Inside BruCrew Life

Whatchamacallit Blondies

2012-02-15T06:20:00.008-05:00

I know what you are thinking:-)

Do we really need another blonde brownie recipe?

The answer to that is a very loud YES!!!

But I knew you would need more than a picture

to convince you, so...

I came prepared with some excellent reasons

on why you need to bake them. (like today)

1. They are filled with two kinds of caramel.

2. Their crunch comes from rice krispies and peanuts.

3. A brownie topped with rich chocolate is a no brainer.

4. Brownies copying candy bars...always a good idea.

5. It is a eewwy gooey blonde brownie. Nuff said!

I did come up with one reason

NOT to make them...

1. They won't last the night once you taste them.

Now you might think,

"that is a good enough reason NOT to bake them for me."

But trust me...you want these blondies in your life ASAP.

ANd I do mean WANT them for sure!

It is possible that your thighs will hate you in the morning,

but it will be oh, so worth it when you take that first bite:-)

Slightly under baked, full of crunchy krispies and

loaded with gooey caramel...totally drool worthy!

Yup! I have you convinced to bake today, don't I!

What are you still doing here???

Go set out the butter so you can bake these

before the kids get home from school.

See, you won't have to eat the whole pan...

unless you really want to.

I'm pretty sure your family will help you devour them!!

I know mine did:-)

Whatchamacallit Bars

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients

for the bars

2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter
2 eggs
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1/4 c. caramel ice cream topping
3/4 c. caramel bits
3/4 c. chopped peanuts
1 1/2 c. rice krispies

for the topping

1 c. chocolate chips
1/4 c. whipping cream

Instructions

Cream the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla, caramel topping and salt and beat on low until fluffy.

Sift the baking powder and flour and slowly add to the butter mixture. Stir in the caramel bits, peanuts and rice krispies by hand. Spread in a greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350* for 28 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Bring the whipping cream to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat and stir in the chips. Stir until melted and creamy. Let cool slightly. Spread on top of the cooled blondies and let set.

Shared with: This Chick Cooks, Junk in their Trunk, Wow Me, Show and Share

Trick or Treat Tuesday...the Heart Edition!

2012-02-14T05:00:00.002-05:00

Happy ♥ Day!

The internet has been blooming with

all things hearts, chocolate and love

for quite a few weeks now.

This past week one song

kept coming to mind when I would see

the word LOVE.

Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure!

It's an oldie but for sure a goodie!!!!

(found on Pinterest but it is from LampLightArt)

I am so thankful that God loves me no matter what.

What a humbling thought! Definitely hard to comprehend some days!

He is always there even when I am not

or when I have a bad heart attitude.

Thank goodness for God's love that covers all my sins.

I want to continue to grow stronger in my faith

and to model my love for others after the One

who keeps loving me when I don't deserve it.

This is something I have been working on

and teaching my kids.

I am also so thankful for a husband who models

all these "love" qualities and loves me

even when I act "unloveable".

Happy Valentines Day baby!!!

I love you with a cherry on top:-)

ARE YOU READY TO PARTY????

I can't wait to see the fun things that you share with me today:-)

Really I do look forward to this day...you all are a crafty bunch.

And I LOVE it!

Since it is Valentines Day

THE FAB 5 FEATURES

are all about the ♥...

And since the way to your heart is through your stomach,

I have some yummy goodness to share.

Sweet and Salty is just how I like my pretzels!!

This PRETZEL HEART MUNCH from

Miss Candiquik would be so easy to have done

before the kids get home from school.

(and there is even a free printable included:-)

I would do anything for about 3 dozen of these delicious

PEANUT BUTTER & CHOCOLATE HEART COOKIES!

Searching for Dessert hit it out of the park with these yummies!!!

Deelicious Sweets made some delicious heart shaped

RED VELVET SWEETHEART CAKES!

These would be so easy to whip up before tonight's dinner!

These adorable HEART MARSHMALLOW BROWNIE BITES

have been following me around all blog land.

I still can't get over how cute they are!

Kudos to A Pumpkin and A Princess for creating a super heart-y treat!

And I just had to show off these OREO PIG POPS!!!

Are these not the cutest thing ever from Blondie and Brownies?

The heart nostrils are killing me:-)

Ok, get ready to link up some

CRAFTS, PROJECTS, and of course RECIPES!!!!

I can't wait to see all the fun things you have made this week.

Just remember:

No etsy shops or giveaways.

And a link back is always appreciated...but not necessary:-)

You can grab the button under the button tab or use a text link.

Marshmallow Brownie Bites

2012-02-13T01:40:00.013-05:00


Happy day before love day!

Honestly, we aren't super mushy people
and we don't really celebrate Valentine's Day.

I say "don't really" lightly
because my husband has been known
to buy me flowers and surprise me.

This year he is taking me to

one of my favorite stores...IKEA!

It wasn't for Valentine's Day though.

It just happened to fall on heart week.
(Yea for some fun new furnishing and food props:-)

One thing I DO love about heart day...

or any holiday for that matter,
is that I can bake up a crazy amount of themed treats

and not be ridiculed for it...too much that is.

My family might be a little tired

of eating pink and red food:-)

I have gone slightly overboard

this last month making...

Coconut Nutella Cookies, Cherry Marshmallow Treats,

Pink Velvet Macaroons, Chocolate Cherry M&M cookies,

and Red Hot Oreo Fudge this year.

Today I am giving you one more pink treat for a while.
And it is a super easy one too.

Marshmallow Brownie Bites.

All you need is a pan of brownies,

some marshmallows, and some melting chocolate...

oh and some time.

The good thing...

they will disappear as fast as you make them:-)


Marshmallow Brownie Bites
by Inside BruCrew Life
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 24 minutes
6017019
Ingredients
1 brownie mix
marshmallows
white melting chocolate (like Candiquik)
sprinkles
Instructions
Bake the brownies according to the 2 egg directions on the box.  Let cool completely.
Cut into small bite size pieces.  Flatten each piece and place a marshmallow in the center of the flattened brownie.  Roll into a ball and place on a wax paper lined tray.  After you have rolled all the brownies, place in the freezer for about 20 minutes.
Melt the white dipping chocolate in the microwave with a small amount of shortening, being careful not to burn it.  Dip each brownie bit in the chocolate using a toothpick.  Set back on the wax paper and top with sprinkles or colored sugar.  Let set.
Powered by Recipage


Still need a little bit more Heart Day inspiration for your kitchen?
Maybe one of last year's goodies is more your style:-)

Brookie Bites

Thin Mint Cupcakes

Cake Filled Cookie Hearts

Buckeye Filled Pretzels

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Donuts

Shared with: Mingle Monday, Market Yourself, Melt in Your Mouth, Talent Show, Naptime Creations
A little Birdie Told Me, Crazy Sweets, Tasty Tuesday, Two Maids a Baking

Red Hot Oreo Fudge...and a HOP!

