Homemade Microwave Popcorn

I think we talked about this not too long ago and I wanted to post the recipe...not that it is really hard...but still - i think the idea is brilliant - and from experience it really works!

We tried this thinking - it will probably crash and burn - but it tastes just like you made it on the stove and you don't have that artificial buttery thing going on...I don't like that fake taste - give me the real thing baby!! :)

So here you go - go for it - and if you try it...let me know if you like it!!

Homemade Microwave Popcorn Recipe!

Oreo Thanksgiving Turkey

I love this!!

I found this at one of my favorite blogs to read "make and takes".

I was looking for a "Thanksgiving Craft Tradition" to start with the boys...and you know I ain't crafty ;)

So I found this and thought...I can do that!! Now obviously this is a treat...you won't find any vegetables in this recipe, but it looks really cute and I think it would look fabulous at your Thanksgiving Table!

We are making these next week - although we are not having anyone over for Thanksgiving, it is just the 4 of us - so we will be eating these ourselves...not that I mind!

Happy Crafting!!

Oreo Turkey Craft!

Which Sesame Street Character are you!?!?

Maybe something you have never thought of but it is a fun and harmless quiz to take to find out which character you resemble. I am Elmo - though I really thought I was going to be Big Bird...oh well...Elmo is ok I guess :)
Hope you are having a wonderful day - This blog post was brought to you by the letter C and L and by the number 5!

Sesame Street Interactive Quiz...which character are you!?

Video Mom Tip!

As promised - here is the Mom Tip about peeling a potato without a potato peeler!
It is much easier to see it then to have it explained on the radio so that is why I put it up here for you - Enjoy...and let me know if it works for you!

Best Cupcake EVER!

Bob - a listener friend - sent me this recipe when I mentioned that I was trying to come up with the perfect cupcake that people went nuts over...Bob said he was on a mission to do the same thing and finally found it!! He sent me the recipe and I get to share it with you now!! I know a lot of people were looking for this so enjoy...I've included the frosting recipe too...yum!!

Bob's Perfect Chocolate Cupcake Recipe -

2 cups sugar
1 ¼ cups all purpose flour
¾ cup Cocoa
1 ½ tsps baking soda
1 ½ tsps baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 cup whole milk (can substitute 2%)
½ cup peanut oil (can substitute vegetable oil)
2 tsps vanilla
1 cup boiling water
Heat oven to 350°F. Prepare boiling water. Have a good rolling boil. Prepare baking pans by spraying PAM spray and flouring them. Can use single 9-inch x 13-inch x 2-inch pan, three square pans 8-inch x 8-inch or three 9-inch round pans. Can also make 18-24 cupcakes, but use the foil cupcake wrappers.
In large mixer bowl, stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla into bowl, then beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the boiling water, this will cause the batter to bubble and thin, that is just fine.
Pour batter into prepared pans or use 1 cup measure to pour into cupcake wrappers. Fill wrappers 1/3 to 1/2 full.
Bake 25-30 minutes for square or round pans, 30-35 minutes for rectangular pan, or 20-25 minutes for cupcakes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks and complete cooling. Frost if desired.

Bob's Famous Frosting

Single Recipe (Original)
3/8 cup softened butter
1/8 cup Crisco
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 tsp vanilla
6 Tbsp milk (add more if needed)
Combine ingredients and frost cake, cupcakes, cookies, etc.
1 ½ recipes covers Dark & Rich Chocolate Cake
½ recipe covers 1 recipe sugar cookies.
1 ½ Recipe (Modified 2009)
This recipe is modified from the original to remove the Crisco, and still provide a stiff frosting for the cake layers. The coconut oil and the whole milk are thicker than 2% milk and only using butter.
6 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
3 Tbsp Coconut Oil
2 tsp vanilla
3/8 – 1/2 cup whole milk (start with 3/8 and add more if needed)
Let the cake cool, and micro the frosting for 5-8 seconds to soften it just before you apply.

10 Tips to Save on Christmas Shopping!

I think that maybe all of us could use one of these tips this season...Our family already has a plan in motion that I think will benefit us greatly in our desire to "cut back" this year...we say it every year but this year it has to happen!!

I was proud to read through this list and find that I do a lot on the list already! You may too...but I think the whole list is good advice!

Happy Shopping

10 Tips to Save on Shopping this Christmas!

What "Soda" does to your body!

