Glory Bee Crafts & Recipes

Pecan Pie in a Mug Recipe from: Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug

2011-09-30T22:42:00.000-05:00

Pecan Pie Mug Mix from: Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug

3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans

3 tablespoons brown sugar, firmly packed

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons egg white powder or meringue powder

1/2 tablespoon instant nonfat dry milk

1/16 teaspoon baking powder

Dash of salt

Blend all ingredients together and place in a small zipper-type bag if using at a later date or giving as a gift.

To prepare: Microwave 1-1/2 tablespoons butter or margarine in a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug until melted. Empty pie mix into mug and add 3 tablespoons of water; stirring with a fork until blended. Microwave on 60% power for 2 minutes. Let stand in the microwave 2 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand until cool enough to eat.

Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug^® (Third Edition)

With thousands of copies of the Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug cookbook now in print, dessert-lovers around the world are enjoying these quick and delicious treats.

The Third Edition includes more than 100 single-serving mix recipes for desserts, breakfast treats and hot beverages that are prepared, cooked and served in a mug in less than 5 minutes, like Chocolate Brownie, Apple Pie, Blueberry-Lemon Coffee Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Coffee Banana Scone and Chai Tea Latte.

Stir up a mix anytime you want a treat, or make them ahead of time for later use. They’re perfect for today’s on-the-go families, singles, seniors, college dorm students and RV travelers. They make fun cooking projects for kids and unique, inexpensive gifts, like “Birthday Cake in a Mug”. Size: 5.5” X 8.5”, 120 pages, Paperback. $9.95

Order from Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com, and Amazon.com

Visit the “Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug” Blog

Lime Sherbet Punch From: A Taste of Memories: Comforting Foods From Our Past

2011-08-26T19:50:00.000-05:00

During the 1960s the “in” party punch served at all wedding and baby showers was Sherbet Punch. This frosty concoction is simple to make, and you can use any flavor of sherbet you like to complement your party theme colors.

Lime Sherbet Punch

1 (half-gallon) carton Lime Sherbet (or flavor of your choice)
2 (32 ounce) bottles ginger ale, 7-Up or Sprite, chilled

Place sherbet in punch bowl and slice into chunks. Slowly pour in ginger ale and mix well. Makes 16-18 (6-ounce) servings.

A Taste of Memories: Comforting Foods From Our Past

More than 100 recipes for favorite American comfort foods, spanning a period from the early 1900s to 1980s, plus a bit of history about popular food trends during each decade and family comfort food stories and photos that will warm your heart as well as your tummy. These recipes are simple, hearty fare, but all are tried and true family favorites, like meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, chicken pot pie, banana pudding and more. Size: 8.25”X8.25”, paperback, 108 pages. Price: $8.95

Visit the Taste of Memories Blog.

Get a sneak Preview of this book on Google Book Search

View a musical greeting card with recipes from this book.

Order from Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com, and Amazon.com

Lavender and Herb Mug Mat from: Lavender Sensations: Fragrant Herbs For Home & Bath

2011-08-26T13:41:00.003-05:00

Keep this mug mat on your desk to rest your warm coffee or tea mug. The energizing scent from the herbal blend will help keep you alert.

2 (5”) squares of cotton or homespun fabric
3 tablespoons dried lavender buds
2 tablespoons dried peppermint leaves
2 tablespoons dried sage leaves
2 teaspoons dried lemon peel
2 tablespoons flaxseed for filler

Using a 1/4” seam allowance, sew the two cotton squares together, right sides facing each other, around three sides of the square. Turn the bag right side out. In a small bowl, blend the herbs and filler together. Pour the mixture into the cotton bag. Turn under the raw edges of the open end of the bag 1/4” and stitch the opening closed.

Lavender Sensations: Fragrant Herbs for Home & Bath

More than 40 fun and easy to make projects for relaxing bath mixtures, stimulating beauty scrubs, stress reducing eye pillows, lavender soap, fragrant mug mats, closet fresheners, pomanders, sachets and delectable treats and mixes to give as gifts to friends and co-workers. Size: 5.5” X 8.5”, paperback, 60 pages.

Visit the Lavender Sensations Blog

Get a Sneak Preview of this book on Google Book Search.

View a Musical Card with Sample Projects from this book.

Order from Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com, and Amazon.com.

Chill Out with a Roast Beef Pasta Salad from Cool & Refreshing Pasta Salads Cookbook

2011-06-07T15:24:00.003-05:00

2 cups penne pasta

1-1/2 cups deli roast beef, diced

1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

1/2 cup thinly sliced celery

1/4 cup chopped dill pickle

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

DRESSING:

1/4 cup milk

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon dried dill weed

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Dash ground black pepper

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine pasta, beef, green and red peppers, celery, pickle and onion. In a medium bowl, combine milk, mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, garlic powder and pepper. Pour over pasta mixture and toss to coat. Cover and chill 2 hours or until ready to serve. Yield: 4-6 servings.

Cool & Refreshing Pasta Salads (E-Booklet)

This booklet has 20 recipes for cool and refreshing pasta salads that you can put together in a jiffy and make ahead of time for quick and satisfying meals for lunch or dinner, like Beef & Black Bean Pasta Salad, Oriental Chicken Pasta Salad, Spicy Shrimp Pasta Salad and Strawberry-Melon Pasta Salad. 24 pages. E-Booklet sent to you by e-mail for viewing or printing: $3.49

Try some of the recipes on The Cozy Kitchen Website

Buy this e-booklet from Blue Sage Press

Easy-To-Make Gift For a Special Teacher

2011-05-08T10:28:00.004-05:00

As the school year ends, don't forget to thank the hard working teachers. Make this easy muffin mix in a mug gift that any teacher would enjoy.

Applesauce Oatmeal Muffin Mug Mix Gift For an A+ Teacher

3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed

2-1/2 tablespoons flour

1-1/2 tablespoons quick cooking oats

1 teaspoon egg white powder

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon baking soda

1/16 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Pinch of ground cloves

Dash of salt

Blend ingredients together and place in a small zipper-type bag.

Additional ingredients: 1 (2.5 ounce) jar of applesauce (baby food)

Cinnamon Sugar (optional)

(Make your own cinnamon sugar by mixing 1 tablespoon granulated sugar with 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Store in an airtight container.)

To give as a gift: Place bag of mix inside a tissue-lined 12-ounce microwave-safe mug, along with the 2.5-ounce jar of applesauce. Cut out an apple-shaped sign from card stock and write “A+ Teacher” on it using a marker. Tape the sign to a straw. Insert inside the mug, along with cooking instructions shown below.

To prepare: Microwave 1 tablespoon butter or margarine in a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug until melted. Stir 2 tablespoons of applesauce into mug. Empty muffin mix into mug and add 1-1/2 tablespoons water; stirring with a fork until blended. Optional: Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon Sugar on top of batter. Microwave on 60% power for 2-1/2 minutes. Let stand in oven 2 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand until cool enough to eat.

Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug

More than 100 single-serving mix recipes for desserts, breakfast treats and hot beverages that are prepared, cooked and served in a mug in less than 5 minutes, like Chocolate Brownie, Apple Pie, Blueberry-Lemon Coffee Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Coffee Banana Scone and Chai Tea Latte. Stir up a mix anytime you want a treat, or make them ahead of time for later use. They’re perfect for today’s on-the-go families, singles, seniors, college dorm students and RV travelers. They make fun cooking projects for kids and unique, inexpensive gifts, like “Birthday Cake in a Mug”. Size: 5.5” X 8.5”, 120 pages, Paperback. $9.95

Visit the “Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug” Blog for More Free Recipes

Order from Blue Sage Press, Create Space.com or Amazon.com

Make Mom a Special Mother's Day Breakfast: Chocolate Chunk Scones with Chocolate Butter

2011-04-27T15:30:00.004-05:00

Treat Mom to an extra-special breakfast on Mother's Day with these scrumptious Chocolate Chunk Scones and Chocolate Butter from my cookbook: Hand Over the Chocolate & No One Gets Hurt!

Chocolate Chunk Scones

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 large egg, slightly beaten

1/2 cup half-and-half

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 squares of semi-sweet baking chocolate, chopped

Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, mix together egg, half-and-half and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Stir in chocolate. Add a bit more flour if dough seems too sticky. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead 8-10 times or until smooth. Pat into a 7” circle, about 3/4” thick. Cut into 8 pie-shaped wedges. Or roll dough to 3/4” thickness and cut out circles with a 2-1/2” biscuit cutter or a 1-1/2” cutter for mini-scones. Brush tops with milk and sprinkle with sugar. Place 1” apart on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes (15-18 minutes for mini scones) or until golden brown.

Chocolate Butter

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

In a small bowl, beat ingredients together until fluffy. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Soften for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Hand Over the Chocolate & No One Gets Hurt!

The perfect cookbook for chocoholics everywhere—78 decadent chocolate dessert recipes: like Death By Chocolate Cookies, Chocolate Truffle Pie, Rich Chocolate Gravy & Chocolate Mocha Punch, plus a few tasty mixes to give as gifts. Includes chocolate history, amusing quotes & interesting trivia plus fun ideas for chocolate theme parties, games, activities, decorations & guest favors. A delightful cookbook no true chocolate-lover should be without! Size: 5.5”X8.5”, paperback, 76 pages. $7.95

Get a Sneak Preview of this book on Google Book Search.

View a Musical Card with Sample Recipes from this book.

Order from Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com, and Amazon.com.

Visit the Hand Over the Chocolate Blog for more free recipes.

Bunny Trail (Holiday) Snack Mix From: Quick Gifts From the Kitchen

2011-04-09T22:24:00.000-05:00

These festive little bags of snack mix make great Easter gifts.

2 (10 oz.) packages miniature peanut butter sandwich cookies

2 (6 oz.) packages sweetened dried cranberries

1 (16 oz.) package Easter colored M & M’s or peanut M & M’s

2 (10 oz.) packages buttery toffee popcorn with peanuts

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Place about 1 cup of snack mix in a cellophane bag (clear or printed with Holiday designs) and tie closed with a satin ribbon bow.

Quick Gifts From the Kitchen: No Cooking Required

More than 50 recipes for tasty mixes—no cooking required. Help cut your gift-giving budget with these inexpensive, handmade gifts. Includes a guide for assembling gift baskets, directions for making fabric gift bags & decorating paper gift sacks, creative ideas for packaging, and cooking instruction tags to photocopy and cut out. Size: 5.5”X8.5”, paperback, 72 pages. $6.95.

Order from Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com, and Amazon.com.

Visit the Quick Gifts From the Kitchen Blog for more Free Recipes

Bacon Cheddar Deviled Eggs From: The Devilicious Deviled Eggs Cookbook

2011-04-05T19:45:00.008-05:00

Need a way to use up some of those Easter eggs? Try the recipe below from my e-booklet, Devilicious Deviled Eggs.

Bacon Cheddar Deviled Eggs

12 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and cut in half lengthwise

1/2 cup mayonnaise

4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

3 tablespoons finely shredded cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon honey mustard (or 1-1/2 teaspoons mustard

and 1-1/2 teaspoons honey)

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Paprika (optional)

Place yolks in a bowl and mash with a fork. Stir in mayonnaise, bacon, cheese, honey mustard, salt and pepper. Spoon filling into egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika if desired. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Devilicious Deviled Eggs E-Booklet

The 21 recipes in this e-booklet aren’t just your everyday variety of deviled eggs. With tasty combinations like Bacon Ranch Tomato, Shrimp Cocktail, Lemon Curry, and Dilly Cucumber you’ll keep your guests coming back for more. Also includes helpful hints for cooking perfect hard-boiled eggs. E-Booklet, sent to you by e-mail for viewing or printing. 20 pages. $3.49

Order this e-booklet from Blue Sage Press

Get more Free recipes on The Cozy Kitchen Website

See all my fun cookbooks on the Blue Sage Press Cookbooks Page

Celebrate Spring with an Herb Garden Tea Party

2011-03-19T15:52:00.006-05:00

An herb garden tea party is fun to have outside in the garden or on the porch or patio during the spring.

Glue the invitation to the back of a packet of herb seeds and mail in an envelope. Ask your guests to wear pretty straw garden hats and spring colors.

Use a colorful garden or herb print fabric to cover your table and make matching napkins if you sew. Your centerpiece can be a watering can filled with fresh herbs or several herb plants in terra cotta pots. Serve your food in terra cotta pots and saucers lined with garden-print fabric.

Serve Herbal Tea Blend (recipe below), Salmon & Dill Tea Sandwiches (page 42), Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes (page 48), Rosemary Mini Scones (page 31) with Herb Butter (page 34), Mint Nut Tea Bread (recipe below) and Lavender Tea Cookies (page 73).

For a fun activity give each guest a pen and piece of writing paper and see how many herbs they can write down in one minute. Or place a teaspoon of 8-10 dried herbs into tiny cups and ask your guests to identify them by sight and/or smell. The guest with the most correct answers wins a prize.

The guests’ favors can be tiny herb plants potted in mini-terra cotta pots and tied with ribbon or place several herb plants in a lined basket, as shown in the photo above.

Herbal Tea Blend

2 tablespoons loose tea leaves

2 teaspoons dried sage leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

1/2 teaspoon dried lemon peel

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container away from heat and light.

To prepare: Place 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons of tea blend in a warmed teapot for each cup of water needed. Pour boiling water over tea and steep 3 to 5 minutes. Stir and strain into cups.

Sweeten with honey or sugar and serve with lemon slices.

