A Recipe: Stowe Treats

Yesterday was my department's annual Holiday Potluck lunch! Even though my Administrative Assistant, Terrie, threatened to never speak to me again, I didn't make my traditional Trifle this time (I now owe her an extra big one on her birthday).

Instead, I made Stowe Treats! I had no idea what they were called until I made them for Sidesmas on Saturday and Becca exclaimed "STOWE TREATS!". Apparently her upstate New York family goes to Stowe, Vermont to ski (because its not cold enough in upstate New York?) and they make these all the time. Also, John kept calling them "crackers with brown sauce" which I hated. So here you go: Stowe Treats!

Here's what you need: 
1. Two sleeves of Saltine crackers
2. Two sticks of butter (two and a half if you're making a big batch)
3. One cup brown sugar (one and a half for a big batch)
4. Assorted candy for the top (optional)

"Recipe" (see how that's in quotes? Its not that serious) 
1. Lay out about 45 Saline crackers on a tin foil-ed cookie sheet while pre-heating your oven to 325 degrees

2. In a sauce pan (I used a pot because I like the extra security of the high sides so nothing goes over), melt two sticks of butter (cubed) over medium to high heat. Once butter is melted, slowly pour in brown sugar while stirring (this is important, otherwise it sticks!)

3. Once the mixture is boiling, lower the heat and stir for another two minutes. Then pour mixture on to crackers. Its going to look gross but you just have to go with it

4. Put them in the oven for 6-8 minutes (check them to make sure they don't overcook)

5. While they're baking, put your candy in a ziplock bag (I did plain and peanut butter M&Ms) and hit the heck out of them with a wooden spoon (how much are you guys enjoying these pictures? Enjoy my slippers in this next shot)

6. Once done, take crackers out of the oven and sprinkle candy on top. Let sit for at least 90 minutes before cutting (I suggest a pizza cutter). Put them in the refrigerator over night to be extra sure they're set.

Voila! Your colleagues will be super impressed...except for Terrie who will tell you that she is still mad at you even after you tell her how heavy a trifle is to carry on the train. Everyone else though will give you high fives!

DIY Christmas Tree Garland

Well I'm about to do something I never thought I'd do on this blog. I'm going to give you a crochet pattern. For ADORABLE Christmas garland for your tree! 

You're welcome/I'm sorry, depending on your feelings about crocheting. 

Easy Crochet Christmas Tree Garland
Adapted from here

1. Make a loop of yarn around your crochet hook, leaving a three- or four-inch yarn tail. Crochet three chain stitches
2. Double-crochet (dc) three times into the third chain stitch (the first two chain stitches count as first dc) for a total of 4 dc
3. Chain three, turn work, dc three times into first chain stitch (remaining two chain stitches count as fourth dc). Repeat until garland is desired length

4. Cut yarn, leaving about three inches of yarn tail. Remove the crochet hook from the last loop and slip the tail of yarn into the loop. Pull to tighten

How to Impress at Your Office Holiday Party!

Last Friday, my office hosted its annual holiday potluck. Last year I was relatively new in the office, and didn't fully understand the scope of this tradition. I can't even remember what I brought (soda, maybe?) which obviously means that it was lackluster.

This year I knew I had to step it up. Yet on Thursday night, I had zero desire to bake something. So I present to you, an assembled dessert.

"Homemade" trifle requiring zero baking. You don't even have to go near your oven! Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients: 
-Trifle bowl (my Aunt Kathy bought me mine and I found this one for you in case you need one. Its totally necessary for the wow factor)
-Entenmann's pound cake
-Cool Whip
-Pie filling (of any flavor, I used raspberry but cherry, blueberry or apple would work, too)
*Note: you can really do this with any flavors. I've also done brownies and pudding and it comes great.

Here's what you do:

1. Take the pound cake out of the box and cut it into half inch slices

2. Place slices in the bottom of the bowl. You're going to have spaces that aren't filled with cake. Fear not!

3. Open can of pie filling and layer approximately half the can onto the first layer of cake

4. Open Cool Whip and layer on top of pie filling. You're going to have to eyeball it at this point and don't worry if some of the Cool Whip gets pie filling in it. It happens...there are more layers to disguise the error

5. Repeat! After Cool Whip, make another layer of cake, followed by pie filling, followed by more Cool Whip. Make as many layers as will fit in your bowl. I bought three of everything, and ended up with a lot of extras, so I made us a Travel Trifle for our trip with friends to the Catskills

You're going to see trifles on Pinterest that look perfect. No trifle I have ever made looks like that. The layers are messy and a little smudged. But trust me, no one cares. The whole thing went at the potluck and I've already told our Administrative Assistant she'll be getting a cherry one for her birthday in March. Good luck and happy office party season!