Mothers Day Weekend

My mothers day weekend started with a trip to Charlotte Saturday to pick up my daughter. We figured this would save her on gas since her boyfriend will be joining up with us on Sunday and he would take her back with him.

Once we arrived in Charlotte, my daughter buzzed us into her apartment so we could help her with her things. Yes, she stays one night with us and she packs for a week. It’s a girl thing. Once we were in, she had me a dozen mixed donuts sitting on the counter along with dish of bacon. 

She had went to a bacon festival the night before and she knew how much I love bacon. I had all the bacon and a donut eat before we got back home.

Her boyfriend got me some flowers for Mother’s Day which I thought was so sweet. ummm yes, hes beginning to get real sweet with us. Wonder why? Time will tell. But he is absolutely a sweet heart.

We spent Saturday doing some shopping. Not really buying anything. Just looking around. Nick told us to go without him and enjoy our mother/daughter time. Later he took us out to eat Mexican food and then Ice Cream. I was stuffed and tired. 

Sunday I woke up to a sweet card and this beautiful necklace along with a manicure gift card some eye shadows and lipsticks. 

After breakfast we headed off to church to honor God and mothers. It was a wonderful service.

Here is a little funny about church this morning:

They called all the mothers to the front of the church to give us all a little gift. This year we received candy dishes full of candy. Well, they were not exactly candy dishes but rather Margarita glasses. The pastor realized this after the fact and told us all not to get any ideas!  I found this so funny as I have never seen my mom hold a margarita glass until a day in church! Ha ha. It was sweet though.

After church Nick took us to Sweet Frogs yogurt shop then to look at some beach chairs I had been wanting. 

We ended the day with a family dinner for Mom at her favorite Chinese restaurant. 

It was a great weekend!   

Mochi

My daughter keeps raving about these little dough covered balls of ice cream her boyfriend introduced her too. She gets them at her local Harris Teeter.

She is always talking about weird and different foods she tries so I didn’t pay it much mind. 

When she was home this past weekend, we took a trip to Harris Teeter. This being the highest price grocery store in town, we do not visit it much, but they had an item I wanted that no one else has. They also had the ice cream things shes been talking about and she urged us to get a box to try. 

Looking in the freezer section, I seen several flavors of what is called “Mochi”. I chose the salted caramel flavor.

These are are a Japanese made dessert and they are exactly as she described. Little dough balls with ice cream inside. I sorta of snarled my nose but thought, “why not” I mean they are ONLY like $6.00 a box!”.

But I had to try it. I mean, They looked fun! 

There are six in a box and each one is about the size of a ping pong ball. 

She and my husband watched me intensly as I bit into what felt like a ball of playdough. They waited on a response. With powdered lips and a full mouth, I said “Hold on, I'm a little confused right now”. 

I took another bite. “Not too bad”. 

I refused to share my Mochi and told them to get their own to try. I think I liked it. It was different.

With only 110 calories, it made the perfect snack that satisfied my sweet tooth for the evening. 

I would like to try the other flavors if I come across a coupon. But for now, I’ll stick to my ice cream in a cone and my “mochi” from Nick. 

Have you ever tried anything like this? 

Birthday Baked Apples

My daughter has gotten to celebrate her birthday all week! Her birthday was September 23rd. She turned 26. We went to her town and took her out to breakfast on her birthday. We also gave her a couple gifts and a cheese cake. She was booked up with plans with her friends the rest of that weekend and the next. The soonest we could get family together to celebrate her birthday was this past weekend.

The birthday girl complained that she got every kind of cake for her birthday except her favorite. We asked “what kind of cake would that be?” She answered, “birthday cake!” She likes white cake with white buttercream icing. Of course, as her mom, I knew that. 

The family piled in after church for a birthday dinner. Me and Nick spent all morning in the kitchen preparing the food. The menu consist of bbq chicken, macaroni and cheese, slaw, squash casserole, green beans, rolls and baked apples. The apples were a last minute decision as I wanted to have a Fall themed dinner. 