Mint Nut Tea Bread

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup applesauce

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 teaspoon dried mint or 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease and flour a small loaf pan (8” X 4”). In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nuts. In a separate bowl, blend together applesauce, oil, mint and egg. Add to flour mixture, stirring until well blended.

Pour into prepared loaf pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until done. Turn out onto wire rack to cool. To serve, slice into 1/2” slices. Cut each slice into four rectangles.

If Teapots Could Talk: Fun Ideas For Tea Parties

This cookbook has 60 recipes for all the treats you’ll need for an afternoon tea party, plus 15 creative ideas for theme tea parties, with suggestions for invitations, activities, decorations and party favors. Size: 5.5” X 85”, paperback, 108 pages. $8.95.

Visit the Blue Sage Press Tea Party Page to order or read more.

Order this book from Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com, or Amazon.com.

Visit the Tea Party Blog for more Free Recipes From If Teapots Could Talk

Have a question about tea parties? E-mail Gloria Lyons: gloria@bluesagepress.com

Single-Serving Portions Help Dessert-Lovers Control Calories

2011-03-09T16:21:00.007-06:00

Apple Pie in a Mug

Do you love homemade desserts but just can’t stop with one serving? For those of you who resolved to watch your calorie intake this year, the single-serving recipes in the Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug cookbook will come to the rescue. You’ll no longer be tempted to reach for a second or third serving.

This cookbook has more than 100 single-serving mix recipes for desserts, breakfast treats and hot beverages that are prepared, cooked and served in a mug in less than five minutes.

I developed these recipes because I don’t want a two-layer cake sitting on the kitchen counter calling to me every time I pass by. Now I can treat myself occasionally to just one serving of a fresh-baked dessert in minutes.

Each mix includes all the ingredients you need to prepare the dessert, including a single-serving size container of fruit or vegetables for some of the mixes, like carrot cake and peach cobbler. All you need to add to the mix is heart-healthy cooking spread and/or water, then microwave for about two minutes.

The mixes are made using common ingredients found at your local supermarket. They are simple to make, cost less than store-bought mixes, and don’t contain the preservatives found in many of the manufactured versions.

You can make them ahead of time and store them in plastic zipper-type bags for later use. Some of the recipes found in the book: Yellow Cake (which you can top with fresh fruit like strawberries or peaches), Apple Pie, Blueberry-Lemon Coffee Cake, Pear Crisp, Coffee Banana Scone and Chai Tea Latte.

Since you prepare the mixes yourself, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your own taste. If you or your family members have food allergies, such as wheat, eggs, milk or nuts, simply substitute special ingredients to meet your needs.

These desserts are easy, quick and right-out-of-the-oven delicious! And they’re just the right size to satisfy your sweet-tooth without sabotaging your weight-loss goals. Try the sample recipe below:

Yellow Cake Mug Mix

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Yellow Cake in a Mug
with Strawberries

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 tablespoon instant nonfat dry milk

1 teaspoon egg white powder or meringue powder

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Dash of salt

Blend ingredients together and place in a small zipper-type bag if using at a later date or giving as a gift.

To prepare: Microwave 1-1/2 tablespoons butter or heart-healthy cooking spread in a 12-oz. microwave-safe mug until melted. Empty cake mix into mug and add 3 tablespoons water; stirring with a fork until blended. Microwave on 60% power for 2 minutes. Let stand in the microwave 2 minutes. Remove and let stand until cool enough to eat.

Top cake with sliced strawberries or diced peaches and a dollop of low-fat whipped topping if desired.

Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug (Third Edition)

This cookbook has more than 100 single-serving mix recipes for desserts, breakfast treats and hot beverages that are prepared, cooked and served in a mug in less than 5 minutes, like chocolate brownie, peach cobbler and pecan pie. Make them for unique, inexpensive gifts or for your own use. Fun cooking projects for kids. Size: 5.5” X 8.5”, Paperback, 120 pages. Price: $9.95

Visit the Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug Blog for more free recipes from this cookbook.

Order from Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com or Amazon.com.

Beer Bread Mix Gift Basket

2011-03-03T18:21:00.004-06:00

Make this fun gift basket by placing a bag of Beer Bread Mix (recipe below) and a bag of Garden Bread Seasoning Blend (recipe below) in a terracotta pot that is filled with paper shred. Tie a strip of fabric or ribbon around the edge of the pot into a bow.

To make a fabric bag for the bread mix, cut 2 pieces of fabric 6-1/2” wide X 11-1/2” high, using pinking shears. Pin the two pieces of fabric together, right sides facing each other. Sew (either by hand or machine) around the sides and bottom of the bag using a 1/4” seam allowance. Turn bag right side out.

Beer Bread Mix

3 cups self-rising flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

In a large bowl, combine ingredients until well blended. Place mix in a plastic zipper-type bag. Place plastic bag inside a fabric gift bag and tie closed with jute or raffia (see instructions above for making a fabric bag). Attach cooking instruction tag. For a gift basket idea, place the bag in a terracotta flower pot with a bag of Garden Herb Bread Seasoning (recipe below). Or place bag of mix in a loaf pan with a can of beer.

To Prepare: Preheat oven to 350º. Place mix in large bowl and add one 12 oz. can of beer (at room temperature) and 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine. Blend just until ingredients are moistened. Pour into a greased and floured 9” X 5” loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes or until done. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack. Serve warm.

Garden Herb Bread Seasoning

1/3 cup dried parsley flakes
1/3 cup dried minced onion
2-1/2 tablespoons dried basil leaves, crushed

In a small bowl, blend all ingredients together. Recipe makes about 1 cup of seasoning. Place about 1/4 cup of mix into each of four small zipper-type bags. Bundle each plastic bag inside a 10” square of fabric and tie closed with raffia or jute as shown at left. Attach cooking instruction tag. Place bundle inside a small terracotta flower pot filled with paper shred. Tie a strip of fabric or ribbon around edge of pot into a bow. Or place in a large terracotta pot along with a bag of Beer Bread Mix as described above.

To Use Mix: Add one tablespoon seasoning blend to a package of hot roll mix or your favorite quick bread recipe. Prepare and bake bread as directed on package or recipe.

Quick Gifts From the Kitchen: No Cooking Required

More than 50 recipes for mixes, no cooking required. Help cut your gift-giving budget with these inexpensive, handmade gifts. With tasty recipes like Orange Spice Cappuccino Mix, Cranberry Cornbread Muffin Mix, Chicken Tortilla Soup Mix and Chocolate-Cinnamon Popcorn Spice, you’ll find something for everyone on your list. Also includes a helpful guide for assembling gift baskets, plus directions for making fabric gift bags & decorating paper gift sacks to hold your mixes, creative ideas for packaging & cooking instruction tags to photocopy and cut out. Size: 5.5” X 8.5”, paperback, 72 pages. $6.95

Order from Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com, and Amazon.com.

