Unbelievable Toffee

I found this on Pinterest Here. I am sure my mom make this when I was growing up as well. Anyway it is way good. Not to mention so easy to make even my husband could make it. A great Christmas treat to give away to friends or coworker too. Enjoy. 

1 cup butter( do not use margarine)
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups chocolate chips(milk chocolate is my all time favorite)
40 saltine crackers

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Line a 15x12 cookies sheet with foil and spray with Pam.
3. Lay a single layer of crackers out on the foil.
4. Measure out the 2 cups of chocolate chips and set them aside.
5. In a medium sauce pan melt and bring to a boil the butter and brown sugar.
6. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes until thick.
7. Pour brown sugar butter mixture over the cracker making sure they are evenly coated.
8. Bake 8-10 minutes or until toffee becomes bubbly. 
9. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the toffee; let them sit and then when they melt evenly spread the chocolate over the toffee. 
10. You can add nuts cracker crumbs or whatever else you choose. 
11. Let them cool then break them into desired pieces. I prefer to break them into half of a regular cracker size. Enjoy. 

Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread

I have always loved pumpkin bread, so I had to try this recipe. Let me tell you it is a keeper.My 4 year old daughter Kirsten said this about the pumpkin bread:"This is the yummyest pumpkin bread in the whole world." I would have to agree.  I found it here at allrecipes. 

15 ounces pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
3 cups white sugar
3 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
2. Grease and flour 2- 9x5 inch loaf pans
3. In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. 
5. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture just until blended.
6. Pour into prepared pans.
7. Bake for about 50-65 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpicks inserted in the center comes out clean. 

Berry Cobbler

this is a yummy easy cobbler. So good with ice cream or cool whip. I found it here

24 ounces frozen mixed berries
1 box white cake mix
1 can of soda such as 7up, Sierra Mist, or any clear soda

1. Place frozen fruit in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
2. Pour dry cake mix evenly over the top. 
3. Pour soda slowly over the cake mix.
4. Do not stir cake mix and pop. 
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-70 minutes. 

Taco Pasta

I found this recipe thanks to supermom found here. I love pasta and tacos. This recipe was the perfect recipe of both worlds. Enjoy

1 pound ground beef
12 ounces medium pasta shells
1 small onion chopped
1 garlic clove minced
14 ounce can tomatoes
1 package taco seasoning
3 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
salt and pepper

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. 
2. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Set aside.
3. In a medium skillet brown the beef, and onions over medium high heat.
4. Drain the grease and add in the diced tomatoes, garlic and taco seasoning.
5. Let simmer over medium heat 3-5 minutes.
6. Stir in the cooked pasta, cream cheese, sour cream, and remaining pasta water.
7. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is well blended. 
8. Serve with fresh cilantro if desired. 

Detox Bath- A Natural cure for the common Cold

I found this on pinterest. It lead me to this site. I felt a cold coming on and thought I would see just how good this bath works. Let just say if me of any one else in my family gets a cold this will be the first thing I will have them do. It works wonders. 

1. Run a hot bath. It opens the pores and prepares the body for cleansing.
2. Add to the hot bath 3 pints Hydrogen Peroxide. This oxygenates the body and helps purge toxins. It's also antibacterial and antiviral. 
3. Add 2 ounces of ground ginger. A natural anti-inflammatory that increases blood circulation and helps promote the elimination of toxins through sweet.
4. Soak for about 30 minutes. 
5. Drink lots of water. You need to replenish what's being pulled out of your system. 

Within twenty minutes of soak I could also feel my entire body start to relax. Two hours after this bath I felt every pore in my body open up. I felt rejuvenated.  

"I slept like a baby that night, and to my surprise, woke up feeling more energetic and less achy than the day before. Miraculous! I only need that one soak to feel vastly better, but my aunt suggests repeating the bath for up to three days if symptons persist. "–Hannah

Snicker doodles

1 cup butter softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar or brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Cream the butter with 1 1/2 cups sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until blended.
• In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add to the butter mixture, mixing as you add the flour.
• On a plate or shallow bowl, mix the cinnamon and remaining sugar. Shape a tablespoon of dough into a ball. Roll the ball in the cinnamon mixture. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. 
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until set but not hard. Immediately move the cookies to a cooling rack. Makes 4 dozen.

source: Cool Cookies by scholastic books ( it was bought at one of the kids' book fair).

Classic Cupcakes

I found this awesome cupcake recipe on the family fun site. They baked up so nice. I bought them to my parents' house for a  conference day dessert.  Out of the 30 I baked there are now only 6 cupcakes left. They are a lot like a pound cake.

1/2 cup butter(softened)
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup milk

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and line your cupcake tin with paper or foil liners. 
2. Cream the butter and sugar together. 
3. Add the eggs beating well after each addition. 
4. Stir in the vanilla extract. 
5. Mix together the dry ingredients and add to the butter mixture one third at a time alternating with the milk.
6. Pour equally into the muffin tins and bake 18-20 minutes. 
7. Makes 15 muffins.

