Cupcakes and Pearls

Pizza Pasta

2014-09-06T19:08:00.000-04:00

I think we have been on a pizza kick lately. The other day I posted my Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza and now I am posting this. I don't think I see weight loss coming anytime soon! That's ok... I'll just be fat and happy :p

My grandma brought me a recipe very similar to this for my father's birthday dinner. I LOVED it! I tweeked it and it was a huge success with my toddlers.

My girls are my worst critics. They are picky and hardly ever eat anything except chicken nuggets, corn dogs, and mac and cheese. I usually ask them "Is it good?" about five minutes into dinner and they don't ever have a problem telling me "NO". I didn't hear any "NO's" on this dish. Matter of fact, I didn't hear any talking at all! They ate it all! YIPPEE!

This pasta is incredibly easy to make unless you get fancy and decide to make your own pasta sauce. It takes 30 minutes to prepare....
30 minutes to bake.....
and 5 minutes to devour :)

Oh and by the way... This recipe makes ALOT!! I made two 9x13's. One we ate for dinner and the other I stuck in the freezer for a rainy day. I love big recipes that surprise me and give me an extra meal.

Pizza Pasta Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 lb hamburger

2 c sausage - I used Jimmy Dean

2 boxes of noodles - any shape or size. You can even mix different ones together

1 minced green pepper

1 minced onion

1 container fresh sliced mushrooms

1 pack pepperoni

4 cups shredded mozzerella cheese

2 c parmesan cheese

1 large jar Prego pasta sauce

1 large can pizza sauce

Makes 2 9x13 dishes.

1) Brown the sausage until done. Drain and crumble. Set aside.

( Do not cook with the hamburger. I did this and it became too greasy.)

2) Brown the hamburger in a large skillet with green pepper and onion. Drain and add to a large pot.

3) In the large pot with the hamburger, add the sausage, mushrooms, pepperoni, and both sauces.

Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally.

4) Meanwhile have your noodles boiling in a seperate pot. Drain when done.

5) In the 9x13 dish add noodles. Layer the sauce mixture on top. Finish off with cheeses.

I layered mozzerella, then extra pepperonis and mushrooms, then a layer of parmesan.

6) Put in the oven and bake for 30 minutes on 350.

The girls patiently waiting for it to come out of the oven :) Sorry my child's hair was straight up from nap time lol.

In My Spare Time....

2014-08-29T19:21:00.000-04:00

Recently I have been a little MIA from the blog lately. It's not because I don't love you! I promise I do! "I do..I do...I doooo-oooo" (in my nerdiest Orange Soda voice)

My life has been a little more than chaotic lately. In the mix of raising two tiny, mischievious, most opinionated, and sassy little girls I needed a break.

After about 5 year, I picked up a paint brush again and I started to paint. Painting gives me such a fulfillment. Everything is quiet. I make my own little bubble for me and my canvas and it is pure serenity. I call it "My mommy getaway." Don't worry. My getaway is exclusively after bedtime :) *No child was harmed or neglected in the making of this art*

I thought I might would share some with you. If you think they suck...please be nice and lie to me ;)

I painted this Dumbo from the Disney Smiles Collection. I did not create this piece. All I did was recreate.
Angie from Big Bear's Wife LOVED it for her birthday!!

This was for Angie's sister in law, Meghan. She loves owls, japanese cherry blossoms, and all things teal JUST LIKE ME!!! She wanted this piece for her future kitchen!

Olaf. Of course you already knew that! Frozen and Olaf have been my most requested pieces. Frozen has definitly taken over the world this past year!

Ariel from the Little Mermaid. She was also a part of the Smile Collection I believe. I simply wanted to paint her on my own for my own amusement. Soon I am going to have enough Disney paintings on my own to have an entire "Disney Art Wall".

This abstract flower I found on google and thought it would be a perfect piece for my sister in law Ariel. She hung it in her new apartment :) I LOVE the bright colors with he dark contrast.

This I painted for one of my nephews. I thought they were all Avengers....until I went to his party and saw all of the characters on the table cloth lol. WOOPS! He loved it anyways thank goodness. Silly me! I really need a boy so I can stay up to date on things other than Disney Princessses.

Strawberry Shortcake was a request from my friend Heather's little girl who looks just like Strawberry!

This was the biggest painting I had ever tried. Too big to sit at my kitchen table, so I set up camp in my bedroom floor. It was SOOO much fun and I really shocked myself. Those are the pieces I love the most. The ones where I am so positive I'll never be able to pull it off and I do.

My brother in law, Josh asked me to paint this picture of the dam in our city. It is now hanging on the wall of his office for all of his clients to see!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

2014-08-29T18:43:00.003-04:00

Pizza is pretty much everyone's favorite. It's the "Im too lazy to cook" food. It is the "WOO! Party time!
Let's have pizza!" food. Pretty much whatever situation you have going on ... pizza is always the answer.

When I was dating my husband we ate a LOT of pizza. Too much pizza probably. We found out about the
Domino's online ordering and LOVED to order and play. Something about watching your pizza process online is just so much fun!

Eventually we got bored of our "usual" pizza orders and decided to branch out. We tried the chicken bacon ranch pizza. I fell in love at first bite!

I wanted to try to recreate it at home so I knew at any moment I could make it myself. It was a very close contest. Matter of fact my husbands first words were "This is damn good!" (Sorry for the language ;) )

Chicken Bacon Ranch:
3 boxes Jiffy Pizza Dough (or your own pizza dough)
6 chicken tenders
8 slices bacon
3 tbsp grilling seasoning (I used "Butt Rub")
1 1/2 cup shredded mozzerella cheese
1 packet dry ranch seasoning
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp olive oil

- Prepare the pizza dough as directed on box.
Spread onto greased pizza pan or cookie sheet.
Bake for 5 min on 350

- Rinse of chicken tenders and sprinkle with seasoning.
Heat skillet on medium heat with olive oil.
Place tenders on skillet and cook on each side for about 6 minutes each or until done and tender.
When done, cut into small chunks.

- Fry bacon in a seperate skillet.
When done place on a paper towel and pat dry to get rid of most of the grease.
Crumble into pieces and place in a bowl. Set aside.

- In a small bowl mix ranch seasoning with mayonnaise.

- On pizza crust, spread ranch mixture. Top with chicken pieces, then bacon bits. Sprinkle cheese on top of the entire pizza.

- Bake in the oven on 350 for about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted ad golden brown in color.

Blackberry Dumplings

2014-07-11T11:40:00.003-04:00

When I was a little girl I remember my mom going to pick blackberries. She loved stopping on the side of the road just to pick them. I never really got into it as much as she did. However, this summer has been bringing back those memories. I see blackberries and bushes everywhere I go it seems like.

Recently, I remembered my mom making blackberry dumplings with berries we had hand picked one evening. This memory made me crave them. I couldn't find any bushes around my yard so I had to settle with ones already picked from the grocery store. No worries! They turned out DELICIOUS!!

I wasn't for sure how she made them before and she couldn't remember either so I made two different recipes! Same ingredients... but one was in a skillet and turned out more soft and gooey and flavorful. The other recipe I baked came out crispy and just as delicious. I ended up eating two of each in a thirty minute period! That's how scrumptious they were! For now, I am sharing both on this post and you can choose your favorite.

Blackberry Dumplings: (For soft gooey dumplings cooked in syrup) (My favorite)

12 oz fresh blackberries
1/2 c sugar
1/4 c water
2 tbsp cinnamon
1 can crescent rolls
2 eggs
1 tbsp milk

1) In a small bowl mixed 6 oz blackberries, sugar, water, and 1 tbsp cinnamon. Mash the blackberries in well.

2) Heat the blackberry mixture in a small or medium sized skillet over medium heat.

3) While waiting for the blackberry mixture to sizzle.... In another small bowl beat eggs and stir in 1 tbsp
cinnamon and the milk.

