मंगलवार, 7 दिसंबर 2021

No Bake Haystack Cookies (2 Ways!)

Haystack cookies are perfect for the holidays! They are festive, have the perfect crunch, and are so good that you won’t be able to stop at just one!

I love holiday cookies! If you want to try out some more of my favorites then you should make these Italian Christmas Cookies, Linzer Cookies, or these amazing Madeleines!

No bake haystack cookies with sprinkles.

What Are Haystack Cookies?

Ok, I know that the holiday season is about more than food but can we all agree that holiday desserts are the best part? I mean there are SO many to try like this Cinnamon Roll Wreath, these Grinch Cookies, this amazing Christmas Star Bread, or these darling Christmas Cornflake Wreaths. Not only do holiday treats look so festive but they taste amazing as well! And I think that these haystack cookies belong at the top of that list!

Haystack cookies are SO easy to make! My kids love helping me with them! All you need is some chow mein noodles, chocolate (white or milk works the best!), marshmallows, and some festive sprinkles. And voila! You have yourself these beautiful, tasty, and easy-to-make treats! Oh, and did I mention that you should probably double the batch? Because these will fly off your table so fast that you will wish that you had made more!

Ingredients for White Chocolate Haystack Cookies

There are two ways to make these cookies! I like to make them both but if you want, you could just make one! See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

  • White chocolate chips: These go SO well with the marshmallow flavor!
  • Marshmallows: Use mini marshmallows so that they mix in better.
  • Peanuts: These are totally optional in this recipe!
  • Chow mein noodles: These create such a delicious crunch!
3 pictures showing how to mix marshmallows and white chocolate with chow mein noodles.

How to Make White Chocolate Haystack Cookies

These cookies are so easy! I love a good no-bake option for the holidays. They are quick easy and SO delicious.

  1. Mix and melt: In a large microwave safe bowl add the White Chocolate Chips Microwave stirring after every 30 seconds until melted and smooth. Add in marshmallows and stir and cook for 30 more seconds.
  2. Combine and top with sprinkles: Add in the bag of chow Mein noodles and mix until combined. Scoop out 2 tablespoons of the mixture and place on parchment paper. Top with sprinkles
A zoomed in picture of a white chocolate haystack cookie.

Ingredients for Chocolate Haystack Cookies

I can’t decide which one is better, the white chocolate or these ones! I guess you will have to make them both and decide for yourself!

  • Semisweet chocolate chips: The semi sweet bring in that chocolate flavor!
  • Butterscotch chips: These bring in the BEST taste!
  • Peanut butter: I like to use creamy peanut butter but you can use whatever you have on hand!
  • Chow mein noodles: The perfect added crunch!
2 pictures showing how to mix chocolate and butterscotch with chow mein noodles.

How to Make Chocolate Haystack Cookies

The chocolate version of these cookies is just as delicious and the butterscotch really adds such an amazing taste! They are definitely a MUST TRY this holiday season!

  1. Mix ingredients until smooth: In a large microwave safe bowl add the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter. Microwave stirring after every 30 seconds until melted and smooth.
  2. Add chow mein noodles and top with sprinkles: Add in the bag of chow Mein noodles and mix until combined. Scoop out 2 tablespoons of the mixture and place on parchment paper. Top With sprinkles
Chocolate haystack cookies on parchment paper on a baking sheet.

Variations

These haystack cookies are great for the holidays but you can easily change them up for any holiday or season! Here are some ideas on how you can do that!

  • Get colored baking chocolate: Get some baking chocolate in different colors and mix things up! Then, you can make it go with a theme or any holiday that you want!
  • Change the sprinkles: You can make the sprinkles different colors! Orange for halloween, pastels for easter and red white and blue for the 4th of July!
  • Add mint chips: Instead of using butterscotch chips, try using mint chips instead! They are so yummy and add in a totally different flavor!
Haystack cookies on a plate.

How to Store Leftovers

These cookies are great to make ahead of time! Once the chocolate has cooled then place these in an airtight container on your counter. They will last 4-5 days!

More No Bake Recipes to Try

No bake cookies are fast, easy and delicious! I love that I can whip them together with not much time and everyone loves them! I have gathered a few more of my favorite no bake recipes to try! I’m sure that you will find at least one that you love too. Or, you can try them all… I mean they are that good!

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No Bake Haystack Cookies (2 Ways!)