So I put this up on my blog today with great disappointment...see I LOVE Diet Pepsi...I have drank WAY too much of it over the years....When I entered my 30's I began to notice a lot of wacky health issues and when I would stop drinking Diet Pepsi...they would go away. So - last week I gave it up for good. Now I know that Diet is worse for you than regular soda so if I feel the need to indulge I may have a Coke every now and again but according to this article, both regular and diet are not great for you...it scared me straight...so I offer it to you. I know that it helped me to feel better - so maybe it could do the same for you.

I read a book recently that called pop "liquid satan" - thought that was a little harsh...but I see their point!

What soda does to your body! - Read the article here

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies - Oh My!

Yeah - I can't do it...I promise no more pumpkin...and then I see this. When the picture makes me want to eat the screen - I have to share it with you! I love pumpkin so much I may adopt it and make it part of my family :)

So here you go...do with it what you will- but I hope you enjoy...and let me know if you make it and you love it...I am going to do the "thanksgiving practice run" this week so I will let you know how it goes!

Hugs!

Pumpkin Whoopie Pie Recipe!

Last Pumpkin Recipe of the Season!

This is a keeper! It is best to dip with gingersnaps...so delish!

I promise - this is the last pumpkin recipe of the season - it has been fun!!

Ingredients:

8 oz. light or fat free cream cheese
2/3 cup light brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 15 oz. can pumpkin puree

Preparation:

In a food processor (or in a bowl by hand) pulse the cream cheese until smooth. Add next four ingredients (brown sugar, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon) to food processor and blend well. Empty cream cheese mixture into a bowl, add the pumpkin puree and mix well. Refrigerate until served.

Enjoy!

Cold and Flu Survival Guide!

As I type this...I am sniffing and coughing...my kids will be home from school tomorrow because they feel the same way - and we are generally just "icky". So I thought I would post a nice list of things you can do to fight the colds and flu this winter...A survival guide you might say.

I am sitting here with kleenex, a big glass of water and a fuzzy blanket that makes me feel somewhat better - I want you to be able to fight it so here you go - have a healthy week!

Cold and Flu Survival Guide - the 12 things you need!

Pumpkin/Cake Mix Delight!

I have had a TON of requests for this - so I wanted to put it into written form so you can try it before "pumpkin season" is thru! It may seem hard to believe that you can just take a cake mix and a can of pumpkin...mix and cook - but you can! I have pasted the recipe below...

Now - let me tell you that you can use a chocolate cake mix...I actually prefer that...and you do not have to add pumpkin pie spice - that is optional...sometimes I do...sometimes I don't.

I love this recipe - they are dense, but I think they are good! Enjoy!!

Ingredients

• 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• *optional - 1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 12 cup muffin pan or line with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, pumpkin puree, until smooth. Spoon equal amounts of batter into the prepared muffin cups.
3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted in the center of one comes out clean.

Pumpkin Roll Time!

This is what I have promised to bring to Thanksgiving this year...and what has been devoured every time I bring it to a function...the people love it! =)

I never tried to make a pumpkin roll before because I thought it would be difficult and I would somehow mess it up - but it actually turned out great.

Now - you will notice in the recipe that it talks about how to roll it out after it cooks...let me tell you what I do - you can follow the recipe or my way - either way - I think it will work.

When I take out the roll - I immediately take it out of the pan and put it on parchment paper that i dust heavily with powdered sugar. I roll it up immediately and leave it there for 20 minutes. Then I unroll, frost the inside, roll back up and put into the freezer for 45 minutes...I wrap it in an outer layer of foil before I put it in the freezer...and that's all folks! Again - you are welcome to try it any way you like - but don't be afraid!! =)

Pumpkin Roll Recipe - the best I have found (and I have tried a bunch!!)

No Pumpkin I Promise!

Ok - I felt guilty about all the pumpkin recipes...so this one has no pumpkin...just a lot of chocolate and a lot of cookies and a lot of calories...though I have heard if you eat things like this in large groups - everyone absorbs the calories equally so you only get a portion of them...I'm just saying that is what I heard... =) 

This one looks divine...and totally a pot luck kind of goodness...ENJOY

The Picky Palate's Mother Load Cookie Bars! 

Friday Foodie!

This comes from my favorite food blog - the picky palate....I am in love with that blog - mostly because she can make anything look BEAUTIFUL with the pictures she takes...makes you want to make the recipes right away!!

