Crab Rangoon picture before and after

Crab Rangoon recipe link 

After

Making the Rangoons

Asian Chicken Slaw Recipe

This is an easy, tasty side dish or light lunch.

1 - 16oz bag of coleslaw mix
1 pound of cooked chicken, shredded (I use precooked breasts or left over rotisserie chicken)
2 cups of broccoli  florets (blanched) You can get frozen broccoli or fresh
1 cup sugar snap peas (the frozen ones are hard to find. Fresh ones seasonal)
1 red bell pepper (or can use green pepper if you have it) thinly sliced
1 cup sliced scallions (I used an onion since I had it)
1 /2 cup chopped cashews (optional - but highly recommended)

Combine in a bowl and toss.

Dressing:
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 Tbs white vinegar
2 Tbs smooth peanut butter
1 Tbs sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp freshly grated ginger (I did not have any so I used 1/4 tsp of ground ginger)
1/2 cup canola oil
1 Tbs sesame oil

Whisk together in a small bowl. Drizzle over salad and toss.

Makes 10 servings.

Asian chicken slaw

My Pizza Dough

My Pizza Dough

I use this dough for pizzas, calzones, and pizza rolls. It also doubles well.

1 package dry yeast ( about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 1/4 cup warm water (about 110 degrees)
3 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/3 teaspoon salt

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer. Let stand for 5 minutes.
Gradually add in 3 cups of flour and the salt. Mix with the dough hook.  You can add in the final 1/4 cup of flour to dough. Allow the dough the mix for 5 to 10 minutes.
Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise until doubled in bulk. Takes about an hour, depending on temperature/humidity.
At this point you can form the entire dough into 1 large pizza. I often portion the dough into 4 equal parts to make 4 smaller "personal" pizzas.

I prebake my crust in a 425 degree oven on a pizza stone for 10 minutes.
Take it out and top with your favorite toppings. Bake for an additional 10 -15 minutes.

Enjoy!!

Slow Cooker Creamy Cheese Broccoli Soup

Love me some slow cooker recipes!!


This is a good spring/winter/fall recipe. Probably not really a summer recipe but hey - it is not quite summer right? 


Slow Cooker Cream Broccoli Cheese Soup

**Just an extra note - this was good but the velveeta took a while to melt. It did not thicken like I thought it would.

My Lasagna

My lasagna is so unique...so special....Just teasing!!! I use the recipe off the Meuller's box.

Real Original right?  

The only change I make is using my own meat sauce. You can get that recipe here. 

Enjoy!!

Menu for the week !

Here is my menu for this week!

Monday: Chef Special
Are you wondering what is Chef Special? It is a find what you have and use it recipe. This week will be left over brisket, roast, and tortillas. Makes great wraps!! Add a little lettuce, tomatoes and avocado I have in the refrigerator and there you go! Chef special!! It can be anything. Basically left over night but just makes it sound fancy :-)

Tuesday: Lasagna

Wednesday: Sliders, rolls for the sliders

Thursday: Slow Cooker Creamy Cheese Broccoli Soup

Friday: BBQ Pork

Saturday:


Sunday: Chicken and Dumplings




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This week's Eats

Here is our family menu for this week!

Monday: Waffles and leftovers

Tuesday: Mexican Night! Tacos, Quesas, and a Mexican Tortilla Soup (recipe link)

Wednesday: Slow Cooker Chicken and baked chicken for those too picky to eat the Slow Cooker Chicken
*After school sandwiches since Little man has a game this evening. Then we will eat when we get home.

Thursday: Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes and Hoagies. Another baseball game - so it is early to eat, snack when we get home if we are still hungry.

Friday: Sandwiches before - you guessed it - another game!!!!
Then eat out with the team afterwards.

Saturday: Wait for it....another baseball game! Plus added bonus - a basketball game and ballet rehearsals all day! I think this calls for homemade pizzas.

Sunday:  Roast, potatoes, veggies, all the fixings. We need a good sit down meal.

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Cupcakes!!