Haystack cookies are perfect for the holidays! They are festive, have the perfect crunch, and are so good that you won't be able to stop at just one!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword haystack cookies
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 24 haystacks
Calories 719kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

White Chocolate Haystacks:

  • 4 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup peanuts optional
  • 4 cups chow mein noodles

Chocolate Haystacks:

  • 2 cups semisweet chocolates
  • 2 cups butterscotch
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 4 cups chow mein noodles

Instructions

To make the white chocolate haystacks:

  • In a large microwave-safe bowl add the White Chocolate Chips Microwave stirring after every 30 seconds until melted and smooth. Add in marshmallows and stir and cook for 30 more seconds.
  • Add in the bag of chow Mein noodles and mix until combined. Scoop out 2 tablespoons of the mixture and place on parchment paper. Top with sprinkles

To make the chocolate haystacks:

  • In a large microwave-safe bowl add the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter. Microwave stirring after every 30 seconds until melted and smooth.
  • Add in the bag of chow Mein noodles and mix until combined. Scoop out 2 tablespoons of the mixture and place on parchment paper. Top With sprinkles

Nutrition

Calories: 719kcal | Carbohydrates: 102g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 561mg | Potassium: 227mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 4mg


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सोमवार, 6 दिसंबर 2021

Roasted Brown Butter Honey Garlic Carrots

Roasted brown butter honey garlic carrots make an excellent side dish. Roasted to tender perfection in the most incredible sauce these will become a new favorite! 

I love these tried and true carrots! They are a MUST TRY side dish and go so well with these Green Beans with Bacon, Cauliflower, or Mashed Potatoes.

Roasted Brown Butter Honey Garlic Carrots

Roasted Brown Butter Honey Garlic Carrots

A good side dish is something that I think everyone needs to have on hand. I looooove these carrots because the brown butter glaze really takes them to the next level! The taste is so delicious and goes with just about everything. Plus, they are SO easy to make! Tastes good and is easy to make is a win-win! I mean, it doesn’t get much better than that! Try making this salad, these rolls, and this asparagus to go with them!

Brown butter is life. I am convinced that it makes everything better. This made me want to create something with this perfect combination! I made these carrots only once and they turned out more than perfect. They are soft, a little crispy, and had just the right amount of flavor to them. My family ate these carrots before we even finished sitting down together. They are simple to make and taste just SOO GOOD.

Ingredients to Make Brown Butter Honey Garlic Carrots

These tried and true carrots make such a perfect side to your next meal. I promise that you will agree that these carrots are the best that you have ever had! See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

  • Carrots: You can use large carrots and cut them up or you can use baby carrots instead!
  • Butter: I used unsalted butter in this recipe!
  • Honey: The honey brings in a sweet taste without being too much.
  • Garlic cloves: If you don’t have any cloves then you can just use minced garlic! ½ tsp equals about 1 clove of garlic.
  • Salt and pepper: I use this to tatste so it’s all about personal preference.
  • Parsley: If you decide to use this as a garnish, fresh parsley works the best!

Let’s Make Brown Butter Honey Garlic Carrots!

I love to roast my veggies because it gives them a tender center and a crisp edge. It only takes about 15 minutes until these carrots are done and they are going to really be the star of the dinner table.

  1. Preheat oven and cook butter: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a medium saucepan add the butter and cook over medium high heat. Continue to whisk for a few minutes until the butter starts to become frothy and brown. Add the honey and garlic and remove from heat.
  2. Toss and season: In a large bowl add the carrots and drizzle the sauce on top. Toss until coated and spread evenly on a large baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Bake and garnish: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until carrots are tender. I like to cover with foil for the first 10 minutes and then remove and let roast and brown for the last 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.
Roasted Brown Butter Honey Garlic Carrots close up.

Do Carrots Have to be Peeled before Cooking?

This brown butter carrots recipe can be made with large carrots or baby carrots. Baby carrots come already peeled so it doesn’t matter with those. It’s just the large carrots! But, when it comes down to it, you don’t ever really have to peel carrots. As long as you wash and scrub them well to remove dirt and any debris, unpeeled carrots are perfectly safe (and delicious) to eat. Some people don’t like the taste of carrot skin and say it has an unpleasant, bitter taste.

Roasted carrots spread out on a trayl

How to Make These Ahead of Time

These brown butter carrots are so good and something that you will be tempted to add to every meal that you make! Here is how you can store them to eat later!

