One Crazy Cookie

Have you ever bought a watermelon got home, cut it up and it lacks a bit in flavor?  I have the perfect solution.  This is a great tip I received from my good friend over at Tightwad Mom's Frugal  Forum   years ago.  It is brilliant!! Mix it with non-calorie drink mix, the powder kind.  We love Raspberry Ice flavor.  YUM!! It add just a touch of flavor and makes it so delicious.   My kids ask for it no matter what the watermelon tastes like. Happy Pink Saturday! Not quite pink but I figured you probably wouldn't want to see my pink back. Which after a week is finally pink not bright red ! Lesson learned: DO NOT LET YOUR SIX YEAR OLD APPLY SUNSCREEN TO YOUR BACK!! I planned on applying more but we got in a hurry and I forgot. Atleast everyone else got lathered. Now go check out all the pink over at Pink Saturday !! Also check out my Friend Frenchy over at Le Chateau des fleurs by Frenchy .  She has an incredible eye for decorating. (I really need her to help me out!!) I

It was so hot in my house that I needed something that would not required the oven. I made some fresh pesto today for the first time so I wanted to do something with it. Remember my basil craving?? I had hubby grill some chicken breasts and I used what veggies I had in the fridge added a few other ingredients and voila!! Dinner is served. It was a huge hit. Even the picky eater had thirds!! Pesto Chicken Tortellini 1 Tablespoon olive oil 1 cup sliced mushrooms (or more) 1/2 cup diced onions 1 small zucchini, sliced and quartered 1/2 cup ham, pepperoni, bacon or sausage (Optional) 2 cups cooked chicken, diced 1 medium tomato, diced 1/2 cup olives, sliced 1/2 cup pesto 3 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing (Girard's Creamy Balsamic is good!!) Optional: shredded Mozzarella cheese 1 package frozen Tortellini, cooked according to package directions and drained. Heat olive oil in a saute pan. Add onion, mushrooms and zucchini. Saute a few minutes on medium heat until onion beco

I must admit I am a little behind the times when it comes to fresh herbs.  I have grown chives, rosemary and cilantro (which I love!!), but have not expanded my horizons past that.  A few weeks ago I ordered a caprese chicken dish at a restaurant and fell in love with fresh basil.  Oh My!!  I have been missing out.  I checked it out in the produce department at the store and wow...talk about expensive. Then my smart sister in law suggested I buy a plant use what I can until it dies and it would be cheaper.  I found what was called "the living basil plant" in Winco for $2.48 so I purchased it.  It did not look real good, but I had to feed the craving.  I thought I was buying something I could plant in my planter outside, but I was wrong.  You place it in a glass with a small amount of water. Luckily, it started to perk up. It no longer looks like this.  I have since used it: on pizza (YUM!) and I made fresh pesto for the first time. It was good, but I am still trying to perfec

Yesterday I received a package from Marzetti.  In it was 4 bottles of the Girard's Dressings!! Apple Poppy Seed Champagne Peach Mimosa Creamy Balsamic They are so beautiful and elegant.  My kids thought they were so fancy and were excited that they got to use them. This was perfect timing.  I had planned chicken salads for dinner.  After much debate we decided to try the Apple Poppyseed and Creamy Balsamic on our salads.  OH MY!!! One word DELICIOUS !!!  I tried the Apple Poppyseed first and loved it. The flavor combination is incredible.  Not too sweet, just perfectly sweetened. I thought there couldn't be anything better. Then I tried the Creamy Balsamic, also loved it!!  I was amazed at how great tasting both these dressing were.  Honestly, I can't choose my favorite. The whole family raved at how good both dressings were. Now I am so excited to try the other two.  Girard's has partnered with Epicurious.com to create Everyday Elegance, a blog featuring new recipe

A little while after we moved here a friend took me out for dessert and we shared a piece of chocolate chip cookie pie.  I had never had anything like it before and it was delicious.  I have wanted to make one ever since, but you know how life goes.  This past weekend this same friend took care of my crazy dog so I decided to finally make one for her to repay her for helping me out.  Of course I had to make two!!  I found this recipe over at Finding Joy in My Kitchen  adapted it to fit my family's tastes and with what I had on hand. She adds an oatmeal crust that sounds devine!! The family loved it!! My son's reaction was it is "Tasty"!! Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie adapted from Finding Joy in My Kitchen 1/2 cup butter ( 1 stick), melted and cooled a bit 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup flour 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 3/4 cup chocolate chips 9" unbaked pie crust  Place pie crust in pie plate. Mix butter and sugars together. Add egg and v