Let them cool for about 30 minutes and then frost with butter cream frosting. Enjoy.

Snicker doodle Muffins

I found this recipe at the sweet pea's kitchen. And since I love snicker doodle muffins I had to try them. They were a big hit.

2 1/4 cups flour
3/4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt\
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup buttermilk

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line muffin tins wit muffin papers. (Do not us cooking spray).
3. In a large bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tarter, nutmeg, and salt; set aside.
4. Cream the butter and sugar in another bowl until light and fluffy. 
5. Beat in eggs one at a time. 
6. Beat in vanilla extract. 
7. Beat in half the dry ingredients. 
8. Beat in the sour cream and buttermilk.
9. Beat in the rest of the dry ingredients just unit moist. 
10. To make the topping, in a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. 
11. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon and sugar on the bottom of each of the muffin papers.
12. Scoop balls of batter into each paper.
13. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon and sugar of the muffins. 
14. Bake until muffin tops are golden brown, about 18-20 minutes.
15. Set on wire rack to cool. Enjoy. 
16. Makes 22-24 muffins. 

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

I found this recipe on Pinterest. I love Banana Bread and Chocolate, so it seemed a no brainer to put the two together.
Recipe adapted from The Sister"s Cafe

1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/3 cup oil
1 1/4 mashed bananas
1 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray the bottoms of a 8x4 inch loaf pan.Dust it with flour after it has been greased.
2. Combine flour, cocoa, salt, baking soda, in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. Beat the sugar, oil, and eggs in a large bowl at medium speed until combined. 
4. Beat in the banana, and vanilla at low speed. 
5. Beat flour mixture into the banana mixture at low speed, just until combined. 
6. Stir in chocolate chips. 
7. Spoon batter into prepared pan. 
8. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or when toothpick comes out clean. 
9. Cool ten minutes. Remove from the pan onto a cooling rack to cool completely.  Cut and enjoy. 

Creamy Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup

I adapted  this recipe from  here. Another recipe in which was found on Pinterest. This soup is so easy to throw together. I just love the flavors of the tortellini and spinach. Even my picky kids liked it.

1-1.5 ounce package of Four Cheese sauce mix
4 cups water
1-14 ounce can vegetable broth or chicken broth
1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onions
3 cloves garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1-9 ounce package dried cheese tortellini 
1-12 ounce can evaporated milk
6 cups baby spinach leaves
ground black pepper
Finely shredded Parmesan cheese

1. Whisk the four cheese mix with the water in a 4 quart crock pot. 
2. Stir in the broth, mushrooms, onion, garlic, basil, salt, oregano, and cayenne pepper. 
3. Cover and cook on low 5-6 hours or high 2 1/2 -3 hours.
4. Stir in dried tortellini and cook an additional hour for low, 45 minutes on high. 
5. Stir in evaporated milk, and fresh spinach. 
6. If desired sprinkle individual serving with Parmesan cheese and ground pepper.
7. Makes 4servings.

Cream cheese Crock Pot Chicken

This is by far one of the easiest dinner I have ever prepared. The whole family loved it. I found this on the Larson Lingo Blog. 

1-3 pound bag of chicken tenderloins
1-8 ounce package of cream cheese( don't use fat free)
1- 15 ounce can black beans rinsed and drained( or pinto beans if you prefer)
1-14 ounce can corn
1- 10 ounce can of Rotel
1/2 to a whole package of taco seasoning.

1. Place the frozen chicken tenderloins in the crock pot. 
2. Put cream cheese on top of chicken.
3. Dump in the black beans that have been rinsed and drained.
4. Dump in the drained corn.
5. Pour in the Rotel.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours stirring half way through. Serve over white rice. 
7. Right before serving stir in the taco seasoning.
8. It is also good served on tortillas with shredded cheese the next day. Enjoy.

Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole

I found this on Pinterest. So good. All the kids and my husband loved it.
I adapted if from allrecipes.
2 cups shredded chicken
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
15 ounce can black beans
1-4 ounce can diced green chilies
10 ounces red enchilada sauce
8 6 inch corn tortilla
2 cups shredded cheese
8 ounces sour cream

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Mix together the shredded chicken with the garlic powder, cumin, chilies, black beans (rinse and drain the beans first) in a bowl.
3. Pour half the enchilada sauce in a 7x11 inch baking pan that has sprayed with cooking spray.
4. Lay half the tortillas on the sauce in the pan over lapping if necessary. 
5. Lay half the chicken mixture over the tortilla. 
6. Spread with half the cheese. 
7. Spread half the sour cream over the cheese. 
8. Spoon the remaining enchilada sauce over the the sour cream layer.
9. Lay with the remaining tortillas, followed by the rest of the chicken.
10. Cover with a lid of tin foil and bake for 30 minutes.
11. Remove the lid and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
12. Dot with the rest of the sour cream and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes.
13. Eat with salsa and green lettuce. So good. 

