birthday dessert ideas: March 2012

Homemade Larabars - Laraballs

I have to admit; I've never had a Larabar. I've heard they're delicious and I've been meaning to try them.

Now, I'm not sure I will try them.

Now that I've made these bars or balls, I see no need to spend money on the real thing. These were super easy and everyone loved them! Even my pickiest eater thought they were awesome and I think he ended up eating most of them. Good thing I bought a giant package of dates and pecans at Costco!

Very Cherry Bars - Balls Recipe
Enlightened Cooking

6 oz. whole pitted dates, rough chopped
6 oz. dried cherries
9 oz. pecans
1/4 tsp. cinnamon (or to taste)

Place the dates and cherries in a food processor. Pulse until processed to a paste. Transfer paste to a large bowl. Don't clean processor. Add the nuts to the processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the nuts, along with the cinnamon to the bowl with the fruit paste. Use your fingers to knead the nuts into the paste. This brings back memories of playdough.

Shape into bars on wax paper or do what I did and roll them into balls.

One Year Ago...

Lemon Chicken Pasta

This is linked with:
My Meatless Monday at My Sweet and Savory
Just another Meatless Monday at Hey, What's for Dinner Mom?

The Lure of the Golden Triangle

Most of you must be familiar with the Bermuda Triangle and its notorious reputation. However, in the realms of luxury tours in India, there exists a term known as the Golden Triangle. Though it does not trap people for centuries and then throw them back out like the Bermuda is believed to, it does have a spellbinding charm of its own. The Golden Triangle consists of travelling to three of the most historically and architecturally significant cities in India. It definitely tops the list of every tour and travel agent in India, especially those in the field of organizing luxury tours to India.

The Golden Triangle tour generally starts off with a trip around Delhi, the capital of India, trailing off to Agra and then Jaipur. Ask any travel junkie in India or abroad, the general consensus would be that this tour is a must-do for anyone who would like a quick peek into the cultural and architectural diversity of India.

Sweetmeat

Beginning from the Capital, the most common features on the itinerary of any Indian luxury tour operator include the Red Fort, Raj Ghat, India Gate, Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Qutub Minar and Lotus Temple. Though the Mughal Gardens are generally not part of the typical itinerary, one should try to visit them in case time allows. The variety of plants and flowers here is quite exquisite, and is in full bloom during the months of February and March. The cultural diversity of the Capital is reflected in the variety of food on offer. Right from Mughal delicacies such as 'Biryanis' and 'Kebabs', to Italian wood-fired pizza specialties, Delhi has been aptly called a melting pot of cultures. From the shady corridors of Old Delhi, to the trendy lanes of New Delhi, one can experience a myriad of sights, sounds and aromas, all peculiar of their site.

Next up on the itinerary is Agra, the city perched on the banks of the Yamuna River in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the land of the Taj Mahal. Though the 'Agre Ka Petha' or succulent white pumpkin sweetmeat is more popular within the country, the legend of the Taj transcends borders. People from all across the globe flock to the city to see the white marble, romantic wonder of the Taj Mahal, which was built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. However, Agra is not just about the Taj, other architectural highlights include the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, which can be equally intriguing for the history buff.

Last, but not the least, is Jaipur, the Pink City, the Capital of the City of Kings, Rajasthan. This city is strewn with remarkable architectural remnants of the Mughal and pre-modern era such as the Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal and more. Jantar Mantar, which used to be an observatory during the time of King Jai Singh II, now finds itself as part of Wolrd Heritage Sites. Jaipur, the erstwhile residence of the Rajputana royalty, is now home to some of the most outstanding luxury palaces in India. With many royal families turning their palaces into hotels, visitors can have a feel of the way royalty used to live; however, at a price. These luxury palaces in Rajasthan prove to be the perfect abode for those looking forward to an authentic experience, without pulling the strings on their purse too tight.

With such rich insight into the culture, architecture and history of India, it is no wonder then that this tour has been labelled the "Golden Triangle".

The Lure of the Golden Triangle

Compass India Inc one of the leading travel companies in India, with very own selection of well-educated guides and travel operators. Company duly approved by the Indian Association of Tour Operators, Association Canadian Travel Agencies, Ministry of Tourism Government of India, Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India, American Society of Travel Agents, Australian Federation of Travel Agents and are a member of The International Ecotourism Society. Compass India ensures to offer each of its guests high-end, professional services on everything, from exciting adventure tour packages to relaxing Golden Triangle tour.

Compass India Inc specializes in India luxury tours and India luxury tour packages! Contact Compass India for travel tour to India, holiday packages in India, travel to India from USA, UK, Canada, Spain and all over the world.