2012-02-10T05:00:00.023-05:00

Today is a super fun day!

You get Red Hot Oreo Fudge...

AND you get directed to 5 other amazing blogs

with more yummy fudge recipes!!!

Just in time for Valentines Day too!

You would think we planned it that way or something:-)

The fudge hop links are at the bottom.

Don't worry, we will get to them...I promise!!!

But first let's talk about red hots.

I don't know why, but when I think of red hots

it reminds me of Valentines.

Can I tell you a secret?

I don't really like red hots (unless it is in this jello)...

but I discovered that if you melt red hots into vanilla frosting

it turns into a yummy, slightly cinnamony goodness

that is hard to resist!

Believe me I know...because I didn't resist it very well:-)

It is super easy to make because it only takes 2 ingredients.

I love no fail fudge.

(mostly because I can't get the real stuff to set up)

Melt the chips...melt the frosting...chill.

Yummy fudge in less than 30 minutes.

Now that's my kind of fudge!!!

This is technically 4 ingredient fudge

because I added cookies and candies,

but still super easy to make...

and to eat:-)

My biggest advice about this fudge...

use a food processor to crush the red hots if you have one.

I put mine in plastic baggies and

tried to smash the crap out of it with a wooden spoon.

Did you know red hots are super hard?

It took a lot of effort to crush them.

But once I tasted the fudge it was well worth the muscle

I had to put into it.

See how pretty it looks?

Believe me...

it tasted as good as it looks too:-)

Tasted because mine is all gone...that makes me kind of sad.

I'd say it is time to check out some new fudge recipes:-)

Now for the fun part of the Party...

heading to the other blogs and seeing more fudge.

Be prepared to drool A LOT!!!

These 5 girls are some of my most favorite food bloggers!!!

I love reading their blogs

and seeing the yummy treats they come up with.

And they are all sweet as can be! (the girls, not the fudge)

You are going to love them as much as I do!!!

Aimee from Shugary Sweets - Cherry Fudge

Dorothy from Crazy for Crust - 100 Grand Fudge

Ashton from Something Swanky - Red Velvet Fudge

Holly from Life as a Lofthouse - Snickers Fudge

Mandy from Mandy's Recipe Box - Smooth as Silk Fudge

Red Hot Oreo Fudge

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Oreo Fudge

1 can chocolate frosting
1 bag chocolate chips
10 oreos, crunched

For the Red Hot Fudge

1 can vanilla frosting
1 bag white chocolate chips
1/2 c. red hots, crushed

Instructions

Line an 8x8 pan with foil and spray lightly with non stick cooking spray.

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips. Stir until melted. Stir in the chocolate frosting and continue stirring until melted and creamy. Stir in the cookie crumbles. Pour into the foil lined pan. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until set.

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the white chocolate chips. Stir until melted. Stir in the vanilla frosting and continue stirring until melted and creamy. Stir in the crushed red hots. Stir a few minutes while the red hots melt and turn your fudge a pretty pink. Pour on top of the chocolate oreo fudge and let set on the counter for 10 minutes. Top with sprinkles and place in the fridge to set up completely.

Let the fudge come to room temperature before cutting into squares.

Shared with: Friday Flair, I'm Lovin It, BFF Open House, Free For All, Sweet Tooth, Weekend Potluck

Every Creative Endeavor, Weekend Showoff, Seasonal Inspiration, Weekend Wrap Up, Sweets for a Saturday

Chic and Crafty

Cherry Chocolate Coconut French Toast Bake

2012-02-09T06:25:00.014-05:00

Things that are making me smile this week:

1. My kids getting A's and B's on their tests.

2. Warm beds on cold mornings

3. Starbucks new Love cups

4. Magazines all about chocolate

5. Clean sheet day

6. Fun new recipes to try out from a friend

7. Planning a blog hop with some of my fav girls

8. Sparkly shirts found on clearance

9. Playing ping pong with the family

10. Warm french toast bake for a late night snack.

What?

You thought this was a breakfast food?

Sorry...we don't eat much for breakfast in this house:-)

so it ends up being a bed time snack!

But if you get up early enough to make this...

more power to you.

(I recommend reheating in a microwave, if you aren't a morning person like me:-)

Cherry Chocolate Coconut French Toast Bake

Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients (10 muffins)

3 Tbsp. butter, melted
3/4 c. cubed bagels (2 whole)
1 c. milk
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. shredded coconut
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. dried cherries
2 Tbsp. cherry juice
1 c. powdered sugar

Instructions

Cut bagels into cubes and toast on a pan at 350* for 7-8 minutes. Drizzle with the melted butter while on the baking sheet.

Whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla and sugar in a large bowl. Add the bread cubes, chocolate chips, coconut and cherries. Let set in the bowl for 20 minutes. Divide into mini foil pans or use muffin liners. Bake at 350* for 20 minutes.

While baking, stir cherry juice into powdered sugar. Drizzle french toast with cherry glaze if desired. Serve while warm.

Shared with: Sweet Treats, It's a Keeper, Tastetastic Thursday, BFF Open House, Chic and Crafty

I'm Lovin It

White Chocolate Cherry M&M Cookies

2012-02-08T08:13:00.012-05:00

There are always some serious sugar cravings going on at my house.

It doesn't help that there is usually some sort

of baked good sitting on the cupboard or in the fridge

tempting us to dive right in.

I have been trying really hard to watch what I am eating...

usually just by watching it go into my mouth:-)

It doesn't help when they come out with delicious cherry M&M's.

After 3 bags, I had to cut myself off...

NO MORE CHERRY M&M'S for this girl!!!

Good thing for kids lunches and for friends that help

eat all the goodies that I feel the need to bake.

