Pineapple Hill's Fudge Recipe

Pineapple Hill's Best Ever Fudge

Man cannot live on chocolate alone; but woman sure can!

• (1) 11 1/2 oz package Milk Chocolate Chips
• (1) 11 1/2 oz package Semi-Chocolate Chips
• (1) Cube Butter
• (2) Cups Chopped Nuts (optional)
• (1) 7 oz Bag of Mini Marshmallows
• (4 1/2) Cups Granulated Sugar
• (1) Can Evaporated Milk

Cook sugar and milk in large heavy pan. Bring to a boil. Stir and boil for 8 minutes. Pour mixture into a large bowl with the other ingredients. Stir until the butter and chocolate chips are melted. Pour batter into a buttered cake pan. Let cool for several hours. Cut into bite size pieces and ENJOY!

Heart Bookmark

Heart Bookmark

Martha Stewart Living

This practical valentine befits your favorite bookworm.

To make the diminutive page keeper: Create a template of a heart (or print ours below), about 1 1/2 inches wide. Cut out with a utility knife, and trace onto heavy card stock. Copy it at 80 percent, cut out, and trace onto decorative paper, such as wrapping or origami paper. Cut out both hearts, and use a glue stick to secure smaller patterned heart to center of the larger one; let dry. Finally, trace bottom half of inner heart with a utility knife, cutting through card stock beneath. Then your valentine can slip pages between the hearts.

Marshmallow Smooches

Marshmallow Smooches

Matthew Mead 

Soft, subtle, and unexpectedly delicious (just like a smooch), these easy-to-assemble treats are inexpensive to make and will look great in a heart-shaped chocolate box. Create an assembly line on your kitchen island and crank out dozens of valentine gifts in just one hour.

What you’ll need:

• 11 ounces dark or milk chocolate
• 36 or so candy-coated chocolate pieces, such as M&Ms or Rees’s Pieces

Directions:

Melt the chocolate in a microwave oven or in a bowl over hot water. Place a dollop of chocolate on the top of each marshmallow with a pastry bag and tip or a teaspoon. Top with a piece of candy.

Allow smooches to cool before moving into paper candy cups and heart box.

Enjoy!

X0X0X0X0X0X0

Tuesday Tip

Great New Ways to Use

WD-40

1) Protects silver from tarnishing.

2) Removes road tar and grime from cars.

3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.

4) Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making it slippery.

5) Keeps flies off cows.

6) Restores and cleans chalkboards.

7) Removes lipstick stains.

8) Loosens stubborn zippers.

9) Untangles jewelry chains.

10) Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.

11) Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.

12) Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.

13) Removes tomato stains from clothing.

14) Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.

15) Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.

16) Keeps scissors working smoothly.

17) Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes

18) It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor!

Use WD- 40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.

19) Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removedquickly! Use WD-40!

20) Gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.

21) Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers.

22) Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.

23) Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes themeasier to open.

24) Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.

25) Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.

26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.

27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.

28) Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.

29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps themrunning smoothly.

30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.

31) Removes splattered grease on stove.

32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.

33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs.

34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).

35) Removes all traces of duct tape.

36) Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.

37) Florida's favorite use is: "cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers."

38) The favorite use in the state of New York WD-40 protects the Statue of Libertyfrom the elements.

39) WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures andyou will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lotcheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.

40) Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediatelyand stops the itch.

41) WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on themark and wipe with a clean rag.

42) Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and re-wash. Presto! Lipstick is gone!

43) If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.

44) Keep a can of WD-40 in the kitchen, it is good for oven burns or any other type of burn. It takes the burned feeling away and heals with NO scarring.

Marvelous Monday Giveaway

Today's Marvelous Monday

is a Giveaway

Valentine's Day is around the corner and this little

Shabby Chic Cherub would be such a sweet addition to your home.

Cherup Angel Wall Plaque

Shabby chic decor creates an atmosphere of comfort, simplicity & charm.

Visit our Shabby Chic section in Embellishments for The Home .

We have added new items for the Cottage Look we love.