Oatmeal Parmesan Chicken Tenders

I have been trying to reduce the processed food in the house. Chicken nuggets have been one of the biggest favorites around the house for a long time. I've been trying to find a chicken nugget recipe that the boys will actually like!

I loved the oatmeal parmesan breading with these chicken nuggets. They cooked nicely in the pan and crisped up without too much oil.

While I loved the thyme in these, the boys weren't as thrilled. So, the following week, I made them again using a barbecue seasoning. They were a hit! I think you could pretty much use any seasoning so go ahead and experiment!

Oatmeal Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Adapted from Extraordinary Life

1 cup oats
3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp. thyme, dried (or BBQ seasoning or other seasoning)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 1/2 chicken breast tenders
1 egg, beaten- placed in a shallow bowl

Place oats in a food processor and process until ground. Add parmesan cheese, thyme, salt and pepper. Pulse to combine and place in a shallow bowl.

Dredge chicken in egg and then in oat mixture.

Heat pan with just about a tablespoon of oil (or bacon grease). Place tenders in pan for several minutes until browned and fully cooked.

One Year Ago...

This is linked with:
Full Plate Thursday at Miz Helens Country Cottage

Summer Squash and Corn Chowder

Next Day Chili

Chili is one of my favorite things to have in the refrigerator as a leftover. This chili intrigued me as you make it the day before and purposely eat it the next day.

I will have to admit, I did sample some the same day as cooking and I didn't notice a huge difference from the day after.

I loved the chorizo meat. I don't eat it very often and I forget how incredible the flavor is in food. Don't let the long list of ingredients scare you off, it came together easily.

Crackers and chili is one of my favorites, I prefer it to the traditional cornbread. These are Mary's Gone Crackers gluten free crackers and they were fantastic!

Next Day Chili Recipe
Adapted from Veronica's Cornucopia

2 lbs. ground beef, 93%
10 oz. chorizo
1/2 lb. bacon
1 tbsp. bacon grease
1 can chili beans, undrained
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 large onion, chopped
2 tbsp. garlic, minced
2 tbsp. cumin
1 tbsp. oregano
2 tbsp. paprika
3 tbsp. black pepper
2 1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sage
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
3 - 5 tbsp. hot sauce, depending on taste
1/2 cup chili powder
1 tsp. coriander
2 tbsp. maple syrup
1 - 2 cups chicken broth, depending on desired thickness
1 (6oz) can of tomato paste
1 cup tomato juice, I used V8
Red pepper flakes to taste

In a very large pan, brown ground turkey and chorizo, drain and set aside. Slice bacon into 1 inch pieces and cook bacon until crisp, set aside on paper towels to drain. Take 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease and add it to the turkey/chorizo mixture. Add all remaining ingredients, except bacon, to large pot. Simmer for 3 hours, stirring occasionally and tasting to adjust salt, pepper, chili powder and red pepper flakes to taste.

Let cool for an hour or so and then refrigerate overnight. Refrigerate bacon separately. Simmer again the next day for 2 - 3 hours, adding the bacon the last hour. Now it's ready to serve!

One Year Ago...

This is linked with:
Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family
Real Food Wednesday at Kelly the Kitchen Kop
Whole Food Wednesday at This Chick Cooks
Gluten Free Wednesday at Gluten Free Homemaker
Mommy Club at Crystal & Co.

Pumpkin Hummus Wraps

Fun Jello Cookies

If you are looking for an easy dessert recipe, try some Jello cookies. They are quick to make. The cookies turn out light and fluffy, but have the fun colors from your selection of Jello. Make cherry and lime for red and green cookies for the holidays. Use orange, lemon, and lime for spring colors. You are limited only by your imagination and the choices of Jello on your store shelves.

These cookies are great favorites with the kids because of their fun colors. You can always brighten up the colors slightly with a drop or two of food coloring if you wish; the Jello makes a nice pastel color on its own. Make them when you want to cheer someone up; the colorful cookies will bring a smile to their face.

Desserts

This dough holds a shape pretty well. You can roll out the dough and cut the cookies out in shapes using cookie cutters. You can also press them flat with a glass or with a mold that has a pattern. You could also make a pattern on them like you would a peanut butter cookie and use a fork dipped in sugar to make criss cross marks. This recipe also works well in a cookie press. You can make all sorts of fun shapes with a cookie press. The Jello provides the color and a bit of flavor to the dough. You can even choose the colors of Jello to match a theme party if you want. Let your imagination run wild; make pink and blue for a baby shower or match colors with wedding colors for a bridal shower. Green would be perfect for St. Patrick's Day, of course, and orange would work well for Halloween.