There is something about the aroma of baked apples. They were a treat that went over good and made my house smell like a country bakery. 

I grabbed some New York apples because they were cheap. 

I would have much rather had honey crisp apples but they were tripple the price. The New York apples worked just fine.

I carefully cored out the centers and removed all the seeds and any hard stuff. Then I trimmed the peeling from the edges. Usually this will keep the skin from splitting and keeps the apples in tact. That didnt really work by the way. 

Next I stuffed each hole with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, raisins and pecans and butter.  I baked them until they were soft. They are great as a side or add ice cream to make it a delicious dessert. 

We were expecting twelve people for dinner but ended up with only eight. Needless to say we had lots of leftovers. We are those people that over prepare so nothing runs out. We make sure everyone can have as many helpings as they want. 

The food was great and YES, the girl got her Birthday cake with plenty to take home to share with her friends.

Mountain Dew Soda Cake

Holy snackaroni! I just made cupcakes muffins using only two ingredients. 

I had no frosting, therfore they are muffins.

 

Googling around on the internet I seen "Soda Cake". It only called for two ingredients. 

 

1-Box Cake mix

1-12 oz can of soda.

Thats it! Zip! Bam! 

The only soda I had in the house was Diet Moutain Dew (diet because I'm on a diet, haha). 

I mixed it with a box of cake mix and the magic (not Jacks magic) appeared right before my eyes. 

The cake mix got all bubbly, fizzy and foamy until it was mixed well. 

Poured into a muffin pan and baked according to the directions on the box, I had the fluffiest most moistest cupcakes muffins ever! 

 

They were quiet delicious as I ate three of them. I'll regret it during the night. 

No worries on the calories (unless you devour them like I did).

Recipe makes 24 muffins.

Since there is no milk, oil or eggs, this recipes is light on the calories.

While the regular recipe bakes up each cupcake at about 120 calories each, this soda recipe falls at around only 70 calories each. 

Of course I used "diet soda" . 

Win!

Want more ideas on flavors? There are many other soda / cakemix combinations. 

 

                                         (Source)

Enjoy. 

Cream Cheese Pumpkin Pie

OK, so its Fall. I have to admit, I do like the Fall but I could skip winter and I love Spring and Summer. Anyway, Back to Fall. Its a time of all the pumpkin goodies to start coming out and the smell of Pumpkin lattes in the air. Its also time for me to start sharing some of my pumpkin desserts. I made this one a couple years ago and may make it again soon. Im not sure how it will fit in with my healthy eating.

I'm not a big fan of pumpkin pie but sometimes I like it if its not real spicy and it has to be loaded with whip cream.

Yea like that!!!

This recipe requires cream cheese and whip cream so its perfect for me.  I use more cream cheese filling than anything else. That's how I like it!

CREAM CHEESE PUMPKIN PIE

• 1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 cup plus 1 Tbsp. milk, divided
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
• 1 pre-made Graham Pie Crust (one reg or two 6 oz size)
• 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin
• 2 pkg. (3.4 oz. each) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves  

• Beat cream cheese, 1 Tbsp. milk and sugar in large bowl with whisk until blended. Stir in half the COOL WHIP. Spread onto bottom of crust.
• Whisk remaining milk, pumpkin, dry pudding mixes and spices 2 min. (Mixture will be thick.) Spread over cream cheese layer.
• REFRIGERATE 4 hours or until firm. Serve topped with remaining COOL WHIP.

It was delicious, but as I mentioned, I don't like a lot of spice and so next time I make it, I will use less clove.

Now its time to start decorating for the season. Of course I always wait until after my daughters birthday which is actually today and of course, the first day of Fall. Ill decorate while counting down the days til Spring.

Easy College Recipes

We all know that cooking can be time consuming. I mean, who has time to cook in their dorm when there are things to do and people to see. Oh and class.

You can find a lot of frozen microwavable steamed veggies and foods but here are just a few neat tricks you can have fun with and surprise your friends. All you need is a microwave!
Warning: Most are sweet stuff but you know you need the energy.