I would hate to give up baking

and bonding with my Kitchen Aid

just because I am trying to eat less sugary goodness.

Now where did I hide the last few M&M's???

White Chocolate Cherry M&M cookies

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 9 minutes

Ingredients (36 cookies)

1 c. butter, softened
3 oz. white chocolate, chopped
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. cherry juice
1 1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. white chocolate chips
cherry M&M's

Instructions

Place 4 Tbsp. butter and chopped white chocolate in a sauce pan over low heat. Stir until melted and creamy. Set aside to cool slightly.

Cream the rest of the butter and sugars. Beat in the cooled white chocolate mixture. Add the eggs and cherry juice and beat again.

Sift together the dry ingredients and slowly add to the butter mixture. Stir in the chips by hand. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes. (this helps the dough from spreading too much)

Drop by small spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Press 5-6 cherry m&m's into the top of the dough. Bake at 375* for 9 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Shared with: Sweet Party, Wow Me, This Chick Cooks, Show and Share, Sweet Treats, It's a Keeper

Tastetastic Thursday

Trick or Treat Tuesday!

2012-02-07T05:00:00.001-05:00

This past week seemed to just go by in a flash...

it might have been because we were super busy

with church and friends and the Super Bowl!

I am ready to relax a little this week...

maybe sit and mindlessly look through some

awesome links from you guys:-)

I look forward to seeing all the great things

you share on Trick or Treat Tuesday.

I am all about pink and red fun this week.

My picks for the

FAB 5

definitely show a heart day trend!

(make sure you girls grab a featured button:-)

These cute VALENTINE TOWELS came from the Target $ Spot.

I love how A Pumpkin and a Princess added the fun ruffle and heart!

So cute to dress up the oven!!!

This amazing OREO CRUST HEART MUNCH from Crazy for Crust

stole my heart this week. I need a huge bowlful like now!!!

I love these cute corny BOMB VALENTINES

from Making Memories! Boom Dynamite!!!

RED VELVET WHITE CHOCOLATE POPCORN

from Something Swanky...this is pure genius!!!!

These CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY DONUTS from

Crumbs and Chaos are gorgeous...and I bet they

taste out of this world!!!!

Ok, get ready to link up some

CRAFTS, PROJECTS, and of course RECIPES!!!!

I can't wait to see all the fun things you have made this week.

Just remember: No etsy shops or giveaways.

And a link back is always appreciated...but not necessary.

You can grab the button under the button tab or use a text link:-)

Pink Velvet Macaroons

2012-02-06T09:06:00.014-05:00

A few months ago I saw Red Velvet Macaroons

in the bakery section at Walmart.

They sounded so good, BUT...

there are just some things that I won't buy

because I know that I can make them at home cheaper!!!

I added them to my Christmas cookie list,

but sadly I never got around to making them.

A few weeks ago I found them on my list and decided

to make them with a slight change.

With Valentines Day coming up soon,

Pink Velvet macaroons seemed like the best choice.

Have you seen the new Kraft marshmallow bits???

They are just like the little mini marshmallows

that come in hot chocolate packets.

I found mine at Target and thought

they would be the perfect addition to the macaroons.

They turned out so delicious and

slightly chewy from the melted marshmallows.

Definitely going to be making them again very soon!!!

Do you have a go-to cookie that you will be making for your Valentine?

Pink Velvet Macaroons

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

2 egg whites
1/2 c. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
3 c. coconut
1 c. marshmallow bits
1/4 c. flour
4 tsp. cocoa powder
1/8 tsp. salt
pink food coloring
1/4 c. white chocolate chips, melted
sprinkles

Instructions

Beat egg whites, sugar, and vanilla on high until stiff peaks form. Fold in the coconut, marshmallow bits, cocoa powder, flour and salt. Add just a little bit of pink food coloring and stir in gently.

Scoop large spoonfuls onto a non stick baking sheet. Bake 23-25 minutes at 325*. Cool on a wire rack. Drizzle with melted white chocolate and add sprinkles. Makes about 18.

Shared with: Making You Crave, Mingle Monday, Melt in Your Mouth, Chocolate Love

Talent Show, Tasty Tuesday, Crazy Sweets, Naptime Creations, Get Your Craft On

Guacamole Hummus with Football Chips

2012-02-03T06:20:00.010-05:00

Something that I have been seeing a lot lately is hummus.

Honestly...for the longest time I really didn't know what it was.

But everyone seemed to be eating it...

so I decided to get cool and join the in crowd:-)

Turns out hummus is just smashed chickpeas.

Who knew?

I love chickpeas!!!!

In fact, in college I used to buy them

and just eat them from the can for a snack!

They are still to this day one of my favorite snacks!!!

Knowing this, I knew I would love hummus!!!

I decided to create a slight variation of hummus

using some things that I had in my fridge and cupboard.

(let's pretend like the garlic & lime juice is in the picture, oh and another avocado)

Welcome my new favorite dip...

Guacamole Hummus!

The beans gave the guac a slight different taste and texture.

Apparently I liked it...a whole lot

because I almost ate the entire bowlful.

Pig out much???

If you like Guacamole and Hummus...

I totally recommend you make a big bowl of this goodness

to share with all your football loving friends.

But you might want to double it,

because once you start on it...

there is no turning back:-)

And because it is Super Bowl weekend,

go ahead and make baked football tortilla chips.

They are super easy to do...

and your friends (or kids) will totally think you are the coolest!

You really can do any shape you want....

but this weekend is all about the football.

So here we go.

1. Start with a 3 inch round metal cookie cutter.

2. Pinch the ends together.

3. Pull the sides out slightly until it resembles a football.

4. Press cookie cutter into tortillas firmly.

5. Place footballs on a baking sheet.

6. Spray lightly with nonstick spray & sprinkle with sea salt.

7. Bake at 400* for 8 minutes.

The chips will continue to crisp up as they cool on a wire rack.

Don't you just want to dive head first into that bowl?

Guacamole Hummus

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dip

2 ripe avocados
1 can garbanzo beans, drained
1/2 c. green onions, chopped
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (4 oz.) diced green chilies
2 Tbsp. lime juice
1/2 c. cilantro, chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper

For the Chips

flour tortillas shells
non stick spray
sea salt

Instructions

For the Dip

Place avocados on a plate and smash with a fork. Stir in the lime juice. On another plate, smash the beans with the oil and garlic until smooth. In a bowl, combine the avocado, beans, onions, tomatoes, chilies, cilantro, salt and pepper. Stir until combined. Refrigerate leftovers.

