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Spooky Treats to Celebrate Autumn

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Autumn, it’s finally here. That statement doesn’t mean much thanks to the wonderfully hot and humid climate of the Carolinas, though that doesn’t mean you still can’t be festive and celebrate! Halloween parties are one of my favorites because you get to decorate with the intent of looking scary and have themed snacks to match! Plus there’s the costumes; who wants to pass up the importunity to dress up? Anyways, whether you’re hosting or attending a Halloween function this year, check out the spooky but fun recipes below to add some extra pizzazz to the event!

Candy Corn Bark

Candy Bark with a Fall twist, this easy to make treat is customizable with different toppings if Candy Corn isn’t your thing. With only a handful of ingredients and steps, this is quick and easy to make before any festive function!

Ingredients:

75 pretzels (Waffle style works best because the flat sides line up)
16 ounces vanilla Candiquik coating (feel free to use your favorite flavor)
11 ounces Caramel Bits
9 ounces Candy Corn (or Candy Corn M&Ms, or another hard shell candy)

  1. Line a standard baking sheet with wax paper (not parchment paper) and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray. Then place the pretzels in the pan side by side. The Waffle style ones will line up perfectly with each other.
  2. Melt caramel in a microwavable bowl according to package directions. Stir caramel until smooth and then spoon caramel over each individual pretzel. Work quickly because the caramel will begin to harden after a few second. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
  3. Melt the Candiquick coating in the microwave according to package directions. Pour the coating over the hardened caramel and spread evenly. Sprinkle Candy Corn or M&Ms on top but again, work quickly. You could add crushed Oreo cookies, crushed pretzels (if you want to utilize those left overs), sprinkles, or other hard candy if you’d liked to spice it up a bit. Let everything set until hardened, and then cut (or break!) into pieces. Remember to peel the wax paper from the bottom. Enjoy!!

Butterfinger Candy Corn Fudge

Okay, so now you have left over Candy Corn and no place for it to go. Solution? Fudge. Smooth and creamy with a crunch on top, this fudge recipe won’t disappoint you or your party guests, plus now you won’t have extra Candy Corn.

Ingredients:

Fudge

3 cups candy corn
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup butterscotch chips

Topping

7 ounces milk chocolate, melted
1 Butterfinger candy bar, chopped

  1. Line a 9 x 9 inch square dish pan with parchment paper (make sure it goes up the sides) and spray (thoroughly!) with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a medium saucepan (nonstick if you have it) over medium heat, stir the candy corn and peanut butter together for 3-4 minutes until candy corn begins to melt and break up. Make sure to constantly stir so the mixture doesn’t burn.
  3. Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir over medium heat for another 3-4 minutes, allowing everything to slowly melt together. Again, continuous stirring. When the mixture is smooth, drop the heat to low.
  4. Add the white chocolate and butterscotch chips and stir for 6-7 minutes until mixture is completely smooth with no chunks or lumps.
  5. Pour mixture into the pan then chill until cooled and hardened.
  6. While fudge is cooling, melt the chocolate in the microwave according to packaged directions. Unwrap the Butterfinger bar and put it in a Ziploc bag and crush with a rolling pin. You could always use a small food processor to chop the candy bar up.
  7. Once cooled, lift the fudge from the pan onto cutting board and cut into 1-inch cubes. Dip fudge cubes into chocolate so that the top is coated and sprinkle with chopped Butterfinger crumbs.

Mummy Cheesecake Truffles

Cheesecake with no baking required? Awesome! Adorable little Mummies that are almost too cute to eat? Even more awesome! Noticed I said almost, because I will definitely be eating these.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs*
1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/3 cup graham cracker crumbs*
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup white chocolate chips, separated
red food coloring

**use a Ziploc bag with a rolling pin, or a food processor to chop

  1. In a large bowl, combine gingersnap crumbs, pumpkin puree, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cream cheese. Mix until smooth. Melt 1/2 cup white chocolate chips via the microwave and mix into truffle mixture.  Mix until well incorporated and smooth.
  2. Cover and chill until dough is firm enough to handle, about 1 hour in the fridge or 30 minutes in the freezer. When cold enough, roll mixture into even bite-sized balls. Place a toothpick in each ball.
  3. Melt remaining white chocolate chips in a small bowl in the microwave via packaged directions. Holding the toothpick, dip each truffle ball into the melted white chocolate, being sure to coat all sides. Gently shake off excess chocolate.
  4. Place chocolate-covered truffle balls on a baking sheet or plate lined with wax paper or foil. Chill in the refrigerator for 3-5 minutes until chocolate hardens.
  5. Using a spoon, drizzle more white chocolate over the truffles to form the mummy “bandages”. Carefully soak the end of the Q-tip in red food coloring. Dab 2 dots of food coloring to make the mummy eyes. Handle carefully so you don’t wipe off the eyes. Store chilled in airtight container.

