Sweet & Savory

Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Creme Pie

2012-05-31T10:06:00.000-05:00

This pie is almost too good to be true. Creamy, dessert pies are some of my favorites. I'm not always a huge fan of mushy fruit pies (minus apple, of course), but I love me a creme pie. I used to love going to Village Inn when I was younger and looking at their pie case.

My top picks were usually French Silk, Pecan, Pumpkin, Apple or anything fluffy and decadent. Like this one.

I had the opportunity again to feature a dessert with COOLWHIP Whipped Topping as the star, and I invented this pie last weekend. I had gotten a jar of Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel sauce at the Sweet Basil Market a couple of weeks back and was just dying to use it up. And not by me just eating spoonfuls of it at a time, in something really meaningful.

Some of our best desserts are quick and easy. This pie is no exception.

Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Creme Pie

1 pkg. graham crackers (about 10)

1/3 c. unsalted butter, melted

1 12 oz. jar Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Sauce (or any favorite chocolate sauce)

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/3 c. sugar

1 container COOL WHIP Whipped Topping

1 c. chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor crush graham crackers until they resemble fine crumbs. Pour in melted butter and pulse to combine. Press graham cracker mixture in the bottom and up the sides of an 8 in. pie shell. Bake for 10 minutes, allow to cool.

In a bowl combine softened cream cheese, sugar and 1 c. of COOL WHIP. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the pecans, 1/2 jar of sauce, COOL WHIP mixture, other 1/2 jar of sauce, remaining COOL WHIP, remaining pecans.

Set in fridge to set for at least one hour before serving.

This is a great pie to take to anyone needing a pick-me-up or a potluck, as it keeps well in the fridge for many days. I should know, as the husband and I kept reaching in and grabbing bites here and there.

It was bad.

As part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program, I received coupons for free COOL WHIP Whipped Topping and a stipend. Sponsored posts are purely editorial content that we are pleased to have presented by a participating sponsor. Advertisers do not produce the content.

What you add makes it. #coolwhipmoms

Bacon Cheese Turkey Burgers

2012-05-29T15:33:00.002-05:00

I ate one of the best burgers of my life last night. The husband ate a third of it while I wasn't looking. Darn me, for getting up from the table to get the kid's milk.

You really think I would learn by now.

Remember that line from the Christmas Story, where Ralphie narrates that his mother hasn't had a hot meal in 10 years? Sometimes I feel like that is me. Up and down. All the time.

But...I'll admit it, this burger was good cold, too.

Every piece of this dinner was cooked on the grill last night, in between the hot spring heat and a vicious thunderstorm. We eventually ate. And it was good.

Burgers, bacon, potatoes and asparagus all done on the grill. Minimal clean up and great taste. My kind of meal.

Bacon Cheese Turkey Burgers

*makes four burgers

1lb. ground turkey

2 T. Worchestire sauce

1 clove garlic, minced

1 t. onion flakes

1 t. dried parsley

1/4 c. seasoned bread crumbs {I used panko}

1 t. salt

1 t. pepper

dash of hot sauce

Combine all ingredients into the ground turkey, shape into four patties. Grill on medium to high heat, 7-8 minutes a side. After flipping burgers place bacon straight on the grill until desired doneness, set aside. Top with a slice of sharp cheddar last few minutes, and throw on buns to get toasted.

Assemble burger, bacon, tomato, sauce, etc. Eat!

What is the best burger you've ever eaten? Where did you eat it?

Bacon, Tomato & Guacamole Grilled Cheese

2012-05-27T08:04:00.000-05:00

Oh, do I ever love a good sandwich. Hats off to the inventor, he has given me many, many meals. Last night was no exception.

With the husband working and the kids in bed, I invited a girlfriend over for some wine and sandwiches. Two of my loves. We had a fun time chatting about her recent wedding and just catching up. I'm not even mentioning what we had for dessert, as that is a whole 'nother post.

So, one of my favorite sandwich memories, is a story I've heard often, but wasn't even there to witness. My husband has an aunt who is a prankster. You always have to be looking behind your back when she is around, as you could be the victim at any given moment.

I've heard the story over the years that she was usually in charge of making sandwiches when her husband, uncles, nephews, etc. went on fishing trips. Being the jokester that she is, she would leave the plastic wrapping around the Kraft cheese singles when layering their ham sandwiches.

Imagine their shock and bewilderment when they took their first bite! Not very easy to bite through plastic wrapping. I'm sure they all just rolled their eyes and yelled "Susie!", and then moved on to catching their fish.

Now to my grilled cheese creation. Gosh, it was good. We both claimed we probably won't make just a simple grilled cheese ever again, they were that good.

Bacon, Tomato & Guacamole Grilled Cheese
Focaccia bread
tomato
bacon
Kraft Swiss and Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Guacamole {2 avocados, 1/2 c.sour cream, 1/2 c. salsa, salt, pepper}

Preheat a panini press or grill top pan. Assemble sandwiches - bacon, tomato, cheeses, guacamole spread on both slices of bread. Spray the press with cooking spray. Grill until golden brown and cheese is melted.