Visit the Quick Gifts From the Kitchen Blog

Chicken & Broccoli Baked Potato Topping From: Stuffed! Baked Potato Toppings & Fillings E-Booklet

2011-02-18T19:24:00.004-06:00

Get dinner on the table in a hurry with this recipe from Stuffed! Baked Potato Toppings & Fillings E-Booklet.

1 (10-3/4) can Cream of Chicken soup

1 (3-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, cut into cubes

2 cups chopped, cooked chicken

1-1/2 cups frozen broccoli florets

2 tablespoons chopped pimiento

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon dried basil leaves, crushed

1 teaspoon lemon juice

4 large baked potatoes

In a 2-quart saucepan, combine all ingredients except potatoes. Cook over medium heat until hot and bubbling, stirring occasionally. Split potatoes open and fluff pulp with a fork. Spoon chicken mixture over potatoes.

Stuffed! Baked Potato Toppings & Fillings E-Booklet

This e-booklet includes 22 delicious recipes for fillings and toppings for baked potatoes that are quick and easy to make, like Beef Fajita Topping, Pepperoni Pizza Topping and Crab Stuffed Potatoes. Simply bake your potatoes in the microwave or regular oven, then use these easy recipes to put together a tasty entrée your family will love. You’ll have dinner on the table in a hurry! E-Booklet, sent to you by e-mail for viewing or printing. 24 pages. $3.49

Order from Blue Sage Press

Get more free recipes from our cookbooks on The Cozy Kitchen website.

Make a Fun Valentine's Day Gift with Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug Mix

2011-02-03T18:22:00.002-06:00

Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug Mixes
Make Fun Valentine’s Day Gifts

Place a bag of Mexican Hot Cocoa Mug Mix in a 12-ounce, microwave-safe mug, lined with tissue paper. Write the cooking instructions on a card place in the mug with the mix.

Mexican Hot Cocoa Mug Mix from

Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug^®

1/2 cup instant nonfat dry milk

3 tablespoons brown sugar, firmly packed

2 tablespoons powdered French vanilla coffee creamer

1-1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Dash of salt

Blend all ingredients and place in a small zipper-type bag. Recipe makes about 4 servings.

To prepare: Microwave 3/4 cup of water on high power for 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until hot. Stir in 3 tablespoons of mix.

Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug

This cookbook has more than 100 single-serving mix recipes for desserts, breakfast treats & hot beverages that are prepared, cooked and served in a mug in less than 5 minutes, like chocolate brownie, peach cobbler & pecan pie. Make them for unique, inexpensive gifts or for your own use. They make fun cooking projects for kids. Size: 5.5” X 8.5”, Paperback, 120 pages. $9.95

Visit the Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug Blog for More Free Recipes

Order from Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com, and Amazon.com

Get FREE Shipping from Blue Sage Press on book orders of $25.00 or more!

Host a "Chocolate Tea Party" for Valentine's Day with Recipes from If Teapots Could Talk

2011-02-03T17:55:00.004-06:00

It’s easy to plan a theme for a tea party based on a food flavor, and who doesn’t love chocolate? Have a deliciously decadent Chocolate Tea Party for all things chocolate!

Attach your invitation to a small bag of individually wrapped chocolates and mail in a silver foil-covered box (if the weather isn’t too warm). Or, cut your invitation from chocolate colored card stock and write the party information using a silver paint pen. Glue on a border of silver glitter.

Cover your serving table with a chocolate-colored tablecloth or fabric and serve all your chocolate offerings on silver trays and tiered serving dishes. Use a silver tea set for serving your chocolate tea if you like. For true chocolate decadence, use a small chocolate fountain as your centerpiece. Cut up pieces of pound cake and fruit served on toothpicks to plunge into the flowing chocolate.

Serve Chocolate Tea (recipe below), Chocolate Chunk Mini Scones (page 26), along with Chocolate Butter (page 33), Chocolate Cheesecakes (recipe below), and Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries (page 51).

For a fun activity, give guests a pen and paper. Ask them to write down as many chocolate items as they can think of in 30 seconds. The guest with the most items wins a chocolate prize. Ask guests to read some of their answers aloud.

Party favors can be individually wrapped gourmet chocolates in a pretty gift bag.

Chocolate Tea

2 tablespoons black tea leaves
1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 teaspoon dried grated orange peel

1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

Add all the ingredients to a warmed teapot, along with 6 cups of boiling water. Stir and then steep for 5 minutes. Stir again and strain into cups. Serve with milk, and provide additional brown sugar for your guests if needed.

Mini Chocolate Cheesecakes

Crust:

1 cup chocolate graham cracker crumbs

3 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Filling:

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350°. Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners. Mix crust ingredients together and press about 1 tablespoon of mixture into bottom of each cup. Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add sugar, chocolate, eggs and vanilla extract, blending well. Spoon mixture into cups; fill about 2/3 full. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until set. Let cool before removing from pans. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

If Teapots Could Talk: Fun Ideas For Tea Parties

Visit the Blue Sage Press Tea Party Page to order or read more.

Visit the Tea Party Blog For More Free Recipes From If Teapots Could Talk

Order from Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com, and Amazon.com

Have a question about tea parties? E-mail Gloria Lyons: gloria@bluesagepress.com

Chinese New Year Party From: Flamingos, Poodle Skirts & Red Hots: Creative Theme Party Ideas

2011-01-15T11:28:00.005-06:00

The Chinese New Year is celebrated at the end of January. The traditional colors for this event are red and gold to symbolize happiness and wealth. Place your invitation inside a red Chinese take-out box, along with a fortune cookie and mail in a box that is lined with gold or black tissue paper. Ask your guests to wear red.

Decorate your serving table with a red tablecloth and a floral centerpiece, such as white orchids. Add accents of gold and black in the form of lacquered serving bowls and trays. Serve traditional Chinese food. And don’t forget to include fortune cookies. You can purchase these cookies with customized fortunes at specialty food stores or on the Internet.

Play recorded Chinese music to help set the mood. Hang lots of Chinese lanterns from the ceiling and place red votive candles around the room. Tall bamboo plants are also a nice touch.

For a fun activity, stage a dragon parade, using a hand-made paper dragon, or buy one from a party supply store. Hand out toy drums and gongs for guests to play while others parade around the room with the paper dragon.

Post the 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac, along with the qualities that go with each one, and let guests guess which sign they were born under.

For favors, give “lucky red envelopes” with a brand new $1.00 bill inside.