How to get points:

• Leave a comment on this post. +1
• Visit our e-store and share your favorite item. +1 (unlimited)
• Post about the give-away on your blog. +3
• Become a Pineapple Hill Follower +3 (if you're already following, just mention it)
• Add our Blog or e-Store Button to your Blog +3 (give me the link in your post)

Posting begins 01/25/2009 A random winner will be chosen on Monday, February 2nd.

We will post the winner and request your e-mail address to correspond regarding delivery.

Heart Parties?

Here's A fun Valentine Party

Idea for Girls

(approx. 6 yrs - 12 yrs)

A Valentine Party with a Peppermint Twist

Make Peppermint Invitations

Hand over your heart with a personally delivered invitation that combines a heart, a bow, and a peppermint stick. Have party guests come dressed in wearing red, pink or white.Set the scene for Peppermint Treats. Use large Doiles for placemats. Tie ribbons to the straws with a peppermint to top it off.Peppermint Floats

• Fill heart-shaped ice cube trays with raspberry soda and freeze overnight.
• Put 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream into each tall glass
• Pour gingerale into each glasss (pouring slowly)
• Press a heart-shaped ice cube into the incecream in each glass.
• Add a fancy straw garnished with ribbons and candy and Serve.
  

Shortbread Hearts

Ingredients:

• 2 sticks butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• raspberry jam
• powedered sugar

Directions:

• Mix butter and sugar together. Add vanilla
• Add the flour a little at a time. Mix well.
• Press the dough into a flat, round shape. Wrape it in plastic and put it in the refrigerator for at least a half hour.
• Roll out the dough about a half-inch thick.
• Use heart-shaped cookie cutterst to ut out the cookies. Using different sizes cutters is fun.
• Cover the cookies and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
• Bake the cookies until they're light gold (6- 10 minutes)depending on the size of the heart.
• After cookies cool on a wire rack, paint a jam on heart on each cookie. Or put two cookiestogether to make a heart sandwich with the jam in the middle. Press each side of the sandwich onto a plate of powdered sugar.

Peppermint Password Game:

Each girl gets a bag of 10 peppermints. Tell everyone that anytime they say the word I, they have to give a ppermint to shomever they're talking to. After 15 minutes, say "stop". The winner is the girl holding the most peppermings.

Valentine Word Game:

Pass out pencils and paper. Have each girl write the word peppermint on one side and valentine on the other. How many words can they find scrambled in those two words? Set a time limit. The girl with the most words is the winner.

This idea is from (a very old)American Girl Magazine.

Clothespin Valentine

Secure a small satchel of Valentine's Day treats with this festive fastener. Use any size of clothespins and as many different colors of paper as you like, but it's best to use wooden pins, which hold the glue better than the plastic variety.

Aren't these cute!

Martha Stewart Living Television

Tools and Materials:

• Wooden clothespins
• Decorative paper
• Tacky glue
• Card stock or other heavy-weight paper
• 1/16-inch circular punch or paper edgers (optional)

Clothespin Valentine How-To:

1. Use the clothespins to determine the desired size of your hearts: Fold a piece of card stock in half, place the clothespin against the seam, and mark the top and bottom of the clothespin. Draw half a heart from the seam edge of the card stock that is slightly larger than the marks. Keep the card stock folded, and cut out a heart. Use this as a template to trace out hearts on the decorative paper. Make a front and back heart for each clothespin.

2. Cut out the heart. Apply tacky glue to one side of the clothespin, and affix the heart. Repeat on the opposite side. If desired, use paper edgers to decorate the heart, or try punching small holes around the border with a 1/16-inch circular punch.

Instant Heart Cookies

Skip the whipping, the mixing and all the baking,

Heartfelt Crafts by Matthew Mead

and create a cookie that will be loved just as much as those you make from scratch.

Click here for Instant Heart Cookies instructions.

Fabulous Blog Award

Pineapple Hill was selected for the Fabulous Blog Award!

A Big THANKS to Peace, Love & Applesauce who nominated us.

Check out her blog HERE.

I need to list 5 addictions that I have and then nominate 5 other blogs...