  • Make ahead of time: Carrots may be prepared up to 3 days ahead. Once you have cooked them according to the directions, wait for them to cool. Cover them in an airtight container and refrigerate them. When you are ready to eat them then toss cook them on the stove over medium-high heat. Stir and toss them constantly until the carrots are tender and well glazed. This takes about 5 minutes!

More Delicious Carrot Recipes to Try

If you loved these carrots then I have a few more recipes that you MUST TRY. They are so good and are also a side dish that can go with just about anything! Carrots are one of the easiest veggies to cook which makes them even more appealing! Try some of these out, you (and your kids!) will love them!

A Reader’s Review

Made these for Thanksgiving dinner. They were a big hit! Everyone loved them. Not difficult or time consuming to make!
Karen
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Roasted Brown Butter Honey Garlic Carrots

Roasted brown butter honey garlic carrots make an excellent side dish. Roasted to tender perfection in the most incredible sauce these will become a new favorite! 
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword garlic roasted carrots
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 231kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds large carrots cut into 2 inch pieces (baby carrots will also work)
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3 Tablespoons honey
  • 2 garlic cloves chopped
  • salt and pepper
  • parsley chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a medium saucepan add the butter and cook over medium-high heat. Continue to whisk for a few minutes until the butter starts to become frothy and brown. Add the honey and garlic and remove from heat.
  • In a large bowl add the carrots and drizzle the sauce on top. Toss until coated and spread evenly on a large baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until carrots are tender. (see note) Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

** I like to cover with foil for the first 10 minutes and then remove and let roast and brown for the last 10 minutes.
Updated on December 6, 2021
Originally Posted on March 19, 2019

Nutrition

Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 240mg | Potassium: 498mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 25732IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 1mg


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Easy Christmas Punch (Cranberry Orange Punch)

This easy Christmas punch is delicious and so festive! It’s the perfect punch to serve at your next gathering. It’s for all ages, young and old!

A festive drink makes any gathering that much more special. Try this Root Beer, Pomegranate Lemonade, or Eggnog for some other fun options!

Christmas punch with cranberries and orange slices.

Non-Alcoholic Christmas Punch

I love this punch! The holidays and all of the parties are such a busy time that sometimes, I forget about any drinks at our gatherings! I am usually scrambling to put something together at the last minute so this punch is perfect! It’s quick super easy to put together. Plus, it looks gorgeous and fancy when I’m done! It’s a win-win!

Not only does this punch look great but it tastes delicious too! The flavor is fresh and not something that you taste every day. It’s the perfect addition to any party! You mix cranberry juice and orange juice together and to make it extra special you add in some sparkling soda for a fun fizz. They are a perfect combo when you are looking for something sweet and tart! Plus, it complements just about any food that you eat with it! Give it a try. It’s so simple and easy that you’ve got nothing to lose!

What’s In Cranberry Orange Punch?

It just takes a few ingredients to put this yummy Christmas punch together! See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

  • Orange Juice: Make this from concentrate or buy some ahead of times!
  • Cranberry Juice: You can use whichever cranberry juice is your favorite.
  • Lemon Lime Soda: I used Sprite for thsi recipe but there are so many options, it doesn’t matter which one that you choose.
  • Orange Slices and Cranberries: These are optional but they are a super easy way to make it look fancy!

Let’s Make Some Christmas Punch!

This will take you less than 5 minutes to make but looks like a million bucks! Your family and friends will love it!

  1. Combine, stir and garnish: In a large punch bowl add the orange juice and cranberry juice. Add soda if using. Give it a good stir and garnish with orange slices and cranberries.
Juice being poured into a glass punch bowl.

Variations and Tips

I love this Christmas punch! If you want to change it up so that you can use it a few times over the holiday season, here are some ideas!

  • Soda: To change it up try Ginger Ale, Sparkling Water, or Soda Water so as not to dilute the flavor. There are even flavored sparkling waters that make the cranberry or orange flavor stronger if you want.
  • Juice: There are several cocktail versions of cranberry juice, use whatever you prefer to drink. The 100% Cranberry juice will give you the best cranberry flavor. Just make sure it’s not Cranberry Juice Cocktail… it needs to be Cranberry Juice.
  • Sherbert: To add a little bit of texture and fun then add orange sherbert to the drink.
  • Pineapple: Try adding pineapple juice instead of the orange. It give this punch a whole new flavor!
  • Flavoring:  You can also add ½ tsp almond or vanilla flavoring for more taste.
  • Stir:  Don’t stir once you’ve added the soda, it will deflate the carbonation.
A punch bowl filled with cranberry orange punch that's garnished with orange slices and cranberries.