This is a traditional family recipe.  It has been made for every McNee family gathering I can remember.  It  is one of those tried and true recipes.   Baked Beans Makes a large pot of beans 2 large cans pork and beans (or 4 -15 oz. cans)        1 medium onion, chopped 1 pound bacon, fried crisp and broken in to small pieces. 1 cup catsup 3/4 cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons mustard Mix all ingredients together.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.  I place mine in the crock pot and cook on low for 2-4 hours.  ~Tiffanee Linked to: Tempt My Tummy Tuesday

A HUGE thanks to the good people at Girards's for providing this giveaway .The winners of the Girard's dressing package picked by random number generator are........ mommyoffaith19 Julie The Fajdich Times Congratulations and Enjoy!! ~Tiffanee

I have told you before my love for balsamic vinegar, so when I found this recipe I knew I had to try it out. I was a bit worried, because my family is used to creamy sauces, but they loved it.   It was a nice, light change.  It is good warm or cold.  Great for a hot summer day.  I have created two serving options. Balsamic Chicken Pasta Adapted from Taste of Home 1 pound bow tie pasta 4 cups cubed cooked chicken breast ( I grilled mine.) 2 medium tomatoes, chopped 1/2 cup chopped onion 8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled 4 oz. mozzarella cheese, cut into small  pieces 1/2 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon dried basil or 3 teaspoons fresh (more if you like) 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 2 Tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese *Optional: fresh sliced mushrooms and shredded mozzarella cheese Whisk the oil, basil, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl and set aside. Cook pasta according to package dir

A few weeks ago CSNstores  contacted me and asked if I would like to do a review. The only real problem I had was deciding what to review.  They have so many great options.  Since I am a "foodie" I made myself keep to the housewares department  and I still had a hard time choosing.  I finally picked out a Le Creuset Casserole Dish.  because I had been hearing some wonderful things about the LeCreuset brand.  The ordering process was so simple and with free shipping!!   I was so excited when it arrived. Look how beautiful it is!!! I couldn't wait to try it out and my daughter needed treats for an activity and quick.  It was the perfect opportunity for something simple and delicious. Fruity Pebble Rice Crispy Treats   adapted from Kelloggs 3 Tablespoons butter 4 cups miniature marshmellows or 1 package regular marshmellows (10 oz., about 40) 3 cups Rice Krispies 3 cups Fruity Pebbles In a microwaveable bowl heat butter and marshmellows on high for 3 minutes. Stirring afte

It is quite funny how I despise mustard but have a love for mustard pretzels.  The bad thing is I cannot seem to find the brand that I really liked anymore.  I decided that is was time for me to make my own.  They turned out really tasty, but still just a tad bit sticky. My problem might have been that I did not cook them the full two hours.  I ended up having to leave unexpectedly. Next time I will make sure to cook them the full time. Minor problem though, they still hit the spot!! Honey Mustard Pretzels   1 pound small pretzels 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup prepared mustard 1/4 cup honey 1 packet ranch dressing mix Pour pretzels into a large bowl.  Combine the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl.  Pour mixture over pretzels and stir to evenly coat each piece.  Spread coated pretzels on a cookie sheet. Bake at 200 degrees, stirring every 15-20 minutes for 2 hours. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.  Delicious served warm or cold. Linked to: Friendly Fri

Growing up in Idaho, one thing I love is a good potato.  I miss the Idaho potatoes, but do not miss working during potato harvest.  There were good times and it did provide me with some great spending money so I really can't complain. Because potato harvest is so big, we were given two weeks off of school just for potato harvest.  When you are young it is a great vacation. Anyhow enough of my ramblings.  I found my new favorite potato recipe over at Beth's Favorite Recipes .  She said it came from an Amish Cookbook.  It is really delicious! Seasoned Crusty Baked Potatoes adapted from Beth's Favorite Recipes 6 medium potatoes 4 Tablespoons melted butter(start with that you may need more.) 1 cup crackers crumbs (I used Ritz) 1 teaspoon seasoning salt Dash of pepper Mix seasoning salt, pepper and cracker crumbs together in a bowl. Melt butter in a separated bowl. Peel potatoes, wash and dry.  Slice into 1/4 inch slices (or whatever you like.). Roll each pie

With the addition of the yard sale foosball table in the formal dining area, which is attached to the living room  it has become a great place for the family to gather.  The only real issue is there is no light attached to the ceiling so at night you really can't see anything.  I have decided that a new table lamp  would solve this problem with the least hassle and cost.  I have discovered that the CSN Stores  have great prices, selection,  with free delivery on alot of items and best of all I don't have to take the kids shopping.  This one is so beautiful . I have always wanted a Tiffany lamp!! Stylish and so now!! Fit just for me...beautiful and sporty!! Functional and stylish. Wow! There are lots of choices of table lamps  over at the CSN Stores.