Sometimes you just need cupcakes!!!
Vanilla with chocolate fudge frosting, chocolate with buttercream, then vanilla and chocolate swirled with either chocolate fudge frosting or buttercream. Yum yum yum.

Dinner

One day I will get a maid and someone to drive the evening car pool schedule. Until then..... It's all on me. You moms know what I mean!
Anyway- here is the menu this week.
Sunday chicken n dumplings
Monday leftovers
Tuesday chicken chimis
Wednesday sliders and sides
Thursday eat out - ball games and ballet
Friday grandma cooks! Yeah!!

St Patrick's day mini green velvet cupcakes

This week's meals

Where is 2012 going? It feels like it is flying by....

So here is the menu plan for this week!

To Stock up/make for the week:
Rolls
Muffins  - Chocolate chip, banana nut, cinnamon
Chicken stock
Salads
Pizza Sauce
Black and Tan cupcakes
St Patty's day cookies

Sunday: Beef Stroganoff - This is Daddy's favorite and since Saturday was his birthday.....this is what he got for dinner on Sunday.

Monday: Big Daddy's Fried Chicken - Daddy cooked tonight ;-) I would have taken a picture, but they ate it so quickly!!!

Tuesday: Hamburgers and Hot Dogs, Fries, salad

Wednesday: Not sure yet - going to be easy though!

Thursday: Slow Cooker - Peppers and sausage

Friday: Mom is not home - everyone is on their own.

Saturday:  Corned Beef and Cabbage, loaded Baked potatoes for the those who won't eat the Corned beef and cabbage

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What to feed the monkeys this week

What to feed the monkeys this week

Muffins, breads, and cookies this week. 

Monday -  Waffles, regular and chocolate cake waffles ;-)

Tuesday - Grilled Cheese and Vegetable Soup in the slow cooker
Today is the 100 year anniversary of the Oreo Cookie so to celebrate - chocolate dipper oreos decorated like baseballs, basketballs, and ballet shoes.

Wednesday -- Tacos, quesas, and guacamole oh my!

Thursday - Slow cooker Brunswick stew

Friday - slow cooker beef stroganoff for the Old Man's birthday.

Saturday  - Pizzas!!!

Sunday -  Eat out - baseball games today so we will eat out.

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What we are eating this week

I totally missed last week! My parents were visiting and life got chaotic!!!

So now to catch up:

Snacks for this week:

Bavarian Almonds  
These are the best! Great for snacks and great for gifts!

Chocolate Chip Cookies (made by Em)

Cinnamon Muffins

Chocolate chip muffins

Meals:

Sunday: red beans n rice with shrimp - from Zatarrans. Cheated and used a box and frozen shrimp.. Still yummy!!!

Monday: Steaks made by the hubby, potatoes augratin, southern fried green beans, and corn.

Tuesday: Chicken Pot Pie

Wednesday: Waffles

Thursday: slow cooker  - hmmm.....what to make, what to make......

Friday: No Meat! Grilled cheese sandwhichs and tomato soup

Saturday: another busy, busy day. Probably eating out this night!

What are you making this week? 

Enjoy!!!


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At Home with Mrs. M 

 

Em's High Heel Cupcakes

The Red Shoe

Em with her Red High Heel Shoe

The Shoe Gallery

Aren't these Fab - U -Shoe -Less ;-) I know, I crack myself up. Seriously, she did a great job on these and I am so proud of her! 

Bread - Buns for sandwiches, etc

These buns are great for everything. They are especially great warm, out of the oven, with butter. Yummy

Ingredients:

3 TBS warm milk - I put it in the microwave, then let it cool a bit
1 cup warm water - about 110 degrees
2 tsp instant yeast
2 1/2 TBS Sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg
3 cups bread flour
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 TBS unsalted butter, softened

In a bowl of a stand mixer, combine the water, yeast, sugar, milk, salt and egg. Use a fork to mix them together. Add the flours to the bowl and mix with the kneading hook. Mix in the butter just as the flours start to come together. Knead on low for 6 - 8 minutes.

Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, 1 - 2 hours.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough on a lightly floured board. You can divide the dough into 8 parts for a larger bun or 16 smaller buns. Roll each piece into a ball, place the seam on the bottom. Cover and rise for 1 -2 hours.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. You can brush the buns with an egg wash, but I always forget to do this.
You can also put a pan with water on a bottom rack of the oven to create a steam bath for the buns. I forget to do this too, it just makes the crust crispier.
Bake for 15 minutes, rotate the buns half way through.

Cool and Enjoy!

Vaverek Guacamole

I know there are hundreds of ways to make guacamole but I found this recipe to be a favorite of my family.

Ingredients:

3 - 4 Ripe Avocados (If you need to ripen your avocados, you can put them in a paper bag and let them ripen)
1 Tomatoes
1/2 medium Onion - I like to use Vidalia Onions
2 Tbs. Key Lime or Lime Juice
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Tbs Mayonaise
4 Tbs Sour Cream
Fajita Seasoning or any Mexican seasoning.
Salt - to taste, I usually use 1 tsp

Dice up the avocados, tomatoes, and onion. Combine them in a bowl, addt he rest of the ingredients and chill.
Serve with chips and salsa or chips, or on tacos, fajitas - anything!

* I would post a picture but the boys ate it so fast I couldn’t get a good picture.

Enjoy!

meals for 2/12/12 - 2/19/12

I did not have time to post the menu last week - but it was a crazy week. Mostly crock pot meals and soup/sandwiches.

This week is another busy week so it will be a creative meal week.

Sunday - we had hamburgers and fries. I make my own hamburger buns they are super yummy.

Monday  - taco night, beef and chicken, hard and soft shells. I also made guacamole. I will post the recipe next.  Posted!

Tuesday - Crockpot potato and double corn chowder. This is a Betty Crocker recipe. Looks super easy, I like super easy on busy days. Yes, I know this is Valentine's day but with a band concert, ballet, and E and I taking a cake decorating class - we will post pone a special dinner until the weekend.  I also made fried chicken strips and cornbread.

A picture!! I forgot the bacon - but it was still good. 

Slow cooker Double Corn and Potato Chowder

Fried chicken for those picky ones who won't eat the chowder

Wednesday - sandwiches and soup. Soup will be a basic crock pot veggie soup.

Thursday -Crock Pot Jambalya again a Betty Crocker recipe. Looks super easy and good.

Friday - Steak, baked potatoes and steamed veggies

Saturday -Sauce, pasta, and meatballs. I make my sauce in the slow cooker all day.

I just realized I did not post recipes for the buns or sauce. I have to post the recipes!!!

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Superbowl Cupcakes

The football shapes

The cupcakes

Finished product!

The "Grass"

Box of Yummies

My Em hard at work. 

My Em made the cutest Superbowl cupcakes! She used gum-paste and colored it brown for the footballs. Then cut white gum-paste to make the laces. She also baked the chocolate cupcakes, made the green butter cream to look like grass. She did a great job! Proud of my Boo!

The granola and the bread

Here is the granola - I did not use the recipe in the link I posted earlier. I used an old recipe - mostly because I completely forgot to use the other recipe! I will have to use it next time.

Granola

Ingredients:
3 cups uncooked rolled oats
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup whole almonds
1/4 cup sunflower kernels
1/4 cup pumpkin seed kernels (optional but good)
1/4 cup plus 2 TBS honey - I like tupelo honey
1/4 cup olive oil or canola if you don't have olive oil
2 1/2 TBS water
2 TBS brown sugar
3/4 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
optional - 3/4 cup raisins or craisins

Combine the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl and stir well.
Combine the Honey and the rest of the ingredients in a small bowl. Spread over the oat mixture. Mix well. Mix again.
Spread on a jellyroll pan covered with parchment paper.
Bake in a 350 degree ovenfor 25 minutes or until golden, stir every 5 minutes.
Cool and stir in raisins or chocolate chips :)
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 1/2 months.

* Can also add walnuts, pine nuts, or peanuts.
*OR you can add in dried fruits (banana chips, dried apricots, apples, peaches, pineapple) into granola.