Some people like to sprinkle the freshly baked cookies with a little sugar; it sticks better when they are warm. Otherwise, you could sprinkle a little on before you bake them, but you need to watch so the sugar does not burn. You can also frost them when they are cool. Cream cheese frosting works well with most Jello cookies. Garnish with an appropriate fruit or put some colored sprinkles on top.

Recipe for Jello Cookies

Kids love these colorful cookies.

What You Need

4 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1-1/2 cups butter

1 cup sugar

1 3-ounce package of Jello, any flavor

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

How to Make It

Sift the flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. In another bowl, cream the butter, and then gradually add the sugar and Jello. Add the egg and vanilla; mix well. Gradually add the flour mixture, making sure it is well incorporated into the batter.

Chill the dough for at least an hour.

Fill a cookie press with the dough and press out cookies onto a baking sheet. Alternatively, you can roll the dough into balls and press them flat with the bottom of a glass.

Bake at 400 degrees F for 13 to 14 minutes.

Makes 60 cookies.

Fun Jello Cookies

Everyone loves jello. You can make salads, desserts and even a simple cheesecake recipe by using Jello in your recipes. They make quick and easy desserts that bring lots of color to the table. Make some for your family.

JelloRecipes.net - We Don't Make the Products We Just Make Great Desserts with Them!

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

This was one of my favorite meals. It did take a bit of prep work to get it all together but if you're organized it's isn't too bad.

I like to cook up a bunch of chicken in the crockpot when it's on sale and portion it into 10 - 12 oz. bags in the freezer. Then it's all ready to pull out when I need a quick chicken salad or a meal like this.

Cook the rice in the morning when you're making breakfast or getting ready to leave. Chuck it in the refrigerator and then it's all set to just mix and put in the oven.

I love Alfredo sauce but don't eat it much now that I'm not eating pasta. I haven't found a gluten free pasta that I love enough to eat. Well, this was awesome because I got my alfredo taste with rice and a whole bunch of other fantastic flavors along with it.

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Adapted from Healthy 4 Life

5 cups water
3/4 cup uncooked regular brown rice
3/4 cups uncooked wild rice
1 jar (10 oz) Classico Alfredo pasta sauce
1 cup sour cream, light
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. thyme
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 lb. chicken breasts, uncooked
1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 bag (16 oz) mixed vegetables, thawed

Cook chicken, cool slightly and shred or cup up. Set aside.

In a saucepan, heat water, brown rice and wild rice until boiling. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 40 - 50 minutes or until rices are tender. Drain if necessary.

Heat oven to 350. Spray 9 x 13 in baking dish with cooking spray. In a very large bowl, mix pasta sauce, sour cream, broth, parmesan cheese, thyme and pepper until well mixed. Stir in rice mixture, chicken and vegetables. Spoon into baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 40 - 50 minutes.

One Year Ago...

This is linked with:
Tuesday at the Table at All the Small Stuff

Hearth and Soul at 21st Century Housewife
Tasty Tidbits at Permanent Posies
Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays at Simply Sugar and Gluten Free
Works for Me Wednesday at Works for me Wednesday
Real Food Wednesday at Kelly the Kitchen Kop
Whole Foods Wednesday at This Chick Cooks
Gluten Free Wednesdays at Gluten Free Homemaker
The Mommy Club at Crystal & Co.

Cinnamon Pretzels

Bean & Honey Burrito Casserole

My friend Rachel posted this recipe on facebook a few weeks back. It had the words beans and burrito in it so how could I pass it by?

She made her casserole half vegetarian and half with chicken. I had every intention of making mine with only beans and no chicken but I had leftover chicken in the refrigerator that needed to be used so I tossed it in.

It was a gorgeous casserole and tasted fantastic! I loved the honey flavor. The only thing that I would do different would be to tear the tortilla pieces up rather than lay them flat. They got nice and toasty and were difficult to cut. That certainly didn't stop us from eating this in record time though!

Bean and Honey Burrito Casserole

1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
12 corn tortillas
3 tbsp. mustard
1/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup honey
1 red or green pepper, chopped
1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn
10 oz. shredded cooked chicken (optional)
4 oz. colby jack cheese, shredded
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
1 tbsp. honey

Prepare brown rice as directed. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 in. baking dish with cooking spray.

Line the bottom of the baking dish with 6 tortillas. (or tear them into little pieces). To make honey sauce, whisk together the mustard, sour cream and 1/3 cup honey into a bowl. Combine the peppers, garbanzo beans, black beans and corn in a large bowl. Scoop out 3/4 of the bean mixture and reserve for topping.