"Jail House Burrito"

Fun and easy to do. Adds a twist to the regular romaine noodle kind of night.

 

"Nuked Apples"

 

"Microwave egg"

 

"Easy Cake in a Cup"

With only 2 ingredients! 3 if you count the icing.

 

"Cake Batter Fudge"

No cooking required! Quick and easy to take for any party.

 

 "Cream Cheese and Jelly Dip"

This is not real pretty but taste just like cheese cake.

1 block cream cheese

1/2 jar strawberry jam

Mix and dip using cinnamon sugar graham crackers.

This would be awesome for a Halloween party too!

 

 

If you are a parent, a great thing to do is make a little recipe book of some of your own recipes that your son or daughter have always loved yet easy enough for them to do.

 

Best wishes! 

Watermelon Goodness

I associate Watermelon with July. I guess it the hot dry days and flourished gardens.
Watermelon is not one of my foods. I prefer a Cantaloupe or Honey Dew, but I will eat Watermelon if its around. However, the other day, I was craving a bite of this pink, juicy, thirst quenching melon for some reason, so I stopped by the local grocery store and bought a small seedless watermelon that was just perfect for my family of three.

I heard that watermelon was full of sodium so we never really looked twice at one on a usual trip to the supermarket. I did some research, not to prove anyone wrong, but to find something good in this melon I was fixing to indulge on.

So, I did, and guess what? It actually has NO SODIUM, no fat, and barely any calories. Two cups of Watermelon contains only 96 calories and 2mg of sodium, the same amount of sodium found in a bottle of water. Sodium free means it contains less than 5mg. Of course I'm bad and like to add salt to my slice.
So you say, "well its full of sugar" Nope! It has sugar, but its natural sugar and unless you sit down and eat a whole watermelon all by yourself, the amount of sugar in a serving is very minimal. In fact, Watermelon contributes to weight loss by lowering your blood sugar.

Here are some more interesting facts I found while researching about watermelon benefits.

• 12% fiber / 88 Percent Water
• Full of lycopene- Lycopene fights against heart disease and prostrate cancer.
• Fights infections- because it contains beta carotene
• Soothes stress and alleviates blood pressure
• fights hunger- If you eat 2 cups before a meal, it will give you a full feeling and only contains 96 calories.
• Its a natural diuretic- Helps you get rid of unneeded water and salt in your system.
• Full of vitamin B6, A, C, Potassium and Thiamine- 2 cups have 1/2 the vitamin C you need per day.
• Full of Citrulline- Citrulline is an amino acid and has 250 milligrams per cup. This improves blood flow, prevents excess accumulation of fat and soothes sore muscles. It also relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation. (Good news for men [wink wink]). Did I read "natural Viagra?

Ok, for the pessimist out there, I searched what could be bad about this melon. I didn't find that much other than some people can be allergic to it and that any vitamins can be unsafe if you take in too much. And if you eat to much watermelon, you will get diarrhea. Oh, which reminds me that I read also that it protects against colon cancer as well.

Now, everyone needs to grab a nice sweet watermelon and share the wealth health. I'm going to try and make this my go to fruit during the summer and while I'm on a diet to see if it contributes to me loosing any weight, feeling healthier and not being so sore! There are a lot of watermelon recipes on Pinterest. Im just not sure I like watermelon enough to make desserts or smoothies with it.
Well see, I may acquire more of a taste for it soon. I'm actually dreaming of sitting on the beach with some right now!


Sources

http://www.sharecare.com/health/diet-nutrition/article/6-healthy-reasons-to-eat-watermelon
http://rajanjolly.hubpages.com/hub/Watermelon-And-Diarrhea-Some-Effects-Of-Watermelon-Consumption 
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/much-sodium-watermelon-7198.html 

Frozen Yogurt Sandwich

Do you like Ice cream sandwiches but your diet says no?
Well then how about a yogurt sandwich instead?

Since being on Nutrisystem I have learned to make healthier choices in what I eat.