Marshmallow Spooks

Simple and easy to make, these cute little monster marshmallows will steal your heart rather than scare you. On the positive side, they’re super tasty too.

Ingredients:

1 cup Wilton candy melts (Vibrant Green looks really creepy, but you an have different colored Spooks! )
1 tablespoon oil
8 jumbo marshmallows
Candy Eyeballs (you can get some here )

  1. In a microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate following packaged instructions, stirring in intervals.
  2. Stir in oil until incorporated.
  3. Place marshmallows on a lined baking sheet, spaced evenly apart.
  4. Using a tablespoon, pour melted chocolate over the top of each marshmallow. Use the back of a spoon and move in a circular motion so chocolate runs down the side. Add more chocolate slowly until it puddles and pools on the sides you desire.
  5. Place candy eyes wherever you like. For the sunken eye look, add the eyes before the chocolate sets. To have eyes that stay where you place them, let the chocolate harden most of the way before placing. The eyes can be on the top, side, or even in the puddles for different, creepy looks.
  6. Let chocolate harden at room temperature.
  7. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.

Halloween Stuffed Rice Crispy Treats

Everyone loves Rice Crispy Treats. Sweet and salty and easy to eat. Using Cocoa Krispies adds a different flavor, plus gives this family treat a spooky look!

Ingredients:

1 – 16 ounce bag mini marshmallows (8 cups)
6 Tablespoons butter
8 cups Cocoa Krispies
24 Halloween Oreos (orange cream filling is a must)
1 -10 ounce bag dark chocolate melts
Colored Sprinkles and Candy Eyes (If you can’t find in store, check online! They’re available at Amazon)

  1. Line a 9 x 13 pan with foil. Use soft butter or cooking spray to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.
  2. In a large pot over medium low heat, melt the marshmallows and butter. Stir until melted and creamy.
  3. Stir in the Rice Krispies Cereal until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Press half the cereal mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan using parchment paper to keep it even. This will help keep the mixture from sticking to your hands.
  5. Place the 24 cookies on top leaving a little bit of room around each on.
  6. Spoon the rest of the cereal mixture on top and press down using the parchment paper. Make sure to get some of the cereal mixture down between the cookies. Let it cool.
  7. Melt the bag of chocolate melts according to the package directions. Pour on top of the cooled treats and spread out evenly. Top with sprinkles and candy eyes before it sets.
  8. Let the chocolate set, then cut the Rice Krispies treats into 24 squares. Store in a tightly sealed container.

Bloody Cake Bites

This creepy treat is a little more complicated and difficult to make, though the results are worth the little bit of extra time. I promise. These will dazzle and amaze all of the party guests!! Plus you’ll have fun murdering your cake!

Ingredients:

Cake Bites:

1 Frozen Pound cake
1 lb of powered sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
Red Food Coloring

Sugar Glass Shards:

1 3/4 cups sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

  1. First, trim your frozen pound cake down to more of an even rectangle (take the top off and parts of the ends). This will help with cutting the cake into equal cubes. Cube the cake and set the pieces aside to glaze.
  2. To make the glaze, mix the powered sugar, corn syrup, water, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir until smooth.
  3. Dip the cake cubes into the glaze. To keep your hands mess free, use food service gloves. You can also use two forks, or chopsticks. Placed the glazed caked cubes on a cooling rack with parchment paper or foil beneath it to collect any of the dripping mess.
  4. While the glaze is setting, you can drip or splatter the cake cubes with red food coloring to give them a unique, but creepy murdered look. Use the ends of your chop sticks to flick the dye on them, or the prongs of a fork.
  5. As the cake cubes rest, begin making your sugar glass. Combine all the sugar glass ingredients in a medium sauce pan and heat over medium heat for about an hour. The candy needs to be about 300 degrees to crystallize properly once cooled, so use a candy thermometer if you have one.
  6. While the candy cooks, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the sugared candy mixture reaches the correct temperature, remove from the heat and pour onto the baking sheet using a spatula to carefully spread the mixture. CAUTION: The liquid candy will be EXTREMELY HOT. Be mindful of your movements to avoid getting burned.
  7. Allow the sugar glass to cool for an hour (or longer). Once cooled, cover the candy glass with a kitchen towel. With a blunt, solid object, break the candy glass in to smaller pieces. Careful! These shards are sharp and can cut you.
  8. Using a pastry brush, paint red food coloring on the candy glass edges. You can also splatter and drip the food coloring on the glass the way you did for the cake cubes. Carefully place a sugar shard in the top of each cake cube, inserting the candy partially into the cake to hold it in place.
  9. Enjoy your murdered cake!

