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Friday, August 30, 2013

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies




Ingredients:
For the cookies:
3 3/4 cups flour 

1 1/2 tsp baking powder 
1/2 tsp salt 
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature 
1 cup sugar 
1/2 cup dark brown sugar 
1 cup pumpkin puree 
1 large egg 
2 tsp vanilla extract

For the coating:
1/2 cup sugar 

1 tsp  ground cinnamon 
1/2 tsp ground ginger 
Dash of allspice

Directions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk together to blend. In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugars on medium speed until well combined. Next, still on medium speed, beat in pumpkin. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract. Lastly, add in the dry ingredients. Beat until combined, but do not over mix. Cover the dough, and refrigerate for one hour, until firm.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  3. Line baking sheets with parchment paper (or spray with nonstick spray). In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and spices for the sugar coating. Scoop dough (approximately 2 1/2 tablespoons) and roll into a ball. Roll the dough ball in the sugar mixture, and place on the lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Take a drinking glass with a flat bottom and moisten with water. Dip the glass in the sugar mixture, and use it to flatten the dough balls. Re-sugar the glass as needed.
  4. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Remove when the centers of the cookies have set. Let cool on the baking pan for approximately 5 minutes, and then transfer to wire cooling racks to cool completely.

The Famous Woolworth Ice Box Cheesecake



Ingredients:
1 (3 ounce) package lemon Jell-O
1 cup boiling water
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
5 tablespoons lemon juice
1 12 oz can Carnation Evaporated milk, well chilled
Graham crackers, crushed

Directions:

  1. Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water. Cool until slightly thickened.
  2. Beat cream cheese, sugar and lemon juice with mixer until smooth. Add thickened Jell-O and beat well.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the Carnation milk until fluffy. Add cream cheese/Jell-O mixture and beat well with mixer.
  4. Line bottom of 9 x 13-pan with crushed Graham crackers.
  5. Spread filling over and top with more crushed Graham crackers. Chill.
(Recipe from a family member who previously worked for FW Woolworth Co.)

Chicken Salad




Ingredients:
5 to 6 Boneless Skinnless Chicken Breasts
Mayonnaise
Sweet Pickle Relish
Celery (I used 3 to 4 stalks)
pinch of salt
pinch of sugar if you like it sweeter

Directions:

  1. Boil the chicken and let cool.
  2. Dice the chicken up and add the other ingredients.
  3. Refrigerate and enjoy!!!

"I really don't measure anything, I just toss everything in til it tastes just right!You can fix this up however you want - you can make it low carb using regular mayo or low fat using reduced or fat free mayo. No matter how you do it, it's good stuff. "

Chocolate Puppy Cupcakes



Ingredients:
1 box cake mix
1 can chocolate frosting
Vanilla wafers
M&Ms
Nutter Butter cookies
Miniature marshmallows
edible candy eyeballs - optional

Directions:
Bake cupcakes as directed on box and frost with chocolate frosting.
  • Snout: vanilla wafers with chocolate frosting piped in the shape of mouth
  • Eyes: Marshmallows cut in half with chocolate frosting piped on.
  • Ears: Nutter butters
  • Nose: M&Ms

Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn



Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons light Karo syrup (corn syrup)
14 large marshmallows
1 package microwave popcorn

Directions:

  1. Pop the bag of popcorn and strain any seeds (this is important because if there are seeds they will stick in the caramel which is not tasty)
  2. Melt butter in pan
  3. Add brown sugar and karo syrup to butter and melt (do not burn)
  4. Add marshmallows and melt while stirring over medium heat
  5. Pour caramel marshmallow mixture over popped popcorn and devour!
Enjoy!

http://www.raininghotcoupons.com/caramel-marshmallow-popcorn-recipe/

The Best Slow Cooker Meal Ever




Ingredients
1 bag of frozen tortellini
1 small bag of fresh spinach
2 cans of italian style diced tomatoes
1 qt (4 cups) of vegetable broth
8 oz of cream cheese

