Homemade Croutons (allrecipe.com) adapted by me

Ok so this has been a CRAAAAAAZY week!!! I have had to do A LOT of quick and easy meals but I don't feel right without making SOMETHING! So I was trying to figure out what to make last night and looking in my fridge I seen....lettuce, some shredded chicken, some hard broiled eggs, cheese, etc. etc. etc. so yes I made another salad. I have been eager to try to make my own croutons so this would work out great right!?!?

My oldest son and I made these together and they were so quick and easy and it was fun to do this with him!!

These turned out soooo good and I will definitely be making these all the time now!!!! Yada and her kids were here last night and her little 1 1/2 year old little girl would not stay out of them she loved them lol!!!!

4 tablespoons butter

2 clove garlic, minced

3 (3/4 inch thick) slices French bread, cut into cubes ( I used 1/3 a loaf of  french bread but I hear you can use bread bread too but I haven't tried it)

Now are you ready for this its so easy ...

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large saute pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add bread cubes, and toss to coat. Spread on a baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until crisp and dry. Check frequently to prevent burning. Cool then store in a plastic baggie.

I made this recipe 3 times and just did the whole loaf of french bread. I love to munch on croutons for a snack, I know its not very healthy but you know what I say you cant trust a skinny cook!!

Reeses Peanut Butter Cupcakes

The other day my son had his unbirthday at school so I asked him what he wanted to take and he said " Mom do you think you can make a cupcake with a Reeses in it"? Me trying to be Momma of the Year replied " For you I would make anything". So of course I had to find THE recipe that I thought would be his favorite and I knew it would have to involve peanut butter frosting! Well here is the winner...

This was a keeper for the school kids they all loved it!!! My son even asked me to make more for them lol! Hey kids are the most honest critics right lol!


1 chocolate cake mix
1 bag mini Reeses peanut butter cups

Mix cake according to directions. Place muffin cups in tins. Fill cups 1/3 full then place a Reeses in each cupcake upside down. Cover with more batter filling about 2/3 full. Bake according to directions on box.

UPDATE-----
I found a frosting recipe I like better for this cupcake and wanted to share it :)

Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting
By Project Aimee
aimeebroussard.com

1/3 cup solid vegetable shortening

1/3 cup butter

3/4 cup peanut butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 cups of confectioner’s sugar

4-6 tbsp milk. (I used heavy whipping cream)

Cream together shortening and butter. Add peanut butter and vanilla. Slowly add the sugar along with milk one 1 tbsp at a time until light and fluffy.

Once cupcakes are frosted, melt chocolate chips in the microwave then pipe drizzle over the top. Place half of a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup on top.

Pork Rub (allrecipes.com)

My sister in law was telling me about a rub she uses for her pork and how wonderful it was so I thought hmmm wonder if I could find the recipe. So after lots of searching and trying I think I found it.

1 1/4 cups brown sugar

2/3 cup sugar

3 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper

2 tablespoons kosher salt

2 teaspoons ground ginger

4 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

4 1/2 teaspoons onion salt

1 tablespoon dry mustard

1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons ground red pepper (cayenne)

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

3/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

Mix all ingredients together then rub all over pork. I like to use smaller cuts of pork or cut it into chunks to make sure it all has seasoning. You can store this rub in an airtight container for 3 months.

Yields about 3 1/2 cups

Chewy Pretzel Bites (MelsKitchenCafe.com)

OK I have to admit I was a little intimidated by these at first...could I really make pretzels??? So I thought I would give it a try and see how they turned out... Well I was VERY pleased with them! I had lots of company coming through my house yesterday when I made these and not one person complained! EVERYONE loved these and they were a great after school snack! The kids actually said it was the best after school snack they had had.

These were pretty dang easy I don't know what intimidated me but glad that I decided to get over my lil issue. I made 3 batches of these babies and each batch I made a different flavor it was very good! I made a batch of plain-salted, a batch of cinnamon & sugar, a batch with Parmesan cheese that we dipped in pizza sauce. The recipe makes about 2 dozen bites.

Dough:
2 1/2 cups (10 1/2 ounces) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1 cup (8 ounces) very warm water

Topping:
1/2 cup (4 ounces) warm water
2 tablespoons baking soda
Coarse salt (optional)
3 tablespoons butter, melted

In a large bowl or the bowl of an electric mixer, place the flour, salt, sugar and yeast. Mix to just combine.
Add the water and mix well, adding more flour, as needed, a bit at a time to form a soft, smooth dough that clears the sides and bottom of the bowl. Knead the dough, by hand or machine, for about 5 minutes, until it is soft, smooth and quite slack. The goal is to get a really soft dough that isn’t overly sticky. Lightly flour the dough and place it in a plastic bag; close the bag, leaving room for the dough to expand, and let it rest for 30 minutes or up to 60 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 500°F. Don’t be afraid of the high heat! This is what will help those pretzels to brown up perfectly and stay soft on the inside. Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or lightly greasing them.

