Best Books of 2014

We all have our favorite books.  At the end of every year I think it's fun to go back and see what I read that year and which ones were my favorite.  

Therefore, every year I come up with...

Megan Ruth's 

Best Books of 2014 

Children’s Picture Book:

Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen

It is such a sweet story that you can read to children of all ages. 

For my thoughts/review click here. 

Don’t Push the Button! By Bill Cotter

Was a very close runner-up for how fun and interactive it is.

For my thoughts/review click here.

Children’s/Juvenile Literature: 

We have a tie.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein

It is a fabulously fun story in oh so many ways. 

For my thoughts/review click here.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

It is another fabulous story, but it is definitely deeper and more of an emotional read. 

For my thoughts/review click here.

Young Adult Literature:  

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

I love John Green's writing.  He really is a great author and his stories have a lot of substance to them. 

For my thoughts/review click here.

Safekeeping by Karen Hesse

A close runner-up for this fun and unique story.  The real photographs were a great touch to it. 

For my thoughts/review click here.

Adult Literature: 

That Part Was True by Deborah McKinlay

A really good read and unique in many ways. 

For my thoughts/review click here.

Non-Fiction: 

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

It's a great book.  Seriously, a great book.  Though, I haven't seen the movie and I hear they left some of the most inspiring aspects of the book out of the movie. 

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

Is a great runner-up for Non-Fiction books.  It's an older book, but it is inspiring and will emotionally grab you. 

For my thoughts/review click here.

The All Around Best Book I Read in 2014: 

Wonder by R.J.  Palacio 

It is a quick read for all ages; this book will emotionally touch you and makes you want to be a better person in so many ways. 

For my thoughts/review click here.

What was the best book you read this year?

Happy Best Book reading!

Easy No-Bake Cheesecake in a Jar w/ Oreo Crust and Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache Topping

There are certain things you can make when you are baking for a party or bake sale.  You have to think of easy delivery; an entire cheesecake, pie, or cake is usually out unless it is an intimate party.  

Usually for a party or bake sale you either need a cookie, bar, brownie, or bite of something that can be easily handled or it needs to be in a jar or individual carrying case.

It is far too difficult let someone buy a slice of pie or cheesecake at a back sale.  They either need to buy the entire cheesecake or pie or you need to make small individual cheesecakes in a jar.  

Last week I told you my husbands work had a bake sale and I made these delicious Golden Oreo Truffles.  These truffles are bite size and therefore great for a party or bake sale.  

I had some more Oreos and cream cheese to use up so I made this Easy No-Bake Cheesecake in a Jar with Oreo Crust and Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache for the bake sale as well.  According to my husband they were a big hit.  However, anything with Oreos, Cheesecake, and Ganache is bound to be a big hit I would think. . 

The whole cheesecake in a jar sounds complicated, but I guarantee it is easy.  Plus, it looks so fancy and cute in a little jar.

Whether you want to make a fun treat for a bake sale or a New Years Eve Party, give these Cheesecakes in a Jar a go.  They are delicious and their black and white appearance is so very appropriate.  

Easy No-Bake Cheesecake with Oreo Crust and Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache

Recipe: Alohamora

Active Time: 45 minutes

Inactive Time: 1 hour

Servings: 8- 1/2 pint jars 

Ingredients: 

8 half-pint jars

For the crust: 

1 pkg (15 oz) peanut butter Oreos, or regular Oreos, crushed (approximately 3 cups)

1/2 c. butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling: 

2 (8oz) pkg cream cheese, softened

1 c. sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 c. milk

1 (8oz) cool whip

For the Ganache Topping: 

1/2 c. bittersweet/semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/4 c. peanut butter, creamy

1/2 c. heavy whipping cream

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 Tbsp powdered sugar

Directions: 