Directions:
Put all ingredients in slow cooker, chunking up the cream cheese. Cook on low for 5-6 hrs

8 Can Taco Soup




8 Can Taco Soup

Ingredients:
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
1 (15.25 oz.) can sweet corn, drained
1 (12.5 oz.) can white chicken breast, drained
1 (10.75 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10 oz.) can green enchilada sauce
1 (14 oz.) can chicken broth
1 packet taco seasoning

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a large pot.
  2. Heat until warm, stirring occasionally.
  3. Serve with tortilla chips.
I have a feeling I'm going to be making this soup a lot when the winter months roll in. Not only does it warm my body, but it warms my soul!  Enjoy.

Source: http://highheelsandgrills.blogspot.com

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

46 Uses for Vinegar



46 Uses for Vinegar

1. Freshen up the fridge. Clean the shelves and walls with a solution of half water and half vinegar.

2. Brighten coffee cups and teacups. Gently scrub stains with equal parts vinegar and salt (or baking soda).

3. Eliminate odors. Swab plastic containers with a cloth dampened with vinegar.

4. Kill bathroom germs. Spray full-strength vinegar around the sink and tub. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

5. Save a garment. To remove light scorch marks on fabrics, rub gently with vinegar. Wipe with a clean cloth. This technique also works on antiperspirant stains.

6. Tidy up a toilet. Pour a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar into the bowl. Let sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with a toilet brush and flush.

7. Lose the carpet stain. Make a paste of 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and ¼ cup salt or baking soda. Rub into the stain and let dry. Vacuum the residue the next day. (Always test an out-of-sight part of the carpet first.)

8. Renew paint brushes. To remove old paint, place brushes in a pot with vinegar. Soak for an hour, then turn on the stove and bring the vinegar to a simmer. Drain and rinse clean.

9. Wipe off a dirty faucet. To get rid of lime buildup, make a paste of 1 teaspoon vinegar and 2 tablespoons salt. Apply to sink fixtures and rub with a cloth.

10. Stop static cling. Add ½ cup of white distilled vinegar to your wash cycle. The acid reduces static and keeps dryer lint from sticking to your clothes.

11. Make old socks look new. Get the stains out of old socks and sweaty gym clothes by soaking them in a vinegar solution. Add 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to a large pot of water, bring to a boil and drop in the stained clothes. Let them soak overnight, and in the morning stained clothes are fresh and bright.

12. Restore handbags and shoes. Wipe white distilled vinegar on scuffed leather bags and shoes. It will restore their shine and help hide the marks.

13. Banish weeds. Pour white distilled vinegar on the weeds growing in the cracks of your walkway and driveway. Saturate the plant so the vinegar reaches the roots.

14. Liven droopy flowers. Don’t throw out cut flowers once they start to wilt. Instead, add two tablespoons of white vinegar and one teaspoon of sugar to a quart of water. Pour the solution into your vase, and the flowers will perk up.

15. Put an end to itching. Dab a cotton ball soaked in white vinegar on mosquito bites and insect stings. It will stop them from itching and help disinfect the area so they heal faster.

16. Whiten your teeth. Brush your teeth once a week with white distilled vinegar. Dip your toothbrush into the vinegar and brush thoroughly. It will help prevent bad breath, too.

17. Make nail polish last longer. Before you apply your favorite polish, wipe your nails with a cotton ball soaked in white distilled vinegar. The clean surface will help your manicure last.

18. Keep car windows frost-free. Prevent windows from frosting over in a storm by coating them with a solution of three parts white distilled vinegar to one part water. The acidity hinders ice, so you won’t have to wake up early to scrape off your car.

19. Let your dog shine. Spray your dog with one cup white distilled vinegar mixed with one quart water. The solution is a cheap alternative to expensive pet-care products, plus the vinegar will help repel pests like fleas and ticks.

20. Battle litter-box odor. Cat litter can leave behind an unwelcome smell. Eliminate it by pouring a half-inch of white distilled vinegar into the empty litter box. Let stand for 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water.

