Marbled Brownies -Baird Recipe

1 cube Butter (melted)

2/3 cup Cocoa (mix in butter)

Set aside.

Beat together:
4 Eggs
2 Cups Sugar

Add Cocoa mix to Egg mix.

Add:
1 Cup Flour
1 tsp. Sugar

**Grease 9x13 pan and pour in Brownie Mix, and set aside.

CREAM CHEESE MIX
12 oz. Cream Cheese, softened (do NOT use non-fat)
3/4 cup Sugar
3 Eggs
4 1/2 TBLS Flour
1 1/2 tsp. Vanilla

**Beat this together then pour on top of Cocoa Brownie mix and use a knife to make a marbled pattern.


***BAKE at 350 degrees for 40-45 mins. Use toothpick tp test!

Marissa's Quilt

One of my good friends when I was little has a 6 yr old daught that has had Brain Cancer since she was 4 and has had surgery, and everything that goes with it. I have been havig fun learning new techniques when it comes to quilting and I love to post my new creations on Facebook. So, my friend saw the latest creation and mentioned that she would like me to make a quilt for her daught. She offered to pay, but I couldn't bring myself to accept the money. They have been through enough and it was my pleasure to do this for them. So per her daught request.....Pink/Green and Butterflies and Frogs. Hmmmm....In fact....lots of those patterns come in pink and green, so i was sooo excited. They also requested that a Gray Ribbon be included on there somewhere to represent Brain Cancer. It took a while to come up with the pattern, I wanted it to be perfect!!!! Maddie helped me pick out the fabrics and also come up with the design. I also have to credit Larry who suggested that I turn the small squares so they look like diamonds :) . Well, after collecting the fabrics it only took me a week to make it. I was going crazy not being able to post pictures on FB. She wanted it to be a surprise when they opened it. And....TA DA....they loved it of course. She even sent me a pic of her daughter opening it.

Humpty Dumpty Quilt--DONE

Yay, so I had this left over fabric from another blanket I did...so I couldn't wait to do this one as well. But it took a while to design a pattern. Well, here it is. I had a lot of fun working on it. This quilt is currently listed on my Etsy pg for $85...which is a great price for this 46" square blanket. Enjoy!

Preparedness Pantry $10 gift card

Ok...so I added the website link to my blog on the right! Add one on yours and you can get a gift card too!!!!

http://preparednesspantry.blogspot.com/2010/05/free-gift-card-giveaways.html

Grasshopper Bars (Peppermint Brownies)

Ok...hold on to your seat!!! Here's the best PEPPERMINT Brownies EVER. I have even been told that mine are BETTER than the famous BYU Mint Brownies! YIPPIE! Nothing but the Best from me!

Again....LOVE BETTY CROCKER! But, I tweaked it a bit. I used PEPPERMINT (lighter flavor) instead of Mint Extract. In the original recipe it uses a choc. cookie mix as the base....I use BROWNIES of course. For the glaze it also uses baking choc and better melted together....I use Smuckers Magic Shell. Well....here you go. Decide for yourself!

Brownie Base:

Regular brownie mix. Mix and bake as directed.

Frosting:

3 cups Powdered Sugar

1 pkg (3 oz) Cream Cheese, softened

2 TBLS Milk

1-2 tsp. Peppermint Extract (taste until desired)

3-4 drops Green Food Coloring

Topping:

Smuckers Magic Shell, drizzled over frosting.

**Mix and bake Brownie base as directed, let cool.

***In large bowl (because of large amount of powdered sugar flying everywhere), mix all frosting ingerdients until smooth. Spread over brownies.

****Drizzle Magic Shell, and put in the refrigerator for at least 30 mins before serving.

Store covered in Refrigerator.

DON'T FORGET TO SHARE! BE NICE!

Peanut Butter Truffle Brownies

***WARNING***

Put the Calorie calculators DOWN! And get ready for some absolute YUMMINESS!

This is one of my total favs!!! I tried this recipe out on a lot of people and it's always a hit. Well....THIS and my Mint Brownies! For Mother's Day I was asked to make a dessert....of course I was thrilled...but WHAT could I narrow it down to???? So I asked my friends to help decide between the PB and MINT. Apparently, it was a toss up all around...soooo....of course my arm was twisted and I just made BOTH. So, here you go...... Betty Crocker ROCKS!