1. Using a food processor or a Ziploc bag crush your Oreos.  You need approximately 3 cups of crushed Oreos. 
2. In a medium bowl stir the crushed Oreos and the melted butter together. 
3. Distribute about 1/4 c. cup of crust mixture to the bottom of the 8 half pint jars and press it down in the jar. You can stretch it to nine jars, but I just use the leftover crust for topping.   
4. To make the filling, beat the cream cheese and sugar together in a stand mixer or large bowl until smooth. 
5. Add the salt, vanilla, and milk together one at a time mixing after each addition. 
6. Using a spoon or the stand mixer on low fold in the Cool Whip. 
7. Place approximately 1/2 cup of cheesecake filling in each jar on top of the already pressed down crust. 
8. In a small bowl or a 2 cup pyrex measuring dish place the chocolate chips and peanut butter. 
9. In a small microwaveable dish, or I use a mug, scald the heavy cream by placing it in the microwave on high for 30 seconds.  
10. Pour scalded cream over the chocolate chips and peanut butter and stir it until the chocolate and peanut butter are melted and make a smooth ganache. 
11. Add the vanilla and powder sugar one at at time stirring after each addition.  
12. When ganache is smooth pour approximately 3 tablespoons of ganache on top of each cheesecake filling in each jar.  You can also evenly distribute the ganache among the 8 half pint jars.
13. Top your cheesecakes with any leftover crust crumbs, secure the lids, and place the cheesecakes in the refrigerator for at least an hour to set. 
14. Enjoy! 
15. Store leftovers in the fridge. 

Happy Easy No-Bake Cheesecake in a jar with an Oreo Crust and Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache eating!

Saltine Cracker Toffee- Sweet and Salty Deliciousness

So, I had surgery this past Friday.  Fun huh?! This is my first official surgery. Sure I had lasik eye surgery back in the day, but that seems like nothing compared to the prep that goes into having real surgery that leaves you with a scar.

I had half of my thyroid removed since I had a large nodule/cyst that popped up.  Anyone else have/had thyroid issues?  

Right now, I feel like I have a super bad sore throat from the air tube that was place down my throat during the surgery.  It hurts to swallow, and therefore makes eating anything that isn't warm and pureed impossible.

It's a good thing I made this Saltine Cracker Toffee before the surgery so I could enjoy the sweet and salty goodness.  I made several pans to "test" them out, and gave a lot of it away as neighbor gifts. 

It may sound weird to make toffee with saltines, but it's amazingly delicious.  Seriously good.  You should quickly make some and enjoy it's goodness for me since I have been banned to the world of soft, easy to swallow foods.  

Saltine Cracker Toffee

Recipe: Alohamora slightly adapted from The Girl Who Ate Everything

Active Time: 25 minutes

Inactive Time: At least 1 hour. 

Servings: 12-15

Ingredients:

1 1/2 sleeves salted saltine crackers or enough to line your pan
1 c. butter, unsalted
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. milk chocolate chips

1 c. semi or bittersweet chocolate chips 
1 c. pecans, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
2. Line a cookie sheet, with edges, or jelly roll pan with parchment paper (you can use aluminum foil if you want). Spray your paper with baking spray. 
3. Line saltine crackers in a single layer on the parchment paper. 
4. In a small pot over medium heat bring butter and sugar to a boil.  Once the mixture is boiling continue to boil it for 3 more minutes.  The mixtures should be a deep caramel color, and it will smell amazing at this point. 
5. Immediately pour the boiling mixture over the saltines and use a spatula to evenly distribute the butter sugar mixture over the crackers completely.
6. Bake crackers and sugar at 400 degrees for 4-6 minutes.  Mine took only 4 minutes.  
7. The sugar mixture will be bubbly when it is ready to be removed from the oven.
8. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the toffee mixture and place it in the oven for 1 minute. This will help the chocolate to melt a bit quicker. 
9. Remove pan from oven and use a spatula to evenly distribute the melted chocolate over the toffee mixture. 
10. Top the toffee with chopped nuts if you desire.  It tastes delicious either way. 
11. Place pan in the freezer for 1 hour or the fridge for 2-3 hours.  You can also let the pan cool on the counter overnight.  
12. Let the toffee cool completely before using a pizza cutter to help cut/break the toffee into pieces. 
13. Enjoy!
14. Store leftovers in a sealed container on the counter or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Happy Saltine Cracker Toffee eating!  This will easily become your favorite way/reason to eat saltine crackers. 

Golden Oreo Truffles- Fast, Easy, Amazing

I've told you before my husband is not a chocolate fan.  Therefore, I often look to make treats without chocolate since he is my primary taste tester.  

Recently, my husband's work was having their annual bake sale.  I forget what exactly the proceeds go to, but I know it's for a good cause.  Plus, I have a somewhat passion for baking and thereforeI jump at the opportunity to make a few things for the bake sale.

This year I made these Golden Oreo Truffles.  My husband was a bit sad that he had to bring these to the bake sale rather than "taste test" all of them.  

However, he did state that it's a good thing I didn't let them eat all of them or he'd be on his way to joining the 300 club. :)

I will state that my husband has stated on multiple occasions that one of his greatest accomplishments is gaining no more than 5 pounds in the 5 years we've been married.  With all the baking I do it is quite an impressive feat.  Well done Erik! 