Ok - so this one has pumpkin in it again...i know - i have a problem...but look at that picture and tell me that doesn't look good...you know it does =) So try it - and tell me what you think...and have a great weekend...and I promise no more pumpkin...at least for this weekend!! =)

Recipe for Black Bottomed Mini Caramel Cheesecake Bites!  

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Recipe

I am in love with Pumpkin Cream Cheese...have I mentioned that in the last 10 minutes??

All this week it has been my passion...I am in love with it - I could eat in everything...seriously everything. 

Thought you might like a recipe so you could make it at home...I wouldn't add the maple syrup but this is my opinion...do what you like!! =) 

Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Spread

4 oz. cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and syrup til creamy.
2. Add pumpkin, spices and vanilla and beat til smooth.
3. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
4. Enjoy!

The Test I would Fail...maybe

Here is the video I promised! 

A great lesson about patience and temptation!!  I don't know if I would have passed this test...at 5 years old...or now at 32...that is my sad story - but I speak the truth. =) 

Hope you are having a great day...your pumpkin cream cheese recipe is coming soon! 

Time to Rebound!

Every tried rebounding? It is being called the Fall Fitness Trend of 2009!
I love rebounding...I started rebounding this summer and it is my favorite workout. It is easy on the ankles and knees...burns more calories than running in 30 minutes and I can do it while watching television...which is always a bonus.

Rebounding is a facy term for jumping on a mini trampoline. So go dig yours out from the 80's and make sure to put on your purple leg warmers...and rebound with me!

I found this workout online and it starts you off slow but in 6 weeks you will be toned and tightened - give it a try...not the sleek...a little bulky but hey- it works and if you like it...rebound with me today!

6 week rebound workout!

Bringing back the BEST CUPCAKE EVA'!!

I had a friend who did not believe that I could make cupcackes that tasted like girl scout cookie thin mints...oh was she wrong...

I made a batch of these cupcakes and they are fabulous! If you like chocolate and mint - ooo baby do I have a treat for you.

This is possibly my favorite cupcake and it got buried on my website so I wanted to dig it out and feature it again in case you missed it...I am telling you - you won't be sorry - let me know what you think and how it tastes...I love the feedback!

Have a great chocolatey-minty day!

Recipe for Chocolate Mint Cupcakes

Friday Foodie!

So every Friday I am going to give you a recipe you can try over the weekend...see if it is something you like or don't like...
It is fall so today it is all about PUMPKIN - I could eat pumpkin from now until Christmas...in just about everything really - but have you ever had pumpkin oatmeal!?!?
I know this may sound a little strange - but read on - because it looks so good!

Let me know what you think....the recipe seems fairly simple - I am trying this for breakfast tomorrow!! This recipe came from the food blog "Good Life Eats" so if you ever want a place to look for more great recipes like this one - Katie's your gal!

Pumpkin Oatmeal - Yum!

Kids Cleaning Buckets

I was sure I put this up over Labor Day...I remember writing about it and for some reason I never did...I do that every once in awhile - convince myself I do stuff that I never do...sign of old age I guess =)

So this is for Pauline =) it is a cute bucket, easy to make, from one of my favorite websites: Make and Takes - if you have time - check out the whole website...you will find tons of cute ideas!

Kids Cleaning Buckets!

Faux Cookie Dough...yum!

Ok - I have not tried this yet...but it sounds good! Now admit...you like cookie dough - at least a little bit, every once in awhile. I know that eating cookie dough can be bad for you..not just fat and calories but actually dangerous to eat it raw!
This version...is totally safe to eat raw - and it is really nutritious -
The recipe came from one of my favorite blogs about health and fitness...Vitamin G....

Same website that I got the Breakfast Cookie from (which by the way I thought was not good...but I might try again and try to find something that makes it taste better)

So here you go...faux cookie dough (I am great at rhyming) =)

"Cookie Dough" Balls

Recipe by Sarah Jio

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of peanut butter (or any other nut butter--I used sunflower "butter," since we have a nut allergy in my house)

1 banana, mashed

1/3 cup of rolled, old fashion oats (not instant oats)

A sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)

2 tablespoons of wheat germ

(P.S. You could add in some chocolate chips if you really wanted to--but I think there are enough flavors going on here.)

