined.  It will be just a little lumpy.  If baking alone, pour the mixture into a sprayed 8x8 pan and bake at 375 degrees 20-25 minutes.

If making the mason jar meal, spoon about 1 cup of the cooked chili into the mason jars.  Then spoon about 3/4 cup of cornbread mix on top of the chili in the jars.  Place the jars on a cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees.

Fried Ravioli

Fried Ravioli
25-30, 2 inch round ravioli (I used cheese ravioli)
2 eggs
1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
oil for frying

     Lay the frozen ravioli on a cookie sheet to completely thaw, about 2 1/2 hours.  Set the eggs out on the counter at the same time to let them reach room temperature.
     When the ravioli is thawed, heat up the oil to approx. 350 degrees.  (You can use a frying pan, or a small deep fryer.)
     In a small bowl beat the eggs together.  Add the bread crumbs to another small bowl.
     Dip the ravioli one at a time into the egg and then the bread crumbs.
     Fry the dipped ravioli for about 2-3 minutes.  Remove from the oil and let drain on a plate lined with a paper towel.
     Dip in your favorite marinara.  I use my homemade spaghetti sauce.

Poppyseed Chicken

Poppy Seed Chicken
3-4 chicken breasts, grilled and diced OR boiled and shredded
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
2 Tbsp. poppy seeds
1/4 cup butter, melted
           Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Combine the soup and sour cream in a baking dish.  Add the chicken and stir it into the soup mixture. In a quart sized ziploc bag, crush the Ritz crackers.  Add the poppy seeds and melted butter to the bag of crackers and shake to mix together.  Pour the cracker mix over the chicken and spread evenly to cover the chicken.  Bake for 25 minutes or until the crackers are slightly golden brown and the soup mixture bubbly around the edges of the baking dish.  Serve over baked potatoes or rice.  

Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Jars

Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Jars  (makes 6 half pints)
2 cups fresh blueberries
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1 Tbsp. water
1 Tbsp. cornstarch mixed with 2 Tbsp. cold water
1 cup (approx. 7 full-sized) graham crackers, crushed
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
4 Tbsp. butter, melted
1 - 8 oz. block cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
       In a small saucepan combine the blueberries, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and 1 Tbsp. water.  Cook over medium heat until simmering.  Add the cornstarch mixed with water and bring to a boil.  Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
       Crush the graham crackers and combine them with the brown sugar and melted butter.  Spoon the mixture into 6 half-pint mason jars.  Gently press the mixture into the bottom of each jar with the back of a spoon.
       With a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth.  Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and continue to beat it on low until combined. Set aside.  In a separate bowl, add the whipping cream and beat it with the hand mixer until stiff peaks form.  Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.  Spoon it into the jars on top of the graham cracker crust.
       When the blueberries and syrup are completely cooled, spoon them on top of the cream cheese filling layer.  Place the lids and tighten the rings on the jars and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Beef and Mushroom Pot Pies with Pearl Onions

Beef and Mushroom Pot Pies with Pearl Onions

2 lbs. chuck roast, cubed into 1 1/2 inch pieces
salt
pepper
3 Tbsp. flour
2 Tbsp. olive oil
12-15 Cremini (button) mushrooms, quartered
25 pearl onions, peeled
1 -14 oz. can beef broth
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 pkg. puff pastry dough, 2 sheets
1 egg, beaten
poppyseeds, optional

   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large skillet heat the olive oil on medium high.  Add the flour to a medium sized bowl. Salt and pepper the cubed beef and toss it in the flour to coat. Shake off the excess flour, add the beef cubes to the heated oil and brown them on all sides.  Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.  Add the cleaned and quartered mushrooms and saute quickly just until golden on all sides. Remove the mushrooms and set them aside.  Add the beef broth, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.  Whisk until combined and bring to a boil.  Add the beef and mushrooms back into the pan.  Add the pearl onions.  Cover and turn the heat to low.  Let it simmer for about 45 minutes or until the beef is tender.  Spoon the mixture into ramekins.  Lay out the puff pastry dough and cut circles to cover the ramekins.  Place one on top of each filled ramekin.  Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle with poppyseeds.  Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the pastry slightly puffs up and is golden brown.

