Fat Frog Diary

Gruesome Green Toes Cookies   Intro:  Easy and no cooking! Wilton Candy Melts to the rescue again! And they already have green shades. My church family loved them. Notes: 1. The correct shape for "toes" are found in cookies like Nutter Butter. If you have a guest with a peanut allergy, use a homemade sugar cookie dough and roll out some nice thick toe-shaped cookies for them to enjoy. Just be sure to keep the peanut cookies very separate from non-peanut cookies during all stages.  2. Crows licorice candies are already in the correct shape, once you halve them. Dots also have a licorice black inside, though you may have to search a few boxes. I'm also told black gumdrops work but can be difficult to get enough black.  Sources 1. Crows licorice candies:  Amazon.com : Crows Licorice Flavored Gumdrops : Gummy Candy : Grocery & Gourmet Food Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and

Wiggly-Worm Baked Apples Baked apples made spooky. Notes: 1. Gummy Worms are easy to find on Amazon. I'm too lazy to make up the Jello Jigglers recipe and pour it into straws to make my own worms, but you could if you need a sugar-free alternative. Allow one extra day to make the worms if making homemade. 2. Use scissors to cut up the apricots. It's faster than gumming up your knives.  Sources 1. How to make Jello Jiggler worms:  Bowl of Worms: How to Make Jello Worms (onelittleproject.com) Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of

BEEFY MACARONI SKILLET   Why pay for a certain hamburger pasta box when you can do it yourself for less money and less preservatives? This recipe doubles easily for more servings or is easily upcycled.  Notes: 1. This is an easy recipe to "upcycle" with a cup or two of vegetables of any kind, like mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, or any of the mixed vegetables available in bags and boxes. What are your favorite veggies to throw in?  2. Before serving, top with some more cheese.  Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. Lena Austin www.fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com  

I'm inspired.  This is a classic beef stew, but I'm inspired by cutting the carrots into pumpkin shapes and putting eyes on the mushrooms. How fun is this?  I wonder if I have the gumption to add to it with turnip or rutabaga carvings? It bears thinking about. 

UKRAINIAN BORSCHT This recipe is from my teenage years, cut out of a Better Homes and Garden or Family Circle magazine. Family Circle is no longer in publication.   I have a much-beloved Dutch oven, purchased less than a year ago, after fighting the expense and refusing to pay that much for a pot. Now I'm sorry I waited so long. It really does allow me to brown a meat on the stovetop, then pop the whole thing in the oven if required, but it has the versatility of simmering all day on the stove if that's what's needed as in this recipe.  Yes, this is a recipe using beets. I recommend serving it first at Halloween time because of the color. You can call it Vampire Stew and tell the diners it's red to attract vampires. Use the fancy baby potatoes and cut them into skulls by digging out eye holes and slicing the smaller end to have "teeth." The carrots can be cut into coins and then shaped into pumpkins to add a real Halloween flair.  Disclaimer: I am not a chef,

Pumpkin Mousse Pumpkin everything for the next two months! This is a delicious creamy cool dessert that's perfect if the weather is warm, but you are still in the pumpkin mood.  Notes: 1. Whip the whipping cream up first and set aside in the fridge, or at least whip it up while the pumpkin is baking.  2.  The pumpkin itself is cooked mainly to provide a safe vessel for the mousse to be served from. It's not cooked thoroughly, so it will hold its shape but still be safe. You can do without the pumpkin serving vessel and just use any food safe bowl you might have that works with your Halloween theme.  ************** Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on produc

Gooey Caramel Apple Bars Intro: For the church fellowship hour, or feeding the kids after decorating for Halloween, these are great. This recipe yields 2 dozen, so be prepared to share.  Notes: 1. This recipe hearkens back to Ye Olden Days when many desserts were served as a two-crust "pie" that literally stood on its own.  2. Cool the 15x10 baking dish thoroughly to allow all that gooey caramel apple filling to soak in and firm up a bit or you'll have a lava-hot gooey mess. This is a safety concern, since many of us have a "Sneaky Pete" who will try to abscond with a cookie without permission.  Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small com

