1. Cinnamon Almonds
Preheat oven to 250° F. In a large bowl, whisk an egg-white and 1 tsp water until very foamy. Add 4 cups of raw almonds and stir to coat. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and ¼ tsp salt. Mix sugar into the almonds until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on two parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Rotate pans halfway through.
2. Chocolate Pretzel Treats
Melt 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave (30 seconds at a time on high, stirring frequently). Break large pretzel rods in half, and dip the broken end about one inch into the chocolate. Use a knife to spread it evenly. Roll the chocolate end in sprinkles, mini M&Ms, or chopped nuts. Let set on wax paper.
3. Easiest Fudge Ever
Line an 8-inch square pan with wax paper. Melt 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, one 14-ounce can condensed milk, and ¼ tsp salt in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Add 2 tsp vanilla. Add 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) and spread in prepared pan. Chill at least two hours. Turn the pan upside down on a cutting board, peel off wax paper, and cut into 1-inch squares.
4. Toffee bars
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9×13 pan with nonstick foil. Cream 2 sticks room temperature butter with 1 cup brown sugar; when it is fluffy, add one egg yolk. Add 2 cups flour and 2 tsp vanilla, mixing well. Press into lined pan and bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and cover with one 12-ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips. Return to oven for 3 more minutes. Remove from oven and spread the melted chocolate evenly. Sprinkle either slivered toasted almonds or toffee bits on top. Cool completely, then use the foil to carefully lift the toffee bars out onto cutting board, and cut into squares.
5. Best Banana Bread
In a large bowl, mash 3 large very ripe bananas, and mix in order: 1 cup sugar, ¼ cup shortening, 2 eggs, 1 tsp baking soda, ¼ cup cold water, 2 cups flour, and ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional). Pour batter into two greased loaf pans and bake at 350° for 40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
