Easy Recipes by Sylvestermouse Reviewed

I enjoy cooking for my family.  Like most of us, I prefer recipes that are fast and easy.  Fortunately, I am surrounded by people who appreciate my effort, my recipes and seem to sincerely like the meals placed before them. 

I readily admit that I play in the kitchen.  I play with recipes by changing the ingredients to suit my families tastes.  I play with cupcakes, cookies, desserts, etc, because I enjoy decorating the food.  I mess around with it until I get the desired effect.  

I also enjoy the company of other family members in the kitchen. So much so, that I consider us playing in the kitchen. Since I began writing articles online, I have been periodically sharing highlights of our kitchen adventures so you and your family can be encouraged to "play" in the kitchen. In this article, I will provide links to the different easy recipes and fun articles that I have published. 

I consider that my Recipe for Making Memories in the Kitchen. So, without further ado, let the games begin!   

 

My Own Personal Roast Recipe

This recipe is the result of trial and error.  I just kept playing with different ideas until I found a tasty, tender way to cook a roast in the oven. 

It has become a family favorite and I have allowed it to be published in several charity cookbooks over the last 40 years, but it is still my own original recipe.  Although I was very young when I developed this recipe, I still cook my roast the same way today.

Published on Cooking for the Holidays

 

Having Fun in the Kitchen

I started cooking when I was a child and still living at home with my parents. My sister and I both helped in the kitchen and it was not unusual for us to have real, honest to goodness food fights with the leftovers. We frequently made mashed potato balls and hurled them through the air at each other or any unsuspecting individual who entered the kitchen. We flung spaghetti noodles against the wall and said we were testing it to see if it was done. By dinnertime, there would be 10 or 12 noodles hanging from the wall on spaghetti night.

While I still enjoy throwing pasta noodles against the wall, I have found that test does not work with pasta shells. No matter how many pasta shells I have thrown against the wall, none have ever stuck. Perhaps someday one will stick. I'll just have to keep testing them.

This easy pasta recipe is also shared on Cooking for the Holidays and, if you click it, the link will take you to that website. 

Easy Pasta Recipe - A Family Favorite for Dinner or Side Dish

 

More Easy Dinner Recipes featured on CookingForTheHolidays.com

Photos are Linked to Recipes

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 Easy Salmon Loaf Patties Recipe How to Bake Potatoes Chicken Enchiladas Recipe How to Bake a Turkey Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Instant Pot Recipe Homemade Barbeque Recipe for the Best BBQ Sandwiches

 

Click Here for More Dinner Recipes

 

Playing with Ingredients

Working in the kitchen with my sister was fun. We occasionally experimented with the food. Sometimes we would put a little extra pepper in one of our brothers' bowls of stew or add a little something extra to spice up their lives and the dinner table. Oddly enough, the boys consumed whatever we fed them and much to our distress, rarely noticed a difference. I only remember one brother gagging on hot barbecue sauce and believe it or not, we were not responsible.

Of course, there are the recipes from my mother and grandmother that I have never played with, never changed and never shared except on websites I own. My motto for this group of recipes is "you can't improve on perfection, so why try!" 

Directions for making the pizza pictured on right, can be found at Halloween Haven

 

Playing with Your Food Recipes 

These are some of my favorite recipes. They are really step by step instructions on decorating, so I call it playing with my food. Sometimes making these special treats can be messy, but they are always fun as you create your own original work of food art. 

Don't just make these treats alone to serve to your family. Grab your child, your husband, your sister, your mother or even your father and make these treats with your family!  

To see some of my favorite fun food articles, simply click the source link below each photo. That will take you directly to the recipe and tutorials for creating your own fun food.

Photos are Linked to Recipes

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 How to Decorate Panda Cupcakes How to Decorate a Snake Cake How to Make Marshmallow Flower Cupcakes 4th of July Party Flag Cake Recipe How to Decorate Snowman Cupcakes How to Make a Chocolate Halloween Ghost Castle Cake How to Make a Chocolate Halloween Ghost Train Cake How to Make a Cupcake Pumpkin Cake

 

Teaching an Old Dog, New Tricks

I am happy to say that I married a man who enjoys messing around in the kitchen too! The Breakfast Buddy featured below is his delicious creation and when I wanted to learn how to grill, I asked him to teach me. He has always made the most incredible steaks! In the article below, I share his secrets as I take you step by step through my own "grilling" education.