Pesto Bacon Pasta with Roasted Asparagus

This salad is good warm or cold!

Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Asparagus
1 - 16 oz. pkg. mini Farfalle (bowtie) pasta, cooked according to pkg. directions
1/2 cup pesto (I use a jarred brand.)
1/2 lb. asparagus, roasted with olive oil and salt
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mozzarella, cubed
10 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
            Heat the oven to 459 degrees.  Wash the asparagus and cut the tough ends off.  Lay it on a broiler sheet and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.  Bake for 6-7 minutes or until just barely tender.  Remove from the oven and cut into thirds or 2 inch pieces.

 In a large bowl combine all the ingredients.  Add more pesto if desired.  Serve either warm or cold.

Oreo Cheesecake Bites

Oreo Cheesecake Bites

Ingredients:

          For the crust:

• 24 whole Oreo cookies (I buy 1 package of Oreos--use 24 for the crust and chop the rest for the filling)
• 5 Tbsp butter, melted

           For the filling:

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Remaining Oreos, chopped (I buy 1 package of Oreos--use 24 for the crust and chop the rest for the filling)

          For the chocolate coating:

• 16 ounces high quality milk or semi-sweet chocolate (like a Hershey's bar or Ghiradelli chocolate chips)
  

Instructions

For the crust:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8'' baking dish with a large piece of aluminum foil, pressed tightly up the edges of the pan. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Place Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse until small crumbs. Stir in the melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for about 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool while you make the filling.
   

For the filling: 

3. Reduce oven to 325 degrees F.
4. In a mixing bowl beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. On low speed, add in the sour cream, eggs, vanilla, flour, and salt and beat until just combined.  (Don't over mix!) Pour the batter over the Oreo crust and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until cheesecake is set (the center may still be slightly jiggly.) Allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Freeze for 3 hours, or until very cold and firm, or overnight.
   

Coat in chocolate:

• Once frozen, lift cheesecake by pulling gently on the foil and lifting it out of the pan. Use a sharp knife to cut the cheesecake into 36 bite-size squares (6 by 6). Freeze for 10 minutes.
  
• Dip the cheesecake squares in melted chocolate and set them on a wire rack to set up.
  

Samoa Bundt Cake

Samoa Bundt Cake 
The original recipe is from: Here
(I made a few slight changes plus the high altitude version.)

 Ingredients

• 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot water

Caramel Frosting

• ¾ cup butter (1½ sticks)
• ¼ cup jarred caramel sauce 
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk

Toppings

• 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
• Caramel Sauce
• Hot Fudge Sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease and flour a bundt pan.
2. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth when stirred. 1 minute at a time for two minutes. Set Aside.
3. Beat butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until blended well, about 5 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time.
5. Beat in melted chocolate just until blended.
6. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt.
7. Add flour mixture to batter, alternating with sour cream, beating at LOW speed just until blended after each addition.
8. Slowly, with mixer on LOW speed, add hot water.
9. Stir in vanilla.
10. Pour batter into prepared Bundt pan.
11. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes in pan then remove cake from pan to cool completely.
12. To make frosting, beat butter and caramel sauce until creamy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar. Beat in enough heavy cream to get to desired consistency.
13. Spread frosting on cooled cake.
14. Sprinkle toasted coconut on cake and drizzle with caramel sauce and hot fudge sauce.

HIGH ALTITUDE:
Decrease the baking soda to 3/4 tsp.
Add 1 Tbsp. milk when you add in the first part of the sour cream.
Increase the baking temperature to 375 degrees.
Bake for 50-55 minutes.
Be sure to grease and flour the pan! Baking spray is not enough.  High altitudes produce stickier cakes.

Warm Berries, Toasted Pound Cake and Melted Rolos (served over vanilla ice cream)

So easy! So good! The picture pretty much says it all.  I saw this idea online and thought it looked worth a try. There wasn't a written recipe or a site to give credit to or I would! This would be a great dutch oven camping dessert. We made it at home, so we decided to serve it with vanilla ice cream. The warm, soft berries were my favorite part. 