We both claimed we'd only eat one half of this and save the rest for later. That didn't happen. We devoured both halves.

A big thanks to Foodbuzz and Kraft for allowing me to create this sandwich. As part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program, I received a coupon for free Kraft Singles and a stipend.

What would you put on your dream grilled cheese?

Strawberry Pickin' = Jam Makin'

2012-05-25T15:08:00.000-05:00

Photo Source

With the less-than-stellar-dumps-of-snow we didn't seem to get this winter, along with the mild spring, our strawberries here in Iowa are ready! A few weeks earlier than usual, but that doesn't bother me. Every year I make strawberry freezer jam and every year about 6 months into it, I run out.

This year I vowed to get 2 flats instead of my usual one and make that many more batches. I'll let you know how long it lasts us...

The kids and I headed out this morning to The Pride of the Wapsi and picked up our freshly picked strawberries. Now, by all means, I would LOVE to pick them myself, but I shelled out a few more bucks to have their workers pick them for me. Can you imagine two kids under the age of 2 and me trying to pick two flats? It would be awful.

I'd have to keep the little man from eating every single one he sees, and the little miss would get lost. She runs. Fast. And I would spend more time chasing her than my strawberries. You have to pick your battles.

We did get a nice shot of all the families out early this morning, hunched over (quite the workout!), picking their strawberries. This place was busy. They also have raspberries later this summer and quite the pumpkin spread in the fall. A great place if you live in eastern Iowa.

I might regret this later, but here is a shot inside my fridge. I also have two more flats shoved in there, one being held for a friend. What she doesn't know is that I'll be charging her rent.

And like I say every year, I grew up thinking this recipe was some big family secret. Until I finally started making it myself a few years back, only to have my mom say "the recipe is right on the box of Sure-Jell". Otherwise known as the pectin she uses. Thanks Mom.

Strawberry Freezer Jam

2 c. crushed fresh strawberries

4 c. sugar

1 pkg. dry pectin (we use Sure-Jell)

3/4 c. water

Mix crushed strawberries with sugar, and let stand for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, stir the pectin into the water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and boil for 1 minute. Stir the boiling water into the strawberries. Allow to stand for 3 minutes before pouring into jars or other storage containers.
Place tops on the containers, and leave for 24 hours. Place into freezer, and store frozen until ready to use.

You have to make this! And I've made a ton of other variations as well - black raspberry, red raspberry, peach, blueberry. Every single one I've tried is just as simple as the strawberry, the only things that differs is the amount of sugar each fruit uses.

Store this stuff in your freezer for up to a year. If it lasts that long.

Want to know who won my cookie cutter giveaway? Erica Best! Erica please email me and I'll get those shipped out next week. Thanks to all who entered.

Baked Blueberry Oatmeal + Giveaway

2012-05-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

I always forget that I can check out my favorite magazines at the library, keeping them for up to a week. Last week when I went there I stocked up on reading material, including some cooking magazines (shocker). I am probably one of the last people on Earth that has yet to get a Kindle, Nook or iPad. That doesn't mean I don't want one badly though!

Hopefully one will come in due time. I keep wishing.

A version of this baked oatmeal was in one of the magazines and was calling my name. I wanted something we could eat on for a few breakfasts in a row. It kept great in the fridge and I just kept reheating the leftovers and pouring a little milk over top each morning.

The little miss devoured it and the little man kept saying "I don't like it". You win some, you lose some, I guess.

Baked Blueberry Oatmeal

*feel free to substitute any fruit

2 c. old-fashioned oats

1/3 c. brown sugar

1 t. pumpkin pie spice

1/4 t. salt

1 1/4 c. milk

2 T. butter, melted

1 c. fresh blueberries

1/4 c. chopped walnuts, almonds or pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and coat a 8x8 baking pan with cooking spray. Meanwhile in a large bowl combine oats, brown sugar, and spices. Stir in the milk, blueberries and melted butter. Let stand for 5 minutes.

Transfer to dish, sprinkle with nuts. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until knife inserted comes out clean.

And now for my giveaway! I just couldn't pass these classy cookie cutters up this past weekend. I got a pair for a good friend and a pair for my blog friends. Wouldn't they be just perfect to cut out some cute tea sandwiches, sugar cookies or even sliced watermelon for your next girl's night out?

I even thought of cutting out some brownies with them.

But then again, my mind always reverts back to chocolate. Sorry.

So, do you want to win these? It's easy-peasy, just answer the below question. And then pass on my blog to all your foodie friends. They might want a chance at winning too.

Would you rather have a fancy drink or a classy pair of high heels on your next night out? Sorry, guys, answer for your wife, girlfriend, or inner-lady.

I'll choose one random winner this coming Friday. Ready. Set. Go!

*U.S. residents only*

On the Road with Good Eats

2012-05-21T12:27:00.001-05:00

Various events had us on the road this weekend, just getting back home this morning. The husband had a bachelor party to attend, I met up with some friends as well as visiting his parents and some other family. The bachelor party took us to our old stomping grounds where we both attended college and lived for a few years after.