Preparation:

Sprinkle the wheat germ on a small plate and set aside. In a cereal bowl, mash the banana with a fork, then add in the peanut butter and oats and cinnamon, if you're using. Mix together until well blended (should be creamy and cookie-dough-esq). Pick up a spoonful and roll into a ball with your hands, then roll the ball onto the plate of wheat germ until it coats/sticks to all sides. Repeat until you've used all your "batter."

Enjoy!

Divulging my secrets...

Ok - I have been keeping this one to myself for a while but this is a really good website so I need to share.
This is one of my favorite food blogs - I check it everyday and I use something from it at least every other week....some of my favorites are the spaghetti bread and the chocolate covered brownie bites...
I thought this would be a great resource if you need to bring something to a labor day get together this weekend -
Let me know if you use anything from it - I would be happy to hear what you think!
Have a great weekend!!!

The Picky Palate - My Fave Food Blog

Inspiration from Andre...

Ok, so I cry alot...you know that =) I tend to cry alot when they have those sappy pieces on sports athletes for some reason - I can't help it...this one got to me last night.
I love tennis and Andre Aggasi was always one of my favorites - but that is not why this is up here. I put this video up to show the importance of backing up our words - with actions. I can talk all I want, but if you don't see me living it...my words mean nothing...if you have 5 minutes. Watch this video - tears not required =)

Rhubarb...what to do!?!

So I am in the grocery store and I buy some rhubarb...i don't know why - it just looked good =) I don't know what to do with rhubarb...I know it is pretty tart which is probably why it is always in desserts...but I need a good recipe - a good rhubarb recipe...do you have one? What should I make tonight...help me!! =)

Girls in my circle!

This came from my friend Julie. We have been friends since the first day of freshman year of college and she has played a huge part in my life...I am blessed to know her. I don't normally read forwards but I am glad I opened this one - some of the drawings are a little silly =)

When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend, And then I started to become a woman. And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, God would show you the best in many friends.
	One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man. Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom. Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities. Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be. One friend will say, 'Let's cry together,' Another , 'Let's fight together,' Another , 'Let's walk away together.'
	One friend will meet your spiritual need, Another your shoe fetish, Another your love for movies, Another will be with you in your season of confusion, Another will be your clarifier, Another the wind beneath your wings.
	But whatever their assignment in your life, On whatever the occasion, On whatever the day, Or wherever you need them to meet you with theirgym shoes on and hair pulled back, Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself . Those are your best friends.
	It may all be wrapped up in one woman, But for many, it's wrapped up in several.. One from 7th grade, One from high school, Several from the college years, A couple from old jobs, On some days your mother, On some days your neighbor, On others, your sisters, And on some days, your daughters.

20 Lazy Ways to Save Money

I was talking about this on the air and thought you might like the complete list...I know that some of them seem simple but it is also a good feeling to know that you ARE saving money by completing things on this list....I by no means have all 20 taken care of yet but we are working on it slowly but surely!

Happy Saving!

20 Lazy Ways to Save Money!!

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Homemade Puff Paint Project

Found this craft project and you know how I love the easy craft projects...anything that seems catastrophe free is good for me!

All you need to make the paint is:

1 Tablespoon Self Rising Flour

1 Tablespoon Salt

Couple of Drops of Food Coloring

Mix the ingredients with some water to create a paste and you are ready to paint!! Now a reminder, you don't have to have paint brushes you can use q-tips to paint and make sure it is on heavy paper or cardboard....when finished - microwave on high for about 30 seconds or less and project done!

I found the "how-to" at this website One Crafty Momma - great website if you are looking for cool craft projects!

Strawberry Jam Oatmeal Bars

"Grandma" brought these over for us...a favorite neighbor of ours...and I thought it was a passed down speciality recipe - turns out she found it online and e-mailed it over for me =)

This takes about 10 minutes to put together and they taste really good...if you are looking for a last of summer treat - this is a good one!

Strawberry Jam Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/3 cup brown sugar firmly packed
• 1/4 t baking powder
• 1/8 t salt
• 3/4 cup strawberry jam

Directions:

1. Preheat oven 375 degrees, and in a large bowl mix everything together but the jam.
2. Measure two cups of the mixture and press into the bottom of an 8 inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Using a large spoon, distribute jam evenly over the mixture in the dish.
3. Take remaining mixture and sprinkle on top of the jam and press down lightly.
4. Bake 25 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool in dish for at least 20 minutes before serving. These are delicious warm.

Tomato Pie and Gingerbread Cupcakes

I wrote this up last week but I closed the computer before it saved so I must have lost it...time to repost!!