Warm Berries, Toasted Pound Cake and Melted Rolos
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1/2 SaraLee pound cake,thawed if frozen, cubed into 2" pieces
1 lb. strawberries, halved
1- 6 oz. container raspberries
1- 6 oz. container blackberries
1- 6 oz. container blueberries
25 Rolo candies, unwrapped
    In a cast iron pan or dutch oven melt the butter over medium-high heat.  Add the pound cake cubes and brown them on all sides, soaking up the butter.  Turn the heat to low and add the fruit and then the Rolos on top.  Remove the pan from the heat and cover.  Let sit for about 10-15 minutes to warm the berries and melt the Rolos.  Do not stir!  Serve as is or with vanilla ice cream.

Banana Split Ice Cream Cake

Banana Split Ice Cream Cake
1 pkg. (36 count) regular Oreo's
4 tbsp. butter
3 bananas
4 cups strawberry ice cream
1 jar strawberry sundae topping
4 cups chocolate ice cream
1 jar hot fudge sundae topping
4 cups vanilla ice cream
1/2 jar pineapple sundae topping
1 cup pecans
whipped cream
maraschino cherries

This recipe has very easy steps and assembly, but it does require time.  The ice cream needs to soften and each layer needs to freeze or become really cold before the next layer is added.

Remove the strawberry ice cream from freezer to soften for 1-2 hours. 
Line a springform pan with parchment paper.
In a food processor add the Oreos, pulse until crumbly. (Large crumbs.)
Melt the butter and add to the Oreo crumbs.  Pulse until mixed.
Press the cookies/butter mix into the springform pan.
Slice the bananas about 1/2 inch thick and place on top of the cookie crust.
Remove the chocolate ice cream from the freezer to thaw and soften.
Place the pan in the freezer for about 20 minutes.
Pour the strawberry ice cream on top and spread into a 1 inch thick layer.
Place back into the freezer for 1 hour.
Remove the vanilla ice cream from the freezer to thaw and soften.
Pour the strawberry topping on top of the strawberry ice cream and spread.
Place back in the freezer for 1/2- 1 hour, until really cold.
(This topping won't freeze completely.)
Pour the chocolate ice cream on next and spread into 1 inch thick layer.
Place back into the freezer for 1 hour.
Microwave the hot fudge topping for about 1 minute.  Stir it, pour and spread.
Place back into the freezer for 1/2-1 hour, until really cold.
(The fudge doesn't freeze either.)
Pour the vanilla ice cream on next and spread into 1 inch thick layer.
Place back into the freezer for 1 hour.
Spoon the whipped cream into a piping bag with a closed star tip.
Pipe 2 inch tall whipped cream stars all around the edge of the cake.
Place a maraschino cherry on top of each star.
Place back into the freezer for 1 hour.
Pour the pineapple topping on top of the vanilla ice cream and spread.
Roughly chop the pecans and sprinkle on top of the pineapple topping.
Place back in the freezer for 1/2 hour or until ready to serve.

This cake can be made ahead several days!  It is SO good!!  :)
      

February Sunday School: The Plan of Salvation - Why is learning an important part of Heavenly Father's plan?

 

Why is learning an important part of Heavenly Father's plan?
One of the main reasons Heavenly Father sent us to earth was to give us experiences that would help us learn and become more like Him. If we are obedient and teachable, He will help us learn what we need to know, line upon line, throughout our lives. Heavenly Father expects us to use the knowledge we gain to bless others and build His kingdom.

Plan of Salvation Worksheet
Hand out a copy of this worksheet to each class member and a copy of the True to the Faith booklet or a printed copy of the section, "The Plan of Salvation" from the lesson outline (see below).  Have each of the youth, or in groups, choose a section of the plan to fill in the lines beneath the picture on the worksheet with an explanation of that part of the plan.  Then have them take turns sharing their part so everyone can fill in the whole worksheet.

Plan of Salvation

True to the Faith, (2004), 115–17

In the premortal existence, Heavenly Father prepared a plan to enable us to become like Him and receive a fulness of joy. The scriptures refer to this plan as “the plan of salvation” (Alma 24:14; Moses 6:62), “the great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8), “the plan of redemption” (Jacob 6:8; Alma 12:30), and “the plan of mercy” (Alma 42:15).