Back to the truffles.  You should most definitely whip some of these up, enjoy some, and then give some away.  You'll love them, and then you'll be proud of yourself for not eating all of them.  It's all about the little things.  

Golden Oreo Truffles

Recipe: Alohamora

Active Time: 30 minutes

Inactive Time: 1 hour

Servings: 35-40 small scoop truffles

Ingredients: 

1 pkg (16 oz) Golden Oreos

1 box (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

6 cubes (12 oz) white chocolate almond bark

colored sugar sprinkles (optional)

Directions: 

1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, wax paper, or a silicone baking mat. 
2. In a food processor, chop the entire package of Golden Oreos.  You can also crush all of them in a bag. 
3. In a medium to large bowl or stand mixer combine the crushed Oreos and the cream cheese. 
4. Using a small cookie scoop (b/c the scoop makes it ridiculously fast) or a spoon to make small truffle balls about 2 teaspoons in size.  Place the truffles on your cookie sheet. 
5. Put the cookie sheet in the freezer while you melt the chocolate. 
6. Melt the almond bark in the microwave or over a double boiler until it is completely melted and smooth.  If you melt it in the microwave cook it for 1 1/2 minutes stirring it every 15-30 seconds.   
7. Remove the truffles from the freezer. 
8. Using a fork press the fork into the bottom of a cold truffle.  If you dip the fork in the bottom of the truffle a bit you can cover the truffle in chocolate and still keep an evenly and beautiful chocolate coated truffle.  Dip the truffle into the white chocolate, and then place it back on the pan/cookie sheet.  Continue dipping truffles until all of them have been dipped/coated.
9. If desired use sprinkles to decorate your truffles. 
10. Place your pan/sheet of truffles in the fridge for 1 hour. 
11. Enjoy!  
12. Store leftover truffles in the refrigerator. 

Happy Golden Oreo Truffle eating...and gifting!   

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

   

Cinnamon Ornaments- a Diet Friendly Neighbor Gift

I love getting Christmas cards from friends and family.  I also love giving little gifts to neighbors and loved ones that are near by. It's a fun, but oh so busy, time of year.  

I have a friend that specifically requested they don't receive treats this year b/c they are trying to be healthier as a family.  I fully support this.  I love baking and sharing the plethora of treats I make, but I am a big fan of being healthy.  

There are also way too many allergies out there from nuts to eggs to gluten.  With all of the limitations I figured a universal non-edible neighbor gift, but still something I can make, would be perfect.

I'm not the most crafty of individuals, but I do love to bake.  Therefore, Cinnamon Ornaments is a baking "craft" that's perfect for me, and people like me.  It also fits that "universal non-edible gift."  

With only 4 ingredients, and a little time, you can also make this meaningful gift.

You can use whatever cookie cutter you want for the shape.  However, I thought it would be fun to make them in the shape of the state in which we currently live.  We may not always live in Arizona, and same for those that we give this present to, but this ornament will be a way to remember some of the fun we had while here.  

Cinnamon Ornaments
Recipe: Alohamora
Active Time: 45 minutes
Inactive Time: 1 day or more until dry completely
Servings: 15-20 3 inch ornaments. 

Ingredients: 
2 c. ground cinnamon
1 Tbsp all-spice
2 c. applesauce
1/4 c. flour, or until reach desired consistency
cookie cutters

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
2. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.  You want to make sure you do this step to avoid ornaments sticking to the pan. 
3. In a large bowl or stand mixer combine the cinnamon, all-spice, and applesauce together. 
4. Add the flour a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.  You don't want the mixture sticking to your hands, but you don't want it to be too crumbly.  If you mixture is too wet and sticks add a little flour.  If you mixture is crumbly and dry add a bit more applesauce.  
5. Dust a clean surface with cinnamon, and dust some cinnamon on your rolling pin.  
6. Place your dough on the cinnamon dusted surface and roll it out to approximately 1/4 inch in thickness. 
7. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters.  
8. Using a spatula carefully place the ornament on the prepared pan.  The cookies don't spread in the baking/drying process so you can place them closer together. 
9. Use a straw to make a hole at the top of the ornament so you will be able to hang it with a ribbon. 
10. Place your cookie sheets in the preheated 200 degree oven and bake/dry for 2 hours.  
11. Remove pans from the oven.  Using a spatula remove the ornaments from the pan and place them on an air rack to dry for a day or so.  You don't want to leave them on the pan to dry b/c they will begin to stick. The air rack will also help your ornaments to dry a little quicker and look a little cuter.
12. When dry place a ribbon through hole, tie it off, and place it on a tree or give it away. 
13. Enjoy the cinnamon smell in your home and tree!
14. Store ornaments from year to year in a ziploc bag and keep it away from items that can crush or break it. 