 

As always, if you think something is wrong with your appliance, make sure to contact a repair service, like us, right away. Give us a ring at 704-824-1077 or schedule an appointment with our online scheduler if you need any help with your major appliances!

 

 

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Wait, My Dishwasher Can Do What?

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Dishwashers are now a common major home appliance. Most households use their dishwasher at least once a week to clean dishes as well as pots and pans, but did you know you can use it for so much more?? Check out the intuitive and creative ideas below to save time and energy, and get more out of your appliance!

 

Dishwasher Dinners

You can use your dishwasher for cooking. I repeat. You can use your dishwasher for cooking. Say what??

Most dishwashers are programmed to heat to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, and this is a safe internal temperature when consuming most seafood proteins, as well as grains and vegetables. So what exactly does that mean? Well that means your dishwasher can make you dinner. You can steam or poach main course items such as salmon, shrimp, mussels, scallops, and other fish and “canister cook” a multitude of vegetables such as asparagus, green-beans, and carrots in the addition of quick cook pastas such as couscous.

The key is to make sure any items you are cooking are placed on the very top rack of your dishwasher, and they are also in tightly sealed containers or aluminum wraps. Mason jars work wonders for poaching, and making foil packets is easy and flavorful with no messy clean up!

Tips and tricks:

Liquid is your friend! By poaching food you are essentially cooking it slowly in it’s own liquid or an added broth. On that note, you only want to cook your food in the liquid you’ve supplied. Make sure any containers or jars are tightly closed, and if you are doing a foil packet, make sure it’s soundly wrapped so no water can get in. Also, no soap please, or jet-dry.

 

Recipe To Try:
Lemon Pepper Salmon and Asparagus and Couscous

 

Aluminum Foil
Filet of Salmon
1 Lemon – half juiced and half sliced
1/4 t fresh ground pepper
1/4 t kosher salt
Large Mason Jar
1 bunch of asparagus
1 C water
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper to taste
2nd Large Mason Jar
1 C couscous
Squeeze of lemon Juice
1 3/4 C chicken stock or vegetable stock

 

Make a foil packet and place the salmon filet in it. Squeeze half the lemon over the salmon then season with the salt and pepper. Take the lemon slices and arrange them single layer on the salmon then close the foil pack and wrap tightly. It’s recommended you use unitize two packets for extra security.

Add the cup of water and butter to a mason jar. Trim the root end of the asparagus down to size where the stalks will fit inside the jar. Season the stems then put them inside the water and buttered mason jar and seal tightly.

In the 2nd mason jar add in the couscous, the liquid stock, and the squeeze of lemon. Seal the jar tightly and give a few shakes.

Place the packet on the top rack of your dishwasher. The mason jars could be placed on the upper or lower rack. A heated wash and heated dry cycle is long enough to cook the salmon and vegetables all the way through. No peeking!! Ta-da! A complete dinner cooked in the dishwasher with minimal clean up!

Utilize and Sanitize

You can use your Sanitize cycle to make sure your dishes, cookware, and silverware and clean and bacteria free, but did you ever think about using it to sanitize other things? That’s right! Dishwashers aren’t just for dishes anymore. Check out the list below of unconventional things you can sanitize in your dishwasher instead!

Children’s Toys

Plastic toys, especially those that travel to daycare, school, or even just outside can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Pop those play things on the top shelf and give them a sanitize cycle to cleanse them of any germs! Now you don’t have to worry so often if your little decides to gnaw on their favorite toy.

Dog Toys

They say that Fido’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s mouth, but I’ve also seen Fido eat some pretty gross things and lick some pretty personal places. There is also no telling what that ball has rolled through, or where that chew bone has been buried. Like children’s toys, give your dog’s toys a sanitize rinse once in a while to help keep Fido’s personal items germ free. Might as well toss his water and food bowl in there too!! I wouldn’t want to eat off a dirty surface.

Work Out and Sports Accessories

Physical activity means sweat. Sweat means germs. Germs mean odor. Help cut down on the odors by sanitizing your sport’s accessories in the dishwasher. Things like elbow and knee pads, as well as baseball caps can be rinsed and sanitized on your top dish rack. You could even use it on “washer safe” gym bags.

Brushes, Combs, and Makeup Brushes

You can put your hair brushes and makeup brushes on the top rack or silverware caddy and run your dishwasher. A gentle cycle can get the built up dirt and grime off your brushes without damaging the bristles.