The plan of salvation is the fulness of the gospel. It includes the Creation, the Fall, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and all the laws, ordinances, and doctrines of the gospel. Moral agency, the ability to choose and act for ourselves, is also essential in Heavenly Father’s plan. Because of this plan, we can be perfected through the Atonement, receive a fulness of joy, and live forever in the presence of God. Our family relationships can last throughout the eternities.

You are a participant in Heavenly Father’s plan, and your eternal experience can be divided into three main parts: premortal life, mortal life, and life after death. As you come to understand the plan, you find answers to questions asked by so many: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where do we go after this life?

 (If you do not have copies of the True to the Faith then print the following for each youth or group.)

Premortal Life

Before you were born on the earth, you lived in the presence of your Heavenly Father as one of His spirit children. In this premortal existence, you attended a council with Heavenly Father’s other spirit children. At that council, Heavenly Father presented His great plan of happiness (see Abraham 3:22–26).

In harmony with the plan of happiness, the premortal Jesus Christ, the Firstborn Son of the Father in the spirit, covenanted to be the Savior (see Moses 4:2; Abraham 3:27). Those who followed Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were permitted to come to the earth to experience mortality and progress toward eternal life. Lucifer, another spirit son of God, rebelled against the plan and “sought to destroy the agency of man” (Moses 4:3). He became Satan, and he and his followers were cast out of heaven and denied the privileges of receiving a physical body and experiencing mortality (see Moses 4:4; Abraham 3:27–28).

Throughout your premortal life, you developed your identity and increased your spiritual capabilities. Blessed with the gift of agency, you made important decisions, such as the decision to follow Heavenly Father’s plan. These decisions affected your life then and now. You grew in intelligence and learned to love the truth, and you prepared to come to the earth, where you could continue to progress.

Mortal Life

You are now experiencing mortal life. Your spirit is united with your body, giving you opportunities to grow and develop in ways that were not possible in your premortal life. This part of your existence is a time of learning in which you can prove yourself, choose to come unto Christ, and prepare to be worthy of eternal life. It is also a time when you can help others find the truth and gain a testimony of the plan of salvation.

Life after Death

When you die, your spirit will enter the spirit world and await the resurrection. At the time of the resurrection, your spirit and body will reunite, and you will be judged and received into a kingdom of glory. The glory you inherit will depend on the depth of your conversion and your obedience to the Lord’s commandments. It will depend on the manner in which you have “received the testimony of Jesus” (D&C 76:51; see also 76:74, 79, 101). 

From the outline:

Ask each youth to read one of the scriptures in this outline, looking for principles of learning. Invite each to draw a picture or diagram that represents the principles in the scripture passage. Ask the youth to use their pictures to teach each other about what they read. What do these scriptures teach about the importance of learning in Heavenly Father’s plan?

 **I am a very visual learner and I like to draw scriptures and scripture stories, so I like this suggestion from the outline.  I am going to divide the class into 3 groups for them to do this part. I will give each group one of the scriptures and ask them to read it silently and then draw on the chalkboard a symbol or picture to help the class guess what the scripture is about.  Then I'll have them read it out loud to the class an explain their drawing.

 The scriptures are:

D&C 98:11-12  "line upon line, precept upon precept"

Alma 12: 9-11  "harden his heart vs. not hardening = more learning"

D&C 88: 77-80  "learn so we can magnify our callings"

From the outline:

Invite the youth to read the “Education” section in For the Strength of Youth, including the scripture references. Ask half of the class to look for things Heavenly Father wants us to do, and ask the other half to identify blessings that He has promised. Invite them to share what they find and choose something they feel they need to work on. Discuss as a class ways they can improve in those areas, and encourage the youth to set personal goals to apply the Lord’s counsel.

Education

Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

Doctrine and Covenants 130:18

Education is an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan to help you become more like Him. He wants you to educate your mind and to develop your skills and talents, your power to act well in your responsibilities, and your capacity to appreciate life. The education you gain will be valuable to you during mortality and in the life to come.

Education will prepare you for greater service in the world and in the Church. It will help you better provide for yourself, your family, and those in need. It will also help you be a wise counselor and companion to your future spouse and an informed and effective teacher of your future children.