I miss that place greatly.

Of course I had to visit my favorite bakery. Scratch Cupcakery has moved to a new location and it is HUGE! Much larger than their first place, it is evident how much business they have. The line was out the door when I arrived and the customers did not stop coming in.

I wish I owned a place like this. Sigh.

The owner of Scratch also recently opened up Sweet Basil Market. A foodie lover's paradise. It has many bulk ingredients for baking and cake decorating, homemade jams, salsas, marinades, pastas, the list goes on an on.

I bought my first bag of quinoa (wish me luck!), along with some cute cookie cutters (that will be a giveaway later this week!) and other goodies that I just had.to.have.of.course.

For dinner I met a friend at myVerona, a fun, hip Italian restaurant downtown. We sat on the deli/bar side, where it is a little less upscale, but very, very tasty. After shooing the waitress away about 3 times as we were chatting too much to even look at the menu, we decided on their famous hand-cut fries with cheese sauce for an appetizer and then their version of a pizza margarita (with prosciutto!) for our entree.

It was fabulous.

The fun didn't stop yesterday. We spent the day with his family and even left the little miss with Grandma and Grandpa so we could get some one on one time with the little guy. We took him to the local fish hatchery and to check out all the rainbow trout.

He had a GRAND time feeding the fish and wanting to jump in the water. It was a beautiful morning and just great to get outside with him and enjoy nature.

How was your weekend? Fun trip? Quiet weekend at home?

Pom-Spritzer Cocktails

2012-05-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

I am apologizing for the lack of quality photos on this post, first and foremost. Sorry, I forgot my camera and had to rely on others. But trust me, this drink is GOOD.

At a recent bridal shower, I drank until my little heart was content. It went down like water. Which is bad I know. But, when you are thirsty and a thirst-quenching drink is placed before you, you just cannot help but guzzle it.

And then have another.

Pom-Spritzer Cocktails

*this makes a LOT

1 bottle pomegranate juice

1/2 liter Sprite (use club soda if you want it less sweet)

1 bottle Moscato wine

a few splashes of citrus flavored vodka

There really is no exact science to this recipe, again I apologize. Get creative and just start slowly, tasting as you go. You can tweak it to your liking.

On a side note - did I tell you I have two tomato plants started and two red pepper plants started? Thanks to my parents who came down last weekend. I put them to work on my flower beds and they also did a little gardening.

Here's to another Pom-Spritzer, hoping I can keep them alive and generate some produce.

Happy Drinking!

7-Layer Dessert Bars

2012-05-17T07:46:00.000-05:00

I bake a lot. I'll admit it. But, I will also admit, that I give most of it away. I take these delicious bites to work, daycare, my husband's work and in little care packages to friends. I like to give.

I normally would never, ever make two pans of bars in one night, but this week was an exception. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but my husband is a cop. He works odd and crazy hours, but loves his job and does a mighty fine good job of it.

This week happens to be Police Officer Memorial Week. If you haven't taken the time to thank those that serve us day in and day out, please do. They do so much more for us that you'll ever know. With that being said, we honored the men (and women) yesterday with tons of food to feed all three shifts. I was in charge of dessert for two of the shifts and this is what I baked up.

Two easy bar desserts that took me less than 15 minutes to whip up. I'm featuring the 7-Layer Dessert Bar today, but I'll also fill you in on the other one below (even easier). I've been eating these bars for YEARS, and frankly, you can change up the layers in anyway you like, it all bakes up the same.

7-Layer Dessert Bars
(layer in this order)
1 pkg. pre-made or homemade cookie dough (sugar, pb or chocolate chip)
1 c. Nutella
1 c. shredded coconut
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. butterscotch chips
1 c. chopped walnuts
1 small can sweetened condensed milk

Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Layer in ingredients in above order, starting with pressing down the cookie dough, spreading on Nutella, sprinkling on coconut, chips and walnuts, ending with drizzling on sweetened condensed milk.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

These cookie bars are simply: 1 boxed yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, 1/2 c. canola
oil or applesauce, 1 c. chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

Both of these pans can be baked at the same time, saving you precious time and your oven less heating time. A done deal!

Who else bakes for others?

Am I the only one?

Spicy Charred Broccoli

2012-05-15T08:05:00.001-05:00

Here I am chatting about vegetables.

Sorry, if you are not a vegetable fan. But please keep reading. Vegetables are good for you and I am fairly certain we all do not eat enough of them. Me included.

One of the vegetables I adore is broccoli. Right behind asparagus and corn on the cob (although that isn't really a healthy veggie...). I could eat broccoli up in almost any dish, but I really, really am a sucker for it in any stir-fry, chinese or thai dish. This broccoli reminds me of that.

Flipping through the latest Food Network magazine yesterday, I found this recipe. With a head of broccoli in the crisper needed to be used up, I declared a "grilling" night and our whole meal was thrown on the grill, so we didn't have to heat up the house. Cheddar-bacon brats, roasted potatoes and spicy charred broccoli. I adapted their recipe a bit to what I had on hand.