For the Chips

Cut tortillas into desired shape. Spread out on a baking sheet. Spray lightly with non stick spray and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake at 400* for 8 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Shared with:

I'm Lovin It, Friday Flair, Feature Friday, Weekend Potluck, Fusion Friday, Serenity Now

Anything Goes

Salted Caramel Coffee Chip Cheesecakes

2012-02-01T08:21:00.011-05:00

Have you ever done something really dumb?

Like put your purse in the shopping cart...

and then walk away to look at clothes?

Not just away where you can still see the cart...

but away through the clothes almost to the other side.

Yea, that was my "dumb" moment yesterday.

My daughter and I were looking at girly clothes...

and I completely forgot that I had put my purse

on the seat of the cart.

Did I realize that it wasn't on my shoulder???

No.

Not until I wandered slowly back to the cart.

It was only a few minutes, but still...

God was watching out for us,

because everything was still in there when I got back.

It sure was enough to make me feel sick for a while:-(

Maybe it is all the sugar that I have on the brain

that is making me be so forgetful!

One thing I won't be forgetting soon,

is how yummy these coffee chip cheesecakes were.

Especially since they were topped with a salted caramel topping.

I am still all about a good salted caramel treat.

These would be great little treats to have on hand

for a super bowl party this weekend.

You could even top them with a football shaped oreo cookie

instead of the pretzel...just sayin'.

Salted Caramel Coffee Chip Cheesecakes

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients (12-14 cheesecakes)

2 (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 Tbsp. flour
1/4 c. sour cream
2 Tbsp. instant coffee
1 Tbsp. hot water
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. mini chocolate chips
1 c. dipping caramel (for apples)
1-2 Tbsp. sea salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350* Dissolve instant coffee in hot water and vanilla. Set aside.

Beat cream cheese until creamy. Add sugar, flour, sour cream, and coffee water and beat again. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in chocolate chips by hand. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full. Bake 22 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Refrigerate until chilled through.

Heat dipping caramel until easily stirred. Stir in sea salt to taste. Top each cheesecake with 1 Tbsp. caramel. Garnish and serve with cool whip and extra mini chips. Top with pretzels right before serving. Keep refrigerated. Makes 12-14.

Shared with:

Sweet Party, This Chick Cooks, Sweet Treats, Tastetastic Thursday, Catch a Glimpse

It's a Keeper, Everybody's Creative Endeavor, Chic and Crafty, Sweet Tooth, BFF Open House

Trick or Treat Tuesday!

2012-01-31T05:10:00.000-05:00

Wow!!!

Can you believe this is the last Tuesday of January already?

This year is flying by...

and Spring will be here before we know it.

You guys continue to amaze me

with all the fun that you share each Tuesday!!!

I appreciate you stopping by and linking up...

it is fun to look through the links and see your talent.

Let's get the party started by showing off

THE FAB 5 FEATURES!!!

Blonde brownies have a special place in my heart...

and stomach:-)

I can't wait to try these yummy

VALENTINE SAMOA BLONDIES

from Six Sister's Stuff!

This RUFFLE CAKE is seriously amazing.

Thanks to The Weekly Sweet Experiment, I now

have a huge desire to make a cake tower...just so

I can try out the ruffles:-)

I am always on the lookout for yummy breakfast ideas...

this FRUIT STUFFED FRENCH TOAST

looks awesome!

Thank you A Pocket Full of Buttons for this delicious breakfast!

I love the Target $1 spot and I love how

Talented Terrace Girls embellished these fun

VALENTINE MAILBOXES!!!

The messages they give each other will be priceless!

And because it is Super Bowl week...I had to include

something football related:-)

This FOOTBALL PARTY

from A Pumpkin and a Princess is just perfect

for any parties you have planned for Sunday afternoon!!!

Ok, get ready to link up some

CRAFTS, PROJECTS, and of course RECIPES!!!!

I can't wait to see all the fun things you have made this week.

Just remember: No etsy shops or giveaways.

And a link back is always appreciated...but not necessary.

You can grab the button under the button tab or use a text link:-)

Carrot Cake Donuts

2012-01-29T16:21:00.016-05:00

Carrot cake is one of my favorite cakes of all time.

It makes me feel like I am eating a healthy dessert because:

A. there are carrots in it

B. there is pineapple in it

Last time I checked, carrots and pineapple are still healthy foods...

that makes these carrot cake DONUTS healthy:-)

YEA! A yummy healthy breakfast coming right up.

Ok, fine.

You got me.

These donuts I made aren't really healthy at all.

But they do have carrots, pineapple, AND yogurt in them,

so they can't be all THAT bad for you.

"Veggies are a must on a diet.

I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie" Jim Davis

I love this quote...

it is now my life motto:-)

Power to the VEGGIES!!!

Carrot Cake Donuts

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients (18 donuts)

For the Donuts

1/2 c. butter
1 egg
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2/3 c. brown sugar
2/3 c. vanilla yogurt
2/3 c. crushed pineapple, drained (save juice)
2/3 c. shredded carrots
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. flour

For the Frosting

4 oz. cream cheese
4 tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. pineapple juice
3/4 c. powdered sugar
chopped walnuts

Instructions

For the Donuts

Cream butter, sugar and salt. Add the egg, vanilla and yogurt and beat until smooth. Stir in the pineapple and carrots.

Sift the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda and baking powder. Slowly beat into the butter mixture.

Fill a bag with the donut mixture and snip a corner off. Squeeze into donut pan cavities filling 1/2 full. Bake at 375* for 10 minutes. Cool a few minutes in the pan and remove to wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting

While the donuts are cooling, beat the cream cheese, butter and pineapple juice. Slowly add the powdered sugar until smooth. Dip the cooled donuts in frosting and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.

Shared with: Mingle Monday, Makin' You Crave, Manic Monday, Mix it Up, Melt in Your Mouth

Tasty Tuesday, A Little Birdie Told Me, Sweet Tuesday, Friday Flair

Toffee Mocha Cupcakes

2012-01-27T09:04:00.014-05:00

It's chocolate cake day!

It's chocolate cake day!!

It's chocolate cake day!!!

