Easy Cherry Strudels

This is another recipe from the latest Simple and Delicious (ToH) magazine. I tried it last week and definitely plan on making it again. However, it's more of a traditional Christmas-y dessert, and with all the walnuts, it probably appeals more to the grown ups...although my children ate it right up! (Don't be intimidated by the puff pastry--that's what makes this dessert so easy!)

1 can (14.5 ounces) pitted tart cherries (not cherry pie filling)
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. dried cranberries
1 T. butter
3 T. cornstarch
1.5 c. chopped walnuts
1 pkg. (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed (leave in box while thawing so as not to let the pastry dry out)
1 egg, beaten

Drain cherries, reserving 1/3 c. juice. In a large saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cranberries, and butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through. Combine cornstarch and reserved juice and add to the pan. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir 2 minutes longer or until thickened. Remover from the heat; stir in walnuts.

Unfold one pastry sheet and cut in half. Mound half of the cherry mixture on one pastry half to within 1/2 inch of edges. Top with remaining half; pinch edges to seal. Repeat with remaining pastry and filling.

Place on a greased foil-lined baking sheet (or Silpat). With a sharp knife, cut diagonal slits into tops of strudels; brush with egg. Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Halloween Dinner!

The one thing I enjoyed about Halloween this year was making a fun dinner for the kids and their friends before they went out trick or treating! Macey's makes these cute pumpkin break bowls that I served chili in. Then I made these cute mummies out of hot dogs and breadstick dough. I also made Jello jigglers in Halloween shapes and served orange Kool-Aid with purple Kool-Aid ice cubes.

MUMMIES

12 hot dogs

1 tube of Pillsbury breadstick dough (no generic brands!)

mustard

Open tube of breadstick dough, unroll, and separate. Cut each breadstick into three strips. Wrap each strip around the hot dogs until covered, leaving a space for the eyes. Bake at 375 for 10-15 minutes. Dot on eyes with mustard.

I had both generic and Pillsbury brands of breadstick dough that I used, and I definitely recommend sticking with Pillsbury for this one!