Spicy Charred Broccoli

1 head of broccoli, cut into pieces

2 T. soy sauce

2 T. rice wine or white vinegar

4 t. sesame oil or canola oil

4 t. honey

1 t. red pepper flakes

salt/pepper

Preheat an indoor or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.

In a bowl combine all ingredients, minus the broccoli, stir and set aside. Place broccoli in a sprayed grill pan. Place on direct heat 2-3 minutes, stirring around occasionally, until broccoli is cooked through and a bit charred.

Remove from grill and toss with dressing. Serve immediately.

Oh...this broccoli is SO good. Try it with your next meal. Feel free to leave out the red pepper flakes, if you cannot handle heat, but honestly it just gives a bit of bite to it. Not too much heat.

What is your favorite veggie?

DIY Sunday: Monogrammed Ceramic Tile Wall Art

2012-05-13T10:04:00.002-05:00

Happy Mother's Day! It's been a crazy busy weekend. I was the personal attendant in a good friend's wedding so I've been fluffing dresses, holding purses, running errands, getting out stains, climbing in and out of cars, taking pictures, holding drinks, you get the idea.

Everything went off without a hitch, it was beautiful.

Today we are heading to my Grandma's house with other family for a good 'ole fashioned summer barbecue. It should be fun and filling and with the weather being absolutely gorgeous today, I'm sure we'll spend most of it outside.

So, this is what I gave the bride and groom. Their last name (obviously) beings with a "T", so I crafted a cute little piece of wall art for their home. I used the colors in her kitchen and family area for the design and just went with it!

You will need:

Wooden board
Spray paint
Ribbon
Hot glue gun
Mini ceramic tiles (found mine at Michael's)
Drill

This project is pretty self-explanatory. Have the husband, or if you are handy, yourself, drill two holes near the top of the board, so that the ribbon will eventually be threaded through. Spray paint both sides and let dry. Arrange tiles into the letter you want and carefully hot glue all tiles to the board. Let dry. Then feed ribbon through and tie into a bow so the board has room to hang.

Make sense?

The ideas and possibilities are endless with this craft project. You could use just about anything to stencil out the letter - buttons, bottle caps, rocks, what have you!

Made anything crafty lately?

Grilled Flank Steak Fajitas

2012-05-10T08:17:00.000-05:00

Oh, did we have a yummy dinner last night. If you saw my Facebook post yesterday, you'll know I was a little worried that once the steak once cooked, the husband would just start digging in and we wouldn't even have a chance to assemble the fajitas.

It was a close call folks.

As he massacred the slicing of the steak, he was alternating a slice with a bite. I got mean and yelled. It wasn't pretty. He still, after 2.5 years of me food blogging doesn't understand the "perfect shot".

Who else uses a grill pan? We love ours. I think it was a wedding gift circa 2006, and a great one indeed, it has gotten a LOT of use. It's great for veggies in the summer.

This sucker also gets hot. Like, touching fire, hot. Have pot-holders ready and available.

Flank steak is a less expensive cut of meat, but if cooked properly (not too over done) and sliced against the grain, it is moist and tender. It worked perfect for these fajitas. In fact, the husband was a tad disappointed that I didn't buy two.

Hard to please.

Grilled Flank Steak Fajitas

*feeds 2

1 flank steak

lemon pepper seasoning

salt

1 small onion, sliced

1 red pepper, sliced

flour tortillas

shredded cheese

salsa

sour cream

Preheat grill to medium high heat. Place sliced veggies in a grill pan sprayed with non-stick spray, sprinkle with salt and lemon pepper seasoning. Place on top rack of grill to get cooking a few minutes before steak is ready to be put on. Continue to stir until tender and slightly charred.

Generously rub steak with lemon pepper seasoning and salt, both sides. Place on grill and cook to desired doneness. For a medium steak, like we had, it cooked 5-6 minutes a side. Let steak rest on a cutting board, then slice against the grain into strips.

Assemble fajitas and eat!

Chocolate Caramel Walnut Chewies

2012-05-08T08:22:00.000-05:00

With the husband gone a couple of days for work, I needed chocolate. Bad. And this little cookie did the job.

I often wonder if I am the only mother out there that sometimes NEEDS something so bad (like chocolate) just to get through the day with two little ones. Don't get me wrong, our kids are great, happy, healthy little bundles of joy, but they are BUSY.

My mom watched them one day last week while I was attending a Leadership Conference and her exact quote was, "I didn't even get my make-up on until they both went down for their nap! They're so busy!"

Yep, I know.

This cookie has ooey, gooey, dripping caramel in the middle thanks to the delicious candy of the Rolo. Who doesn't love a Rolo? Don't lie, you do.

Chocolate Caramel Walnut Chewies

1 devil's food cake mix

1 egg

3/4 c. unsweetened applesauce

1/4 c. water

24 Rolo candies

2 c. crushed walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. To the cake mix add: egg, applesauce and water. Stir until you have a wet dough. Take rounded spoonful, place in a Rolo and wrap dough around. Dip tops in crushed walnuts. Place on an ungreased baking sheet, bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool on a wire rack.