Brownie Batter Dip

If you are a chocoate lover, and love to lick the bowl when you make brownies, then this is the dessert for you. My kids all loved it. Just to warn you, this dip is very addictive.  I adapted it from Amy's Blog.

1/2  cup butter softened
1-8 ounce package cream cheese
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 heaping cup cocoa powder
1/4 heaping cup flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons milk

1. Mix the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer. 
2. Add the powdered sugar and milk slowly. 
3. Mix in the cocoa, brown sugar, flour and vanilla.
4. Serve with pretzels, graham crackers, bananas, or strawberries.

Candied Popcorn

This is truly the easiest Popcorn I have ever made. And best of all it is so versatile. You can make it any flavor you choose. I adapted the recipe from A Mom not a professional. 

12 cups popped popcorn
1-14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1-3 ounce package jello ( I used strawberry and apricot but you can really use any flavor.

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Butter a shallow baking dish such as a cookie sheet.
2. Once popcorn is popped remove unpopped popcorn. Pour popcorn into prepared pan.
3. Combine sweetened condensed milk and dry jello mix in a sauce pan.
4. Heat on low until mixture is bubbly and slightly thick about 4-5 minutes.
5. Pour mixture over popcorn in a big bowl  and stir to coat evenly. 
6. Place popcorn in the prepared pan.
7. Bake in preheated oven for about 15 minutes stirring every 5 minutes.   
8. Cool and break into pieces. Enjoy cause it is so good.

Homemade Pancake Mix

This has got to be the best pancake mix let alone pancakes I have ever made. My whole family just raved about them. It was so easy to mix together the ingredients for the mix. Next time I make them it will save so much time because I will only have to add the egg water mix and oil. LOVE IT. I will defiantly be making these again soon. I hope you'll also give these a try. You'll be glad you did.
I adapted the recipe from  Super Healthy Kids.

2 cups whole wheat flour
3 cups white flour
1 1/4 cups powdered milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/8 cup baking powder
1 tablespoon salt

1. Store in an airtight container or a Ziploc baggie. I used a gallons size bag as pictured.

1 1/2 cups pancake mix
1 cup water
2 tablespoons oil
1 egg

1. Whisk together the mix, oil, water, and egg. 
2. Pour by 1/4 cup onto preheated griddle. About 1-2 minutes on each side.
3. Flip when middle bubbles. Cook another 1-2 minutes. 
4. Makes about 8. Enjoy either maple syrup on them or Caramel. 

Lemonies

These were  called Lemon Brownies but Lemonies sounds more fitting. I found this here on Rita May's blog. They looked so good I just had to try them. I love lemon desserts.

1 1/2 cups  flour
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter softened
1 lemon juiced
Zest of 1 lemon
4 eggs
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
additional lemon zest.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a mixing bowl mix together the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Cream the softened butter into the flour mixtrure.
4. Blend the Eggs well and mix them with the lemon juice and lemon zest from the frest lemon.
5. Mix the egg lemon mixture into the butter mixture. 
6. Spread into a greased 9x13 inch pan.
7. Bake for 30 minutes.
8. When Lemonies are cooled, mix the powdered sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and lemon zest and spread on top for a nice glaze.

Apple Oatmeal Muffins

I've had this recipe for quite some time and decided to make them this morning. They are a good filling muffin let me tell you. Not really sure where I got the recipe though. I hope you enjoy them.

1 3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup oatmeal
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tart apple shredded ( I used Granny Smith)
1/2 cup raisins

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine flour, oatmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
3. In a separate bowl, beat egg slightly.
4. Mix in with the egg the milk, oil, vanilla and brown sugar.
5. Add egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
6. Stir in the apple and raisins.
7. Place equally into 12 paper lined muffins cups.
8. Bake for about 20 minutes.

Slow Cooker Parmesan Honey Pork Roast

We found this dish to be especially good. Served with mashed Potatoes it is divine I must say. So worth the 6 hour wait. 

Adapted from Six Sisters 

1-2 pound Pork Roast

2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup honey

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons dry basil or oregano

2 tablespoons minced garlic

2 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 cup cold water

1. Spray crock pot with non stick cooking spray.
2. Place Roast in slow cooker.
3. In a small bowl combine the cheese, honey, soy sauce, basil, garlic, oil and salt. 
4. Pour over Pork Roast.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
6. Removed Roast to a serving Platter, keep warm. 
7. Skim fat from cooking juices.and transfer to a sauce pan.
8. Bring liqid to a boil.
9. Combine water and cornstarch until smooth. 
10. Gradually stir into boiling liquid and bring to a boil.
11. Cook for about 2 minutes or until thick.
12. Slice Roast and serve with gravy. Mashed Potatoes.

Peanut Butter Eggs

I found this on Pinterest recently. After seeing them I wanted to try them out. Angie and Kirsten had so much fun dipping them in the Chocolate. They taste out of this world good. Might very well replace the store bought version. I adapted them from Megan's recipe found here.