Happy Cinnamon Ornaments gift giving! Enjoy the wonderful cinnamon smell on your tree, and it will last in your oven for the entire Holiday Season.  

Merry Christmas!  Happy Holidays! 

Princess in Black gets 4 Stars

I love Shannon Hale as an author.  I think the majority of her books are stupendous.  I absolutely adore her Goose Girl series, and The Princess Academy books are fabulous (hello Newbery for a reason).  

Therefore, when I came across this bad boy I was ecstatic to read it with my daughter.  My 3 year old daughter and I have been reading the Mercy Watson series together.  Both of these series are geared to the beginning/early reader.  The book has larger font and a lot of pictures, but it isn't a picture book.  The book is segmented into smaller chapters.  You could say "Early Readers" like these books are geared to the kids that are just becoming independent readers.  These books are great to foster that independent reading b/c they are a cross of chapter books and picture books.

Plus, my 3 year old isn't near independent reading, but she is getting better with reading longer stories.  These early chapter books are great to read together with my toddler.    

I gave Princess in Black by Shannon Hale 4 out of 5 stars. I told you I love Shannon Hale, and I really do love a great written and illustrated early reader.  However, I felt as an "Early Reader" this book was just a tad off the mark.  

The story really is fun and the illustrations are beautiful and perfect.  However, the writing, mostly vocabulary, wasn't quite age/reading level appropriate.  Usually, Early Readers are geared to those students just learning to read so right about first grade or lower second grader.  However, some of the vocabulary and concepts/inferences were too high for that level of a reader.  The story was written at a high second grade or low third grade level.  

The Early Readers are usually geared to first graders, but this book would be hard for a 1st grader to completely comprehend.  Therefore, the reason for the less than stellar rating.  

Amazon had the following book review: 

"In this atypical princess story, the refined and frilly Princess Magnolia is having hot chocolate and scones with the proper Duchess Wigtower when suddenly the monster alarm sounds. As readers quickly find out, Princess Magnolia is actually the Princess in Black. She dons a black cape and ninjalike outfit to fights the monsters that come from Monster Land. Her superhero identity is top secret; Duchess Wigtower must not find out. While the Princess in Black wages battle, Duchess Wigtower snoops around her castle, always looking for evidence of the princesses' imperfections. Meanwhile, Duff the goat boy suspects the true identity of the Princess in Black and considers helping her. The colorful illustrations on each page help move readers through the story as the heroic princess saves the day. The action-packed text in this beginner chapter book will enthrall and is ideal for independent reading or reading aloud. The ending leaves readers with just enough of a wink to hint at a future installment. Give this engaging read to fans of "Bink and Gollie" (Candlewick)."

All in all, Princess in Black is a fun read for a little girl.  You could read this along with your 1st grader, or your 2nd/3rd grade girl will love to read this book on her own.  

Happy  Princess/Ninja dominating reading!

Have you or your child read it?  What did you think?  

Double Chocolate Mint M&M Cookies

I love Mint M&Ms.  They are my absolute favorite M&Ms, and I'm glad (though my waist isn't) they started selling the Mint M&Ms year round.  

I also love the combination of mint and chocolate; it's right up there with chocolate and peanut butter.  Those two combinations are pretty much top dog in my book.   

These Double Chocolate and Double Mint Cookies are delicious and fun to make and eat.  The holiday Mint M&Ms make the cookies festive and perfect for a cookie exchange or a neighbor treat.

Santa would also love to have these scrumptious cookies.  Your stocking would probably be filled just a little more if he had these cookies to enjoy.   

Double Chocolate Mint M&M Cookies
Recipe: Alohamora
Active Time: 40 minutes
Inactive Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2 1/2 dozen with a large scoop

Ingredients: 
1 1/2 c. butter, softened
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
1 Tbsp Vanilla
2 eggs, large
1/2 c. and 2 Tbsp cocoa powder, unsweetened
3 c. flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1 pkg (10 oz) mint chocolate chips (Nestle and Hershey are my favorite)
1 c. dark/bittersweet chocolate chips
1 pkg (9 oz) Mint M&Ms

