Jeepers creepers, it sure is busy around here…
This happens every December as the temperatures drop, the snow starts to fall, and holiday celebrations begin.
I recently attended an early morning co-worker’s meeting. We only meet four times a year and our December meeting is more like a meeting/potluck lunch. We discuss business during the morning hours and then celebrate the upcoming holidays with a carry-in lunch in the afternoon. As a special breakfast treat, I had volunteered to bake a few items and run to a local coffee shop for a box of hot coffee for the crowd.
Well, to my dismay, it started to snow heavily the night before the event and I knew the snow would hamper my trip to the donut shop the following morning. I decided that I would get up really early to throw my baked goods into the oven so that I could travel into town and onto the meeting in a timely manner. I wanted to make an uncomplicated recipe with only a few ingredients to speed up the process so I grabbed my recipe file to look for a recipe that had appeared in the newspaper many years ago. I had clipped it out and tucked it away for just such an occasion. For this simple recipe, I used a box of spice cake mix and a can of apple pie filling for two of the ingredients. The addition of three eggs was all that was needed to finish off the batter. I threw in a handful of chopped walnuts to add a bit of crunch.
Below you will find the basic recipe. The addition of nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, etc. will certainly add to the flavor and texture of the cake. I’ve added a note with some classic flavor combinations if you would like to change things up a bit… Enjoy this moist and flavorful cake!
Amish Snack Cake
1 box cake mix, any flavor (I use spice cake mix)
3 large eggs, beaten
1 can pie filling, any flavor (I use apple pie filling)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13×9″ pan with non-stick cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs and pie filling. Stir together until well blended. Bake for 40-45 minutes or test for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake. Cool completely before icing (if desired).
Other variations:
- Chocolate cake mix with cherry pie filling and chocolate chips
- Butter pecan cake mix with apple pie filling and nuts
- Yellow cake mix with peach filling and walnuts
- Pineapple cake mix with blueberry filling and coconut
- Yellow cake mix with cherry filling
- Spice cake mix with apple pie filling and walnuts
I recently attended a daylong training in Indianapolis. A soup and salad lunch was served mid-day. One of the local restaurants was asked to provide a bounty of fresh rolls, piping hot turkey chili and a fabulous cranberry and feta salad. I passed on the rolls and chili but piled a healthy portion of the salad on my festive plate. As I munched on the salad, I was reminded of a recipe that I used to make years ago and made a note to look through my cookbook collection to remake the dish for the Thanksgiving table (for some lighter fare.) Here is the version that I made… I don’t recall where the recipe originated, I have a handwritten note with the dressing ingredients loosely estimated. We sure enjoyed this recipe. To save time, I’ve used a bottled raspberry vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing. I have also added some freshly sliced pears to the mix. Super easy and delicious! Great for the upcoming holidays.
Making my way through the leftovers after a holiday meal is always a challenge. I hate to waste food so I try to be as creative as possible when reinventing leftovers to make tasty meals for the family. Yesterday I came across a plastic container containing a few cups of homemade cranberry sauce. I remembered a recipe that I had made years ago for a chunky cranberry quick bread that would use up the two cups of sauce that I had leftover. I searched my trusty kitchen file and found the recipe. With staple ingredients, this batter comes together rather quickly. A sprinkle of maple/cinnamon steel cup instant oats makes for a sweet crunchy topping. This is a great way to turn those holiday leftovers into a sweet treat the whole family will enjoy.
Over the years I’ve baked lots of tasty loaves for friends and co-workers to celebrate the holiday season. This week is no exception for I’ll be pulling out all of my favorite baking pans and an array of Christmas wrapping paper to start my traditional holiday bake. I usually make an assortment of flavorful loaves… a 
At a recent holiday party, one of my co-workers was kind enough to demonstrate the assembly of this adorable sock snowman craft. You won’t believe how quick and easy this no-sew project is to assemble. A simple white sock, some string, and a few sewing notions make for the cutest of holiday projects for any age to enjoy. 
By popular demand, I am posting one of my all-time favorite snack mix recipes. It never fails, whenever I make this mix, I am always asked for the details of the recipe. During the holidays, I usually pack this lip-smackin’ snack into decorative jars to pass along as a homemade gift from the kitchen. Light, buttery, and full of that scrumptious honey flavor, this sweet treat is a winner. Make a big batch and keep a watchful eye as it cools on the kitchen counter. The mix has a tendency to disappear as the minutes tick by … Irresistible!
The next time you’re looking for a sweet treat this one will not disappoint. Great for holiday gatherings, this party mix is completely addicting. Make a quick batch, place it out on the counter and BAM, it’s gone in a flash. You won’t believe how easy it is to make this delicious treat! It’s a sinful mix that will satisfy your sweet tooth this holiday season.
Simply Made Kitchen and Crafts 