These little frozen goodies are healthy, delicious and less than 100 calories each. They are easy to make and fit right into your diet without any guilt. If your not on a diet, then you can just eat all you want and not regret it.

Frozen Yogurt Sandwich

8- Low fat graham cracker sheets (note: each cracker sheet has 4 triangles).
1- Low fat, 80 calorie yogurt (flavor of your choice).
1/3 cup- Sugar free cool whip ( taste better than fat free and you will never know its sugar free)

Mix the yogurt and cool whip together.
Lay 4 crackers sheets in a single layer in a shallow dish.
Pour mixture over crackers.
Top with 4 cracker sheets..
Freeze for at least 4 hours
Cut into squares (each cracker makes 2 squares when cut in half)
Enjoy

Only 92 Calories per square.

Go ahead and experiment with different flavors. I think lemon would be good.
You can add nuts or spinach. Yes spinach. Just like you would a smoothie. It may turn a pretty green but you will not taste it in there. Really.

PS: After freezing overnight, they got really hard so you may want to cut and separate after about 4 hours. Wrap each individual sandwich in foil and place back into the freezer to enjoy anytime.

Ive shared this at:
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
thursday-favorite-things at katherinescorner
link-and-share-wednesday at oombawkadesigncrochet
weekend-bloggy-reading-link-up at serenitynowblog
dare-to-share at pamspartyandpracticaltips

Sugar Lemon Cookies

Christmas is just a couple weeks away now and you still haven't decided what to take to that party. Or maybe you just want to add something sweet in the break room at work. Well, your at the right page. Im fixing to share a simple recipe for some lemon cookies that you can whip up in a matter of minutes.

These little powdered covered cookies will add just enough sweetness to any occasion. They are not to sweet and have a hint of lemon. If you want more lemon taste, just add more lemon juice.

It only takes about five minutes to mix them up and ten minutes to bake.

Try it.

Sugar Lemon Cookies.

 

One Stick of Butter

1 Cup sugar

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 Tablespoon lemon juice (best from lemon squeeze)

2 Cups self rising flour

Powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350.

With a mixer, Cream butter & sugar in a large bowl , add egg, vanilla, lemon juice and zest.

With a fork, Stir in flour. (dough will be sticky so use a spoon and spoon a ball into powdered sugar, roll it around coating all sides. Place 2-3 inches apart on a greased baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, Once cooled, coat with more powder sugar (optional).

That's all there is to it. They are simply light and sweet. Not sure if its the lemon I like best or the powder sugar. I love making things with powdered sugar. Maybe its just eating a cookie in general. Could you imagine how happy they world would be if everyone made cookies at the same time?



Ive shared this at:
worthwhile-wednesdays at craftyallieblog
mizhelenscountrycottage
cityofcreativedreams

Oh Fudge!

Ive made up my mind not to even try to diet in December. With all the Christmas parties and dinners planned, light eating is not going to happen.

With that being said, im going to share an easy fudge recipe with you. Grab your kids because its easy enough for them to do too. There is no cooking or electric mixers involved.

This is my first attempt and it turned out great.
 

Just look at that ewy gooey goodness.
 

Easy Fudge

4 tablespoons butter

3 cups simi sweet chocolate chips

1 14oz can condensed milk

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

 

In a bowl, add chocolate , condensed milk and butter.

Microwave 1 minute

Add in salt and vanilla 

Mix until smooth

 

Line a pan with foil and spray it with cooking spray.

Pour the fudge into the pan, smooth out and refrigerate until cool and firm.

Release fudge on to a clean counter space or cutting board and cut into squares.

Best served at room temperature.

 

This is not my recipe, its a recipe I found on Pinterest. You can click HERE to see a step by step video.

These fudge bites are so creamy and good. I even added one to my coffee for an extra sweet creamy shot.

The next batch I make will have peanuts or pecans in it.

What Is your favorite fudge flavor? Id love to hear all the possibilities.


