SANDRA'S EASY CHOCOLATE COCONUT MARSHMALLOW FUDGE

The most creamy and decadent fudge ever!

You can also sub out the coconut and marshmallows for chopped nuts,

or the chips for other flavors...

Yield: 36 squares

Prep: 10 Mins.

Cook: 5-10 Mins.

Chill: 2 Hrs.

INGREDIENTS

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 (14-oz can) sweetened condensed milk (not unsweetened evaporated milk)

Pinch of kosher salt

1/2 cup finely shredded sweetened coconut

2 cups miniature marshmallows

1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

METHOD

Line an 8" square baking dish with foil, leaving extension handles over edges of about 2".

Place a heavy bottom medium saucepan over low heat, add the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Stir constantly, gently, until all chips have melted.  Remove from heat.

Fold in vanilla, then the coconut and marshmallows.

Spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Chill, uncovered, in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours before removing foil, then cutting into 36 squares (*see below).

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. ~ Enjoy!

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Tip:

*How to cut into 36 even squares: First, cut across the middle each way, and then cut each of the four squares into thirds each way (9x4=36 squares).

SANDRA'S NO-BAKE CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER MARSHMALLOW OAT COOKIES

These a incredibly tasty cookies that are a cross between candy, cookies, and brownies!

Plus, they're fantastically easy to make, no baking required!

Yields: Appx. 4 dozen

Prep: 10 Mins.

Cool at room temp: 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1-2⁄3 cups granulated sugar

1⁄2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1⁄2 cup condensed unsweetened milk

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1⁄8 teaspoon kosher salt

1⁄2 cup creamy peanut butter

5 tablespoons unsalted cold butter, cut into 1/2" cubes

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups quick-cooking rolled oats

1/2 cup miniature marshmallows

METHOD

Whisk sugar, cocoa, milk, cinnamon and kosher salt in cold medium-size heavy-bottom saucepan. Place over medium heat and cook, while whisking constantly, for 5 minutes, just until sugar has dissolved. (Do not boil.) Remove saucepan from heat.

In increments, add cubes of cold butter, then peanut butter, while constantly stirring with a wooden spoon to incorporate. Add the vanilla extract; stir to combine.

Fold in oats, then marshmallows, mixing thoroughly until combined.

Drop by cookie (small) scoop fulls onto parchment paper. 

Cool thoroughly at room temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes before removing from parchment paper and serving. ~ Enjoy!

SANDRA'S VIVACIOUS VANILLA BANANA-MARSHMALLOW-COCONUT PUDDING

A quick and delicious dessert to put together
but ohhh so difficult to wait until it sets...

Servings: (8 to 10)
Prep: 20 Mins.
Refrigerate: 2 hours

INGREDIENTS:

PUDDING:
1 (5.1 oz. box) instant vanilla pudding
1 (12 oz. can) cold evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed)
1-1/2 cup cold water
1 teaspoon bourbon vanilla extract (or regular vanilla extract)

FILLING ADDITIONS:
2 slightly ripe bananas, halved lengthwise and sliced
1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup shredded coconut, chopped finer

TOPPING:
1 cup fresh whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon bourbon vanilla extract (or regular vanilla extract)
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar (or granulated sugar)

--Sprinkle topping with a pinch of ground cinnamon

METHOD:

In  medium, round, glass bowl, whisk all the pudding ingredients for 3 minutes to slightly thicken. Gently fold in fruit additions. Evenly spread whipped cream topping over pudding mixture, and sprinkle with cinnamon. Cover, and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to allow dessert to fully thicken and for flavors to meld. ~ Enjoy!

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Tip: I place the unopened can of condensed milk in the freezer for a 1/2 hour prior to preparing recipe.

SANDRA’S ANYTIME MARSHMALLOW-WHIPPED SWEET POTATOES

A very scrumptious

side dish to serve anytime,

not just during holidays anymore...

Serves: 4

Prep:  10 Mins.

Cook/ Bake: 30 Mins. Total

INGREDIENTS

2 lbs. sweet potatoes (about 3 to 4), peeled, and cut into 1” cubes

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

½ teaspoon fresh orange zest

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt

Pinch of white pepper

2 cups miniature marshmallows, divided

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 1-quart baking dish, and set aside.

Place the sweet potatoes into a medium sized pot and cover with cold water, cover pot and bring to boil over medium-high heat.  Boil for 15 minutes, just until sweet potatoes are tender when pierced.  Drain, and pour the hot sweet potatoes into a medium bowl; add the orange juice, butter, ginger, sea salt, white pepper, and 1 cup of miniature marshmallows.  Using an electric hand mixer immediately beat the hot mixture on medium speed until light and fluffy. (If you need to further melt the marshmallows, as I do at times, feel free to microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute, then continue mixing until fluffy.)

Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the remaining 1 cup of miniature marshmallows over the top of the whipped sweet potatoes.

Bake, uncovered, for about 15 minutes, until the marshmallows turn a light and crispy golden brown. ~ Enjoy!

This pairs well with my recipe for Whole-Roasted Spicy Beer-Can Chicken (which I made on the outdoor charcoal grill versus in the oven):

Sandra's Whole-Roasted Spicy Beer-Can Chicken

SANDRA'S HOMEMADE FRESH SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE with GOLDEN MARSHMALLOWS

This casserole is so quick and easy to prepare
and it tastes absolutely scrumptious...

Servings: (8 to 10)
Prep: 15 Mins. |
Bake 25 to 30 Mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS

5 medium sweet potatoes, sliced
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
1-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (10.5 oz. pkg.) miniature marshmallows - enough to sufficiently cover top

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray, with butter spray, a 9”x13” baking dish, and set aside.

Place sweet potato slices in a large saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and mash. Place mashed sweet potatoes in large bowl, and use an electric mixer to blend with the melted butter, brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with miniature marshmallows. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until heated through, and marshmallows are puffed and golden brown. – Enjoy!

SANDRA'S 3-MINUTE HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE FOR 2

A quick and easy homemade
cup of hot chocolate that is
extraordinary...

Servings: (2)

Prep: 3 Mins.

Posted: by Sandra at 

INGREDIENTS:

¼ cup water

2 tablespoons unsweetened Hershey’s Cocoa Powder

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Tiny pinch of kosher salt

1-1/2 cups milk

¼ teaspoon vanilla

Dash of ground cinnamon

Garnish:
--Miniature marshmallows

METHOD

Add ¼ cup water to a 4-cup glass measuring vessel, and sprinkle in the cocoa powder, sugar, and tiny pinch of kosher salt. Place in microwave on high for 30 seconds. Remove, and whisk to combine syrup ingredients.

Add the milk, and continue to microwave on high for 2 TO 2-1/2 minutes, or until sufficiently hot. Remove and add the vanilla, and cinnamon, whisking to combine. Immediately pour hot chocolate into two 8-oz. mugs, and garnish each with miniature marshmallows. – Enjoy!