Education is an investment that brings great rewards and will open the doors of opportunity that may otherwise be closed to you. Plan now to obtain an education. Be willing to work diligently and make sacrifices if necessary. Share your educational goals with your family, friends, and leaders so they can support and encourage you.

Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand the importance of learning in Heavenly Father’s plan? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this doctrine?

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

for the dough-
3/4 cup warm water
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast {use the fast acting kind!}
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
1 egg
1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil
4 cups all purpose unbleached flour
for the filling-
1/2 cup softened butter
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons cornstarch
for the frosting-
2 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup softened butter
1 teaspoon maple extract
1/2 tablespoon corn syrup
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
for the topping-
8-10 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions:

Making the Dough- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, pour in water, yeast and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Stir and proof 5 minutes. Once mixture looks bubbly and frothy, pour in remaining sugar and salt. Stir on low for 15-20 seconds. In a small bowl, measure buttermilk, oil and egg. Whisk ingredients together until egg is incorporated to other two ingredients. Pour contents into the water and yeast mixture. Stir another 20 seconds in the mixer. Pour 2 cups of flour into mixer and stir on low until incorporated. Sprinkle flour in by 1/4 cup increments until dough cleans the sides and bottom of the bowl. Dough should be sticky but not sticky enough to stick to your hands when touched. Once it has reached this stage, turn mixer on and knead for 5 minutes. Remove dough from bowl, grease and replace back into same mixing bowl {since it's practically clean anyway.} Cover with plastic wrap and a dish towel. Rise 1-2 hours or until dough has doubled in size.

Filling and Cutting Rolls- In a medium size bowl, stir brown sugar, cinnamon and cornstarch together until combined. Set aside. Roll dough out to be a 20x30 rectangle {or as close to that as possible} while moving dough around to ensure it's not sticking to your work surface. Spread softened butter over dough, being sure to go right to the edges leaving a 1-inch strip untouched on one of the longer sides of dough. Dump brown sugar mixture onto the middle of the dough and spread with your hands, creating an even layer over top of the margarine, still leaving that 1-inch strip of dough untouched.. Lightly press the sugar mixture into the butter using a rolling pin. Roll the dough up into a tight log, finishing with the plain dough on the bottom to seal the entire thing together. Cut off the uneven ends to even out the log. Score log every 2 inches and then slice your rolls using those marks. Place into parchment paper lined, or greased pans. 12 into a 9x13, 3 remaining into a loaf pan, or 8x8 with the small ends. Cover pans with plastic wrap and dish towels. Let rolls rise another 1-2 hours or until they are touching and have risen almost double. My rolls always spread out more than up, so just be aware that they will most likely spread out more than up. Bake in a preheated 350 degree for 17 minutes, or until tops start to brown. Watch them carefully!!

For the Frosting- While the rolls are baking, whip cream cheese and butter together. Stir in maple flavoring, and corn syrup. Scrape sides and mix again. Pour in powdered sugar and stir slowly until it starts to incorporate. Then mix on high for 5 minutes or until frosting starts to lighten in color. Scrape sides and mix again briefly. 

Hot Chocolate Dark (sticks)

Hot Chocolate Dark (sticks)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3 1/2 cups mini semi sweet chocolate chips
   Line a 9x9 pan with plastic wrap or parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick spray.  Set aside.  In a saucepan combine the heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk.  Place over low-medium heat and whisk continuously while heating the milk mixture until it just barely starts to steam. Turn the heat to low, add the chocolate chips, and stir until melted and combined with the milk.  Remove from the heat.  Pour the ganache into the lined and sprayed 9x9 pan.  Set aside until firm before cutting.  Using a knife cut the set chocolate into 1 1/2 inch squares.  Cut the marshmallows into the same size squares.  On a stick place one marshmallow and one square of chocolate. Wrap in plastic wrap and tie on a ribbon.
To make the hot drink: Add one stick to one cup of hot water, let melt, then stir to mix.

If you want to make these as gifts and you want the tag I made for the front of the bag... here you are:
:) Hot Chocolate Dark gift label

January Sunday School: The Godhead - How can I learn to see Heavenly Father's hand in all things?