Flamingos, Poodle Skirts & Red Hots: Creative Theme Party Ideas

A step-by-step guide for successful party planning, plus 33 party themes based on period themes, travel locations, movie or book themes, holiday themes and more. Delight your guests with a 1920’s Speak-Easy, a Sizzling Red Hot Birthday or a Sunset Caribbean Caper. Includes suggestions for invitations, decorations, party favors, and fun activities. Size: 5.5” X 8.5”, Paperback , 68 pages. Price: $6.95

Order from: BlueSage Press, CreateSpace.com, and Amazon.com

Sneak Preview on Google Book Search

Visit The Crafty Cottage Website for FREE Party Ideas from my books

Party Cracker Wedding Favors From: The Super-Bride’s Guide For Dodging Wedding Pitfalls

2011-01-15T11:20:00.002-06:00

Make your own party crackers for wedding guest favors. Cut a 5” square of poster board, roll it into a tube, overlapping the ends 1/4” and tape together. Wrap it with colorful wrapping paper which extends at least 3” beyond the tube on each end. Gather the wrapping paper close to one end of the tube and tie with ribbon to secure.

Fill the tube with a few individually wrapped pieces of candy then gather the wrapping paper at the open end and tie with ribbon. Place the favors in a large basket or write the guests’ names on the crackers using a paint pen and place them on the guest tables. They can do double duty as place markers.

These party crackers are also a fun way to deliver your wedding invitations. Print your invitation on parchment paper, roll up and tuck inside the cracker. Place each cracker in a box and mail to your guests.

The Super-Bride’s Guide for Dodging Wedding Pitfalls

This guide offers practical tips to help reduce wedding-planning stress, avoid common wedding pitfalls and keep your wedding on track. It includes a plan to get organized, budget-setting advice, money-saving tips, helpful hints and fun ideas for invitations, table centerpieces, theme weddings and guest favors to make your wedding unique. It’s the perfect solution for busy brides on a limited budget! Size: 5.5” X 8.5”, Paperback, 98 pages. Price: $7.95

Order from Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com, and Amazon.com

Sneak Preview on Google Book Search

Get more fun wedding favor ideas and tips on the Blue Sage Press Wedding Page

King Ranch Chicken Recipe From: Canned Soup Fixes: Easy One-Pot Meals

2011-01-14T15:58:00.003-06:00

1 (10-3/4 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup water

1 teaspoon dried minced onion

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

2 cups chopped, cooked chicken

1/2 cup chopped, canned tomatoes (or Ro*Tel tomatoes if you want it spicy), drained

1 cup coarsely crushed Nacho Cheese flavor tortilla chips

1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

In a 2 quart saucepan, blend soup and water. Bring to a boil. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cook over medium heat until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted. Makes 2-3 servings. Double recipe for 4-6 servings. Serve with extra chips on the side if desired.

Canned Soup Fixes: Easy One-Pot Meals E-Booklet

The convenience and wide variety of canned soups make meal preparation easier and quicker for today’s busy families. Inside this booklet, you’ll find 24 simple but delicious recipes for main dishes that you can cook in one pot, in less than 30 minutes, like Cheesy Macaroni & Meatballs, King Ranch Chicken, Pork Stroganoff, and Shrimp Gumbo. Mealtime will be a snap with these quick and tasty recipes. 24 pages. E-Booklet sent to you by e-mail for viewing or printing. Price: $3.49

Order from Blue Sage Press

Visit the Canned Soup Fixes Blog

Get more Free recipes on The Cozy Kitchen Website

Salsa Chicken Wraps Recipe From: Quick & Easy Sandwich Wraps

2011-01-14T15:51:00.001-06:00

1/4 cup salsa

1/4 cup Ranch salad dressing

4 tomato-flavored or plain flour tortillas (10”)

2 cups chopped, cooked chicken

1/2 cup chopped cucumber

1/2 cup chopped tomato

1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

In a small bowl, blend salsa and Ranch dressing. Spread each tortilla with 2 tablespoons of the salsa mixture.

In a medium bowl, toss together the cucumber, tomato and green pepper. Place 1/2 cup chopped chicken down the center of each tortilla. Top with one-fourth of the cucumber mixture and 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, if desired. Roll up tortilla around filling, burrito-style. To wrap your sandwich with the ends enclosed like a burrito, visually divide the tortilla into three strips. Place your fillings down the center strip, stopping just short of the ends. Fold each end in toward the middle about 1-1/2 to 2 inches for 10” tortillas or fold up just one end for 8” tortillas. Then roll the rest of the tortilla snuggly around the fillings.

You can eat this sandwich cold or warm. To heat, cover each sandwich with a damp paper towel, place in the microwave and cook on high power for about 45 seconds or until warm and cheese is melted. Cut each sandwich in half to serve.

Quick & Easy Sandwich Wraps

Sandwich wraps are made from typical sandwich fillings that are wrapped inside a tortilla or other type of flatbread. They're perfect for an on-the-go lunch, a great way to use up leftovers, or for adding new flavors to your meals. Simply add meat, cheese, veggies and sauce to your tortilla, roll it up and enjoy. The combinations for fillings are endless, and tortillas now come in a wide variety of flavors with low-calorie options. This book includes tips for creating your own wraps, with suggestions for healthy choices, plus 6 hearty sandwich filling recipes and 42 deliciously different sandwich wrap recipes (both hot and cold). You can put them together in a jiffy for a complete and flavorful meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner, like Caribbean Beef Wraps, Cranberry Turkey Wraps and Spicy Bean & Sweet Potato Wraps. Also includes tips for making healthier sandwich choices. Size: 5.5”X8.5”, paperback, 60 pages. Price: $6.95

Order from Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com, and Amazon.com

Get more Free recipes on The Cozy Kitchen Website

Sneak Preview on Google Book Search

Impossible Chicken Quesadilla Pie from: 40 Favorite Impossible Pies

2011-01-13T14:20:00.001-06:00

2 cups chopped, cooked chicken

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies, well drained

1-1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or use Colby/Monterey Jack)

1/2 cup Bisquick^® baking mix

1 cup milk

2 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Preheat oven to 400º. Spray a 9” X 1-1/2” glass pie plate with cooking spray. Mix together chicken, onion, green chilies and cheese. Spread mixture in pie plate.

In a small bowl, beat remaining ingredients together with a wire whisk until well blended. Pour into pie plate. Bake 35-40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a tossed green salad or sour cream and salsa if desired.

40 Favorite Impossible Pies: Main Dishes & Desserts

A popular invention from the 1970’s, these main dish pies are made using baking mix in a batter that is poured over cooked meat, cheese & vegetables in a pie plate. The pie forms its own crust as it bakes. This cookbook includes 30 Impossible Main Dish Pies, like Impossible Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza Pie, Impossible Chicken Pot Pie and Impossible Tuna Casserole Pie, plus 10 Impossible Dessert Pies, like Impossible Chocolate Cream Pie, Impossible Pecan Pie and Impossible Cheesecake Pie. Size: 5.5”X8.5”, paperback, 56 pages. Price: $6.95

Order from Blues Sage Press, CreateSpace.com, and Amazon.com

Visit The Impossible Pie Blog

Pepper Steak Foil Packet Meals From: Quick & Tasty Foil Packet Meals E-Booklet

2011-01-13T13:59:00.004-06:00

Aluminum foil is one of the most versatile of all food wrapping materials. Part of its appeal lies in the fact that it can withstand both heat and cold—freezer to oven. Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil for home use was introduced in 1947, but wasn’t widely used until the 1950s. Since metal was no longer in short supply after World War II, homemakers were encouraged to use it for cooking, wrapping and storing food.