Then eat to your heart's desire as your kids are running circles around you.

That is what I did.

DIY Sunday: Garage Sales

2012-05-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Its been way too many weeks since I had a DIY Sunday. Sorry. But, it's back! This weekend has been city-wide garage sales in our town and with the weather being great (despite some thunderstorms during the night) the crowds came out.

Yesterday morning a girlfriend came over, we loaded up the kids and hit the town. Three hours later I came home with ALL of this.

For $25 bucks.

What a steal. Especially on the kid's clothes. Each piece was basically 50 cents to a dollar for slightly used items, some of them still with the tags on them, never having been worn. I am not above garage sales. I find them fun, you just never know what you are going to find. In fact I love hosting them as well.

I've seen this book around popular lists, so I snagged it up. Who has read? Is it good? I just finished my last book, so maybe I'll sit down with this one tonight after the kids are in bed.

We can hope.

Even the husband was impressed with all the summer play clothes I got for both kids for such little money. In my opinion there is no reason to buy them fancy stuff when by the end of the day it is covered in milk, spaghetti sauce, juice and dirt.

Not in that order.

And not to be forgotten, two brand new stainless steel round cake pans (which I needed!) and a fun soup mug, for my cooking needs.

Who else loves a good garage sale?

And before I forget...the winner of my last giveaway for a sample pack of Funky Monkey Snacks is...Peaceful75. Please email me so I can have them ship your snacks out pronto!

Thanks to all for entering!

Peaceful75

I love to have fresh cantaloupe with some cottage cheese. It's something my Grandmother used to give me as a kid, and it always reminds me of her, plus it's delicious and refreshing :)

Classic Coconut Cake

2012-05-03T09:21:00.000-05:00

I was thrilled and excited a few weeks ago when I was asked by Foodbuzz to come up with a dessert post using COOL WHIP Whipped Topping.

I did not have to even think twice about which dessert I was going to make. This classic coconut cake made an appearance in our family's birthday gatherings a few years back. My mom starting baking it up for my niece and it stuck. We all loved it. You will all love it. Lover of coconut or not, there is just something about this cake that screams EAT ME to everyone.

And did I mention it's easy? A good-quality yellow cake boxed mix pretty much does the work for you. We are all short on time, especially us moms, and although this cake looks elaborate, it comes together in a jiffy. Everyday desserts don't have to be boring, this cake surely represents that.

Classic Coconut Cake
1 boxed yellow cake mix
1 pkg. instant french vanilla pudding

Cook cake as directed, adding pudding mix to the batter, dividing into two round or square cake pans. Allow cakes to cool on wire rack.

Filling
16 oz. sour cream
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 c. shredded coconut

Mix these three ingredients together and reserve 1 cup.

Frosting
8 oz. COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
1 c. reserved filling mixture

Once cakes are cooled, split cakes into 4 layers. Spread filling between each layer. Frost sides and top with frosting mixture, then cover the whole cake in shredded coconut.

NOW THIS IS IMPORTANT: Cover cake and refrigerate for 3 days. Don't peak, don't taste test, heck, don't even look at it. These 3 days of coconutty-goodness make this cake.

Now, who is going to make this for their next birthday or celebration? It's easy, delicious and grand. Don't be that one bringing a store bought cake - this is too easy!

As part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program, I received coupons for free COOL WHIP Whipped Topping and a stipend. Sponsored posts are purely editorial content that we are pleased to have presented by a participating sponsor. Advertisers do not produce the content.

What you add makes it. #coolwhipmoms

Funky Monkey Snacks

2012-05-01T16:29:00.000-05:00

I love getting packages in the mail. It just makes my day when I'm walking up the sidewalk and I see something setting on the front step.

What makes it even better is that I often get packages from various companies or relatives sending goodies for the kids, so I never really am expecting anything - it is generally a fun surprise, each and every time. Last week I received these:

Funky Monkey Snacks contacted me awhile back about sampling some of their healthy snack product and of course I said yes! I often feel that when I am home I am serving breakfast, cleaning up breakfast, finding mid-morning snacks, serving lunch, cleaning up lunch, finding snacks for after nap time, cooking dinner, serving dinner, cleaning up dinner and if the family is lucky - serving dessert.

I do a lot of cooking, serving and cleaning.

As a mom, it's sometimes hard to find healthy snacks for my kids. We eat a LOT of fresh fruit, cheese, peanut butter, veggies and dip, crackers and homemade granola bars. Other than that I tend to shy away from any pre-packaged products, unless their ingredient list is small and I can read it.

Enter in Funky Monkey Snacks!

Lets just say the husband and the little man ate one package 10 minutes after I opened the box. It is simply dried fruit, but has the texture of potato chips, with the sweetness of fruit. Really, pretty fun and neat.

Would you like to try a sample package?

The generous folks over at Funky Monkey Snacks are willing to send a reader the same sample package I received. I know many of you are moms needing snacks for your kids!

To enter simply leave a comment telling me your favorite healthy snack.