Here are the sandwhich buns.

I will post that recipe tomorrow.

Enjoy!!!

This Week's Meals and such

I had a really hard time with the menu this week. It was really hard to come up with meals that sound good and are super easy.

Here is what I came up with, although I may change it mid-week. I know, that is a big no-no but I am simply not inspired this week.

Monday - Chicken and Rice (Use leftover chicken from last week and shred. Heat up, add to some broth, a little Italian seasoning, and add rice) super simple and quick.
*Make Chicken Broth
*Make Bread - loaf and buns
*Make Granola - using this recipe from FOOD52

Tuesday - Tacos, hamburger and chicken, chicken quesas, and cheese quesas
* I use homemade taco seasoning and guacamole
* Sugar Topped Molasses Cookies

Wednesday - Roasted chicken, baked potatoes, and steamed veggies
*Make Bread

Thursday - I am at a loss.....UGH!! We are in such a rut and I am not sure what to make??? Any ideas?
*Cinnamon Stars

Friday - Personal Pizzas and calzones
*Make Bread and Buns

Saturday- Sandwiches to go....not exciting but really busy day

Sunday - Super Bowl Sunday!!!! Smoked Brisket, various dips, and desserts which include cupcakes and cookies

Okay, that is it for this week. I will post recipes and link them back when I get a chance.

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Add A Pinch on Mingle Middle 

LuLu's Birthday

What does a 14 year old want for a party? Well mine wanted to bring cupcakes to her ballet company (50ish girls plus instructors, and costumers) and then a few girlfriends over to hang out and be teenagers.

So for the Ballet Company - I made Dark Chocolate with Caramel Buttercream frosting, Butter-vanilla with brown sugar buttercream, and mocha chocolate cupcakes with mocha - choco frosting.

Dark Chocolate with Caramel Buttercream

Butter Vanilla cupcake with brown sugar buttercream  - pink chocolate crowns

Dark Chocolate cupcakes with caramel buttercream with flower picks

cupcakes in the box with some chocolate covered strawberries

Mocha Chocolate cupcakes with Mocha Choco Frosting with pink chocolate heart decorations

In the box. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then her party......

Part of the table goodies - smart food popcorn, pretzels, cupcakes, caramel popcorn, and chocolate covered strawberries

Caramel popcorn - served in cones and in a cute bucket

The cupcakes!

another view of the table

Happy Birthday to my Lulu!!!!

Enjoy!

Baked Potato Salad

Do you frequently have baked potatoes left over? We usually do. I have a family favorite potato salad recipe. You can use the left over baked potatoes or boil potatoes to make the salad -either way it is delish.

Potato Salad (Baked Potato Salad)

Potatoes -  For the recipe I will use 4 baked potatoes, you can also chop and boil 4 - 6 potatoes
2 boiled eggs
3/4 cup of mayo
1/4 cup sour cream
mustard - maybe a Tablespoon
paprika 1/4 teaspoon or so
garlic 1 clove, minced
salt a few dashes
pepper a few dashes
onion - 1/4 finely chopped
celery 1 stalk, chopped
apple cider vinegar 2 Tablespoons

Mix the Mayo, sour cream and following ingredients in a bowl. Add the dressing to the potatoes and the boiled eggs. Toss to mix.

Keep refrigerated.

*I don't really measure this so it is hard to give it exact measurements. It is a dash of this, few of these, etc.

Enjoy!

My Egg Roll Recipe

My Egg Roll Recipe - I know there are many egg roll recipes out there. This one works for me and my guys seem to like it.

Ingredients:

Finely chop the following ingredients:
celery - 1 - 2 stalks
1 bunch of green onions (or 1/2 or so of an onion)
3 carrots
Bok Choy (I have used regular cabbage too)
1 green pepper
mushrooms (sliced, 8 oz package)
1 clove garlic, minced

You can also add: 1 can of the tiny canned shrimp or previous cooked and seasoned chicken.

Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a wok or skillet. Add the onion and saute', then add the rest of the veggies. Saute' for 5 - 7 minutes. Add the shrimp or chicken. Add in 1 - 3 Tablespoons of Soy Sauce (I use low - sodium soy sauce). Continue to cook for 5 minutes.

Drain the mixture.
Fill the egg roll wrapper with 2 Tablespoons of the mixture. Fold according to the package directions.

Heat up approx. 1 1/2 quarts of oil in a 3 quart pot.

Once the oil is 350 degrees. Drop in the egg rolls one a time. They will fry in less than 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them they cook quickly.

If you want to freeze these then freeze then mixture separately.  The mixture will freeze well for up to 3 months.

Enjoy!

Menu for 1/22 - 1/29/12

Another busy week come and gone. I am so behind on the baking but I am staying positive. I am picking up where I left off and trying to continue. Let's hope for a good week with it all!

Here is the menu for this week:

1/23 - Chinese New Year - Stir Fry, chicken and steak, homemade egg rolls, homemade crab ragoon, and fried rice.
Need to make up some lunches for Carter for the week.

1/24 - busy night - BBQ Sandwiches from the left over roast on Sunday. Baked Potato salad from the extra baked potatoes on Sunday.

1/25 - Waffles and French Toast Night

1/26 - crazy busy night - sandwiches on the go. Soup in the slow cooker for when we get home. Not sure what soup yet. I will keep you posted.

1/27 - lots of baking since 1/28 is my Lulu's birthday and it is National Chocolate Cake Day!
Dinner - Burgers and Dogs with Fries

1/28 -  Lulu's Birthday!!! Homemade Pizzas for dinner. Snacks and treats for her party.

1/29 - Lulu's favorite - chicken and dumplings.

I will try to post pics and updates. I am trying to get in the swing of taking pictures and posting.

Enjoy!

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Meatballs in sauce and s'mores popcorn

I know I am behind on posting. Sorry about that. Life has been a little busy.

Here is a picture of Paula Deen's Cheese Stuffed Meatballs and my homemade sauce.

Thursday was National Popcorn Day! We made s'mores popcorn. It is YUMMY!

Basically I popped a bag of popcorn - I use light butter.
Put it in an 8 quart bowl.
I then broke up a Hershey bar into small pieces and spread it on top.
I added my homemade marhsmallows that I cut up into small pieces. You can use mini marshmallows, I just had the homemade ones so I decided to use those.
I also broke graham crackers into small pieces. You can use cinnamon teddy grahams, or cinnamon square cereal. My family likes the graham crackers.

Then I melted milk chocolate chips and drizzled a good quantity over the popcorn, marshmallow, graham cracker mixture. Toss to coat everything with the chocolate. It won't last so you don't have to worry about storing it!

Emily giving the s'mores  popcorn 2 thumbs up

Enjoy!

E's Breadsticks

My E makes great breadsticks. Lucky for us she loves to bake and cook!

Here are her breadsticks  - they come from Betty Crocker's 40th anniversary edition cookbook. I forget what year I go this but I am thinking when I got married in 1995.

Here is the recipe:

1 package of active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110 degrees)
1 TBS sugar
1 tsp salt
3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tbs vegetable oil
cornmeal
 1 egg white
1 Tbs cold water
poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or we use our "house" Italian seasoning*

Dissolve yeast in warm water in large bowl. Stir in sugar, salt, 2 cups of flour. Use the dough hook and add in the rest of the flour. Use the hook on medium speed to knead for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

Place in a lightly greased bowl and allow to rise for an hour, or until doubled in bulk.

Punch dough down and divide into 12 sections (she usually divides the dough into 8 sections - 12 sections) Roll and shape into a long stick. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet or on a baking stone.

Combine the egg white and cold water and mix until frothy. Brush the bread sticks with the egg white mixture. Sprinkle with your choice of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or seasoning.

Bake in a 400 degree oven for 20 minutes or until golden and crisp.

Enjoy!