21. Kill bacteria in meat. Marinating in vinegar knocks out bacteria and tenderizes the meat. Create a marinade by adding ¼ cup balsamic vinegar for every 2 pounds of meat to your own blend of herbs and spices. Let the meat sit anywhere from 20 minutes to 24 hours, depending on how strong you want the flavor, then cook it in the morning without rinsing.

22. Prevent cracked eggs. Prevent eggs from cracking as they hard-boil by adding two tablespoons of white vinegar to the water. The eggs will stay intact, and the shells will peel off more easily when you’re ready to eat them.

23. Steam away a microwave mess. Fill a small bowl with equal parts hot water and vinegar, and place it in the microwave on high for 5 minutes. As the steam fills the microwave, it loosens the mess, making clean up a breeze.

24. Repair DVDs. If you have a worn DVD that skips or freezes, wipe it down with white distilled vinegar applied to a soft cloth. Make sure the DVD is completely dry before reinserting it into the player.

25. Get those last drops. If you can’t get that final bit of mayonnaise or salad dressing out of the jar, dribble in a few drops of vinegar. Put the cap on tightly and shake. The remaining condiments will slide out.

26. Rinse fruits and vegetables. Add 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar to one pint water. Use the mixture to wash fresh fruits and vegetables, then rinse thoroughly. The solution kills more pesticide residue than does pure water.

27. Brighter Easter eggs. Before your kids dye Easter eggs, mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar with ½ cup of hot water, then add food coloring. The vinegar keeps the dye bright and prevents the color from streaking.

28. Loosen a rusted screw. Pour vinegar onto the screw, and it will easily unstick.

29. Remove gum. To remove gum from fabric or hair, heat a small bowl of vinegar in the microwave. Pour the warm vinegar over the gum, saturating the area. The gum will dissolve.

30. Keep cheese from molding. Wrap cheese in a vinegar-soaked cloth, then place in an airtight container and refrigerate.

31. Renew a loofah. Soak your loofah in equal parts vinegar and water for 24 hours to dissolve soap residue, then rinse in cold water.

32. Remove wax. If you get melted candle wax on your wood furniture or floors, gently wipe it away with a cloth soaked in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.

33. Take a relaxing bath. Add ½ cup of vinegar to warm bath water for a cheap spa session at home. The vinegar removes dead skin, leaving you feeling soft and smooth.

34. Brighten your hair. Remove hair product buildup by rinsing a tablespoon of vinegar through your hair once a month.

35. Freshen fabrics. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spritz your home to neutralize odors in fabrics, carpets, shoes or any sprayable surface.

36. Erase crayon. If your kids get crayon marks on the walls or floor, dip a toothbrush in white vinegar and gently scrub. The vinegar breaks down the wax, making for an inexpensive, nontoxic way to clean up after children.

37. Sticky stickers. Don’t scratch at the residue left by stickers or price tags. Instead, apply vinegar to the gunk, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe the glue away.

38. Clean the dishwasher and coffee pot. Reduce soap buildup and food residue by pouring a cup of vinegar into your empty dishwasher or coffee pot once a month and letting it run a full cycle.

39. Sanitize pet accidents. You can remove the stain―and smell―of your pet’s accident by mixing ¼ cup vinegar with a quart of water and blotting the mixture onto the mess with a washcloth. Continue dabbing until the spot is gone.

40. Prep for summer grilling. To remove charcoal buildup from your grill, spray white distilled vinegar on balled up aluminum foil and scrub the grate thoroughly.

41. Restore showerhead pressure. If your showerhead gets clogged with mineral deposits, soak it for 15 minutes in a mixture of ½ cup vinegar and 1 quart water.

42. Clean your scissors. When your scissor blades get sticky, wipe them down with a cloth dipped in full-strength white vinegar. Unlike soap and water, vinegar won’t ruin the blades or rust the metal.

43. Unclog drains. For a natural, nontoxic way to clean clogged pipes, pour one cup of baking soda, followed by one cup of white vinegar, down the drain. Let the products bubble and foam, then flush the pipes with a pot of boiling water.

