Chocolate Snowballs

Recipe sent in by: D. Archer
This recipe is from Betty Crocker, sounds like one to try.

- 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix
- 1/2 c Butter or Margarine, melted
- 1 Egg
- 1/4 c Gold Medal All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 c Unsweetened Baking Cocoa
- 1/2 c Finely Chopped Almonds
- 1 tsp Almond Extract
- 60 Hershey's Kisses milk chocolates, unwrapped
- 3/4 c Powdered Sugar


1) Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, egg, flour, cocoa, almonds and extract until soft dough forms.
2) Shape dough into sixty 3/4-inch balls; wrap each around 1 milk chocolate candy. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
3) Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
4) Roll cookies in powered sugar. Cool completely, about 15 minutes. Re-roll cookies in powdered sugar. Store tightly covered.

Tropical Iced Tea

Recipe sent in by: D. Archer
Refreshing, easy and summery tea.

- 4.5 c Water
- 4 cups Iced Tea
- 1 can ( 12 ounces ) frozen pineapple-orange juice concentrate - thawed
* Mint leaves for garnish

1) Mix all in a large pitcher, chill in the refrigerator.
2) Serve over ice, garnish with mint or small piece of pineapple on the edge of the glass.

Notes:
by D. Archer
I haven't tried this yet, but I mean to do it very soon. I bet this would also be nice with some fresh berries blended in. If you want more flavor, try adding a flavored iced tea, like raspberry or mango. Additionally, this would probably blend well with ice for a frozen drink ~OR~ blended with ice cream for a refreshing dessert style drink.

Cake Truffles ( AKA Cake Balls )

Recipe & Photos sent in by:
D. Archer

So deelish! They look elegant and are surprisingly luscious.










- 1 box Cake Mix ( flavor of your choice )
- Eggs ( number according to the instructions on the box )
- Vegetable Oil ( according to the instructions on the box )
- Water ( according to the instructions on the box )
- 2 C Frosting ( flavor of your choice )
- 1 ( 3 ounce ) Bar Chocolate Confectioners Coating ( I melted chocolate chips )


1) Make cake according to box. When cake is done, and still warm, crumble into large bowl.
2) Stir in the frosting until well blended.
3) Melt chocolate in a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring until melted and smooth.
4) Use a melon baller or small scoop to form balls of the cake mixture.
5) Dip ( or drizzle ) the balls in the chocolate using a toothpick or fork to hold them. Place on wax paper to set.
* If desired, roll in nuts, coconut, chocolate chips, non-pareils ( sprinkles ), or drizzle white chocolate to decorate.

Testimonials:
by D. Archer
I made these last night, I really thought they'd be "okay".. but.. they were SO good, people are requesting them for gifts for friends! Highly recommend trying these yourself! I used Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and coated with Semi-sweet Chocolate. Photos to follow!

As promised, here are some pictures. I took some step by step shots to make sure everything was as clear as could be. Enjoy!

Cake & frosting mixture

Uncoated cake balls

Melted chocolate over a pan of simmering water

Just dipped

Again, just dipped and not yet cooled

Finished! Ready to enjoy!

Buttercream Frosting

Recipe sent in by: D. Archer
Love, love, love buttercream!.

- 1 c Shortening
- 1 c Butter
- 8 c Confectioners' Sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 fluid ounces Heavy Cream


1) Cream shortening until fluffy. Add confectioner's sugar and continue creaming until well blended.
2) Add vanilla and cream, blend on low speed until moistened. Add additional cream if necessary ( up to 2 ounces ).
3) Beat on high until frosting is fluffy.

Notes:
by I have not tried this yet, I may be doing so tonight, here's to hoping this is as wonderful as it sounds!