Using Leftovers: Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes

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I usually don't ever have leftover pumpkin pie that I don't know what to do with!

We usually just eat it all...

However, there have been times when we had multiple desserts and just too much pumpkin pie to finish before it gets old.  So I have a delicious and easy way to use that leftover pumpkin pie!

PUMPKIN PIE MILKSHAKES

This shake is the real deal....it's made with actual pie!

You are going to love this Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes.  And the kids?...forget about it!  This drink is really off the hook.  By putting a slice of pie, crust in all into the shake you get a chunky texture that tastes like mix-ins at your favorite ice cream parlor. 

So if you are planning on having pumpkin pie for Christmas make sure to save a couple of slices and make these Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes.  They are soooo good!

Enjoy!






Pumpkin Pie Milkshakes

serves 1-2

1 slice of pumpkin pie (crust and all!)
1 -2 scoops of vanilla ice cream
1/3 - 1/2 c milk
Garnish:  whipped cream, sprinkles

Place all ingredients in a blender.  Turn on blender and blend until all ingredients are combined, leaving a little texture from the crust.

Pour in tall glasses and serve.

Jolly Holiday French Toast

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It's almost Christmas!

One of my favorite times of the year.  All the excitement and joy that goes along with Christmas morning, and being surrounded by family makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.

After the flurry of unwrapping presents we will settle down to eat breakfast.  Something festive will be in order, but I also want something easy and quick to make.  (The day ahead will be filled with cooking.)

JOLLY HOLIDAY FRENCH TOAST

My Jolly Holiday French Toast is the perfect solution to an easy festive breakfast.  The family will come running when they smell the aromas of nutmeg and cinnamon.  This is no ordinary French toast!  This festive breakfast is one the whole family will enjoy.  

While this recipe serves 4 you can easily double or triple it to feed a crowd.  I made this version on a griddle on the stove.  You can easily alter this to bake this in the oven as a casserole if you would like. (Tip: Bake at 400 degrees for about 35-40 minutes)

So get in and out of the kitchen in no time on Christmas Day with my Jolly Holiday French Toast, so you can spend that quality time with your family and friends.

Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Jolly Holiday French Toast

serves 2 or 4

4 slices or French or Brioche bread, sliced thick
3 eggs
1 c milk

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt

Garnish:  powdered sugar, raspberries

warm syrup

Heat a griddle on medium heat. 

In a baking dish add eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.  Whisk until incorporated.  Place bread in the egg mixture turning over so that each side is well coated.

If necessary, spray your griddle with nonstick cooking spray.  Remove bread slices from the egg mixture allowing any excess to drip off.  Place bread on the griddle and allow to cook 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.  Flip the bread over and continue to cook until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove bread and place on serving plates.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar, dusted over the top and garnish with raspberries if desired.  Serve with warm syrup.

Cranberry Walnut Blondies

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Are you doing any holiday baking today?

I can't believe that Christmas is one week away.  Where did all the time go this year?  Each year I make a tray of various holiday goodies for MGG and all his staff (about 100) and another for my staff at work.  It's something I look forward to each year because it reminds me of the excitement I used to get making our holiday cookies with my mom, and getting a tray of our neighbor's goodies as well.

Each year I try and mix it up with the type of goodies.  There is always fudge, and the rest is up for grabs.  This year since time kind of got away from me I decided to make things a little easier and make some bulk items that you can bake in 9x13 pans.  That way I'll get a large quantity of a scrumptious goodies with little effort.  Sound good?  That's a big "YES!" from me!

Being the avid cookbook collector that I am I recently purchased the cutest little book called, tiny book of Christmas Joy, by Phillis Hoffman Depiano.  This book is full of holiday goodies and gifts to give.  I was so excited when I got it I flagged a ton of recipes that I wanted to make!  As that wasn't realistic I narrowed it down to this great recipe for Cranberry Walnut Blondies.

I don't typically make blondies but with the addition of cranberries and walnuts I knew this would make a great festive addition.  Boy was I right!  You guys, these are the BEST blondies I've ever had.  The flavor is outstanding.  I had a hard time getting this in the gift containers because I had a sample, and then another, and then another!  Wow!  These just blew my socks off, so watch out...and prepare to have your socks blown off too!

CRANBERRY WALNUT BLONDIES

What I did differently:  I followed the recipe almost exactly except I didn't use sweetened cranberries as stated, but unsweetened cranberries I got from Trader Joe's.  The recipe also calls for using a stand mixer.  I chose to make these by hand in a large bowl instead.  They came out perfectly, so I wrote the directions that way, but you could use your mixer if you prefer.

Made in a 9x13 pan, these make a ton.  I decided to just cut them in traditional brownie squares, but you could make them appear really elegant by cutting them in triangles and placing them on a white platter. 

I hope you make these really soon.  They are perfect to give away to friends and family, and make sure to hide a couple for yourself.  They go that quick!

Enjoy!

Cranberry Walnut Blondies

slightly adapted from: tiny book of Christmas Joy

makes 32 pieces

1 c unsalted butter, melted

1 c firmly packed light brown sugar

1 c sugar

2 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla

2 1/2 c all purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 c dried cranberries

1/2 c chopped toasted walnuts

1 Tbls orange zest

Garnish:  1/2 c confectioners sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray with flour.

In a large bowl mix butter, brown sugar, and sugar until mixed and fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.  Add vanilla and stir to incorporate.

Add in salt, and baking soda.  Add in flour gradually, mixing after each addition.  Stir in cranberries, walnuts, and orange zest.  Place batter in prepared pan.  Bake for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center of the blondies comes out clean.  Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.  Cut into squares and garnish with confectioners sugar if desired.