Jell-o cups with boats

The children Loved these! 

• Blue Jell-0
• Large oranges
• Toothpicks
• Paper triangles (glue on toothpicks)
• clear cups

Made the Jell-O according to package and poured into clear cups and placed in fridge.  Cut my oranges into thick slices.  Once Jell-O was set up, I place the orange slice on top and stuck a cute toothpick in the middle.

Octopus in veggie dip

A cute addition to the pirate party.

Made vegetable dip using sour cream and a ranch packet. I then cut 2 orange bell peppers.  One for the body and one for the legs.  (I think someone ate a leg before I took the pic lol)  I had edible eyes I placed on my cute little guy using veggie dip to stick them on. 

Watermelon Pirate Ship

Thought this would be a cute addition to the Pirate Themed Party!

I cut this out with a supper sharp knife.  Then scooped out the inside. I chopped up the watermelon pieces and a cantaloupe and placed in the middle.  I then used a metal skewer stick, with paper sails and the pirate flag, threw the middle. 

Pirate Ship Cake

My little boy loves Jake and The Never Land Pirates.  He told me for months he wanted a Bucky Ship for his birthday cake. I was dreading this one, but it turned out not being so bad after all.  Oh, and I must say, he LOVED it!

• 3 cake boxes
• Butter Cream frosting
• Chocolate Butter cream frosting
• White chocolate chips
• Wafer cookies
• Tootsie rolls
• Pirouettes cookies
• Gram cracker
• Fruit roll-ups
• Whoppers
• food coloring
• Jake and The Never Land Pirate figurines from Disney store (one of his birthday gifts)
  
  I baked 2 chocolate cake mixes in my large cake pan.  I then cooked two round ones and one in a can out of the other cake mix. 
  
  

 My large cake pan made exactly 3 rectangle pieses that were the same size.  I layerd the 3, using frosting like glue between each layer, and then cut into the shpe I wanted.  I then placed the cake out of the can on a foam block in the front and shaped it to look like the front of the 'Bucky' ship. 

 

Frost with a thin layer of frosting and place in the freezer for an hour. 

Take out and frost both cakes.  Then decotate.  I put my bag of tootsie rolls in the sun so they were nice and soft.  This made it easy to shape the railing on the deck, the bell and the ladder.  I then shaped a fruit roll-up for the slide.  I cut a wafer cookie for the windows and the door.  Frosted a gram cracker for the back.  I piped the yellow buttercream frosting around the edge.  I frosted the whole cardboard piece with blue frosting using a frosting knife, making it look like waves.  I then but half a Pirouette cookie in the front of the ship and piped an anchor on the side.  Used a skewer stick and a piece of paper for the sail.

I couldn't find the mini striped cookies for the life rafts on the side, so I cut a larger one down.



I crushed some gram crackers and sprinkled on the little Island to make it look like sand. (Do this before you frost the water)

I melted white chocolate and added green food coloring.  I then spooned it on a spoon covered with wax paper and shaped it into a leaf.  Once they were hard, I place three together and placed a glob of melted chocolate in the middle and held a Pirouette cookie in it until it hardened.  Placed 2 palm trees in the cake and placed Whoppers around the bottom to make it look like fallen coconuts.

Once every thing is decorated, place in freezer for a few hours. 

 

Chicken & Bacon Pizza

I bought some Progresso Recipe Starters on sale and with coupons a while back and decided to try using one.  This pizza turned out to be a huge hit at my house!

• 1 large Boboli pizza crust
• Progresso Cheese Sauce
• 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
• Chicken, cooked and diced (I used leftover chicken)
• 2 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Spread just enough sauce to cover pizza crust.  Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.  Add chicken and bacon.  Bake 8-10 minutes. 

Ham and Cheese Pasta

I made this up one night using leftovers and my family loved it.  It reminds me of the homemade macaroni and cheese my Grandma use to make.

• 8 oz big shell pasta
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/8 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup Progresso Cheese Starter cooking sauce (I added this because I had leftover)
• 2 1/2 cups shredded Colby Cheese
• 4 oz cooked ham, cubed (I used leftovers)
• 1 cup dried bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 TBS melted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Bring large pot of water to a boil.  Add pasta and cook 8-10 min. or until al dente; drain.