Brownie Base: (or you can just make your own with my past Homemade Brownies post)

1 Box Brownie Mix, Water, Oil, Egg

*Mix and bake as directed

Filling:

1/2 cup Butter, softened

1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter

2 cups Powdered Sugar

2 tsp. Milk

Topping:

1 cup Choc. Chips

1/4 cup Butter

**Bake Brownie Base as directed and let cool completely!

***In med. bowl, beat filling ingredients with electric mixer (hand mixer is fine) until smooth. Spread mixture evenly over cooled brownies.

****In small microwavable bowl, microwave topping ingredients uncovers on High for 30-60 seconds. Stir until smooth! Cool 10 mins, spread over filling. Refrigerate for at least 30 mins before serving so the topping can harden. Best if served chilled so they don't become too messy.

Store in Refrigerator.

Don't forget to share with neighbors and friends!

Easy Mexican Chicken and Beans

Ok, so I get weekly emails from Betty Crocker and I LOVE it! So this is what came up this past week for Cinco De Mayo. This made 2 full meals for us and it was perfect. I didn't have any packaged Taco seasoning...so I made my own. I will include the recipe for that too. YOU CAN MAKE A BULK RECIPE FOR THE SEASONING TO KEEP IT ON HAND!

Taco Seasoning (2 tbls): (you can cut back on the red pepper if you don't like it spicy!)

1 TBLS Chili Powder

1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder

1/4 tsp. Onion Powder

1/4 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

1/4 tsp. Dried Oregano

1/2 tsp. Paprika

1 1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin

1 tsp. Sea Salt

1 tsp. Black Pepper

Easy Mexican Chicken and Beans **VERY flavorful!!!

3 Chicken Breasts - slightly frozen and slice into strips (COOK in Skillet)

**add**

1 can Rotel Tomatoes

1 can Corn (drained)

1 can Beans (drained) **I used Pinto

2 TBLS Taco Seasoning

This would also work in the freezer. Just place in Zip lock bag!!!

This is great served with Corn bread, Chips (even crushed chips), and quesadillas.

Car Seat Canopy

Ok, so one of my friends made one of these and I loved it....so here's my version. I had a hard time deciding on the fabric, but this was my final choice. This will be great in the wind and sun. It's better than trying to put a blanket over the handle and carrying the seat. What a great idea...thanks Becky!

Kylie's Quilt

Ok, so I finished the binding on this quilt 15 minutes before calling in to the hospital to see if we were able to come in. Then I had Sarah the next day! Kylie loves her quilt and drags it all over the house with her! I am thrilled. Thank you Jessica for helping me figure out how to quilt on my machine!

My newest creation

Sarah Grace Evans

3/13/10
1:03pm
7 lbs 8oz
20 1/2 inches

Beignets

So, yesterday afternoon I was craving something sweet AND it was RAINING....and I always (pretty much always) make something sweet when it rains! I decided to make some Peanut Butter Cookies, they turned out ok.....but I used Butter when I normally use Crisco. I was bummed when they didn't turn out that great. Oh well.

Larry & the girls were playing the Wii and then Kylie wanted to play the Princess and the Frog game. So while they were playing they were doing a kitchen game and I heard the word BEIGNETS.....and I great thought popped into my head. So......thank goodness the last time I went to the store I bought some Beignet Mix! I was thrilled! ***HISTORY***back in 1997 when I graduated I went on a fabulous RV road trip with a few friends and her grandparents. One of our stops was New Orleans, and we were there for a few days to take in the sites. Of course we had to try the local foods....BEIGNETS were our FAVORITE. French Doughnuts COVERED in powdered sugar and we topped them off with either hot cocoa or choc. milk. YUMMY. While we were there I bought some mix, and made some when we got home....but it had been 12 years since I made them. So when I made them yesterday I was super excited. Larry & the girls LOVED them too! So....maybe a new tradition is born. The box is great too. There's a picture of Cafe Du Monde where we ate them everyday! Memories!!!! :)

So, needless to say.....they went fast. Everyone go out and buy some mix. I think it sells for $4-$5. Sooooo worth it, and super EASY to make!

Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole --FREEZABLE

Ok, so I tried this recipe and we LOVE it! I normally use a standard white sauce and add lots of cheese, but this one is just a bit different.

FREEZING: When I make this, I make a double batch and I put half in a Gallon Zip Lock bag...double the bag. And Freeze Flat. Then thaw and put in Casserole Dish for 1 hr @ 350 degrees. Add Cheese last 10 mins of baking!