Hey, did you know it's chocolate cake day? :-)

Not that I really need a "unique" holiday

to celebrate with chocolate cake.

But I will take the holiday just the same.

I actually made these mocha cupcakes a few months ago

for a friend's birthday...

Can you believe that I have been holding out on you???

I have had this amazing cupcake just sitting on my computer

waiting to be shared with you, my fabulous readers.

I was just...uuummm...waiting for the right day...

like chocolate cake day:-)

Or something like that!

You believe me right?

Because I would never intentionally hold something

so absolutely delicious back from you...

really I did just forget to post them here.

Want to know something else?

These cupcakes are NOT the only ones that have been forgotten...

I found some other ones I made for a baby shower months ago.

Yup, you read that right...months ago!!!

I haven't shared those either.

I should be fired as a food blogger:-)

Baking such deliciousness and forgetting about them so quickly!

Or...I could just share these now and the other ones..

in a month or two:-)

Yes, sharing a yummy toffee mocha cupcake

today would make you so happy, right?

Then there would be no need to fire me.

Win win for both of us today!!!

That is until you make and eat all these,

then your thighs won't be very happy with me either.

And you will be back to wanting to fire me...

it might be best if you do some cupcake sharing too!

I want to keep the job of food blogger for a little bit longer:-)

And if you are still in the mood for chocolate cake

you need to check out this

Chocolate on Chocolate cake from Shugary Sweets:-)

Toffee Mocha Cupcakes

by Inside BruCrew Life

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 chocolate cake mix
3 tbsp. instant coffee
1 c. toffee bits

For the Frosting

1 c. butter
1 c. shortening
1 tsp. vanilla
1/8 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. toffee nut coffee creamer
8 c. powdered sugar
1/3 c. chocolate chips, melted
extra toffee bits

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350*

Dissolve coffee in water that is called for on cake box. Mix up batter according to directions. Stir in toffee bits after mixing.

Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full. Bake 20-22 minutes or until the top springs back. Cool on wire rack.

Beat butter, shortening, vanilla, salt, and creamer until creamy. Slowly add sugar. Add 1 more Tbsp. creamer to thin it out if needed. Drizzle with melted chocolate chips. Sprinkle with extra bits.

Shared with: Sweet Tooth Friday, Feature Friday, I'm Lovin It, Weekend Potluck, Weekend Show Off

Tickled Pink, Free for All, Sweets for a Saturday, Seasonal Inspiration, Strut Your Stuff, A Little Inspiration

Oreo Butterscotch Coconut Blondies

2012-01-25T06:00:00.007-05:00

So my sugar cravings got the best of me last week...

I had to have a blonde brownie.

And it had to be right away!!

You are going to love these!

As long as you like coconut that is...

and if not, well, we can still be friends:-)

But back to the amazing blondie...

they are stuffed to the brim with yumminess.

Blonde brownie...check.

Chocolate chips...check.

Coconut...check.

Butterscotch chips...check

Golden Oreos...check.

Pretty much everything needed to induce a sugar coma...

or maybe even a couple of cavities.

Probably both!!!

But it sure helped satisfy my need for sugar in a hurry.

It was a really good thing I sent most of these

right out the door that night.

There was a good chance I would have eaten more

than is perfectly healthy:-)

What are you still doing here???

Get in the kitchen and start baking a batch:-)

And if you really don't like coconut...

leave it out...they will still taste awesome!!!

Oreo Butterscotch Coconut Blondies

2 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. butter

2 eggs

2 c. flour

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. vanilla

3/4 c. shredded coconut

2 c. butterscotch chips

1/2 c. chocolate chips

20 blonde oreos, broken into quarters

Cream the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until fluffy.
Sift the dry ingredients together and slowly incorporate into the butter mixture. Stir in the coconut and chips by hand. The dough will be thick.
Spread 1/2 the batter in a greased 9x13 pan. Top with broken oreo cookies. Drop the rest of the dough into chunks on top of the cookies. Gently press the dough together. There will be some gaps, but that is ok since you want to see some of the cookie.
Bake at 350* for 25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Shared with: Sweet Party, This Chick Cooks, Cast Party, It's a Keeper, Sweet Treats, Tastetastic Thursday

Friday Flair

Trick or Treat Tuesday!

2012-01-24T05:00:00.005-05:00

Did you wonder where you were

when you first got here today???

I am so excited about my new blog design

from Ashton at Something Swanky!!!

She just started up an etsy shop

Something Swanky Designs

doing fun blog designs,

and she is SO wonderful to work with.

She didn't laugh at me (too much)

when I would ask computer questions

or how to do something.

I think she completely captured me in

her design of BruCrew Life.

What do you all think???

Please head her way if you need

your blog refreshed.

She will do an amazing job!!!

But enough of my gushing...

let's recap last weeks link up!

What a great week of amazing links!

I had so much fun clicking

through all of your fun tricks and treats!

You guys sure know how to party:-)

Thank you for making

Trick or Treat Tuesday a great success!!!

The FAB 5 FEATURES are...

I can't get these CHOCOLATE LOLLIPOPS

from Pint Sized Baker out of my head!!!

Such an easy way to use up leftover chocolate and goodies!!!

Now I would have no problem going out in the snow

if I knew I was coming in to FLUFFED HOT CHOCOLATE.

Bakeaholic Mama has the perfect "Adults Only" drink for snowy days!

I have been addicted to making donuts lately. I am thinking

that these RED VELVET DONUTS from Crumbs and Chaos

would be a perfect Valentine's breakfast.

Look how nice and organized this FABRIC STORAGE

from The Scrap Shoppe is. I love how you can easily see

each pattern. I think my bins of fabric need this idea!

Do you need yummy cupcake to wow your honey for Valentines?

I think this STRAWBERRY CHAMPAGNE cupcake

from Shaken Together would be the perfect end to dinner !!!

Time to show me all

your recipes, your projects, your crafts...

I want to see it ALL!!!!

But remember: NO etsy shops or giveaways:-)

And a link back is always appreciated.

You can use the button from the top tab or use a text link...

I'm not picky!!!

Toffee Banana Coconut Muffins

2012-01-22T07:00:00.010-05:00

This weekend we got some snow...

maybe about 5 inches.

It was more than enough for me.

I'm kind of a snow grinch.

Definitely can do without it!!!

