2 1/2 Cups Bran Cereal*

1 1/2 Cups Buttermilk

1 3/4 Cups Flour (sifted)

1 egg

1/3 cup Oil

1 Cup Raisins*

1/2 Cup Sugar

1/2 Cup Brown Sugar (packed)

1 TB Baking Powder

1/2 tsp Soda

1/8 tsp Salt

1 Cup chopped Pecans (optional)
Mix together Bran Cereal and Buttermilk and set aside (Bran will soften).  Meanwhile combine flour, baking powder, soda, salt, raisins and nuts in a separate bowl and set aside.  When bran has softened add egg, oil and sugars and mix well.  Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three stages.  Mix until combined.  Do Not Over mix.  Fill muffin Tins about 2/3’s full.  Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Note: These can be made with Bran Cereal that already has raisins in it.  When using this option increase cereal to 3 Cups and leave out extra cup of Raisins.

Enjoy!

Bread Pudding has been such a popular dessert in my family for many years probably because it was not expensive to make.  My grandparents were Sharecroppers so milk, eggs and butter were always available.   This is such an easy recipe just mix everything up and bake.  It is a great way to use up day-old bread too!

6 - 8 Cups Any Style Bread
4 Cups Milk
2 Cups Sugar
4 Tbs Butter (melted and cooled)
3 eggs
2 Tbs Vanilla
1 Cup Raisins
1 Cup Coconut
2 Cups Chopped Pecans

Combine all ingredients and mix just until moistened.  Poor into a buttered Casserole dish or 9×9 inch Pan and bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes.  Do not Pre-heat Oven.

This is the perfect frosting for a Chocolate Mocha or French Vanilla Cake or Cupcake.  It makes enough icing for one 2 Layer Cake or 24 Cupcakes.  Coffee and Chocolate are a great-tasting combination.  If you like these flavors together you’ll love this recipe!  Enjoy!

1/3 Cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
2 1/2 Cups Confectioners Sugar
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Vanilla
2 Tablespoons Expresso or Strong Coffee
1 Tablespoon Light Corn Syrup

Cream butter then add sugar mixing in batches until well incorporated.  Add Vanilla and Salt and gradually add coffee and syrup and beat until smooth.

So you are just dying for a gourmet brownie but really don’t want to spare the expense? You can take an ordinary box of brownie mix and make it look and taste as if you bought it at a Gourmet Restaurant.

1 Box Fudge Brownie Mix
6 oz bag mini chocolate chips
2/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 can chocolate frosting

Cut open and pour brownie mix into a large mixing bowl. Add pecans and chips to the mix first and mix it together. This will keep the pecans and chips from sinking to the bottom when cooking. Add water, oil and eggs as per directions on the box. Mix until just combined. Do not beat or over-mix. Poor into a 13×9, 9×9 or 7×11 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes — depending on the size of your pan. Do not overbake. Remove from over and let cool completely before cutting.

Next, cut brownie into squares and place on a saucer. Spread a little frosting on top of each and top with a few chopped nuts.

More Ideas:

–Try adding a dollop of cool whip and a few sliced strawberries on top instead of frosting.
–Or you can try a scoop of your favorite ice cream on top.
–For a more elegant look if you are entertaining, place a doily on your plate then place the brownie on top.

3-4 Eggs
1 T Half-n-Half or Milk
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
3 Slices of Bacon (cut into pieces)
1/4 cup diced Onions
1 T Chopped Sweet Roasted Red Peppers(Jar)
1 T diced Green Bell Peppers
1 diced Green Onion
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese

Fry Bacon in an Oven-Safe Skillet until crisp. Drain fat from pan. Add Onions and Bell Pepper and saute on medium-low heat until onions are clear. Add Green Onion and Red Peppers and saute for a minute.

Whisk together Eggs, Half-n-Half and Seasonings in a small bowl then poor over Bacon mixture. Continue cooking a few minutes until edges begin to cook and pull away from sides. Place in the oven on 350 degrees until Eggs are cooked but not dry. Top with Cheese and continue baking in oven until cheese is melted.

Let cool for about 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. Makes 2 or 3 servings. Or eat half for Supper and save the rest for Breakfast!!

Note: You can also add veggies like chopped Broccoli or Spinach to this recipe. Enjoy!