Boston Cream Whoopie Pies

I am not 100% where I found this recipe....but it is so easy and really good ;-)

Boston Cream Whoopie Pies

For the Cookie or Pie part

Box of yellow cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Prep baking sheet by lining with parchment paper

Mix the cake mix, eggs, water, and oil with an electric mixer until well combined.
Drop by Tablespoonfuls (or use your small cookie scoop) Leave plenty of room to allow for spreading cookies.
Bake for 5 -9 minutes -depends on your oven. Bake until the edges are golden and tops spring back when touched.

Cool for 5 minutes on pan, remove and set aside.

To make Filling:
1 box (4 oz serving size) French vanilla instant pudding
1 cup milk (I use 2% milk)
1 cup Heavy Cream (not milk or half-n-half but heavy cream)

Whisk pudding mix, milk, and cream in a medium bowl for 2 - 3 minutes. Place in refrigerator to set.

Once the cookies have cooled, spread a spoonful of pudding on the flat side of one cookie, top with a second cookie.

When they are all finished - set aside.

Now make a glaze. My favorite glaze is a simple chocolate ganache. You can use other means (like from a can) but homemade ganache is so simple.

Heat 1 cup of heavy cream just to a boil. Pour the cream over 1 cup of chocolate (you can use what ever type of chocolate you like - semisweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate). Now pour the just boiling heavy cream over the chocolate and gently stir mixture. Once it is all combined the let it set for about 10 minutes. Dip each cookie into the ganache or spoon some of the ganache over each cookie sandwich. Let the cookies set up.

Store in container in refrigerator.

In the bowl

ready to bake

Cooling on the racks

with the french vanilla filling

Enjoy!

Weekly Menu Plan for 3rd week of January

I have done weekly/monthly menu plan for several years. It just makes life easy.

I try to plan according to our chaotic schedule - kid's activities and Hubby's work schedule. I also try to look at what is on sale or if I have any coupons. I try to make one or 2 things to put in the freezer. Here is my plan for the week. I will try to add pictures if I remember to take any!

I make rolls and a loaf of basic bread on Sundays. I try to make a second round on Wednesdays.

My husband takes his lunch to work too. I usually put leftovers or make a salad with some type of protein for him. I try to put together baggies of healthy - or atleast not to unhealthy snacks together for him and the kids for the week. 

Monday 1/16 Chicken Parmesan, Emily's bread sticks, homemade pasta 

Here is a link to a good Chicken Parmesan recipe. The only thing I do different is I double dip. I dip the chicken in a egg/milk mixture, dip in flour, then back in the egg/milk mixture, then in breadcrumb mixture. I also season my flour and breadcrumbs with my own "house" Italian seasoning mix. I will post that in a bit and link it back to here.

The Bread stick recipe - I will have Emily post that tomorrow after she makes them.

As for the homemade pasta - you can not go wrong with Mario Batali's pasta recipe. It is simple and very tasty.

Tuesday 1/17 Slow Cooker - Paula Deen's Cheese Stuffed Meatballs and sauce. *I make a big batch of homemade sauce in the slow cooker once a month. I happen to have 3 bags of sauce left in the freezer.
Salad, homemade bread, and steamed broccoli

Wednesday 1/18 Homemade Pizzas, stromboli

Thursday 1/19 Band Concert night - slow cooker Cheesy Potato Soup and English muffin pizzas

* I use homemade chicken broth and all cheddar cheese instead of a blend.

For English Muffin Pizzas  -  I just cut the English muffin in half, put some pizza sauce, sausage, and mozzarella cheese. Bake at 375 for 13 - 15 minutes.

Friday 1/20 Busy night - Sandwiches on the go! Turkey and Chicken, cheese sandwiches to take on the go. Baggies of pretzels and chips, apples, and drinks.

Saturday 1/21 Chicken Pot Pie - make 4 times what is needed and freeze into 3 more meals.
I will post this recipe when I get to it this week. *Will post this Saturday when I make it.

Sunday 1/22 Family Meal - Roast in the crock pot, baked potatoes, fresh steamed veggies

I am trying hard to keep up with my new baked goodie per day. It is getting difficult with life being so chaotic. But so far I am only off a day or two! I just have to keep up with the posts.