I am going to start this class in the church kitchen, where I will have a pot of boiled water on the stove.  I am going to teach the kids how to make 3 Musketeers Cocoa.  I will give them each a disposable hot liquid cup with a lid and 3 Musketeers candy bars.  1 big candy bar, cut into pieces, OR 3 funsize, OR 8 mini sized plus 1 1/4 cup boiling water equals one serving of 3 Musketeers Cocoa. After they unwrap the candy bars and put them in the cup, we will pour the boiling hot water over them and let them sit for about 10 minutes while we move on to the first part of the lesson.

(From the lds.org outline):
Invite the youth to sing, listen to, or read the hymn “How Great Thou Art.” Ask them to make a list or draw pictures on the board of things in this hymn that indicate the greatness of God (they could also read the scriptures cited at the end of the hymn). What are some other things the youth could add to this list that testify to them of God’s power and love? Invite the youth to think of creative ways they can express their testimonies of Heavenly Father. For example, they could use their lists to write a short hymn of their own, or they could take photographs and prepare a slide show.

We will listen to the song and then we are going to go for a walk around the building.  Most of these kids, if not all, have phones with cameras.  I am going to ask them to choose a buddy and together take a picture or two of something that they can see the hand of God in creating.  I am going to ask them to stretch their minds a little and think beyond the obvious.  For example: A tree.  This falls into the "kind of obvious" category. However, how do we see the hand of God in them?
 
Trees give off oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, both of which are essential to humans.  They provide shade form the hot sun.  Some varieties grow fruits and nuts that we can eat to sustain life.  Some drop their leaves which then return to the soil and provide nutrients back into the earth to enrich the soil for more growth of plants. We know that He created the earth and all of the vegetation in it.

An example of the "not so obvious" might be:  A car. How can we see the hand of God in this?

God created of the base materials that are used to build cars.  Somewhere along the way in history he inspired people to use those materials to build and create.  Many experiments and trials were done to create the materials we have to use for making car parts.  The knowledge and curiosity had to be given to individuals to do this.  God gave certain people ideas and inspiration to get those ideas to the modern day cars we now have.  Why?  With cars we are able to travel farther than walking or with horses and buggies and we can get places more quickly and safely.  We can more easily get to churches and temples to do His work.  We can also use them to help with out day to day temporal needs as well.

I will share these ideas and examples with the class and then give them the assignment to take a picture of something that they can see the hand of God in. Afterward, we will return to the kitchen to get our now melted 3 Musketeers, ready to be stirred into cocoa.  We'll add a scoop of ice cream to cool it off (I know right? This is the funnest cocoa ever!!) We'll put the lids on the cocoa and head up to our classroom. When we get up to the classroom I will have the take turns sharing their pictures and observations.
  
Next:
From the talk by Henry B. Eyring, "O Remember, Remember" (see the lds.org lesson outline)

"When our children were very small, I started to write down a few things about what happened every day. Let me tell you how that got started. I came home late from a Church assignment. It was after dark. My father-in-law, who lived near us, surprised me as I walked toward the front door of my house. He was carrying a load of pipes over his shoulder, walking very fast and dressed in his work clothes. I knew that he had been building a system to pump water from a stream below us up to our property.

He smiled, spoke softly, and then rushed past me into the darkness to go on with his work. I took a few steps toward the house, thinking of what he was doing for us, and just as I got to the door, I heard in my mind—not in my own voice—these words: “I’m not giving you these experiences for yourself. Write them down.”

 I went inside. I didn’t go to bed. Although I was tired, I took out some paper and began to write. And as I did, I understood the message I had heard in my mind. I was supposed to record for my children to read, someday in the future, how I had seen the hand of God blessing our family Grandpa didn’t have to do what he was doing for us. He could have had someone else do it or not have done it at all. But he was serving us, his family, in the way covenant disciples of Jesus Christ always do. I knew that was true. And so I wrote it down, so that my children could have the memory someday when they would need it.

 I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done.

More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance—even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened.

