One Crazy Cookie

Well time has come to send the kids back to school.  Time to think about getting up early, homework and packing kids lunches once again! If keeping up with your kids’ changing tastes feels like a full-time job, then  Betty Crocker/General Mills  has got your back with Cereal Treats Bars , a fully-loaded flavorsome snack! When sending your child back to school this year, help them get “back to cool” with a fun snack they are sure to love and won’t trade during lunch.   My kids loved these bars! They ate them up before I could say "WAIT I wanted them for lunches." So I guess I will be buying some more.  My soon to be 2nd grader just told me I have to buy some more Golden Graham Treat bars!! Flavor varieties include the ever popular Golden Grahams® (130 calories) and new Lucky Charms® Treats (100 calories), loaded with popular favorites like chocolate and marshmallows. Cereal Treats Bars contain less than 140 calories per bar and are made with wholesome cereal, making

As most of you know I have been working on converting my family to wheat bread for awhile and they are now getting used to it, but when the kids begged me for homemade white bread I caved!  Can you say pure comfort food!! This recipe has been in the family for generations.  It brings back great memories of my grandma and I honestly had forgotten how good this bread is. It is easy to make and oh so DELICIOUS!! A HUGE thanks to my Aunt Linda for keeping the recipe going and for sharing it with me!! Grandma's White Bread Makes 4 loaves  1 cups milk 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons sugar 1 Tablespoon + 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons butter 3 cups warm water 2 Tablespoons yeast 12 cups flour Put the milk, sugar, butter and salt in a medium saucepan.  Heat over medium high heat stirring constantly just until the mixture comes to a boil.  Remove from heat and allow it to cool down.  (This is an important step. Sometimes I put it in the fridge for little while.)  Put th

WOW! The kids start school this week and it feels like summer just started.  Where does the time go?  I want to slow it down just a bit.  Last week was super crazy which explains the meals I carried over from last week to this week.  This Week's Menu Monday: Steak Fajitas Tuesday: Thai Shrimp Noodles Wednesday: French Dips Thursday: Picnic Night Friday: Bacon Rice Saturday: Finger Steaks Sunday: Bacon, Swiss and Mushroom Meatloaf Wishing you all a delicious week!! Linked to Menu Plan Monday

Pulled pork has become a fave at our house.  This recipe is amazing!! I found it over at Kevin & Amanda a really great site with lots of cool things. It takes a bit of preparation and time but OH SO WORTH IT!! It is delicous!! Perfect Pulled Pork adapted from Kevin & Amanda 4-7 pound pork roast Dry Rub 1 tbsp ground cumin 1 tbsp garlic powder 1 tbsp onion powder 1 tbsp chili powder 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (add 1 Tbsp if you like it spicy) 1 tbsp salt 1 tbsp ground pepper 1 tbsp paprika 1/2 cup brown sugar Mix all ingredients together well and store in an air tight container. Cover it and set it aside. Now for the brine – A brine solution gives the meat the extra moisture it needs for a long, slow cooking process so you don’t end up with tough, dried out meat. Brine Solution 1/2 cup salt 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 qts cold water 3 tbsp dry rub mix 2 bay leaves Add salt to cold water and stir very well until all the salt is completely dissolved.

A few of the incredible things I found this week that I want to try on my table! Thanks everyone! Valrhona Chocolate Crepe Layer Cake u Try. it Food Revolution Mac & Cheese Finding Joy in My Kitchen Texas Roadhouse Copycat Cinnamon Butter Beth's Favorite Recipes Potato Rounds Meatless Meals for Meat Eaters Brownie Goody Bars An 'A' for Effort Cake Batter Bars Lovin' From the Oven Thai Shrimp with Noodles Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker Pretzel Bites Talented Terrace Girls Happy Friday!!

It seems like lately, I have lots of friends who have discovered the need to go gluten free.  I have heard the problems they have finding recipes that are good.  This recipe comes courtesy of my boss, who is trying a new food program as she calls it.  The soup is both gluten and dairy free.  I was a bit skeptical of this recipe, but it was delicious!! It is not the typical potato soup but has great flavor and the kids loved it. Chunky Potato Soup adapted from The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast 1 Tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup chopped onions 1 cup chopped carrots 1 cup chopped celery 2 garlic cloves, minced 4 cups Vegetable broth 5 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 3 large potatoes) 1 yellow or zucchini squash. diced (optional) 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon thyme 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1/2 cup rice milk (or almond milk) 1 teaspoon dried parsley Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.  Cook onions, carrots and celery until vegetables are softened.  St

This was a quick, easy and delicious meal. The kids loved it. Perfect for a quick Mexican craving! Taco Biscuit Bake adapted from Taste of Home 1 pound hamburger 2/3 cup water 1 packet taco seasoning 2 tubes (12 oz. each) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits 1 (15 oz.) can chili (or 1 1/2 cups leftover chili) 1 cup + shredded cheddar cheese sour cream shredded lettuce diced tomato salsa Brown and drain hamburger. Stir in water and taco seasoning.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.  Meanwhile, quarter the biscuits and place in the bottom of a greased 9 x13 pan. Layer with the hamburger mixture, chili and top with the cheese. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and biscuits are golden brown. Serve with sour cream, shredded lettuce, tomatoes and salsa if desired. YUM!

