Friday, May 29, 2009

More Simple, Quick Ideas From My Kitchen

She is one of my oldest daughter's good friends. She is already a busy mother of boys and two weeks ago, she gave birth to a precious little girl. My daughter was going to visit her today and I wanted to send along a small congratulations gift. I decided to go with this very practical gift, since she already has young children at home,and cooking is still required in her life. I found an old tin tray for 1.00 at a flea market which I used to hold this gift. I read recently in one of the many cooking magazines that I pick up, that in a recent taste test kitchen, this "Krusteaz' pancake mix, won hands down in the taste department. I purchased two boxes of the mix, a glass cannister from Walmart, a scoop(which came 3 in a pack) at Walmart, and a container of Log Cabin syrup. What do you need to whip up a batch of these pancakes? You only add water, blend and cook on lightly greased griddle(unless you feel like adding chocolate chips or blueberries). Now how easy is that for a busy mom! On the front of this tray, I added a small vase of roses from my garden.
Completed tray of breakfast food. Added small vase with pink roses and a homemade "congratulations" card. Hopefully, this gift will save a new mother some time in the kitchen.

Glass container filled with pancake mix and scoop.



And an extra box of mix. On the back of this box, I read that "it began in 1932 with the women of a Seattle bridge club and a great idea for an easy-to-make pie crust. Since then Krusteaz--a clever mix of "crust" and "ease"--has come to stand for homemade goodness. Krusteaz pancakes cook up light, fluffy and delicious. One bite and you will know why Krusteaz is such a cherished Northwest tradition." I am not pushing this brand, you can use the brand of your choice.


My oldest grandson is having a sleepover tonight, with some of the guys from his youth group. I did not have much time, so I whipped up one of my husband's favorite oatmeal and butterscotch bars to share with the guys. I set the pink roses beside the plate of bars, only for this picture as I as sure they would not impress a group of middle school guys.


These simple, quick bars are so convenient to make. Pictured above is all that is needed. I keep packs of these Betty Crocker Oatmeal cookies on hand in my pantry, for times like this. It seems like I am often in need of covered dish desserts, gifts, and treats to serve with coffee for friends that stop over.


In one bowl, I melt a stick of butter, beat in one egg, and 1 TBSP. of water. Blend thoroughly.


Add dry cookie mix(purchased in the cake isle at Walmart, or the local grocery store), stir until moistened. At this point I add 1 cup of butterscotch or chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the batter. This is optional. I pour the batter into a sprayed jelly roll pan or a 9 x 13 inch pan and bake in a 350 degree oven(on the middle shelf), for 25 minutes or until firm to the touch. Remove from oven, cool, cut into squares, and watch the pieces disappear(especially when young guys are around). I am well aware that there are many great recipes out there for oatmeal bars...but just in case you are crunched for time these might work for you.
















12 comments:

Stacey said...

You are so smart! I think anybody would enjoy the pancake gift. Great idea!

Is your grandson having the sleep over at your house?

Judy said...

Oh...lot's of good ideas once again! Now I must see if those brands are available here in Canada...I have never heard of Krusteaz. I'm thinking we must have Betty Crocker Oatmael cookie mix...and your squares look simple and delicious.

Shelley said...

I am coming to you when I need gift ideas! Love this pancake gift! And I'll have to check out that Krusteaz - I'm always looking for that perfect pancake mix. I seriously think you're a combo between Martha Stewart and Rachel Ray! :-)

Happy@Home said...

I think you are one of the most thoughtful people I have ever become acquainted with, Judy. You have an unlimited supply of great ideas for putting together beautiful gifts to bless somebody's day with. How generous of you to share those ideas with us!!
I am going to have to try that pancake mix. It sounds like a great thing to have in the pantry. Also, the oatmeal bars look yummy.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Hi Judy...thanks for purchasing my "Puppy" Creation on etsy...I will get it shipped out to you right away! And thanks for visiting my blog as well...Take care & Have a Great Weekend!

Hugs, Carrie

southerninspiration said...

Great ideas, and so generous of you! I know that new mom will love the gift, and it will be tasty!

Suzanne

Kathleen said...

Oh my goodness. There goes my diet (I've got to get me some of those oatmeal bars)! And I'll second Happy@Home's comments. You're the bomb!

Be blessed,
Kathleen

Anonymous said...

Good evening Judy, You are such a thoughtful person. What great ideas you have come up with. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed weekend ♥

Anonymous said...

Nice idea for the gift. I like new ideas. I hate to go buy the same old thing all the time. Thanks for a great idea.
QMM

The lady of the house... said...

OH JUDY!! THANK YOU FOR THE LOVELY GIFT!! My dear honey already made some waffles this morning w/ the mix and they were GREAT!! I would agree with many, that YOU are one of the most thoughtful ladies I know. Thank you for making my day so special! I just keep looking at my beautiful gift and smiling!
Love from across the way.

Lauren said...

Judy you're so sweet. What a thoughtful gift.

And those cookie bars...YUM!! Can't wait to try them.

Thanks also for the Krusteaz info -- I have stood in the grocery store several times with the box in my hand...but I always put it back for fear that it won't pass the test of my pancake-eaters. I love Krusteaz lemon bars...so I should have known. Next time I'm at the store, I know what I'll be buying!

have a great weekend -- and thanks again for all your great ideas!

Mahek said...

great idea!!!
I love your gift ideas which come from the heart
I have added you as a link in my blog

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