The years have gone by. My boys are grown men. And now and then one of them will surprise me by saying, “Dad, I was reading in my copy of the journal about when …” and then he will tell me about how reading of what happened long ago helped him notice something God had done in his day.

My point is to urge you to find ways to recognize and remember God’s kindness. It will build our testimonies"

Has there been a time that you have seen the hand of God in your life?
Has he helped you to recognize a trial as a potential blessing?
Do you recognize it when he does this?
 (Let the class think about these questions and share examples if they wish.  Always give them enough time to think!  Be prepared with some examples from your own life.  I find that once I share some of mine with them, it helps break the "ice" and then the youth have lots to share!  We always fill the time.)

Hand out and explain the "Count Your Many Blessings" page for the week.  (I typed up this page for the youth to take home and write down the blessings they recognize coming from Heavenly Father each day for a week.)

Count Your Many Blessings

Hot Strawberry - Hot Chocolate

Hot Strawberry
6 cups powdered milk
4 cups powdered sugar
1 16 ounce can Nestle Strawberry Quik  (or Nestle Chocolate Quik, for Hot Chocolate)
1 16 ounce container non dairy creamer, powder
   
       In a large bowl combine all the ingredients and stir together with a whisk.  Store in an airtight container.
 
       ** To make the hot strawberry drink: Stir 1/4 cup of the mix into 1 cup hot water.**

Marshmallows

Marshmallows
4 packets unflavored gelatin (3 Tbsp.)
1/3 cup cold water
3 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbsp. cornstarch

     In a small bowl combine the gelatin and 1/3 cup cold water.  Set aside for 10 minutes. 
     In a very large pot dissolve the granulated sugar and 1 1/2 cups water over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until it makes a syrup, about 10 minutes.
     Add the gelatin which has absorbed the water in the small bowl, stir it into the syrup and bring to a steady boil over medium heat, without stirring.  You do not want to have this mixture at a rolling boil, just small simmering bubbles.  This is a soft ball stage of candy making. Watch it carefully!  The bubbles have a tendency to rise!  You may need to adjust the heat occasionally to keep it from overflowing if you did not use a big enough pot. ( I do this often which is why I give this warning! :)) Let is simmer for 15 minutes. 
    Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool down to lukewarm temperature, about 15-20 minutes.
    Pour the mixture into a mixer bowl.  Using a whisk attachment, turn the mixer on high and let it beat the liquid until it turns white and very, very thick, like the consistency of the marshmallow cream that comes in a jar.
     Spray a 9x13 pan with non-stick spray.  Pour the white marshmallow cream into the pan.  Set aside to set up, approximately 20-30 minutes.
     In a small bowl combine the powdered sugar with the cornstarch with a whisk.  Using a sifter, sift over the top of the marshmallow in the pan.  Sift some onto a cookie sheet or cutting board.  Turn the pan over onto the dusted surface and ease the marshmallow onto it.  Dust the top of the marshmallow, which was the bottom in the pan. Using a pizza cutter cut the marshmallow into squares.  The squares will appear to still be stuck together but as you pick them up and pull them apart, they easily pull apart into the nice squares you cut.  For easy storage, put the marshmallows in a ziploc bag with a little of the sugar/cornstarch mix and shake the bag to coat them.

Red Curry Shrimp and Rice

Red Curry Shrimp and Rice
1 1/2 cups cooked Jasmine rice (follow package directions)
1 lb. raw jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined
2 Tbsp. butter
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced OR 4 mini red bell peppers, sliced
2 tsp. fresh ginger, grated
2 Tbsp. red curry paste
1 -12 ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
1 -12 ounce can chicken stock
1 lime, juice
2 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped

    In a large skillet melt the butter and saute the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side until pink.  Remove from the pan and set aside.  Add the garlic, onions, and red bell peppers to the pan and saute them until soft, about 3-4 minutes.  Add the ginger and cook for one minute.  Stir in the red curry paste until it coats the vegetables.  Pour in the coconut milk and the chicken stock and stir until combined.  Turn the heat to medium and let everything simmer for about 9-10 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens, stirring occasionally.  Turn the heat off.  Add the lime juice, cilantro, and cooked shrimp to the pan and stir everything together.  You can serve it over the rice or you can stir the rice into the pan and serve it more "soup" style.  Both are good!