I am sad that this is the last full week of summer vacation.  The kids start school next week.  I love having my kids home.  We for the most part have a great time together.  So I am hoping to make the most of this week.   I hope you all are enjoying the remainder of the summer!! This Week's Menu Monday: Chicken Alfredo Tuesday:Beef Stir Fry Wednesday: Tacos Thursday: Picnic Night Friday: Bacon, Swiss and Mushroom Meatloaf Saturday: Spaghetti Sunday: French Dip Sandwiches ~Here's to a great week~ Linked to Menu Plan Monday

I've had a huge craving for smores so when I came across this recipe it had to be made.  These little bar are loaded with the flavor combination of a cookie and smores.  OH YUM!! They did not last long around our house. Smore Cookie Bars 1/2 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup white sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/3 cup flour 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 regular size Hershey chocolate bars 2 cups mini marshmellows Preheat oven 350 degrees. Grease an 8 inch square baking pan. Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.  Add egg and vanilla; beat well.  Gradually add the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda and salt.  Mix until well blended.  Press half the dough into the prepared pan.  Arrange chocolate bars over the dough, breaking as needed to fit. Pour the marshmellows over the top and spread to equal them out over the top.  Scatter bits of the remaining dough over the marshmellows.  Bake 30-35 minutes

A couple of weeks ago my daughter and I had the opportunity to attend a cake decorating activity.  I just watched, but was fascinated by it all. You ever wonder how to get a smooth finish on your cake? Dip your knife in some water.  Sprinkle little water drops off your knife to the top of the cake.( Make sure it is just a little water.)  Then use your knife to smooth out the frosting. So simple and works amazingly!! Kayla was so proud of her cake. She did such a great job!!

Is it a donut or a muffin??  A question you can answer after tasting these little beauties. I was a little hesitant to make this recipe, but I am so glad I got over that fear.  They were so delicious and easy to make.  The only issue I had is that I should of doubled the batch!! Donut Muffins Makes about 24 mini muffins 1/2 cup white sugar 1/4 cup butter, melted 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 cup milk 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup flour Topping: 1/4 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease mini muffin tins. Mix sugar, butter and nutmeg together in a large bowl.  Stir in milk, then baking powder and flour until just combined. Fill muffin cups about 1/2 full.  Bake until the tops are lightly golden about 15-20 minutes. While muffins are baking, place 1/4 cup melted butter in a bowl.  In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup sugar with the cinnamon.  Remove baked muffins from their cups, dip each muffin in melted butter, and th

In just a few short weeks this I will be celebrating a "Blogiversary"!! I have been planning lots of good stuff.  During this party week I would like to spotlight different blogs.  If you would like to be spotlighted or have something you would like to giveaway to promote your blog please let me know!! Now on to this week.... This Week's Menu Monday: BBQ Chicken Pizza Tuesday: Taco Biscuit Bake Wednesday: Oriental Chicken Wraps Thursday: Picnic Night Friday: Chicken Alfredo Saturday: Pigs in a Blanket Sunday: Ultimate BBQ Cheese Burgers Have a delicious week!! Linked to: Menu Plan Monday

If you look at my list of things I found that I want to make you will beable to tell it was an extremely stressful week.. for I crave sweet when under stress!! Luckily, I didn't have time to make them because I would of made them all and ate it all my myself.  Now that things have calmed down I am excited to make these recipes..one at a time!! Blueberry White Chocolate Cookies Baking Serendipity Spinach Mushroom Rag Soup Meatless Meals for Meat Eaters Chewy Sugar Cookies Healthy Eating for Ordinary People Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker Dreamy Oreo Brownies Making Memories One Fun Thing After Another Caramel and Macadamia Cheesecake II Dolce Bacio Cake Batter Rice Krispy Treats The Cooking Chemist The winner of the Land O' Lakes giveaway drawn by random number generator is: Rhonda Have a great weekend!!

It is time I got back to the Tried it Out Thursday posts.  I found this one along with many other delicious things over at An 'A' For Effort. I was hooked at first glance of her picture!! It was delicious!!  Santa Fe Chicken adapted from An 'A' For Effort 1/2 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound chicken breasts 1 can cream of chicken 1 can diced chilies 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup water 1 can sliced olives, divided 1/2 cup diced onions Doritos tortilla chips 8 ounces Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded (about 2 cups) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease a 9 x13 pan. Brown chicken in olive oil for 15 minutes. Shred chicken. Combine soup, sour cream, water, chilies, 1/2 can olives, and 1/4 cup onions.  Stir in chicken and half of the cheese.  Pour mixture in the pan.  Top with remaining olives and onions. Bake for 25 minutes at 350.  Let sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve over crushed tortilla chips. *I meant to add a can of black beans

This is one of those seasonal recipes that are so good you wish you could eat them year round.  Maybe that's what makes it so special. You need to use fresh berries to get it to turn out right.  This bread has just the right amount of sweetness to it and leaves you wanting more!! Strawberry Bread 1/2 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 1/2 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 3/4 cup flour 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/4 cups strawberries, fresh and chopped fine (Frozen berries will not work) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat butter and sugars together until light and creamy.  Beat in the egg one at a time.  Then mix in the sour cream and vanilla.  Gradually add flour, soda, baking powder and salt.  Mix until all ingredients are combined.  Fold in the strawberries.  Pour into a loaf pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. *This can also be made with fr

I had a tough adjustment this last week returning to work and life in general.  So I am carrying a few meals over to this week.  Just a few more wedding pictures to share with you. The candy bar at the reception.  They had little bags for each guest to fill and take home. I think the adults liked it as much as the kids!! A gorgeous view of the Grand Teton Mountains. Now here's to accomplishing a few things this week and the first thing is the menu.. This Week's Menu Monday: Dinner Nachos Tuesday:Chicken Caesar Wraps Wednesday: BBQ Chicken Pizza Thursday: Kelsee's Birthday! Dinner Out. Friday: Oven Baked Burritos Saturday: Chef Salads Sunday: Roast Wishing you all a delicious week!!