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased work surface, and divide it into about four strips of equal length. Allow the pieces to rest, uncovered, for 5 minutes. While the dough is resting, combine the 1/2 cup warm water and the baking soda in a liquid measuring cup (deep enough to dip the pretzel bites into). Make sure the baking soda is thoroughly dissolved. Sometimes I have a hard time getting the baking soda completely dissolved, so I just lightly stir up the mixture right before adding each pretzel.

Cut each strip of dough into about 6-8 pieces, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in width. You don’t have to be completely exact, just eyeball it. Dip each pretzel bite in the baking soda solution (this will give the pretzels a nice, golden-brown color), and place them on the baking sheets. *Sprinkle them lightly with coarse, kosher, or pretzel salt. * PLEASE DON'T PUT SALT ON THEM IF YOU ARE GOING TO DO THE SWEET VERSION!!! Allow them to rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Bake the pretzels for 7-8 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Bake one sheet at a time – it won’t hurt the other pretzels to chill out for a little longer.

Remove the pretzels from the oven, and brush them thoroughly with the melted butter. Keep brushing the butter on until you’ve used it all up; it may seem like a lot, but that’s what gives these pretzels their ethereal taste. This is where you put your flavor if you want something else like Parmesan, cinnamon & sugar, etc. Eat the pretzels warm, or reheat them in an oven or microwave on low heat.

Coconut Cream Cake (allrecipes.com) I combined 2 recipes together from there

OK so I may not be the best at taking pictures especially when all I can think about is eating these yummy recipes! This cake was sooo easy to make and VERY VERY good! I think my hubby ate 1/2 the pan the first day alone!

1  white cake mix

1 (14 ounce) can cream of coconut

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1(16 ounce) package frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 (8 ounce) package flaked coconut

1/2 tsp. coconut extract

Make cake mix according to directions on back of the box ALSO ADD  the coconut extract to it! Pour into a 9x13 pan. Bake cake according to directions. While it is baking mix the cream of coconut, condensed milk until smooth. When the cake is done baking poke holes all over in it (you can use a fork, a chopstick, or a skewer whatever you have) Pour milk mixture over cake and allow it to sit overnight . Before serving spread whipped topping over the top of the cake then sprinkle with coconut.

Now this was very good however to give it a little more flavor or to switch it up once in a while you can also add sliced strawberries over the whipped topping then sprinkle with coconut! YUM!

Chicken Alfredo Pizza (crust recipe on allrecipes.com)

This is the one people have been waiting for! This has become one of my favorite meals ever! I like pizza but I LOVE this one!!!! This recipe uses the alfredo sauce recipe that I previously posted (like right before I posted this one lol) This recipe will not disappoint unless your a serious meat lover sorry :)

Crust:

1 1/8 c. water
2 Tbsp. olive oil
3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp. sugar

3 tsp. garlic powder

1 1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. minced fresh basil
3 c. flour
2 tsp. active dry yeast

In a mixing bowl combine the water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 10 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly and creamy. Then add oil, garlic, cheese, basil. After mixing that up for a minute add the flour. Mix well then knead. I use my kitchen aid kneading attachment and let it knead for about 3-5 minutes.

This will make about 2 12" pizzas however I like to make individual pizzas so it made about 5-6.

Shape into circles for pizza then cover and  let them rise about 40 minutes. Bake at 350 for about 18 minutes. Once this is done you can top it

I spread a layer of alfredo sauce on the crust. then I added a little cooked chicken. Then topped it with artichoke hearts ( I used bottled marinated ones since that's what I had) fresh spinach, mushrooms, green onions, cooked and cut up bacon, Italian cheese

This is what it looked like before I covered it with Italian cheese. I didn't put the jalapenos or tomatoes on until it was cooked. (and I didn't get the jalapenos on for the pic)

Put it bake in the oven (at the 350 temp) until cheese is melted

YUM!!!!!

Alfredo (Rhonda)

ok I have tried many many alfredo recipes and this is the one I keep coming back too! YES ITS THICK AND YES ITS CREAMY but isn't that what Alfredo is all about??? I am not the kind that likes the thin alfredo that the skinny chicks like. If it don't taste good it ain't worth making!!!! Hence the name of the blog!

1 pint heavy cream
1 pkg. (8 oz.)cream cheese

3/4 c. real Parmesan
1/2 c. butter
1 tsp. garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

In a saucepan melt butter, add cream cheese. Once cream cheese is softened add heavy cream. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Add Parmesan, garlic, salt, & pepper. Stir well. Serve over noodles.

* you can also add chicken, bacon or broccoli I have tried all these and its always good!!!