Ive shared this at:
snickerdoodle-sunday at 2crochethooks
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
tuesday-pin-spiration-link-party at thestitchinmommy
worthwhile-wednesdays at craftyallieblog
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage

 

Pumpkin Spice Biscotti

Ok all you coffee lovers out there. Here is a wonderful recipe for Biscotti with a touch of Autumn, and spice. Perfect dipped in your favorite hot drink.

 

 

This biscotti is not too sweet but just sweet enough to get your day started and Im going to share the recipe with you. But first, make sure you read the baking directions correctly. I thought I was miss Betty Crocker and went ahead of the directions then realized I was doing it all wrong. It was almost a mess but was an easy fix.

 

Pumpkin Spice Biscotti

 

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees

 

Sift together,

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup sugar

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

 

In another bowl whisk together,

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

1 teaspoon pumpkin spice

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

Directions:

• Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and blend together. (it will be dry and crumbly)
• Flour your hands and a clean counter top and kneed the dough.
• Form the dough into a log about 6 inches wide and 1/2 inch high.
• Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
• Remove from oven and let cool for about 15 minutes.
• Cut into 1 inch wide pieces.
• Turn oven down to 300 degrees and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes .

Makes about 24 pieces.


These turned out a little soft. If you like them more crisp like I do, just bake them a little longer and/or leave out uncovered overnight.

Biscotti also makes great gifts for neighbors, work, or friends.
Store in an airtight container or baggies.
Enjoy.


Ive shared this at:
mix-it-up-monday at flourmewithlove
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
monday-handmade-linkup at judyscardmakingandpapercrafts
something-fabulous at roubinek
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop at katherinescorner

Chocolate Dipped Bacon Brittle

Had ya at bacon didn't I?

While on the computer the other day I came across an awsome looking recipe for candied bacon dipped in chocolate. Now, anyone that knows me, knows my love for bacon. I literally buy 2 packs a week. 

Anyway, I was fixing to head to bed and call it a day when this idea hit me. Why not make brittle with bacon instead of nuts? I thought I had come up with something new and could not wait to experiment.

The next day I headed back to the computer and to my disappointment, it seemed that I along with a hundred other people have already come up with this idea. They must have read my mind during the night.

 

Get a glass bowl ready, this is made in the microwave. I tried it once in a plastic bowl and it ruined both the bowl and sugar. It was just nasty. So Make sure you have a GLASS bowl.

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup light syrup (karo)

1/4 Tbs salt

1 Tbs butter

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp baking soda

Bacon crumbles

Combine sugar, syrup and salt.

Microwave 4 minutes (be careful it will be hot and bubbly).

Stir in butter, bacon and vanilla and cook another 4 minutes.

Stir in baking soda an pour quickly onto a greased cookie sheet. Cool approx 20 minutes then break into pieces.

Once completely cool, dip each piece into melted chocolate and lay on wax paper to dry. Sprinkle with sea salt. Enjoy.

 

Oh. So you like the mug cozy I made too? I just got an order in of these adorable birch buttons from Wearhouse Industries. They were special made for me. Thanks Randy and Laura! I love how they look on these cute crocheted warmers. I sale these mug cozies in my Etsy shop if you want one. I can do all colors.


Ive shared this at:
link-and-share-wednesday at oombawkadesigncrochet
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop at katherinescorner
submarine-sunday at usscrafty 
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
monday-handmade-linkup at judyscardmakingandpapercrafts
something-fabulous-wednesday at roubinek  

White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

I'm fixing to share with you some really super duper, easy peasy ,good and yummy oatmeal cookies you must make today. It will only take 6  ingredients and 15 minutes of your time. I guess you can call them healthy too, right? I mean, oatmeal is good for you isn't it? Ok, ill stick to that.

So, grab a bowl and fork and get started. Yes, I just mixed them up with a fork. Here goes.

Wait, did I say they were easy?

White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 stick of butter (softened)
• 1 egg
• 1 Cup Self rising Flour
• 2 cups uncooked oatmeal (Quick cooking but not instant)
• 1 Teaspoon honey (optional)
• *Mini white chocolate chips

  * you can omit the chocolate if you just want plain oatmeal cookies

Place by the spoonful onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

Use a spoon to flatten them out a little.

Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. (The bottoms will brown but the tops stay light)

Also, the cookies seem soft a gooey at first but will firm as they cool.

I just could not stop eating these things! They were not too crunchy and not too chewy. They were just right. We were eating them right off the cooling rack.

They are perfect with a glass of milk for a late night snack. Well, ok, maybe not. I'm pretty wired right now. I think I ate about five cookies without even thinking. I may not go sleep for a while now. 
Seriously, though, they are good.

I lost count on how many this recipe made but I think it was about 2 dozen. My daughter wants to take some to share at the office where she works. Im thinking they will earn her a few brownie points.

Oh! did I just say brownies? Lord have mercy on my sweet tooth.


Ive shared this at:
made-by-me at jaqsstudio
worthwhile-wednesdays at thecraftiestallie
full plate thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop at katherinescorner
submarine-sunday at usscrafty
snickerdoodle-sunday-40 at 2crochethooks

Sugar Cookie In a Cup

Its been a while since I made anything sweet. If I make anything like a cake or batch of cookies, we will have them all eat within a day or two. I just cant help myself. I LOVE sweet things. That's why I decided to make just "one" cookie. It was a perfect cure for my sweet tooth.

 

It was simple to make and only took a minute to cook. Yep, mixed it in a cup and cooked it in the microwave. I have made several different kinds of cookies, brownies and cakes in a cup. Out of all the recipes I've tried, this one came in second. First being the 3-2-1 cakes. Those are dangerously good so I try and stay away from them. Go check that recipe out here. You can thank me later.

Back to the Sugar cookie in a cup. You probably have the ingredients already in your kitchen so grab a mug or small bowl and whip this up.

Sugar Cookie in a Cup

Melt 1 Tbsp. of butter in a mug (about 15 seconds).
Add 2 Tbsp. sugar, 1/4 tsp. vanilla, pinch of salt (mix).
Add 1 Egg Yolk (mix).
Add 3 Tbsp. all purpose flour (mix).
Garnish with sprinkles if you wish.
Microwave approx. 50 seconds (depending on your microwave).

 

That's it! Now you have you own personal little cookie to enjoy with a glass of milk.

I would love to know what your favorite cup recipe is, but until then, I have a cookie to chow down on.

Original recipe can be found here


Ive shared this at:
thursday-favorite-things at katherinescorner
worthwhile-wednesdays at thecraftiestallie
bacontimewiththehungryhypo

Skinny Eclair

Its been a while since I made something sweet but while scrolling thought facebook and Pinterest, I discovered an easy recipe to an Eclair cake.

Its been so hot outside here in North Carolina that I dread cranking up the oven for anything. This recipe had me at "no bake". That's right. Its a no bake recipe. Its as easy as making instant pudding.

The only problem is that Im actually on a diet. Im trying to eat lighter and healthier. So far I have been doing pretty good at that so that's why I decided to make this Éclair skinny, meaning light or low fat.

This can still be a diet bomber but I made it less fattening by using fat and sugar free pudding and 2% milk. I mean, that's something, right? Im sure its not as good as the original recipe found here. But its pretty darn good and hit the sweet spot just right.

 Skinny No bake Eclair

2 small packages- Sugar and fat free Vanilla Instant Pudding mix, dry

3½ cups- 2% milk

12 oz.- Sugar Free cool whip

2 (14.4) oz box- graham crackers 

-CHOCOLATE TOPPING -

3 Tbsp.- butter

3 Tbsp.- 2% milk

3 Tbsp.- cocoa

1 cup -powdered sugar

1. Mix milk and vanilla pudding packets until it starts thickening (about 2 min).
2. mix in Cool Whip.
3. In a 9x13 pan, Layer graham crackers to cover entire bottom of pan.
4. Pour some of the pudding/cool whip mixture on top and level.
5. Put another layer of graham crackers to cover entire surface.
6. Repeat layers- I did 3 but two makes up great too.
7. Put the final layer of graham crackers on top with bumpy side down. This will help the top look more smooth when you go to put the frosting on top.
8. FROSTING: Microwave butter and milk just enough until melted. Do not boil it.
9. Add cocoa and powdered sugar and blend together. 
10. Pour over top of graham crackers and smooth out nicely.
11. Refrigerate overnight

The hardest part of the whole recipe is #11. I skipped that part.

