Homemade Graham Crackers and Over the Moon Pies

I just made up the name..you like?

Homemade Graham Crackers (recipe borrowed from http://www.bakingbites.com/)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 cup cold butter, cut in 1/2 inch cubes

2 tbls honey

2 tbls molasses

1/4 cup cold water

1 tsp vanilla

In a food processor combine first 6 ingredients. Add butter and pulse for about 30 seconds until a course meal forms. Add remaining ingredients and pulse until a ball starts to form, about another 30 seconds. Scrape dough onto a sheet of parchment paper and top with another sheet. Roll dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Chill for several hours. (I put in the freezer right before pulling out to work with). Remove and roll out if not 1/8 of an inch already. Cut immediately with a pizza cutter into desired shape. Place on parchment paper, poke holes in the top of each with a toothpick, and bake for appox 15 minutes at 350. They should be slightly browned and firm to the touch. If you prefer, sprinkle with sugar before last 5 minutes of baking.

These are good by themselves, but even better covered in chocolate or made into moon pies. I had trouble keeping them crisp to just eat as crackers.

Over the Moon Pies

Use my recipe for homemade marshmallows posted here: Homemade Marshmallows

Immediately after marshmallows are done whipping in the mixer, spoon desired amount between two grahams and coat with chocolate. I used both the quick melt coating and also made a chocolate glaze to try:

2 - 1 oz blocks of unsweetened semi-sweet chocolate
2 tbs butter
2 tbs boiling water
1 cup sifted powdered sugar

Melt butter and chocolate together, then add boiling water and sugar until smooth. Pour over marshmallow sandwiches. Chill to get glaze to firm up.

I think I prefer the flavor of the milk chocolate coating although the glaze looks prettier. I just couldn't get the milk chocolate as thin as I would've liked, but it had a more traditional moon pie taste.

Note: you will have tons of marshmallow filling left so go ahead and spray a pan and spread remaining in to make traditional marshmallows. You'll be glad you did!

These are worth the effort and SOOO tasty. Kids and adults alike will enjoy them.

Ramen Noodle Slaw

1 pkg chicken flavored Ramen noodles

6 cups shredded cabbage (I used about 5 green, and 1 red)

1 cup grated carrots

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds ( I used a little less)

1/2 cup sliced almonds (also used a little less)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3 Tbs sugar

3-5 Tbs vinegar (used about 4)

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Remove seasoning packet from noodles and set aside. Crush noodles and combine with next 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Combine seasoning packet with the remaining ingredients and beat with a wire wisk. Pour over cabbage mixture and toss gently to coat. Cover and chill overnight. Tastes best the 2nd day.

This is a great salad for showers...or as a side when guests are coming because you make it ahead of time. I love it. Of course, you can cheat with the pre-cut coleslaw mix, but I think cutting your own is much fresher..and cheaper. Use 1/2 to make this slaw and then the remaining for Texas 2 step slaw...just a suggestion :)

Alternative presentation: Do not mix noodles in, but rather crumble on top of salad before serving for extra crunch.

Texas Two-step Slaw

Food Friday-a day early

3 cups coleslaw mix (I made my own used green and purple slaw plus grated carrots)
1/4 cup Mexicorn, drained
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
2 tbs chopped red onion
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup ranch salad dressing (I made homemade-well, used the mix+mayo+milk)
1 1/2 tsp lime juice
1/2 tsp cumin

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Combine dressing, lime juice, and cumin and then pour over slaw. Toss to coat. Chill for a few hours before serving.

I'd say the homemade ranch is the way to go...but in pinch bottled ranch would be just fine. Enjoy!

I'm serving this with my kitchen sink Mexican casserole: corn tortillas, refried beans, Spanish rice, mexicorn and green chilis, enchilada meat sauce (meat, onion, Enchilada seasoning, tomato sauce, water), sour cream and cheese, flour tortillas, more beans and rice, more meat sauce, and more cheese. Sounds like alot, but bound to be tasty!