1 pound plus 1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter softened
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
1 pound melting chocolate

1. Cream together the butter, and peanut butter. 
2. Mix in the powdered sugar.
3. Form into egg shapes. 
4. Place on wax paper and put in the freezer. 
5. Melt chocolate in a saucepan over medium heat. Or use a double broiler.
6. Poke each peanut butter egg with a tooth pick and dip into the melted chocolate. 
7. Place on wax paper to cool. Store in the freezer.  They are so good. I'm sure they won't last long at our house.

Homemade Chocolate Syrup

I found this recipe here. I told my mom about it and she told me My Grandma Robbins used to make Chocolate syrup this way all the time. But I will add that is recipe is by far better then Hershey's version.

1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup baking cocoa
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla.

1. In a small saucepan, mix sugar cocoa and salt. 
2. Whisk  in the water. 
3. Bring to a boil stirring occasionally. 
4. Reduce heat and cook 1 minute. 
5. Remove from heat and add the vanilla. 
6. Cool store in fridge. So easy.
7. Store in a pint canning jar. An old Hershey container will work too.

Taco Cassrole

I found this recipe on Pinterest. It is so easy to make. It may very well be one of my favorite casseroles from now on. I adapted it from here.

1 pound ground beef
1 cup cooked white rice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 package taco seasoning
1-15 ounce can black beans
1- 8 ounce can tomato sauce
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese
2 cups crushed tortilla chips
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese( or any cheese you have on hand)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Brown beef with onion, drain grease.
3. Add garlic powder, taco seasoning, black beans, and tomato sauce.
4. In another  bowl, mix the sour cream and cottage cheese.
5. Place half the crushed chips in a 9x13 cake pan that has been sprayed with Pam.
6. Layer with half the meat mixture, then cover with half the cottage cheese sour cream.
7. Layer with half the cheese.
8. Repeat Layers and bake for 30 minutes. Servers between 6-8.This is really good with salsa.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

I found this recipe on LDS Living Site. It won the Cookies Recipe Contest. I must say they are good. I can see why they won. If you love lemon, you'll love these cookies.

1/2 cup butter softened
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups flour
1/3 cup powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease light color baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy. 
3. Whip in vanilla, egg, lemon zest and lemon juice. Scrape sides and mix again.
4. Mix in the salt, baking soda, baking powder, and flour until just combined.
5. Pour powdered sugar onto a plate.  
6. Roll 1 inch balls in powdered sugar. Place on baking sheet. 
7. Bake for 9-11 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet for about 2-5 minutes . Remove onto cooling rake.
8. Makes about 2 dozen.

Crock Pot Oatmeal

I belong to a weight loss group on face book. I adapted it from Rob Sorsenson's  recipe. I had to try it not just because I love to try new foods but because it is healthy. Let me tell you it is so good.

2 apples, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2-1/2 to 3 cups chopped)
1/2 cups fat-free milk (can use almond milk or skim milk)
4 cups water
1 cup uncooked steel-cut oats
4 tablespoons brown sugar or agave nectar
1 tablespoons butter, cut into 5-6 pieces (yes, I know...butter - but it's a small amount for quite a few servings!)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground flax seed
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional garnishes: chopped nuts, raisins, maple syrup, granola, chia seeds, etc

Directions

Coat inside of 3-1/2 quart (or larger) slow cooker with cooking spray. (don't eliminate this or your corck pot will be tough to clean) Add all ingredients (except optional toppings) to slow cooker. Stir, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours. Spoon oatmeal into bowls; add optional toppings, if desired. Store leftovers in refrigerator. Freezes well.


To reheat single servings: Put 1-cup cooked oatmeal in microwave proof bowl. Add 1/3 cup fat-free milk. Microwave on high for 1 minute; stir. Continue cooking for another minute, or until hot.

Ear Infection Remedy

So I found this on Pinterest a few weeks ago an pinned it just in case I ever needed to try it. Last night Elizabeth started showing all the signs of an ear infection. The fever, running nose, lack of appetite, and not being happy on her back either in her crib or in the floor. So finally at 9:00 last night I decided to give this remedy a try. It certainly would be less money then a doctor appointment and or prescription for the ear infection. I found it on this blog.

All I did was warm up a  tablespoon in a double broiler in the stove and took it off the heat.(you could also put it in a bowl inside a bowl filled with hot water.)  It cools down very quickly. I put her on her side as to nurse her and Ken took a baby spoon and dropped a few drops in her ear. About 5 minutes later, we did this to the other ear. After 20 minutes she was her normal happy self again. I just may do this every time. 

Baked Chicken

This chicken dish came out so tender and juicy. It may very well become my favorite chicken dish. You can  make it with Pork chops which is quite good as well. I adapted it from here. 