Outdoor grilling was also a popular event during this decade, so innovative cooks developed a method for preparing individual meals, wrapped in foil packets and cooked on the grill or in the oven. These “packet meals” are still popular today because of their convenience. Each of the 20 recipes in this booklet makes four individually wrapped meals that you bake in the oven, and many of the recipes can also be cooked on the grill.

You can store the unused, cooked packets in the refrigerator for several days or in the freezer for up to four weeks. Then, just reheat and enjoy when you need them. They are perfect for families on the go, especially when family members need to eat at different times; or for couples or singles who like the convenience of preparing their meals ahead of time for no-fuss after-work dinners.

Pepper Steak Foil Packet Meals From: Quick & Tasty Foil Packet Meals E-Booklet

4 sheets aluminum foil (12 X 18-inches each)

1 pound boneless beef sirloin steak, 1/2-inch thick

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 cup green bell pepper strips

1 cup red bell pepper strips

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 cup teriyaki sauce

Hot cooked rice

Preheat oven to 450º or preheat grill to medium-high.

Cut steak lengthwise in half and then crosswise into 1/8” thick strips and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Combine steak strips, pepper strips and onion with teriyaki sauce.

Place one-fourth of the mixture in the center of each sheet of foil. Bring up foil sides. Double fold top and ends to seal packet, leaving room for heat circulation inside. Bake 13-15minutes on a cookie sheet in oven or grill 7-9 minutes in covered grill. Serve over cooked rice.

Quick & Tasty Foil Packet Meals E-Booklet

20 recipes for tasty foil packet meals that you can put together in a jiffy. Each recipe makes 4 individually wrapped meals, like Chicken a la King, Teriyaki Salmon, and Pepper Steak, that you can bake in the oven and most can be cooked on the grill. Perfect for families on the go or make-ahead meals for no-fuss after-work dinners. 24 pages, E-Booklet sent to you by e-mail for viewing or printing. Price $3.49

Order from Blue Sage Press

Get more recipes on The Cozy Kitchen Website

Mommy & Me Tea Party From: Teapots & Teddy Bears: Fun Children’s Tea Parties

2011-01-13T13:39:00.005-06:00

Don’t forget about Mommies when planning tea parties. Children sharing tea with their mothers can be a special event.

· The invitation can be a teapot cut from poster board that your child can decorate with colorful markers or tea-related stickers. Write the party details on the back. Ask the guests to dress for a “traditional” tea: pretty dresses, white gloves and tea party hats if they like.

· The centerpiece for the tea table can be toys, such as teddy bears and dolls holding child-size teapots and tea cups. Prepare several small tea tables with 4 chairs for guests to sit while preparing food and eating.

· The activity at this party will be teaching the children tea-time etiquette and how to prepare treats for a tea party.

· Let them prepare tea sandwiches with flavored cream cheese (mix 2 parts softened cream cheese with 1 part jam) and use 1-1/2” cookie cutters to cut out the shapes of their choice.

· Place a small teapot (2 to 3 cup size) on each table and let each child take turns pouring and preparing tea (adding sugar and/or milk) for the other guests at her table.

· Serve Cherry Cream Scones (recipe below), and Devonshire cream (recipe below). Show the guests the proper way to eat a scone, page 6.

· For favors, give each guest a demitasse cup and saucer, wrapped in tulle and tied with a satin ribbon.

Cherry Cream Scones Recipe From:

Teapots & Teddy Bears: Fun Children’s Tea Parties

1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 large egg, slightly beaten

1/3 cup half-and-half

1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract

Soak cherries in 3/4 cup boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain well and set aside. Preheat oven to 400°.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a separate bowl, mix together egg, half-and-half and extract; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Stir in cherries. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead 8-10 times or until smooth.

Roll or pat dough to 3/4” thickness and cut out circles or shapes with a 1-1/2” to 2” cookie cutter. Brush tops with milk and sprinkle with sugar. Place 1” apart on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown.

“Devonshire” Cream Recipe From:

Teapots & Teddy Bears: Fun Children’s Tea Parties

1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup whipping cream

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Beat cream cheese until fluffy, then beat in remaining ingredients until well blended. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Teapots & Teddy Bears: Fun Children’s Tea Parties E-Booklet

This e-booklet has 20 of the recipes from If Teapots Could Talk for making all the tasty treats you’ll need for an afternoon children’s tea party: scrumptious scones, dainty tea sandwiches, tea time sweets and flavored teas. It also includes 6 fun theme party ideas, like Garden Fairy Tea Party, Dress-Up Tea Party and Lucky Leprechaun Tea Party. Inside you’ll find suggestions for make-it-yourself invitations, creative decorations, fun games, menu plans and pretty party favors. Approximate age group: 6-10 years old. E-booklet, sent to you by e-mail for viewing or printing. 24 pages. Price: $3.49

Order from Blue Sage Press

Chocolate Ice Cream Sundae Party From: Hand Over the Chocolate & No One Gets Hurt!

2011-01-12T15:33:00.004-06:00

The Chocolate Ice Cream Sundae Party is just one of the fun theme party ideas in my cookbook, Hand Over the Chocolate & No One Gets Hurt! For your invitation, use your computer to print out an image of a chocolate ice cream sundae on card stock paper. Cut it out and write the party details on the back. Or attach your invitation to an inexpensive ice cream scoop and mail in a box.

Festive colors are in order for this event. Cover your serving table with a bright-colored table cloth. Hang colorful balloons and paper streamers from the chandelier over your table. Follow through with bright-colored napkins and serving dishes. Sprinkle colorful paper confetti around the tabletop for more pizzazz.

Serve build-it-yourself ice cream sundaes. Provide attractive dessert dishes for your guests to create their own sundaes. Offer Mocha Fudge Brownies (page 22) for the base, 2 or 3 flavors of chocolate ice cream, Espresso Chocolate Sauce (page 52), Chocolate Praline Sauce (recipe below), Chocolate Whipped Cream (page 46), chocolate sprinkles, chips or chopped chocolate covered nuts. Provide cherries for the top or, even better, chocolate covered cherries.

For an activity, have your guests guess the number of chocolates in a jar. The closest answer wins the jar of candy. Or ask guests to write down their answers to the question: If you were a chocolate dessert, what would you be and why? Collect their answers, read them aloud and ask guests to guess who wrote each one.

Guests keep their dessert dishes as party favors.

Chocolate Praline Sauce Recipe From:
Hand Over the Chocolate & No One Gets Hurt!