4) Roll out the crescent dough into their triangle shape. Brush egg mixture onto the dough. Place three
blackberries in the center and roll the dough into a ball covering the berries. Brush more of the egg
mixture on the outside of the ball.

5) Once the blackberry mixture in the skillet has begun to bubble add the dough balls. Cover and let sizzle
for 10 minutes. Flip the dumplings over and let sizzle another 5-10 minutes.

6) Remove from heat. Serve with vanilla bean ice cream or cool whip.

Blackberry Dumplings: (For crispy baked dumplings)

12 oz fresh blackberries
1/2 c sugar
1/4 c water
2 tbsp cinnamon
1 can crescent rolls
2 eggs
1 tbsp milk

1) In a small bowl mixed 6 oz blackberries, sugar, water, and 1 tbsp cinnamon. Mash the blackberries in well.

2) Heat the blackberry mixture in a small or medium sized skillet over medium heat.

3) While waiting for the blackberry mixture to sizzle.... In another small bowl beat eggs and stir in 1 tbsp
cinnamon and the milk.

4) Roll out the crescent dough into their triangle shape. Brush egg mixture onto the dough. Place three
blackberries in the center and roll the dough into a ball covering the berries. Brush more of the egg
mixture on the outside of the ball.

5) Grease muffin pan ad add the balls into each muffin cup of pan.

6) Bake at 375 for 15 minutes.

7) When done remove from oven and serve with the blackberry syrup and vanilla bean ice cream.

Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

2014-07-01T10:43:00.000-04:00

I always buy too many bananas. I eventually forget that I even have them and they just sit on the counter screaming "Please use me!"

Days later my girl's finally see them and start screaming for bananas. I pull them out of the bag the grocer packaged them up in and TADA!...they have black polka dots, are extremely squishy, and I have to somehow think of a way to destract the kids with some other type of snack.

This bribing doesn't work for them. They don't forget anything and they aren't going to just let me get away with this. I tell the husband to occupy them for a little bit and I make something they will agree with.

Banana Chocolate Chip Bread!!!

Ding! Ding! Ding!

We have a winner ladies and gentlemen!!

The bread wasn't even out of the oven yet before everyone started shouting and jumping up and down in anticipation. I had to fight my husband off quite a few times just so I could take a picture! My own piece of bread?....HAHAHA yea right! Mom's don't get anything "food related" to their own. Especially when it is filled with bananas and warm melted chocolate chips!

They keep calling it cake. Which I can't totally disagree with. It was pretty delicious and super moist! They have had 3 pieces this morning and are currently jumping up on the table telling me.... "Mommy! More cake!!"

I don't know what excuse I am going to use when it's all gone! HELP!

Banana Chocolate Chip Bread:

Takes about 1 hr 30 min

Makes 1 bread pan

You will need:

3 old very ripe bananas

1 tsp lemon juice

2 c all purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

8 tbsp softened butter

2 eggs, beaten

3/4 c brown sugar

1/2 c sugar

1 c chocolate chips

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 c sour cream

Preheat oven to 325 F

Grease and flour bread pan.

In a medium bowl mash he bananas until they are creamy. Stir in lemon juice and set to the side.

In a seperate medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

In a large bowl cream the butter with the eggs, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.

Fold in bananas.

Add vanilla and sour cream.

Mix well.

Fold in chocolate chips.

Add dry ingredients and fold very gently.

Bake 1 hour and 10 minutes or until you can stick a toothpick in the center an it comes out clean.

Brown Sugar Baked Beans

2014-06-05T10:30:00.001-04:00

Do not let the sloppy look of these baked beans scare you away. They are absolutely AMAZING! I think my husband could eat them all day everyday if I would let him.

My husband and I moved into our new home in January. We are so grateful for the new season and beautiful weather because we can finally enjoy our new yard! We have a ton of rooms for guests which means I want to have plenty of cookouts! The other day started with my sister in law coming to visit. I made pulled pork barbeque sandwiches, homemade coleslaw, fruit, butterfinger cake, and these delicious baked beans! It was a hit!

If you are attending or having any cookouts this season you need to make this recipe. I promise you will have people asking for the recipe!

You will need:

1 pound good lean hamburger

1/2 green pepper, minced

1 onion, minced

1 cup brown sugar

2 capfuls apple cider vinegar

1 1/2 c ketchup

6-8 small cans of plain pork and beans

1) Rinse and drain the pork and beans. Put into a large bowl.

2) Cook the hamburger until done. Drain and put into the bowl with the beans.

3) Add the peppers and onions.

4) In one of the empty pork and bean cans pack 1 cup of brown sugar. Add the apple cider vinegar and stir until the brown sugar is liquid.

5) Fill the rest of the can with ketchup and stir until well mixed.

6) Pour the sauce in the bowl with the bean mixture and stir very well.

7) Pour the ingredients into a 8x13 dish. Cover the top with brown sugar and bake in the oven on 350 for one hour.

* You can also top with pieces of fried bacon. If so, cover the dish with aluminum foil while baking*

Butterfinger Poke Cake

2014-06-01T11:20:00.001-04:00

Summertime is my favorite season of all! Other than the heat....and having to wear bathing suits, it always makes me so happy. There is just so much to do when it is warm and beautiful outside.
We have been going to the pool with friends, fishing in our pond, meeting friends at the lake, and don't even get me started on the cookouts people have.

When it comes to cookouts I always want to make an AMAZING JAW DROPPING dish. I mean, I want people to know I can cook! I love it when others ask me for recipes, especially friends and family. It makes me feel all gooey inside knowing others love my cooking :) So feel free to drop some lovely comments on by ;)

I am making dinner for my family tonight and I wanted something easy but delicious for desert. I have been craving peanut butter and chocolate and thought back to this Butterfinger Poke Cake. It has been probably 2 years since I have made it. I sent my sweet husband to the grocery store and got busy as soon as I had time last night.

I usually make this cake with yellow cake mix, but I was craving chocolate and thought I would try it. I tried to look up recipes on Pinterest to help me remember how to make mine since it had been so long. However, I had no luck with the links downloading so I winged it.

Angie from Big Bears Wife was over when I putting this cake together. It looked and smelled so good we had to taste test. Ooops! Didn't even wait for it to cool! Is it bad that we tore up the cake before I even had the guests over to try it? Oh well.... it was worth it! My husband even ate it which tells me it must have been AMAZINGLY JAW DROPPING !! YES! Score for me! I guess for dinner tonight I'll go ahead and place them on plates so no one knows our little secret ;)

Angie urged to me to post this to share with the world....so here it is :)
I hope you all enjoy it as much as we did!

Butterfinger Poke Cake

1 box of devils food cake mix or yellow
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 jar caramel sauce
4 full sized Butterfinger candy bars
1 big container of cool whip
chocolate syrup

1) Mix cake mix as bake as said on the back of the box in 8 by 13 glass dish. It will bake about 30 minutes on 350.

2) Let cool and poke several holes in the cake. I use a straw but you can also use a fork.

3) In a medium sized bowl mix the sweetened condensed milk with about 3/4 of the jar of caramel sauce.

4) Pour over the cake and let sit for about 5-10 minutes to let the cake absorb the sauce.

5) Spoon the cool whip evenly over the cake.

6) Crush the Butterfinger bars and spread over the cool whip.

7) Drip the leftover caramel and a bit of chocolate syrup over the layer of Butterfingers.

Make sure to keep refrigerated while the cake isn't being served.

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

2014-04-22T10:23:00.003-04:00

Seafood. People either love it or hate it. I admit, I am not much of a seafood lover at all. Crab stuffed mushrooms however, I could eat them all day long!

Mmmm. Doesn't that look good!? Juicy, cheesy, flavorful. These bite sized mushrooms contain so much flavor that it's almost impossible to eat just one. Thinking about them, I may just have to go eat some more out of my fridge haha.