Ranch dressing in a bottle.
3 cups dried bread crumbs any kind
1 small package dry Italian dressing mix
2 tablespoons fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic  powder
6 large chicken breasts or Pork tender loins

1. Mix together the bread crumbs, Italian dressing mix, Parmesan cheese and garlic powder.
2. Pour a layer of Ranch dressing on a plate. Take one chicken breast or pork piece and and coat it in the ranch dressing. 
3. Then take the Chicken breast and coat it well in the bread crumb mixture. 
4. Line a baking dish with tin foil.
5. Spray the pan with cooking spray.
6. Place your breaded chicken breast into the foil lined pan.
7. Bake in 350 degree preheated oven for 45 minutes. 
8. Serve with any side of choice or a nice green salad.

Bacon wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos

I found this recipe in the newspaper under the food section. The recipe is by Brenda Stanley.  Let me tell you they are so good. The recipe made 24 of them and Ken and I ate 12 each they were that good. So I hope you love this appetizer as much as we did.

12 Jalapeno peppers

1 tub so cream cheese spread (about 8 oz)

12 slices of bacon cut in half

1. Remove the tops of peppers and cut them in half length-wise. Scrape out seeds and veins. 
2. Fill each pepper with a teaspoon or two of cream cheese spread. 
3. Wrap the pepper half in half a slice of bacon and place cheese side up in a shallow baking dish.
4. Bake at 450 for 15 minutes or until bacon is crispy and peppers are tender.

Tip: When handling the jalapenos pepper wear gloves to avoid itchy hands. So worth it though. You will easily eat half.

Glazed Doughnut Muffins

I let my 10 year old daughter make muffins and she choice this recipe found here at Sweet Pea's Kitchen. They were a big hit.

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup oil
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2  2/3 cups flour
1 cup milk
For the Glaze
3 tablespoons butter melted
1 cup powdered sugar
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons hot water

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line 12 muffin cups with muffin liners. 
2. With a mixer beat butter oil and sugar until smooth. 
3. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in the vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt just until combined.
5. Stir the flour into the butter mixture alterating with the milk making sure everything is well mixed.
6. Divide batter into the 12 muffin cups. 
7. Bake until muffins are a pale golden about 15-17 minutes.
8. Cool muffins in muffin tins for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack and cool 10 minutes before glazing. 
9. To make the glaze, in medium bowl mix the melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and water. Whisk until smooth.
10. When the muffins have cooled, dip the muffin crown into the glaze and allow the glaze to harden. Once harden dip a second time and allow to harden and serve. 

Swiss Chicken

I discovered this recipe on the justgetoffyourbuttandbake site. I had to make it cause I just love Swiss cheese. It reminded me of Cordon Blue only creamier and without the ham. But oh the chicken was so juicy and tender. The sauce was creamy. LOVED IT. I hope you do to.

8 boneless skinless chicken breasts(about 3 pounds in all, or 4-6 ounces each breast piece)
salt and pepper
4-8 ounces shredded Swiss cheese.( depends on how cheesy you like it.)
2- 10 3/4 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 cup half and half
1/2 cup butter
3 cups stuffing mix or 1-6 ounce box of stove top stuffing

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Arrange chicken in a 9x13 inch pan. 
3. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.
4. Sprinkle cheese over chicken.
5. Combine soup and half and half; pour over chicken.
6. Melt butter and mix with stuffing.
7. Spread over the top of cream mixture.
8. Cover and bake 1 1/2 to 2 hours. 
9. Cook until chicken is tender. Uncover and bake 10 minutes longer.
10. Serves 8. Yummy. 

Lion House Sweet and Sour Chicken

Since I finally bought myself a rice cooker I have been on the look out for meals that go well with rice. I found this on Pinterest. This recipe is Courtney of Just get off your butt and bake O yum.  As the title states it is from the Lion House.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. 

2 teaspoons garlic salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

4 tablespoons cornstarch

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup vinegar

1 cup chicken broth

1/3 cup ketchup

2 tablespoon soy sauce

6-8 boneless skinless chicken breast(about 4 ounces each)

1. Place Chicken in a 9x13 inch baking pan. 
2. Sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper.
3. In a bowl mix the cornstarch, sugar, vinegar, chicken broth, Ketchup,  and soy sauce. 
4. Pour over the chicken. 
5. Bake at 325 for 1 - 1 1/2 hours. 
6. Serve over rice. So good.

Chocolate Cola Cake

I found this on May Flaum's blog. This idea of Cocoa Cola being used in a cake intrigued  me so much I just had to try it. Every person I have served it to loves it. One of the best chocolate cake I have come across.

2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup butter
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 cup cocoa cola (from the bottle is the best)
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
1 teaspoons vanilla
The Glaze
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup cocoa cola
4 cups of powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
2. Grease a 9x13 inch pan with Crisco. 
3. Mix together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, set aside in a bowl.
4. In a sauce pan over medium high heat, stir up the butter, baking cocoa, cocoa cola, and buttermilk until it boils. 
5. Take off heat and mix in the flour mixture. 
6. Then add the eggs and vanilla.
7. Pour in the cake pan and for 30 minutes.
8. Once the cake is nearly done, make the glaze by mixing in a sauce pan the butter, baking cocoa, and cocoa cola. Bring this to a boil.
9. Remove from heat and mix in the powdered sugar.
10. Add in a cup of chopped pecans in desired. 
11. Once the cake is done and out of the oven, pour this warm glaze right over the cake. Wait.
12. Let it cool for a few minutes.Enjoy warm or cold. So yummy. 