In a large sauce pan over medium heat, melt butter.  Sauté garlic 30 sec.  Whist in flour, salt and pepper.  Cook until smooth.  Pour in milk and cheese sauce, stir constantly.  Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute.  Stir in cheese; cook until melted.  Remove from heat and stir in pasta and ham.  Pour into a 2 quart baking dish. 

In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs and parmesan cheese.  Pour butter over and mix well.  Sprinkle over pasta.

Bake 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

The best tortilla soup!

• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 tsp ground cumin
• 3/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic salt
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (4oz) can diced green chilies
• 8-10 corn tortillas
• 2 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken
• 1 firm ripe avocado
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

In a large pot stir onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, pepper, and garlic salt and cook over medium heat for 1 min.  Add chicken, broth, tomatoes, and green chilies.  Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.

Meanwhile, stack tortillas and cut into 1/4 in. wide strips.  Add to broth.  Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add slices of avocado just before serving.  Garnish with cheese. 

 

(I boiled my chicken before hand and did extra for another meal.  You can also use any leftover chicken or turkey you may have in the freezer!)

Green Chili Stew

I love homemade green chili...well my husband does not.  So I came up with this to disguise my chili, ha ha ha. Same great taste, but a dinner we ALL can enjoy!

• 1 TBSP olive oil
• 2 lbs diced pork
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups diced green chilies (I buy a bag of roasted chili's.  Peel them and freeze them.  They make the best chili.  Or you can buy frozen bags of pueblo chili or containers at most grocery stores.)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 TBS garlic salt
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup quick barley

In a large skillet heat oil.  Add pork, onions, garlic and garlic salt. Cook over medium heat until meat is done. Place in a crock pot.  Add remaining ingredients.  Cook on low 4-6 hours.  Serve with warm tortillas.

Stuffed French Toast

This is my made up version of stuffed French toast.  We love French toast and I'm trying to find new ways to use all my yummy raspberries. I must say, it was a huge hit!

• 8 slices of favorite bread

BATTER:

• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Combine all ingredients in a bowl.  Heat a griddle or large skillet.  Dredge the bread in the batter and place on hot griddle. Cook until golden brown on both sides.  Remove from pan and place on a 9x13 in., sprayed with cooking spry, cookie sheet.

FILLING:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/8 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup raspberries
• 1 tsp vanilla

Combine cream cheese, juice and sugar until smooth.  Fold in chips, raspberries and vanilla.
Divide between 4 pieces of bread.  Top with remaining 4 slices.  Transfer into a preheated 350 degree F. oven and bake 8-10 minutes.  Serve with maple syrup and fresh raspberries. 

Grape Salad

I got this recipe from a client, boy was I glad! It is so simple, yet so yummy!

• 3 lbs seedless grapes (red or black)
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 8 oz sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 cup pecan or almond pieces
• 1/4-1/2 cup brown sugar

Wash grapes, drain, pick off and place in large bowl. In a bowl mix cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla and white sugar.  Pour over grapes.  Stir in nuts and sprinkle with brown sugar. 

"No Cook Noodle" Lasagna

This is a family favorite!  I make it in the morning, place it in the fridge and pop it in the oven for dinner.

• 2 lbs. ground beef
• 1 lg. onion, chopped
• 3 tsp garlic salt
• 2 tsp crushed oregano
• 1 tsp Italian herb seasoning
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 (48 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 cups cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups Mozzarella cheese, grated
• 12-16 lasagna noodles, uncooked

Cook meat, garlic salt and onion until no pink is left in the meat, drain. Add tomatoes and spices and cook on low for 2 minutes.  Add spaghetti sauce + 1/3 cup water and cook 10 more  minutes, stirring occasionally.  In a separate bowl beat eggs.  Stir in cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and 2 cups mozzarella cheese.   Spray an 8x15 inch lasagna pan with cooking spray.  Spread enough sauce just to coat bottom of pan. Lay enough noodles to cover sauce.  Spread 1/3 of sauce over noodles; spread 1/2 cheese mixture over sauce.  Then layer noodles, meat sauce, cheese, noodles, & top with meat sauce. Cover with plastic wrap then foil and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours.  Take plastic wrap off; place foil back on tightly and bake at 350 degrees F. for 1 hour.  Uncover and sprinkle with remaining Mozzarella cheese and bake for another 10-15 min or until cheese is melted.  (If you don't make this ahead of time, you can pour a cup of hot water over your last meat layer. Cover with foil and bake.  That way you still don't have to cook the noodles!)

Ham and Hash Brown Casserole

Make this with leftover ham and hash browns...simply wonderful!

• 6 potatoes, shredded or 1 (1 lb. 4 oz) bag hash browns
• 1 1/2 cups diced, cooked ham
• 2 cups shredded Colby or cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 tsp seasoned salt

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Spray an 8 in. square baking dish with cooking spray.  In a large bowl mix potatoes, ham, onions, and 1 1/2 cups of the cheese.  Spread in baking dish.  In same bowl, mix sour cream, milk, and salt until well blended.  Pour over potatoes; stir to mix.  Cover dish with foil.  Bake 45 minutes.  Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.  Bake uncovered about 10 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.  Serve with favorite vegetable.

Fresh Green Beans

We love to eat green beans from the garden!  These are full of flavor.

• 3 cups fresh green beans, washed and cut
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 2 TBSP bacon bits

Place green beans, onion, broth and bacon in a large sauce pan.  Bring to a boil.  Place lid on, turn to low and simmer for about an hour or until tender. 

Funeral Potatoes

This is a famous and well-loved favorite!

• 12 large potatoes shredded or 1 (32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns
• 2 (10 3/4 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups sour cream
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 2 cups crushed corn flakes
• 2 TBS butter, melted
• salt & pepper to taste

Grease a 9x13 in baking dish.  Place hash browns or shredded potatoes in dish.  Combine soup, sour cream, cheese, 1/2 cup butter, onions, and salt & pepper.  Gently blend into potatoes.  Combine crushed corn flakes and the 2 TBSP butter.  Sprinkle on top.  Bake at 350 degrees F. for 30 minutes.

Baked Ham with Ham Sauce

I just bought a ham on sale!! Yay, time to make lots of great meals from one ham...love saving money!

• 1 (4 lb) precooked, sliced ham
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup apricot jam
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 TBSP water

Place ham in roasting pan. In a medium saucepan combine brown sugar, jam, Worcestershire sauce, and water.  Warm through, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Spoon half of the sauce over surface of ham. Reserve remaining sauce for individual servings.  Bake at 325 degrees F. for about 30 minutes, just until warmed through.  Overcooking will result in dryness.

Tip: when serving ham, plan on 1/3 lb. per person.  This means a 4 lb. ham will serve about 12 guests. 

You know me, I like to make extra so I can make meals from meals...from leftover to gourmet!

Chicken Barley Chili

My sister, Brooke, introduced me to this recipe.  So, so yummy!!

• 1 (14 1/2 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (16 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 (16 oz) jar favorite mild salsa (use leftover from Mexican pasta)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup Quaker Quick Barley
• 3 cups water
• 1 TBSP chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 small can diced green chilies
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 (15 1/4 oz) can corn
• 3 cups chicken breasts, cooked & cut
• cheese
• sour cream

In a large saucepan, combine tomatoes, tomato sauce, salsa, broth, barley, water, chili powder, onions, & cumin. Over high heat bring to a boil; cover and reduce heat to low.  Simmer 20 min, stirring occasionally.  Add chili, beans, corn and chicken.  Increase heat to high until chili comes to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low.  Simmer for another 5 min. or until barley is tender. Serve with cheese and sour cream. 

Mexican Pasta Skillet

Great one pan meal...nothing better as far as clean up goes!

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2  (16 oz) Jar favorite mild salsa
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can black beans, rinsed & drained
• 1 can petite diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 cups cooked macaroni
• 2 TBSP taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour Cream

Brown ground beef, seasoned with garlic salt & taco seasoning, in a 12 in skillet until cooked; drain.  Stir in salsa, tomato sauce, water, corn, beans, and tomatoes.  let simmer while noodles boil.  once noodles are almost done, drain and mix with beef mixture.   Top with cheese and simmer covered 5-8 minutes.  Serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Save leftover salsa for another great meal...from leftover to gourmet!

Crock Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu

This was so simple yet very delicious!!

• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 6 slices of ham (use leftoever ham if you have it)
• 6 slices Swiss cheese
• 1 (8 oz) package herbed dry bread stuffing mix
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• Perfect Chicken seasoning

Mix together the cream of chicken soup and milk in a small bowl.  Pour enough of the soup into a crock pot to cover bottom.  Layer chicken breasts over the sauce.  Sprinkle with seasoning.  Cover each chicken breasts with a slice of ham and cheese.  Pour the remaining soup over.  Sprinkle the stuffing on top and drizzle butter over stuffing.  Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies were gone way too fast...I need to make a double batch..  They were so soft and full of flavor.

• 1 3/4 cups quick oats
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup applesauce
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.  In a medium bowl, stir oats, flour baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  Set aside.  In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until nice and creamy.  Beat in egg and applesauce.  Stir the flour mixture into the batter until well blended.  Fold in chips and walnuts.  Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheet.  Bake 8-10 min.  Cool 5 min. on cookie sheets, then remove to wire rack.

Tomato, Garlic & Basil Chicken Alfredo

Made this one up one night using leftover chicken...delightful!

• 4 chicken breasts
• Grill Mates Tomato, Garlic & Basil Marinade Package
• 2 TBS butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp garlic
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup milk
• Noodles (linguine, fettuccine, wide egg noodles...), cooked and drained

Place chicken in crock pot.  Mix marinade package according to directions. Pour over chicken and cook on low for 4 hours.  Dice up chicken.  Melt butter in a medium sauce pan.  Whisk in flour garlic and salt.  Gradually add milk.  Whisk in cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese.  Cook, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly.  Add diced chicken and juices. Cook over low for 5 minutes.  Serve over hot, cooked noodles. 

If you make the Tomato, Garlic & Basil Chicken before, just use the leftovers and add to the Alfredo sauce...from leftover to gourmet!

Rice & Ham Casserole

This is a wonderful meal my mom use to make us.  Great way to use leftover rice or ham!

• 1 cup regular rice
• 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies
• 1/2 lb. Shredded cheese
• Diced Ham
• 1 1/4 cups sour cream (thin with 1/4 cup milk)
• salt and pepper to taste

Cook rice according to directions.  Combine all ingredients, leaving some cheese to sprinkle on top. Mix lightly.  Place in casserole dish.  Top with remaining cheese.  Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F. for about 30 minutes.

Twice Baked Potato

My husband doesn't like baked potatoes very well, but he loves these.

4 large baking potatoes

8 slices bacon

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup milk

4 TBSP butter

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp garlic

1/2 tsp pepper

2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

1 cup chicken broth

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Scrub potatoes, pat dry and wrap in foil.  Bake for an hour or so until soft when squeezed.  While potatoes are cooking, fry your bacon until crispy.  Drain and crumble.  Once potatoes are done, slice in half long ways.  Scoop out most of the inside.  It's okay to leave a little, you just don't want the skins to tear.  Mash and then add sour cream, milk, butter, salt, garlic, pepper and 1 1/2 cups cheese.  When pretty smooth, spoon back into potato skins.  Place in baking dish and pour chicken broth around and under potatoes.  Bake for 15 minutes.  Remove and sprinkle with remaining cheese and bacon pieces.  Bake for another 5 min or until cheese is melted.

Easy Grilled Pizza

Fun family night idea...my children love when we do this!

• 4 small Boboli pizza crusts
• Olive oil
• Marinara Sauce
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Pizza Toppings (pepperoni, olives, ham, sausage, green chilies, onions...)

Brush both sides of pizza crust with olive oil.  Turn the grill on as low as it will go.  Grill the crust 2–4 minutes per side. Remove from grill. Add toppings, including any precooked meats and vegetables, and return to grill for 8–10 minutes checking often. Grill until the cheese is melted and/or the crust is golden. Remove from heat, let cool for 2 minutes, and enjoy! We let everyone make their own.

Tomato, Garlic & Basil Chicken

This is simply wonderful!

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 Grill Mates Tomato, Garlic & Basil Marinate packages

Place chicken in crock pot.  Mix Grill Mates package according to directions and pour over chicken.  Stir chicken around making sure evenly coated.  Cook on low for 4-5 hours. 

I added a few more chicken breasts and cut them up with all the extra juices and stored in the fridge for another great meal...from leftover to gourmet!

Creamy Steak Over Rice

We get a lot of round steak and so I'm always trying to make meals with it.  This one was a success!

• 1 lb. round steak
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 TBS olive oil
• 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 TBS paprika
• Steak Seasoning
• 1 (8 oz) container sour cream
• 2 cups Rice
• shredded cheese

Trim any fat off the round steak.  Rub generously with steak seasoning and put in crock pot.  In a skillet, saute onions, bell pepper, and paprika until onions are lightly brown.  Pour over steak.  Pour tomatoes over onions.  Add  broth to skillet and boil for a few minutes, then pour over everything.  Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.  Take steak out and dice.  Mix sour cream in crock pot, then put meat back in; cover and cook 20-30 minutes.  Serve over cooked rice; sprinkle with cheese.

I double my rice so I can use it for another quick meal...from leftover to gourmet!

Fruit Leather

My husband convinced me to make fruit leather.  I didn't want to because I thought it would be so hard.  I was so wrong, it was pretty easy and so good.  We ate the first pan right up!

APPLE-PEAR:

• 4 cups apples
• 4 cups pears
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup raspberry jam

I cored and then boiled my apples until soft.   I used pears that I had canned last year, but if you use fresh, you need to slice in half and core.  Add everything to the blender and blend until smooth. 

APPLE-STRAWBERRY:

• 4 cups apples
• 4 cups strawberries
• 7 TBS honey

Saute apples and strawberries in a little butter until soft.  Add everything to a blender and blend until smooth.

Preheat oven to 160 degrees F. Cover baking sheets with plastic wrap.  Spread puree evenly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.  Bake for about 10 hours.  I started checking it after 6 hours.  It is done when the surface is no longer tacky and you can tear it like leather.  Cool and then roll up.  Cut in pieces and seal securely in plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container.

Cinnamon Sugar Apple Snacks

We all love these!  They are a great healthy snack everyone will enjoy.

• 3 1/2 pounds apples, peeled, cored and sliced
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon

Pretreat apples by dipping them in 1 cup lemon juice mixed with 1 quart of water. In a large bowl, combine sugars and cinnamon.  Make sure your apples are patted dry, then toss them in sugar mixture.  You don't want them too coated, just lightly sugared.  Arrange evenly on dehydrator trays. Dry at 130-135 degrees until pliable.  Drying time will vary depending on the moisture content of apples, quality of apples, volume being dried at one time, method of drying and the climate. Refer to your own dehydrator instructions.  If you put them in in the evening and let them go all night and then all morning, they should be done that afternoon.  If you take them off while they are still hot they come off a lot better.  I've also read if you turn them half way through, they won't stick either. 

Grandma Faucette's Applesauce Cake

This is a family favorite...so moist and just wonderful!

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp soda
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1 1/2 cups applesauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1 cup raisins (optional)

Cream butter and sugar.  Add eggs beating well.  In a large bowl, mix flour, soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, & allspice.  In a separate bowl mix applesauce and water.  Add dry ingredients, alternating with apple sauce, to the butter mixture.  Fold in nuts and raisins.  Pour in greased 9x13x2 in. pan and bake at 350 degrees F. for 45 minutes.

CARAMEL SAUCE:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1 tsp vanilla

Melt butter, sugars, and cream in a medium saucepan over med-high heat.  Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute stirring constantly.  Add vanilla.  Spoon over individual slices of warm cake. 

