The kids had a blue themed drink for the party, so why not the adults too? Of course it had to be something blue and yummy to drink!
I took the name from another drink that I found. Thinking of unique Frozen themed drink names is not my specialty.
The name tag is printed from: Oh My Fiesta. I copied the picture I was interested in and placed it in Microsoft Word. Then I made a text box to add the wording.
Blue Margarita Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serving Size: 12 drinks
Ingredients:
600 ml lime juice
900 ml silver tequila
475 ml blue curacao liqueur
250 ml agave nectar (or to taste)
coarse salt for the rim of the glass is optional
Instructions:
1. Chill lime juice and tequila.
2. Mix together all ingredients except for the salt.
3. Optional - salt the rim of the glass
4. Serve over ice!
Monday, April 27, 2015
Chocolate Cupcakes with Butter Frosting - Frozen Themed Snowflake
This recipe can be used for any cupcakes. I just turned my icing blue and set them up in the shape of a snowflake for my daughters Frozen themed party.
Chocolate Cupcakes with Butter Frosting Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 15 minutes per batch
Total Time: 1 hour (I had 3 batches)
Serving Size: 30 cupcakes
Ingredients for Cupcakes:
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
Ingredients for Icing: This is a double batch of the frosting below to ensure enough for all the cupcakes. I frosted mine a little light.
2/3 cup butter
9 cups confectioner's sugar
1/2 cup of milk
3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions for Cupcakes:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl stir together cocoa, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Then set aside.
3. In a large bowl mix egg, sugar, brown sugar, oil and vanilla until it is smooth.
4. Pour 1/2 of the dry ingredients and 1/2 of the buttermilk into the wet ingredients. Blend together.
5. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients and buttermilk. Mix until everything is fully blended together.
6. Pour or spoon the batter into the liners. Fill the liners halfway to avoid spilling.
7. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cupcakes fully cool before icing.
Instructions for Icing:
1. In a bowl beat butter until it is fluffy.
2. Gradually add 4 1/2 cups of sugar and beat well.
3. Slowly beat in milk and the vanilla.
4. Add in remaining sugar and beat slowly until the spreading is consistent.
5. Put a few drops of food coloring in if you would like to add color.
6. Spread onto cooled cupcakes.
Chocolate Cupcakes with Butter Frosting Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 15 minutes per batch
Total Time: 1 hour (I had 3 batches)
Serving Size: 30 cupcakes
Ingredients for Cupcakes:
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
Ingredients for Icing: This is a double batch of the frosting below to ensure enough for all the cupcakes. I frosted mine a little light.
2/3 cup butter
9 cups confectioner's sugar
1/2 cup of milk
3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions for Cupcakes:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl stir together cocoa, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Then set aside.
3. In a large bowl mix egg, sugar, brown sugar, oil and vanilla until it is smooth.
4. Pour 1/2 of the dry ingredients and 1/2 of the buttermilk into the wet ingredients. Blend together.
5. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients and buttermilk. Mix until everything is fully blended together.
6. Pour or spoon the batter into the liners. Fill the liners halfway to avoid spilling.
7. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cupcakes fully cool before icing.
Instructions for Icing:
1. In a bowl beat butter until it is fluffy.
2. Gradually add 4 1/2 cups of sugar and beat well.
3. Slowly beat in milk and the vanilla.
4. Add in remaining sugar and beat slowly until the spreading is consistent.
5. Put a few drops of food coloring in if you would like to add color.
6. Spread onto cooled cupcakes.
Frozen Birthday Party
I do not think the Frozen fad will be dying out anytime soon now that they have announced Frozen 2! My daughter has been waiting all year to have a Frozen themed birthday party...so I went to Pinterest and tried to create the party she had imagined.
We are not big on goodie bags. I try to keep them somewhat simple. Each goodie bag cost me $3.00. I decided since it was a sleepover and there would be less children that I would invest in cups they could use at the party as well as take home with them (I had a hard time finding the cups at Target and Walmart. Kohl's ended up have a whole stack in the card section). I then placed a glow stick (for them to play with the night of the sleepover), Frozen pencil (found at Party City), Frozen Ring (Party City again) and I bought blue nail polish with glitter inside to fill the cups with.