Serving Options

This Christmas punch is awesome because you can make it look different depending on how you serve it! Here are some examples and ideas for different ways to do that.

  • Bowl: Serving this in a clear bowl shows off the festive garnish and color. If you don’t have one then you can often find cheap ones at a thrift store, dollar store or walmart. Any clear plastic one works great!
  • Mason Jars:  Serve this class pint mason jars for rustic look
  • Top the glasses:  Color sugar red and dip the rim of the glasses in water first then the sugar for a festive look
  • Green:  Add a bit of green to the punch with rosemary or mint leaves or cut limes. They don’t add any flavor but will give a festive color.
  • Glasses: Serve in clear plastic glasses too, so all can see the festive colors.
A glass filled with Christmas punch.

More Delicious Drinks to Try

Fun and festive drinks are such an easy way to bring your get together to the next level! I’ve gathered up a few more of my favorites that you can try all year long! They are all very different so there should be something for everyone! Give them a try, I bet that you end up making them more than once!

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Christmas Punch (Cranberry Orange Punch)

This easy Christmas punch is delicious and so festive! It's the perfect punch to serve at your next gathering… It's for all ages, young and old!
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Keyword christmas punch, cranberry orange punch
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 People
Calories 388kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 4 cups orange juice
  • 4 liters cranberry juice about 16 cups

Optional For Spakling:

  • 2 liters lemon lime soda
  • orange slices for garnish
  • 1 cup real cranberries for garnish

Instructions

  • In a large punch bowl add the orange juice and cranberry juice. Add soda if using. Give it a good stir and garnish with orange slices and cranberries.

Notes

Updated on December 5, 2021
Originally Posted on December 1, 2020

Nutrition

Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 100g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 36mg | Potassium: 633mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 96g | Vitamin A: 473IU | Vitamin C: 109mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg


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रविवार, 5 दिसंबर 2021

Simple Charcuterie Board

A simple charcuterie board is all that you need for any holiday or event! Filled with all of your favorite things, it will for sure be the star of the show!

If you love charcuterie boards and want to see some large ones that are customized for holidays then check out this Fall and this Halloween Charcuterie Board! They are so fancy and gorgeous!

A small and simple charcuterie board.

What IS a Charcuterie Board?

A charcuterie (pronounced shar-Koo-tuh-ree) board is basically a board that has a mixture of different kinds of meats, fruits, and cheeses. Although, you can really make it a mixture of anything that you want! I have made some after-school snacks for my kids that are filled with candy, rice Krispy treats, carrots, and fruit snacks! These boards can be exactly what you want which is what makes them so fun!

If you have no idea where to start then this is the perfect post for you! I am going to go through, step by step, exactly what you need to make a simple charcuterie board. I will tell you what I used and also a bunch of other ideas that you can add to yours as well! By the end, you will be a pro and want to make one for every occasion! Once you start then I bet that you have a hard time not making one for every occasion! Have a party and then make this Hot Crab Dip, this Cranberry Salsa, and these Saucy Asian Meatballs to go with it!

Let’s Start with the Cheese!

Cheese is a great place to start on a simple charcuterie board! I used double cream brie and English cheddar on my board but here is a list of a bunch of options that you can use too! It’s best to have a variety of 4-6 cheeses (depending on how big you want your board to be). So choose your favorites and then start with those!

  • Hard cheese: Asiago, parmesan or aged gouda
  • Firm cheese: Colby jack, cheddar, manchego or gruyere
  • Soft cheese: Marscapone, burrata, double cream brie or muenster cheese.
  • Crumbled cheese: Blue cheese, feta or goat cheese

The flavor of the cheese is the best when the cheese is at room temperature so take your cheese out about 30 minutes before serving! Then, it will taste delicious! You will want to do larger chunks of your hard cheese and cubes of your firm cheese. The soft cheese can then be shaped with cookie cutters to make it look extra fancy!

Let’s Pick Out Which Meat to Use!

I only used Italian dry salami on this board because I just wanted that pretty and simple train of it down the middle of the board. BUT you can add in as many meats as you want to for your board!! Here are a bunch of ideas for meat that you can use and then you can make it your own!