Yogurt Filled Chocolate Cauldrons These are not as difficult as they look! Use foil muffin cup liners because the paper ones won't stand up to the challenge. Make the chocolate cauldrons thick so they're easier to handle.  Notes: 1. Make the cups in advance. You can either use the method above or use Wilton Candy Melts.  2. The candy sticks mentioned above can sometimes be found under the name Pocky. 3. There are many sources of paste food coloring including Wilton, Michaels, and Amazon. I'm a Wilton snob, but that's my experience. YMMV!  Sources 1. Pocky Sticks-  Glico Pocky Chocolate Covered Biscuit Sticks 2.47oz : Target 2. Wilton Candy Melts:  Candy Melts (wilton.com) Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.)

Spiderweb Trap Intro: A deliciously different way to have spaghetti squash and potato gnocchi.  Notes: 1. Warning: Do not use cheap gnocchi for this. Get the good stuff, not the dollar store variety.  Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what's available online.  Lena Austin www.fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com

  Mexican (Style) Casserole Cultural Appropriation is not my thing, so I'm calling this recipe from the 1970's "Mexican STYLE Casserole."  Notes: 1. There's a Mexican style blend of cheese shreds available to use in place of the American Cheese Food slices. Get as cheesy as you like!  ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what's available online.  Lena Austin www.fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com    

Mixed Berry Crumble My DP Dave can be difficult to please because he's a former professional cook. He's not afraid to offer praise and criticism when it comes to a new dish. This is one of the few that only got one response: a moan of pleasure and an empty plate.   This is the beauty of impossibly easy pies from Bisquick. An internet search will give you many choices.  RECIPE INGREDIENTS Streusel:    1/2 cup Bisquick 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup chopped nuts 2 Tablespoons cold butter or margarine *** Pie Filling:  1 12-oz bag frozen mixed berries 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg *** The Magic of Impossible Pies: 1/4 cup Bisquick 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup milk 1 Tablespoon butter 2 eggs METHOD 1. Mix the streusel in a small bowl and set aside. Heat oven to 325F.  2. While the original recipe calls for a pie pan or 8x8 baking dish, I recommend muffin tins. Spray your chosen baking dish with cooking spray.  3. Mix the berries, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Arrange i

  Vegetable Chowder While not vegan, it *could* be with a few adjustments. After all, vegetable broth is readily available and easy to keep around. You might have to experiment with substitutions for light cream. Nut milks, coconut milk, and hemp milk might be good alternatives.  Notes: 1. Rutabaga is in season October and November in the US, but easily found until March.  2. Parsnips are in season October through May, and usually sweeter than carrots.  ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what's avai

Witch's Broomstick Bread Intro:  Easier than it looks to make, but there is an alternative for those who are uncomfortable with making their own bread dough.  Notes: 1. Intimidated? Don't worry! Just use refrigerated bread dough or, if you have one, the pizza dough recipe from your bread machine. Just follow your bread dough directions to thaw and/or rise and then start this recipe at Step 3.  2. Just any marinara sauce you want, not just meatless. Give everyone their own cup/mug of marinara sauce and let them dip away.  Sources Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on produc

Black Cat Dippers and Pumpkin Pie Dip Intro:  Refrigerator pie dough makes this easy.  Notes:  1. Watch the pie pastry dough cats carefully. I burned the edges of the first set. Have extra dippers like ladyfingers and other plain, non-crumbly cookies ready.  2. To avoid double-dipping and other sanitation sins, serve the dip in individual cups like 9-oz paper cups with a Halloween theme.  Paper cups make clean-up easier.  Sources: Taste of Home Halloween, October 5, 2010 Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what's available online.