Faux Flowers

Silk and cloth flowers and plants can be a pain in the rear to dust; their textured surface traps dirt incredibly well! So instead of dusting each individual flower petal, place them in the top rack of your dishwasher and call it a day.

Pretty awesome, right? Try some of these tricks to help maximize the use you get from your dishwasher. As always, if you think something is wrong with your appliance, make sure to contact a repair service, like us, right away. Give us a ring at 704-824-1077 or schedule an appointment with our online scheduler if you need any help with your dishwasher or other major appliances!

 

 

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Spring Cleaning

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Spring has sprung, and now is the time to begin that deep spring cleaning.  Your closets might need some organizing, and your garage over due for a purge, though you should give some love and attention to your home appliances as well. It’s time to break out the baking soda and vinegar for some environmentally friendly cleansing! Not only will your appliances look tidy and smell fresher, regular cleanings will help prolong the life of your appliance and keep it working more efficiently.

 

 

Refrigerator

Now, we are all terrible about buying condiments that we only use once or twice before they’re shoved to some far-off section of the refrigerator never to be seen again. To clean your refrigerator, start by removing EVERYTHING from the cavity and doors. Check the expiration dates on your food labels. Now is a great time to get rid of that Dijon mustard you forgot about from the cookout back in 2015.

Once the expired food items are gone, you can begin washing the shelves with a vinegar and baking soda mixture. It’s a great, all-natural alternative to chemical cleaners, and will help dissolve any food odors lingering in your unit. Make sure to remove any deli or vegetable drawers and clean inside and underneath them. You can leave a box of open baking soda in your refrigerator to help continue to neutralize any food odors.

 

After cleaning the inside, make sure to check the outside of your unit as well. Dust, debris, and pet hair tend to collect under and behind units. You can use a vacuum nozzle or a soft brush to clean the coils of your refrigerator. The coils are usually located on the back of the unit, or behind the filter grid at the bottom front of the unit. Dirty and dusty coils means limited airflow for your unit, therefore your refrigerator has to work harder to keep cool inside. Keeping the coils clean will help your unit work more efficiently and can extend its life.

 

Dishwasher

Again, vinegar and baking soda are your friend. Run your dishwasher with a cup of white vinegar poured into the bottom of the unit. The vinegar will help break down food particles and will help defuse any sour odors that have collected. Make sure to empty your drain filter out as well and give it a quick wash and gentle scrub with a brush. Drain filters are normally located in the bottom of your unit and are designed to keep larger pieces of food and other items from becoming lodged in your unit’s draining system.

Run another short cycle, this time with a quarter cup of baking soda sprinkled inside the unit. On the top rack, sit a dishwasher safe bowl with a cup of vinegar in it. During the cycle the two will combine and gently scrub the inside of your unit, removing any residue or stuck food particles. Again, this is a nice, natural alternative to clean your unit and leave it sparkling inside and smelling fresh.

 

Microwave

The trick here is to loosen any stuck on grim before trying to scrub the unit at all. In a microwave safe bowl or cup, heat a cup of water with some fresh orange or lemon juice in it, until the liquid boils for a few moments. The steam from the water will help loosen any food particles or dried on splatter, so the microwave’s cavity should wipe out easily. The citrus in the water will leave it smelling clean.

 

Stove, Oven, and Range

Once again, baking soda and vinegar to the rescue. Remove the racks from your oven and sprinkle baking soda on the inside of the entire cavity. Using a spray bottle, apply vinegar to the baking soda and close the oven door to allow the mixture to react and bubble and foam. This will naturally loosen stuck on grime and grease without any harsh chemicals or fumes.

While the baking and vinegar mix bubbles in your oven, you can use warm soapy water to wipe down your stove knobs and back-splash. If you have removable burners, you an submerge them in a vinegar and baking soda mixture and let them sit a while before rinsing them. If you have a glass cook-top, take care to gently wipe down the unit’s surface. DO NOT use any harsh or abrasive brushes or scrubbing type cleaners. They can scratch and damage your cook tops surface.

 

 

Like any frequently used and operating machine, your appliances need routine care and maintenance. Thoroughly cleaning them on a regular bases will not only keep them new looking and clean smelling, it can also help lengthen their operating life span and keep them running more efficiently and effectively. So pick up some baking soda and vinegar next time you’re out, and tidy up your kitchen the natural way and leave your appliances feeling fresh!

If you need service for one of your appliances, please do not hesitate to call us at 704-588-1900 to schedule service or click here to schedule online.

 

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