It's that simple. Get commenting! U.S. residents only. Contest ends at Noon CST on Thursday, May 3.

Nacho Taco Pizza

2012-04-29T08:57:00.000-05:00

If you live in Iowa (which most all of you don't, or for that matter even know where it is), you know of the pizza chain Happy Joe's. They claim to be the home of the 'taco pizza'. They invented it and now shout to the world that theirs is the best. In my family, we like to say Zeno's Pizza, my hometown's pizza joint, has the best taco pizza.

For whatever reason we love taco pizza here in the Midwest. I'm not sure if other places around the country even eat it?

Friday night, it was just the kids and I, and what better thing to do on a Friday night than make homemade pizza right? Not knowing if the kids would like this kind, I also made a much more plain version for them, although the little man was snagging the tomatoes off of my slice.

I also had some spinach in the fridge on the verge of death...so, I used that instead of the more traditional iceberg to top this pizza. If you love Mexican food and love pizza, we'll it's a no-brainer that you'll love this version.

Nacho Taco Pizza

1 pre-made pizza crust or homemade dough

1 c. taco sauce

1/3 c. refried beans

1/2 lb. cooked and drained ground beef

shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese

1 tomato, chopped

shredded spinach or lettuce

crushed nacho or taco flavored tortilla chips

Preheat oven to 400 degrees if using pre-baked crust, higher (usually 450) if using homemade dough. Assemble pizza on a pizza stone as follows: taco sauce, refried beans, ground beef and cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until crust and cheese is golden brown.

Immediately top with tomatoes, lettuce and additional taco sauce.

Then dig in. It's messy. Have a fork in hand to gobble up all the toppings that will inevitably fall back onto your plate.

Or lap.

Who likes un-traditional pizza like this?

Parmesan Potatoes Au Gratin

2012-04-27T09:11:00.000-05:00

These crispy, creamy, drool-worthy potatoes need to be on your table. I found this recipe in my Taste of Home magazine last month and anytime I see a recipe with 7 ingredients or less, I'm game. And three of those ingredients are seasonings. I adapted it a little to our tastes and it came out great.

Technically this dish has potatoes, cheese and whipping cream. That is it.

If the whipping cream thought has your pants tightening already, calm down, it's okay, you'll be fine. It only requires 2 cups and it's not like you are drinking the stuff straight from the carton. In my opinion a little good, full-fat dairy, won't kill ya.

Parmesan Potatoes Au Gratin

2 c. grated Parmesan cheese

1 T. fresh thyme or 1 t. dried thyme

1/2 t. salt

1 t. pepper

2 lbs. potatoes, very thinly sliced

2 c. heavy whipping cream

Combine first four ingredients. In a 8x8 greased baking dish, layer a third of the potatoes and 2/3 cup cheese mixture, then repeat the layers. Pour whipping cream over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese mixture.

Cover and bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees. Uncover; bake an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool/stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Please excuse our mess.

And the tangle of electrical cords I see jumping out to me in these pictures.

The other night the husband and I sat on the couch and watched the kids pull every-single-toy out of the toy box in our family room. The husband was having heart palpitations just watching the mess unfold, and shockingly it wasn't bothering me, as they were entertained with it for a full hour and it allowed us to have a conversation while they were busy.

It's amazing what treasures they were excited about after digging and finding toys they hadn't seen in months.

Note to all friends and family. Please no more toys. We are overloaded. We live in a small house and we just don't have the space. I think these pictures are evident of that. Sorry, if that sounds mean, but we'd much rather get clothes or books. Those things I can handle!

Any other mothers out there feel that way? Too much stuff just stressed me out.

Towards the end of this adventure the Little Miss went ass-over-apple-cart into the toy box. We thought it was absolutely hilarious.

She didn't.

Wednesday Wishes

2012-04-25T08:37:00.000-05:00

There are just some days you wish for things. More time at home, more time with your kids, more time with your husband, more time by yourself.

Days that someone will cook, clean and do EVERYTHING for you and you can sit on the deck all day, in the sun, with a drink in one hand and a good book in the other.

And not be interrupted.

I do not think it is selfish for us women to think this way every once in awhile. We are all human and we are all entitled to a little time off.

While I'm sitting on the deck, drinking and reading, I want this sandwich served to me.

Monte Cristo Sandwich - A Lovin' Forkful

And then later, once my drinks are drunk, I'm fried to a crisp and my book is finished. I'll be served this ice cream.

On a silver platter.

Salted Caramel Ice Cream - One Lovely Life

What is your Wednesday Wish???

Strawberry Slab Pie

2012-04-23T08:56:00.000-05:00

Oh lordy, look at these. By far one of the best desserts I've made this year. A couple of weeks ago, strawberries were on sale (still not quite here in season in Iowa), but I got them nonetheless. The little man just finished the last few for breakfast this morning, so now we are fresh out.

One that note - I cannot get the little miss to eat fruit. I'm losing sleep over this. We are huge fruit eaters in this house and she just spits most of it out (minus bananas and oranges). Tips anyone??? I just keep putting it on her plate, every meal, in the hopes she'll finally get it.