I loved this dinner last week...it was one of our favorites and is going in our regular rotation for meals...and the cupcakes - spectacular!!
For the Tomato Pie - I used sharp cheddar, mozzarella and gruyere and I added a bit of hot italian turkey sausage - so GOOD!!
For the Gingerbread Cupcakes - I used real ginger but you don't have to - you can use either but let me tell you it was the first time I used real ginger and it was so good!!

Any questions - let me know! It comes from one of my favorite blogs - Simply Recipes...Enjoy!

Tomato Pie Recipe

Gingerbread Cupcake Recipe

Megan's Response to the Zucchini...Blueberry Buckle Baby!

So I posted a muffin recipe that is perfect for this time of year not too long ago. Megan has now offered her own muffin which is also perfect for this season because blueberries are all the rage...Megan knows my oldest Jack is a blueberry muffin crazy so she sent this as the BEST blueberry recipe she has EVER made...I will let you decide -
I have been on a baking kick lately and I like that I get to control the ingredients so I know exactly what is in them when I am eating them and that makes me feel better about my choices...so let me know if you like it - they are Megan's favorites and by the looks of them -I am guessing I will like them too! =)

Blueberry Buckle Muffins...yum

Ingredients:

Batter -

1/4 cup butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 t vanilla extract
2 cups flour
2 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
2 cups blueberries, stemmed and rinsed
Topping-

1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a 12 cup muffin tin with baking cups. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs, then the milk and vanilla.
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium sized bowl. Pour the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients and stir well, being careful not to overmix. Use a spatula to fold in the berries. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin filling each cup about three quarters full.
Make the crumb topping by stirring together the sugar, flour and cinnamon in a small bowl. Using your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes (or 15 minutes for mini muffins) or until they are lightly brown and a knife inserted in the middle of one comes out clean. Cool in tin for 15 to 30 minutes before serving. If you don’t, you risk some of the delicious buckle topping coming off. Then simply pretend it’s breakfast time, despite the hour, and enjoy with coffee.

Zucchini...in muffin form

If you have time this weekend for a delicious muffin recipe - this would be good for breakfast...snack time - whatever. It is filled with a vegetable too...BONUS!!! I have attached the recipe - I used 1/2 whole wheat flour, and i used 1/2 oil and half applesauce and that helped a bit with the fat count....like many others - I doubled the chocolate chips...which did not help the fat count - but I used dark chocolate and that is good for the heart =)
Let me know if you like them...I didn't think I would but they are Fabulous darling!
Enjoy!!

Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe!!

Comfortable Me...

Hi there!
I saw this video today and I have to say it has totally challenged me. I feel very comfortable and this has challenged me to be "on fire" for God...to not be content with contentment. You may not feel the challenge the way I did...and that is ok - but I wanted to put it up here because of the impact it had on me

The Cartoon Me...

I have always wanted to turn myself into a cartoon...mostly because you can get rid of the little flaws...amp up the good qualities and still say "hey that looks like me" =). Someone passed this site onto me and so I tried it...not bad huh?? I couldn't find a nose that fit mine but this is kind of close - plus if you know me, you know I always talk with my eyes closed...it helps me to think...I like the cartoon me I just wish they had a diet pepsi I could hold in my hand =) but I do dig the dress and the eyeshadow - it's my new profile pic... =)

Playtime Menus for Kids

I had talked about this last week and forgot to put it online...if your kids want to play make believe (my kids are really into playing "town" - but with two kids kind of hard to pull off a whole town) here is an idea to make menus for their restaurant...easy to do and a fun craft project -- from one of my favorite blogs "make and takes"

Make a homemade restaurant menu

As close as you can get!

I am in love with Starbucks Lemon Cake - it's a lemon pound cake that is absolutely delicious. Last night my husband and I decided to make the homemade version and we got incredible results. I tried this recipe I found online and it was fabulous! I added a little extra lemon extract because we like the punch of lemon and I baked it in a 10 1/2 x 6 baking pan which made it a little more "cake-y" and less "poundy" as my husband says...we actually like it better that way...enjoy!

