This Is The Year

A while back I promised to show you how to make cookie pops - like this one here ,that I made for a handout for Girls' camp. They're easier than you might think. This is the first time I have ever made them, and they were a huge hit with the girls. You'll want to start with your favorite "cut-out" sugar cookie recipe. If you don't have a favorite, PLEASE allow me to share MY favorite. The recipe below is what I would recommend to anyone who a) has never made rolled sugar cookies, or b) has NEVER had any luck making good cut-out sugar cookies. I just recently found this recipe, and it will now be my only sugar cookie recipe! The dough is a dream to work with, and the flavor is great. PLUS it only has to chill for one hour. First roll out your dough out and cut your shape. I found that a thickness of about 1/2 " works best. Then take a spatula and carfully flip your cookie over so the back side is facing up. Next, take your stick. You can buy these in th...

You all know I love my food! I love finding new recipes to try out...which is why, each week, I look forward to Recipe Swap Monday at Our Chaotic Life . I got the idea for this from Allrecipes (they have several versions), but I tweeked it, changed it up a bit...so I'm calling it mine!! Mexican Lasagna Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef (I use extra lean) 2 cans refried beans 1 packet taco seasoning mix (we like the "hot"!) shredded cheddar cheese, or blend - to taste 4 flour tortillas 2-3 chopped green onions 1 can diced tomatoes, OR diced tomatoes w/ green chiles, OR 1 cup fresh chopped tomatoes OR 1 cup salsa! (can you tell I like to mess around with recipes and try different things?) Directions: 1 - brown hamburger, drain if needed. 2 - stir taco seasoning and refried beans into hamburger, mix well 3 - in 9x13 baking dish layer 2 tortillas, trimming to fit, half of beef/bean mixture, and top with shredded cheese. 4 - Repeat. 5 - top with chopped green onions and your ...

I almost forgot today's recipe swap with Anissa ! I love finding new recipes to try out! I like to think of myself as an aspiring chef. (This is only in my head of course, because I am very, very amateur!) Today I'm going to post a FAVORITE cold dessert for summertime! I found this years ago at Allrecipes - love that place! Freezer Caramel Drizzle Pie INGREDIENTS: 2 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crusts 6 tablespoons butter 1 (7 ounce) package shredded coconut 1 cup chopped pecans 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 (16 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed 1 (12 ounce) jar caramel ice cream topping DIRECTIONS: Place butter in a medium skillet and melt over medium heat. Add coconut and pecans, stirring to coat. Saute until coconut and pecans are lightly toasted, about 5 minutes. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, whip together condensed milk and cream cheese until fluffy. Fold in whipped topping. Spoon 1/4 of cream...

I thought we definitely needed a sweet treat for our Valentines Day recipe of the week. Don't you agree? My Aunt Darla makes fabulous brownies. I have to give the recipe out whenever I take them anywhere. I hope she doesn't mind me sharing!! Darla's Delicious Brownies 3 sticks margarine - melted 3/4 C cocoa 1 tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla 3 C sugar 2 1/4 C four 6 eggs - slightly beaten 1 small jar marshmallow cream 1 can chocolate frosting In large mixing bowl mix first 4 ingredients until smooth. Add add sugar, flour, and eggs and stir until well mixed. Optional - add some chopped nuts if you like! Pour into lightly greased jelly roll pan and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Let cool, then frost with marshmallow cream. Allow cream to set, 1 hour or more, then frost with chocolate frosting. YUM!

Honey Mustard - another find from allrecipes.com 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon prepared mustard 1 tablespoon honey 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice whisk together and...voila! Tastes better than a restaurant. We like it on chicken, but would be good for a salad dressing too!

Just a little disclaimer - my recipes of the week are not necessarily part of my current, more "weight-conscious" menu. These are recipes I love, that I fix for my family and watch enviously while they enjoy! And I usually sneak a bite or 2 off my 2 year old's plate! This week: Easy Alfredo Sauce Found this recipe on allrecipes.com and my family really enjoyed it - plus it's super easy! INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup butter, room temperature 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup heavy cream DIRECTIONS In a medium bowl, beat butter and Parmesan with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add cream, a little at a time, until mixture resembles softly scrambled eggs. Toss with hot pasta to serve. It really "creams" up when mixed with the hot noodles. We like to mix in some grilled chicken and serve with a healthy spinach salad! The first time I made it, thought it wouldn't be enough and I doubled the recipe - there was no need! I ended up calling my friend/neighbor and told he...