Stir the cooked chicken (if using), half the cheese, cumin, cooked rice and honey sauce into the bean mixture. Mix well. Pour mixture into the bakin dish on top of the tortillas. Top with the other tortillas, either whole or cut into chunks. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and the reserved bean mixture.

Bake in preheated oven until hot and bubbly, about 35 - 40 minutes. Maybe longer if you want your tortillas a bit crispier. Remove from oven, drizzle with the remaining tablespoon or two of honey.

Total calories = 3700 calories
8 huge servings = 463 per serving

One Year Ago...

Southwestern Cream of Chicken Soup

Menu Plan Monday ~ March 26 - April 1, 2012

Monday: Broccoli, Ham & Cheese Quiche with Potato Crust

Tuesday: Sweet Potato Black Bean Burritos

Wednesday: leftovers for me, fish & fries for the family

Thursday: Sweet Potatoes and Pears

Friday: Tacos & Taco salads

Saturday: leftovers

Sunday: Crockpot Honey Sesame Chicken

Desserts: Apple Baked Donuts

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For more menu ideas, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie and Gluten Free Menu Swap at Celiac Family.

Christmas Symbols - The Meaning Of The Candy Cane

Some customs and traditions are world-widely recognized and accepted, sharing common symbols that identify a season or celebration. Candy canes are listed among those symbols decorating our homes during the winter days.

If you are in search for Christmas Gift Ideas, candy is a traditional present that often is included on the wish list of children and adults. Whether candy canes or hard candy, Christmas is, in addition, a season to explore your creativity.

Candy

Candy can be used for both decorating and eating ideas. Ginger shaped cookies and candy canes are a common Christmas decoration in many homes around the world during this season of the year.

Hard candy is excellent to mold decorative figures or shape them with the aid of a cookie cutter. Browse for old family recipes or ask you mom or grandmother for them. You will be amazed with the artwork that you can create with just candy and imagination.

Creativity is important for developing your own Christmas Gift Ideas, but also if you want to purchase some items already made. Give yourself a day for browsing stores and rediscovering the many faces of candy canes.

Canes are often white and red candy, but there are also those listed in green, usually with a touch of mint, and all of them in different size, soft or hard candy, and even molded with different shapes or covered with chocolate.

If you are planning to invite your friends and family to celebrate Christmas at your home, make sure to create a comfortable, warm climate, and decorate your home with candy canes in various color combinations or purchase some of those popular candy cane ornaments available almost anywhere.

However, if you are going to hang up your candy near the Christmas lights, make sure that you are getting hard candy products or it is possible they will melt being so close to the hot bulbs.

After or during the party, allow your guests to take some of the candy cane hanging ornaments, being an excellent prize if you host a reunion in which people compete or play challenging games.

Christmas Gift Ideas that are more traditional include handmade items and artwork, including scholar projects with candy that might be assigned to your children, but providing excellent ideas and fun for all the family, getting involved in decorating and gift making.

Otherwise, as close as this reading, the Internet is an excellent source for Christmas Gift Ideas, including products that you can purchase such as candy baskets, a snowman molded in hard candy, and countless items based on candy canes.

You have the right of choice, purchase home or factory made-gifts, or do it by yourself. There are candy cane boxes especially decorated with Christmas motifs so you can put a bow and a card on them and your gifts are ready, but even more satisfactory is sewing a little bag to be filled with home-made candy that you can prepare.

Christmas Symbols - The Meaning Of The Candy Cane

Natalie Aranda writes on family and holidays. Some customs and traditions are world-widely recognized and accepted, sharing common symbols that identify a season or celebration. Candy canes are listed among those symbols decorating our homes during the winter days. If you are in search for Christmas Gift Ideas, candy is a traditional present that often is included on the wish list of children and adults. Whether candy canes or hard candy, Christmas is, in addition, a season to explore your creativity.

Food Network Cookbook - Easy Recipes!

******GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED*****
I was excited when I was asked to review the Food Network Magazines new collection of recipes. There is nothing I like more than to peruse through a cookbook full of mouthwatering pictures. This book didn't disappoint. The pictures are gorgeous and completely drool worthy.

This book is organized wonderfully. They not only organize it by Appetizers, Breakfast, Main dish, Salads & Sides and Drinks & Desserts, but each section within is organized. If I'm looking for a dip, there is a whole section just on Appetizer dips. There is a whole section of potato salads in the Sides & Salads section. There are 42 potato salad recipes in here. I could make a different potato salad, each day for a month and 1/2 and have something new. (Can you tell I love potato salad?)

Another thing that impressed me was the amount of helpful cooking tips throughout the book. I need all the help I can get so I appreciated that!

