Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Aunt Esther's Cherry Delight

This is a throwback recipe that was popular in the 1960-70's which my husband enjoyed as a little kid at his Aunt Esther's.  I tweaked the original recipe by doubling the amount of cream cheese, Dream Whip and cherries...yummy!

Cherry Delight
2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 stick margarine or butter
2 packages of 8oz cream cheese
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
2 envelopes of Dream Whip (2 envelopes come in one small package)
2 cans of cherry pie filling

Mix cracker crumbs and margarine or butter in a greased 9 x 13 baking pan and flatten to form a bottom crust.  Bake for 5 minutes in a 350 degree oven.  Whip cream cheese and powdered sugar together and spread on crumbs, then bake for an additional 10 minutes.  (Use a spoon dipped in hot water to help spread the cheese mixture over the crumbs).  Spoon cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, then top with Dream Whip prepared according to package directions.  Allow to chill at least 4 hours before serving.

This is a favorite recipe for family gatherings and holidays.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Ohio Buckeye Candy


The state of Ohio's official state tree is the Buckeye tree, which is also the name of the Ohio State University football team, "The Buckeyes".  Every year, I make candy Buckeye's for the OSU vs. Michigan game.  The candy is made from peanut butter and chocolate shaped to resemble a nut from the buckeye tree.

Buckeye candy is popular in Ohio for football games, holiday parties and other occasions.  GO BUCKS!

I remember making Buckeye's before dipping chocolate was readily available and using paraffin wax mixed with chocolate...yuk!  Here is my recipe that I have tweaked over the years. Enjoy!

2 cups peanut butter
1 stick butter, softened
1 1/2 lbs. powdered sugar
Dipping chocolate

Mix together peanut butter, butter and powdered sugar.  Form into 1 inch balls. Using a toothpick, dip balls into melted dipping chocolate, leaving the top peanut butter mixture exposed, (to resemble a buckeye nut).  Refrigerate, then seal the hole made by the toothpick by smoothing it with the back of a spoon or finger dipped in water.