Caramel Fruit Dip

This is a recipe that I have had for a while, found somewhere by my mother. It is easy to take to a party or picnic and everyone loves it so much that I couldn't resist posting it for everyone was asking for the recipe. I believe my Mom got the recipe from a Watkins distributor. To make this delicious dip, you will need to find one too, or you can purchase it online from Watkins.

Caramel Fruit Dip
1 8-ounce package of Neufchâtel or cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Caramel extract
2 tablespoons skim milk

Combine all ingredients and blend well. Serve chilled with assorted fruit and make sure that you have plenty because it goes FAST!

Coconut Clodhoppers

I dread the thought of making cookies. I don't know where this comes from, but because of it but I avoid baking at all costs. We all have obstacles to overcome! Actually, I don't think I could ever bake a better cookie than my sister Kathy. People stop in their tracks when she brings out her cookies. I swear she could be a millionaire cookie mogul if she would find herself a commercial kitchen and get baking. As for me, I can melt stuff really good - like these Coconut Clodhoppers.

Coconut Clodhoppers
1 box honey graham cracker cereal
6 cups white chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups sweetened coconut
1 1/2 cups crushed salted cashews

Combine cashews, cereal and coconut in a large mixing bowl. Melt white chocolate in a double boiler and pour into mixing bowl. Mix well and spread on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and chill until solid. When hardened, break into little pieces and enjoy.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bacon Bars

Warning: this blog post contains pork which may not be suitable for all viewers. Oh yes, three sinful delights all combined into one treat - bacon, chocolate and peanut butter. After posting my favorite peanut butter bacon sandwich, it only seemed natural to add the chocolate. After all, to many devotees, bacon is indeed meat candy. The combination of smoke, sweet and salt are combined beautifully into one delicious treat. 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bacon Bars
2 lbs lean smoked bacon
2 16-ounce bags semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter chips

Line a cookies sheet with aluminum foil and set aside. In a skillet, fry bacon strips until crispy, making sure that all of the bacon is cooked and evenly done. Crumble into pieces and set aside. In double boiler, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips until smooth. Microwave 1/2 cup of peanut butter chips until smooth. Add 2/3 of the bacon to the chocolate and pour into cookie sheet, spreading to a thin layer. Pour remaining bacon pieces along with the peanut butter chips on top and press gently into the chocolate. Chill in the refrigerator until set. Cut into small bars and serve.

Rice Pudding

I you were to put a dessert selection in front of me you would find that I would grab the tapioca before the cake. Sweet and creamy always comes first. The little bumps in rice pudding are far better than a cake to me. When I was growing up, Mom always made box pudding or jello for dessert. And yes, we did typically have dessert with every meal which we ate at home - every day. I only remember my Mom making this once. It's my grandmother's recipe, and I appreciate it much more than I did back then.

I like this best warm from the oven. The raisins are all soft and everything is singing sweet comfort.

Rice Pudding
1 cup cooked rice
3/4 cup golden raisins
1 can evaporated milk
1/4 cup water
2 large eggs
1/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine cooked rice and raisins in a 1 quart casserole; set aside. In mixing bowl, beat together remaining ingredients until smooth; pour over rice and raisins. Place casserole in pan of hot water. Bake at 350 for 50 to 60 minutes or until custard is set. Be careful not to overcook as it will dry out. You can stir in a couple of tablespoons of butter at this point, for extra moisture and flavor. Cool and serve. Garnish with cinnamon and currants if desired.