The new cookbook titled, Food Network Magazine 1,000 Easy Recipes: Super Fun Food for Every Day, is a collection of short recipes for all sorts of foods including 294 appetizers and snacks, 156 breakfasts, 287 main dishes, 192 salads and sides, and 232 drinks and desserts.

Want To Win A Copy? Contest is Closed.

I am happy to say that 2 of my readers will win a copy of this awesome cookbook.
Here’s what you need to do to enter (each is worth one entry – please comment a separate time for each entry to be counted):

1. Leave me a comment with your favorite food network show or chef!

2. Follow me by email or let me know you already are a subscriber.

3. Take a look at my recipe index and let me know what you think! I made a pinterest recipe index but I'm not sure how user friendly it is.

I'll pick 2 winners on Wednesday the 28th at night, make sure I have an email address to contact you!

Lemon Bars

My kids are obsessed with juicing lemons. They love to juice them and drink the juice just to get see who puckers the most. Just talking about it is making my mouth tighten up and water! I don't particularly like sour things but they love it.

So when they asked to buy a bag of lemons at Costco, I obliged and knew they would have fun juicing them. Little did I know that we ended up with 2 bags of lemons! We often buy a ton of food at Costco and we had 2 carts so we had a bag of lemons in each cart. That's a lot of puckering!

When I came home I decided I need to do something more creative with the lemons than just watching the kids juice it and drink it. So Joanne's lemon bars came to mind. She used Meyer lemons which I've never had but these seemed to work just fine. These were nice and sweet; just the way that I like to eat lemons!

Lemon Bars Recipe
Adapted from Eats Well With Others

1/2 lb. butter, at room temperature (I used one stick and it turned out fine)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups flour
1/8 tsp. salt

6 extra large eggs, at room temperature
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 tbsp. lemon zest
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup flour

Cream together the butter and sugar until light in the bowl with an electric mixer. Add the flour and salt and mix together until just mixed. Flatten the dough into a 9 x 13 in. baking dish, sprayed with cooking spray. Chill crust in the freezer for 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350. Bake crust for 15 - 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

For the lemon layer, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 - 35 minutes or until set. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 - 35 minutes or until set. Let cool to room temperature. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.

One Year Ago...

This is linked with:
Sweets for a Saturday at Sweet as Sugar Cookies
Weekend Wrap Up at Tatertots and Jello
Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as Mom

Chicken & White Bean Wraps

Dessert Only Wedding Reception Ideas

With the rising costs of weddings every year, couples everywhere are trying to find ways to extend their budget while still planning a wedding and reception of their dreams. Many couples are starting to use other themes for their wedding receptions instead of serving a large dinner, or a cake and punch reception only, and the ideas are getting more and more creative. A dessert reception theme is starting to take off. You may have looked into it without knowing where to start or what to serve. Here are some of the most popular ideas for desserts in your dessert only reception. You can choose to implement only one of these ideas, or several for more variety so that everyone can have their favorite.

1. Make a Cookie Table

Dessert

Many bakeries, caterers, and even grocery stores can make large platters of assorted cookies at an affordable cost. You can either use the platters they come in, or arrange them yourself on the table using the decorations of your choice to dress up the table. An assortment of chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, snicker doodles, double chocolate, or a special favorite of yours will be sure to grab your guests attention.

2. Rent a Chocolate Fountain

Chocolate fountains are starting to be used more and more at receptions as they can be very beautiful, smell wonderful, and make a great dessert table! They rent relatively cheaply, and then include your favorites in large bowls around the fountain for guests to dip or have drizzled with chocolate. Some favorites include pretzels, marshmallows, strawberries and other fruits, Oreo cookies, graham crackers, and much more!

3. Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Seriously, who doesn't like an ice cream sundae? This usually works best with a caterer since they have the appliances to keep everything cold throughout your reception, but if you can find a way to do it yourself, more power to you! Start out with vanilla or chocolate ice cream and then have bowls set out of different things for your guests to add to their sundaes. Chocolate sauce, sprinkles, nuts, cherries, whipped cream, chocolate chips, and much more! Definitely a reception your guests will not soon forget!

4. Make a Candy Table

Making a candy table at your wedding reception is another idea growing in popularity. This is mainly because it can be doubly used as wedding favors. Put large bowls of your favorite kinds of candy on the table(be sure you have enough), along with little take home boxes and scoops in the candy for each guest to help themselves to their favorite and take home for later.

5. Wedding Cake

Duh. Seriously, you still want to have your wedding cake, and most everyone is going to want to try it. Have one of your dessert tables at your reception include both wedding cakes, and have someone slice up your cake so that each guest can come by and have a piece of your beautiful wedding cake.