My dad's girlfriend made them for dinner one evening and he came home bragging about them. I am pretty sure that is what sealed the relationship (other than her great personality of course! )

I had her make them for my husband and I one night and got the recipe! YAY! Now I make them quite often, and can share them with all of you!....You're Welcome :)

Here is the recipe!!!

2 packs Baby Bella Mushrooms
1 1/2 sticks butter
1 tsp garlic salt
1 1/2 tsp seasoning (Butt Rub brand or Seasoning Salt)
1 1/2 c Fiesta Cheese
1 package crab meat (or imitation)

1) Grease a glass casserole dish. Preheat oven to 350.

2) Wash mushrooms and take out the stems. Mushrooms should look like little bowls.

3) Melt butter and brush on top and around mushrooms. Leave small puddles of butter in
     the centers of the mushrooms. You should have butter left over. Let marinate for a few minutes.

4) Chop the crab meat into fine pieces. Put in a medium bowl with any leftover melted
     butter, garlic salt, and seasoning. Top with cheese and microwave about 2 minutes stirring
     occasionally until the cheese begins to melt. Stir.

5) Take a spoon and spoon the mixture into each mushroom. Place the mushrooms with the crab
      side up onto the glass dish.

6) Top with more melted butter or a pinch of cheese and bake for 30 minutes.

Garlic Butter Parmesan Noodles

2014-04-18T16:20:00.004-04:00

I was pretty hesitant to share this recipe for the fact that it is TOO easy. However, some people need easy.... like myself for example.

I remember being little and my mom would make these for a fast lunch or snack. The garlic smell would fill the house, and I loved it! Some people don't like the smell of garlic, but it makes me hungry :)

Do you have a comfort food? Everyone has a completely different comfort food. Mine is always mashed potatoes or noodles. These noodles are perfect because they aren't plain. They actually have great flavor and are just light enough on the stomach.

Did I mention you only need 4 ingredients to make them!?

Garlic Butter Parmesan Noodles

1 box elbow noodles
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic
2 cups grated parmesan cheese

1) In a large pot, boil noodles according to box.

2) In a small saucepan melt butter. Mince the garlic cloves and stir into the saucepan. Let simmer
    about 2 minutes while constantly stirring.

3) Drain noodles and put them into a large bowl. Pour the butter/garlic sauce over the noodles and
    stir.

4) Let he noodles cool for a few minutes and then add the parmesan cheese. You can add as much or
     as little as you would like.

5) Stir well and enjoy.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Apple Cake with Honey Glaze

2014-04-15T18:45:00.000-04:00

Apple Cake is one of my favorite desserts! The first time I had it was Christmas Eve and I was only 9 years old! Unfortunately, it took until now for me to find a recipe to try it again. Yes, it has been 15 years since I have had it; and guess what? ... It is still my favorite!!

This Apple Cake tastes just like a cinnamon roll. Better yet.... one of those cinnamon raisin biscuits from Hardee's. It can be eaten for dessert.... or breakfast ;) and I always pretend it's healthy for me because of the apples. I can pretend right?

Recently my husband and I have built a new home together. With a new home there comes a lot of new visitors and entertaining. Visitors and entertaining is fine by me because I love an excuse to cook! However, my husbands family has started a gluten free-dairy free diet. When knowing they are coming for dinner I admit I panic a little. Thinking of gluten free-dairy free recipes may not seem difficult, but at the moment everything we can think of includes some type of noodle or cheese. I settle with the easy baked chicken and vegetables. But what about dessert? I'm known as the dessert queen so it has to be a killer gluten free dessert! I automatically wanted to try my apple cake. Except for a tiny bit of butter, this cake has been made completely gluten and dairy free, and it is just as scrumptious as before!

I have made this cake 5 times in the last two months! I'm guessing it's everyone else's favorite now too :) Once for me, once from my husband's request, once for my mother in law, once for my sister in law, and another by request for my sister in law's housewarming party!

If you make this Apple Cake, please feel free to come back and leave me a comment telling me what you think! If you have any suggestions please feel free to share!

For this cake you will need:

Glaze:
2 cup powdered sugar
4 tbsp. honey
4 tbsp. soy milk

Cake:
3 peeled and diced granny apples
1 cup chopped toasted walnuts (or 1/4 cup Earth's Balance and 1 cup regular chopped walnuts)
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tsp. cinnamon
3 cup gluten free all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 cup sugar
1 1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs

You will need 3 large bowls, a small bowl, a mixer, and a bundt pan.

Directions:

1- Heat oven to 350 and lightly grease bundt pan

2- In a small bowl melt walnuts and 1/2 a stick of unsalted butter in the microwave for about 2
    minutes. Stir every 30 seconds.

3- In a large bowl mix the diced apples, walnuts, cinnamon, and vanilla. Set aside.

4- In a separate large bowl mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside as well.

5- In another large bowl beat the sugar, oil, and eggs for about 2-3 minutes. Add the flour mix and
     beat until well combined. Fold in the apple mixture.

6- Scrape batter into the bundt pan and bake in the over for 1 hour 30 min or until done.

7- Allow to cool for about an hour before dumping the cake onto a plate.

8- When you have turned the cake out, in a small bowl, mix the
     powdered sugar with the soy milk. Mix really good with a spoon making sure to dissolve all
     sugar clumps. Add the honey and stir very well. Drizzle the glaze over the Apple Cake.

9- Enjoy!!!

** If you don't want this to be gluten or dairy free:
     Use regular all purpose flour in place of the gluten free
     Use regular milk in place of the soy milk.
     If using Earth's Balance to toast your walnuts, use 1/2 a stick of unsalted butter.

Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

2013-06-01T13:48:00.000-04:00

On Christmas we celebrated with some of my family. One of my grandmother's always knows how to do it right. We go into the kitchen and the entire counter is filled with food that she has made for us. It is never just ordinary food though. She makes the BEST food! I do not even need presents because her filling us up with her cooking is the best present I could have asked for.

On the menu last Christmas included chili. I was a little hesitant to eat this because I am not really a chili fan. Also, I am breastfeeding and try to stay away from spicy foods. However, I tried a bite. And then another...and another!

It was not ordinary chili that you get from Wendy's or put on hot dogs. This chili is made with chicken. The cream cheese makes it so smooth and creamy; blending the flavors together to cool down the spices.

A few months later I decided to make it for my husband. It was a huge hit and he now makes me make it once a week! I always double the recipe and still do not have enough left over to freeze for later! But it does feed a lot! I would say about 7 servings.

Little Layla hands attacking my chili!

I think it's one of her favorites too :)

Cream Cheese Chicken Chili:

Crock Pot

2-3 chicken breasts, uncooked

1 can Rotel tomatoes and chilis

1 can corn kernels, do not drain

1 can black beans OR kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 pkg. Dry Ranch dressing mix

1 Tablespoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 8-oz pkg. cream cheese , can be low fat but NOT FAT FREE!

Put the chicken in the crock pot.

Top with the cumin, chili powder, and onion powder, corn, beans, and ranch dressing mix.

Stir well.

Cook 4-6 hours on high or 6 -8 on low.

About 30 minutes before it is finished cooking take out the chicken and shred them. (Hint: Use a blender it's so much easier than forks!)

Put the chicken back into the crock pot and top with the cream cheese.

Mix well and cook another 30 minutes.

Serve with Tostito chips or corn bread and enjoy :)

Springtime Yarn Wreath

2013-05-12T20:30:00.000-04:00

For the past year Pinterest has been one of my biggest obsessions. There are just so many possibilities and things to learn. My mind has become so full of ideas I can hardly keep track! Hundreds of recipes I would like to try, folders full of art pieces I want to replicate, and of course there are my favorite....crafts for the home.

