Hidden Treasures Appetizers Food

PIRATE'S HIDDEN TREASURE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.
• In large bowl, make cake mix as directed on box--except use 3/4 cup water, the oil and eggs. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Place 1 candy in top of batter for each cupcake (candies will sink as cupcakes bake).
• Bake as directed on box for cupcakes. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• Frost cupcakes with frosting. Cut 12-inch piece from 1 fruit snack roll; set aside. From remaining fruit snack, cut 24 (2-inch) pieces; cut crescent-shaped piece from each. Peel off paper backing; add 1 piece to each cupcake for top of kerchief.
• Cut reserved fruit snack into 12 (1-inch) pieces; peel off paper backing. Cut each piece in half lengthwise. Twist each piece in middle; add to 1 end of crescent-shaped fruit snack on each cupcake, forming tie of kerchief. Add 1 piece of cereal under each tie for earring. Use baking bits, chocolate chips and licorice to make facial features and eye patches. Store covered.

HIDDEN TREASURES APPETIZERS

Steps:

• Drain buttery broth from mushrooms.
• Reserve broth.
• Blot excess moisture from mushroom crowns with paper towels.
• Separate biscuits and cut each one into fourths.
• On a floured board, press biscuit quarters into rounds and wrap one around each crown.
• Brush wrapped mushrooms with buttery broth and roll in Parmesan cheese.
• Bake on a greased cookie sheet in a preheated 400F oven for 10-15 minutes.

HIDDEN TREASURES RANCH POCKETS

Steps:

• Sprinkle the yeast over warm water in a large bowl bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam. Beat in the sugar, egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and whole wheat flour with an electric mixer on low for 3 minutes. Stir in the bread flour, a 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, then place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a light cloth and let rise in a warm place (80 to 95 degrees F (27 to 35 degrees C)) until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes.
• While the dough is rising, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook and stir until the pork is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink. Drain and discard any excess grease. Stir in the ranch dressing mix until meat is well-coated. Add the cabbage, zucchini, onion, red bell pepper, carrot, and garlic. Cook and stir until the vegetables are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Use a knife to divide the dough into four equal pieces-don't tear it. Roll each portion out to an 8-inch square, then cut each large square into four smaller squares. Place about 3 tablespoonfuls of the pork filling into the center of each square. Bring the corners over the filling and pinch to seal. Secure with a toothpick, if needed. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place the pouches on the prepared baking sheet about 3-inches apart. Cover the pouches with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes.
• Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from pan and discard toothpicks. Brush each pocket with melted butter. Serve hot.

HIDDEN TREASURE COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large cookie sheet with a Silpat (silicone baking liner) or parchment paper.
• Cut cookie dough crosswise in 16 equal slices. Form each dough slice around a candy bar to completely cover. Flatten dough slightly, making sure none of the candy bar protrudes.
• Place cookies 2 inches apart on cooking liner. Bake cookies in batches for 10 minutes or until golden. Cool completely on cookie sheet or wire rack.

HIDDEN TREASURE COOKIES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400°F. In large bowl, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar, the butter and vanilla. Stir in flour, nuts and salt until dough holds together.
• Mold portions of dough around pieces of caramels to form 1-inch balls. On ungreased cookie sheet, place balls about 1 inch apart.
• Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until set but not brown. In small bowl, place additional powdered sugar. Roll cookies in powdered sugar while warm. Cool completely on wire rack, about 30 minutes. Roll in powdered sugar again.