Caramel Apple Slices

This is a great little treat or wonderful on ice cream or apple cake. We had it on our crepes and it was great!

• 6 large apples
• 2 TBSP butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 TBSP flour

 

Peel, core, and slice apples.  In medium saucepan melt butter.  Add brown sugar and flour.  Add apples and cook over low heat until tender, 15-20 minutes.



Apple Crisp

I love apple crisp, and so does my family!  I like to put this in tin pie plates and give to family and friends. 

• 6 large tart apples
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Peel, core, and slice apples.  Toss with brown sugar and cinnamon.  Arrange in buttered 9x13x2 in. baking dish (or 2 pie plates).  Combine brown sugar and flour.  Cut butter into mixture and stir in rolled oats & nuts.  Spoon topping over apples and lightly press down.  Bake at 350 degrees F. for 35-40 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream.

Apple Pie

Nic's favorite thing...warm apple pie. 

CRUST:

• 1 1/4 cups Crisco shortening
• 3 cups flour
• 1 TBSP vinegar or lemon juice
• 5 TBSP ice cold water
• 1 egg, beaten

In a medium bowl cut shortening into flour, making 1/4 in. bits. Make a well in the center.  Pour vinegar or lemon juice, water, and egg.  Mix from the bottom to the top with a fork until the dough barely sticks together.  Divide into two balls.  Place one ball between two pieces of waxed paper and roll out until the crust is big enough to fit into pie plate. Press into pie plate.

FILLING:

• 5 cups tart apples, about 6-8 larger apples, (The yellow transparents are the best!)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 TBSP butter

Heat oven to 425 degrees F.  Peel, core and slice apples. Mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in large bowl.  Stir in apples.  Pour into pastry-lined pie plate.  Dot with butter.  Cover with top crust and seal edges.  Cut slits in the top.  Cover edge with 3 inch strip of foil to prevent too much browning.  Bake for 20 minutes.  Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. and bake 25-30 minutes more, until the filling is bubbly and top is lightly brown.  Remove foil the last 10 minutes. 

Apple Season!!!

YAY, it's apple season!!! My grandpas trees had so many apples this year...so exciting! These yellow transparent apples are the best for:

Apple Pie

Apple Crisp

Apple Cake

Applesauce

Applesauce Cake
Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies

Caramel Apple Slices

Apple Nachos

Apple Butter

Cinnamon, Sugar Apple Snacks
Fruit Leather

 

I slice and freeze a lot of these apples, so we can enjoy these recipes year round!  Makes for a quick dessert when you need one!

Strip Rag Blanket

Made this for little Brayton! It was so fast and easy!!

• Cut 14 out of flannel or fleece 6x36 in. strips
• I used 3 different flannels for the front and just 1 matching solid for the back

~Place a front and a back strip together, wrong sides together, and sew down the middle.  I used a decrative stitch. Repeat for each 7 strips.
~Place two strips together, backs facing each other, and sew a 1/2 in seam down one side.  Open up and add another strip.  Repeat until all strips are sewn together. 
~Sew a 1/2 in seam around the blanket.
~Clip edges, wash, and enjoy!

Baby Rag Blanket

This is one of Taysha's favorite blankets I made for her and it was all done out of scrap material I had.

To make an approximate 38x53 in. Blanket:

• cut 36 8x8 in. squares in favorite fabric
• I used 4 different fabrics, so I cut 9 8x8 in. squares out of each
• cut 36 8x8 in squares in flannel or fleece

~Sew a fabric square to a flannel square by stitching an x from one corner to the other (right sides of fabric together). Repeat for all 36 squares.
~Create the pattern you like and sew blocks together.  Place flannel sides together and stitch 1/2 in seam along one side.  Place another block to one of those, flannel sides together, and sew a 1/2 in seam along one side.  Repeat until you have a strip with 5 blocks sewn together. Repeat for next 5 blocks, making sure your pattern is correct, until you have 7 strips of 5 blocks sewn together.
~Line up seams and blocks with flannel sides together and sew your first two strips together using 1/2 in seams.  Open up and then add your third strip by placing flannel sides together, making sure pattern is correct, and sew using 1/2 in. seam. Repeat until all strips are sewn together.
~Sew a 1/2 in. seam around the whole blanket.
~Cut edges to create the rag look.
~Wash and enjoy!