Back to these bars. Ever go to an event and have to choose between cake or pie? Well, if they were serving these, you could have both. The flaky crust and fruit filling reminds you of pie, but the icing makes you think cake.

Drool.

I took a plate of these to work and some to daycare. There was no way I was leaving a 15x10x1 pan of these in my kitchen, as the husband and I wouldn't have been seen for days and our kids would be running rampid with no supervision.

You lose all brain cells while eating these.

No joke.

Strawberry Slab Pie

*Feel free to substitute any fresh fruit in this pie (apples, blueberries, rhubarb, etc.)

3 1/4 c. unbleached all-purpose flour

1 t. salt

1 c. butter

3/4 c. 2% milk, plus 1-2 T.

1 egg yolk

2 c. sugar

1/3 c. cornstarch

8 c. fresh strawberries, sliced

Vanilla Icing

1 1/4 c. powdered sugar

1/2 t. vanilla

1/2 t. almond extract

5-6 T. 2% milk

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt, cut in butter until crumbly. Whisk 3/4 cup milk and egg yolk; gradually add to flour mixture, until dough forms a ball. Divide dough in half so that one portion is slightly larger than the other, wrap in plastic wrap, store in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

Roll out larger portion of dough on a heavily floured surface into a rectangle to fit the bottom of the 15x10x1 jelly roll pan. Transfer to pan.

In a large bowl, combine sugar, cornstarch and berries, toss to coat. Spoon onto pastry.

Roll out remaining dough; place over filling. Fold over edges and sides to seal. Prick top of pastry with fork. Bake at 375 degrees for 45-55 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.

For icing, combine powdered sugar, vanilla, almond extract and enough milk to achieve a drizzling consistency; drizzle over pie. Cut into squares.

*If using frozen berries, thaw, and drain the excess liquid*

Now, who would like a piece of pie?

Where's the Crust? Pizza

2012-04-21T08:29:00.001-05:00

As my husband would say, while rolling his eyes, "you could eat pizza everyday". Yep, he's right, and I'm not ashamed of it. A big thanks to whoever made it so popular here in the United States. You have given me many, many meals.

This pizza is low-carb and gluten free. I do not strive to eat things low-carb, but this dish falls into that category, so for those of you that do eat that way - here is one for you! I saw this over on The Plain Chicken, who always has yummy dishes, so I knew I needed to try.

The crust is made from cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and eggs. Weird? Maybe a little, but shockingly it works. After you bake the crust, it will look like this:

You could say this dish is more like a casserole, or some classic comfort food, but either way it is pretty good and will for sure be making the rotation in our pizza nights, when I'm too lazy to make my own dough.

Which isn't very often, as I love homemade dough, but there are days when the kids are crazy, I'm short on time and trying to get in a drink of water between diapers, snacks and cleaning up spills is my priority. Mothers of young kids...you know what I mean.

Where's the Crust? Pizza

Crust
1 (8 oz) package of full fat cream cheese, room temperature
2 eggs
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Topping
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
toppings - pepperoni, ham, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, etc.
Garlic powder

Preheat oven to 350.

Lightly spay a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. With a handheld mixer, mix cream cheese, eggs, pepper, garlic powder and Parmesan cheese until combined. Spread into baking dish. Bake for 12-15 minutes, our until golden brown. Allow crust to cool for 10 minutes.

Spread pizza sauce on crust. Top with cheese and toppings. Sprinkle pizza with garlic powder. Bake 8-10 minutes, until cheese is melted.

I turned the oven to broil for a few minutes at the end, just to get it extra crispy.

The little man LOVED this pizza, and asked for more the next day for lunch, when of course it had all been eaten.

He takes after his mother.

My Mom's Potato Salad {kind-of}

2012-04-19T08:33:00.000-05:00

If you want a dish to feed a crowd, and have the crowd be happy with it, this is the dish. My brother and I both have summer birthdays and our #1 request for our birthday meal (when we are home) is burgers on the grill, baked beans and my mom's potato salad.

And birthday cake of course. But that is another post.

We had company this past weekend I recreated that meal. The weather was decent and I needed to feed a crowd. I changed up the original ingredients just a tad to make the dish gluten free for my mother-in-law. And honestly, it tasted exactly the same.

The longer this potato salad sits (in the fridge of course) the better the taste gets. The next morning the husband had another helping around 10:30, as he just "couldn't wait" until lunch. The day after that I had some leftovers and he frowned at me, like all the leftovers should have been solely designated towards him.

Geesh.

My Mom's Potato Salad

6-8 good sized potatoes

7 eggs

1/2 onion, diced

2 T. vinegar

2 T. sugar

3 c. mayo {Hellmans}

1/4 c. mustard

dash of hot sauce

1/2 c. chopped dill pickles

salt

pepper

paprika

parsley

In a large pot, place peeled potatoes and eggs, cover with water and bring to a boil. Boil until potatoes are fork tender and eggs hard-boiled. Around 25-30 minutes. Drain in a colander and allow to cool.