5 Things I Can't Live With Out:

Baby Kisses

Sewing Machine

Sunshine

Cell Phone

Windex

The 5 Fabulous Blogs I nominate today:

Day by Day

Nana's Kitchen

Grace Violet

Tutti Dulci

Just Us

Tuesday Tip

Stain Busters We searched and we found some Great Stain Removal Guides First ~ is this great stain removal cheat sheet that we found from Martha Stewart Living.

Go here to print.

There is also a great chart from Real Simple. You can download any of these and print them off for your laundry room. Good Housekeeping has an Alphabetical List (don't you love that) for stain removal techniques on their website. You can check it out here .

For Baby Laundry TipsGo here.

Marvelous Monday

Today's special will last all week!

Our Marvelous Monday Special

is FREE SHIPPING on your entire

purchase.

Coupon Code: Marvelous

Expiration Date: 1/24/09

Chocolate Chip Cookie and Cream Tart

This tart is a combination of three classics; chocolate chip cookies, whipped cream, and fudge sauce. The crust is a thick chocolate chip cookie, which is spread with chocolate truffle fudge sauce and covered with vanilla whipped cream. As it cools, the center of the baked cookie sinks slightly, which makes room for the truffle filling. Recipe Courtesy of: The Essential Chocolate Chip Cookbook

Mixing time: 20 minutes for crust, filling, and topping Baking: 350° F. for about 17 minutes Crust:

• 1 cup plus
• 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 large egg1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

Filling:

• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup (4 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

• 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make the crust. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Butter a 10-inch springform pan. Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl and set aside.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smoothly blended, about 1 minute.

Stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl as needed during mixing. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until blended, about 1 minute. The mixture may look slightly curdled. On low speed, add the flour mixture, mixing just until it is incorporated. Mix in the chocolate chips.

Use your fingers to spread the dough evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake just until the top begins to turn golden but the center is still soft, about 17 minutes. Loosen the edges of the cookie from the pan, and cool the crust in the pan on a wire rack.

Make the filling. In a medium saucepan, heat the cream and butter over low heat until the cream is hot and the butter melts. The mixture should form tiny bubbles and measure about 175° F. on a thermometer; do not let the mixture boil, or it may form a skin on top. (If this does happen, use a spoon to carefully lift off the skin and discard it.) Remove the pan from the heat, add the chocolate chips, and let them sit in the hot cream mixture for about 30 seconds to soften, then whisk until all of the chocolate is melted and the filling is smooth. Stir in the vanilla. Let the filling cool and thicken at room temperature for about 30 minutes, so it won’t run off the crust. Leaving a 1-inch plain edge, spread the sauce over the crust. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm the filling.

Use a small sharp knife to loosen the sides of the crust from the pan and then remove the sides of the pan. Use a sharp knife to loosen the crust from the bottom of the pan and then a wide metal spatula to slide the tart onto a platter.

Make the topping. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until firm peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the chocolate filling, mounding it slightly in the center.

Serve, or cover carefully and refrigerate for as long as overnight. Serve cold.

Makes 10 servings

this would be nice for Valentine's Day coming up soon....don't ya think~

Brownie Heart Cupcakes

Transform chocolate brownies into decadent cupcakes for a Valentine's Day (or any day) sweet certain to induce a smile.

Martha Stewart Living

Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil cooking spray
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
• 15 ounces (3 3/4 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 12 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 3 cups sugar
• 6 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Basic Buttercream
Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Coat an 8-inch square cake pan with cooking spray, line bottom with parchment, then spray parchment.
• Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
• Place butter and chocolate in a heatproof mixer bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stirring until chocolate melts.
• Attach bowl to mixer, add sugar, and whisk on medium-high speed until smooth, about 3 minutes.
• Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, then vanilla. Reduce speed to low, and add flour mixture.
• Divide batter among muffin cups, filling each 2/3 full. Spread remaining batter in square pan.
• Bake until set but still soft, about 20 minutes. Let cool in tins and pan on wire racks.
• Frost cupcakes with buttercream.
• Cut out 24 hearts from brownie in pan using a 1 1/2-inch heart-shaped cutter.
• Top each cupcake with a heart.