Not everyone will be able to handle a dessert reception with sugar filled snacks only. Be sure to include some sugar free snacks and candy for anyone with diabetes. You will need something for your guests to drink, and the most popular refreshments for a dessert reception is coffee, tea, and of course, milk!

Dessert Only Wedding Reception Ideas

This wedding help site will get you off to the right start. Finding great ideas for planning a dessert reception are just one of many articles, tips and tricks to make your wedding perfect.

Zesty Sloppy Joes

More sloppy joes. It's my blog and I can do what I want. I like sloppy joes and rarely have to make the same ones twice.

These were quite zesty. Thus the name. They went nicely with some mashed potatoes.

Zesty Sloppy Joes
Adapted from Kiddie Corner Deals

2 lbs. ground turkey, lean
1 large onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
2 tbsp. garlic, minced
1 tbsp. mustard
1 1/4 cups ketchup
1 tbsp. seasoned salt
2 tbsp. worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 cans Rotel with green chile
1 tbsp. tomato paste (optional)

Brown ground turkey in a large skillet. Add onions, peppers, garlic and seasoning. Cook 10 minutes uncovered, stirring often. Add the ketchup, mustard, worcestershire sauce, brown sugar and rotel. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring every so often. I added about a tablespoon of tomato paste to it to thicken it slightly and and more tomato taste.

One Year Ago...

Mexican Ground Turkey Quinoa Skillet

This is linked with:
Foodie Friday at Rattlebridge Farm
Gallery of Favorites at 21st Century Housewife
Friday Favorites at Simply Sweet Home
I'm Lovin' It at Tiday Mom

Christmas Party Tips and Christmas Dessert Ideas

Christmas, the most magical time of the year - the season of merriment is here again! The season of new beginnings, where forgotten vows are renewed and love fills the air around us that transcends above all. Especially children who wait in much anticipation for their favourite guy - Ole' Santa Claus! Don't you just love the growing merriment and excitement filling the air as the big day draws near? Breathe in...ah, how can you not love the aroma of delicious gingerbread, cakes and cookies baking and other food which are specially prepared only during the Christmas season?

Time for parties and celebrations and you are probably scratching your head for ideas or small little parties for family and friends. This can be a challenge especially if you are looking at coming up with something fresh and new. Some tips here if you plan to hold a party at home:

Dessert

Firstly, have the right mix of music. Have lively Christmas music to create the right festive mood of party cheer as your guests enjoy the food and laughter. Can you picture your guests having fun with Silent Night playing in the background?

Next, decorate your house with traditional Christmas decorations to set the right atmosphere. Don't forget Christmas stockings, mistletoes and Christmas ribbons. Have plenty of lightings, especially outdoors. Pay special attention to the Christmas Tree. Make it sparklingly grand!

Kids will be at your party? Arrange special activities to occupy them and ensure sufficient supervision of them. Leave the tv on with Christmas cartoons or movies.

And most importantly, some Christmas dessert ideas if you're planning to serve your guests.

Prepare a wide spread of food and desserts, in other words, something for everyone. Dress desserts up with pretty traditional Christmas colours. Include cream cheese desserts, chocolate desserts and the traditional Christmas cake or puddings and even homemade candies for kids. Prepare great fruit punches so that everyone can enjoy them. Always prepare more than expected. That's the spirit of Christmas - giving and abundance.

Easy chocolate desserts work best as they are a favourite with most folks, so you will almost never go wrong. You can also easily find many favourite Christmas dessert recipes that are available online or from recipe books if you are keen on making your own homemade cakes, cookies or pies. Again, easy is the keyword here, as you will want time to mingle around.

I have a simple recipe for you too - it's called the Delicious Yuletide Fruit Cake which took me less than 30 minutes to prepare so you'll have plenty of time for your guests too.

Ingredients :

1/2 cup Self-raising Flour; sifted

1 can Condensed Milk

1 tsp Vanilla Essence

1 1/2 cups Dessicated Coconut

2 1/2 cups Pecans; coarsely chopped

1 cup Dried Apricots; chopped into small bits

1 1/2 cups Dates; coarsely chopped

300 g Candied Cherries; red and green; chopped

2 tbsp Icing Sugar; for decoration

Method:

Mix chopped pecans, apricots bits, dates and cherries together. Drizzle condensed milk over fruit mixture and keep stirring. Add in vanilla essence. Now add in dessicated coconut. Fold in sifted flour until no more flour lumps.

Spoon cake mixture into greased tube pan. Bake in preheated oven at 150°C for 20 minutes before upping heat to 170°C and bake for another 30 minutes.

Allow cake to cool a little before removing from pan. Dust cake lightly with icing sugar. Keep cake in air-tight container.

Sarah Chew

Website: http://www.best-dessert-recipes.com

Christmas Party Tips and Christmas Dessert Ideas

If you're looking for more Christmas dessert recipes or some chocolate dessert recipes for the coming Christmas, visit http://www.best-dessert-recipes.com and surprise your family and friends.

Simple to Make Sweet Treats!

Simple and quick! These sweet treats are especially great for Valentines Day!

1. Celebration Cake -- EASY, EASY! Looks beautiful and NO cooking at all!

Sweetmeat

You'll need: 1 prepared angel food cake, 1 can pie filling and 1 tub prepared cream cheese frosting. Place cake on a cake plate. Frost it! Pour the pie filling in the hole in the middle of the cake. Serve slices of the cake topped with some pie filling. Decorate with added coconut, nuts, or candies! Cherry pie filling is perfect for Valentines Day!

2. Love Cakes -- Extremely beautiful, yet simple to make!

NO cooking! You'll need 1 prepared pound cake, 1 tub prepared vanilla frosting, some red food coloring, 1 tube chocolate decorative frosting with a plain tip for writing, 1 (14 oz) bag M&M'S Milk Chocolate Candies for Valentine's Day.

Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper and top with a wire cooling rack; set aside. Cut pound cake into 1-inch thick slices. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cake using cookie cutter. Place the heart-shaped cake pieces

on the wire cooling rack. Spoon 1/4 cup of vanilla frosting into a zipper-seal plastic bag and set aside. Tint the remaining frosting to a light shade of pink using food color and spoon it into a glass-measuring cup. Heat the pink frosting in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds, or until it can be poured. DO NOT OVERHEAT. Pour the pink frosting over the heart-shaped cake pieces, covering the tops and the sides. Reuse the drippings and reheat, if necessary.

Refrigerate until set (about 30 minutes). Fill a zipper-seal plastic bag with frosting, then snip a tiny corner of the bag and use it to pipe lacy designs on the tops and sides of the heart-shaped cake pieces. Add candies to make different designs, then pipe messages on the tops with the decorative chocolate frosting.

3. Flavorageous Crispy Treats -- Kid Tested!

5 T butter or margarine

9 C miniature marshmallows (16 oz)

1 envelope Kool-Aid, any flavor**

9 C Crispy rice cereal

Grease a 10x15x1" pan. Melt butter; about 45 seconds on high in the microwave. Add marshmallows; toss to coat with butter. Microwave on high 2 1/2 minutes or until smooth; stirring every minute. Stir in drink mix. Immediately add cereal, mix lightly until well coated. Using greased spatula or wax paper, press into prepared pan. Cool. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters or cut into squares.

**Favorite Kool-Aid Flavors are Fruit Punch and Cherry

Simple to Make Sweet Treats!

Leslie Sausage lives with her husband in rural Texas. She is the mom of four grown children, a freelance writer and an elementary school teacher! She is the author of several eBooks. For creative, practical and fun ideas please visit her web site at http://www.heart4home.net

DelMonte Facebook Contest

*****GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED*****

Do you like to come up with new recipes? Feel like getting a little creative? Del Monte is asking all of you to get a bit creative and come up with a new recipe for the Crown the Cook contest. If your recipe is selected as one of the top three finalists, not only will you win a year’s supply of Del Monte products, but Del Monte will send you and a guest on a four day trip to San Francisco to compete in a cook-off against two other fans!

The grand prize winner will take home the title of Del Monte Cook-Off Champion, as well as thousands of dollars worth of professional cookware.

Nice, huh?! Might be worth buying a few can's of Del Monte next time you go to the store. Here is a list of products.

Easy Steps to Enter: CLOSED

· Visit the Del Monte Facebook page

· Click on the “Like” button to like the page and access the “Crown the Cook” recipe contest application

· Click “Submit Recipe”

· Complete the registration form

· Upload your recipe photo and enter your original recipe through April 22nd, 2012.

Click Submit.

***Giveaway***

DelMonte wants to help you get started getting ready for the contest. They want to send one reader a Crown the Cook basket including:

· (9) Del Monte® product cans

o 3 cans of fruit

o 3 cans of vegetables

o 3 cans of tomatoes

· (1) Del Monte apron

· (1) Del Monte set of measuring spoons

· (1) Del Monte “My Plate” melamine plate

· (2) Del Monte stress-relieving toys

· (1) $20 Visa® gift card to use towards ingredients

To find official “Crown the Cook” contest rules, you can visit: https://recipecontest.icmodus.com/rules.html.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TO ENTER GIVEAWAY:

Leave a comment on my blog here thinking what you would like to make or what kind of recipe you'd like to see me make. Or just make a random comment! I'll pick a winner Thursday night so enter fast!