Although one of my sister in law's

pointed out the benefit of cold weather...

cute boots and coats:-)

So, my kids begged us to go sledding.

I almost didn't go...

because of my aversion to being cold.

But I overcame my cold fears...

it was only an hour after all.

I can do that!!! For the kids:-)

But now I am sick!!!!

Whoever said fresh air is good for you...

LIED!!!

I was perfectly fine before sledding.

Then after we got home...

I could totally feel it coming on.

1 hour of fresh freezing air and I have a cold!

And I only went down the hill once!

So, I can't blame it on rolling in the snow!!!

Bllllaaaaahhhhh!!!

Zicam to the rescue...

but that didn't work either.

I might have to cut my head off

to feel better.

Or I could just eat about a

dozen more of these banana muffins

while I rest on the couch watching 90210 reruns.

Comfort food people!!!

Make these soon...

you won't regret it!!!!

Toffee Banana Coconut Muffins

3/4 c. butter, softened

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

2 c. sugar

2 eggs

4 ripe bananas, smashed

1 tsp. vanilla

3 c. flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. shredded coconut

1 c. toffee bits

1/2 c. mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350*. Place liners in muffin tin.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar. Add the eggs and beat well. Stir in the bananas and vanilla.
Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and slowly incorporate into the banana mixture. Stir in the coconut, toffee bits and chocolate chips by hand.
Fill muffin liners 3/4 full. Sprinkle with extra shredded coconut. Bake 25-30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Shared with:

Sweet Indulgences, Mingle Monday, Melt in Your Mouth, Makin You Crave, Mix it Up

A Little Birdie Told Me, Talent Show, Tea Party, Tasty Tuesday, Crazy Sweets

Cherry Marshmallow Rice Krispy Treats

2012-01-20T06:15:00.013-05:00

LOVE

WITH

THE

NEW

CHERRY

M&M'S.

THIS

WAS

THE

THIRD

AND

BEST

BAG

FAR.

SOMEONE

PLEASE

STOP

ME!!!

Cherry Marshmallow

Rice Krispy Treats

1 (10 oz.) bag of large marshmallows

3 Tbsp. butter

5 c. Chocolate Rice Krispy cereal

1 c. mini marshmallows

1 1/4 c. cherry m&m's, divided

In a large saucepan, melt the butter and large marshmallows over medium heat. Stir until melted. Pour in the cereal and stir until coated. Stir in the mini marshmallows and 1 cup m&m's. Spoon into a buttered 9x13 pan. Gently press into the pan with buttered hands. (pressing too hard will result in hard krispy treats) Press the extra m&m's into the top.

Linked to:

BFF Open House, I'm Lovin It, Friday Flair, Feature Friday, Sweet Tooth

Weekend Potluck, Chic and Crafty, Weekend Wrap Up, Once Upon a Weekend

Seasonal Inspiration, Create & Inspire

Goodwill Treasure Hunting Tips

2012-01-19T08:51:00.006-05:00

Time to get our goodwill game on AGAIN:-)

I have shared before how I like the thrill of hunting

in our local Goodwills.

Yes, goodwills...emphasis on the "s".

(There are 3 within driving distance.)

With that much good stuff being donated,

I should never have to pay full price again.

Well...there are certain items that I

absolutely REFUSE to buy from there.

You know what I mean:-)

This is an outfit that I wore to church a few weeks ago.

And afterwards I realized that most of it came from

various Goodwill treasure hunts.

Yes, treasure hunts,

because you never know what you will find.

That is what makes it so fun...

and sometimes frustrating.

But I have found that if I have a plan when I go in,

it doesn't seem as crazy.

I usually pick one or two items that I want to search for.

Yes, one or two items.

Don't try to find your entire wardrobe in one day.

You will leave so exasperated!!!

HAVE A PLAN...

say to yourself,

"I will ONLY look for cardigans and tank tops today."

Take what you find and try them on.

Buy what you like and leave.

That should easily get you in and out in one hour.

Another thing I learned recently about going to Goodwill...

ALWAYS WEAR A TANK TOP

that does NOT leave your body.

I was in the dressing room and all of a sudden

the door just swung wide open.

(Apparently the lock on my door didn't really lock.)

I found myself staring at a random stranger...

a MALE stranger at that. YIKES!!!!

But you see I had my trusty tank top on,

so I wasn't as embarrassed as I could have been.

I just smiled and pulled the door closed.

I think he was just as embarrassed as me.

Just so glad I was NOT trying on jeans:-)

Speaking of the dressing room...

ONLY A FEW AT A TIME.

One day I was there and there was a line

waiting for the dressing room.

Seriously, this lady in front of me had a cart full...

A CART FULL...

that she took into the dressing room with her.

And there I stood with one pair of jeans.

Another tip...

be nice and share the room.

If someone only has one or two items,

go ahead and let them ahead of you...

especially if you plan on

monopolizing the room for the next hour.

And I'm not just saying that so I can go first:-)

Most people clean out their houses and closets on the weekend

when they have more time.

And they donate to Goodwill on the weekends too.

This means SHOP EARLY IN THE WEEK

to have a bigger selection to choose from.

You will also have more chances at the color of the day.

The color of the day is what I try to find

because it means 50% off the already low price...

meaning I can buy another item since I am saving money:-)

You can go HERE and HERE

for more of my fun shopping Goodwill tips.

Just don't judge me...

because you will see in previous posts

that I am slightly skinnier.

(Yes, I am still carrying some holiday weight:-)

Something about being addicted to sugar...

Jacket - old one in my closet from Walmart (not sure I still like it)

Striped shirt - goodwill ($4)

Tank top - goodwill ($1.50)

Jeans - Goodwill ($6)

Shoes - Goodwill ($4) (they were brand new too)

Necklace - Gordmans ($9)

Hair Flower - The Trendy Owl

I am curious...

anyone else a big Goodwill shopper???

I would love to hear any tips you have.

Shared with: Making it with Allie, DIY Diva, Tickled Pink, Friday Flair

Blueberry Coconut Scones

2012-01-18T08:17:00.010-05:00

My husband asked me to bake him some scones.

Now I am ALL about getting in my kitchen,

so I was thrilled for yet another reason to bond with my kitchen aide.

The dilemma...

part of his scone request was that they were "non candy bar" scones.

Really???