Now when I make this I make it about 4 times because I LOVE ALFREDO and I hate pasta so its weird huh! Anyways I love alfredo sauce with my bread sticks, I love alfredo sauce in my calzones and in another post you will see what else I do with my alfredo sauce! It doesnt take very much to coat your stuff either!

(Please excuse the pic I got the leftovers which wasnt much lol)

Strawberry Lime Shortcakes with Coconut Cream (Our Best Bites)

I think this should have a different name I am thinking along the lines of Tropical Yummness or how about a little bit of heaven in your mouth! OMGSH this recipe is soooo good!

Thank you to OurBestBites.com for giving me so many good recipes to use! I know I have said it before but I love these ladies new cookbook!

Pound Cake or Angel food cake

4 c. sliced fresh strawberries

1/2 c. granulated sugar

4 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)

3/4 s. toasted coconut

Coconut Whipped Cream

1 c. heavy whipping cream

1/2 c. powdered sugar

2 tsp. coconut extract

1 tsp. vanilla



Mix sliced strawberries, sugar, and lime juice together in bowl. Stir well and set aside. Stir occasionally over about 15 minutes. The sugar should dissolve and form a light syrup.

For the Coconut Whipped Cream pour into a bowl and beat with a mixer for about 1 minute. Slowly add powdered sugar and both extracts. Continue beating until soft peaks form.

Slice cake and spoon strawberries and lime syrup on top of cake. Top with a generous amount of Coconut Whipped Cream and sprinkle with toasted coconut.(directions below)

Toasted coconut:

Preheat oven to 375

Spread desired amount of coconut onto a cookie sheet. Place in the oven and cook for about 2-5 minutes depending on how much your doing. MAKE SURE YOU STIR OFTEN (about every 30 seconds) The coconut will be dry and lightly browned.

Good Eats for sure!!!!

Homemade Laundry Soap (my sil Bridgett)

I absolutely hate paying for laundry soap!!!! It is sooo redicously priced and you never know how good it works! My sister in law and I were talking about this a couple months ago and she was telling me how she makes her own and she loves it! So I thought why not give it a try.

My first impression was how good it smelled! HOWEVER it doesnt bubble! So if your a person who believes suds matters then this may not be for you. Our water is well water and sometimes I think it doesnt smell the best so I do sometimes add fabric softner to the load and I havent had any other problems! The stuff in this picture is what it uses and it costs about $10 BUT the only thing you need to replace everytime you make a new batch is the Fels-Naptha bar so it saves you lots of money!

Ingredients:

1 c. super washing baking soda
1 c. Borax
1 bar Fels-Naptha

Grate the bar of fels-naptha into 4 cups hot water. Stir until dissolved. Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of HOT water add the soda and borax. Pour the grated soap mix into bucket then finish filling full with HOT water. Stir and then put lid on and let it sit over night.

MONEY SAVING FOR SURE!!!!

Quick & Easy Chicken (allrecipes.com)

I am trying to find easy recipes for those that have asked for them. This one was "Easy Peezy Lemon Squeezy" and really good and could be made on the stove or in the crock pot. My family loved it! It was finger licking good according to my 3 year old lol!~

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 onion, chopped

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

3 Tbsp. ketchup

2 Tbsp. soy sauce

3 Tbsp. white sugar

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. ground black pepper

Saute onion in oil until translucent.

Add chicken, and brown lightly.
Combine ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, lemon juice, and pepper; mix well. Pour over chicken, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 25 to 35 minutes

Hamburger Gravy (food.com)

I was never a big fan of school lunch HOWEVER there was a few things that I miss. 1) The peanut butter in the little cups that had a little bit of honey mixed into it. OH MAN I LOVED IT!!! 2) The hamburger gravy on potatoes. I know weird huh! Well I wasn't feeling to well recently and had thawed some ground beef and needed to use it, so I was looking for some kind of comfort food and viola! This is what I found. When my hubby came home he HAD to sample it and then...He couldn't stay out of it! Now my hubby is quite picky and he loves meat so I was worried he wouldn't appreciate this meal. Lucky Me! He loved it!!!

I didn't have one complaint tonight! AND THAT MADE ME FEEL LOTS BETTER! :)

1 lb. ground beef
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 an onion, minced
1/2 tsp. each salt & pepper
1 Tbsp. flour
1 tsp. beef bouillon
water

In a large skillet brown ground beef and onions. Drain well. Add soup, salt, pepper, bouillon.  Add 1 1/2 -   1 3/4 cans of water to the mixture (using your soup can). Stir in slowly simmer 15-20 minutes. Thicken gravy with the flour to the consistency you prefer. Simmer 5 minutes more. Serve over mashed potatoes or noodles.

Now this says it will serve 8 (don't think so, I would say 5) HOWEVER I made it a couple times so I can serve it later over noodles! Boom 2 meals!!!

Happy Eating!!!