44. Eliminate dandruff. If your scalp is feeling dry or flaky, vinegar can be a simple at-home remedy. Once a week, pour one cup of apple cider vinegar over your scalp, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

45. Soften your feet. Summer sandals leaving you with cracked heals and calluses? Soak your feet for 20 minutes a day in one part vinegar to two parts warm water. The vinegar removes dead skin, leaving your feet soft and smooth.

46. Clean greasy kitchen tools. Pour 1/4 cup into hot, soapy dishwater for washing really greasy things, such as cake decorating bags and tips. The white vinegar cuts the grease like nothing else you've seen! It has done wonders for me when I've had to clean up after decorating goodies and cakes.

I so do number 26 and it works like a charm !

Overnight Slow Cooker Oatmeal




Want breakfast tomorrow without lifting a finger?

Ingredients:
2 sliced Apples
1/4 cup Brown Sugar
1 tsp Cinnamon
Pinch of Salt
2 cups Oats
2 cups Milk
2 cups Water

Directions:
  1. Place apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in the bottom of the crock pot.
  2. Pour in oats, milk and water. Do NOT stir
  3. Cook overnight for 8 - 9 hours on low.

Gluten-Free Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies




NO FLOUR, NO OIL, NO WHITE SUGAR
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:
2 Ripe Bananas, Mashed
1/3 C. Natural Peanut Butter
2/3 C. Unsweetened Applesauce
1 Tsp. Vanilla
1/2 Tsp. Cinnamon
Dash of Ground Cloves
Dash of Ground Nutmeg
1 1/2 C. Quick or Old Fashioned Oats
1/4 C. Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/4 C. Reduced Fat Unsweetened Shredded Coconut (Optional)
The “optionals” are endless, I've used raisins, craisins & unsalted Peanuts. Mix and Match or single!!!

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  3. Mix together the bananas, peanut butter, applesauce, vanilla, and spices.
  4. Add in the oats, chocolate chips,(coconut & nuts if using); stir until well combined.
  5. Spoon a rounded Tbsp. of the cookie mixture onto the lined baking sheet, leaving an inch or two between each and flatten slightly.
  6. Bake for 20min and allow to cool slightly. If you like a crunchier cookie, bake closer to 30min.
TIPS…
~Check ingredients on your oats to make these Gluten Free, as believe it or not…not all oats are gluten free.
~sugar~free Chocolate Chips if you can find them. I've heard Hershey has some, but I've never looked for them….I know they are out there though!!!

List of Hershey's Gluten Free sites
https://www.google.co.nz/search?sourceid=navclient&aq&oq=hersheys+gluten&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4SKPT_enNZ410NZ410&q=hershey%27s+gluten+free+&gs_l=hp..0.0i10l5.0.0.0.7463...........0.5tHH9quzRAc

Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Cilantro Jalapeno Pesto




Ingredients:
Chicken
1 bunch Cilantro
2 Jalapenos
1/2 White Onion
2 cloves Garlic
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
French Bread
Cheese

Directions:
  1. Grill up some chicken with whatever seasonings you like. 
  2. In food processor combine a whole bunch of cilantro, 2 jalapenos, 1/2 white onion, 2 cloves garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper until it makes a paste like sauce.
  3. Toast some French bread smeared with the sauce, top with cheese and grilled chicken.

Slow Cooker Bacon Cheese Potatoes



FB Source: Carl Barbaro

Slow Cooker Bacon Cheese Potatoes

Ingredients:
1/4 pound bacon, diced – I bake it first in the oven so that it is “done” and browned then I dice it and place in the crock pot.
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (or if you use a new potato or Yukon gold then halve)
1/2 pound cheddar cheese, thinly sliced (shredded is fine)
salt and pepper
butter
Green Onions (optional)

Directions:
  1. Line slow cooker with foil, leaving enough to cover the potatoes when finished – this will help to not stick and to steam the potatoes – also to keep them from getting discolored or mushy.
  2. Layer half each of the bacon, onions and potatoes in the crockpot.
  3. Season to taste with salt and pepper and dot with (real) butter.
  4. Repeat layers of bacon, onions, potatoes and cheese. Dot with butter.
  5. Cover with remaining foil.
  6. Cover and cook on low for up to 6 hours (check at 4 hours – depending on your crock pot).
  7. Add cheese for the last 20 – 30 minutes and enjoy!