Photos are Linked to Recipes

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 Breakfast "Buddy" Sandwich How to Grill the Perfect Steaks Cooking Hamburgers on an Indoor Grill

 

Special Treat and Finger Food Recipes

My family loves fruit and chocolate so it only seems natural for me to dip fruit in chocolate. Once I started dipping fruit, it was impossible to stop! I think I dipped every type of fruit we had in the house, then ran to the grocery store for more. Of course, then I wrote an article about each one.

Here is my collection of dipped fruit recipes. Be very careful though. Chocolate dipped fruit can be very addictive!

Photo Linked to Recipe

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 Chocolate Covered Fruit DIY Recipes

Taking Care of the Cook 

Over the years, I have learned many things about cooking, about family and about fun. The most important thing I have learned, is that the three things go together. Have fun cooking with your family. 

I watched my grandmother and my mother work in the kitchen during every holiday for decades. Too often, they missed out on the fun simply because the party was happening in another room. 

I believe in bringing the party to the kitchen, enlisting help and taking care of the cook. Perhaps, I see it more clearly because now I am the cook, but I love to share ideas with others about how to have more fun with your family, instead of working alone in the kitchen. Believe me, you can create your own load of memories in the kitchen by simply letting others help in the kitchen. 

 

A Lot of Good Food and A Load of Memories 

I think it is because of my experiences and our experiments in the kitchen when I was a child, that I approach the kitchen with humor now. I still cook the old standards passed down from my great grandmother, grandmother and mother, but I enjoy creating new treats for my family too and it is even better when I get "help." 

Over the years, a lot of good food and a load of memories have been made in our kitchen! 

 

Easy Dessert Recipes 

Photos are Linked to Recipes

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 Easy Strawberry Trifle Easy Blackberry Cobbler

 

Candy Recipe 

I am not going to tell you this recipe is extremely easy. It seems easy to me because I have been making it for 40+ years, but making candy takes a bit of practice to perfect. 

While I try to walk viewers through the process with photos, I know this is something that is simply learned by trial and error because the outcome when making candy depends so much on the climate of the day, as well as the altitude of a region. 

Here is my mother's Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe. I could never improve on this recipe.  It really is delicious! 

Photo Linked to Recipe

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 Peanut Butter Fudge

 

Easy Beverage Recipes

Take time to relax!  While the food is in the oven, or after all of the work is done,  sit back with your loved ones and enjoy a cup of tea, hot chocolate or perhaps a cool glass of lemonade.  These are the moments you will want to capture and hold for as long as you can.

Photos are Linked to Recipes

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 Spice Tea Recipe Homemade Lemonade Recipe Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe

 Chocolate Hot Cocoa Bombs Recipe

 

For a Complete List of All of my Published Recipes
 Click Here to Visit the House of Sylvestermouse Recipes

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Easy Recipes by Sylvestermouse Reviewed Written by:

 

 

This recipe article was originally published by me in 2011 on a different site that no longer exists.
Unless otherwise noted with the individual photo, all Photos are mine and should not be used without written permission.
© Sylvestermouse 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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How to Decorate Snowman Cupcakes Reviewed

I always enjoy making special treats during the holidays. These little Snowman cupcakes are perfect for Christmas, or really any winter celebration. 

The snowman cupcakes are pretty easy, and definitely a whole lot of fun, to decorate. You could even let the kids decorate them! 

Lots of family fun with these little guys!

I originally saw a picture of some snowman cupcakes in the Holiday Cupcakes book featured below. I thought they were adorable and when challenged, I couldn't resist making them. However, let me warn you now, I never do anything strictly by the instructions. I have made several changes to the original decorating directions in the book.

My family loves Coconut cake, but if you have a guest who can not eat coconut, I have included an alternative for them too.   

Snowman Cupcakes Couple

How to Begin Your Snowman Cupcakes 

Since this article is about decorating the cupcakes, we are going to start with the cupcakes already baked, cooled and ready for decorating.

One note about cooking your cupcakes, remember the miniature cupcakes for the face only require about 8 min. to bake. Use a toothpick to determine exact length of baking time. When a toothpick poked in the center of the cupcake comes out clean, the cupcake is ready. 