Starbucks Lemon Loaf

1-1/2 Cups all-purpose flour
1/2 Teaspoon baking soda
1/2 Teaspoon baking powder
1/2 Teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 Cup granulated sugar
2 Tablespoons butter, softened
1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Teaspoon lemon extract
1/3 Cup lemon juice
1/2 Cup vegetable oil

Lemon Icing
1 Cup plus 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons whole milk
1/2 Teaspoon lemon extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
Blend together eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla, lemon extract, and lemon juice in a medium bowl with electric mixer.
Pour wet ingredient into dry ingredients and blend until smooth. Add oil
and mix well.
Pour into prepared 9x5-inch loaf pan. Bake for 45 minutes or until cake tests done.

Lemon icing:
Combine ingredients in a small bowl with electric mixer on low speed. After loaf has cooled, remove from pan and frost the top with the lemon icing.

Makes 8 slices.

1 Chicken - 2 Meals...loving it!

This is in my slow cooker at home right now!!

We were feeling a bit "fast fooded out" - and I was looking for a really easy home cooked meal.

Enter - my favorite blog...I was catching up on my blog reading and saw this post - and fell in love...I went out and got a whole chicken yesterday and now he is roasting on slow...I am actually more excited about tomorrow's recipe but my husband is a fan of the first...

Try it - let me know what you think! Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Vacation Pics!

Thought you might like to see some pics from our family get together this past weekend. It was great to be with family during a difficult time for Rod and the kids and me...My dad took Jack and Owen out fishing so there are some great pics of what they caught...notice the children are not touching the fish - I can't blame them - gross =)

Lemon Layer Cake with Splenda

Well you can tell I am pregnant =) Everything looks good to me...everything looks like something I would like to try. That being said, I know that people are not always keen on using Splenda they prefer sugar or something organic and that is fine - but I know there are also some that prefer Splenda and this recipe is for you. It seems very summer-y and refreshing and i could eat a bite right now =)
Enjoy!

Lemon Velvet Layer Cake Recipe:

• 1 c Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking .
• 2 1/2 tsps baking powder .
• 1/4 c fresh lemon juice .
• 1 c milk .
• 1 c water .
• 2 1/2 c sifted cake flour .
• 1 tsp lemon rind .
• 1/4 tsp lemon extract .
• Lemon Filling .
• 1/2 c butter, softened .
• Cake layers .
• 2 tbsps Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking .
• Optional whipped cream frosting .
• 2 1/2 tbsps cornstarch .
• 1/2 tsp salt .
• 2 tbsps butter .
• 1/4 tsp lemon extract .
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten .
• 2 tbsps lemon rind .
• 2 egg yolks, lightly beaten .
• 1 tsp lemon rind .
• 1 1/4 c whipping cream .
• 2/3 c Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking

Directions

• Step #1 Cake layer directions:.
• Step #2 Preheat oven to 350°F Grease & flour two (8 inch) round cake pans.
• Step #3 Combine flour, Sugar Blend, baking powder & salt in a mixing bowl.
• Step #4 Cut butter into flour mixture with a fork or a pastry mixer until crumbly.
• Step #5 Stir together eggs, milk, lemon extract & lemon rind in a mixing bowl; add 1/3 of the egg mixture to flour mixture.
• Step #6 Beat at lowish speed until mixed.
• Step #7 Beat at medium speed for 30 seconds or until batter is smooth, stopping to scrape down sides of the bowl.
• Step #8 Repeat procedure two times.
• Step #9 Spoon batter into prepared pans.
• Step #10 Bake for 25 to 30 mins or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
• Step #11 Cool in pans on a wire rack 10 mins; remove layers & cool on a wire rack.
• Step #12 Lemon Filling Directions:.
• Step #13 Combine Sugar Blend, cornstarch & water.
• Step #14 Cook over med-heat/flame, whisking constantly, until mixture thickens.
• Step #15 Gradually add about 1/4th of hot custard mixture into yolks, whisking until mixed; return to remaining hot mixture.
• Step #16 Cook whisking constantly, until mixture comes to a boil; boil one min, whisking constantly.
• Step #17 Remove from heat & stir in the butter, lemon rind & lemon juice.
• Step #18 Place plastic wrap on the surface.
• Step #19 Set aside to cool.
• Step #20 Whipped Cream Frosting Directions.
• Step #21 Beat whipping cream until foamy; slowly add Sugar Blend, lemon rind & lemon extract, beating until soft peaks form.
• Step #22 To Assemble Cake:.
• Step #23 Spread lemon filling between cake layers.
• Step #24 Spread whipped cream frosting on top & sides of cake.
• Enjoy the Lemon Velvet Layer Cake recipe

Toast Art!