When I bake, there is almost always some sort of chocolate involved....
that's just how I roll:-)

But I love my man!

So "non candy bar" ones it was.
I dug through my cupboards, fridge, and freezer and came up with the
ingredients to make blueberry coconut scones.

They were really good, but next time...
I am throwing in some dark chocolate chunks.

Chocolate makes everything even better:-)

Can I get an amen for that???

Blueberry Coconut Scones

1 c. flour
1/2 c. oats
1/4 c. sweetened coconut
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
4 tbsp. butter, chilled and cubed
1/4 c. coconut milk
1/4 c. vanilla yogurt
3 tbsp. maple syrup
1/2 c. frozen blueberries
1 egg, beaten with 1 tsp. water
sugar

Preheat oven to 475* Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk the flour, oats, coconut, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the butter. Using a fork, mix in the butter until there are no large pieces of butter left. Pour the milk, yogurt, and syrup into the flour mixture. Stir until moistened. Gently stir in the blueberries.

For baking you have two options...

1. Pat the entire mixture into a circle on the parchment paper and flatten to about 1 inch thick. The mixture is very sticky so you might need to keep your palms wet. Then cut into 6 wedges. Again it is very sticky so don't try to move the dough. You just need a score line for later. Brush the tops with the egg mixture and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and cut through your score marks completely. It will still be slightly undone in the center, so pull the wedges apart just slightly. Bake again for about 6-8 minutes. Slide the parchment paper onto a wire rack and cool slightly.

2. Scoop the dough into 6 clumps, and flatten with a damp palm to 1 inch thick. Brush with the egg mixture. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake 12-14 minutes. Slide paper onto wire rack to cool slightly.

Linked to: This Chick Cooks, Link it Up, Sweet Party, Wednesday Eats, Made Famous By

Tastetastic Thursday, It's a Keeper, BFF Open House, Sweet Tooth

Trick or Treat Tuesday!

2012-01-17T05:00:00.004-05:00

Time to wow and amaze with me with any tricks or treats

that you have been making this week.

I have my stretchy pants and my crafty brain ready

for whatever you throw at me:-)

Today's Fab 5 Favorites are going to amaze you!

Make sure you check them all out

and leave some comment lovin!

(comments are always appreciated anytime)

The Farm Girl got me with the words

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cake.

I have a major weakness for anything pb cup related!!!

I love how easy these Snickerdoodle Donut Muffins

from the Domestic Rebel are to whip up.

Plus then you will smell all yummy and cinnamony!!!!

I want a giant bowl full of this Monster Cookie Dough Dip...

thank you Something Swanky for amazing me with it!!!

Breaking out the stretchy pants as we speak:-)

Kiddie Cocktail Cupcakes from Shugary Sweets...

my kids would love cupcakes with pop in them.

How cute are the colors, the cherry, and the straw!!!

It's a good thing Six Sister's posted a healthy

Skinny Baked Mac and Cheese recipe...

I need it after all the treats I have been drooling over this week.

Time to show me all

your recipes, your projects, your crafts...

I want to see it all!!!!

But remember: no etsy shops or giveaways:-)

And a link back is always appreciated.

You can use the grab the button from the side bar or use a text link...

I'm not picky!!!

Tiramisu Brownies

2012-01-16T00:52:00.025-05:00

I might need to make another pan of these brownies...

to make up for the story I am about to share with you!

Good thing tiramisu is my husband's favorite dessert.

(Honey, if you are reading...you might want to skip this post:-)

My husband's car broke down about a month ago...

because it needed a fancy expensive piece.

With Christmas break and the kids being out of school,

we really didn't have a huge need for 2 vehicles, so he

waited to purchase the piece.

Last week he ordered the piece and anxiously waited for it...

because he really does like driving his cool red car.

But when this piece was finally arrived and he put it in...

the car still didn't run.

Wanna know why?

The gas gauge is also broken.

Turns out the car was just out of gas:-)

He says he tweaked a few wires while he was out there

filling up the gas tank...just in case that was it.

But it was 15* out and dark...

kinda hard to see said wires!

I'm going with the "it was just out of gas" option.

Because it started right up after that.

Oh he is never going to live this one down!!!

Lots of laughing has been going on over here.

Even if it costs me a hundred more pans of brownies...

I'm totally going to remember and savor this moment!

It's good to have one of these moments on my side.

He has way too many of my "moments" on his side:-)

Tiramisu Brownies

brownie mix (for a 9x13 pan)

1/2 c. milk

4 Tbsp. instant coffee, divided

1 c. sour cream

1 box cheesecake pudding

1 (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened

1 (16 oz.) container of cool whip, divided

2 1/2 c. hard lady finger cookies, broken into chunks*

1/2 c. hot water

cocoa powder

Bake brownies according to the package using the 2 egg directions. Let cool completely.
Dissolve 2 Tbsp. coffee in the milk. Whisk in the pudding mix and set aside. Beat the cream cheese in another bowl. Add the sour cream and beat again on low speed. Fold in the pudding mix and half of the cool whip.
Dissolve the other 2 Tbsp. coffee in the hot water and drizzle over the cookie chunks. Spread a fourth of the pudding mix over the cooled brownies. Lay the cookie chunks on top of the pudding. Cover with the rest of the pudding mixture. Top with the other half of the cool whip. Dust with cocoa powder. Refrigerate leftovers.

*I used a hard coffee cookie in place of the lady fingers. I found them at our local Meijer...the brand is Stella D'oro-Margherite cookies.

Shared with:

Makin You Crave, Mix it Up, Mingle Monday, More the Merrier, Melt in Your Mouth, WhipperBerry

Create and Inspire, A Little Birdie Told Me, Crafty Confessions, Talent Show, Tasty Tuesday,

Manic Monday, Crazy Sweets, Two Maids a Bakin, This Chick Cooks, Sweet Treats, I'm Lovin It,

Weekend Wrap Up, Chic & Crafty

Java Twix Banana Bread

2012-01-13T05:53:00.017-05:00

Well, winter found us.

Our nice mild 50* January has ended.

It is a lovely shade of white outside

and temperatures (at the moment) are registering about 15*.

Honestly, I had my fingers crossed that winter

was going to forget about us this year.

My kids told me that was mean:-)

Call me crazy but the older I get,

the less I like winter time.

Something about being thoroughly chilled.