 

Tip for Baking White Cupcakes

When I am baking white cupcakes, I only use the egg whites and discard the yokes. This keeps the cupcake a purer white color. If your recipe calls for 3 whole eggs, use 4 egg whites instead. 

 

Ingredients Needed for Snowman Cupcakes

• Large Cupcakes ~ White
• White Miniature Cupcakes
• White Frosting
• Coconut ~ I used Angel Flake packaged Coconut
• Coconut Milk from a Coconut (See Directions Below)
• Candy for Decoration
• *Chocolate Wafer Cookies for the Hat
• *Melting Chocolate for Top Hat Assembly (I use Make 'n Mold Candy Wafers)
• Ribbon for Scarf
• Toothpicks
• * See Candy and Cookie suggestions under Step by Step Decorating Photos

 

Draining the Coconut ~ Step 1 

Draining the milk from a coconut is easy with the right tools.

Simply use a sterilized Phillips-head screwdriver and a hammer or mallet. Place the screwdriver on the eye of the coconut and hammer through the shell and the fruit to the milk. You will feel the point where you have broken through to the milk. The screwdriver will move easily at that point. 

How to Drain the Milk from a Coconut

Usually, I sit flat on the concrete walk or floor with the coconut between my knees and hammer the holes. However, this morning my dad came over and preformed this task so I could take pictures for you.

You will need to puncture at least two of the three eyes of the coconut.

Turn the coconut upside down over a coffee cup and let it drain. There will be some coconut shell residue that settles in the bottom of the coffee cup. Simply spoon it or strain it out leaving the milk free of debris.

Father of Sylvestermouse Demonstrates How to Puncture the Holes in a Coconut

 

Step by Step Instructions ~ Preparing the Baked Cupcake for Decoration

Step 1: Drain milk from real coconut

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, pour coconut milk on Angel Flake coconut and stir together.* (I actually use my hands to mix together)

Step 3: Frost baked white cupcakes with white frosting.

Step 4: Cover each iced cupcake with prepared coconut and gently press the coconut into the frosting with the palm of your hand. You will want the coconut to be pressed firmly into place when you decorate.

Step 5: At this point, I like to refrigerate the cupcakes for at least 1 hr. before I decorate them. This is not necessary, but it gives me a needed break in the process and allows everything to set before I start playing with it.

 

*If you ask me why I add coconut milk to my Angel Flake coconut, my only answer would be because my mother and my grandmother before her, did it that way and their coconut cakes are exceptional!

 Baker's, Angel Flake Coconut Sweetened, 7 OuncesCheck Price

 

Step by Step Instructions ~ Assembling and Decorating Snowman Cupcakes 

Decorate the Snowman's Face and Body While He is Laying on His Back

Step 1: Join 1 large cupcake to one small cupcake with a toothpick by gently inserting the toothpick into each cupcake.*

Step 2: Tie ribbon around the neck of the snowman

Step 3: Add Eyes, Nose and Mouth. You will need to press the candy pieces into the actual frosting. I cleared the area of coconut to be able to set the mouth in place.

Step 4: Add Buttons down the Body

Step 5: Make Hat, if desired. I made the top hat by adhering the bite size piece of licorice on the York mint with melting chocolate.

Step 6: Set Snowman up and set his hat on his head. You will need to use melting chocolate or half of a toothpick to attach the hat to his head.

*Toothpicks are not always easy to stick through the cupcake liners. I used an embroidery needle to stick through the paper and start the hole for the toothpick.

Displaying Snowman Cupcakes 

When you display Snowman Cupcakes, you will want to use extra coconut around their base, as pictured, to give them stability. 

Eyes: Candy Buttons ~ Nose: Candy Corn ~ Mouth: Sour Cherries Candy ~ Buttons: Mini Choc. Chips ~ Hat: Nonpareil

Eyes and Nose: Mini M&M's ~ Mouth: Sour Cherries Candy ~ Buttons: Mini M&M's ~ Top Hat: York Peppermint Pattie & Licorice

Eyes: Mini M&M's ~ Nose: Orange Slice ~ Mouth: Sour Cherries Candy ~ Buttons: Mini M&M ~ Top Hat: Oreo Cookie & Licorice

 

Candy Selection Suggestions for Face and Buttons

M&M's Candy ~ Regular Size or Mini Size

Mini Chocolate Chips

Candy Corn

Candy Buttons (I found these at Cracker Barrel Restaurant)