Unfortunately my husband, 2 girls, and I are currently residing with my father in his three bedroom home until we get a house built. So, all of my crafting ideas either have to wait or I have to make them for others and hope they like them just as much as I would.

I was at my grandma's house and realized she had a wreath hanger...but no wreath on her door. Here is my opportunity!!! I was going to make my first wreath for her Mother's Day gift!

Wreaths either just became popular or I just have been out of the loop until recently. Some are really big and bulky, old fashioned, or my style "simple and classy". When looking up examples that I liked for inspiration I realized that yarn was being used a lot. This seemed easy enough!

I packed up the girls, went to Hobby Lobby, and spent at least an hour trying to come up with an idea haha.

I went to the yarn section and picked out a pretty spring color, my favorite color, teal. Then I walked around looking for anything that would match. I wanted to aim for simplicity since this was my first aim at it.

I think it turned out pretty awesome don't you?

I have a list of people that I am going to make some for very soon so I am sure I will be adding some more :)

Here's what I did:
(I should have took more pictures :-/ ... don't worry I will next time :) )

1 foam wreath
1 roll of yarn in teal
4 artificial flowers. I chose pastels to match the teal and make it springy.
1 wooden letter
paint
glitter
ribbon
hot glue
glue stick
wreath hanger

Glue the first inch or two of yarn to the wreath to make sure it stays in place.

Wrap the yarn around the wreath. Make sure the lines are straight and tight so none of the white shoes through the yarn. This process requires patience! It takes a little while and your wrist may need to rest but the more you do the faster you get.

Glue the last strand when you close up the gap between the last piece and the first piece of yarn.

Paint the wooden letter. When dry, glue the letter with stick glue and pour glitter on top. Let dry.

Pull the flowers off of the stems and hot glue into place on the wreath.

Hot glue the letter onto the wreath.

Hang by ribbon on the door with the wreath hanger.

Chicken Pot Pie

2013-05-03T12:14:00.000-04:00

The weather here has been awful. First, pollen was flooding our town. No one could breath and everyone has been sick. Now, it's dreary, dark, and cold. It's May! Where is the sunshine!?

The one good thing about dreary weather is that I get to enjoy warm comforting dishes. Last night was warm and comforting chicken pot pie! My recipe is always a go to when we don't know what else to fix. I hate to brag but....it's always delicious! :p Better than Banquet! haha! Pretty fast too which I love!

My grandma has been dying for me to give her the recipe so she can try it. .. so this one is for her :)

Chicken Pot Pie:

3 tbsp seasoning (I use Butt Rub...yes, it's a real thing :p )
2 tbsp olive oil

1/3 cup butter

1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 c diced onion (optional)

1 3/4 c chicken broth OR 1 can
2/3 c milk

2 can mixed veggies
2-3 chicken breasts
2 pie crusts (from your own recipe or 1 box of already made)

Cut chicken breasts into strips. Season.

Put a medium sized skillet on medium heat on the stove. Lightly cover bottom with olive oil. When hot put the chicken strips in.

Turn once and cook until done in the center. Chop into cubes or shred with a mixer...which ever way you like it best.

Pre heat your oven to 450 degrees

Go ahead and get all of your ingredients together because once you begin the broth mixture it goes pretty fast. Above I have already seperated what you need to put together :)

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Stir in flour, salt, and pepper (and onion if you choose to use one)

Cook stirring constantly until bubbly.

Remove from heat and stir in broth and milk.

Put the saucepan back on the burner and heat to boiling. Be sure to constantly stir. It will begin to thicken. Boil and stir for 1 minute.

Stir in the chicken and canned vegetables. Remove from heat.

Roll out your dough and cover the bottom and sides of your dish with the first layer. I either use a 9x9 glass dish or this round deep dish.

Pour the mixture into the dish on top of the dough. Cover with second layer of pie crust. be sure to make a hole or two for the dish to vent or else it went make a huge bubble.

Bake about 30 minutes or until crust is brown and flaky. Let cool for a few minutes because this dish is very very hot!

Bacon and Cheese Barbeque Chicken

2013-03-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

Somehow I turn everything healthy into not so healthy! It's not on purpose I promise! I just think of things and they somehow all seem to add fat or calories! I had planned on making chicken the other night...plain barbeque chicken. Then I had the bright idea to idea bacon and cheese!

It was such a great idea! It was freakin delicious!

My husband and dad weren't so happy! They have been on a diet for a while now and I have been kind of ruining that for them. The chicken looked, smelled, and tasted too delicious for them not to try! My husband even went back for a second breast!

I plan on adding a few things next time to make this even better than it is (which seems impossible). But for now I'll share what I have so far :)

Bacon and Cheese Barbeque Chicken:

4 boneless chicken breasts
cheddar cheese
1 bottle Sweet Baby Rays Barbeque Sauce
4 pieces of thick cut bacon

Cover bottom of a 9 x 13 glass dish with barbeque sauce.

Place a piece of bacon down. Put a chicken breast in the middle so the chicken is laying in the center of a piece of bacon...making a t shape.

Coat chicken in barbeque sauce and poke with holes so the sauce with soak through chicken.

Put a slice of cheddar cheese on top of chicken then wrap entire breast with the bacon. I cut my cheese slices in half so the cheese would cover entire breast when melted.

Do this with the rest of the breasts.

Cook in oven on 350 for about 45 minutes.

Take out of the oven and check to make sure the chicken is done. Add a little more shredded cheddar cheese and barbeque if desired.

Place back in oven on broil. Let broil for about 5 -10 more minutes or until cheese is brown and bacon is crispy.

Watergate Salad #SundaySupper

2013-03-17T02:00:00.000-04:00

This Sunday Supper is all about Spring! I love spring! It is my favorite season! Out with the cold weather and in with the warm!

When I think of spring I think of flowers, baby birds, Easter, trees full of green again, and of course St. Patrick's day! I do not really know much about St. Patrick's Day other than everything is supposed to be green. It was always fun growing up trying to plan my outfits to make sure I was to never be pinched! Now that I am a housewife with nowhere to go, my food has to be the same way. I want green, delicious, and creative ideas for St. Patrick's day dinner.

When I was trying to come up with green food ideas the first thought I had was Watergate Salad "green stuff". I was introduced to this a few years ago and LOVED it! It a sweet chilled dessert, perfect for cookouts, and SUPER easy to make. Plus it has my favorite ingredients...marshmallows and cool whip! MMMM!

This "green stuff" is delicious! I have been trying to get my husband to try it but since it has pineapple he refuses :( I froze it and made it into ice cream (his favorite thing) so maybe now I have a chance ! I'll let you know how it goes!

Watergate Salad:

1 - 3.4 oz package of JELLO Pistachio Pudding mix
1 - 8 oz package of Cool Whip
1 cup nuts. I used walnuts.
1 can of crushed pineapple. Do not drain!
1 cup of coconut
1/2 of a bag of mini marshmallows

Mix the pudding mix very well with the package of Cool Whip.

Add pineapples, nuts, coconut, and marshmallows.

Refrigerate for at least an hour. If you want the salad in ice cream form just freeze in the freezer for a few hours.