  Skillet Chicken and Mushrooms Another classic from Campell's Soups made for the electric skillet. Notes: 1. As I've said before, the amount of chicken you buy can vary depending on your needs. If you can afford a broiler-fryer chicken, get a whole one and cut it up yourself. There are plenty of YouTube tutorials if you don't know how.  Sources:  Electric Skillet:  Amazon.com: BELLA Electric Skillet and Frying Pan with Glass Lid, Nonstick Coating, Cool Touch Handles, Removable Heating Probe, Dishwasher Safe, 12 x 12 inch, Copper: Home & Kitchen ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally

Pork Chop Skillet Dinner Another Campell's to the rescue meal for the busy cook. Because this recipe uses one skillet, it's an energy saver too. This is important when you don't want to heat up the kitchen too much.  Notes:  1. If you have an electric skillet, this is the time to drag it out and use it. You can brown the chops, remove them, cook the onions and rice, add in the broth, juice, parsley and chops, cover and cook, all in one pan.  2. I personally just buy individual serving boxes or cans of orange juice and keep them handy. They're shelf stable and easy to grab and go.  Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. Lena Austin

  Ingredients 1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz) 1/2 cup Bisquick™ Original Pancake & Baking Mix 1 cup milk 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vegetable oil Optional: Cheese slices to make pumpkin faces.  Make With Bisquick Steps Hide Images 1 Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 9-inch glass pie plate with cooking spray. 2 In 10-inch skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain. Stir in salt. Spread in pie plate. Sprinkle with cheese. 3 In medium bowl, stir remaining ingredients with fork or wire whisk until blended. Pour into pie plate. Tip: To add Pumpkin faces, use a pumpkin cookie cutter on cheese slices. Put them on the pie about 10 minutes before serving.  4 Bake 29 to 33 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens tip 1 This recipe has been on the Bisquick™ mix

  Pineapple Pound Cake  This one requires the use of a stand mixer, if you have one. You can do this with a hand mixer or mix by hand, but I personally don't have the stamina or the time. Stand mixers that come with a whisk and a dough hook are just fine. You don't have to spend a fortune.  Notes: 1. I used Butter Flavored Crisco sticks for easy measuring of the shortening and to add that little bit of extra butter flavor.  Sources: Stand mixer (Example)  Amazon.com: Kitchen in the box Stand Mixer,3.2Qt Small Electric Food Mixer,6 Speeds Portable Lightweight Kitchen Mixer for Daily Use with Egg Whisk,Dough Hook,Flat Beater (Blue): Home & Kitchen ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Som

Sauerkraut Soup with Sausage This is one of the oldest recipes in my collection, dating from somewhere around 1975. Since it's been torn, I'll fill in the blanks on the ingredient list.  RECIPE INGREDIENTS  2 strips bacon, chopped 1 medium onion, minced 1/2 tsp paprika 1 can (I lb) of sauerkraut, drained and rinsed 6 cups bouillon (see notes)  2 cups diced red or yellow potatoes 1 bay leaf 1 1-lb ready to eat Kielbasa, cut into bite-sized pieces Salt and pepper, to taste Chopped parsley for garnish, if desired Notes 1. Better than Bouillon has a ham flavor, which would work well to give more of a pork flavor. If you can't find Better than Bouillon at your supermarket, use chicken broth. I've provided a link below so you can purchase online if desired.  2. I don't bother peeling my potatoes. If you don't mind the peel, leave it on and just dice the potatoes into bite-sized bits. I recommend using red or yellow potatoes because they are slightly firmer t

  Tuna Broccoli Bake This is similar to the famous Impossible Pies, but more like a casserole in some ways. It's a great way to have a quick little lunch or light dinner before going  out. Notes: 1. Definitely use a square pan if you want the even, perfect servings for six.  2. If it's still a bit soggy in the middle after 40 minutes baking, turn off the oven and allow it to coast to its final destination for another 15 minutes.  Source not available.  ************************ Disclaimer: I am not a chef, nor a licensed food service professional of any kind. I'm a grandmother who loves to cook and loves efficient cooking. Anything I post has been checked out by me, but in no way do I guarantee that my suggestions will work for you. YMMV (Your mileage may vary.) Some links may give the original poster a small commission on products sold via the link. I personally am not an affiliate, nor do I earn commissions on products. The links provided are examples of what'