This cake is so rich and chocolaty. I just loved it. It was a quick and easy bake to. Nothing complex.

Homemade Microwave Popcorn

Yes you can do this yourself. Yes it is pennies on the dollar compared to the kind you buy. So easy too. I adapted it from this site I found on Pinterest. And what a find it was. I might add how much healthier this version is too. Love it.

1 paper brown lunch bag (a package of 50 is only about $1.00 at any grocery store.)
1/4 cup popcorn( I bought a 8 pound jar at Costco for only $10.00. At that price it would make around 60-70 bags of homemade microwave popcorn. Talk about inexpensive.)

1. Place popcorn in brown paper lunch bag.
2. Fold lunch bag over twice. Do not staple as it might spark in the microwave.
3. Stick the bag in the microwave. 
4. Let it pop  2-3 minutes. 
5. Stop the microwave when the popping slows to 1-2 pops per second.You don't want to burn your tasty snack.
6. Place in a big bowl. (We made 3 bags. And at this price why not?)
7. Add melt butter and sprinkle salt on it for extra flavor. 

"I Want to Marry You" Cookies

I made these cookies for my visiting teaching sisters. They are so good. I found them here.

1 cup butter
1 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup chocolate chips

1. In a medium sauce pan, melt the butter over medium heat until melted. Remove from the heat.
2. Add the dark brown sugar and the whit sugar and stir until the sugars and well incorporated and smooth. Chill the mixture for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from the fridge, and stir in the egg, egg yolk and vanilla. 
4. Add the flour. oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon and mix together.
5. Stir in the white and chocolate chips.
6. Roll by hand into medium sized balls or use a cookie scoop. And place on a light colored cookie sheet. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 325. Remove the cookies from the fridge and bake for 12-14 minutes. Makes 48 cookies.

White Texas Sheet Cake

I found this cake on pinterest. What a find it is. It was so easy to make and not near as long to bake as a regual 9x13 inch cake. I love the vanilla butter flavor. I adapted it from friedalovesbread. So good.
Cake

1 cup butter
1 cup water
2 cups sugar
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
1 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup sour cream

Frosting
1 cup butter
1/3 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
5 cups powdered sugar
dash of salt
1 cup chopped pecans

1. Put butter and water in a large bowl.
2. Heat in the microwave for 2 minutes.
3. Stir until the butter in melted.
4. Add sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Stir with a wire whisk until smooth.
6. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well.
7. Stir in sour cream until it is all blended.
8. Pour into a 11x17 inch baking sheet that has been greased and flour.
9. Bake at 375 for 20-25 ,minutes.
10. Remove from the oven and make frosting.
11. Cook butter and milk in microwave for 3-4 minutes. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and dash of salt.
12. Beat until smooth.
13. Add nuts and gently  spread on  warm cake. 

Pencil Mark remover..... Works great

 On one of the many days I was browsing Pinterest I found a way to take pencil marks off of the wall. Yes you guessed it. You use regular tooth paste. Worked like a charm. I just got an old tooth brush wet, applied tooth paste and scrubbed away at the pencil marks. Like magic in just a few scrubs the marks were gone. I tried to take a good picture. Hopefully you can see the difference it made. Wow. Who knew that cleaning could be so inexpensive? Any one who has kids will appreciate this post. I used Arm and Hammer Tooth paste but the site just said any tooth paste will work. Try it and see. Worked for me. I can't find it now so you'll just have to take my word that it really works.

Easy Pancakes

I thought since a have a Bisquick copy cat recipe that to me and my friends tastes better then Bisquick I would also put on here how to make pancakes out of the same mix. Especially since I have waffle and biscuit recipes using this mix. Why not also put on here Pancakes? So here you have an easy recipe for Pancakes. Well as long as you have a batch of my all purpose baking mix on hand that is.

2 cups baking mix
1 cup milk
2 eggs

1. Heat griddle or skillet over medium high heat. Surface is ready when a few drops of water sprinkle on it dance and disappear. 
2. Stir all ingredients together until well blended.
3. Pour 1/4 cup on to hot griddle.
4. Cook until edges are dry about 1-2 minutes on each side.
5. Serve warm with your choice of syrup. Maple or Caramel are great choices. Fresh fruit is also good. 

Valentine Confetti

I found this recipe on Pinterest thanks to Kellie. Angie wanted me to make it for her 5th grade Valentine Party. It is good.

1 bag M&Ms( Valentine colors
2 bags microwave popcorn.
12 ounces of white chocolate candy melts

1. Pop popcorn in Microwave. Set aside.
2. Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler on the stove.
3. Pour over popcorn until it is well coated. 
4. Spread on a cookies sheet with wax paper on it. 
5. When it is cooled add the M&Ms.
6. Place in individual bags and tie with a pink of red ribbon. 