2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed

1 cup dark corn syrup

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 cup whipping cream

1 (6 oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chips

1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups chopped pecans, toasted*

In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup and butter. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Cook 15 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Whisk in whipping cream, chocolate chips and vanilla. Stir until chocolate melts. Stir in pecans. Serve warm over cake or ice cream. Makes about 5 cups of sauce.

*Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring constantly for a few minutes until lightly browned.

Hand Over the Chocolate & No One Gets Hurt!

The perfect cookbook for chocoholics everywhere—78 decadent chocolate dessert recipes: like Death By Chocolate Cookies, Chocolate Truffle Pie, Rich Chocolate Gravy & Chocolate Mocha Punch, plus a few tasty mixes to give as gifts. Includes chocolate history, amusing quotes and interesting trivia plus fun ideas for chocolate theme parties, games, activities, decorations and guest favors. A delightful cookbook no true chocolate-lover should be without! Size: 5.5”X8.5”, paperback, 76 pages. Price: $7.95

Order from: Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com, and Amazon.com

Sneak Preview on Google Book Search

View a Musical Greeting Card with FREE Recipes

Visit the Hand Over the Chocolate Blog

Sweet Potato Pie From: Kiss My Grits, Sugar: Southern Humor With a Side of Tasty Fixin’s

2011-01-12T15:02:00.003-06:00

2 cups mashed, cooked sweet potatoes

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup melted butter

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup evaporated milk

9-inch unbaked pie shell

Preheat oven to 350º. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, salt and spices. Mix thoroughly with an electric mixer. Add milk and beat until well blended. Pour filling into pie shell and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Place pie on a rack and cool completely before serving.

Kiss My Grits, Sugar: Southern Humor With a Side of Tasty Fixin’s

Since I’m a Southern girl through and through, I figured it was high time I got around to writing a book filled with good old Southern recipes. My mouth is watering just thinking about fried chicken, potato salad, banana pudding and pecan pie. This book is chock full of my family’s favorites. And because I’m not the serious type, I like my food served up with some humor on the side. So I tucked in a few tall tales from my childhood about me and my kin to tickle your funny bone. Inside you’ll find 19 humorous short stories about growing up in the South in the 1950s, plus more than 80 recipes for good old-fashioned Southern cooking. Come on in a sit a spell, sugar. Enjoy a chuckle or two, then whip up some of these tasty fixin’s. Size: 6”X9”, 116 pages. Price: $7.95

Order From: Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com, and Amazon.com

Sneak Preview on Google Book Search

Visit the “Kiss My Grits, Sugar” Blog for FREE recipes and sample stories

View a Musical Greeting Card with Sample Stories and Recipes

Mini Sausage Quiches From: Party-Pleasing Appetizers E-Booklet

2011-01-12T14:54:00.002-06:00

2 prepared pie crust pastries for a single crust pie

1/2 pound bulk pork sausage, hot or mild

3 tablespoons minced green onion with green tops

1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 teaspoon ground sage

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon salt

Dash Worcestershire sauce

2 large eggs

Shredded Swiss cheese

Preheat oven to 400º. Unroll pastry and cut into 24 circles using a 2-1/2” biscuit cutter. Line mini-muffin cups with dough.

Sauté sausage, onion and red bell pepper together until meat is done; drain. Place about 2 teaspoons sausage mixture into each muffin cup.

Blend cream cheese, sage, thyme, salt and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Beat in eggs. Spoon egg and cheese mixture over sausage in each cup. Top with a sprinkle of Swiss cheese.

Bake 12-15 minutes or until lightly brown and centers are set. Let stand 10 minutes before removing from pan. Serve warm.

Party-Pleasing Appetizers E-Booklet

You’ll never need to fret over party menus again with the tasty recipes from this e-booklet. It has 31 mouth-watering concoctions like Potato Salad Bites, Cheesy Taco Meatballs, Chicken Enchilada Dip and Chocolate Caramel Fondue. Whip up a batch of goodies for your next event. 24 pages, E-Booklet sent to you by e-mail for viewing or printing. Price: $3.49

Order from Blue Sage Press

Get more free recipes on The Cozy Kitchen Website

Lavender Shower Bags From Lavender Sensations: Fragrant Herbs For Home & Bath

2011-01-12T14:45:00.001-06:00

These little bags can be used in the shower in case you don’t have time to soak in the bath tub. A single bag wrapped in a cellophane bag and tied with a pretty ribbon makes a fun party favor.

1/4 cup oatmeal

3 tablespoons dried lavender buds

1 tablespoon dried rosemary

2 tablespoons grated soap (Ivory or Dove)

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir until well blended. Store mixture in an airtight container.

To use: Place about 2 tablespoons of the mixture in a terrycloth drawstring bag, or bundle 2 tablespoons of the mixture into a washcloth and secure with string. Use the bag in the shower to wash your body.

Lavender Sensations: Fragrant Herbs For Home & Bath

This book has more than 40 fun and easy to make projects for relaxing bath mixtures, stimulating beauty scrubs, stress reducing eye pillows, lavender soap, fragrant mug mats, closet fresheners, pomanders, sachets and delectable treats and mixes to give as gifts. Size: 8.5”X5.5”, paperback, 60 pages. Price: $6.95

Order from Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com or Amazon.com

Visit my Lavender Website for more FREE Projects & Recipes from this book

Visit the Lavender Sensations Blog

Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug Mixes Make Unique “Thank You” Gifts

2011-01-11T15:15:00.001-06:00

Need a fun gift for a friend or co-worker? Place a bag of Chai Tea Latte Mix in a microwave-safe mug that is lined with colorful tissue paper. Attach a bow to the handle. Write the cooking instructions on a card and attach to the handle or tuck inside the mug. Add a sign that says, “Thanks a Latte!” Print it on cardstock, cut it out and tape to a straw or wooden skewer and place inside the mug.

Chai Tea Latte Mix from: Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug^®

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons instant nonfat dry milk

2 tablespoons powdered coffee creamer

2 tablespoons powdered French Vanilla coffee creamer

2 tablespoons unsweetened instant tea

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/16 teaspoon ground cloves

Place all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and process until mixture is a fine powder. Place in a small zipper-type bag. Recipe makes 4 servings. To prepare: Microwave 1 cup of water in mug on high power for 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until hot. Stir in 3 tablespoons of mix. Enjoy!

Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug® (Third Edition)

With thousands of copies of the Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug cookbook now in print, dessert-lovers around the world are enjoying these quick and delicious treats.

The Third Edition includes more than 100 single-serving mix recipes for desserts, breakfast treats and hot beverages that are prepared, cooked and served in a mug in less than 5 minutes, like Chocolate Brownie, Apple Pie, Blueberry-Lemon Coffee Cake, Italian Cream Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookie, Coffee Banana Scone and Chai Tea Latte.