Enjoy!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

#SundaySupper Spring Recipes

Published March 14, 2013 | By mamapoole

The warm weather is creeping in (did you smile, I sure did!) and our first day of Spring, March 20th, is right around the corner! Let’s warm up around the table with our friends from our #SundaySupper team and share delicious spring time recipes! Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day green, green food or spring inspired, our group sure has a menu to please your taste buds!
Green and Spring Dishes Menu Includes:
Breakfast

Baked Eggs with Shaved Asparagus and Proscuitto by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
Shrimp and Leek Quiche by Gourmet Drizzles
Spinach and Cheddar Quiche for St. Patrick’s Day Brunch by Supper For A Steal
Asparagus and Spring Onion Frittatta by Country Girl in the Village
Savory Crepes with Prawns, Broccoli and Hollandaise Sauce by Masala Herb
Egg Bake with Spring Onions, Asparagus and Artichokes by The Wimpy Vegetarian

Apps, Bread, Salads, Soups and Dressings:

Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread by The Meltaways
Strawberry, Avocado, Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette by Daily Dish Recipes
Asparagus Gazpacho by The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
Spinach Bacon Salad by In The Kitchen with Audrey
Anchovy and Egg Salad by Pescetarian Journal
Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup by Fast Food to Fresh Food
Asparagus Red Pepper Salad by No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
White Asparagus & Salmon Spring Salad by Family Foodie
Chicken-Strawberry Field Green Salad w/Strawberry Balsamic Dressing by The Weekend Gourmet
Bacon & Egg Spring Salad by Daddy Knows Less
Green Garbanzo Hummus by Soni’s Food

Main and Sides:

Pea Shoot Risotto by Small Wallet, Big Appetite
Creamy Meyer Lemon Pasta by Juanita’s Cocina
Sweet Ginger Scallion Noodles by What Smells So Good?
Asparagus Pesto w/Heirloom Fingerlings and Orecchiette by Webicurean
Coddle for St. Patrick’s Day by Noshing With The Nolands
Corned Beef Cabbage Rolls by Curious Cuisiniere
Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts with Gruyère and Hazelnuts by Hip Foodie Mom
Raw Cucumber Sandwich with Avocado and Spinach Sauce by Mama’s Blissful Bites
Berry Tacos by Peanut Butter and Peppers
Asparagus and Prosciutto Bundles by Diabetic Foodie
Caramelized Grapes and Brie Whole Wheat Galette by Vintage Kitchen
Pink Water Kimchi (Nabak Kimchi) by Kimchi Mom

Desserts:

Key Lime Cheesecake by The Foodie Army Wife
Irish Coffee Ice Cream with Caramel Whiskey Sauce by 30A Eats
Key Lime Cream Cheese Empanadas by La Cocina de Leslie
Coconut Raspberry Layer Cake by Gotta Get Baked
Fresh Mango Berry Mousse With Coconut Cream by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
Gluten Free Carrot Cookies by Simply Gourmet
Chocolate Mint Brownies by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Strawberry Sorbet by Magnolia Days
Cadbury Creme Egg Pull-Apart Sweet Rolls by Chocolate Moosey
Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Meyer Lemon Ice Cream Sandwiches by Cravings of a Lunatic
Lemon Roll Cake by The Ninja Baker
Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
Candied Flowers by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Lemon Citrus Cookies by Mom’s Test Kitchen
Mini Fruit Tarts by Big Bear’s Wife
Chocolate Pudding with Irish Cream by Buffy and George
Faux Fried Ice Cream by Neighborfood
Watergate Salad by Cupcakes and Pearls Blog
Good-for-You Strawberry Tiramisu Cheesecake Cups by Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Beverages:

Guinness Beer Milkshake by The Urban Mrs
Wines to Pair with Springtime #SundaySupper Dishes by ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
Irish Spring Tea Party by My Cute Bride

Please be sure you join us on Twitter throughout the day during #SundaySupper. We’ll be meeting up at 7:00 p.m. EST for our weekly #SundaySupper live chat where we’ll talk about our favorite cookout recipes!
All you have to do is follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, or you can follow us throughTweetChat!

Crock Pot Pork Roast and Vegetables

2013-03-06T17:00:00.000-05:00

Pot Roast is one of those meals that just warms you up. On a cold night, this is one of my favorites to make! It is easy, made in the crock pot, and makes your entire house smell delicious!

I absolutely adore my crock pot! Having two tiny babies, all I have to do is throw some things in there and get on with my day. When dinner time comes, the food is already ready! I don't have to worry about making a mess, setting timers, or getting dinner cooked before bed time.

This week has been very busy for my home. The other day we had several appointments to get to so I decided to throw a roast in my crock pot so dinner would be done when we got home.

Usually when people make a pot roast they use beef. While grocery shopping I told my husband that I wanted to make a pot roast. He accidentally picked up a pork roast instead. I am not going to lie...when I put this thing in the crock pot and realized it was not beef I got kind of upset. I was expecting it to be salty and chewy like pork usually is. I was not happy at all. However, I let my husband and dad try it first and they really liked it! When I tried my first bite, I was very shocked! It was actually better than the beef! Not only was it more tender, but it gave more flavor to the vegetables! The broth stayed clear unlike brown when you use beef, and the potatoes didn't turn brown or mushy! This will be used every time fro now on!

Sorry for getting upset honey! :-) You made an awesome mistake :-)

This is my favorite recipe! Whenever I have ate a roast at other people's homes, the meat just seems too dry. I like my roast juicy and tender. Chicken broth and a slow cooker is the secret :)

You need:
Crock Pot
Bag of baby carrots
1 - 2 onions
1 lb fresh sliced mushrooms
4 - 6 medium brown potatoes cut into 1 inch cubes
Pork roast (whatever size you would like, as long as it fits in your crock pot)
48 oz container Swanson's Chicken Broth

Slice up your onions and separate them. Place most of them in the bottom of your Crock Pot (about 3/4 of them.)

Put your roast in on top of the bed of onions.

Wash and cut the potatoes up into 1 inch cubes. Layer the potatoes on top of the roast.

Now layer the carrots, followed by the mushrooms. If you choose to use the celery and green pepper, layer them on top now.

Next, place the final slices of onions on top. (My picture doesn't show the layers because my husband just dumped all of them in at one time haha)

Slowly pour the broth into the crock pot. You'll want the liquid to cover the potato and carrot layer, but not the final onion layer (as the roast cooks - the roast and veggies will settle) Any left over broth could be stored in the fridge for 5-7 days or placed in the freezer for 6 months - in case you have any left over.

Cooking with the lid on - this thing takes a while - minimum of 6-8 hrs on high or 10-12 hrs on low. Your choice. You know it's done when the roast is fork tender - basically if you stick it on the side with a fork it'll start to come apart.

YUM!

I serve mine in a bowl with juices and all!

Mini Raspberry Cheesecakes with White Chocolate Crust #SundaySupper

2013-03-03T04:12:00.000-05:00

When I heard #SundaySupper was having a cheese, cake, and cheesecake week I was so excited! I knew I had to join in on the fun!

Cheesecake is by far one of my favorite desserts! I could eat it every day! Matter of fact when I was pregnant...I did :) My husband would buy me cheesecake whenever we went to the grocery store and sometimes even had to make special trips out! Not only was it delicious, but it always made me feel better.

This week I was planning on making a homemade cheesecake, but when I went on a trip to the store I came upon a tub of Philadelphia Cheesecake Filling! Fantastic! I'm a mom of two tiny babies... so not only would this be more convenient for me to make cakes with, but what I have left over I can just eat straight out of the tub :-) YUM!

I decided I would use white chocolate as a main crust because I love love love white chocolate raspberry cheesecake from Olive Garden. Instead of using white chocolate in the cheesecake though, I thought it would be neat to make the cheesecake more tart with raspberry and use the sweet chocolate for the crust. It worked!

Here's the recipe I used:

Cupcake Pan
24 Cupcake liners

1 Tub of Philadelphia Cheesecake Filling (or 24 oz of your own no bake cheesecake recipe)
1 Bag frozen raspberries (thawed out)
1/2 c sugar
2 c white chocolate chips
36 Nilla Waffers

1/2 bag of dark chocolate raspberry melts (optional for decoration)

Line cupcake pan with cupcake liners.

Crush up the Nilla Wafers so they are fine crumbs.

Melt white chocolate chips according to package.

Push the white chocolate onto the bottom and sides of the cupcake liners creating a "bowl".

Spoon crushed Nilla Wafers into the bottom of the cupcake liners.

After the white chocolate has completely dried, spoon the cheesecake filling into the cups. Even the tops out with a spoon.