Use baking soda and vinegar to fix funky towels

Over time and with many washes, Your bath towels will build up detergent and fabric softener residue, leaving them both unable to absorb as much water and smelling kinda funky when they do. Rather then give Target another lump sum, run them through the wash once with hot water and 1 cup of vinegar, then again with  hot water and a 1/2 cup of baking soda or washing soda. That strips the residue from them, leaves them fairly fresh again, and makes your post-shower experience a dryer one, at that. I found this here. I also found that the towels dried faster in the dryer. So it is also a energy saver as far as that goes. Also never wash the towel with the vinegar and soda in the same wash. Very important that they be washed in separate cycles.

Cupid's Cherry Cheesecake

This cheese cakes were so easy to make. They went nicely with our valentines dinner. I adapted them from here.


15 vanilla wafers
2-8 ounce packages of cream cheese
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
21 ounce can cherry pie filling

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Place one wafer in each of 15 paper lined muffin cups. Set aside.
3. Beat cream cheese and sugar in a bowl on medium speed until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time Mixing just until blended.
5. Spoon evenly into prepared muffins cups. 
6. Bake for 30 minutes. Turn off oven open oven door slightly. Let stand in oven 30 minutes.
7. Remove from oven cool completely. 
8. Top with pie filling. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Ranch Potatoes

Another great find on pinterest. This is such a easy recipe to throw together. Thanks to April

2 pounds of potatoes (either red or Russets)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or us my recipe found here)

1. Cut potatoes into 1 1/2 -2 inch cubes and place into crock pot.
2. In another bowl mix the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream and ranch seasoning mix. 
3. Mix in with the potatoes in the crockpot.
4. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until potatoes are tender.

Ultimate Chicken Fingers

I found this recipe while browsing the bettycrocker site. They look just as good if not better then anything you'd order from a restaurant, except much less expensive of course. Enjoy. Ranch potatoes go great as a side dish.

2/3 cup baking mix
1/2 grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt or garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3 boneless skinless chicken breast halves cut crosswise into half inch strips
1 egg slightly beaten
3 tablespoon butter melted

1. Preheat oven to 450.
2. Line cookies sheet with tin foil. Spray with Pam.
3. Mix baking mix, cheese, salt, and paprika in a 1 gallon Ziploc bag.
4. Dip half the chicken strips into egg: place in bag of baking mix. 
5. Seal bag and shake to coat.
6. Place chicken on cookies sheet. 
7. Repeat with remaining chicken.
8. Drizzle melted butter over chicken.
9. Bake 12-14 minutes, turning after 6 minutes with pancake turner until no longer pink in center.
10. Serve with barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.

Caramel Syrup

"Waffle syrup that will change your life, or at least your breakfast." Words spoken by Kara the author of this recipe. I would have to agree. It was so delish on our waffles this morning. It was just as delish on our ice cream this evening as well. Pancakes waffles and ice cream will never be the same served with this syrup on it. They will be so much better. But don't take my word for it. Make it and see for your self. SO Good.

1 1/2 cups half and half or buttermilk
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla

1. In a large saucepan, bring sugars, milk, and butter to a boil over medium heat. 
2. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla and baking soda.
3. It will bubble up a lot. 
4. As it cools it the bubbles will go away.
5. Serve over pancakes, waffles, french toast, or ice cream. Yum.

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

I found this on pinterest and adapted if from lakelurecottagekitchen. It sounded like the perfect meal to try out on the day I fed the missionaries. This meal was a complete success. Both the missionaries and my family loved it.

12 boneless chicken tender loins.(about a 3 pound bag)
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup soy sauce
1/3 apple cider vinegar
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
4 1/2 teaspoons water

1. Place chicken in a 4 quart slow cooker.
2. In a bow, combine the sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger garlic and pepper.
3. Pour over chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low 4-5 hours or until chicken is tender.
5. Remove chicken to a serving platter.
6. Keep warm.
7. Place liquid in a sauce pan and bring to a boil.
8. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth.
9. Gradually stir into liquid and stir until sauce is thickened.
10. Serve with chicken and rice.

Easy Waffles

I was brousing the  Bisquick site trying to find other recipes to make with my mix aka Bisquick copy cat and came across this find. Ken wanted waffles this morning and sure enough there was a recipe for it. This is the perfect recipe for a rushed school morning. Loved it. 

2 cups baking mix

1 1/3 cup milk

1 egg

2 tablespoons oil

1. Heat waffle iron. Grease with Pam spray or shortening.
2. Stir ingredients until blended. 
3. Pour into center of waffle iron. Close lid.
4. Bake about 5 minutes or until streaming stops
5. Remove waffles and enjoy.

Mexican Dorito Casserole

I found this recipe at Jamhands  It sounded worth making. Although my husband says it is a sin to do anything with Doritos except eat them as is. For being such a critic he sure ate it fast and had seconds. The kids even loved it. I'd have to say myself, it is a keeper.