Makes 24

Fun Meets Function

We're always scouting out fun new products for you, your home and garden.

Look what we found!

Pot racks are an incredible, space-saving piece of furniture for kitchens. Instead of having to search for the pot or pan you are looking for in a cabinet or drawer, you can grab the exact pot you want off of the rack!

Whimsical Pot Rack

Professional-style hanging pot rack gets a witty touch from a bevy of sturdy hooks with "fork and spoon" tops! Fresh bright-white finish and simple styling blend effortlessly with any décor; twelve sliding pothangers let you organize and customize with ease. Stylishly keeps cooking essentials right at hand!

Metal. 35 1/2" x 21 1/4" x 11 1/2" high. Our Price: $49.95

Visit our e-store

Tuesday Tip

Did you drink your water today? Water & 20 Tips For Getting Your 8 Glasses Daily

*Why You Need to Drink Water - Your body is estimated to be about 60 to 70 percent water. Blood is mostly water, and your muscles, lungs, and brain all contain a lot of water. Your body needs water to regulate body temperature and to provide the means for nutrients to travel to all your organs. Water also transports oxygen to your cells, removes waste, and protects your joints and organs.

*Signs of Dehydration - You lose water through urination, respiration, and by sweating. If you are very active, you lose more water than if you are sedentary. Diuretics such as caffeine pills and alcohol result in the need to drink more water because they trick your body into thinking you have more water than we need. Symptoms of mild dehydration include chronic pains in joints and muscles,lower back pain, headaches and constipation. A strong odor to your urine, along with a yellow or amber color indicates that you may not be getting enough water. Note that riboflavin, a B Vitamin, will make your urine bright yellow. Thirst is an obvious sign of dehydration and in fact, you need water long before you feel thirsty.

*How Much Water do You Need to Drink? - A good estimate is to take your body weight in pounds and divide that number in half. That gives you the number of ounces of water per day that you need to drink. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should drink at least 80 ounces of water per day. If you exercise you should drink another eight ounce glass of water for every 20 minutes you are active. If you drink alcohol, you should drink at least an equal amount of water. When you are traveling on an airplane, it is good to drink eight ounces of water for every hour you are on board the plane. If you live in an arid climate, you should add another two servings per day. As you can see, your daily need for water can add up to quite a lot. Twenty percent of your water need will come from the foods you eat. The rest of your water need should come from the beverages you drink. Water is the best choice. Sodas have a lot of sugar in them, so if you drink sodas, you may take in more calories than you need. Herbal teas that aren't diuretic are fine. Sports drinks contain electrolytes and may be beneficial, just look out for added sugar and calories that you don't need. Juices are good because they have vitamins and nutrients. Caffeinated beverages will also add to your daily water need. Even though caffeine is a diuretic, if you regularly consume caffeine, your body will regulate itself to that diuretic effect. *Drink Enough Water - It may be difficult to drink enough water on a busy day. Be sure you have water handy at all times by keeping a bottle for water with you when you are working, traveling, or exercising. If you get bored with plain water, add a bit of lemon or lime for a touch of flavor. There are some brands of flavored water available, but watch for extra calories. Hydration Calculator - Drinking Enough Water

Water - The Miracle Worker

Simple water -- when it's pure and free of contaminants -- is truly a "wonder drug." Without chemicals, additives, or anything unnatural, a steady dose of 8 glasses of water a day (ideally ½ your body weight in ounces of water) will:

1. Improve Your Energy
2. Increase Your Mental and Physical Performance
3. Remove Toxins & Waste Products from your body
4. Keep Skin Healthy and Glowing
5. Help You Lose Weight
6. Reduce Headaches and Dizziness
7. Allow for proper Digestion
8. Help to keep you more Alkaline

Marvelous Monday

Pineapple Hill Blog is hosting special coupon codes and give-aways for you, our Blog Readers. Since today is Monday and it IS a Marvelous Day.... Check out this beautiful

Floral Cutwork Candle Holder

A Pineapple Hill Favorite

Golden light gleams through lacy floral cutwork, forming an enchanting pattern of light and shadow. An ivory finish and intricately traced patterns add genteel appeal to this stately column-shaped candle holder; a sweet dash of old-fashioned romance that's just right for any decor! Holds a pillar candle (not included). Iron with glass sleeve. 4 diameter x 8 3/8 high. Regular Price $17.95

Marvelous Blog Price $13.95

When you check out use code:

blogger

to receive the discount.