Candy Bar Cards - How to Make Them

Making a candy bar card to mark a special occasion can be a novel and memorable way to make someone's day. All it takes is a little thought and a few simple materials, plus a few chocolates of course. This way your project winds up being a sweet gift as well as a greeting card.

Here is How to Make Your Card

Candy

First think about the reason you want to make the card. Is it to mark a special birthday or anniversary? Has someone achieved a goal? Do you want to mark the beginning (a wedding?) or an end (retirement?) of something?

With your occasion in mind, the next step is to take a trip to the local supermarket and to browse the confectionery aisles. Look for candy bars with names that suit your theme or message. Purchase your chocolates. You may choose small candy bars or individually wrapped chocolates, for example. You just need to be able to read the name of the treat and the sweet needs to be a suitable size for attaching to your card with pins or adhesive.

Now look for some cardboard or thin Styrofoam to make the backing for your card. The bigger the backing, the easier it will be for a group of people to read your message, and the more chocolates you can fit into your message. Make sure your backing is strong enough to support the weight of your chocolates as well.

The next step is to head home to lay out the chocolates in front of the computer. I spend some time brainstorming ways to make a message for my friend or family member, using the chocolates to help spell out my message.

When I have a message in mind, I type it into a word document. Then I format the font (I like Verdana) to be about the same size as the words on my chocolates. I leave some space between my lines of text so I can cut the words of the message apart when I print them out. If you would rather write out your message by hand or spell it out with alphas, paint or even words cut from magazines, of course you can.

After printing my message and cutting out the phrases or words, I start pinning the message to the board or backing sheet.

Work out the middle of your message and lay the words on the middle of the backing sheet. Do they fit where you want them? Can you fit your chocolate words in too? If everything fits, start pinning or adhering the words and chocolates to your backing sheet.

It should not take long to finish making the candy bar card once you know what you want to say.

A Message Idea for Your Candy Bar Card:

To get you started, here is a message I made up for a Father's Day candy bar card:

I would have to go to MARS to find a Dad like you. Ever since I was a BABE (Ruth) you always TAKE 5 to BOOST me up when I am down. You are a TOP DECK kind of Dad!

I trust you will be inspired to make your own special candy bar card now, but be warned. If you are anything like me, there is a hazard involved in making this type of card. It is the temptation to eat the chocolates before they reach their intended recipient!

Candy Bar Cards - How to Make Them

Would you like to see an example of a candy bar card? I have one here: http://www.papercraftcentral.com/candy-bar-card.html

At http://PaperCraftCentral.com/subscribe.html you will also find step-by-step guides for making many beautiful paper craft projects. You can ask questions about paper crafting, submit your own work and subscribe to Paper Twists, a newsletter all about papercrafts, for free!

(Copyright: you may freely republish this article, provided the text, author credit, the active links and this copyright notice remain intact).

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Nachos or Tacos

I've had this recipe blog for about 2 1/2 years. I don't particularly have exotic tastes and for the most part, I don't strive to find recipes with unusual ingredients. I think the brussels sprouts were about the most daring food I've made!

I saw this recipe and knew it would be awesome. I love buffalo sauce and I love ranch. Plus the fact that it is made in the slow cooker was an obvious winner! I thought the flavors sounded familiar and knew I had made something similar before. I made buffalo chicken wraps about a year and half ago. They were very similar to this recipe but maybe with the idea to use it on nachos and other things made me forget and think this was something new.

I loved my Buffalo Chicken nachos! I kept it simple with just a bit of cheese and scallions with a drizzle of ranch dressing. Hubs ate his on a bun like a sandwich. My brother ate his on a tortilla as a wrap. I ate leftovers over a baked potato. One crockpot full of food; many different delicious ways to eat it.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Nachos

3 lbs. boneless chicken breasts
1/2 cups of Franks Buffalo Wing Sauce (to taste)
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dry packet seasoning

Pour the chicken in the slow cooker. Mine was still frozen. Pour about 1 1/2 cups of buffalo sauce and the packet of ranch dressing. Let cook on low for about 6 hours until chicken is able to shred. Shred chicken and add back to slow cooker and stir. Add more buffalo sauce if it's too dry. Cook for another hour or so. Serve with nachos, on tacos, burritos or buns.

Makes 6 cups of shredded chicken. 125 calories per 1/2 cup.

This is linked with:
Slightly Indulgent at Simple Sugar and Gluten Free
Works for me Wednesday at We are THAT Family
Gluten Free Wednesday at Gluten Free Homemaker
Bake with Bizzy at Bizzy Bakes