Mix raspberries in a small bowl with 1/2 cup sugar. Mash the raspberries with the back of a spoon until they are smooth.

Spread the raspberry sauce on top of the cheesecakes.

For decoration I melted dark cocoa raspberry melts into a mold. Once they cooled I took them out carefully and places on top of the cheesecakes.

Below are some other great Recipes from other #SundaySupper members for our "Cheese, Cake and Cheesecake week!!

Cheese –

Garlic and Goat by Supper for a Steal
Quick and Easy Homemade Cottage Cheese by The Meltaways
Homemade Velveeta Cheese by Juanitas Cocina
Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Parmesan Crisps by BigBearsWife
Irish Cheese Soufflés by girlichef
Paneer Tikka Masala by Kimchi Mom
Creamy Meyer Lemon Pasta with Homemade Ricotta and Broccoli by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
Ricotta Croquettes by Basic N Delicious
Cheeseburger Soup by Dinners Dishes and Desserts
Cherry Blossom Crescents by The Ninja Baker
Saag Paneer! Golden Roasted Ricotta In Savory Spinach Sauce by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
Sourdough Cheese Crackers by Curious Cuisiniere
Basil Balsamic Strawberries & Whipped Feta Grilled Cheese by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Lox and Cream Cheese Mini Omelettes by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Buffalo Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken by In The Kitchen With KP
Baked Mozzarella Sticks by Mama’s Blissful Bites
Paneer Indian Cottage Cheese Pancake by Masala Herb
Crepes with Strawberry Mascarpone Cream Filling by Soni’s Food
Roasted Pears with Pecorino by Happy Baking Days
Pan-Fried Halloumi Cheese Salad by The Catholic Foodie
Chevre Torte with Mango and Sweet Pepper Salsa by Noshing with the Nolands

Cakes –

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting by Hezzi D’s Books & Cooks
Sour Cream Chocolate Chip Cake by Gourmet Drizzles
Dairyfree Ice Cream Cake by Galactosemia in PDX
KitKat Chocolate Cake by The Urban Mrs.
Old Fashioned Caramel Cake by There and Back Again
Peanut Butter Banana Bundt Cake with Chocolate Chips by Gotta Get Baked
Flourless Chocolate Bean Cake by Vintage Kitchen
Dense Chocolate Cherry Cake by What Smells So Good?
Tequila Lime Cupcakes by Mama Mommy Mom
Almond Polenta Cake by Shockingly Delicious
Salmon Cakes by Family Foodie
Banana Split Bundt Cake with Chocolate Glaze by NeighborFood

& Cheesecakes

Kit Kat Cheesecake Brownies by Chocolate Moosey
Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Bundt Cake by Daily Dish Recipes
Nutella Cheesecake Brownies by The Foodie Army Wife
Individual Strawberry and White Chocolate Cheesecakes by Small Wallet Big Appetite
Grasshopper Cheesecake Bars by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Chocolate Covered Cherry Cheesecake by Magnolia Days
Mini Toddler Cherry Cheesecakes by In the Kitchen with Audrey and Maurene
Mocha Cheesecake by The Lovely Pantry
Lime Cheesecake Bites by Peanut Butter and Peppers
No-Bake Banana Sundae Cheesecake by The Messy Baker
Mini Raspberry Cheesecakes with White Chocolate Crusts by Cupcakes and Pearls
Savory Shrimp Cheesecake with Herbs and Garlic by Food Lust People Love
Cheesecake au Baileys by Baker Street
Tiny Turtle Cheesecakes (No Bake) by Cravings of a Lunatic
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Mini Cheesecakes by Cookistry
Chocolate Cheesecake Bites by Mom, What’s For Dinner?

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. This week we will be sharing our love of Cheese, Cakes AND Cheesecakes! Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST!

Follow the #SundaySupper hash tag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat.

Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Join us Around the Family Table this Sunday at 7PM Eastern Time and share your favorite Cheese, Cake and Cheesecake Recipes with us!

Pina Colada Cake

2013-03-01T22:51:00.000-05:00

I LOVE the beach! Anything warm and tropical makes me happy! Including things that remind me of being at the beach...such as coconuts, pineapple, and pina coladas!

My husband is the exact opposite! He hates the beach, hates pineapple, and really hates coconut!
Usually we argue about who is crazier, but on this cake... I don't argue. Why? Because I am happy with not having to share :-)

My cousin introduced me to this cake when I was really little and I haven't had it since! It has really been weighing on my mind for years, so I decided to recreate it my way....and MMMM! It was good!

It's full of coconut flavor, pineapple, and cool whip. If your feeling frisky...you can even add in some coconut rum :-) I would have totally done that if I didn't have to share with my 1 year old!

Pina Coloada Cake:
1 box yellow cake mix (or your own made from scratch kind)
8 oz cool whip
1 can crushed pineapple
1 bottle cream of coconut
1 bag shredded coconut
coconut rum (optional)

Make yellow cake mix according to box and bake in a 13 x 9 pan.

When it is done, poke holes in cake and pour bottle of cream of coconut on top. If you are using rum, now would be when you would sprinkle a few tablespoons on top of the cake.

Let the cake cool. As it cools, the cream of coconut will soak through cake (making it really moist!)

When the cake is cooled spread coconut all over the top. I only used half a bag but you can use the entire thing if you like.

Next, I spread cool whip on top of the coconut layer.

Evenly distribute the crushed pineapple on top of the cool whip.

Now sit back, eat your cake, and pretend you're in paradise!

Chicken Vegetable Noodle Soup #SundaySupper

2013-02-24T05:00:00.000-05:00

Warm. Flavorful. Kick of spice. Comforting.

For those of you that have had Brunswick Stew know exactly what I am talking about!

Brunswick Stew can only be found in my home town (from what I have found anyways) and seems to only be sold from church fundraisers! Everyone I know stocks their entire deep freezer up with this stuff when it is being sold to hold on to through the rest of the year.

While living in Jacksonville, this is one of the things I missed the most. I got sick twice while there and craved for this stew so bad! I couldn't find it anywhere! So the moment I moved back..low and behold...my grandma had some in her freezer she pulled out for me :)

All better!

For those that know me, unless it is soup from Olive Garden or Brunswick Stew, I am not a soup lover at all!

But....

I found out an easy and fast way to make Brunswick Stew! Better yet...I found a way to make the "stew" into "soup"!

Woohoo! No more waiting until December! Which was fantastic because I got sick this past weekend and needed this!

WIN!

Usually it doesn't have noodles...but I LOVE pasta and want noodles in almost everything I make haha.

Here's the recipe :)

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large chopped onion
1 - 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
2 medium cooked chicken breasts (cut into chunks)
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 small bag lima beans
1 can drained corn
1 can green beans (optional)
8 oz. boiled elbow noodles (optional)
1/2 c ketchup
tomato juice

Start off by sauteing onion in olive oil in a huge pot over medium high heat until they are translucent.

Add tomatoes, chicken, cayenne pepper, and lima beans. Cook for 2 minutes on medium heat then reduce to simmer for about 25 minutes.

Add yellow corn, ketchup, and cooked noodles (if desired). Add tomato juice to desired thickness.

Heat another 5 minutes.

Serve and feel better :)

P.S. There may be a lot of Chicken Vegetable Noodle Soup left..but don't fret! It is freezable! Just put them in Glad containers and stick in the freezer. Pull out on a cold night when you are sick or don't want to cook, stick in the microwave, and voila! Homemade soup in a jiffy!

