Chocolate Eclair Cake

Super yummy no-bake dessert.  Basically making an eclair like "cake" that is easy, and quick to do - the time needed is allowing the dish to set up.

• 16oz (1 box) graham crackers
• 3oz. (2 boxes) vanilla instant pudding
• 8oz (1 container) Cool Whip
• 3 cups milk
• 1 container chocolate icing (Betty Crocker is recommended)

I suggest reading the full directions first - pretty straightforward.

1. Line the bottom of a 13x9" greased pan with graham crackers
2. Mix pudding and milk together - fold in cool whip
3. Spoon in half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers
4. Gently add another layer of graham crackers
5. Spoon in the remaining pudding mixture
6. Finish with another layer of graham crackers
7. Warm icing until you are able to pour the icing over the top layer of graham crackers (you might want to put a layer on - chill - then add another layer for extra chocolatey goodness)
8. Place in refrigerator until very well set (the longer you can wait the better)
9. Cut into 3x3 squares & serve (forks/spoons are required)

If you're taking this to a gathering - keep as cold as possible for as long as possible and keep an eye on it to insure that it is roughly holding its shape - it is still good, but not as great when it gets soupy. 

This recipe is from the 1991 Frieden's UCC Recipe book - and is authored by Debbie Lacey.

Bourbon Balls

No-bake (from Ladies' Home Journal) orginally from the 1970's.  They suggest making a few days ahead and letting the bourbon "mellow out".  You be the judge.

• 12oz. (1 package) vanilla wafers, finely crushed (get out that holiday stress)
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1.5 cups finely chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
• 1/2 cup bourbon (and a half cup for yourself - you're doing all the work, right!?)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

1. In a large bowl mix: vanilla wafers (did you crush them enough? need another round? have at it), confectioners' sugar, pecans,corn syrup, cocoa & bourbon until combined.
2. Shape into 1 inch balls (think one-bite size)
3. Pour granulated onto a shallow dish (LHJ suggests a pie plate, but really anything with sides will work)
4. Roll balls in sugar - covering outside of each one
5. Store in airtight container - DO NO FREEZE 

Makes roughly 5 dozen.

Enjoy! 

Baked Chicken Breasts (Crockpot)

• 4-6 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
• 1/2 cup sherry, dry 
• 1 teaspoon rosemary or tarragon
• pinch garlic powder
• 1/2 cup mushrooms (canned) sliced, drained

Directions:

1. Rinse chicken and pat dry - place in cock pot
2. Combine remaining ingredients 
3. Pour mixture over chicken
4. Cover and cook
1. LOW: 8-10 hours
2. HIGH: 4-5 hours

Calorie: 356 cal., 22g fat, 683mg sodium, 32g protien, 7g carbs