Swedish Coffee Bread

This recipe came from my great Aunt Evelyn Borgeson and is loved by our family!

3 c. water (hot)
1 c. powdered dry milk
3/4 stick margarine or butter
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. ground cardamom
2 eggs
1 1/2 t. salt
2 pkg. yeast
8 - 9 c. flour (use part of this for kneading)

Mix hot water and dry milk.  Add butter.  When melted, add sugar that has been mixed with yeast.  Add eggs, cardamom and salt.  Add flour slowly, at least 7 1/2 cups.  Add more if dough is soft, then add 1/2 c. more.  Use the rest for kneading.  Let rise until double.  Punch down and let rise again. Knead dough well; shape into 3 parts.  Cute each part into 3 strips, then braid.  Place in long pan; let rise.  When ready to put in oven, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar/cinnamon mixture (or pearl sugar).  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Brie Bites

This delicious appetizer is from my friend Angel

1 package filo cups

Brie

Honey

Brown sugar

Almond (or pecan) slices

Preheat oven to 350

Fill each filo cup with a piece of Brie.  Drizzle with honey.  Sprinkle brown sugar and almond/pecan slices over top.  Bake for about 5 minutes or until cheese is melty and delicious!

Peanut Butter Bars

I got this recipe from my aunt when I was college and found I could make them in my dorm using the microwave in the lobby and my 9 x 13 pan (because don't all college girls have a 9 x 13?).  I had a group of guy friends who formed a hockey league on Thursdays and lovingly called me their "hockey mum", mostly because I had a car and drove them to games.  I made these bars for them on a regular basis, so they became known as "Hockey Bars".  

Peanut Butter Bars (a.k.a. "Hockey Bars")

10 graham crackers, crushed (I put them through a food processor, but they can be crushed by putting them in a ziplok bag and smushing them with a cup or meat tenderizer!)

1 c. peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)

1 stick butter, divided (and softened)

2 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Combine graham cracker crumbs, peanut butter, 3/4 stick of butter and powdered sugar.  Press into bottom of a 9 x 13 pan.  Cool in fridge or in freezer to speed up the process!

Melt chocolate chips and remaining butter (1/4 stick) in microwave until smooth.  Pour on top of PB mixture and chill in fridge until hardened.  

Cut into bars and enjoy!