Fondant

Easy and great for adding decorations to cakes.

• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup shortening
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp clear vanilla
• 2 lbs confectioners sugar

In a large bowl, stir together the shortening and corn syrup. Mix in the salt and vanilla flavoring, then gradually mix in the confectioners sugar until it is a stiff dough. If you are using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. Otherwise, knead by hand. If the dough is sticky, knead in more confectioners sugar until it is smooth.  To use, roll out on a clean surface that has been dusted with confectioners' sugar until it is 1/8 inch thick or thinner if you can. Drape over frosted and chilled cakes and smooth the sides down, or cut into shapes to make decorations.

Mack Truck Birthday Cake

Shandon wanted a Mack cake because he loves the movie Cars.  He loved it!

• 3 cake mixes
• bendy straws
• Hershey's chocolate Nuggets
• York peppermint patties
• mini marshmallow
• fondant
• buttercream frosting

Mix cake according to directions on box.  Bake 3 9x13" cakes.  Layer and shape the cakes into the truck.  Decorate with frosting, fondant, and candy.   I printed out the car decals using photo paper.  I used a paper plate cut and frosted for the brim of his hat.

Buttercream Frosting

This is a simple, yet yummy, frosting that's great for decorating Birthday Cakes!

1 cup butter

3-4 cups powdered sugar

1 TBS vanilla extract

up to 4 TBS milk

Beat butter in mixing bowl. Gradually add sugar then add vanilla and 2 TBS milk. You can add more sugar or milk depending on the consistency you like your frosting.

Combine Cake

When Durant said he wanted a combine cake I about flipped.  That was going to be so hard...I thought.  Turned out not being so bad and I must say he absolutely loved it!!

• 2 cake mixes
• small chocolate doughnuts (back tires)
• Ding Dongs (front tires)
• candy corn
• bendy straw
• Toblerone Candy
• Buttercream Frosting

Mix cake according to directions on box.  Then bake 2 9x13 in. cakes.  Cut two pieces of cake out in a smaller rectangle about 5x8 in.  and place on top of each other.  I put frosting in between the two layers.  This cake I sat on a Styrofoam block covered with foil.  I then placed a wooden skewer stick through it in a few spots to make sure it holds.  I then cut a square piece and made a hole for the corn to go in. I then cut a piece for the cab and the header piece. I placed those on the cake with frosting and more sticks.  I piped the frosting on this cake because of all the cut edges.  Stuck the doughnuts and Ding Dongs on with toothpicks and added frosting to the middles. Place Toberone candy on in the front.  Frost your straw.  If you kind of let the frosting harden then dip your finger in shortening and smooth the frosting out with your finger it works the best.  

Choo Choo Train Cake

This is our official 2 year old boys cake.  Both of my boys loved trains at this age and they both LOVED their cakes!

• 2 cake boxes
• M&M's
• York Peppermint Patties
• Raisinets
• Mini Kit Kat's or Mini Cow Tales
• Mike N Ikes
• Black Licorice
• Butter cream Frosting
• • 1 cup butter
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 TBS vanilla extract
  • up to 4 TBS milk
  • Beat butter in mixing bowl. Gradually add sugar then add vanilla and 2 TBS milk. You can add more sugar or milk depending on the consistency you like your frosting.

Mix the cakes according to directions on box. I baked the Engine in a loaf pan and cut it into the shape I wanted.  I baked the round part in a can.  I then baked the other three in mini loaf pans and the top to the caboose in a super mini loaf pan.  Made the tracks with the licorice and then placed the cakes on.  It's best to put them in the freezer for a few hours.  Then I frost with one layer of frosting and put back in the freezer for an hour.  Frost and decorate.  I used a marshmallow for the smoke stack.  I then used Raisinets for the coal car and Kit Kat's for one and Cow Tales for the other log car. I used the peppermint patties for the wheels and decorated with M&M's and the Mike N Ikes.