I have to admit it is pretty to look at though...

as long as I can stay inside and look at it through my windows.

Thank goodness for remote starts.

Technology is a wonderful thing isn't it?

I also don't like that my oldest is almost a teenager...

until it snows.

Then I am happy he is old enough to do the work outside.

I'm happy just staying warm inside and

baking up a crazy yummy treat for him

to devour when he comes in.

I'm thinking this crazy jazzed up banana bread

and some warm mochas will be the perfect

thing for after he gets done with shoveling the snow today!!!!

If winter hasn't found you yet,

I highly recommend getting to the store as fast as you can

for a bag of twix and a bunch of spotty bananas.

Trust me...

you won't regret it.

Java Twix Banana Bread

1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 c. mashed banana (about 3)
1/2 c. sour cream
2 c. chopped twix bars

Beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat again. Stir in the baking soda and salt. Slowly add the flour to the mixture while the mixer is running. Do not over beat.
Fold in the bananas, sour cream and twix bars by hand until incorporated. Pour into a 9x5 pan that has been sprayed with non stick spray. Bake at 350* for 1 hour and 5 minutes. Check with a sharp knife or toothpick to see if it is done...if not, bake another 5 minutes. Let cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan, then remove and cool the rest of the way on a wire rack.
After the bread has cooled all the way, spread coffee glaze on top and let set before cutting slices.

Coffee Glaze

2 Tbsp. hot water

1 Tbsp. instant coffee

3/4 c. powdered sugar

Dissolve the coffee in the hot water. Stir in the powdered sugar until smooth.

Shared with:

WhipperBerry, Sweet Tooth, Answer is Chocolate, I'm Lovin It, Tickled Pink

Frugal Girls, Foodie Friday, Free for All, Feature Friday, Sweet for a Saturday

Weekend Wrap Up, Seasonal Inspiration, Strut Your Stuff, Sundae Scoop

Happiness is...

2012-01-12T06:32:00.000-05:00

...drinking my daily water from my fun zebra cup.

...having kids old enough to actually help with home renovations.

...going on a dinner date with my husband & then getting groceries.

...viewing amazing winter sunsets.

...seeing no snow and it is the middle of January. (yes, I am a snow grinch)

...playing UNO everyday with our kiddos.

...enjoying once in a while breakfast stops.

...seeing our little guy still so excited about his stuffed pokemon collection.

...drinking a bright green spinach/protein shake after workouts.

...getting a fun new canvas in the mail.

What are the happy little things in your life right now???

Sweet and Sour Crockpot Chicken

2012-01-11T06:27:00.010-05:00

I have to be very careful about accepting candy from my kids.

They know that I don't like sour candy AT ALL!

It makes me cringe just thinking about things like

pucker powder, war heads, sour gummies.

The bad thing is that if your kids know this

they think it is hilarious to trick mom into eating

something very sour.

Usually they try to be very discreet and

hand it to me when I am distracted.

But I have gotten wise to their little tricks.

No candy from them goes into my mouth

without being inspected very closely:-)

Now sweet chocolate...I'll take that any day.

Since it is the new year and I am trying to

pay more attention to what dinners I make,

I found a few cookbooks on clearance at Barnes & Noble.

One was a Taste of Home light meals cookbook.

In it was a recipe for sweet and sour pork

that sounded like something we would like.

Sweet for me, sour for them:-)

We don't eat a lot of pork here,

so I modified a few things and used boneless chicken.

Our review:

thumbs up all around the table.

Definitely a make again recipe.

Gotta love meals like that.

Sweet and Sour Crock Pot Chicken

(adapted from Taste of Home's Everyday Light Meals cookbook)

2 Tbsp. paprika

1 1/2 lbs. chicken cut into chunks

1 Tbsp. oil

1 can (20 oz.) pineapple chunks

1 c. green onions, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1/4 c. cider vinegar

3 Tbsp. soy sauce

1 Tbsp. Teriyaki sauce

3 Tbsp. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. cornstarch

1/4 c. cold water

hot cooked brown rice

Toss chicken chunks in a large ziplock bag with the paprika. Shake until evenly coated. In a nonstick skillet brown the chicken in the oil a few pieces at a time. When lightly brown on both sides, transfer to a 3 qt. crock pot.
Drain the pineapple and save the juice. Place the pineapple in a container and refrigerate for later. Add the juice, onion, pepper, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and salt to the crock pot. Stir until mixed well. Cook on low for 6 hours or until meat is done.
Combine the cornstarch and water and whisk until smooth. Stir into the crock pot mixture. Add the pineapple. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes or until sauce is thickened slightly. Serve over cooked rice.

Shared with:

Wow Me, Share the Wealth, What's Cooking, This Chick Cooks, Junk in their Trunk

Tastetastic Thursday, Full Plate, It's a Keeper, Chic and Crafty

Trick or Treat Tuesday!

2012-01-10T06:20:00.008-05:00

Thank you so much to all of you who linked up last week

and made my first link party of the year a huge success.

It was so much fun seeing the links go up all day!

Then even more fun as I started going through them:-)

You all are very creative and fun to read!!!

Here are my Fab 5 Favorites for this week:

Make sure you check all of them out and

also leave some comment lovin'!!!

(all of these are getting a shout out on my Facebook fan page too!)

This ZEBRA CAKE from

A Little Bit Crunchy A Little Bit Rock and Roll

is fabulous. Love love love this!!!!

I definitely need to learn how to sew.

Check out how cute this RUFFLE APRON

from Doodle Craft is!!!

I was in love at the words

SALTED PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE!

Then Domesblissity compared it to the inside of a reeses.

I really can't wait to make this!

I was totally amazed to find out that you can

transfer paper ink to wood with just mod podge.

You have to see how to make this

LOVE SIGN from Creative Carmella.

I bought some wood blocks and

it is on my to do list for today!!!!

Seriously?

CHOCOLATE FUDGE with a COOKIE CRUST?

Crazy for Crust has outdone herself!!!

Now I am thinking about all the crusts

that could be added to other things:-)

Now let's get linking up those fun ideas...

let's see if we can beat last weeks record:-)

I am looking for more tricks and treats to share.

Bring your recipes, your crafts, your home decor, you name it.

Just remember:

*No etsy shops

*No giveaways

*And a link back is much appreciated...but not necessary.

You can use a text link...