My kids have never been big into games at a party, so I planned only one....a SNOWBALL FIGHT! Ok, to a lot of people that is not a big thing, but here in Arizona we do not get much snow. We had to actually make our snowballs out of white yarn. We made 43 (don't know why that exact number) pom poms and had 8 kids that played. I placed the bowl in the center of the grass and told them when they could start. The kids played for a good 15 minutes.
We had a wide arrangement of food that was all themed with the party (well all of it expect for the 2 pizzas we had). I made Frozen name cards from: Oh My Fiesta Free Frozen Printable Cards. I copied the pictured into Microsoft word and made a text box with the wording. I saw where people were taking Styrofoam balls and cutting them in half to hold up the name cards. I was trying to save a couple of dollars so I just left enough paper so that I could fold it in half.
The adult drink was a Frozen Themed Margarita.
Finally the cake....I do not know how to create an amazing Frozen cake off hand, so instead I created a cupcake snowflake. My frosting skills are starting to improve a little.
We are not big on goodie bags. I try to keep them somewhat simple. Each goodie bag cost me $3.00. I decided since it was a sleepover and there would be less children that I would invest in cups they could use at the party as well as take home with them (I had a hard time finding the cups at Target and Walmart. Kohl's ended up have a whole stack in the card section). I then placed a glow stick (for them to play with the night of the sleepover), Frozen pencil (found at Party City), Frozen Ring (Party City again) and I bought blue nail polish with glitter inside to fill the cups with.
I printed off a few mazes and different coloring pages in case the kids wanted a quick break from playing. I found the pages on: Mighty Ink Jet Frozen Coloring Pages
We had a wide arrangement of food that was all themed with the party (well all of it expect for the 2 pizzas we had). I made Frozen name cards from: Oh My Fiesta Free Frozen Printable Cards. I copied the pictured into Microsoft word and made a text box with the wording. I saw where people were taking Styrofoam balls and cutting them in half to hold up the name cards. I was trying to save a couple of dollars so I just left enough paper so that I could fold it in half.
Everything was delicious!
Sven's carrots was just little cups of ranch with baby carrots in them.
Anna's snowballs were rice krispy treats rolled into balls and topped with sprinkles.
Hans' frozen hearts were strawberries dipped in white chocolate.
Kristoff's meatballs.
We had mini chocolate chips, stick pretzels, candy corn, marshmallows, and vanilla frosting to be able to build a snowman with.
Anna and Elsa's chocolate was chocolate chips melted with a little bit of vegetable oil.
Elsa's Ice Crystals I found on Amazon: Cotton Candy Rock Crystals. I think the adults loved these more than the kids.
For kid drink I had 2 regular non caffeinated sodas and then I put in a drink dispenser two 7-up 2 liters with a few drops of blue food dye.
The adult drink was a Frozen Themed Margarita.
Peanut Butter Rice Krispy Treats
Rice crispy treats are a fun simple treat to enjoy at any time. I wanted to make the treat for my sons birthday, but with a little twist. Originally I was going to make meteorites, but I didn't get a chance to roll them into balls.
Peanut Butter Rice Cripsy Treats
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
3 cups rice crispy cereal
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Place the cereal in a large bowl and put to the side.
2. In a small saucepan melt peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla until smooth.
3. Pour mixture over cereal and mix together until everything is fully coated.
5. Grease a 13 x 9 baking dish and pour peanut butter rice crispy treats into dish and firmly press down until flat.
6. Put the dish in the freezer for 30 minutes.
7. Cut and serve!
Peanut Butter Rice Cripsy Treats
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
3 cups rice crispy cereal
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Place the cereal in a large bowl and put to the side.
2. In a small saucepan melt peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla until smooth.
3. Pour mixture over cereal and mix together until everything is fully coated.
5. Grease a 13 x 9 baking dish and pour peanut butter rice crispy treats into dish and firmly press down until flat.
6. Put the dish in the freezer for 30 minutes.
7. Cut and serve!
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Homemade Waffles
We have waffles with real maple syrup almost every Sunday for breakfast. I love the smell of them in the house, but hate the cost of buying the box mix.
This morning the kids and I took a little adventure in making some buttery waffles to fill our hungry bellies.
Homemade Waffles
This morning the kids and I took a little adventure in making some buttery waffles to fill our hungry bellies.
Homemade Waffles
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes each waffle
Serving Size: 1 1/2 cup of mix makes 6 waffles
Ingredients for Mix:
9 cups all purpose flour
7 tablespoons baking powder
2 tablespoons salt
1/2 cup sugar
Ingredients for Waffles:
1 1/2 cup mix
1 1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
2 1/2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients for waffle mix into a freezer bag. Zip and shake until all ingredients are mixed well. Mix is now ready.
2. In a medium bowl mix milk, egg, melted butter and pure vanilla.
3. Add in waffle mix and blend all ingredients together.
4. Pour over a hot waffle griddle.
5. Enjoy with syrup.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Chicken Fajitas
My oldest daughter has never been much of a meat eater until recently. Ever since I started this challenge of cooking homemade meals instead of just using pre-portioned seasoning packs I have seen her devour meat. Who would have known it would have just been the simplest change to get her to eat it.
Tonight we whipped up some fajitas with refried beans for dinner. For once she ate her chicken before she started her sides. I don't think I have seen her do that before. This mom is proud of how well she is doing with trying new things.
Chicken Fajitas
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Serving Size: 4 people
Ingredients:
2 pounds defrosted chicken
Fajita Seasoning
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 red pepper
1 green pepper
1 small onion
Instructions:
1. Cut chicken, peppers, and onion into thin slices.
2. In a medium size bowl mix chicken, seasoning, peppers, and onions.
3. Cover bowl and place in the refrigerator for a couple of hour to marinate.
4. When you are ready to cook pour vegetable oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Swirl around to coat the bottom of the pan.
5. Add chicken mixture to the pan. Stir and flip the mixture until the chicken is fully cooked. Chicken will cook in 9-12 minutes.
6. Place chicken mixture in a tortilla and enjoy.
Tonight we whipped up some fajitas with refried beans for dinner. For once she ate her chicken before she started her sides. I don't think I have seen her do that before. This mom is proud of how well she is doing with trying new things.
Chicken Fajitas
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Serving Size: 4 people
Ingredients:
2 pounds defrosted chicken
Fajita Seasoning
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 red pepper
1 green pepper
1 small onion
Instructions:
1. Cut chicken, peppers, and onion into thin slices.
2. In a medium size bowl mix chicken, seasoning, peppers, and onions.
3. Cover bowl and place in the refrigerator for a couple of hour to marinate.
4. When you are ready to cook pour vegetable oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Swirl around to coat the bottom of the pan.
5. Add chicken mixture to the pan. Stir and flip the mixture until the chicken is fully cooked. Chicken will cook in 9-12 minutes.
6. Place chicken mixture in a tortilla and enjoy.
Fajita Seasoning
One of my favorite Mexican foods to eat is fajitas, but I have never been big fan of store bought fajita seasoning packs. In the past I have made a couple different mixtures. Tonight we decided to try a new one.
Fajita Seasoning
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Mix all ingredients together.
2. Put in an air tight container until time of use.
3. Use 2 tablespoons of seasoning for 2 pounds of chicken.
Fajita Seasoning
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Mix all ingredients together.
2. Put in an air tight container until time of use.
3. Use 2 tablespoons of seasoning for 2 pounds of chicken.
Friday, April 24, 2015
Ending the Week Right
The weekend has finally arrived! Time to get ready for another weekend packed with additional children coming in and out of our door! It is only 4:30 pm on Friday and I have had two additional young ladies playing school at my house with my girls. Their laughter brings a smile to my face!
We couldn't start the weekend off right without a healthy lunch to fill their bellies in school today. The girls took a brown sugar ham sandwich with an orange, cottage cheese, carrots & celery, and a fruit salad. Snacks for the day are raspberry yogurt pretzels with honey sesame sticks.
We couldn't start the weekend off right without a healthy lunch to fill their bellies in school today. The girls took a brown sugar ham sandwich with an orange, cottage cheese, carrots & celery, and a fruit salad. Snacks for the day are raspberry yogurt pretzels with honey sesame sticks.
The girls have informed me that they are not too fond of the honey sesame sticks, so I am back to the drawing board on new ideas to keep them wanting more. I guess I will check to see what Fry's has tonight when we go pick up Into the Woods.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Hamburger Seasoning
This has been a long busy weekend, so I thought going back to the basics would be great for dinner! I have had the hamburgers chilling in the fridge for a few hours with the seasoning sprinkled all over the top. Can not wait to sit down with a scrumptious burger while enjoying our Sunday night show as a family!
Hamburger Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
a pinch of black pepper
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
Instruction:
1. Mix all the seasoning together in a small bowl.
2. Sprinkle on top of each burger.
* I always top off my burgers with some Worstershire sauce before placing them in the fridge to soak in the ingredients.
* If you would like a little more kick put in 1/2 a teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Hamburger Seasoning
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serving Size: 6-8 burgers depending on how seasoned you like your burgers
Ingredients:
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
a pinch of black pepper
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
Instruction:
1. Mix all the seasoning together in a small bowl.
2. Sprinkle on top of each burger.
* I always top off my burgers with some Worstershire sauce before placing them in the fridge to soak in the ingredients.
* If you would like a little more kick put in 1/2 a teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Peanut Butter Bananas with Dark Chocolate
I whipped up some snacks for my son to have tomorrow. He will be surprised to see all his favorites in one yummy snack!
Sorry we live in Arizona, so the chocolate does not stay frozen very long (Yes it is March and our AC is already on because of the heat).
Peanut Butter Bananas with Dark Chocolate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
Banana
Peanut Butter
Dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
I only used one banana because it was a quick snack. You can make as many of the little bites as you would like.
1. Melt dark chocolate.
2. Slice banana into round pieces.
3. Spread peanut butter on the top of one banana slice and then cover peanut butter with another banana slice.
4. Dip into melted dark chocolate until one side or the whole thing is coated (your choice).
5. Place on lined cookie sheet.
6. Freeze for 1 hour before eating.
7. Enjoy!
Sorry we live in Arizona, so the chocolate does not stay frozen very long (Yes it is March and our AC is already on because of the heat).
Peanut Butter Bananas with Dark Chocolate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
Banana
Peanut Butter
Dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
I only used one banana because it was a quick snack. You can make as many of the little bites as you would like.
1. Melt dark chocolate.
2. Slice banana into round pieces.
3. Spread peanut butter on the top of one banana slice and then cover peanut butter with another banana slice.
4. Dip into melted dark chocolate until one side or the whole thing is coated (your choice).
5. Place on lined cookie sheet.
6. Freeze for 1 hour before eating.
7. Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Peanut Butter, Banana, Honey, and Cinnamon Sandwich
Have you been trying to find a sandwich that your kids will beg you for a second one? Well I think I found that one today! My middle daughter actually had seconds and both girls have requested it for their lunches tomorrow. I love when they devour what I make them!
Peanut Butter, Banana, Honey, and Cinnamon Sandwich
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
Bread
Banana
Peanut Butter
Honey
Cinnamon
Butter
Instructions:
1. Butter one side of two pieces of bread.
2. Place the buttered side down on a large skillet or a griddle.
3. Before warming up add the peanut butter to both sides, sliced bananas to one side with honey swirled on top, and cinnamon on the other side.
4. Turn stove onto low-medium heat and toast to your liking.
5. Enjoy!
Peanut Butter, Banana, Honey, and Cinnamon Sandwich
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
Bread
Banana
Peanut Butter
Honey
Cinnamon
Butter
Instructions:
1. Butter one side of two pieces of bread.
2. Place the buttered side down on a large skillet or a griddle.
3. Before warming up add the peanut butter to both sides, sliced bananas to one side with honey swirled on top, and cinnamon on the other side.
4. Turn stove onto low-medium heat and toast to your liking.
5. Enjoy!
Enjoying the Sun
The sun is shining! It is almost 90 degrees outside, but the kids begged to come out to ride their bikes, scooters and roller blades (each kids is into a different one). We are loaded up on ice cold water and a revamped version of the peanut butter apples.
Today I melted the peanut butter and drizzled it all over the apple slices before sprinkling mini chocolate chips on top. The girls are hovered by the basketball hoop eating up every last drop.
Today I melted the peanut butter and drizzled it all over the apple slices before sprinkling mini chocolate chips on top. The girls are hovered by the basketball hoop eating up every last drop.
Happy Wednesday
The girls took macaroni salad for their main course with a fruit salad, peanut butter granola with 5 yogurt covered cranberries, carrots & celery, yogurt, organic applesauce and we had one orange left. Their snack is snapea crisps.
Peanut Butter Granola recipe
Ham Macaroni Salad recipe
Peanut Butter Granola recipe
Ham Macaroni Salad recipe
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Pepsi BBQ Chicken - Crockpot Recipe
Today was a busy day running errands and we visited with my friends new baby while the girls were in school. So dinner had to work itself tonight while we were at dance class. I personally love simple crockpot meals on eventful days.
This recipe takes 3 ingredients to make. I don't think it gets any simpler than that!
Pepsi BBQ Chicken
This recipe takes 3 ingredients to make. I don't think it gets any simpler than that!
Pepsi BBQ Chicken
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 32 minutes
Serving Size: 3 - 4 people
Ingredients:
2 pounds of chicken
18 - 20 ounces of your favorite BBQ sauce (We love Famous Dave's BBQ Sauce)
6 ounces of a can of Pepsi
Instructions:
1. Place chicken in covered crockpot for 3 hours (my crock pot cooks very quickly so I have to place mine on low, but if yours does not place the crockpot on high).
2. Once the chicken has cooked for 3 hours drain any juice from the crockpot.
3. Mix together BBQ sauce and Pepsi
4. Pour BBQ mixture over the chicken and cook for 30 additional minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Chocolate Chip Muffins
Man you can tell your a mom when your first time sitting since work is at 9 pm and it is your time to write on your blog / try to watch your show. Every minute of the day is worth it to spend time with my little loves.
I was ecstatic when my oldest asked if we could bake together this afternoon (before she sent me outside in our 95 degree spring to grill dinner). It is a major change going from a 3 year old helper to a 10 year old who can do everything without needing my help. She did a great job with our dessert. We ate half of them before bed! Well we actually made some mini ones to share with the 3 neighborhood families we play with every day. I can not wait to taste her next master piece in the kitchen.
Chocolate Chip Muffins:
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 10 ounce package of dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line muffin tray with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then set aside.
3. In a large bowl mix together butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
4. Blend in half of the dry ingredients at a time until well blended.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Pour batter into cupcake liners filling to 3/4's full.
7. Bake for 5 minutes at 425 degrees. Then turn the oven down to 375 degrees for 10-13 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out of the center clean and tops are golden.
8. Let cool on a cooling rack.
9. Enjoy!
I was ecstatic when my oldest asked if we could bake together this afternoon (before she sent me outside in our 95 degree spring to grill dinner). It is a major change going from a 3 year old helper to a 10 year old who can do everything without needing my help. She did a great job with our dessert. We ate half of them before bed! Well we actually made some mini ones to share with the 3 neighborhood families we play with every day. I can not wait to taste her next master piece in the kitchen.
Chocolate Chip Muffins:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 36 minutes
Total Time: 46 minutes
Serving Size: 24 muffins
Ingredients:
2 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup melted butter1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 10 ounce package of dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line muffin tray with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then set aside.
3. In a large bowl mix together butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
4. Blend in half of the dry ingredients at a time until well blended.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Pour batter into cupcake liners filling to 3/4's full.
7. Bake for 5 minutes at 425 degrees. Then turn the oven down to 375 degrees for 10-13 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out of the center clean and tops are golden.
8. Let cool on a cooling rack.
9. Enjoy!
Ham Macaroni Salad
I whipped up a new main meal for the girls lunches...ham macaroni salad.
I have been trying to find different ideas to send them with that does not require warming up. My goal is to stay one step ahead of them so they do not get tired of anything.
Ham Macaroni Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Ingredients:
1 package (1 lb) macaroni or shells
1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons mustard
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
ground black pepper (to taste)
1 cup ham steak (cut into small cubes)
2/3 cup frozen peas (thawed)
1 shredded carrot
Optional Ingredients to Mix-In:
cucumbers pealed and diced
celery, chopped
red bell peppers, diced
tomato, diced
dill pickles, chopped
Instructions:
1. Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente.
2. Once macaroni is cooked, drain and rinse in cold water. After macaroni is cooled, drain well.
3. In a medium sized bowl combine mayonnaise, mustard, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large bowl combine macaroni, ham, peas, carrots and other mix-ins.
5. Stir in mayonnaise mixture until pasta is coated.
6. Serve. For storing cover the large bowl and refrigerate up to 3 days.
I have been trying to find different ideas to send them with that does not require warming up. My goal is to stay one step ahead of them so they do not get tired of anything.
Ham Macaroni Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Ingredients:
1 package (1 lb) macaroni or shells
1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons mustard
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
ground black pepper (to taste)
1 cup ham steak (cut into small cubes)
2/3 cup frozen peas (thawed)
1 shredded carrot
Optional Ingredients to Mix-In:
cucumbers pealed and diced
celery, chopped
red bell peppers, diced
tomato, diced
dill pickles, chopped
Instructions:
1. Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente.
2. Once macaroni is cooked, drain and rinse in cold water. After macaroni is cooled, drain well.
3. In a medium sized bowl combine mayonnaise, mustard, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large bowl combine macaroni, ham, peas, carrots and other mix-ins.
5. Stir in mayonnaise mixture until pasta is coated.
6. Serve. For storing cover the large bowl and refrigerate up to 3 days.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Strawberry Fluff Fruit Dip
My kids love to eat fruit whether it is at a party or just a daily snack. I found this delicious recipe for Strawberry Fluff and modified it a little. My kids scarf it right up and it is always a hit at our parties!
It could easily be changed over to a different flavor if you like blueberries or mixed berries instead.
Strawberry Fluff
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
1 7ounce jar of marshmallow cream
It could easily be changed over to a different flavor if you like blueberries or mixed berries instead.
Strawberry Fluff
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
1 7ounce jar of marshmallow cream
280 grams of spreadable strawberry cream cheese (I can only find packages that are 226g so I use 1 whole package and 1/4 of the second)
2 cups of whipped cream
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients into a large bowl and mix together until smooth.
2. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
Adapted from A Pretty Life In The Suburbs
Chocolate Chip Pound Cake with Ganache Frosting
Are you looking for a perfect cake to enjoy with your coffee? I would highly recommend Chocolate Chip Pound Cake. This cake has just enough sweetness to be paired with any coffee.
I tried adding normal chocolate chips in my first batch, but they all sunk to the bottom. I enjoy having chocolate in every bite! The mini chocolate chips work much better in proving the chocolaty goodness!
This cake is great in the morning with a side of fruit or a perfect way to end the day.
Chocolate Chip Pound Cake with Ganache Frosting
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serving Size: 1 loaf
Ingredients for Cake:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup softened butter
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
6 ounces mini chocolate chips
Ingredients for Ganache Frosting:
8 ounces (1 cup) heavy cream
8 ounces chocolate chips
Instructions for Cake:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl mix flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until it is light and fluffy.
4. Beat in each egg separately.
5. Add in vanilla and mix.
6. Slowly mix in flour mixture.
7. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
8. Pour batter evenly into 9 x 5 loaf pan.
9. Bake 55-60 minutes. Check the cake at 30 minutes to make sure the top is not browning too quickly. If it is loosely tent some foil over to reduce browning from continuing. When the cake is complete a tooth pick should come out of the center clean.
10. Set on a wire rack to cool. Once cool remove cake from the pan.
Instructions for Ganache:
1. In a sauce pan bring the heavy cream to a boil over medium heat.
2. In a medium bowl put in chocolate chips. Make sure there will be enough room to stir with heavy cream inside.
3. Pour boiling heavy cream over the chocolate chips. Let sit for 10 minutes.
4. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
5. Set aside to cool to room temperature and thicken to frosting-like consistency, approximately 2 hours.
6. Whisk for 2 minutes prior to spreading on top of the cooled pound cake.
7. After spreading onto pound cake add additional mini chocolate chips on if you would like the extra sweetness.
Enjoy with a nice cup of coffee.
I tried adding normal chocolate chips in my first batch, but they all sunk to the bottom. I enjoy having chocolate in every bite! The mini chocolate chips work much better in proving the chocolaty goodness!
This cake is great in the morning with a side of fruit or a perfect way to end the day.
Chocolate Chip Pound Cake with Ganache Frosting
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serving Size: 1 loaf
Ingredients for Cake:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup softened butter
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
6 ounces mini chocolate chips
Ingredients for Ganache Frosting:
8 ounces (1 cup) heavy cream
8 ounces chocolate chips
Instructions for Cake:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl mix flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until it is light and fluffy.
4. Beat in each egg separately.
5. Add in vanilla and mix.
6. Slowly mix in flour mixture.
7. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
8. Pour batter evenly into 9 x 5 loaf pan.
9. Bake 55-60 minutes. Check the cake at 30 minutes to make sure the top is not browning too quickly. If it is loosely tent some foil over to reduce browning from continuing. When the cake is complete a tooth pick should come out of the center clean.
10. Set on a wire rack to cool. Once cool remove cake from the pan.
Instructions for Ganache:
1. In a sauce pan bring the heavy cream to a boil over medium heat.
2. In a medium bowl put in chocolate chips. Make sure there will be enough room to stir with heavy cream inside.
3. Pour boiling heavy cream over the chocolate chips. Let sit for 10 minutes.
4. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
5. Set aside to cool to room temperature and thicken to frosting-like consistency, approximately 2 hours.
6. Whisk for 2 minutes prior to spreading on top of the cooled pound cake.
7. After spreading onto pound cake add additional mini chocolate chips on if you would like the extra sweetness.
Enjoy with a nice cup of coffee.
Peanut Butter Granola
I was talking with my girlfriend yesterday and she told me that I should try making some granola. I thought it was worth a try since all three of my kids have been enjoying the vanilla almond granola we picked up at Sprouts. The kids could eat peanut butter and honey off a spoon all day if I would allow them, why not make it something a little less messy for us moms?
Needless to say I went to the store that afternoon to pick up the ingredients for our first batch. I am already thinking of what flavor to try next.
If you would have told me a month ago I would be eating granola by the handful I would have thought you were crazy. I am an extremely picky eater, but it is so easy and delicious.
This recipe is another quickie with 4 ingredients.
Peanut Butter Granola
Serving Size: 4 1/2 cups
Ingredients:
4 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter (you may use regular instead)
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
2. Please oats in a large bowl and set aside.
3. In a microwaveable bowl combine peanut butter and honey. Microwave for 45 seconds or until the peanut butter melts.
4.Whisk peanut butter and honey until well blended.
5. Add vanilla and whisk.
6. Pour the peanut butter mixture over top of the oats and stir until all of the oats are coated.
7. Spread granola in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes.
8. Stir granola and then bake an additional 10-15 minutes. Granola should become a light golden brown.
9. Let cool on a baking sheet. The granola will become crisp.
10. Store in an airtight container for up to three weeks.
Needless to say I went to the store that afternoon to pick up the ingredients for our first batch. I am already thinking of what flavor to try next.
If you would have told me a month ago I would be eating granola by the handful I would have thought you were crazy. I am an extremely picky eater, but it is so easy and delicious.
This recipe is another quickie with 4 ingredients.
Peanut Butter Granola
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutesServing Size: 4 1/2 cups
Ingredients:
4 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter (you may use regular instead)
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
2. Please oats in a large bowl and set aside.
3. In a microwaveable bowl combine peanut butter and honey. Microwave for 45 seconds or until the peanut butter melts.
4.Whisk peanut butter and honey until well blended.
5. Add vanilla and whisk.
6. Pour the peanut butter mixture over top of the oats and stir until all of the oats are coated.
7. Spread granola in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes.
8. Stir granola and then bake an additional 10-15 minutes. Granola should become a light golden brown.
9. Let cool on a baking sheet. The granola will become crisp.
10. Store in an airtight container for up to three weeks.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Pretzels with a Kiss and an M&M to top it off
This treat has been a household favorite for a few years now. I usually only make them at Christmas time, but they fit perfect with our Transformers colors.
I love recipes that only require 3 ingredients. My son sat on the counter unwrapping all of the kisses...I think that one or two ended up in his belly because of the circle of chocolate around his mouth.
Pretzels with Kisses and M&M's
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
1 bag of pretzels (shapes work too)
1 bag of Hersey Kisses
1 bag of Chocolate M&M's
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. On a baking sheet line it with foil or wax paper.
2. Lay out the pretzels flat on the wax paper. Place an unwrapped Hersey's Kiss on top of each pretzel.
3. Bake for 5 minutes in the oven.
4. When you remove the baking sheet from the oven place one M&M on top of each kiss pressing the kiss down.
5. Refrigerate for 20 minutes and then serve.
I love recipes that only require 3 ingredients. My son sat on the counter unwrapping all of the kisses...I think that one or two ended up in his belly because of the circle of chocolate around his mouth.
Pretzels with Kisses and M&M's
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
1 bag of pretzels (shapes work too)
1 bag of Hersey Kisses
1 bag of Chocolate M&M's
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. On a baking sheet line it with foil or wax paper.
2. Lay out the pretzels flat on the wax paper. Place an unwrapped Hersey's Kiss on top of each pretzel.
3. Bake for 5 minutes in the oven.
4. When you remove the baking sheet from the oven place one M&M on top of each kiss pressing the kiss down.
5. Refrigerate for 20 minutes and then serve.
Starting the Week Off Right
Trying to start the last Monday in February off with a few new items in the girls lunches.
It is so true that the apple does not fall far from the tree. When I was younger I would take large pepperonis for lunch, this week my kiddos requested genoa. My oldest is not big on meat, so I will happily send her with salami every day that she requests it.
I love that spring brings more fruit my girls will eat. They now have mini fruit salads in their lunch. We also added carrots (celery for my younger daughter), cottage cheese, and an orange. Yogurt pretzels won for their Monday snack.
It is so true that the apple does not fall far from the tree. When I was younger I would take large pepperonis for lunch, this week my kiddos requested genoa. My oldest is not big on meat, so I will happily send her with salami every day that she requests it.
I love that spring brings more fruit my girls will eat. They now have mini fruit salads in their lunch. We also added carrots (celery for my younger daughter), cottage cheese, and an orange. Yogurt pretzels won for their Monday snack.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Transformers Birthday Bash For My Little 4 Year Old!
I cannot believe my youngest is 4 years old today! He has grown up way too fast. I still remember waking up in the middle of the night to his contractions. He was born 45 minutes after I arrived at the hospital. The nurses were completely in shock when I told him he was ready to come. They thought I was going to be there for awhile, but my 9 pound little boy who was 3 weeks early could not wait to join us. I am so lucky to have amazing children!
Well I couldn't keep him out of the kitchen, so the birthday boy assisted with making his treats. I hope that he enjoyed his party as much as I think he did. He requested a Transformers party and I delivered to the best of my ability! He was all smiles through the whole party!
Pretzels with Kisses and M&M's
Peanut Butter Rice Krispy Treats
Yellow 7up (Food dye makes it so easy to match your drink to your theme).
My son had a blast wearing his Transformer masks!
Well I couldn't keep him out of the kitchen, so the birthday boy assisted with making his treats. I hope that he enjoyed his party as much as I think he did. He requested a Transformers party and I delivered to the best of my ability! He was all smiles through the whole party!
The gift bags were Transformer cups, a Transformer band, Transformer tattoos, an Avengers eraser (yes we had to throw in some super heros because he loves them too), and a bubble gum that matched the colors.
We made a spread of food for our guests to enjoy.
Transformers need food to be able to roll out to the bounce house!
I mad a strawberry fluff (recipe to follow) with pineapples, strawberries, and blueberries.
Bubble gum in the 3 main colors of transformers.Pretzels with Kisses and M&M's
Peanut Butter Rice Krispy Treats
Yellow 7up (Food dye makes it so easy to match your drink to your theme).
No birthday is complete without a mouth watering cake! My son requested a chocolate cake since his sisters love chocolate!
My son had a blast wearing his Transformer masks!
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