Tuesday, July 28, 2009

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!


Monday, July 27, 2009

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 =)

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

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

Monday, July 6, 2009

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!

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