Amish Cinnamon Bread2




Amish Cinnamon Bread

Batter:
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 cups buttermilk
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda

Cinnamon sugar mixture:
2/3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Grease two 9x5 loaf pans. Set aside until needed.
  2. Cream together butter, 2 cups sugar, and eggs. Add milk, flour, and baking soda. Mix well.
  3. Put 1/4 of batter in each greased loaf pan.
  4. Mix in separate bow the 2/3 cup sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle 3/4 of the cinnamon mixture on top of the batter in each pan. Add remaining batter to pans; sprinkle the remaining cinnamon topping. Swirl with a knife. Bake at 350 degrees in a preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until toothpick tester comes clean.
  5. Cool in pan for 20 minutes before removing from pan.
Excellent if eaten warm out of the oven but great toasted with a little butter or cinnamon butter.

Witch's Broomstick Cookies




Make: 20 cookies

Ingredients:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons cream or milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
20 pretzel rods, about 5 inches long
2 teaspoons butter
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/3 cups white chocolate chips, melted

Directions:

  1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Mix brown sugar, butter, cream and vanilla in medium bowl. Stir in flour and salt. Shape dough into twenty 1 1/4-inch balls.
  2. Place pretzel rod on ungreased cookie sheet. Press ball of dough onto the end of each pretzel rod. Press dough with fork to resemble "bristles" of broom.
  3. Bake about 12 minutes or until set but not brown. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool completely on wire rack, about 30 minutes.
  4. Cover cookie sheet with waxed paper. Place brooms on waxed paper. Heat butter and chocolate chips over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth; remove from heat.
  5. Spoon melted chocolate over brooms, leaving about 1 inch at top of pretzel handle and bottom halves of cookie bristles uncovered. Drizzle with melted white chocolate chips. Let stand until chocolate is set.

Keep Your Jack-o-Lantern Fresh




Halloween is coming up! ;)

Needed:
Whole pumpkin
Chlorine Bleach
Water
Large container
Vinegar
Lemon Juice

Directions:
After you scoop out and carve your pumpkin, dip it in a large container of bleach and water (use a 1 tsp:1 gal mix). The bleach will kill bacteria and help your pumpkin stay fresh longer.

Once completely dry, (drain upside down), add 2 tablespoon of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to a quart of water. Brush this solution onto your pumpkin to keep it looking fresh for weeks.

White Chocolate Fudge with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups




Ingredients:
22 Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
3 cups of white chocolate chips
1-14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk

Directions:

  1. Line a 9x9 casserole dish with foil. Lightly spray it with cooking spray.
  2. Arrange your Peanut Butter Cups on the bottom (16 total)
  3. In a large sauce pan add your white chocolate chips & sweetened condensed milk and heat over medium low heat until all of the chocolate has melted.
  4. Once everything is well combined immediately pour the chocolate/milk mixture over your peanut butter cups.
  5. Chop the remaining 6 peanut butter cups into smaller pieces and spread evenly over the top of the mixture and press down slightly.
  6. Let cool on the counter for a while and then cover with plastic and put in the fridge to cool completely. (We've actually just stored our fudge in the fridge to keep it longer since it made so much!)
  7. Once it's cooled in the fridge for a couple of hours you can cut into bite sized pieces, or huge chunks... it's up to you.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Marshmallow Whip Cheesecake Heaven




Marshmallow Whip Cheesecake Heaven

Graham Cracker Crust:
40 squares of graham crackers (crushed)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine (melted)

1.Mix above ingredients. Press into top and sides of 9 x 13' greased pan. Reserve 1/2 cup for top.