The #SundaySupper family will be digging out their stock pots and slow cookers to serve up these amazing soups:

Do The Chicken Dance (chicken {or other poultry} soups)

Chicken Tortellini & White Bean Soup at Flour On My Face
Chicken Gnocchi at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
Chicken Cheese Soup by There and Back Again
Chicken Tortellini Soup by Country Girl In The Village
Chicken Soup with Leeks, Onions and Fennel by Shockingly Delicious
Family Style Tablescape featuring Chicken Tortilla Soup by An Appealing Plan
Yucatan Chicken Lime Soup (Sopa de Lima) by The Weekend Gourmet
Chicken Meatball, Spinach and Orzo Soup from Gourmet Drizzles
Ground Turkey Soup at The Messy Baker
Cheesy Chipotle Chicken Sausage Chowder by Cupcakes and Kale Chips
Turkey Meatball Soup by Basic and Delicious
Chick-Fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup by Family Foodie
Chicken Vegetable Noodle Soup at Cupcakes and Pearls

Where’s The Beef (Beef Soups)

Chili with Black Beans by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Vegetable and Beef Soup by Supper For a Steal
Swabian Beef Spaetzle +1 Soup (Gaisburger Marsch) at Galactosemia in PDX
Bacon Cheeseburger Soup by Small Wallet, Big Appetite
Beef Pho Soup by No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
Frijol con Carne by MarocMama
Pho Bo (Vietnamese Beef and Noodle Soup) by Neighborfood

Pass The Pork. Please (Pork or Sausage Soups)

Healthy Bean and Sausage Soup by Momma’s Meals
Smoked Sauage and Wild Rice Soup at Mama, Mommy, Mom
Louisiana Caldo by Catholic Foodie
Sweet potato and spanish chorizo soup at My Cute Bride
Soft Tofu Soup (Soondubu Jjigae) by Hip Foodie Mom

Under The Sea (Seafood Soups)

Shrimp Miso Noodle Soup at Pescetarian Journal
Szechuan Fish Soup by The Urban Mrs.
New England Clam Chowder at Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Hearty Okra Shrimp Gumbo Laced with Coconut Oil by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
Bacon and Shrimp Bisque at Big Bear’s Wife
Lobster Bisque for Two by Peanut Butter and Peppers
Chinese Fish Maw Soup by My Trials in The Kitchen
Thai Curry Coconut Mussel Soup by Noshing With The Nolands

Eat Your Veggies (Chock Full o’ Vegetables Soups)

Not-So-Mini-Strone at The Army Foodie Wife
French Onion Soup by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
Spicy Sweet Potato and Corn Soup at Magnolia Days
Creamy Cheddar Potato Soup at Daily Dish Recipes
Rather French Onion Soup by What Smells So Good
Broccoli Cheddar Soup by Hezzi D’s Books and Cooks
Cream of Ancho Chile Soup from La Cocina de Leslie
Pasta e Fagoli Soup at Cravings of a Lunatic
Miso Soup by Crazy Foodie Stunts
Vegetable Consommé with Semolina Dumplings – Grießknödel at Masala Herb
Vegetable Medley Soup with Broccoli and Leeks at Chattering Kitchen
Yamato Soup at Cooking Underwriter
Smoky Kale and Tomato Soup with Garlic Croutons by The Wimpy Vegetarian
Coconut Corn Chowder at Mangoes and Chutney
Make Your Own (Gluten Free) Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup at The Meltaways
Ital Carrot & Sweet Potato Soup at The Lovely Pantry
Chunky Vegetable and Barley Soup at Curious Cuisiniere
Corn Soup with Crispy Tortilla Strips at Ninja Baking
Jalapeno Beer Cheese Soup by The Hand That Rocks The Ladle
Wild Mushroom Soup at Food Lust People Love
Tomato Basil Soup with Cous Cous at Ruffles and Truffles
Creamy Carrot Soup at Cookistry
Vermicelli Soup by Damn Delicious
Country Split Pea Soup with Bacon and Potatoes at girlichef

Some Don’t Like It Hot (Chilled Soups)

Chilled Strawberry Soup at Juanita’s Cocina
Bread and Tomato Soup – Gazpacho Style at Vintage Kitchen Notes

Of course once you have seen all of the recipes for the day, you’ll not want to miss our #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday.

We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. This week we will be sharing out special soup recipes!

Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun.

Follow the#SundaySupper hash tag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat.

Don’t forget to check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Join us Around the Family Table this Sunday at 7pm Eastern Time and share your favorite soup, stew, chowder or bisque recipes with us!

Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins

2013-02-21T21:37:00.000-05:00

Muffins. They are easy, fast, and incredible on the go! Even better...my 1 year old loves them! Especially since they can be made "mini"! Which I do :)

I started off with a Betty Crocker recipe for banana muffins...but with my own additions and changes, I created my own yummy muffin! The banana chocolate chip oatmeal muffin!

I made 10 big muffins and filled an entire mini muffin pan with this recipe and I was scared to death they wouldn't last until the morning!

Remember when I was telling you my husband use to hate sweets? Well guess what...he's not a muffin lover either...UNTIL NOW!

I kept begging him to try one when they were hot and straight out of the oven and he just wouldn't give in. Finally I begged so much he told me to go get him one off of the stove. So I did! I sat quietly, staring, waiting for his first bite and approval....

and he made the "MMMM!" sound! EEEK! I was so thrilled. Before I got too excited too soon I asked what he thought.

He asked me to go get him another one! Then 5 minutes later...2 more!

YAY! I have not only converted him to cookies, pies, and cupcakes....but now muffins!

My work here is complete :)

Here's the recipe:
2 medium bananas - I like the wait until they have browned a little. They taste better and are easier to mash.
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 vegetable oil or melted butter
1 egg
2 c all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 salt
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 c chocolate chips
1/2 oats

Go ahead and preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Grease your muffin cups or pan.

In a large bowl, mash the banana's and mix well with milk.

Beat the milk mixture with the egg, oil, and vanilla with whisk.

Stir in flour, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder all at once. Stir just until moistened.

Fold in the oats and chocolate chips.

Divide batter evenly to the muffin cups about 3/4 full.

Top with oats or granulated sugar if you wish. Adding sugar on top will add extra crisp and sweetness to the muffin when it is done.

Bake in oven for about 20 minutes. (If you are making mini muffins it will be about 12 - 15 minutes)

When the muffins are done, take them out of the pan and let them cool.

Enjoy :-)

Fried Potatoes and Onions

2013-02-19T00:57:00.001-05:00

"It's a southern meal" my husbands tries to explain.

"We live in the south!" I express, trying to figure out the reasoning behind this madness.

My grandma and her family has raised my dad and I on fried potatoes and onions. It is one of our favorite's! In fact, sometimes to bribe us into coming over she always adds on "I'm makin fried tayta's n onions." and it gets us every time ;)

I make them myself, but they are always best coming straight from her kitchen. Grandma's always do everything better.

I guess I thought every one knew what they were. I mean, I was raised on them. My whole family loved them! But, I was sadly wrong.

Mentioning them to a few members of my husbands family I realized not everyone knew what they were.

"What are fried potatoes and onions?"

"Are they just potatoes with onions?"

"I have heard of fried potato cakes but what do you do with the onions?"

Oh my! This is just mind blowing to me!

So, my grandma made them for us the other day and I had to get in the kitchen and take a few pictures :) I just can't have this world not trying this amazing southern comfort food!

My pictures aren't very good so please don't judge based on looks! It isn't the prettiest dish, but it is so yummy!

What you will need:
Olive Oil
About 4 + brown potatoes (depending on how many people and much you will need)
1 Onion (or more if you love onion)

Peel potatoes and cut up.

Slice onion.

Soak the potatoes in water for a few minutes to clean them off. Drain.

Cover bottom of skillet with olive oil and heat over medium heat until very hot. (Test the oil to see if hot enough by adding a drop of water to skillet. If the water fizzes immediately, it is ready.)

Add potatoes to skillet. Top with the onions.

Cover with lid.

Stir every few minutes.

When the potatoes are nice, soft, and almost done turn the burner on high to a broil. This will brown them and give them crispiness. :)

When they are browned enough to your liking..it is time to eat!