Recipe:

1 -24oz bag of cubed Hash Browns
1/2 cup Onion, minced
2 -10.75 oz cans Cream of Celery (I used 1 Crm. Mushroom & 1 Celery)
1 -8oz pkg Cream Cheese
1 1/2 Cups of Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
1 1/2 Cups Ham, cubed
1/4 tsp. Pepper

Soften Cream Cheese and cream together with Soup. Stir in Onions, Ham, Cheese and Pepper. Break apart Hash Browns and gently stir into cheese mixture. Then either place in baking dish or zip lock bag! Label and freeze! YUM!
**You may need to bake the casserole a bit longer than 1 hr if not cooked all of the way through.

Chocolate Mousse-Raspberry Cake

CakeCakehttp://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes.aspx/chocolate-mousse-raspberry-cake/28bdbfb4-5f1d-4802-9d9f-748c9b2c6799

I made this for Christmas and Valentine's Day. What a hit! So easy and super yummy! Have a tall glass of milk ready for this one!

Honey BBQ Ribs (Pork) - FREEZABLE

Ok, so this has to be one of my FAVORITES so far! I made and froze this before trying it and it was so worth it!!! I want to bottle this sauce! I served it with the Rice recipe from the Enchilada Post, but I will post it again with this. I made it minus the Lemon.

I bought 3 lbs of Prok Ribs (I guess you could use any type of meat and any cut) I bought 2 pkgs adding to the 3 lbs, there were 11 ribs total. Plenty for 2 meals (at least for my family).

*BBQ Pork RIBS

3 lbs boneless Pork Ribs
1/2 tsp Garlic Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
1 Cup Ketchup
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Honey
1/4 cup Spicy Brown Mustard
2 Tbls Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 Tlb Liquid Smoke (either Hickory or Mesquite)

* Place Pork Ribs in bottom of slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hrs. Drain and discard liquid. Reduce heat to LOW. In a bowl, combine Garlic Salt, Pepper, Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Honey, Spicy Brown Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, and Liquid Smoke. Mix well. Pour over Ribs in slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 more hours. Remove from slow cooker and allow to cool. Place in freezer bag. Label and freeze. Or EAT!!!!

*To serve, Thaw and heat in microwave for a few minutes.

FINGER LICKIN' GOOD!!!!


***Rice (I made this in the Rice Cooker) Super flavorful!

2 Cups Rice (I use the measuring cup from the rice cooker)
1 tsp Butter
1 tsp Garlic, minced
1/4 tsp Pepper
2 Cups Chicken Broth
2 tsp Parsley Flakes, dried

Combine all and cook! YUM!

BAIRD Brownies

Ok, so we all grew up on these brownies and we loved them. I have actually only made them a few times. When I am making brownies that will be frosted or have a peanut butter topping, or a mint topping, I don't bother making them from scratch...maybe someday I will....they might taste EVEN better. Our other family brownie recipe is the Marbled Brownies....I will make those next week. :)

Ok, so here it is...Yummy and Chocolately!

2 Cups Sugar

4 Eggs

1 tsp. Vanilla

1 cube Butter, melted (1/2 c.)

2/3 cup Cocoa

1 Cup Flour

**Mix Sugar, Eggs & Vanilla. Combined melted Butter and Cocoa in small bowl (I use a 1 or 2 cup glass Pyrex measuring dish). Add Choc. mix to the Sugar mixture. Then add the 1 C. Flour until smooth. Grease and flour 9 x13 pan. I have also used the Baking Pam.

I LOVE to add Chocolate Chips...you can add whatever you like.

***Bake @ 350 degrees for about 25-30 mins. or until toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy!

Maddie's blanket is DONE!

So this is my first real QUILT. It took a ton of patience, but it's DONE. I have fabric to make one for Kylie and the new baby, we will see when I get started on those. LOL.

Warmin' up with CHILI

So, everytime I go to make Chili I forget what I put in it....so everytime it's different. So now that I have this blog I am posting the recipe that I made....TONIGHT. Both girls ate it and said it was "excellent" so I am pleased!

1 lb. Ground Beef (you can use turkey)

1 pkg of McCormick Chili Seasoning

1 small can Tomato Sauce

1 small can Tomato Paste

1 can Rotel Tomatoes and green chilies

1 can Red Kidney Beans

1 can Corn, drained (I love corn and add it to a ton of things)

Brown meat and drain. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer. We ate ours with the Frito Scoop. YUM! I didn't feel like making cornbread.