Filling:
10 1/2 oz. large marshmallows (40 marshmallows)
3/4 cup milk
2 - 8-oz. packages of cream cheese
12-oz. Container of fat-free Cool Whip

Melt marshmallows and milk over low heat. Beat cream cheese; add marshmallow mixture. Cool. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread into crust and sprinkle with remaining graham cracker crust. Refrigerate until set.

Pumpkin Bread with Pumpkin Buttercream




Pumpkin Bread with Pumpkin Butter Cream

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
2 large eggs
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest (I omitted this)
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest (I left this out, too)
1/2 cup canola oil
1 1/4 cups canned pure pumpkin puree
1/2 cup chopped, toasted pecans or walnuts, optional (I didn't add the nuts to the batter, but sprinkled them on top of the frosted loaf instead)

Directions:

  1. Position your oven rack in the middle of the oven, and preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 x 5″ loaf pan; set aside.
  2. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and allspice in a medium bowl and whisk until thoroughly combined; set aside.
  3. In another bowl, or bowl of an electric mixer, beat eggs on medium-high speed for two minutes or until lightened in color. Add the brown sugar, mixing for about 2 minutes, then the granulated sugar, mixing for about 1 minute. Add the orange and lemon zests, if using, and beat for another minute. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
  4. Drizzle in the canola oil with beater on medium-low. Reduce speed to low and add the pumpkin puree. Mix until thoroughly combined. Add the dry ingredients in two additions and blend for 10-15 seconds just until incorporated. Fold in the pecans using a rubber spatula.
  5. Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool loaf in pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
If you’re going to frost the loaf, you can make the frosting while the loaf is cooling.

Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 Tablespoons canned pure pumpkin puree
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons half & half or milk
1/4 to 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional, for sprinkling on top

Cream the butter, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and vanilla, blending well. Add powdered sugar a cup at a time, blending well after each addition. Add half & half or milk and blend well. NOTE: This makes a very thick buttercream frosting. If you want a thinner, creamier frosting, add more half & half or milk until you get the desired consistency.

After frosting the cooled pumpkin loaf, sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts if desired.

Slow Cooker Sweet Garlic Chicken




Slow Cooker Sweet Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:
4-6 chicken breasts
1 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup vinegar (I used apple cider vinegar)
1/4 cup lemon-lime soda (diet or regular)
2-3 Tablespoons minced garlic
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2 Tablespoons corn starch
2 Tablespoons water
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

  1. Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Place chicken (frozen, thawed or fresh) inside slow cooker. Mix together brown sugar, vinegar, soda, garlic, soy sauce, and pepper together. Pour over chicken. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. 
  2. Take chicken pieces out of slow cooker (mine basically fell apart) and pour remaining sauce into saucepan. Place saucepan over high heat. Mix together corn starch and water, pour into saucepan, and mix well. Let sauce come to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes, or until it starts to thicken and turns into a glaze. Remove from heat and let sit for a minute or two (it will continue to thicken as it cools down). 
  3. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if desired. This can be served over rice or noodles, I also like it with a baked potato on the side (It's good on top of the potato too!)
Delicious! Dare I say... better than the baked version

Cleaning Calendar



Cleaning Calendar

Keep your house clean (yes, deep cleaned, even!) with one chore per day, includes a printable list. This is so doable and covers everything! 

(Thanks, bakerette.com)

You can also create your OWN Cleaning Calendar by clicking here

Taco Pasta Salad


Becka Hancock Ward

Taco Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
16 oz pkg Spiral Pasta
1 lb Ground Beef
3/4 C Water
1 envelope Taco Seasoning
2 C (8 oz) Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 large Green Pepper, chopped
1 medium Onion, chopped
1 medium Tomato, chopped
2 2.25 oz cans Sliced Black Olives
16 oz bottle of Catalina or Western Salad Dressing

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  2. Brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked through; drain. Add water and taco seasoning and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
  3. Rinse pasta in cold water, drain, place in a large bowl.
  4. Add beef mixture, cheese, green pepper, onion, tomato and olives. Mix well.
  5. Add the dressing and toss to coat well.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Sprinkle cheese on top after serving, if desired.