Orange Slices Candy

Sour Cherries Candy

Fruit Gems Candy

 Jelly Belly Sunkist® Fruit GemsCheck Price Candy Buttons Strips, Rainbow Buttons on PaperCheck Price M&M'S Minis Milk Chocolate Candy, Sharing Size 9.4 oz BagCheck Price

 

Suggestions for the Snowman's Hat 

Oreo Cookies (Halves ~ You will only want the cookie wafer part) 

York Peppermint Patties 

Chocolate Nonpareils 

Black Licorice (Bite size or cut into bite size) 

 YORK THiNS Dark Chocolate Peppermint PattiesCheck Price Nonpareils Dark Chocolate Candy nonpariels 1 poundCheck Price

 

For Individuals Who Can Not Eat Coconut

Simply Leave the Coconut Off and Decorate the Snowman Cupcake

 

Foil Cupcake Baking Cups 

When I am decorating cupcakes, I prefer to use Foil Cupcake Baking Cups. They come with the white liner cup that you normally see sold separately. I bake the cupcakes in both cups. You do not want to separate the two cups until you have finished decorating the cupcake.

The foil cups gives me stability while I decorate. When I am ready to display or serve the cupcakes, I simply remove the outer foil cup.

 Reynolds Foil Cupcake Liners, 32 Count (Pack of 24) (768 Total)Check Price

 

From Boo Boo to Woo-hoo!

This was my first snowman cupcake of the day. I tried to decorate him while he was standing up. He fell over and the small cupcake broke in half.

I felt so sorry for this brave little snowman, that I scraped off his frosting, set the small cupcake on top of the large cupcake. I frosted him again and re-decorated him. I then placed him in the refrigerator.

When my son came home and saw him, he laughed and declared that he looked like a melting snowman. Then he said, "well, actually, he is my favorite!"

So, I share my "boo boo" turned "woo-hoo" with you.

So, what do you think.  Is the little repaired snowman, oh so cute or still a flop?

 

My Inspiration - Even though I didn't follow the directions in the book

 Holiday CupcakesCheck Price

 

ALL PHOTOS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF SYLVESTERMOUSE 

This recipe article was originally published by me in 2010 on a different site that no longer exists. 

© 2010 Cynthia Sylvestermouse 

 

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Two-Bite Cupcakes - Book Review

 The cupcakes may be small, but in Two-Bite Cupcakes by Viola Goren, they pack a big punch of flavor and creativity. This cookbook is dedicated entirely to the art of making bite-sized cupcakes.

Every summer, our granddaughters spend a week at our house before school starts. We always enjoy planning fun activities during the week. This year, our youngest granddaughter, Guiliana, brought her Two-Bite Cupcakes book with her. The book is filled with over 50 recipes for delicious bite-sized cupcakes, ranging from classics to imaginative creations.

Guiliana found the recipe on page 24 that she wanted to bake, Strawberry Surprise Cupcakes. So, Fran and Guiliana got busy making these for all of us to enjoy.

Now, for the strawberry surprise. Add half of the batter to the cupcake tin, and then add a teaspoon of strawberry jam. Finish adding the batter and bake. Now you have strawberry-filled cupcakes.

Here are the finished cupcakes, ready to enjoy. I have to say they didn't last long, and were delicious.

The photos in the book are bright and inviting, and make you want to head straight to the kitchen. The directions are clear and suitable for beginners and more experienced bakers.

Two-Bite Cupcakes by Viola Goren is a delightful addition to any baker's kitchen. These treats are perfect for parties, entertaining, or simply enjoying a sweet treat.

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You will find Two-Bite Cupcakes by Viola Goren on Amazon.

Two-Bite Cupcakes (Imagine Book)

 

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Coconut-Pecan Frosting Recipe for German Chocolate Cake or Cupcakes

I've been making homemade German chocolate cake for decades and it is the most requested cake for any occasion in our home, probably because they are not commonly available.  If you try to eat a store-bought German chocolate cake you would probably swear off of ever eating them again.  Store-bought does not compare to homemade!

I personally make both my cake and my frosting from scratch.  This is one cake and frosting that you are not likely to find in a box or can.  As a matter of fact, the one time I tasted coconut-pecan frosting in a can, I hated the heavy lard taste.  The word "gross" comes to mind.