  • Italian Dry Salami
  • Prosciutto
  • Calabrese salami
  • Genoa salami
  • Applewood Smoke Salami
  • Mortadella

Thin slices of meat work best for a simple charcuterie board! They are easy to place on the board and then you can shape them how you like. Plus, they are thin so that people can eat a few different types of meat without filling up on just one kind!

A zoomed in picture of cheese, salami and blueberries.

What Fruit to Use on a Simple Charcuterie Board

The fruit is my favorite part of a charcuterie board! Not only does it add in a much-needed fresh taste but it brings in SO much color! You can cut up the fruit and then add it to the top of your cheese to really take it to the next level! That’s what I did with the pomegranate seeds. Here are a few fruits that I used plus a bunch more ideas so that you can change things up!

  • Dried apricot
  • Strawberries
  • Green grapes
  • Pomegranate
  • Blueberries
  • Red Grapes
  • Raspberries
  • Cantelope
  • Mango
  • Pineapple rings
  • Kiwi
  • Bananas
  • Orange slices

When you have fruit that needs to be sliced (like bananas) then slice those up and place them just before serving so that they don’t brown. It’s usually good to have 4-5 different fruits on a charcuterie board to mix up the taste, texture, and color! Plus, then it will be different every time you make it.

A picture of crackers and pistachios on a charcuterie board.

Crackers and Nuts Are Next!

You will definitely want to add in some crackers to go with all of the meats and cheese! My kids love making little sandwiches out of everything! The nuts are a great addition and can really add some salty taste to everything. I used baked crackers and pistachios on this board but here are some more ideas to mix things up!

Crackers

  • Baked crackers
  • Ritz Crackers
  • Wheat Thins
  • Triscuts
  • Chicken in a Biscuit crackers
  • White Sonora crackers
  • Sea Salt Crackers
  • Rice crackers

Nuts

  • Pistachios
  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Pecans
  • Peanuts
  • Cashews

I also like to switch things up and then add in some slices of Crostini or some Bruschetta to my boards as well! Make sure that if you are adding in any nuts that you don’t have guests who are allergic! If you want to eliminate the nuts altogether then try adding in some seeds or veggies instead. Then you have a board that will work for everyone. I love adding in some roasted pumpkin seeds. They are delicious and easy to eat!

A simple charcuterie board filled with fruits, crackers, nuts and meats.

Last, You Add in the Spreads

The last food item that you need to round up before you put together your simple charcuterie board is some spreads! These add-in a great texture and I really love the look of them on a board too. I didn’t use any spreads on this board pictured but if you want to use some then here are some ideas that I have used in the past:

Get a few small bowls and put some of these spread in them! Then, place them on your board. I think having 2-3 spread options is always a great idea and everyone loves them! It really helps add a lot to the board for looks and taste!

Put it All Together!!

Now, the last step is to put it all together! If you decide to add in some spreads then put those bowls on first so that you can work around them!

  1. Cheese: Start assembling your board by adding the cheeses.
  2. Spread out the meats: Add the meats. Then, shape them like I did on this board or just spread them out and use them in different spots!
  3. Fruit: Add in your fruits.
  4. Finish it up: Fill the board in with crackers and then your nuts.

Use Some Chocolate on Your Simple Charcuterie Board

You don’t have to stick with only meats, cheeses, and nuts for your simple charcuterie board! In fact, I love adding sweet factor-like chocolate candies to all of my boards. Then I have sweet and savory on the same board! Here are a few ideas of extra things that you can switch out or add to your board.

  • Chocolate Covered Almonds
  • Whoppers
  • Ghiradelli Chocolate Squares
  • Cinnamon almonds
  • Caramels
Print

Simple Charcuterie Board

A simple charcuterie board is all that you need for any holiday or event! Filled with all of your favorite things, it will for sure be the star of the show! 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword charcuterie board, simple charcuterie board
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 12 people
Calories 95kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

Meat:

  • 24 slices Italian Dry Salami

Cheese:

  • 1 small wheel Double Cream Brie, cubed
  • 1 wedge English Cheddar, cubed

Fruit:

  • 12 Dried Apricot
  • 4 Strawberries
  • Grapes
  • Pomegranate
  • 15 Blueberries

Nuts and Crackers:

  • Pistachios
  • 1 package Baked crackers

Spreads to serve it with:

  • Honey
  • Jam

Instructions

  • Start assembling your board by adding the cheeses.
  • Next add the meats.
  • Add in your fruits.
  • Fill the board in with crackers and nuts.

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 409mg | Potassium: 169mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 291IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg


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