Enjoy!!

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Life got in the way of baking

So life got in the way of baking....I am a few days behind. I did make marshmallows today to go with the goodie box I am taking my friend and the kid's piano teacher!
Hopefully tonight I will get a new recipe in the mix of the chaos.

The Marshmallow recipe 


Enjoy!

Caramel Sauce

This is my second try at Caramel Sauce. My first attempt I think I did not let my sugar caramelize enough I think I stirred it too much. This batch is cooling so we will see if attempt #2 was a success.

I won't post the first recipe - mostly because I do not want to blame the recipe.

Here is my second recipe attempt. It is so simple yet has to be watched carefully.

I got the recipe from Simply Recipes Caramel Sauce  I won't  retype it since she did a great job explaining the method. I got 2 - 1/2 pint canning jars out of this recipe.

My baking assistant is quite excited to try this caramel sauce. I will be running to the store to pick up some vanilla ice cream for the taste test later tonight.

For hints on making caramel go to David Lebovitz's blog/website.
Enjoy!

Bavarian Vanilla Almonds

I have made the Southern Spicy Pecans (Those will be made another day....) and decided that the candied almonds would have to be good. I found this recipe from My Baking Addiction, actually I saw it on Pinterest first, but I have found a ton of recipes on this great blog.

These will be going into parchment cones with some type of cute embellishment....now who to give this special almond treat????

Enjoy!

Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes

I did not forget to bake - I did not have to post. So here is the post for Thursday January 6th.

Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes
from Annie Eats 12/9/2011

I did make one change - I did not use the peppermint frosting that she used. I use a basic buttercream frosting but used peppermint extract as opposed to vanilla extract. Here is the recipe.

1/2 cup - 1 stick of butter, softened
3 - 4 cups of powdered sugar (confectioner's sugar)
1 Tbs milk
1 tsp of peppermint extract

Cream the butter until fluffy, add the powder sugar. Add the milk and extract until mixed and fluffy.

cupcake batter

Peppermint Cupcakes without frosting

my helper crushing the candy canes

Finished! They got the approval of little man. So these are a hit too!

Enjoy!

Cappuccino Crinkles

The graham crackers were a huge success. I am making the batch of marshmallows and putting together s'mores kits for a few lucky people!


Tonight -

Cappuccino Cookies!
from 100 best cookies page 24, #16 on the list

1/3 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 TBS instant coffee crystals
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 egg whites
1/3 cup vanilla low-fat yogurt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar

350 degree oven

Large bowl beat butter on med to high speed for 30 seconds.
Add brown sugar, cocoa powder, coffee crystals, baking soda, and cinnamon.
Beat until combined, scrape the side of the bowl occasionally
Beat in egg whites and yogurt until combined,
Beat in as much flour as you can with the mixer. Use a wooden spoon to stir in any remaining flour.

Place the granulated sugar in a small bowl.
Scoop and shape 1-inch balls of dough. Roll them in the sugar to coat.
Place 2-inches apart on a baking sheet (cover the baking sheet with parchment paper)

Bake for 8 - 10 minutes or until edges are firm.
Cool on wire rack.

Approx. 32 cookies. ( I got about 56 with my small cookie scoop)

Can store in air tight container up to a week or freeze for 3 months.

The dough mixed and scooping. Smells great.

rolled in sugar and ready for the oven

Finished product. These smell so great. Can't wait to sample.

Enjoy!

Graham Crackers!

I LOVE graham crackers - don't you? They are sweet but crunchy, that molasses/brown sugar goodness. I just love them. So, I wanted to try my hand at making them myself. There are several different recipes so this one from Smitten Kitchen looked promising. Right now the dough is chilling in the refrigerator, I will tell you what I think after they come out of the oven. *Oh my goodness!! Let me tell you how good these are. They are such yummy goodness, I will be making a second batch (since the first one is almost gone) and a batch of marshmallows.

The dough after refrigeration

The finished product

Enjoy!!