Serve with ketchup, salt, pepper, whatever you want to add and enjoy the greasy, unhealthy, delicious goodness :)

It's so worth it!

Peanut Butter Cups

2013-02-15T11:43:00.000-05:00

My husband and I are supposed to be on a diet. A weight diet AND a money diet! For Valentines Day though, I figured we could splurge just a little on calories and sugar, and I could save money by making a little treat from things we already had at home.

Peanut butter cups are SO easy to make and I always have the ingredients! After trying it out this time it made me wonder why we ever buy Reese cups in the first place! You can even buy Reese peanut butter in the store to make your own cups with...so why not?

I decided to make both white chocolate and chocolate peanut butter cups. For 8 white chocolate peanut butter cups follow the recipe below. You can always double the recipes, use different kinds of chips, whatever you wish :)

This is how I did it:

mini muffin pan
mini cupcake liners
2 c white chocolate chips (divided)
1 c peanut butter
2 tbsp sugar

I lined my mini muffin pan with my mini cupcake liners. At first I wasn't sure if the paper cups would work...but after the white chocolate dried...they were perfect!

Melt the white chocolate chips according to the package. Heat until smooth and creamy.

Take a spoon and drizzle the chocolate into the liners. Make sure to push the chocolate onto the sides of the cups as well as the bottom. The chocolate should form a "bowl" in the liners.

Let the chocolate dry and harden.

If you are doing white chocolate peanut butter cups, the white chocolate hardens within a few minutes. If you are using regular chocolate it takes a while. You can speed up the process by placing the muffin pan in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Be careful not to leave them in there too long though because the chocolate will become very very hard.

Mix peanut butter with sugar (optional). With two baby spoons I filled the chocolate with peanut butter. Leave rims of chocolate exposed so when you add the other layer of chocolate, it will make a peanut butter cup.

Melt the remaining white chocolate chips and drizzle on top of the peanut butter, covering the whole cup. You can decorate them now like I did if you would like.

Let harden.

Eat.

Get a sugar rush! lol

Chicken and Mushroom Alfredo

2013-02-15T11:10:00.000-05:00

Chicken Alfredo is one of my husband's favorite meals! He orders it almost every time we go out for Italian food.

I have only made Alfredo for him twice since we have been married. Both for special occasions. Usually when we decide to eat Italian I make lasagna, stuffed shells, or spaghetti.

I'm not sure why I haven't made it a lot more. It is a very easy, fast, and versatile dish. Which is perfect for me having two fussy babies come dinner time! I guess it is just one of those dishes you like to keep special. You know the ones. You don't want to over do it because then it wouldn't be as special! Like turkey for Thanksgiving :)

This time I made this dish for Valentines dinner and it was a big hit! I'm not even that big on Alfredo but this was pretty delicious!

All you need is:

2 chicken breasts
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 c + 1 tbsp butter
3/4 c milk
4 cloves garlic
1 c parmesan cheese (grated)
16 oz fettucini noodles
6 oz sliced fresh mushrooms

- Boil the chicken until done. Cut into small chunks and set aside.

- Saute the mushrooms in 1 tbsp butter and 2 cloves minced garlic. Set aside.

- Boil the fettucini

- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt and stir 1/2 c butter, cream cheese, milk, parmesan cheese and 2 cloves minced garlic until thick and creamy. Add chicken and mushrooms.

- Toss the noodles with the sauce, serve, and enjoy :)

Colorful Felt Headband

2013-02-12T21:31:00.005-05:00

Hair bows are my obsession right now! My husband hates that I am always on the lookout for hair bows and frilly little ribbons...but why else have little girls? With girls comes the wonderful laces, ribbons, tutu's, and all things glitter!

I usually always put headbands on my girls when we go out in public. My husband however hates them and before I can get out the door decides to take them off of their heads. GRRRR! Over the past few months, I have gotten him to loosen up and somewhat be ok with me putting big flowers in their hair!

Buying hair bows are not cheap! Most all of the ones I want are 3.99 and up. Some I have found are even close to 10! I have two girls so I am not spending $20 on 2 hairbows! I quickly learned that I need to start making my own for all of the hair bows I want to own.

For my daughters first circus, I made her a clown tulle tutu and just had to have a headband that matched! With the tutu being so bright and colorful the headband had to be bright and colorful as well.

This felt headband I made took all of maybe 10 minutes. And was super cheap! The felt was on 25 cents! The elastic band was $1 and the pom poms I already had for the tutu.

You can make the headband by sewing elastic and then sewing felt over the elastic band, but I cheated this time and bought the already made band part.

All you need is:
elastic felt headband
one sheet felt
1 pom pom
scissors
pen
hot glue gun

Since the tutu I was making was white with bright colored pom pom's, this piece of felt was perfect for a matching headband!

Turn the piece of felt over to the side you do not want shown. Practice drawing out the shape you want your hair bow to be. When you have the perfect shape, cut it out.

For mine, I want a flower. As you can see this flower was not so pretty so I just kept practicing until it looked ok. I cut three different size flowers out because I wanted my hair bow layered.

I glued my 3 layers on top of each other from biggest to smallest and then added a pom pom in the center.

Then glue the entire shape onto your head band.

TADA! We have a very cute bow for very cheap!

Use your imagination and go crazy! Felt is very cheap and you can make all sorts of things! You can make animal shapes, 3D shapes, anything you wish!

Layla's First Circus

2013-02-12T20:52:00.002-05:00

Ringling Bros. came to town over the past weekend and I HAD to go! I had only been to the circus once and that was many many years ago when I was probably in the 5th grade. I had been wanting to go back ever since then! Hearing the music, laughing at the clowns, seeing tigers and elephants, and watching the acrobats soar across the sky is not something you get to do everyday. It is so much fun! So of course being a mommy...I had an excuse to buy tickets this year!

My oldest daughter is only 15 months old, so I do not expect her to ever remember this experience, but I sure will! Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to grow up to be a mommy. I had lots of practice with my dolls and took them everywhere I went! As I got older I always thought to myself "I can't wait to have babies and take them to the places like the circus!"

I was so excited I decided to dress Layla up for the event! I went with the option of a cute little clown since some of the girl clown's get really girly. I made a clown tulle tutu with bright colored pom poms and a matching felt headband. I layered the tutu over purple leggings and a pink shirt. All of the different colors looked like something a clown would wear. Then I just painted the tip of her nose red and tada! We had a baby clown!

Sitting in the seat with her in my lap it was all I could do to choke down my tears. I know I am such a sap lol. The only reason I didn't choke up right there is because I didn't want Angie to think I was crazy lol.

I was afraid that with her being so little, she would loose interest very fast. However, Layla was curled up in my lap watching the entire thing! She was smiling so big, and pointing to all the different things. Shouting "KIKI!" when she saw the tigers and "PUPPY!" when the dancing poodles came out. She would stand up in my lap to get a better view and would just dance away and clap! It just lit up my heart to know that she enjoyed it!

At the finale of the show, it was really all I could do not to shed millions of little sappy tears lol. She stood in my lap, wrapped her arm around my neck as tight as she could, and layed her cheek on mine. I would look up at her and smile and she would rub my hair and give me kisses on my cheek! It was like she was trying to say "Thank you mommy!"

This will definitely be a yearly thing! And next year, my other baby girl will be big enough to go too! YAY!

Here are some of the pictures my wonderful Angie caught for us!

Human Cannon Ball

This girl has some muscles for sure!

Baby Elephant!! I want one!!

I'm too much of a scaredy cat to ever ever attempt this!

This looked like fun!

The gymnists guys were jumping through and over the ribbon.

Ring Master

This was my favorite part! Poodles are hialrious! This one is walking the baby poodle on a leash.

This guy has serious guts!!

The moment my sweet girl was giving me lovins :) So glad Angie took this picture!

This was sooo worth it :)