Chicken Alfredo Casserole


GreenSoft

Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Ingredients:
2 dry cups pasta (shells or elbow macaroni are really good for this recipe)
1 15-16 oz jar of a GOOD Alfredo sauce 
1-2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chunked 
1/2 cup chicken broth
5 oz shredded Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (one 8 oz bag)
1-1/2 tsp minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350*.
  2. Prepare pasta according to package directions. 
  3. In medium bowl, combine pasta, Alfredo sauce, cooked chicken, chicken broth, shredded Parmesan cheese and mix well.
  4. Grease 9x13 baking dish.
  5. Pour chicken mixture into baking dish.
  6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes.
This is quick, easy and tasty!! Made it for our dinner last nite with some steamed broccoli and carrots and garlic toast 

Gluten-Free Baked Oatmeal Casserole



Gluten-Free Baked Oatmeal Casserole

Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients
2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup walnut pieces {pecans should work}
1 cup raspberries {any berries work}
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
2 cups milk
1 large egg
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 ripe banana, peeled, 1/2-inch slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and generously spray the inside of a 10-1/2 by 7 inch baking dish with cooking spray and place on a baking sheet.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, half the nuts, half the berries and half the chocolate. (Save the other half of berries, nuts and chocolate for the top of the oatmeal).
  3. In another large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, butter and vanilla extract.
  4. Add the oat mixture to prepared baking dish. Arrange the remaining strawberries, walnuts and chocolate on top. Add the banana slices to the top then pour the milk mixture over everything. Gently shake the baking dish to help the milk mixture go throughout the oats.
  5. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is nicely golden brown and the milk mixture has set. For an extra tasty top, sprinkle a tablespoon or so of extra brown sugar.
Enjoy!

Amazing for breakfast!!!

Monday, August 26, 2013

Buffalo Chicken Cups




Buffalo Chicken Cups

Ingredients
12 oz of chicken (diced or shredded)
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup Ranch dressing
1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (Frank's is the brand I like)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
24 wonton wrappers
1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray brownie pan very lightly with kitchen spritzer.
2. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Ranch dressing, wing sauce and 3/4 cheddar cheese (save remaining 1/4 cup for topping). You can soften the mixture slightly in the microwave if needed to make it come together. Stir in shredded chicken.
3. Start layering your cups. Begin with a wonton wrapper and press it into the bottom of each muffin tin. Spoon about a tablespoon of the chicken mixture. Top with another wonton wrapper and add another tablespoon of chicken mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and a little blue cheese.
4. Bake for 18 minutes or until edges are brown. Check cups after 10 minutes into cooking and if edges are browned cover the cupcakes with foil for the remaining cooking time.
5. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. To remove, use a knife to loosen the edges then pop each cup out.

Meatball Sandwich Casserole



Meatball Sandwich Casserole

You will need:

1 bag of frozen meatballs (I use Mama Lucia Brand, personal preference)
1 jar of marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce if there isn't any marinara on hand
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup Italian blend cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
1 loaf of fresh Italian bread, sliced

To prepare:

Preheat oven to 400. Place entire bag of meatballs in pot with sauce (I also add garlic, onion powder, salt and pepper to taste) and cook over medium heat until warmed completely through, about 10 minutes. Stir as needed to keep meatballs from sticking to pot. Once heated through remove from heat. Place meatballs in the center of a 9x13 baking dish, layer mozzarella and Italian blend cheeses over meatballs topping off with the Parmesan. Take the slices of Italian bread and line the pan all the way around with them so that they are kind of keeping the meatballs toward the center of the pan. The bread slices will be standing up in the pan as shown in the picture. You have creative freedom here with the bread...you can lightly butter and garlic the bread prior to placing it in the pan if you prefer or even brush lightly with olive oil and garlic. The choice is yours. I have made it plain and as noted above and all are delicious!

Place in oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven, serve and enjoy!

A side salad goes nicely with this quick meal