This was great after coming inside after playing in the snow!

***Freezing: Well, I haven't done it, but I guess you totally could. I would just freeze it in a zip lock bag (double bag it and label).

Maddie's Birthday Cake 2010

So, Maddie wanted to have a Luau for her party this year. We all had a lot of fun. Instead of buying grass skirts for all of the kids I found an idea online. All I had to do was buy plastic table skirts, trim off the bottom (since the kids are so short), and then cut them to the average waist size of the girls. The table skirt has a built in waist with seams and tape (you could always use velcro). Next I took the scissors and made 1 inch slits from the bottom up to the waistline of the skirt. VOILA! You have a grass skirt...ok, a plastic skirt...but you can get it in any color. I ended up finding the table skirts at the Dollar Store in the Mall. I was so excited I didn't have to buy the table skirts at a party store!!! The girls loved them. I also bought some Leis and flowers from Oriental Trading Co. For the loose flowers I glues alligator clips to the back so they could wear them in their hair. Super cute!
For the cake.....Yes, they are Flip Flops. I got the idea from Betty Crocker or course!!! They even had a video on how to assemble them. Super easy! I did a double layer, Cherry Chip and Strawberry. The filling was a thin layer of Strawberry Jam & Vanilla Pudding. YUMMY! It was a perfect combination of fruitiness. Here's a pic of the cake!!!

Chicken Pot Pie -Freezable

Kid tested......Hubby Approved!

2 Pillsbury Crust, Top & BottomBisquick Crust - Top only (Pic before baked)

I have been looking for a great Chicken Pot Pie recipe, but I didn't want to use the cream of chicken, so I looked it up at http://allrecipes.com/Recipe-Tools/Print/Recipe.aspx?RecipeID=26317&origin=detail&servings=8 . This recipe had over 2,800 ratings...pretty good eh? The only thing that I changed was the crust (I made two pies- one with Bisquick crust on top and one with the Pillsbury Pie Crust on top and bottom) and I also added some Garlic Salt.

TO FREEZE: I would only freeze the Pot Pie with the Pillsbury Crust...either top and bottom or top only. Do NOT cook before freezing. You can either thaw, or just cook it like you would a frozen chicken pot pie...about for 1 hour or until golden brown. Cover the edges of pie with foil.

If you are going to eat it that night for dinner you can use the Bisquick top. Super easy, the recipe is on the box. ** 1 Cup Mix, 2/3 cup Milk, and 1 Egg. Mix, then spoon over the top of the pie.

**Instead of cooking chicken at home, I would rather us the Rotisserie Chicken...already cooked and has tons of flavor! To make 2 pies, I used about 2/3 of the chicken. White and dark meat. I broke it up into pieces by hand.

Chicken Pot Pie:

1 LB. Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast Halves, cubed (I used about 1/3-1/2 Rotis. Chicken)

1 Cup Carrots, coined

1/2 Cup Celery, sliced

1 Cup Frozen Peas

**Boil these ingredients for 15 mins. (when using the Rot. Chicken I just boil the veggies) I would cook the chicken separately anyways.

**In another pan, melt Butter and add onions until they are translucent:

1/3 cup Butter

1/3 cup Onion, chopped

*Then add:

1/3 cup Flour

1/2 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Garlic Salt or Powder

1/4 tsp Pepper

1/4 tsp Celery Seed

*Then slowly add:

1 14 oz. can of Chicken Broth (approx 1 3/4 cups)

2/3 cup Milk

Simmer this sauce on Med-Low until it becomes thick.

**Place the chicken mixture in the bottom of the pie crust (or in the bottom of the pie plate if only doing top crust). Pour hot white sauce over, then mix just a bit. Cover mix with top crust and seal the edges. Cut away excess crust and make several slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

**Bake @ 425 degrees (for 2 crusts) and 400 degrees for Bisquick Topping for 30-35 mins. or until golden brown. Cool 10 mins before serving. **Remember, if freezing with 2 crusts...do not bake! You can either cook thawed or frozen, and adjust cooking length.

**Maddie & Kylie LOVED this....YAY!!! To make it a bit easier you can always use the frozen bag of diced veggies, but I had the Carrots and Celery in the fridge and I didn't want them to go to waste!!!