Thai Salad with Curry Dressing

Thai Salad
Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
kale, chopped
red, yellow, orange, bell peppers, thinly sliced
cilantro, chopped
carrot, matchstick size cuts
mango, cubed
peanuts, chopped

Curry Dressing (this makes enough for about 4 salads the size shown)
1 cup coconut milk
2 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. yellow curry powder
juice of 1/2 lime
9 drops Tabasco sauce
     Combine the dressing ingredients in a blender jar and blend until smooth.

     I like to arrange my salads with all of the ingredients showing for presentation, but the best way to eat this salad is to pour the dressing on and mix everything together to coat.  It's even better if you let it sit for about 5 minutes before eating it... If you have that much self control, congratulations!  :) It's that good!  Hard to wait.  P.S. The Napa cabbage is the base of the salad and fills up the bottom half of the bowl.  I love this cabbage!

KFC Bowls

KFC Bowls
popcorn chicken, baked according to package directions
mashed potatoes
corn
shredded cheese
brown gravy
green onions
     That's it!  Layer everything in a bowl. 

January Sunday School: The Godhead - How can studying the scriptures help me learn about Heavenly Father (and Jesus Christ)?

 
Teaching tip

“Often a lesson will contain more material than you are able to teach in the time you are given. In such cases, you should select the material that will be most helpful for those you teach” (Teaching, No Greater Call [1999], 98–99).
(This tip was included in the lesson outline on lds.org.  I am taking this tip and applying it to this lesson this week.  The lesson I have prepared will be a short discussion and then will lead into a writing activity.)

From the lesson outline:
Invite the youth to list on the board some truths they know about God. Ask them how they learned those truths. Show them how to use the Topical Guide to find scriptures that teach the truths about God they have listed (for example, they could search “God, Love of” or “God, Wisdom of”). Invite them to write on the board the references they find. Encourage the youth to share any additional truths they learn about Heavenly Father as they read these scriptures and write them on the board. Why are the scriptures important in helping us understand God?

Invite the youth to read individually the entry “God” in the Bible Dictionary and write down one thing they learn about God the Father from what they read. Encourage them to look up any related scriptures referenced in the entry. When everyone is finished, invite each class member to find someone in the class who wrote something different, and ask them to share with each other what they learned (including any scriptures they found). Share how you have come to know Heavenly Father through reading the scriptures, and invite a few of the youth to share their own experiences.

For the rest of the class time we will be learning and writing about the names Jesus Christ is known by in the scriptures. This is a great way to learn and understand His nature as well as His Father's.  There are over 150 names listed in the scriptures for the Savior. Wow!  Did you know there were that many?  I didn't before I put these booklets together. I first made these a few years ago to give to my visiting teaching sisters.  I have since made two different versions.  This has been a great study aid for me and I hope it will be of value to the youth.  I don't have these pages on my computer anymore to be able to link, I'm sorry! I am using copies that I have had in a file in my desk. Hopefully you can read the names on the list if you are interested in making your own.  I have a booklet for each member of my class.

This is the version I made for my Relief Society visiting teaching sisters.  I printed the names on paper and glued them onto colored cardstock and put them into an envelope half that was glued onto the front cover.  

I also typed each name in a box at the top of each page of cardstock to make the booklet.  The one pictured below is my personal booklet.  I alphabetized the names and have done several myself.  I still have more to do.  It has been a fun study project!  I kind of have scripture studying ADD.  I like to jump from project to project.  It takes me years to finish them all. :)

This is another version of this booklet.  It is a little easier to put together in larger quantities.

The front is a 5x7 cardstock picture of the Savior.  They can be ordered through the Distribution Center online at lds.catalog.org.  They are fairly inexpensive, I think they were around 10 cents each the last time I ordered them.The names are listed on one page and glued onto the back of the picture.

The inside study pages are left blank at the top.  The user can write which name they are studying for each page in the box.

The whole thing is put together with comb binding. 

To end the lesson, from the outline:
Ask the youth to share what they learned today. What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they understand how studying the scriptures can help them learn about Heavenly Father? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic?