Babblings from Brooke

Chocolate Praline Cake

2010-07-19T22:22:00.000-06:00

Dear Chocolate Cake-

Oh, how I love thee.... You are so delicious, yet dangerous to me?!

Love,

Brooke

This is absolutely amazing. The topping by far is my favorite part. If you don't like pecans, well, shame on you!

Chocolate Praline Cake

1 box devils food cake mix plus ingredients to make the cake

1/2 cup butter

1 1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup whipping cream

1 cup pecans, chopped

Make the cake using the directions on the box. Set aside.

Melt butter in a sauce pan. Add brown sugar and whipping cream and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add chopped pecans to the mixture. Pour mixture in the bottom of a bundt pan (must use this type of pan). Then carefully spoon the cake batter over the sugar mixture. Bake @ 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Invert cake onto platter. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whip cream.

Linking up to the fun parties on the sidebar!

Family Home Evening Board

2010-07-10T11:45:00.001-06:00

For my sister's birthday, I decided I wanted to make her a Family Home Evening Board. (Check out her amazing blog about her special little boy, Bugg. It is sure to warm your heart and has fabulous pictures). I first took an old picture frame and painted the frame yellow. My sister has a very bright and cheery house so I wanted to coordinate colors. I mod podged coordinating scrapbook paper to the board in the back of the frame and cut out the letters using my Cricut and mod podged those as well. I printed out some pictures black and white and laminated those and stuck some velcro on the back so the pictures could be moved around each week. And what's a gift without a monogrammed letter? I'm slightly addicted to those. Such a fun gift and I'll be making one of these for our family too.

Linking to the fun parties on the sidebar!

Blender Salsa

2010-07-03T11:15:00.002-06:00

Chips and salsa are one of my all time favorite snacks. I love this black bean salsa, but I wanted to try something else home made. I'm all about quick and easy, so I was excited to find this recipe on one of my favorite food blogs, My Kitchen Cafe. Super yummy, easy, and quick with just the right amount of heat. This would be great for 4th of July BBQ.

One Minute Salsa

1/2 small red onion, peeled and quartered

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves

1/4 cup drained jarred pickled jalapenos

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 garlic cloves, peeled

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained

In the bowl of a food processor (or a blender), pulse the onion, cilantro, jalapenos, lime juice, garlic and salt until coarsely chopped.

Add the drained tomatoes and pulse until combined. Don’t overprocess in this step if you want your salsa to remain chunky – just give it a few good 1-second pulses until everything is mixed. Place the salsa in a fine mesh strainer or sieve and drain briefly. Transfer to a bowl and serve. (The salsa can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.)

Recipe Source: from Cook’s Country

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Making Memories

2010-06-30T13:30:00.002-06:00

Our good friends had baby boy #3 a month ago. We paid a visit to the cute little guy last week. Since they already had two older boys, I figured they would be set for clothes. So I decided to make this. The "P" stands for baby Parker with his weight and birthdate. I painted the letter and mod podged the scrap book paper and letters cut from the Cricut. I glued on the train and that was it. I know after having more than 1 baby, I've already forgotten some of the stats for my 2nd baby. This will be cute little decoration and a special memory for baby #3.

Linking up to the fabulous parties on the sidebar.

The best Chocolate Cake Ever

2010-06-26T07:45:00.001-06:00

To celebrate being in my 20's for one last year, I wanted to make my own birthday cake. And well., let's face it, if I didn't make it, I wouldn't get a cake. No offense to the hubby, but cooking isn't his thing. I turned to one of my trusty sources , Your Homebased Mom, for this cake recipe. And boy was it good. The frosting will make you gain weight, just looking at it. One cup of butter plus heavy whipping cream too?! That's butter on butter!! But oh so worth it.

The BEST Chocolate Cake

1 box devil’s food cake mix

1 small pkg Jello instant chocolate pudding mix

1 C sour cream

1 C canola oil

4 eggs, beaten

1/2 C milk

1 tsp vanilla

2 C semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bow mix together all the ingredients except for the chocolate chips. Stir in the chocolate chips. Pour batter into a buttered and floured cake pan. I used two 9-inch pie pans.

For cooking time, use the cooking times on the back of the cake box as a guide and add about 10 minutes to that. Check for doneness using a tooth pick.)

Buttercream Frosting

1 C butter

4 C powdered sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/3 C heavy whipping cream

In a mixer cream butter until fluffy. Add sugar and continue creaming until well blended. Add salt, vanilla, and whipping cream. Blend on low speed until moistened. and then beat at high speed until frosting is fluffy.

MIA and a Star Spangled Banner

2010-06-22T13:55:00.001-06:00

I feel like I've been MIA for awhile. It's been rough but I'm glad to be back in crafting action. My son was sick last week, I turned 29, and then spent the day after with my head in a toilet bowl with the stomach flu . It was awful! When my son was sick, he barfed on my entire face (yes, it was classic) and on my pillow, I had to get a new one which was hard as a rock and caused a kink in my neck. Now I have had neck pain for a few days now. Ugh! Not good. Enough of the awful week and onto some crafting goodness.

I love being patriotic. We are so blessed to live in this wonderful country, America. Summer time reminds me of patriotism and I thought it was time for a new door hanging. I pulled out an old bulletin board and of course, some red, white and blue paint. I didn't want the flag to be perfect, so I just drew it on by hand and painted it. I used my cricut to cut out "Land of the Free" and mod podged that on. Very simple and festive!

Linking to the fabulous parties on the sidebar!

Graduation Money Lei

2010-06-11T13:42:00.003-06:00

My baby brother graduated from high school last week. It was a bit sentimental for me since I was 11 years old when he was born. I've watched him grow up and it's amazing how fast time has gone. He has turn into quite the stud muffin! He's off to college and then on a mission for our church.

For graduation, I wanted to do something fun and different. I saw an idea similar to this on Your Homebased Parties. You can make it as cheap or expensive as you want depending on how much money you want to give. My brother took the money off the lei before I could even get a picture of him so I stole this from my sister's camera!

Linking to the fabulous parties on the side bar!

Toilet Makeover and Apothecary Jar

2010-06-09T22:10:00.001-06:00

Apothecary Jar

After

Before

Tray- before

Candle holder- before

I've been on a crafting hiatus lately. I started working again part time from home and it has me whooped by the end of the day with little energy to craft. This includes two little rascals 2 and under to take care of too!! But I was able to do a toilet makeover. Now that's important, people! Since I have decorating OCD, I wanted to make sure that my toilet was cute too. We spend some of our time in there during the day, don't we?

It was looking pretty sad with a bare candle on top. So off to the thrift store I went, and bought an ugly candle holder and a tray too. With a little paint, now it's sitting pretty on the toitey!

When we first decorated this bathroom, my husband insisted on having candies in there. Whatever! I guess it's important to have a treat with you are finished with the job?? I already had this jar on hand and just hot glued it to a candlestick. Easy peasy!

Linking up to the fabulous parties on the side bar!

File organizers from Cereal Boxes

2010-06-06T21:30:00.000-06:00

Does your desk look like a tornado ripped through it? Mine does.... and so does my house. Yikes! It was in need of some serious help. Being the cheapskate I am, I made some file organizers from cereal boxes. I've seen this idea floating around blogland used as a magazine holder. Very simple to do- not rocket science here people. Take as many cereal boxes as you would like and cut down diagonally to create a pocket. Mod podge some scrapbook paper on the sides, front and back. Create a label and voila! Some organizers and a cleaner desk. Promise.

(Note: If I were to do this again, I would use a thicker cardboard for more stability.)

Linking up to the fabulous parties on the side bar.

Tender Pork Chops

2010-06-04T16:04:00.000-06:00

These are some of the most tender, juicy pork chops. Ever. Pair these up with some potates, veggies and a roll and dinner is ready. Perfect for the summer grilling season.

Tender Grilled Pork Chops

(recipe from My Kitchen Cafe)

4 boneless pork loin chops

1/4 cup olive oil

2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon steak seasoning

Mix olive oil, soy sauce and steak seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and pour into a one-gallon resealable plastic bag. Add the pork chops and set the bag in a baking dish in a way that the pork chops get a healthy dose of the marinade (it may be advantageous to flip the bag over halfway through the marinating time). Marinate in the refrigerator for 3-8 hours (no more than 8). Heat the grill to medium and grill the chops 6-8 minutes per side (depending on how thick they are) until they are no longer pink in the center. Remove the chops from the grill and tent them with foil and allow them to rest for 5-7 minutes. Slice the chops in 1/4 to 3/8 inch slices across the grain and serve.

Linking up to Tasty Tuesday @ Balancing Beauty and Bedlam

Cinnamon & Sugar Twists

2010-05-24T19:03:00.005-06:00

( Isn't that plate awesome?)

These are delightful little morsels to eat on a Sunday evening or any other evening for that matter. Then you don't feel so bad after one, or maybe five.... I saw this idea HERE. The filling I used 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 brown sugar and I added the maple frosting on top. You can find the recipe for the frosting HERE.

Cinnamon and Sugar Twists

Sweet Dough:

2 pkg. yeast

1/4 c. sugar

1 c. warm water

1/3 c. nonfat dry milk

1/4 c. vegetable oil

1 tsp. salt

1 egg

3 and 3/4 to 4 and 1/4 c. all purpose flour

1. In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast and sugar over warm water. Stir with a wooden spoon until dissolved. Add dry milk, oil, salt, egg and 2 c. of the flour. Mix until well blended; about 3 minutes.

2. Stir in enough additional flour to make a soft dough. Knead on a lightly floured surface until no longer sticky; about 5 minutes.

3. Cover and let rest 15 minutes.

Filling:

1 c. sugar

2 Tablespoons grated orange peel

2 Tablespoons cinnamon

¼ c. butter or margarine, softened

1. In a small bowl, stir together sugar, orange peel and cinnamon.
2. Divide the sweet dough in half. On a lightly floured surface roll out one half into a 16x12 inch rectangle. Spread 1 Tablespoon of softened butter, lengthwise, in a 4 inch wide strip, down the center of the rectangle. Sprinkle with ¼ cup of the sugar mix.
3. Fold the rectangle lengthwise over the sugar. Spread the top of this part with 1 Tablespoon of softened butter and sprinkle with ¼ cup of the sugar mix.
4. Fold the remaining part of the rectangle over the sugar. Pinch the seam to seal the edge.
5. Cut the folded rectangle crosswise into 16 strips. Twist each strip twice. Place on a greased baking sheet.
6. Repeat steps with the remaining dough, butter and sugar.7. Cover and let rise until doubled; about 45 minutes.Bake at 375° F (175° C) for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from baking sheets. Serve warm.

Maple Frosting

1 bag Powdered Sugar
2 teaspoons Maple Flavoring
½ cups Milk
¼ cups Melted Butter
¼ cups Brewed Coffee (I left this out)
⅛ teaspoons Salt

For the frosting, mix together all ingredients listed and stir well until smooth. It should be thick but pourable. Taste and adjust as needed. Generously drizzle over the warm rolls.

Linking to the fabulous parties on the side bar.

Menu Planner

2010-05-20T15:49:00.003-06:00

Don't you hate that time of day when it's 5:00 and it's "Oh crap, what do I make for dinner?!" Sometimes my hubby asks what's for dinner at breakfast time! I've seen this idea floating around blogland for awhile now and it's no secret that this is a life saver. I try to plan my meals one week in advance. This really helps with saving money and last minute trips to the store. I was inspired by the idea and tutorial seen HERE. Hers is definitely much more cuter than mine, but that's okay. Mine is functional and that is what I like.

Linking to the fabulous parties on the sidebar.

Cooking skills at a whole new level

2010-05-16T14:53:00.002-06:00

That's exactly what my husband told me after eating this salad. No, I'm not kidding. This is about as close as to a Cafe Rio salad that you can get to. It it ultra fabulous and a salad worth eating every bite. Don't be fooled by the three different recipes that are incorporated into it. It really is not difficult to put together and your taste buds will do a little happy dance. (Note from the picture: No, I don't feed my 9 month old salad for dinner. :-))

Cafe Rio Salad

Chicken- Costa Vida Chicken

(recipe from yourhomebasedmom.com)

1 small bottle Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp cumin
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 lbs. skinless, boneless chicken breast (this recipe can be easily halved but make a full batch and freeze the leftovers for another meal! Good menu planning!)
Cook all together in a crock pot for 4 hours, shred meat and cook 1 additional hour.

(Note: I did not use the crockpot. I marinated the chicken and then grilled it which was very yummy too)

Rice- I used this recipe from My Kitchen Cafe for Crispy Southwest Chicken Wraps and omitted the chicken.

1 cup cooked rice, warm or at room temperature

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 green onion, finely sliced (white and green parts)

1/2 red or green pepper, diced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

juice of 1 lime

1/2 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Creamy Lime-Cilantro Dressing= you must make this dressing or you will be sorely disappointed with the salad. It is. a. MUST.

(recipe from Our Best Bites)

1 pack (1oz) Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
ignore directions on the packet
1C mayo
1/2 C milk
1 lime
2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1/2 C roughly chopped cilantro
1/4 C green salsa*
hot sauce

Place milk, mayo, and ranch mix in a blender. Juice the lime in there too, you should get about 2T juice. Toss in the garlic, cilantro and green salsa. Blend 'er up. Sample it and add hot sauce to taste. Make it several hours ahead of time to allow it to thicken.

Now for the assembly:

1. Warm up your tortilla and melt cheese on top.
2. Add your rice filling and then chopped lettuce.
3. Add chicken on top of lettuce and then drizzle on your dressing.

Linking up to the fabulous parties on the side bar and Tasty Tuesday @ Balancing Beauty & Bedlam.

Subway Art

2010-05-12T14:53:00.002-06:00

I love the subway art I saw at the ever famous, Tatertots and Jello. I took the same idea and used the six B's from President Hinckley ( I know he has talked about some of the other B's also included) to create the subway art. Since I only have one Cricut cartridge, I could only use one type of font. I'm sure it would look really cool with different fonts and different sizes. If you don't have a Cricut, you can do this using the same method as Tatertots and Jello. The base was painted black and then the letters were assembled with mod podge on top to seal the letters.

Linking to the fabulous parties on the sidebar.

Best Enchiladas.Ever.

2010-05-10T08:15:00.001-06:00

Hot diggity dog! WOW! These enchiladas are the best. ever. Super creamy and just the right amount of heat. If you don't like cilantro, I'm so sorry. You might like these enchiladas instead. And when you are done, be sure to lick your plate clean.

Cilantro Verde Enchiladas

(recipe from the Mother Huddle)
1 bunch Cilantro

2 cups salsa verde (green salsa or green enchilada sauce)

1 medium-large onion, quartered

1 jalapeno, seeded and sliced (keep some seeds if you like heat)

1 Tbsp chopped garlic (1-2 large segments)

1/4-1/2 tsp salt or to taste (this will depend on the salsa verde you use)

1 8 ounce cream cheese

10 tortillas

4-5 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken

2 cups monteray jack cheese, shredded

Cook your chicken in the oven or crockpot with salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice, and a little olive oil to add another level of greatness to the enchiladas. Preheat your oven to 350°.
In a blender combine onion, salsa, cilantro, garlic, jalapeno and salt. Blend until smooth. Stir in softened cream cheese. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and stir until well coated. Reserve remaining sauce to pour over the enchiladas.

Scoop about 1/2 a cup of chicken mixture in each tortilla, roll up and place side by side in a lightly greased 9×13 pan. Pour reserved sauce over finished enchiladas and cover with tinfoil. Bake for about 30-35 minutes remove foil and sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for 10-15 more minutes.

(Note: I did not cook the chicken in the crockpot since I didn't have time. I just seasoned it and then cooked it in a pan on the stove.)

Linking to the fabulous parties on the side bar and Tasty Tuesday @ Balancing Beauty and Bedlam.

Quick fix meal

2010-05-06T15:19:00.000-06:00

A couple nights a week my husband works late. On those nights, I don't like to cook a big meal because one, I'm pooped out and two, my toddler doesn't appreciate a nice meal like my hubby does. She would eat cereal all day if I would let her. This is one of my favorite quick fix meals. Simple ingredients and really tasty. If I'm really lazy, I will use a can of chicken instead of cooking the chicken. 20 minutes tops and meal on the table. Can't beat that... unless you have cereal.

Crispy Chicken Wraps

(recipe from My Kitchen Cafe)
1/3 cup mayonnaise, light or regular

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

3 scallions, sliced very thin

2 tablespoons sour cream, light or regular

1 rotisserie chicken, skin discarded, meat shredded into bite-sized pieces (about 3 cups)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

4 (12-inch) flour tortillas

1. Whisk the mayonnaise, cilantro, scallions, sour cream in a large bowl. Add chicken and toss to combine.
2. Sprinkle cheese over tortillas, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges, then arrange chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll stuffed tortillas, leaving edges open. Spray the tortillas all over with cooking spray.
3. Heat a large non-stick skillet (or griddle) over medium heat for 1 minute. Arrange 2 wraps, seam-side down, in pan and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining wraps. Serve.

Mother's Day Gift

2010-05-04T21:45:00.002-06:00

My fabulous mother-in-law lives in California- 11 hours away. Just a fun side note, she is a Lucille Ball impersonator! So, for Mother's Day I wanted to send her something simple, but meaningful. I saw this quote HERE. I'm all about inexpensive too so I picked up this frame at the local thrift store. I initially spray painted the frame cream but the paint wouldn't stick so I had to repaint it with black acrylic paint. I mod podged some scrap book paper to the mat inside the frame. I used Microsoft word to print up the quote and "MOM" using my Cricut. Tied a bow at the bottom and bam! A cute, simple gift for $.75! And she won't ever know that part!!

Before

After

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Simple Baby Gift

2010-05-02T15:08:00.001-06:00

Our very best friends from Idaho just had baby #5! Now, that's a reason to celebrate! I figured they had everything they needed for a new little baby, so I wanted to make something simple but cute and fun. So here is what I did:

I took a plain wooden frame from Hobby Lobby and painted all sides a cream color. I then mod podged some "baby" scrapbook paper to the front and used my George Basics Cricut cartridge to cut the letters and numbers out of the birthdate and weight. In case you couldn't tell, that is a cursive letter "e" on the left side for her name- Emma (my hubby thought it was a swirly design?? Huh?) Tied a ribbon on the side and called it good. Simple and cute. Just my kind of gift.

Linking to the fabulous parties on the side bar!

Chocolate Cream Angel Food Cake

2010-04-29T15:54:00.002-06:00

I love the simplicity of angel food cake. Just add water and bake it in the oven, and out comes a fabulous cake. This cake is doctored up a bit but the results are fabulous. The cake is fat free but the frosting? Not so much. If you're on a diet, forget it and eat this cake. It's awesome.

Chocolate Cream Angel Food Cake

(recipe from My Kitchen Cafe)

1 Angel Food cake, baked and cooled completely

3 cups heavy whipping cream
2/3 cup powdered sugar
½ cup cocoa
1/2 cup toasted, slivered almonds

In a large glass bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until it begins to thicken. Carefully add the powdered sugar and cocoa gradually and continue whipping. I find the best way to do this is to place the bowl in the kitchen sink and whip with a hand mixer so that when it splatters, it doesn’t get the entire kitchen messy. The cocoa will look like it is separating and lumpy but continue to beat until stiff peaks form and by then, the cocoa should be evenly combined. (If you are worried about lumps you can sift in the cocoa and powdered sugar with a fine mesh sieve.) The frosting should be thick and spreadable – but not overly whipped or it will look a bit curdly. Just beat to stiff peaks.

When the angel food cake has been baked and cooled completely, follow the pictures below and cut the cake in half to form two round circles. Lay the top half to the side and gently remove pieces of the angel food cake to form a ditch in the bottom portion of the cake (taking care not to dig all the way to the bottom of the cake, you want a layer of cake on the bottom underneath the ditch). Spoon frosting into the ditch you made and lay the top circle of cake back on top. Frost the sides, top and middle of the cake. Top with toasted almonds. Refrigerate until time to serve. A serrated knife works best to cut the cake into slices.

Rootbeer Cookies

2010-04-27T14:36:00.000-06:00

Do you like rootbeer or rootbeer floats? If so, these are the perfect cookies for you. So fun and a different spin on a traditional cookie. The best part? The frosting, of course.

Note: I used Rootbeer concentrate (Walmart brand) and they were much lighter in color. If you use rootbeer extract, the cookies should be a dark brown.

Root Beer Cookies

(recipe from my sister, Bree)

2 C brown sugar

1 C softened butter

2 eggs

1/2 C buttermilk

2 t root beer extract

3 1/2 C flour

1 t baking soda

1 t salt

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs. Stir in buttermilk and root beer extract. Combine flour, baking soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture. Drop by teaspoons on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 6 - 8 minutes. Cool on rack.

Root Beer Frosting

2 C powdered sugar

1/3 C softened butter

1 1/2 t root beer extract

2 T hot water

Combine all ingredients. Frost cookies when cool.

Linking up to Tasty Tuesday @ Balancing Beauty and Bedlam.

Memo board from a door

2010-04-21T16:10:00.003-06:00

I decided to make this board in addition to the mini kitchen makeover. I thought it was pretty clever until I saw another like it after the fact (you can find it HERE). Anyway, we've had these old shutter doors sitting in our garage for the past 2 years. We were supposed to install them in the house but my hubby works on his own timetable. My crafty mind got to work and my hubby cut the door in half. I didn't sand the door or do anything else, except paint it. As far as the painting technique (if you want to call it a technique), I watered down some brown paint. I painted a section and then would wipe it off with a paper towel. I did that a couple of times and that was it. This is no rocket science. The letters and flower were done with the George Cricut cartridge. I love being able to repurpose junk and give it new life.

Linking to all the fabulous parties on the sidebar.

Hearty Whole Wheat Waffles

2010-04-19T12:53:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite breakfasts is waffles. The bad part is I'm usually hungry a couple hours later since the waffles are full of sugar. I really like these waffles for two reasons. One, they are very filling and full of fiber, and two, they are easy peasy to make. No whipping up the eggs white and such nonsense. I'm kind of lazy that way.

Hearty Whole Wheat Waffles

recipe from http://www.kingarthurflour.com/

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 tbl sugar

1 lg egg

1 1/2 cups milk

1/3 cup melted butter or vegetable oil

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and butter or oil. Mix together the wet and dry ingredients, stirring just till combined.

Cook the waffles until done in waffle iron.

Mini Kitchen Makeover with Spray Paint

2010-04-15T23:00:00.004-06:00

Before

After

Gah! I love spray paint! I was inspired by my good friend, Brandy, to do a mini kitchen makeover. I really really hate my kitchen cabinets, but my hubby is adamant about not painting them. Mostly because he will have to do all the work and he likes wood. Why are all men like this!? It drives me batty. So, I decided that I would paint some accessories in the kitchen to update it a bit. I found the brown spray paint at Walmart for $2.97. It's Krylon brand, "Leather Brown." Can I just say yummy? It's my new favorite color. The brown accent looks delightful with the black, white and pumpkin color. I used my Cricut for the lettering with the George Basic cartridge.

You can find the tutorial for the monogrammed knife block HERE. The plates were spray painted and letters were glued on. I wrapped and glued some ribbon around the glass containers I found in my storage after spring cleaning (see? spring cleaning isn't so bad!). The paper towel and banana holder were spray painted as well. I'm lovin' the new look for under $6.00!

Linking up to the fabulous parties on the sidebar.

Not your typical banana bread

2010-04-14T14:32:00.002-06:00

This banana bread is like candy. Wow. I'm not a fan of coconut but it was simply divine in this bread. I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert. And the lime glaze? I think you get the point.

Coconut Banana Bread with Lime Glaze

adapted by Our Best Bites from Cooking Light

2 C flour

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 C sugar

1/4 C (4 Tbs) real butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 1/2 C mashed ripe bananas (about 4 large bananas)

1/4 C sour cream or plain yogurt

3 Tbs apple juice or milk*

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 C coconut

Topping: 2 Tbs additional coconut

Glaze: 1/2 C powdered sugar whisked with 1 1/2 Tbs fresh lime juice

*as in: don't go buy apple juice just for this recipe. If you don't already have some, just use milk!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together and set aside.In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until blended. Add eggs and beat to combine. Add banana, sour cream or yogurt, apple juice (or milk), and vanilla. Beat until blended.

Add flour mixture and beat at a low speed until just combined. Stir in 1/2 C coconut.Pour batter into a 9x5" loaf pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Sprinkle additional 2 Tbs coconut on top.

Bake in the oven for about 1 hour or until a knife or skewer inserted in center comes out clean.

Note: Check bread after about 40 minutes. If the top has browned and the coconut pieces are looking toasty, cover top of bread lightly with a piece of foil. Continue baking until done.When done, remove pan from oven. Let cool on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes and then carefully remove from pan.

Whisk powdered sugar and lime juice together for the glaze and then drizzle over top. Cool for another 15 minutes before slicing.

Fruit dip by the spoonfuls

2010-04-12T13:31:00.001-06:00

This fruit dip is awesome! I wish my picture could do it justice, so you'll just have to believe me and try it. I had this at a family reunion a few years ago and was in love at first taste. You can whip it up in a pinch and eat it with all kinds of fruit. My favorites are strawberries and pineapple. If you don't have fruit on hand, make it anyway and eat it by the spoonful all. by. itself. This is great to take to a party since it makes a ton.

Fruit Dip

3 (6 oz) strawberry yogurt (if you don't have strawberry, any other fruit kind would work great)

2 (8 oz) pkgs cream cheese, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 tub cool whip

Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until there are no lumps. Mix in yogurt and then fold in cool whip. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Name Blocks

2010-04-08T07:08:00.001-06:00

Spring and summer are busy months for weddings, especially in Utah. Quite frankly, I'm a cheapskate and I don't have a lot of extra money to spend on wedding gifts. This project perfectly fits the bill and I used everything I already had on hand. This actually took me three times to finish and I'm embarrased to say how long it took to complete. Not that it was hard, but I was just having some major crafting issues. It actually sat in the garage for a few weeks before I attempted to re-do it the third time. I found the inspiration and tutorial HERE. I don't have vinyl lettering, so instead I used mod podge to seal the letters on the blocks. Mod podge can be my best friend or worst enemy. :-) This would also be great to use as home decor.

Linking up to the fabulous parties on the side bar.

Best Sugar Cookies Ever!

2010-04-07T14:20:00.002-06:00

My sister gave me this awesome sugar cookie recipe that she got from another friend. I've seen similar recipes circling the web and this is the BEST! I'm pretty sure the sour cream is the secret ingredient to making these so soft and fluffy. You must make the frosting too because it's almost like eating ice cream without a cherry on top?!

Sugar Cookies

1 C. butter
1 ½ C. sugar
Cream, and add:
1 t. vanilla
2 eggs
1 C. sour cream
Mix, then add:
5 C. flour
2 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
½ t. salt

Mix together. Roll out on floured surface. Cut into shapes, bake at 375˚ for 8-10 minutes. (Make sure they are the same color as the dough, not brown.)

Butter Cream Frosting

1 lb. powdered sugar
½ C. margarine
½ C. shortening
1 t. vanilla
2 T. milk

Blend margarine and shortening. Mix in vanilla. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. Mix in milk and beat.

Enjoy!

Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits

2010-03-28T19:58:00.000-06:00

My mom is the biscuit queen. She knows how to produce those big and soft biscuits that are so yummy. Unfortunately, that skill was never passed down to me. I've tried and tried and I fail miserably just about every time. The trick is to not overmix. I'll mix a couple of times and there is too much flour or I'll mix too much and produce hockey pucks.

So, when I saw this recipe to use an electric mixer, I was kind of intrigued. It was also from one of my favorite food blogs, Our Best Bites, and knew it had to be a winner. The mixer worked like a charm and these were some of the best dang biscuits I've ever made.

Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits

Recipe from Our Best Bites- adapted from Ina Garten

2 C flour, plus more as needed

1 Tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

3/4 C real butter (1 1/2 sticks)

1/2 C buttermilk

1 large or extra larg egg

1 C grated extra sharp cheddar cheese

1 egg, beaten with 1 T water or milk

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Measure out 2 Cups of flour and then remove a spoonful of it and mix it with your grated cheese. Set floured cheese aside.

Place the remaining flour, baking powder, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. With the mixer on low, add the butter and mix until the butter is the size of peas.

Combine the buttermilk and egg in a small measuring cup and beat lightly with a fork. With the mixer still on low, quickly add the buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture and mix only until moistened. Add the cheese to the dough. Mix only until roughly combined.

Dump out onto a well-floured board and knead lightly 3-4 times. Roll the dough out to a rectangle about 10 by 5 inches. With a sharp, floured knife, cut the dough lengthwise in half and then across in quarters, making 8 rough rectangles. If preferred, cut to make 12 smaller biscuits. Transfer to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the egg wash, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits are cooked through. Serve hot or warm.

Spring has Sprung

2010-03-25T21:26:00.002-06:00

We have been getting little teasers of spring in Utah. That is one thing that I really do not like about Utah weather. One day is nice and sunny and the next, snow is on the ground and it's butt cold. So, I decided that I had enough of the cold and made some spring has sprung blocks. I found my inspiration here. My awesome's hubby's work gave all the spouses a $250 gift card (for all our pain and suffering- he's an insurance agent) and I splurged and got myself a Cricut! I'm having loads of fun with it. There were 5 blocks total, 3x6 (1), and 3x4 (4). I first painted the blocks and mod podged some spring scrapbook paper as the base. I cut out "Spring has Sprung" with the George cartridge and also some flowers. The letters were then mod podged on and buttons glued. Wrapped a ribbon around the bigger block and now it is sitting pretty on the mantle.

Linking up to the fabulous parties on the sidebar!

Mint Brownies

2010-03-24T15:10:00.002-06:00

Simply divine. These were quick and easy and oh so delicious. I cheated and used a boxed brownie mix because.. well. I'm lazy and impatient. I'm sure they would be ultra fabulous from scratch.

Mint Brownies

recipe from Our Best Bites

4 squares unsweetened baking chocolate (4oz)

1 C butter (2 sticks)

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

1t vanilla

1 1/4 C flour

1/2 t baking powder

Frosting:

2 C powdered sugar

4 T butter, softened

1 1/2 t peppermint extract

1-2 T milk green food coloring

Chocolate Glaze:

6 oz (about 1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips ,you could also use dark

6 Tbs real butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13 inch pan with foil making sure the foil extends over the edges by at least one inch. Lightly spray with non-stick spray and set aside. Chop both unsweetened chocolate and two sticks of butter into chunks and place together in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until just melted and smooth. Set aside to cool, stirring occasionally.

With an electric mixer or stand mixer beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla for 2 minutes. While egg mixture is beating, measure out flour and combine with baking powder. While mixer is running, slowly add melted chocolate and beat to combine. Turn beater speed to low and add in flour by spoonfuls. Mix just until combined. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 20-30 minutes or until a knife poked in center comes out clean.Cool completely on a metal rack.

When brownies have cooled to room temperature, prepare frosting. Combine all frosting ingredients, starting with 1 1/2 tablespoon of milk, and beat until light and fluffy. Add more milk by teaspoonful as needed. Spread frosting evenly over brownies and then place brownies in fridge to chill. While brownies are chilling prepare chocolate glaze. Place chocolate chips and 6 tablespoons butter in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until just melted and smooth. Set aside to cool for about 15 minutes and then carefully spread on top of the frosting layer. Return pan to fridge to cool. When chocolate has hardened, use edges of foil to remove entire brownie from pan. Cut into squares and serve.

New Tablescape for under $5.00

2010-03-20T12:20:00.001-06:00

Like many places in my house, my dining room table was in need of a makeover. It was just blah. Blah. and blah. I decided to make a tray out of a picture frame and some beadboard that I mooched off from my mama. Thanks Mom! In fact, I got this idea from her. She's brilliant when it comes to decorating. Anyhoo, I glued some beadboard inside a picture frame I got from a local thrift store and painted it with my trusty can of spray paint. I had my hubby drill some holes and screw in the handles on the side since I'm not handy like that. When it comes to any tools, I stink. I used my burlap frame with the monogram "F" (you can find the tutorial here). The white pitcher I got from the thrift store for $.50. I wrapped a vase I already had on hand with jute twine (I found the idea here.) and stuck in some red flowers (of course fake) to add some color. Since my hubby had to comment and say, "That's all you are putting on the table?" I added a tile that my mom made for us awhile back. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. And just for the record, I don't mooch all the time. :-)

Linking up to the fabulous parties on the sidebar!

Burlap Recipe Board

2010-03-15T14:53:00.003-06:00

I love to cook and bake. You can find lots of recipes on this blog. I had a recipe board in my kitchen but wasn't lovin' it anymore. In fact, everytime I used it, it bothered me more and more. I'm kind of wierd that way, a little OCDish. Anyway, I went on a mission to a local thrift store to find a new board and this is what I found for a $1.50. Isn't she lovely?

I painted the frame black with acrylic paint and covered the glass part of the frame with cork board and then burlap. I made another flower (you can find the first flower I made HERE) and glued that in the corner. Wrapped some jute twine on the side with a little black bow and called it good. I'm liking it much better and can now cook with peace of mind.

Linking up to the fabulous parties found on the sidebar.

$5.00 Meaningful Wedding Gift

2010-03-12T16:05:00.002-07:00

I hate shopping for wedding gifts, especially if there is no registry. Like when I got married, I didn't register and ended up getting 6 crockpots, 5 rice cookers and other multiple items. No joke! This weekend we are going to my hubby's nephew's wedding reception. I of course, was in charge of finding a gift. I wanted to do something that was cheap but not corny. Here's what I came up with.

I found a $5.00 black frame at Ikea (a little steep for me considering most of my finds are at the thrift store. I didn't want to look that cheap so I spent $5.00. Nice, huh?). My cute little sister provided the cricut machine, buttons and paper. I'm such a mooch- Thanks Kylee! I used a piece of scrapbook paper as the background and then cut out letters with the cricut machine to spell out "Together Forever". I used the wedding invitation as the picture. A ribbon was tied and buttons glued on each side of the picture. I think it will be fun for the couple to look back at their picture 10 years from now and see how young and cute and skinny they were (not that they would be old and fat later)... oh dear, I'll be done now.

Linking to the fabulous parties: Frugalicious Friday @ Finding Fabulous for Less I'm a Creative Cat @ Poppies at Play Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On the Porch Kimba @ A Soft Place to Land Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog Penny Pinching Party @ Thrify Home Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design Strut your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Thick and Chewy Chocolate Chip Bars

2010-03-10T13:22:00.002-07:00

These bars are easy peasy and so delicious. They really are very soft considering most cookie bars I've made are hard as rocks. These are my go to bars for any church gathering or family function. Another slam dunk recipe from one of my favorite food blogs, My Kitchen Cafe.

Thick and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Makes a 9X13-inch pan of bars

2 1/8 cups (10 1/2 ounces) all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

12 tablespoons butter (1 1/2 sticks), melted and cooled slightly

1 cup (7 ounces) light brown sugar

1/2 (3 1/2 ounces) cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups chocolate chips (use your preference of semisweet, bittersweet, milk, white, peanut butter...the options are endless!)

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Adjust the oven rack to lower-middle position. Line a 9X13-inch baking pan with foil, letting the excess hang over the edges of the pan by about 1 inch so you can grab those edges and pull the brownies from the pan after they have baked. Spray the foil-lined pan with nonstick cooking spray.Mix the flour, salt, and baking soda together in medium bowl; set aside.

Whisk the melted butter and sugars in a large bowl until combined. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and mix well. Using a rubber spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined; do not overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips and turn the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with the spatula.

Bake until the top of the bars is light golden brown, slightly firm to the touch, and edges start pulling away from sides of pan, 24-28 minutes. Cool on a wire rack to room temperature. Remove the bars from the pan by lifting the foil overhang and transfer them to a cutting board. Cut into 2-inch squares and serve.

DIY Topiary on the Cheap

2010-03-08T15:16:00.001-07:00

I was beyond stoked when I saw this idea HERE. I mean, hello?! These topiarys costs so much freakin' money at the retail stores. I knew I must have one. right. now. So I dashed to the dollar tree and picked up some supplies for $4.00. You can also find the tutorial HERE. And when I was done, I did a little happy dance. Isn't she a beauty?

Linking to the fabulous parties: Frugalicious Friday @ Finding Fabulous for Less I'm a Creative Cat @ Poppies at Play Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On the Porch Kimba @ A Soft Place to Land Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog Penny Pinching Party @ Thrify Home Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design Strut your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Sitting pretty with all her friends

St. Patty's Day "Lucky" Sign

2010-03-04T15:04:00.001-07:00

Since I married my hubby 8 years ago, St. Patty's Day has become more of a holiday. See, my mother-in-law is has Irish blood, so every year around March 17th, we have corn beef and cabbage. Yummy, although I think the cabbage is rather disgusting! Anway, I decided to make a Lucky sign with some supplies I already had on hand. I first painted the board and then cut out the letters by hand. No, I'm not one of those lucky owners of a cricut. I then mod podged the letters and shamrock on the board and once dried, sealed it with some Shellac. So easy and didn't cost a thing. My inspiration came from HERE.

Linking to the fabulous parties:
Frugalicious Friday @ Finding Fabulous for Less I'm a Creative Cat @ Poppies at Play Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On the Porch Kimba @ A Soft Place to Land Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog Penny Pinching Party @ Thrify Home Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design Strut your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Crockpot Taco Soup

2010-03-02T20:50:00.001-07:00

This is one of my all time favorite soups. The best part? The crockpot does all the work for you. We like to serve it with corn chips, and cheese and sourcream on top.

Crockpot Taco Soup

(recipe courtesy from my friend Jen B.)

2 chicken breasts- frozen or thawed

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can black beans- undrained

1 small can tomato sauce

1 can corn- undrained

1 cup salsa

1 can kidney beans- drained

1 packet taco seasoning

Place whole chicken breasts in crockpot. Add all other ingredients. Cook on high for 2 hours and low for 2 hours. Shred chicken in soup right before eating.

Linking to the fabulous parties:

Over-used Recipe Swap @ Simply Modern Mom

Tasty Tuesday @ Balancing Beauty and Bedlam

Burlap Books and Wall Re-vamp

2010-02-26T09:20:00.001-07:00

My love affair with burlap continues... I found the idea for the burlap books here. You can the before picture here. I gladly tore apart the attrocious wreath and made this. The shelf on this wall was needing a little help and I wanted to add a little something to spruce it up. I thought the burlap books was a perfect solution. Very easy to do. The books were quite stiff after the burlap was added so I wrapped a ribbon around it to keep them closed. I think it was a great addition as well. I painted the shelf ivory color since the plain wood was well... just plain. My husband was questioning that decision but he's like all the other men I know.. they like plain wood. Boring! Finally, the frame underneath is the Proclamation to the Family. I found the idea here. My cost? $3.00 for the paint! Love it!

Linking to the fabulous parties:

Frugalicious Friday @ Finding Fabulous for Less I'm a Creative Cat @ Poppies at Play Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On the Porch Kimba @ A Soft Place to Land Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog Penny Pinching Party @ Thrify Home Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design Strut your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Chicken Bacon Stuffed Pizza Rolls

2010-02-22T14:43:00.002-07:00

This is a fun and yummy twist on traditional pizza. I mean, Bacon and Ranch? Can't go wrong there.

Chicken Bacon Stuffed Pizza Rolls

(recipe from Our Best Bites)

1 roll refrigerated pizza dough

1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix

2 T grated Parmesan cheese

1 T olive oil or melted butter

sharp cheddar cheese

8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

about 1 C shredded, cooked chicken.

3/4 C mayo

3/4 C milk

First take 1 teaspoon of your ranch dressing mix and combine it with 1 1/2 T parmesan cheese. Set aside. Combine the remaining ranch mix with 3/4 C mayo and 3/4 C milk and place in the fridge to chill.

Preheat oven to heat specified on pizza dough package. Usually it's 400-425 degrees.Unroll your pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat or roll the dough so it's about 12" by 8". You're going to want to cut it into 24 squares, so just eyeball it if you need to. Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into 24 squares.Place cheese and desired toppings on each square.

When all of your dough squares have cheese and toppings on them, carefully lift up each square and wrap the dough around the toppings.I grab the four corners first and then squeeze the seams shut. Then place them seam side down in a lightly sprayed pie pan (or similar sized dish). Brush with melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle with the parmesan-ranch mixture.

Place your rolls in the oven. I've noticed baking time really depends on the type of dough I'm using. Whether it's different brands from the store, or homemade dough, they all take different amounts of time. Set your timer for 10 minutes and check on them after that. They may take up to 15 or 20 to be done. Take them out when they're lightly golden on top.Serve them warm with a side of freshly made ranch dressing for dipping.

Burlap Wrapped Frame with Cute Flower

2010-02-18T19:49:00.003-07:00

I finally got out of my crafty funk and made this cute burlap frame today. I took apart this wreath that I couldn't stand and wrapped the burlap around the frame. I'm still obsessed with monograms so I printed up some sheet music and added the letter "F" on top. My favorite part was the cute flower in the corner. I've seen several different tutorials around bloggy world for a flower like this kind. I basically cut one large circle from burlap and two smaller circles from the sheet music. I crinkled up the sheet music to give it some shape and placed the two circles on top of the burlap circle. I then added a black button with a red button in the middle for some color. I haven't found a permanent home for it but I'm sure it will be somewhere near the piano.

Death by Chocolate

2010-02-16T21:08:00.002-07:00

I've been in a crafting funk lately. All the ideas I've tried lately have flopped, bad. I hate when that happens. Although, I did score big time with this dessert for Valentine's Day. I've been making this for about 5 years now and it never fails to disappoint. It is sinfully delicious!

Chocolate Trifle

(recipe from allrecipes.com)

Ingredients
1 (19.8 ounce) package brownie mix
1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1/2 cup water
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (1.5 ounce) bar chocolate candy

Directions
Prepare brownie mix according to package directions and cool completely. Cut into 1 inch squares.

In a large bowl, combine pudding mix, water and sweetened condensed milk.

Mix until smooth, then fold in 8 ounces whipped topping until no streaks remain.

In a trifle bowl or glass serving dish, place half of the brownies, half of the pudding mixture and half of the 12 ounce container of whipped topping. Repeat layers. Shave chocolate onto top layer for garnish. Refrigerate 8 hours before serving.

I was Featured!

2010-02-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

Check it out! I was featured on one of the most amazing blogs out there in the Bloggy World! http://www.tipjunkie.com/2010/02/diy-home-decor-tutorials.html

Cheap Valentine Chipboard Card

2010-02-11T15:40:00.005-07:00

Since my anniversary is a week after Valentine's Day, we don't celebrate big on the 14th. In fact, I'm not a real big fan of Valentine's Day and luckily, my hubby isn't either. So, this year, we are keeping low for V-day. I wanted to give him something from the kiddos so I made this cute card for him. It's super easy and costs less than a buck. Can't beat that! I saw a similar idea at The Girl Creative.

Supplies:

chipboard (I used an old cereal box)

V-day scrapbook paper

pictures that spell I "heart" U with the kids

ribbon

1. Cut out I "heart" U using the chipboard. I used Microsoft Word and stenciled the letters and then cut them out. Cut out four squares as your card.

2. Cover the letters and cards with scrabook paper. I used tacky glue.

3. Take pictures of your kids or yourself holding the I "heart" U. Cut the pictures out and glue to the cards.

4. Punch a hole in each card and tie together with a ribbon.

whimsy up the mantle

2010-02-08T21:23:00.015-07:00

Oh, Hello there! It is so nice to be here. My sister, Brooke, invited me to post on her fun blog! It is a nice change from my corner of Blogdom. Well, I do not have a mantle! But I do have an ancient piano that makes up for it. So let's give it some love for Heart Day!

a Pom-Pom garland and a Loooooooove Tree

For the garland: different colors/sizes of cupcake liners, sheet music, 3-d hearts

learn to make the 3-D hearts right here and then punch a small hole in the top

make holes in the pom-pom with a bamboo skewer

string everything together using a large needle or thick tape on the end of your ribbon

Gather branches from the yard, line a vase with colored paper,
and make
3-D heart ornaments for your Tree of Love

On the ornaments, write things that you LOVE.
And see? Valentine's Day will be extra whimsical.

Valentine Cookie Pops

2010-02-07T15:19:00.002-07:00

I made these fun cookie pops with my daughter this last week. They were supposed to be in a shape of a heart but really look like a big blob. I found the idea HERE. I think they would also be great to make with your kids when teaching them about colors.

Linking up to the fabulous parties:

Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On the Porch

Kimba @ A Soft Place to Land

Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog

Penny Pinching Party @ Thrify Home

Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design

Strut your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Comfort Food

2010-02-04T20:29:00.002-07:00

It's zmazing how food can make you feel better. I wasn't in the mood last week to cook or do much of anything. We didn't have the money to go out, so I decided to make this chicken pot pie from Our Best Bites. I felt much better after!

Chicken Pot Pie

2 unbaked pie crusts (or double the pie crust recipe here)
1 lb. leftover roasted fauxtisserie chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 12-16 oz. bag of peas and carrots or mixed vegetables, thawed
1 onion, minced
butter
5 medium-small red potatoes, diced
2 cans cream of chicken soup (or one recipe of homemade cream of chicken soup)
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt (more or less, to taste)
Ground black pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400. Bring a large pot of water (salt optional) to a boil. When ready, add potatoes and boil until tender. Meanwhile, heat about 1 Tbsp. butter in a medium skillet. When the butter is bubbly, saute the onion until it's translucent and fragrant. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, chicken, vegetables, onion, and potatoes. Season to taste.

Place one pie crust on the bottom of a pie plate, transfer the filling to the pie plate, and then top with the other pie crust. Crimp the edges and then cut a few vent holes on top.

Place pie plate/individual pies on a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to stand for a few minutes before serving.

Valentine's Blocks

2010-02-01T15:26:00.002-07:00

I spent Friday evening at my mom's house while the boys went to a Utah Jazz game. I can't get any credit for this. My mom has a super cute tablescape with all Valentine's decor and this was one of them. She provided the supplies and I whipped it up. Love me some free decor. Thanks Mom!

Supplies needed:
4 wooden blocks
red and pink paint
xoxo cut with Cricut machine
adhesive for the xoxo

1. Paint blocks and let dry
2. Glue on xoxo and display in your home

See? So simple and cute.

Linking up to Somewhat Simple Valentine's Creations.

Monogrammed Burlap Frame

2010-01-29T12:39:00.003-07:00

Remember this burlap wreath? It was giving me the heebie jeebies every time I walked by so I took it down. I know, I'm silly that way. I'm waiting to either find a better place for it or re-purpose it. I still have quite a bit of burlap left so I made this frame. I have a slight obsession with monograms (see here and here). My sister gave me the "F" so I had to put it to use somewhere. I painted the frame, added some burlap and glued on the "F". I also added some Fleur-de-lis wood pieces to the corners. I'm liking this much better than the wreath and it's new home is on the mantel above the fireplace.

Frugalicious Friday @ Finding Fabulous for Less

I'm a Creative Cat @ Poppies at Play

Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On the Porch

Kimba @ A Soft Place to Land

Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog

Penny Pinching Party @ Thrify Home

Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design

Strut your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Fanfreakintastic Burgers

2010-01-27T16:10:00.002-07:00

We have homemade burgers and fries every Friday night. It's a new tradition we started not too long ago. I wanted to jazz things up a bit and found this recipe at one of my new favorite food blogs, Our Best Bites. The result? Eaten twice for dinner in 3 days. It's my hubby's new favorite.

Barbecue Bacon Burgers
)recipe from Our Best Bites)

1 lb. lean ground beef
4 slices bacon
4 slices pineapple
Barbecue sauce
4 hamburger buns

Preheat grill to medium. Combine ground beef and about 2-3 Tbsp. of barbecue sauce. If it gets a little hard to handle, toss in some bread crumbs until it sticks together better, but that can be avoided by adding the barbecue sauce a tablespoon at a time and then evaluating whether or not it really needs any more. Shape into 4 patties and toss those babies onto the grill.

In the meantime, fry the bacon. When you flip the burgers, add the pineapple slices to the grill, making sure you get a chance to flip them once as well. Place burgers in buns, top with the slice of pineapple, top that with a crispy slice of bacon (broken in half, so you have two smaller pieces on your burger), and top that with another couple tablespoons of barbecue sauce. Things are about to get messy, so don't even bother trying to make them pretty; a little haphazard sauce adds to the rugged handsomeness of the burger.

Burlap Wreath

2010-01-24T22:11:00.003-07:00

Since burlap is all the rage in the blogosphere, I decided to see what it was all about. I saw this idea HERE. Oh for cuteness. I had to try this out. My husband kicked me out of the house (nicely, that is) for a much needed break on Saturday and I went craft shopping. I grabbed some burlap from Joann's 50% off and did a happy dance all the way home. I set to work and was finished within 15 minutes. I have to admit I wasn't terribly excited with the finished product at first since it is different from my normal kind of craft, but it is growing on me now. As far as where the wreath is now, I'm working on the shelf above it but that's a whole new project. I think I've found a new obsession along with monograms.

Linking up to the following parties:

Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On the Porch

Kimba @ A Soft Place to Land

Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog

Penny Pinching Party @ Thrify Home

Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design

Strut your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Popcorn Goodness

2010-01-22T13:39:00.003-07:00

This popocorn is to. die. for. Need I say anything more?

Cinnamon Caramel Corn with Pecans & White Chocolate
Recipe by Our Best Bites

12 C popped popcorn (about 1/2 C kernels)
1 C pecan halves, roughly chopped
1 C brown sugar
3/4 t cinnamon
1/4 C karo syrup (or honey makes a good substitution)
1 stick real butter (1/2 C)
1t vanilla
1/2 t baking soda

3 squares almond bark (about 4 oz)

Preheat oven to 250 degrees

Place popcorn and chopped pecans in a large bowl and set aside.

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a 2 liter capacity microwave safe bowl. Mix well. Chop butter into chunks and place on top of sugar mixture. Pour corn syrup over the top of everything. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and then stir to combine. Return to microwave and heat for 2 minutes. Remove and stir and then microwave for 2 minutes more.

Remove from microwave and add in vanilla and baking soda. Stir to combine. Mixture will foam and rise. Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and pecans and stir very well so everything is well coated.

Spread popcorn mixture onto a foil-lined jelly roll pan. Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and spread out on a large piece of parchment, waxed paper, or foil.

Melt almond bark according to package instructions. Drizzle over popcorn mixture. When almond bark is hardened and popcorn is cool, break into chunks and enjoy!

Magnet Makeover

2010-01-19T22:19:00.004-07:00

The magnets on my fridge were in need of a makeover in a bad way. With my trusty paint brush, mod podge and scrapbook paper, I set to work. In a matter of minutes my fridge was decorated with cuteness. Now I just need to put these magnets to work and find some crap to hang on the fridge. :-)

Linking up to the following parties:

Penny Pinching Party @ The Thrify Home

Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design

Strut your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Teriyaki Meatballs

2010-01-18T20:16:00.003-07:00

This is a tasty recipe from My Kitchen Cafe. She has yet to disappoint. This is a great meal for kids too!

Linking up to Tasty Tuesday @ Balancing Beauty and Bedlam

Teriyaki Meatballs
(recipe from My Kitchen Cafe)

*Makes about 16 meatballs

Meatballs:
2 pounds ground beef (at least 90% lean)
2 eggs
2/3 cup bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons milk

Sauce:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 3/4 cups water
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup cold water

For the sauce, in a medium bowl mix the soy sauce, 1 3/4 cups water, ginger, garlic powder, brown sugar, honey and cornstarch together. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch into the 1/2 cup cold water. Set both bowls aside.

For the meatballs, in a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients except for the ground beef and mix well. Add the ground beef and mix until combined. Form ground beef mixture into 1 to 1 1/2-inch meatballs. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat two tablespoons oil over medium heat until the oil is rippling and hot. Add the meatballs to the hot skillet and brown on all sides, turning with a pair of tongs. The meatballs don't need to be completely cooked through, just equally browned on all sides.

When the meatballs have browned, pour the sauce ingredients over the meatballs and gently turn the meatballs to coat them in the sauce. Heat the sauce until just simmering and add the cornstarch/water mixture, carefully mixing so as not to break apart the meatballs as you combine the cornstarch mixture with the teriyaki sauce. Simmer the meatballs and sauce over medium heat, maintaining a constant simmer but not cooking at too high of a boil, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thick and smooth (if the sauce becomes overly thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time to thin), about 10-15 minutes, turning the meatballs every two or three minutes to ensure even cooking. Serve over rice or couscous.

I like Simple

2010-01-17T15:57:00.005-07:00

I had a spot on our coffee table to put magazines and it was always just a big mess. I found this tray at DI for $1.50, slapped some paint on it, and called it good. Simple at it's finest.

Linking to Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Family Night and Peanut Blossoms

2010-01-12T21:29:00.005-07:00

For Family Home Evening, my daughter and I made Peanut Blossoms. They are simple, yummy and fun to make with little kids. Nothing fancy, but just the perfect little treat. I also found a year of lessons for Family Night every Monday HERE. The lesson was simple and short, just what my 2 year old (and I) can handle.

Peanut Blossoms
(recipe from Sister's Cafe)

½ c. sugar
½ c. brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 ¾ c. flour
1 tsp soda
½ tsp salt
½ c. butter
½ c. peanut butter
1 pkg Hershey kisses

Cream butter and sugars – adding egg and vanilla. Add dry ingredients. Roll into balls. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 8 minutes at 375°. Then put kiss gently on each cookie. Bake 3 minutes longer.

Cafe Rio Style

2010-01-11T21:04:00.003-07:00

If you haven't been to Cafe Rio or don't live near one, I'm so sorry. It's one of my all time favorite Mexican restaurants in Utah. Good news for you- I have a copy cat recipe for the Sweet Pork that is to die for. The hardest part is putting all three ingredients in the crock pot and letting it smell up your house all day long. Yum-O! You can use it for tacos, burritos, taco salad.... even your hubby can cook this for you! Bonus! (Mine didn't, but he could have)

Sweet Pork
(recipe from Your Homebased Mom)

1-2 lb. pork tenderloin (I have used inexpensive pork carnitas also – available at Winco)

1 cup brown sugar

2 cups fresh salsa

Mix sugar and salsa, pour over pork. Cook in crock pot for 8 hrs. on low. When done shred with two forks and return to juice in crock pot and allow liquid to absorb. Serve with tortillas and all the fixins!

Linking up to Tasty Tuesday @ Balancing Beauty and Bedlam

Table Runner Re-purposed

2010-01-10T21:36:00.004-07:00

This table runner used to be on my table (duh!) until recently. I just wasn't feeling it anymore so I decided to re-purpose it. I have also been wanting to frame silhouettes of my kids too, so I thought this would be the perfect spot to use them. There are plenty of tutorials to do the silhouettes but I thought the easiest way is to print a black and white photo on cardstock or some kind of thicker paper. Trace around the face and head and cut out. Once it is cut, then paint it black. You can find the instructions HERE. I also spray painted the frames. My cost... FREE! Everything came from around the house. When my hubby was putting up the decor, he said, "we really need to have matching frames instead." Thanks honey for telling me after the fact! And you know... he's probably right but this will do for now since I don't want to spend any money.

Linking up to the following link parties:

Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On the Porch

Kimba @ A Soft Place to Land

Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog

Penny Pinching Party @ Thrify Home

Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design

Power of Paint @ Domestically Speaking

Strut your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Yumminess in little packages

2010-01-10T14:53:00.004-07:00

I took these mini cheesecakes to a baby shower. I wasn't able to go, but when the plate came back, they were all gone. So, they must have been a hit! They are definitely not as cute as Picky Palate, but they were yummy. I used a mini muffin pan instead and it worked out just fine.

Shortbread Cookie Crusted Peanut Butter Mini Cheesecakes
(recipe from Picky Palate)

1 Cup ground up Pepperidge Farm Shortbread Cookies (I did this in a food processor)
2 Tablespoons melted butter
2 8oz packages reduced fat softened cream cheese
½ Cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
¼ Cup light sour cream
Pinch of salt
3 Tablespoons creamy peanut butter that has been softened in microwave for about 15 seconds

½ Cup semi sweet chocolate chips
2 Tablespoons heavy cream, or a touch more until you get a shiny, smooth consistency with your chocolate

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Place ground cookies and melted butter into a medium bowl and stir until well combined. Spoon a heaping Tablespoon of crust into each mini cheesecake pan or mini muffin tin. With fingers, press crust down until even.

2. In a stand or electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until well combined. Add in eggs one at a time following with the vanilla, sour cream, pinch of salt and softened peanut butter. Mix until just combined.

3. Fill each crust filled cup ¾ way full of cheesecake batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cheesecake is set. Remove from oven and let sit in pan at room temperature for 30 minutes before removing. Transfer to mini cheesecakes to a cooling rack to cool completely, another 30 minutes or so.

4. Place chocolate chips into a microwave safe bowl and heat in 30 second intervals until melted and smooth. Stir in heavy cream until shiny and smooth. Spoon ganache over each cheesecake. Refrigerate until serving.

My First Award

2010-01-09T09:04:00.006-07:00

First thing first, I recieved my first award- The Lemonade Stand Award, from Brandy @ Home Sweet Home. Thanks Brandy! Check her blog out sometime! She has some darling sewing projects and is super talented.

The rules of the accepting this award are:

Put the lemonade stand logo on your blog, or in your post.
Nominate at least 10 blogs with great attitude, or gratitude.
Link the nominees within your post.
Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
Share the love, and link to the person from whom you received this award.

Here are my nominations for the award in no particular order:

1. Beneath My Heart
2. Somewhat Simple
3. Blue Cricket Design
4. 320 Sycamore
5. Shanty 2 Chic
6. Tatertots and Jello
7. Your Homebased Mom
8. The Idea Room
9. The Creative Crate
10. Sister's Stuff

Ground Beef Tacos

2010-01-08T14:10:00.003-07:00

Another slam dunk recipe from My Kitchen Cafe. Seriously, she has the best recipes ever! I used to use taco seasonings for the meat anytime I made tacos. But after trying this recipe, taco seasoning in a packet is disgusting. I mean, the packet stuff taste fake. This is one of my hubby's favorites for dinner and my daughter loves it too!

Ground Beef Tacos
(recipe from My Kitchen Cafe)

Heat in a medium skillet over medium heat:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (I used canola oil)

Add:
3/4 cup chopped onion

Cook, stirring often, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high and add:
1 pound ground beef

Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink, about 3 minutes. Stir in:
1 to 3 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander (this is optional - but I love the flavor of coriander!)
Salt to taste (I used about 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt)

Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add:
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced fine (alternately, you can add hot pepper sauce to taste or canned jalapenos OR just leave out the heat altogether, although I think the meat really needs a little kick and the 1 jalapeno I used wasn't overly spicy)

Cook, stirring occasionally, over low heat for 10 minutes.

Serve meat in taco shells (hard or soft) and your choice of toppings.

Monogrammed Frame Door Decoration

2010-01-06T19:22:00.004-07:00

I'm so excited about this new craft I made. Isn't silly how a new craft can make you feel giddy? Monogram letters and frames seem to be popping all over the blogosphere. So, I decided to put them together to decorate my front door. It was very simple and cheap too. My kind of project. I don't think I've seen anyone else do this, but if you have, please let me know so I can give credit where due. I bought a simple frame at Deseret Industries for $1.00 and the letter "F", scrapbook paper and ribbon from Roberts Crafts. I then painted the frame and the edges of the "F" off white. I mod podged the scrapbook paper onto the "F" and then hung some ribbon from the top of the frame to hold the "F". Do you like?

Linking up to the fabulous link parties:

Before and After Party @ Thrify Decor Chick

Struff your stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Show off your Stuff Party @ Fireflies and Jellybeans

I made it without my Hubby @

Baby Leggings

2010-01-04T13:48:00.003-07:00

I am SO NOT a sewer. Every time I start to feel ambitious and want to try a hand at sewing, the project takes way TOO long and I'm immediately turned off. So, when I saw this project and it did not require a sewing machine or much time, I was instantly hooked. I saw the idea HERE with the tutorial HERE. These ones aren't very colorful since this is all I had left from Christmas gifts. You can buy some cheap super cute knee highs to make these. I was able to buy 3 pairs of knee highs for $5 which makes them $1.50 per pair!

Linking up to Just something I whipped Up @ the girl creative and Metamorphis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch.

Sweet Wild Rice Stuffing

2010-01-03T15:00:00.003-07:00

I'm not a fan of stuffing. Actually, I think it's really disgusting and mushy. When my sister-in-law served this for Christmas dinner a few years ago, I was in love. It is truly fabulous and such a nice change from the traditional mush.

Sweet Wild Rice Stuffing
(recipe from Raquel Sprague)

1 1/2 cups assorted rice (I used some wild rice and regular white rice)
3 cups chicken broth
dash of salt
2 tbsp butter

Jimmy Dean Maple Sausage
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp brown sugar

1/2 cup diced dried apricots
1/4 cup chopped pecans

1. Add salt and butter with rice and cook in chicken broth until done.
2. Brown sausage with onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and whatever seasonings you like. I use a little oregano, basil and sage.
3. Drain fat and then add honey and brown sugar.
4. Add sausage mixture to rice and add apricots and pecans.
5. Go live in heaven for a little bit while you devour the whole pan.

Some more Wall Decor

2010-01-02T08:53:00.003-07:00

I had this shelf sitting in my closet for the past 3 years since we moved to Utah from CA. The shelf was a brown color and didn't really match any of our decor in the new house. So I used my trusty can of black spray paint and added some squares of cute scrapbook paper in the windows and Bam! a cute wall decoration. For the letter "F", I painted it black and modpodged some scrapbook paper on it. Added a cute ribbon and hung it from a knob above the shelf. My cost- less than $5.00 for the paper and letter F. I love me some cheap and cute projects!

Linking up to the following parties:

Get your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog

Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design

Photo Coasters

2009-12-31T08:43:00.006-07:00

My Dad lives in CA so I only see him once a year during the holidays and he only gets to see his grandkids during that time. So, for Christmas this year, I decided to make him some photo coasters since he is a coffee drinker and he can remember his cute grandkids at the same time. Suce an easy peasy project and cheap too.

Cast of characters:
4x6 photos of cuteness
4x4 tiles
mod podge
shellac (sealant)

1. Cut photos to match size of tile
2. Mod podge the back of picture to tile and then put a top coat on top of photo
3. Once dry, spray shellac (sealant) so tile can be used and get wet without the picture getting ruined.
4. Enjoy some cuteness while drinking some warm cocoa!

Linking up to Strut your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple &

DIY Chalkboard

2009-12-29T20:42:00.005-07:00

This year our family made Christmas gifts for each other. When I saw an idea off Somewhat Simple, I knew I had to make it for my sister. Her blog is called, "Let's Celebrate." I would provide a link to it, but it's private. Dang it, cause it's so darn cute. She celebrates all the little things in life, like 1/2 birthdays, first day of school, National Doughnut Day ( I didn't even know a day existed!). You name it, she celebrates. I found this frame @ DI for a few bucks and painted it red. I bought some chalkboard paint that worked like a charm. That stuff is so cool and now I'm ready to make everything chalkboard. My little sister used her Cricut to make the letters.

Linking up to Christmas Show and Tell @ Tip Junkie , Show and Tell @ Blue Cricket Design and Toot Your Horn Tuesday @ A Silly Little Sparrow.

Pumpkin Roll

2009-12-28T15:32:00.006-07:00

This is the BEST pumpkin roll ever! It's the perfect dessert for the holidays. I used my grandma's cheesecake filling for the inside of the pumpkin roll since it is so delightful but I'm sure the filling from Libby's is just as good.

Libby's Pumpkin Roll
(recipe from allrecipes.com)

Ingredients
1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel) 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 large eggs 1 cup granulated sugar 2/3 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin 1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional) 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)
Directions
PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan; line with wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle towel with powdered sugar.
COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts.
BAKE for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.
BEAT cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake; remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

NOTE: Recipe for the filling that I used: 8 oz cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tub of cool whip. Beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Fold in cool whip.

Silhouette Ornaments

2009-12-23T14:00:00.004-07:00

Silhouettes are the rage right now in the blogging world. I found the easy tutorial HERE. It will be fun to see how different the profiles change year to year.

Mini Peppermint Bark

2009-12-22T13:59:00.002-07:00

Peppermint bark is awesome, especially during the holidays. But it costs an arm and leg for some chocolate and peppermint candy melted together. Where I saw it, it was $26.50! So, when I saw this idea HERE, I knew I wanted to try it and it was my kind of price too.

Note: Do not use cheap chocolate. I learned the hard way.

Cast of Characters:
1 bag of milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 bag of white chocolate chips
peppermint candies crushed (as many as you want)
snowman mold from the Dollar Tree

1. Crush candies and put in bottom of mold
2. Melt white chocolate chips and spoon on top of candies. Leave room for the milk chocolate. Set in fridge to harden.
3. Spoon milk chocolate on top of white chocolate to the top of the mold and put back in fridge to harden.
4. Once hard, pop chocolates out of mold and eat up! Aren't they cute?

Holiday Cocoa

2009-12-21T14:11:00.003-07:00

Peppermint stick icecream is my all time favorite. So, when I saw this idea from a family friend, I knew it would be a hit. The ice cream melts on the top of the hot chocolate and makes it so creamy and delish. Now go make your tummy sing. You will thank me.

Holiday Cocoa
1 cup hot chocolate
1 scoop of peppermint ice cream
1 dallop of whip cream

Make the hot chocolate and scoop some ice cream on top. Add the whip cream for a finishing touch. Are you in love?

Honey Lime Enchiladas

2009-12-18T13:34:00.006-07:00

I'm not a red sauce enchilada fan. So, these enchiladas caught my attention since they use the green sauce instead and they are awesome! The original recipe came from My Kitchen Cafe but I used the variation from Homebased Mom. Serve it with a side of rice and you've got one dang good meal.

(Editor's Note: I know this picture looks absolutely disgusting, but my little digital camera is all I have. Trust me- they are awesome)

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas
(original recipe from My Kitchen Cafe)

6 Tbsp honey

5 Tbsp fresh lime juice (1-2 limes)

1 Tbsp chili powder

1 tsp garlic powder

2-3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

8 – 10 flour tortillas (depending on size)

1 lb of a Mexican blend cheese (monterey jack, colby, cheddar), shredded

1 large can of green enchilada sauce

Mix the honey, lime juice, chili powder and garlic powder together with the shredded chicken. Allow it to sit for at least 1/2 hour or you could do it hours before and just cover and refrigerate.

Pour 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce into bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Place chicken and cheese into middle of a tortilla and spoon about 1 tablespoon of enchilada sauce over it and roll up. Place seam down in the pan. Reserve about 1-2 cups of cheese to sprinkle on top of enchiladas. Pour enchilada sauce over the top of rolled enchiladas (reserve a little bit to add after they are baked) and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly.

French Bread

2009-12-15T14:51:00.006-07:00

Homemade french bread is the best paired up with some yummy spaghetti. This recipe is really easy and delicious. Now stop reading and go make some!

Grandma’s French Bread
(recipe from Sister's Cafe)
2 ¼ c. warm water
2 T. sugar
1 Tbsp yeast
1 Tbsp salt
2 Tbsp oil
5 ½ -6 cups flour-stirred before measured

First dissolve sugar and yeast in the warm water. Let this proof—or sit for a few minutes until it bubbles. Then add salt, oil and 3 cups of flour and beat well (At this point I switch to my dough/kneading attachment on my Bosch mixer) Add in 2 1/2 -3 more cups of flour. The dough should clean off the sides of the bowl and not be too sticky. Knead for a few minutes. Leave the dough in the mixer to rest for 10 minutes and then stir it down (turn on your mixer for 10 seconds) and then allow to rest another 10 minutes. Repeat for a total of 5 times. Then turn dough onto a floured surface and knead it 2 or 3 times to coat with flour. Divide into 2 equal parts. Roll each part into a 9x13 rectangle. Roll dough up, starting from long edge of loaf to seal. Arrange seam side down on large baking sheet that’s been sprinkled with corn meal, allowing room for both loaves. Repeat with second part of dough. With a sharp knife, cut 3 gashes at an angle on the top of each. Cover lightly; allow to rise 30 minutes. Brush entire surface with egg wash (one egg beaten slightly with 1 Tbsp of water). If desired, sprinkle with sesame seads. Bake for 30 minutes at 375. Cool on racks
NOTE: For a crustier loaf, a pan of hot water may be set on bottom of oven while bread is baking.

Monogrammed Wall Art

2009-12-14T13:56:00.005-07:00

This was a super duper easy project. I found the idea HERE.

Materials:
12 x 12 piece of wood
scrapbook paper
Any letter you choose
mod podge
Acrylic paint

1. Paint sides of board
2. Mod podge scrapbook paper on top and apply several coats on top to seal it.
3. Paint letter desired color.
4. Glue letter on top of scrapbook paper.

All done! Now isn't that cute? Go hang it somewhere..

Linking up to DIY Day @ A Soft Place to Land.

Homemade Bread

2009-12-11T14:50:00.005-07:00

I love me some homemade bread. I'm a terrible bread maker- usually the dough will come out really tough and dry which leads to a little cursing... I found this recipe and it was easy peasy! I didn't have any whole wheat flour so I just used all purpose flour instead. So yummy! This is also a perfect recipe for the Kitchen Aid since most recipes call for the Bosch and have way too much dough for the Kithcen Aid to handle.

Fresh Wheat Bread
Recipe from Sister's Cafe

2 cups whole wheat flour, sifted
4 to 5 cups bread flour, sifted
2 Tbs granulated sugar
1½ tsp salt
1 Tbs yeast (a rounded Tablespoon)
2 ounces honey (1/4 cup)
1 2/3 cups water
2/3 cup milk
½ stick butter (1/4 cup)

1. In a large mixer bowl, whisk together flours, sugar, salt and yeast.
2. In a medium bowl, combine honey, milk, water and butter, and heat to 105 degrees in the microwave. (About 60 seconds - I used a candy thermometer. It worked great.)
3. Stir liquids to melt the butter and add, all at once, to the dry ingredients in the mixer bowl.
4. With the dough hook installed on your stand mixer, mix dough. Add more flour by the Tablespoon, as needed, until the dough comes together and clears the bowl. Mix for 8-10 minutes with the dough hook until no longer sticky, adding flour as necessary.
6. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. Remove from bowl and divide dough in half. Make each half into a 10 x 12 rectangle and roll each up from short end. Pinch the seams. Roll on the countertop to make a uniform log and place in an oiled breadpan seam-side up. Shake the roll to oil the bottom, turn the pan over, catch the dough and reinsert it into the pan, seam-side-down. (or just spray your plastic wrap with oil before covering so it doesn't stick. I don't like to use a towel to cover because it can dry out the dough.)
7. Return to warm place and let rise an additional 30 minutes or until at least 1 inch above the pan top. Bake in a preheated 400°F. oven for 25 minutes. Remove from pans and cool on rack.

Yield: 2 loaves

Buttermilk Waffles

2009-12-09T14:53:00.004-07:00

These waffles are scrumptious. Go ahead... try it!

Buttermilk Waffles

(recipe from Martha Stewart)
Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
8 tablespoons (1 stick) melted unsalted butter, plus more for waffle iron
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, separated, room temperature
2 cups buttermilk, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
1.Grease waffle iron with a small amount of melted butter, and heat. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
2.In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour into dry mixture, and combine.
3.In a medium bowl, beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Fold whites into batter.
4.Ladle about 1/3 cup batter onto each section of the waffle grid; spread batter almost to the edges. Close lid, and bake 3 to 5 minutes, until no steam emerges from waffle iron.
5.Transfer cooked waffles to a baking sheet; place in an oven set to low heat, about 200 degrees, while using remaining batter.

Cheap Christmas Gifts

2009-12-07T15:40:00.005-07:00

This Christmas will be much leaner than in the past years. I'm making all of the gifts this year which has required me to use a little bit of creativity on my part. This is an extremely frugal gift- 16 cents for the tile, an old Christmas card, some mod podge and cork board. I found this idea at Beneath My Heart. I initially tried it with the napkins but it turned into a big ol' mess so I used a Christmas card instead.

Dip in Deliciousness

2009-12-01T15:07:00.005-07:00

This is one of my very favorite salsas. So fresh and yummy. We eat it with chips or even put it on tacos.

Bean and Corn Salsa
Recipe from Jen Beckstead

1 can black beans
3 medium tomatoes
1/3 bunch of cilantro
2/3 bunch green onions
1 juice of a lime
1 or 2 avocados
1 can corn, drained
1 packet Italien seasoning

Mix together and eat. Yum O!

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

2009-11-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

I love just about anything pumpkin. These rolls were perfect- moist, tender and pumpkin-y. Try a new twist on the original cinnamon roll.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Struesal Buns
(recipe from Lick the Bowl Good)

1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1/4 cup warm water (100° to 110°)
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided* (see note)
1/2 cup fresh pumpkin puree* (see note)
1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cooking spray
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces

Glaze:

3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar
1 tablespoon hot water
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

To prepare the buns, dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl; let stand for 5 minutes. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Add 2 cups flour, pumpkin, and next 5 ingredients (pumpkin through nutmeg); beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes); add enough of the remaining 3/4 cup flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel tacky).

Place the dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, for 45 minutes or until doubled in size. (Press two fingers into the dough. If an indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.)

Combine 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal.

Punch dough down; cover and let rest for 5 minutes. Roll the dough into a 12 x 10-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Sprinkle with brown sugar mixture. Roll up the rectangle tightly, starting with a long edge, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets; pinch seam and ends to seal. Cut roll into 12 (1-inch) slices. Place slices in a 9-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise 25 minutes or until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 375°.

Bake the rolls at 375° for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 15 minutes in pan on a wire rack.

To prepare the glaze, combine the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon water, and vanilla extract in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Drizzle glaze over buns. Serve warm.

Chili Lime Chicken Skewers

2009-11-24T21:51:00.000-07:00

My hubby has a slight obsession with the BBQ grill even when it's butt cold outside. We tried this recipe from Homebased Mom and it was a hit. We used peaches instead of pineapple since that was all we had in the pantry and it was delish. Although I think the pineapple or mango would probably be better.

Chili-Lime Pineapple {Mango} Chicken Skewers

Adapted from Williams Sonoma

6 Tbsp olive oil

1/4 C fresh lime juice

Zest of one lime

1 tsp chili powder

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (double that if you like spicy things)

1/2 tsp salt

1 Tbsp sugar

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1 inch cubes

3 ripe but firm mangoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes or fresh pineapple spears cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes. I used about 6-7 large spears.

Soak wooden/bamboo skewers in water for 20-30 minutes prior to using them. This will prevent them from burning on the grill.

In a large owl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, cayenne, salt and sugar. Place in a zip-lock bag and add the chicken and mangoes (pineapple), stirring gently to coat with marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.

Prepare grill (or indoor grill pan)

Remove the chicken and fruit from the marinade and thread onto skewers, alternating the pieces and dividing them evenly.

Be sure not to smash everything together too tightly. In order for the food to cook thoroughly and evenly, it needs room! The pieces threaded on should just barely touch each other.

Cook on grill until nicely charred and cooked through – 6-10 minutes. Serve immediately.

Kitchen decor

2009-11-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

The spot above my stove was pretty blah. I had these two plates and hanger up on the wall where no one could see them. They were green and purple ugly. I spray painted the plates heirloom white and mod podged the cursive letters k and b. (Next time I would I use spray adhesive for the letters so the mod podge doesn't show). My price.. FREE!

I love FALL

2009-11-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

Fall is one of my favorite seasons. Being that it means it's closer to the holidays and it is not so freakin' hot outside. I found this little gem on one of my favorite blogs, called 320 Sycamore. Check out the tutorial HERE. My price.. $3.50 (I couldn't find the tall glass at the Dollar Store so I went to a local thrift sotre instead). It looks so cool lit up at night!

Finding treasures in your own home...

2009-11-19T13:17:00.002-07:00

Since I've become a full time SAHM, I've had to become a little more creative on making crafts since we are now down to one income. When we moved to Utah 3 years ago, a collection of "stuff" sat om the closet until recently. I pulled out this frame that was green and spray painted it black and added some letters that I already had and painted them black as well. I bought a piece of fabric at Joann's and used that as the background. Very simple and adds a lot to the wall. The hanging basket was metal with an ugly sticker on it that was on our front door. I pulled the sticker off and spray painted it black as well. I thought it would be neat to put a vinyl sticker on the front. The sticker I found was not the color I wanted so I had this brilliant idea to spray-paint it Heirloom White. Not so brilliant- I ended up having to place each piece on by hand. In the end I think it turned out pretty darn cute. Total cost of project- $2.50. Awesome!

Linking up to Get your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog

Welcome!

2009-11-16T21:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome and I hope you enjoy your stay and find some inspiration to use your own creativity. Being a mom of two kids under 2 keeps me busy and running in circles on a daily basis. And... my husband works 50 hours a week and is busy with his church calling so I am left home alone with the kiddos very often. I love to craft and bake when I have a free moment. So... enough babbling and onto my first craft post!

I found this darling wreath idea from the blog Nannygoat with a tutorial HERE. This wreath probably cost a total of $8.00 since I bought all the ornaments from the dollar store! Not to shabby considering most wreaths are so freakin' expensive. I'm looking forward to a nice change from the traditional Christmas wreath.