Order from Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com, and Amazon.com

View a fun Musical Greeting Card with free recipes from this book

Visit the Easy Microwave Desserts in a Mug Blog for more FREE recipes

Grandma’s First Grandbaby Shower From: Flamingos, Poodle Skirts & Red Hots: Creative Theme Party Ideas

2011-01-11T12:54:00.004-06:00

Surprise a grandma-to-be with a shower to equip her with all the items she’ll need to babysit her new grandchild.

Attach the invitation to a baby rattle and mail in a box lined with blue and pink tissue paper. Let your guests know the party is a surprise. Ask them to wear blue or pink—depending on their guess for the sex of the unborn infant. If you like, ask each guest to bring a baby photo of herself to use in a party game.

Decorate your serving table with a blue and pink tablecloth and napkins and include a few toys for the centerpiece. Cover a second small table to hold the gifts.

Serve tea sandwiches filled with flavored cream cheese that is tinted with pink or blue food coloring. Use a cookie cutter to cut them into the shape of baby bottles or diaper shirts. Cut petit fours into these shapes, as well, and ice with blue or pink icing. Serve pink-colored punch.

For a fun activity, play “Baby Gift Bingo”. Give each guest a blank bingo card and ask them to fill in the squares with items the future grandma might receive as gifts during the party. As the gifts are opened, the guests mark off items on their cards until someone gets a bingo. Or play the “Guess Who” game. Pass around the infant photos that your guests brought and let everyone guess which photo matches which person.

For favors, give each guest a sugar cookie that is cut into the shape of a baby bottle and decorated with blue and pink icing. Place in a clear cellophane bag and tie closed with blue or pink ribbon.

Flamingos, Poodle Skirts & Red Hots: Creative Theme Party Ideas

Order from Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com, and Amazon.com

Sneak Preview on Google Book Search

Visit The Crafty Cottage Website for FREE Party Ideas from our books

Baked Potato Soup From: A Taste of Memories: Comforting Foods From Our Past

2011-01-11T11:04:00.002-06:00

This thick and creamy soup is about as comforting as food can get, especially on a cold winter evening. It makes a large pot, so you can share the comfort with family and friends.

12 slices smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled

2/3 cup butter or margarine

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

7 cups milk

4 large baking potatoes, baked, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)

4 green onions, finely chopped (with green tops)

1-1/4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

In a stock pot or Dutch oven, melt margarine over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook for one minute. Gradually stir in milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in potatoes and onions. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add bacon, cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper, stirring constantly until cheese is melted. Makes 6-8 servings.

A Taste of Memories: Comforting Foods From Our Past

More than 100 recipes plus photos and stories submitted by readers for favorite “comfort foods”, from the early 1900s to 1980s. Plus food history and popular food trends from each decade. Tried and true favorites, plus family comfort food stories to warm your heart as well as your tummy. Size: 8.25”X8.25”, 108 pages, paperback Price: $8.95.

Order from Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com, and Amazon.com

See all my fun cookbooks on the Blue Sage Press Cookbooks Page

View a Musical Greeting Card with Sample Recipes from this book

Visit the Taste of Memories Blog for more FREE recipes

Lavender Chocolate Brownies From: A Taste of Lavender: Delectable Treats with an Exotic Floral Flavor

2011-01-10T18:33:00.002-06:00

Lavender tastes very similar to rosemary, with just a hint of citrus, and can be substituted for rosemary in many recipes. The secret to cooking with lavender is: a little goes a long way. It has a strong flavor, so start with a small amount and add more to taste.

Use dried culinary lavender as you would any other dried herb in casseroles, soups or stews. It’s best to grind the dried flower buds first in a clean coffee grinder then stir them into the dish, but remember to use it sparingly.

Add 1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons of ground, dried culinary lavender to any bread, cake or cookie mix or recipe, including yeast breads, layer cakes, pound cakes and sugar cookies. Mix and bake as directed.

Note: Make sure the lavender you use for cooking has not been sprayed with pesticides. It should be labeled “for culinary use”. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not eat lavender.

Helpful Hint: Grind several tablespoons of dried lavender buds in a clean coffee grinder and store in an airtight container for use in recipes requiring ground lavender.

Lavender Chocolate Brownies From: A Taste of Lavender: Delectable Treats with an Exotic Floral Flavor

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1-1/2 teaspoons ground, dried culinary lavender

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Grind lavender in a clean coffee grinder before measuring. Preheat oven to 350°. In a medium bowl, mix butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until well blended. In a separate bowl, blend together flour, cocoa, lavender, baking powder and salt. Stir flour mixture into egg mixture. Add pecans and chocolate chips. Pour batter into a lightly greased 8” square baking pan. Bake 35-40 minutes or until done. Cool completely before cutting into squares.

A Taste of Lavender: Delectable Treats with an Exotic Floral Flavor

This cookbook includes more than 60 delectable recipes for using dried lavender in main dishes, salads, soups, breads, desserts, beverages and more. A few examples: Relaxing Lavender Tea, Lavender Corn Chowder, Lavender Melon Salad, Creamy Lavender Baked Salmon, Chicken and Lavender Pizza, Mini Lavender Cheesecakes and Lemon and Lavender Pound Cake. Delight your family and dinner guests by adding the distinctive taste of lavender to your cooking. Size: 8.5” X 5.5”, paperback, 60 pages. Price: $6.95

Order from: Blue Sage Press, CreateSpace.com, and Amazon.com

Sneak Preview on Google Book Search

Visit the Taste of Lavender Blog

Get FREE SHIPPING from Blue Sage Press on book orders of $25.00 or more!

Barbecue Chicken Muffins From Your Favorite Meals in a Muffin E-Booklet

2011-01-10T18:25:00.004-06:00

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 large egg

1/4 cup barbecue sauce

3/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine

2 cups chopped, cooked chicken

Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly grease 12 standard size muffin cups. In a small skillet, cook onion in a small amount of vegetable oil until tender. Let cool. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, brown sugar and garlic powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, barbecue sauce, milk and butter. Add to flour mixture and stir just until moistened. Stir in chicken. Fill muffin cups and bake for 20-25 minutes or until done. Serve with sides of potato salad and baked beans for a hearty meal.

Your Favorite Meals in a Muffin E-Booklet

What could be better than homemade muffins right out of the oven! But these muffins aren’t just for breakfast—they make a hearty treat for lunch or dinner, including all the fixings from your favorite meals, like Philly Cheese Steak Muffins, Chicken Pot Pie Muffins, Beef Taco Muffins, Ham & Zucchini Quiche Muffins and Baked Bean Muffins. 22 recipes for tasty muffins that you can stir up in a jiffy and keep in the freezer for a quick meal anytime. 28 pages. E-Booklet sent to you by e-mail for viewing or printing. $3.49

E-Booklet: Order from Blue Sage Press

Visit the Meals in a Muffin Blog

Get more FREE recipes on The Cozy Kitchen website