Prize Winning Recipes II

Prize Winning Recipes 

First Place: Cinnamon Popcorn

1 cup butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 1/2 cups red hot candies
8 to 10 cups air popped popcorn

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.  In a medium saucepan, melt butter, corn syrup, and red hot candies.  Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minute.  Put popcorn in a large heat proof bowl.  Pour syrup mixture over popcorn, stir to coat.  Pour mixture onto baking sheets.  Bake for 30 minutes.  Let cool. Break apart.  Store in an airtight container.

Second Place: Kool Aid Pie

1(12 ounce) can evaporated milk
2/3 cup sugar
1 (.15 ounce) package Kool Aid (cherry was used, but you could use any flavor)
2 cups Cool Whip
6 mini graham cracker pie crust, or 1 (9 inch) pie crust

In large bowl, beat evaporated milk with an electric mixer until it is doubled in size.  Add sugar and Kool Aid, beat until thickened, about 5 minutes.  Place in graham cracker crusts.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.  Top with Cool Whip.

Third Place: Cranberry-Vanilla Cereal Drops

3 cups cereal flakes
1 1/2 cups macadamia nuts, toasted
1 1/4 cups vanilla candy coating
1 1/2 cups small marshmallows
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Line cookie sheets with wax paper.  In large microwave safe bowl, combine all ingredients except candy coating.  In small saucepan, melt candy coating over low heat.  Pour over cereal mixture, stir quickly to coat.  Quickly drop by rounded teaspoons on waxed paper.  If mixture sets up, microwave 30 seconds.  Let drops set for 1 hour or until set.

These are the prize winning recipes from a contest for kid's after school snacks.  The lady who judged the popcorn, couldn't quite eating it.  That made my friend Darrellyn who entered the popcorn recipe and won first place, very happy!

I am in Costa Rica and having trouble with the Internet connection.  I have posted some pictures of my trip on my  Facebook page.

My new cookbook will soon be available at schools, businesses, hospitals, and book fairs in cities across the United States.  Be sure to pick up a copy or two, when you see them.  They make great gifts!

Check back on Tuesday, 

for Tuesday's Tip and Tricks post! 

Visit my friends blogs!

You will love Bo and his blog,  Bo's Bowl.  Not only does he host great giveaways,  his recipes are incredible!  One visit to his blog and you will see why I faithfully follow it.

Also visit my friend Pam's blog, Pam's Midwest Kitchen Korner,  for more great recipes!  Once you read her blog, she will be your friend too!