I remember talking about this right before my back went out and I wanted to put this up for you to check out...cuz it is SO easy and fun to do and a really fun summer craft...plus the kids eat the artwork so it leaves you room on the fridge =) 

Check out "toast art" - I found it right here!

My boys...

Got the boys pictures taken not too long ago...thought you might like to see my precious boys before we get ready to add another to the group early next year...SO CUTE!! (I know I am bias)

Summer Decluttering Challenge!

Did you try the summer declutter challenge we talked about last week? It was called Shed and Share and a great way to clean out a few "clutter filled" areas in your home.  If you didn't get a chance to do all 5 days...here is your chance!  You can catch up and finish...or just get started on this easy 5 day challenge!

Summer De-cluttering Challenge -Shed and Share!

Cheesecake done lite!

I have been looking for a great cheesecake recipe that had a calorie count lower than 1,000!  I love cheesecake and this one does that and still tastes rich and decadent - let me know what you think!

Double Chocolate Oreo Bliss 

• 20 chocolate wafers like Nabisco Famous
• 1 Tbs granulated sugar 
• 3 Tbs. vegetable oil spread, melted 
• 20 oz. Neufchatel cream cheese 
• 2 1/2 cups fat free milk - divided
• 2 pkgs. (1.4oz each) fat free, sugar free instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 pkg (25 oz) unflavored gelatin
• 1 cup frozen light whipped topping like Cool Whip, thawed
• 4 cream filled chocolate sandwich cookies, like Oreo, chopped
• 1/2 cup low fat half and half
• 1 bar (4 oz) 60% cocoa bittersweet chocolate, like Ghirardelli, chopped

1. In blender pulse wafers and sugar 5 times or until fine crumbs form. In bowl, combine crumbs and vegetable oil spread, press into bottom of greased 8" springform pan; chill 
2. In bowl of electric mixer on low speed, beat cream cheese and 1 cup of milk for 3 minutes. Add pudding mix and remaining milk. Beat 30 seconds, scrape down sides of bowl. Increase speed to medium. Beat 1 minute more
3. In microwave safe bowl, sprinkle gelatin into 1/4 cup water. Let set 3 minutes. Microwave 30 seconds; stir until gelatin is dissolved. Add 1 cup cream cheese mixture; stir. Fold in gelatin mixture, whipped topping and cookies into remaining cream cheese mixture; pour onto prepared crust. Chill 2 hours. In microwave safe bowl, microwave half and half 30 seconds or until just boiling, add chocolate. Let sit 1 minute. Stir until smooth; pour over cake. Garnish with chocolate -flavored whipped cream and almonds if desired.
4. Prep time: 10 minutes - Makes 12 servings - 319 calories per slice and 19 grams of fat

Summer Camp at Home: Living Room!

This is something I have always wanted to learn...and I have been told that the best way to learn is by watching someone else...I had a friend tell me you tube videos worked great too - so here we go! In an effort to learn how to knit....I give you a few helpful you tube video that may be a great start for learning the new skill of knitting....good luck...

How to Knit for Beginners

How to Bind and Castoff (sounds like fishing) =)

Picking up a Dropped Stitch

How to Cast On

How to do a pearl stitch

Summer Camp at Home: Kitchen!

So I was reading this article about holding summer camp at home this year and teaching your kids new skills in every room of the house...I thought that was pretty adventurous, especially since I don't think I have that many skills...but i thought i would give it a try...if you would like to join me, let's start in the kitchen!

Teaching kids to cook is a great skill that will help them throughout their life...I am not a great cook, so my kids often watch their father. I found this delicious recipe to get you started, something the kids can make and have on Saturday morning - Pancake Cupcakes...SO EASY AND SO GOOD!

Here is the recipe!

*By the way - thanks to Lori for alerting me that this post was not up yet...I thought I put it up on Saturday but I must not have published it! Have a great day!

Be A Picnic SUPERSTAR!

I have always wanted to be the one who brings something to a church picnic and people go NUTSO over it...they a BEGGING me for the recipe and I happily oblige because I know it is truly the best thing I have ever made...that never happens.  I think one year I brought granola bars in a box - pathetic I know.  So I have been searching for a great recipe that will knock peoples socks off...and I think I found it!  Hot Potato Salad - like the sound of it? Wait till you see the ingredients - let the sock knocking off begin!! 

Hot Potato Salad Recipe