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 
2. Line your cookie sheets with baking pads/mats or parchment paper if you have them.  You'll be fine without, but the texture of the cookies is best with them. 
3. In a large bowl or stand mixer cream the butter, brown sugar, and sugar together for about 3-5 minutes until it is light and fluffy.
4. Add the vanilla and eggs to the mixture one at a time mixing in between each addition.
5. Add the cocoa and mix until it is light and fluffy, but don't over mix it.  
6. On top of the dough add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in order and mix on low until it is just combined.  You may have to scrape the sides of your bowl with a spatula to make sure everything is combined well. 
7. Finally, add the mint and dark chocolate chips and mix on low until just combined.
8. Toss in half of your Mint M&Ms and stir in or just barely mix them.  You don't want to over mix the dough.  
9. Using a large cookie scoop, place your cookie dough balls on the prepared pans.   Then place a few Mint M&Ms onto each cookie dough ball before baking.  
10. Bake the cookies at 325 for 8-10 minutes until the cookies are no longer shiny.  They may be slightly shiny, but not completely shiny.   
11. Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before moving them to a cooling rack. 
12. Enjoy!
13. Store cookies in an airtight container like this one.  

Happy Double Chocolate Mint M&M Cookie eating, and Happy Holiday baking! 

World's Greatest Sugar Cookies- Drop Them or Roll Them

When I lived in Denver I had a friend who said his sister in-law had the World's Greatest Sugar Cookie Recipe. I figured he was exaggerating, but I felt it was necessary I find out for myself.  I am all about thorough research when it comes to desserts.   

After a ridiculous number of bakings I can attest that this sugar cookie recipe really is the best.  These cookies are easy to make, they stay soft for days, and you can roll them out to use the millions of cookie cutters you own and frost them, or you can drop them on the sheet in balls and cover them in sugar colored sprinkles to make them fast.  

These cookies are incredibly versatile and have the best sugar cookie flavor.  They really are the World's Greatest Sugar Cookie Recipe.  

I've been lucky enough to have this recipe for 7 years.  Shortly after I received the recipe from that friend he moved.  I now only know what is going on in his life through Facebook.  Isn't that the case with so many "friends?"  However, just a couple years ago my family was enjoying a weekend away in the mountains of Arizona.  The church congregation we went to on vacation was actually the home congregation for my friends sister in-law aka the one that originated the recipe.  She actually spoke in church that day, and it was as a result of her name being on the program that I was able to put a face to the recipe. 

Such a small and funny world sometimes.

World's Greatest Sugar Cookies

Recipe: Alohamora slightly adapted from Whitney McAdams

Active Time: 35-40 minutes

Inactive Time: 1 1/2- 2 hours

Servings: 3-4 dozen depending on the size of the cookie

Ingredients: 

1 c. butter, softened

2 c. sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

1 c. sour cream

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

5 c. flour

cookie cutters (optional)

sugar colored sprinkles (optional)

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees if doing drop sugar cookies, aka the ones in the picture.
2. Line 2 cookie sheets/pans with silicone baking mat or parchment paper if you have them. 
3. In a large bowl or stand mixer cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. 
4. Add the eggs one at a time mixing between each addition. 
5. Add the vanilla
6. In a small bowl mix the sour cream and baking soda together. Then add the sour cream mixture to the large bowl with the butter/sugar mixture. 
7. Add the baking powder and then finally the flour mixing until everything is just combined.  
8. If you are going to use cookie cutters and roll out the dough you will need to cover your bowl that has the dough and refrigerate it for 1 hour. 
9. Then roll out your dough to 1/4 to 1/2 inch, cut your shapes, and then place them on your prepared pan.
10. Bake your cookies at 325 for 8-10 minutes.  I'm usually closer to the 10 minute mark if the cookies are large and/or thick. 
11. Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting them with a buttercream or cream cheese frosting.  
12. If you are going the speed route and do not want to put your dough in the fridge use a large spoon to scoop out dough approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons large.  
13. Use your hands to roll the dough into tighter balls and then flatten the cookie with the heal of your hand. 
14. If you want to add sugar colored candy to your cookies roll them in the sugar sprinkles or use a spoon to drizzle them over cookies.  
15. Bake your dropped sugar cookies aka the round soft sugar cookies at 325 degree for 8-10 minutes.  However, my dropped cookies are closer to 8 minutes. 
16. You don't want to over bake the cookies. 
17. After the baked cookies have cooled for a few minutes place the cookies on a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
18. Dropped cookies aka cookies that are circular shaped can be eaten right away.
19. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
20. This is a great cookie dough that can be made ahead, frozen, then baked 
21. Enjoy! 

Happy World's Greatest Sugar Cookie eating and baking!