2 cups cooked shredded chicken( or one can)
1-2 cups shredded cheese depending on how cheesy you like it
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 sour cream
1 -16 ounce jar stewed tomatoes diced
1/2 packet taco seasoning
1-11 ounce bag of Doritos either cool ranch or nacho cheese.

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In a mixing bowl combine all ingredients expect Doritos.
3. In a greased 2 quart baking dish, put a layer of crushed Doritos. 
4. Then layer with chicken mixture.
5. Repeat layers ending with a layer of chicken mixture.
6. Top with more shredded cheese cover and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Onion Soup Mix

I found this recipe on pinterest. I mixed it up and put it in a pint jar. It is a copycat of Lipton's onion soup mix. Ken found it to taste better and more flavorful then Lipton's. I would have to agree. We used it in our Tater Tot  Casserole recipe.

3/4 cup instant minced onion
1/3 cup beef bouillon powder
4 teaspoons onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed celery seed
1/4 teaspoons sugar

1. Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
2. About 1.25 ounces is equal to one  packet of Lipton soup mix.
3. To make onion dip: Mix 1.25 ounces with one pint of sour cream.
4. Or use in any recipe calling for Lipton soup mix.

Or if your in a hurry you can also so this one serving recipe for onion soup mix found at 5dollardinners
4 teaspoons beef bouillon powder
3 tablespoons dried onion flakes
2 teaspoons onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper

1. Use in any recipe that calls for one package onion soup mix. 

Farmer's Country Breakfast

I found this recipe on taste of home. It is good with toast or in a tortilla shell. I adapted it from here.

Ingredients
6 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon drry parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 ounces sausage
2 cooled baked potatoes cubed
4 ounces (1 cup) shredded cheese

1. Whisk the eggs, milk salt and parsley in a bowl.
2. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat or until no longer pink.
4. Remove from pan.
5. In the same skillet. cook the cubed potatoes.for about 5 minutes.
6. Return sausage to pan.
7. Add egg mixture.
8. Cook until almost set.
9. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Let melt about 2-3 more minutes.Serve and enjoy.

Slow Berry Cobbler

This recipe comes from The Crockin Girls. You can also find them here  on Facebook.  Ken and I both thought it was really good.

Filling:

1 (10-ounce) bag frozen strawberries
1 (10-ounce) bag frozen blueberries
1 (10-ounce) bag frozen raspberries
1/3 to 2/3 cup sugar, depending on your level of preferred sweetness
1/2 cup baking mix

Topping:

2 1/4 cups baking mix
1/4 cup sugar, plus another 1/4 cup sugar
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Spray the insert of a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss together all the frozen fruit, sugar and 1/2 cup baking mix.
3. Transfer the fruit to the slow cooker.
4. In another large mixing bowl, stir together 2 1/4 cups baking mix, 1/4 cup sugar, melted butter and milk with a wooden spoon.
5. With your hands, drop bits of dough on top of the fruit in the slow cooker.
6. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and ground cinnamon.
7. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top of the dough and place the lid on the slow cooker.
8. Turn the power onto high and slow cook for 3 to 4 hours until the topping has puffed and the fruit is bubbling.

Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

Rice Crispy Treats

This is any family favorite. What kid doesn't love Rice Crispy Treats. Even though most everyone knows how to make these, I thought I'd post them anyway. Yummy. I got them from my campfire mini marshmallow bag.

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter

6 cups mini marshmallows

6 cups Rice Crispy cereal 

Directions 

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
2. Add Marshmallows and stir constantly until they are melted.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Add Rice Crispy cereal and stir until well coated. Using a buttered spatula, or wax paper, press mixture evenly into a greased 13x9 pan.
5. Cut into squares when cool.
6. Makes 24. 

Skillet Cassoulet Recipe

This dish was created by Barbara Brittain from Santee California You can find it and more here

I love Taste of home.
Ingredients
1/2 pound smoked turkey kielbasa cut into 1/2 inch slices
1/2 fully cooked boneless ham cubed
4 medium carrots sliced
2 celery ribs sliced
1 medium red onion
4 teaspoon oil
4 garlic cloves
2 cans(15 ounces) kindney beans rinced and drained.
2 cans(14 1/2) diced tomatoes drained
1 1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions

• In a large skillet, saute the kielbasa,ham, carrots, celery, and onion in oil until sausage is brown and vegetables are tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.
• Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered for 4-5 minutes or until heated through. This is great served over rice. Yields 6 serving. 

Chewy Granola Bars

My daughter Angela wanted to try these. They were so good and satisfying. We found them here Thanks Virgina M Krites, Cridersville, Ohio
1/2 cup butter softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups oat meal
1 1/4 cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup raisins or chocolate chips

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the honey vanilla and egg; mix well. Combine the flour, cinnamon baking powder,and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in oats, cereal, nuts chocolate chops and raisins. 
2. Press into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Yields 2 dozen.