I had to dig into it within two hours of making it. It was not set yet and the crackers were still not as soft as they are suppose to be. So make sure you let refrigerate at least 8 hours.

You can do it!!


Ive shared this at:
snickerdoodle-sunday at 2crochethooks
mix-it-up-monday at flourmewithlove
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop at katherinescorner

Creamy Lemon Tarts

"When life give you lemons.....Make lemon Tart!"

This lemon tart isn't like most I've seen. Its creamy and more on the cheese cake side. But don't get confused...Its NOT cheese cake. Just creamy like one. I have to give my mom all the credit on this one. This is her recipe. One of the family favorites. Mom always asked each of her children what kind of dessert we want for our birthday. Let me say, four out of six of us were born in May. Someone always asked for the lemon tart. Not that its me every time or anything, im just saying.

It was so easy to make, a kid could do it.

Lemon Tart
2 blocks cream cheese (room temperature)
2 cans sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup Lemon Juice ( more or less to your liking)

With a mixer, cream the cream cheese (Not doing this first will cause lumps)
Add the sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice and continue to cream all together.
Pour into graham cracker pie crust.
Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.

Mom makes her own graham cracker crust, makes it thick and puts it in a casserole dish. Its the best but I was in a hurry. I used the small premade pie crusts and halved the recipe.

These little pies are so sweet and tarty. Perfect for a quick treat or a party.

Enjoy


Ive shared this at:
inspire-me-monday at create-with-joy
mix-it-up-monday at flourmewithlove
amaze-me-Monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
nifty-thrifty-tuesday at linda-coastalcharm
momstheword--livingforhim
made-by-me-123-linky-party-and-features at jaqsstudio
something-fabulous-wednesday at roubinek 
your-whims-wednesday at mygirlishwhims  
worthwhile-wednesdays at thecraftiestallie  
full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage
anything-goes-linky at bacontimewiththehungryhypo
cityofcreativedreams

Italian Almond Biscotti

Every year at Christmas I make goodies to share. One year it was cheese balls, the other it was pecan cookies, etc....But this year I decided to make some Italian Biscotti. My Husband is from an Italian family and I sure would have loved to get a hold of some of his grandmothers recipes. He will often mention the frittata and sugary pastry twist that were favorites along with other unique and special dishes. Most of the time she would make them without a recipe. She had them all in her head and as far as I know, she took them with her to the grave.

Biscotti is an Italian word that means twice cooked. These cookies were twice cooked (or baked) so they would keep longer and hold up when dipped in coffee.

I got this recipe from learnfromyesterday.com. The only thing I did different was I used almonds instead of walnuts and I used 1 teaspoon of anise and 1 teaspoon of vanilla because she said either one would work and that just meant I had to make a choice and I'm not good a making my mind up so I did both. It turned out delicious!

This recipe makes A LOT of Biscotti. I will have biscotti until Easter! When I was making the dough, I felt like Lucy in one of the "I Love Lucy" shows.

However, It ended up doing just fine and made 4 perfect loafs and about 100 pieces. I didn't actually count them and I would eat the broken ones. But I'm pretty sure It made about that much.

I left most of them plain but I dipped a few of them in some chocolate dip to add extra sweetness to these not so sweet cookies. They are perfectly sweet when dipped in coffee. Perfect for a quick breakfast during this fast pace time of the year. And to my surprise, they do not have a lot of calories.

Ive shared this at:

ladybug-blessings

nifty-thrifty-tuesday at linda-coastalcharm

whatd-you-do-this-weekend at tumbleweedcontessa

full-plate-thursday at mizhelenscountrycottage

thecraftyblogstalker

showcase-your-talent-thursday at whatscookinglove

freedom-fridays at myturnforus