Unfortunately, store bought cakes or pre-made frosting in a can will make you think you don't like German chocolate cake.  But, if you have never tried a homemade German chocolate cake, then you have never tried a real German chocolate cake.  

 

Coconut Pecan Frosting Recipe
Sylvestermouse - ReviewThisReviews.com

You actually make coconut pecan frosting by cooking it on the stove top, like candy.  The pan matters.  You need a heavy pan that will hold heat.  I still use my grandmother's 4 quart Wagner Ware Sydney-O Magnalite pan (4684-P).  Do not use a pan with non-stick coating. 

 

INGREDIENTS

• 4 egg yolks
• 1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk (shake well before opening)
• 1½ tsp. vanilla
• 1½ cups sugar
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 pkg. (7 oz.) Baker's Angel Flake Coconut (2-2/3 cups)
• 1½ cups chopped pecans

 

DIRECTIONS 

1) Finely chop the pecans 

2) Beat egg yolks, milk and vanilla in heavy saucepan with whisk until blended 

3) Add sugar and butter; cook on medium heat 20 - 25 min. or until thickened and golden brown, stirring constantly 

Remove from heat 

4) Add coconut and pecans.  Mix well 

Cool to spreading consistency. 

 

Click Here for the German Chocolate Cake Recipe published separately

 

 ___________

One note, please don't give up if the frosting is not perfect the first time you make it.  Like so many things in cooking, sometimes you need to make it a few times to perfect it with your cookware and stove.  

 

The Brands I Use

I prefer to stick to specific brands, unless a company changes their recipe or goes out of business.  I still use the brands that my mother and grandmother used when baking.

 

 Pet Whole Evaporated Milk, 12 ounceCheck Price McCormick Vanilla ExtractCheck Price Baker's Angel Flake Coconut Sweetened 7 OunceCheck Price Fisher Chef's Naturals Unsalted Chopped Pecans - ResealableCheck Price Prepworks by Progressive (Red)Check Price

If you want a Magnalite saucepan like mine, you will need to purchase it in an antique store or secondary market like Ebay. Current day Magnalite is not the same vintage Wagner Ware brand made in Sydney, Ohio. The current pans are made in China of a lighterweight material and is not the Magnalite I recommend. Magnalite Saucepan - 4 quart - 4684-M or 4684-P (-P or -M doesn't matter. They represent the mold used when making)

 

 

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Coconut-Pecan Frosting Recipe for German Chocolate Cake or Cupcakes Written by:

© 2025 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
 

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Stainless Steel Batter Dispenser for Pancakes, Cake Pops & More Reviewed

I recently purchased the Shoxil 20 oz Pancake Batter Dispenser to use with my new Pancake Puff Maker and it works perfectly.  Because it was so easy to handle, I decided to try it when making pancakes on my griddle.  

This batter dispenser is truly awesome!

The dispenser is available in two sizes, 20 or 40 ounce.  I purchased the smaller 20 ounce size because the other customer reviews indicated that the smaller size was large enough for one recipe of pancake batter.  It is highly unlikely that I would ever need the larger size simply because I could just add more batter to the dispenser as needed.  When filled, the smaller size will be lighter weight too.  

Previously when making pancakes, I used my glass mixing bowl with a spout for pouring the batter, but I found this batter dispenser to be easier to stop the flow of batter.  Plus, I have always been concerned about touching my glass bowl to a hot griddle.  That has never happened, but it is still a concern.  

The stainless steel batter dispenser is lighter than the glass bowl and much easier to balance over the hot griddle.

 

Features of the Stainless Steel Batter Dispenser 

 20oz Batter DispenserCheck PriceIn addition to being lightweight, there are several other attributes of the batter dispenser that I really like. 

• Stainless Steel is anti-rust
  
• 4 Silicone Nozzles in varying sizes to alter flow
• Handle   
  
• Squeeze Trigger to start & stop flow
  
• Resting Stand included
• Durable
  
• Dishwasher Safe

I haven't had the opportunity to try my new batter dispenser on cupcakes, muffins, or my mini cheesecakes yet, but I expect it will make pouring batter evenly into all of the mini cupcake pans much easier.  I am definitely looking forward to using this dispenser on other baked treats.

  

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Stainless Steel Batter Dispenser with Stand for Pancakes, Cake Pops & More by:

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