I cannot take any credit for this beauty!! My sweet sister called me up the other day all excited. Immediately after answering the phone she said, "I made something so delicious, you  have to put it on your blog!!" She is a great cook and has a special talent for making desserts. (Check out her Ice Cream Cupcakes here .)  Even though I have not personally tried this recipe yes I believe that it is a keeper!!  With hubby's love of German Chocolate cake I will be making it myself soon!! German Chocolate Bundt Cake 1 German Chocolate cake mix 1 cup of water 1/2 cup vegetable oil 3 eggs container of German Chocolate frosting Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bundt pan. Mix together cake mix, oil, water and eggs.  When batter is formed stir in the container of german chocolate frosting. Pour in bundt cake pan and bake at 350 for 45 min. Remove from oven and let cool for 20 min. Dust with powder sugar and sprinkle with  melted chocolate chips.

This recipe was inspired by my son who had something similar at a friends house and was raving about it! I discovered it was simple and perfect for a hot summer night.  Not to mention it was a HUGE hit with the family.  The kids loved building their own.  Ranch Chicken Wraps chicken, cooked and diced or shredded (I grilled some chicken breasts) shredded cheese lettuce tomato ranch dressing tortillas or wraps Place the ingredients you desire in the middle of the tortilla and wrap.  I spread some ranch on first. Others drizzled it on after all the other ingredients. Did I mention how simple and delicious this is! ~Tiffanee Linked to: Tuesday Tastes   Tuesday at the Table Tempt My Tummy Tuesday

Don't forget to enter my Girard's Dressing Giveaway here. A little late on this one, but better late than never.  I literally stood on my head last week and cleaned out my chest freezer (not complaining a bit..HA HA!!).  I found a few items that really need to be cooked so I am basing my menu this week around those items.  Just a little FYI: I really missed not having a menu plan last week...it made life much harder!! This Week's Menu Monday: Crock Pot Roast Tuesday: Balsamic Chicken Pasta Wednesday: Shredded beef burritos Thursday: Chicken in Potato Baskets Friday: Steak Saturday: Family Birthday Party Sunday: ???  Linked to Menu Plan Monday ! Wishing you a delicious week!! ~Tiffanee

With the heat of Summer now upon, us fruit seems to be a great option.  I love fruit salads and this dip is simple and very delicious way to dress up fruit. Strawberry Fruit Dip 1 single serving strawberry yogart 1 small container whipped topping (8 oz.) 1 teaspoon vanilla Mix together and serve.  You can use what ever flavor of yogart you like. I use the low fat, low calorie yogart and light whipped topping to save on the calories. If you have the time and calories you can use real whipped cream.  Don't forget to enter my giveaway here !! Linked to: Friendly Friday Friday Favorites Foodie Friday ~Tiffanee

 Have you heard of Girard's Premium Dressings?? Girard's is a premium quality line of dressings that was created in San Francisco by Chef Pierre Girard in 1939. Chef Girard started with a recipe for Original French dressing, and gradually added varieties. Girard's dressings gained prominence for their premium quality and distinctive triangular bottle. They provide many flavor varieties including some light salad dressings.  Here are just a few: Girard's Champagne Salad Dressing is the shining star of the Girard's Salad Dressing family. This unique salad dressing is a rich blend of flavors that is both upscale and delicious. The newest flavors which sound oh so delicious to me: Creamy Balsamic Apple Poppyseed Peach Mimosa OOOH YUM and aren't they just beautiful!! Are you a little hungry?? Get your $2 off coupon here !! Now the really great news....... You can win your very own prize packages, containing one of each of these 4 great dressings shown!!  It gets ev

If you are like me and always looking for ways to save some money coupons.com is a great resource for easy printable coupons.  Just click here for lots of savings!!

