Hot Fudge Sauce

I am finally getting around to posting this requested recipe. I am such a slacker.

Good Luck with this one. I grew up with this yummy sauce drizzled over our ice-cream. It is delicious. It is even better when you put the leftovers in the fridge and occasionaly sneak a scoop and eat it straight from the spoon. Sh...don't tell anyone! ;)

Hot Fudge Sauce

1 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. Cocoa

Cook this on low for a few minutes while stirring.

Add in:

7/8 cup evaporated milk (WHAT??? you say. I said the same thing. It is between 3/4 cup and 1 cup).
2 Tbsp. butter

Stir it and when it starts to boil turn it down and stir for a few more minutes.

ENJOY!

Brownies

I have had a request to post the recipe I use for brownies. There are actually a few different ones I use but this one is REALLY easy. I LOVE this one. I don't really care to buy boxed brownies. Don't get me wrong, I will still eat them when given the chance. I just really like making them from scratch. If anyone has read the comment from a previous post it does not call for "Nine parts crack." Although, he sent me rolling on the ground with that comment. Here is your recipe:

EASY DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHIP BROWNIES

2 cups (12 ounce package) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, divided
1/2 cup butter or margarine cut into pieces
3 eggs
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional---I have never used them)

MELT 1 cup chocolate chips and butter in large, heavy saucepan over low heat; stir until smooth. Remove from heat. Add eggs; stir well. Add flour, sugar, baking soda and vanilla; stir well. Stir in remaining 1 cup chocolate chips (and nuts if wanted). Spread into greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

BAKE in preheated 350 degree oven for 18 to 22 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out with fudgy crumbs. Cool completely. Cut into squares (or just grab a fork and eat straight from the pan.) ;)

Note: I have also added Reese's Peanut Butter chips to this recipe when adding in the remaining chocolate chips. You can adjust accordingly. It adds a delicious twist.

The picture above may look like a boring old pan of brownies. Now, picture making it festive topped with Peppermint ice-cream and chocolate sauce drizzled on it.

YUMMY!!!

(Please note that this is not my own recipe. It is just one that I really enjoy making.)

Pilgrim Hats

Now isn't this cute? I learned how to make these at least four years ago. They are so fun and easy to make. Plus, they are edible!!! That is even better. =)

Here is a picture of all the things you need for it. Prepare yourself. I don't want you to feel too overwhelmed.

Yep! That is it. Chocolate, Large Marshmallows, Fudge Striped Cookies, and white icing.

Directions:
Melt the Chocolate. Take your Large Marshmallow and cover it in Chocolate. Set it in the middle on the bottom of the cookie. (These cookies have a striped side, the top, and a solid chocolate covered bottom. Place it on the bottom side.) Let chocolate set. You can either place them in the fridge to set or leave them on a tray to set up. When Chocolate is set use white icing to pipe a square in the middle bottom of the chocolate covered marshmallow.

Here ya go. You have Pilgrim Hats to set at each plate on Thanksgiving Day. Yummy!!!

Potato Soup

I found this recipe on line from Country Living. Of course I changed a few things and thought of a few other things I should have done after I ate it. Everyone liked it so that was a plus. I am sure you all have a good Potato Soup recipe but here is another quick and easy one.

btw- I will be trying to get a post up of a cute Thanksgiving activity you can make to place at each dinner plate. Look for that to come soon.

Potato Soup

6 slices bacon (I think if you really like bacon you probably will want more than this.)

8 med/large potatoes (It calls for three pounds but I bought a five pound bag and ended up using 8 potoates. It all depends on the sizes that come out of the bag.)

4 tsp. salt

1 cup sour cream

1 stick butter

2 2/3 cup milk

1/2 tsp pepper

4 scallions (Didn't have any when we made it but would probably add an excellent flavor as a topping)

2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese (or whatever you desire)

Cook the bacon pieces over medium heat in a skillet until crisp. Transfer bacon to drain and set aside. Peel, rinse, and cut potatoes into thirds (or a bit smaller as I did). Place them in a large pot with water to cover the potatoes, and add 2 tsps. salt, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are very soft -- about 45 min. or less. Drain potatoes, discard the water, return potatoes to pot. Mash with a potato masher (I used a fork since I don't have a potato masher :). ) Add the sour cream and butter and stir until melted. Add the milk, pepper, and remaining salt and bring the soup back to a simmer. Right before serving, I actually added in about a cup or more of the cheese to let melt into the soup. Divide into bowls and garnish with scallions, cheese, and bacon. Eat and enjoy.

Afterwards I wondered if a bit of Garlic or Season salt would have added a bit more of a fun flavor. This recipe seemed to be easy. You could probably play around with it and get it to your liking. But as you can see below it was enjoyed by even the little one.

Cheesey Breadsticks

This is one of my favorite recipes that I like to whip up when having Spaghetti or Lasagna. They go great with soup as well. So for those of you who saw this post before I forgot to get a picture of them. I made them again tonight and I remembered to take a picture.

1 cup warm milk
2 3/4 cup flour (You may not need it all. Don't add it into your recipe all it once. Just a little at a time)
3 T sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 T. yeast
1/4 cup butter

Cheddar Cheese ( I sometimes do half mozzarella cheese and half cheddar)
garlic salt

In a bowl mix the yeast, sugar, and warm milk. Let sit for about five minutes. Add the salt, only 2 tablespoons of the butter melted, and the flour. Mix together well. Knead the dough. I usually only need it for about a minute or two. Cover and let sit until double in size. About an hour later I usually finish it off. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Take the dough and place it on a greased pan. You can use a round pizza pan or rectangular cookie sheet. I roll the dough to the shape of the pan. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and brush over top of the dough. Sprinkle with garlic salt. Finally, cover it with the cheese. Put on as much or as little as you would like. I then use a pizza cutter and pre-cut slices before baking. Once down the middle and then into 1 1/2 - 2 inch strips. Bake for 15-20 min. It will depend on the oven. I cook it for 17 minutes . It comes out perfect.

Welcome to Ruthy's Diner

Here at Ruthy's Diner you will find plenty of things on the menu. Here are a list of items you may come across:

• Recipes
• Gardening
• My favorite Things
• Tips and Tricks
• Party ideas
• and whatever else I feel belongs on the menu.

Please feel free to send requests or ask questions when needed. I hope you find this helpful or just plain fun. I'll try and serve up the best items possible.