{ Cherry Cobbler in a Jar }

I am a huge fan on foods in jars. With 3 kids, I like the idea if baking  one day a week, in jars, and when the boys want something sweet, they grab a jar , pop the lid off and put it in the microwave for a few seconds. Their favorite is monkey bread in a jar. When I make that, all 8 jars are gone in a flash. I usually make monkey bread on Friday mornings because our weekends are so hectic, they can grab a jar as we walk out the door and eat it in the car.  Today , I made up a batch of these adorable cherry cobblers. These are super easy to make. In fact, I make them using apple pie filling, blueberry pie filling  and peach pie filling. By far the favorite around here among my kids is cherry.  The kids usually just add vanilla ice cream to theirs, but for hubby, I usually make coconut whipped cream to top his. Just because I know he loves anything coconut. These little jars are great for lunches, picnics and to take to the park . One of my favorite desserts to make.

FYI - The awesome recipe box in the picture is from a great etsy store rfrantzdesign . One of my favorite items in my kitchen. ( I also have her address box in my office)


{ Cherry Cobbler in a Jar }
                makes 9  1/2pint jars

  1  (21 oz)  jar of  cherry  pie filling
1/2 cup bisquick mix
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
pinch of salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter,melted
Cinnamon Sugar (optional)

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2.Spray 5 1/2 pint mason jars with cooking spray.Set them inside a casserole dish big enough to hold all nine,without touching.
3.In a medium bowl, add the  bisquick ,milk,sugar and salt.Mix well to incorporate.Add the melted butter and stir well to mix.Set aside.
4.Add enough cherry pie filling to fill each jar half full.
 5.Pour about a Tablespoon or so of batter on top of the cherries.There should be a small amount of headspace.If you fill it to  the  top,the batter will bake over the jar and it will be hard to get the tops on them. Sprinkle the top of the batter with cinnamon sugar. (optional)
6.Bake for about 30 minutes,until the batter is rich and golden,and the cherry filling  is bubbly.
7. You can serve these a few minutes after pulling them from the oven,or you can put the jar lids on top  when they are still hot and use them within 3 days.

Cream Cheese Stuffed Strawberries

These strawberries are the best dessert that I have made in a long time.I have made them a few times before and when I find wonderful, big , juicy berries I make this recipe.Great for parties and wedding and baby showers.The taste and the presentation will really wow your guests. I put them on a black plate and they were so pretty!

SERVES 24
24 large strawberries, hulls removed
12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Place cream cheese in a bowl, and microwave for 30 seconds, so that it's soft.
Whip together the cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar.
In the center of each strawberry, using a sharp knife, make a hole in each one, as deep as you can without going out the bottom.
Spoon or pipe the filling into each hole.
Lay strawberries in a pretty serving dish.
Chill, and serve.
Makes 24 servings.

Banana Bread

I know everyone has their favorite banana bread.I have half a dozen in my collection that I use.But I always come back to this one. It is super easy.Just dump,stir and bake. I bake my banana bread in a bundt pan because I can then put it in a covered cake plate and the boys can snack on it all day.Plus it is pretty sitting on my counter! :)

Banana Bread
3 1/2 cups flour
3 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 eggs
2/3 cup water
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups bananas, mashed
1 cup pecans, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine ingredients in large mixing bowl.
Pour batter into 2 prepared bread pans or 1 prepared bundt pan.
Bake for 1 hour or until firm and golden brown.
Cool on wire rack for at least 15 minutes before turning bread out onto tray.