Hurry offer is for TODAY!

See What's New!

What's on Sale?

A Recipe For You

Banana Split Brownie Pizza

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

Ingredients:

• 1 (20-ounce) box fudge brownie mix (recommended: Duncan Hines)
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1(8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 bananas, sliced
• 1 cup fresh strawberries sliced
• Marshmallows
• Maraschino cherries
• 1 cup chopped nuts
• Coconut
• Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
• Whipped cream
• Mint, for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 15-inch pizza pan.Prepare brownie mix according to directions on box. Pour onto prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until done. Remove from oven and cool.

Beat cream cheese while adding pineapple and sugar together in a bowl. Spread mixture over brownie crust. Arrange banana, strawberry slices, marshmallows, and cherries over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with nuts and coconut. Drizzle with chocolate syrup. Add whipped cream on top and mint for garnish.

To serve, slice as you would a pizza and enjoy! Print Recipe

The Heart Truth

In 2008, Mrs. Bush marked her fifth anniversary as The Heart Truth ambassador. Mrs. Bush has traveled throughout the United States to talk with women and raise their awareness of the risks of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Although heart disease deaths have been decreasing, nearly 650,000 Americans die of the condition, and more than half of them are women. Sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The Heart Truth campaign has helped save tens of thousands of women's lives. More women are aware that heart disease is their number one cause of death. In 2007, 57 percent of women recognized heart disease as their number one killer, up from only 34 percent in 2000. Fewer women are dying of heart disease. Heightened awareness is leading to action. The last six years saw the first decline in decades in the number of heart disease deaths in women. The yearly decrease in deaths from heart disease since 2000 amounts to 36,703 lives saved. The Heart Truth campaign is empowering American women to fight back against heart disease, which is often preventable. By leading a heart-healthy lifestyle-eating wisely, getting physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, seeing a physician for routine preventive screenings, and controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes - people can reduce their risk for heart disease by as much as 82 percent.

For more information about The Heart Truth, click here

Pineapple Hill is happy to donate 5% of the proceeds from the purchase of all items listed in our category Little Red Dress in Girlfriends to the American Heart Association all year round. So, take a deep breath, indulge in a long walk and start loving your heart and supporting the cause today!

Support the Cause

New Year-Fresh Start

Don't you just love the beginning of the new year.

The simple thought of a New Beginning and a Fresh Start is so rejuvenating. It's a great time to get into a Spring Cleaning mode with habits, attitudes and of course the home and office. January is a great time to organize your pantry, closets and cabinets. Shelters are always in big need in the winter months. The public schools and pre-schools can usually use donations for art classes, etc.

I love using baskets and containers to keep things in order.

My daughter just got a label maker for Christmas and told me she doesn't know what she did before she had it. Check out these free labels from Style Guide.

They're perfect for baking goods and come in three pretty colors!

Pretty in pink, this precious trio of flowerpots with matching tray is adorable for a little girl's nursery. A witty way to hold cotton balls, Q-tips and little knick knacks! Dressing your baby and locating clothes as you need them can be made easier. Start with an organizing system based on interchangeable modular units such as boxes, baskets, and sacks. Martha Stewart Kids-2001

Read the full article HERE

These are a few of our favorite "Organizational Inspiration" Spots:

• http://www.jooners.com/
• http://organizetips.com/
• http://www.ineedmoretime.com/
• http://www.organizedhome.com/
• http://www.flylady.net/
• http://www.executivehomemaker.com/content.asp?pid=1
• http://www.lazyorganizer.com/blog/