I promised you a very delicious recipe using the Cilantro Rice and this is a great one. I saw it over at  Running Away? I'll help you pack . Alexis has some incredible recipes, very entertaining posts, giveaways and many other great things.  This one had me hooked with the title and it did not let me down.  It was so delicious and a great hit at our house.  I adapted it a bit to feed my family of six. The kids loved the idea that they got to make their own. Naked Chicken Burrito Bowls adapted from Running Away? I'll Help You Pack 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cilantro Rice 1 packet taco seasoning 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1-2 avocados, peeled and sliced 1-2 diced tomatos diced onion salsa sour cream Mix taco seasoning with water as directed on package.  Place chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag, pour seasoning mixture over top and turn to coat.  Refrigerate a minimum of 2 h

This is a basic recipe I use for a couple different Mexican dishes.  It is simple and has a great flavor.  Cilantro Rice (rice cooker directions) 4 cups water 3 cups rice, rinse and drain several times 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon 4 teaspoons minced garlic 1 can green chilies (small can) or equivalent fresh 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 Tablespoon butter 1/2 cup onion (more if you like) Blend cilantro, green chilies,onion, garlic and salt together in a food processor or blender.  Place rice in the cooker; add the water, bouillon and the cilantro mixture.  Cut the Tablespoon of butter in fourths and place it on top.  Cover and cook as directed with your rice cooker. **If you are not using a rice cooker just adjust the amount of water needed.  As with Minute Rice you only need 3 cups of water not 4.   Stovetop directions: Bring water to a boil and add all the ingredients. Simmer covered for about 30 minutes. Linked to: What's on the Menu Wednesday!  and W

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Dermajuv Skin Care Products . All opinions are 100% mine. The aging process is a part of life and something we all have to deal with.  I remember the day I looked in the mirror and saw two big wrinkles on my forehead, I couldn't believe that was me.  I must admit, I dwelled a bit on it.  It seems like today the biggest trend for anti- ging is plastic surgery, botox, collagen and others.  People are doing it so much that you hear about addictions some people have to these things.  I am sure that plastic surgery is here to stay, but the others may fade a bit.  Frankly they all scare me.  I have seen too many gone wrong.  I need some help! The other day I caught a commercial for skin care products  and found myself intrigued.   Now there are skin care products  to not only prevent the wrinkles but also rebuild the damaged skin all without causing acne breakouts..YEAH!!  Times have changed dramaticly from "your mother's wr

This is one of my favorites!! You mix barbeque and balsamic and you get amazing flavor.  It is simple and perfect for grilling on the hot summer days!!  Balsamic Barbeque Chicken 6 boneless chicken breasts (or equivalent) Sauce 1/2 cup chopped onion 3/4 cup Balsamic Vinegarette dressing 3-4 Tablespoons sugar* 1/3 cup ketchup Mix ingedients together.  Reserve 3/4 cup and refrigerate.  Pour remaining sauce over chicken and marinate 4-24 hours.(The longer you marinate the better flavor you get.)  Remove chicken from marinate and bake, broil or grill it. When chicken is cooked thoroughly. Heat up reserved sauce and pour over top of chicken. Serves: 6 *Add the sugar according to your tastes.  I have noticed that some Balsamic Vinegarette's are more sweet than others so you don't need as much. Linked to: Tuesday at the Table Tempt My Tummy Tuesday Tuesday Tastes

Happy 4th of July!! Red, white and blue is my favorite color combination.  I guess it is because it is a great reminder of how blessed I am to live in the USA!! I wanted to create something this year for the big celebration and saw this robot in the Family Fun magazine . I knew I just had to make it!! Due to my "cheapness" I made a few changes.  I bought the medium sized clear bucket, because the big one was twice as much and used colored paper for decorating. Everything else is recycled.  I used magnets to hold the bucket to the legs. He's a bit smaller, but I think he turned out pretty cute!!  A good addition, not to mention useful centerpiece!! Check out all the fun of this week's Pink Saturday over at How Sweet the Sound ! Also check out my friend Julie over at Little Bit of Everything . She has an amazing blog with lots of delicious recipes, gorgeous pictures and lots more!! Wishing you all a very safe, delicious and   HAPPY 4TH of JULY !!  Enjoy!! ~Tiffa

You may have noticed a trend with peanut butter and chocolate here lately.  Ever since I made the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies I wanted something similar, but a bit different.  A lot of thought went in to this recipe.  It is something I created and for me could be considered sinful (not a diet food and I had one for breakfast) but if you love the chocolate/peanut butter combination you will LOVE this.  Triple Layer Peanut Butter Brownies 1 box of brownies baked as directed on box. (9 x 13) Bake and cool. Peanut Butter Layer 1/2 cup butter, melted 2 cups powdered sugar 3/4 cup peanut butter Optional: 1 cup crusted crispy rice cereal. Mix all ingredients until well blended and smooth.  Spread over top of brownie layer. Frosting 1/2 cup butter, softened 3 cups powdered sugar 1/4 cup cocoa 1/3 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla Mix until smooth.  It may be a but runny but will firm up in the fridge.  Spread over top of peanut butter layer. Chill until set up.  These do not have to be re