Meanwhile mix together all ingredients for the dressing (mayo, mustard, vinegar, sugar, hot sauce, pickles). Add seasonings to taste, about 1/2 t. each, more if it needs it.

When potatoes and eggs have cooled, dice and place in a large bowl. Add in dressing and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Top with more paprika and parsley. Chill overnight or for at least 4 hours.

Now, I expect all my readers to make this dish sometime this summer. You have to. I'll be asking. People will love ya!

So, either last week or over this past weekend I noticed my page views had reached over 1/2 million readers. One half a million. That is just unbelievable to me. I'm not one to 'check the stats' often, but when I noticed that milestone I smiled.

Kind of crazy to think that a little idea back in December of 2009, has come to this.

Thank you. You know who you are.

Peanut Butter 'n Fluff Brownies

2012-04-17T10:45:00.001-05:00

We ate well at our house over the weekend. When family comes to town, don't you just tend to make more and more delicious things? We did.

Including these brownies. So, so simple. While cruising the grocery store on Friday (with two kids, mind you) I came across marshmallow fluff on sale. Now, I rarely buy the stuff unless I'm baking my s'mores bars, but when they have two ginormous jars on sale for 2/$1.00, I couldn't pass it up.

I knew I needed a dessert for company and was thinking brownies. Then I was thinking brownies with fluff mixed in. Then I was thinking peanut butter.

Then I fell into a sugar induced brownie thinking coma.

Finally I dreamt up these Peanut Butter 'n Fluff Brownies. Short on time? These are for you. All it requires is your favorite, quality brownie mix, peanut butter and a jar of fluff.

Peanut Butter 'n Fluff Brownies
1 boxed brownie mix
1 large jar marshmallow fluff
1 c. peanut butter

Cook brownies according to package directions, in an 8x8 baking pan. When cooled, mix together fluff and peanut butter, stirring until swirled together. Frost onto the brownies.

Keep covered and store in a cool place (fluff has a tendency to slowly melt) or in the fridge if desired. We kept ours on the counter and only in the morning did I notice the fluff starting to ooze down the brownies.

But, guess what? That didn't hinder the taste or stop us from eating them!

Try these soon. You will not be disappointed. That is unless you do not like marshmallows or fluff. But, who would that be?

Givanni's

2012-04-15T08:21:00.001-05:00

My Saturday night started out like this. Bellied up to the bar at Graze, sipping a blueberry martini. If you know me, not my usual Saturday night.

But, gosh sometimes you just need a change of scenery.

With the in-laws in town, a girlfriend and I headed to Iowa City for a much needed night out (and by night out, I mean home by 9:30 p.m.). Hell-raisers, I tell ya. I never, ever drink martinis, usually just a beer or wine girl, but I was feeling frisky. Quite possibly one of the best $9 drinks I've ever had.

After walking around a bit, we landed at Givanni's, devouring this plate of crostini. We both agreed, we could eat this all night, every night and maybe for our very last meal. It was that good. Crispy bread, buffalo mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, basil, pesto and a balsamic glaze.

I definitely need to recreate it.

What's best about many of the restaurants downtown is they make a promise to use as much local and fresh meat and produce as they can. You can honestly taste the quality. I wish more restaurants did this.

This lasagna was out of this world. And huge. Filled with homemade sausage, ricotta, spinach and love, it was wonderful. This kiddos ate my leftovers the next day for lunch. Sadly, I got none.

The rest of our evening including a 40 minute scenic tour of a parking ramp. We got lost. Could not find my car ANYWHERE. After two trips from the 4th floor down and back up, we realized....

We were in the wrong ramp.

Genius. Once we got to the right ramp, there was my car smiling at me.

Happy Sunday! We are off to church, then a day of relaxing. Stay tuned for homemade potato salad, peanut butter fluff brownies and a very, very unique style of pizza.

Good eats!

Doing It All, Accomplishing Nothing

2012-04-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

I recently came across an article talking about the influx of Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and social media all the like. It can be overwhelming.

I have accounts with all of them. I check all of them daily. I see what moms are creating homemade dishes daily, crafting homemade versions of store bought items for their children all with a smile on their face and a clean, ironed shirt to match.

We all know this isn't reality.

Many nights I am lucky to get dinner on the table in an orderly fashion and bathe my children before landing in a giant heap on the couch by 8 p.m. But, I feel I deserve those nights, because some days I am really on top of it. We will accomplish more before noon than most college students who are just waking up. I will have dinner prepped before lunch is even a thought and the kids will be happily playing outside with me watching them from the kitchen window.

The point is - we all have our days. Good and bad. What posts you see on Facebook and what new DIY project you see on Pinterest, really doesn't matter in the end. Our kids don't care. They don't care if Mommy has on a clean shirt or has showered for the day. They just care if they get a big hug and a kiss.

Yes, I blog a few times a week. I cook a LOT from scratch because I feel it is important. I tackle DIY projects. Some are a hit, some fail. Yes, I try and be a happy homemaker when I'm not working part-time.

But, I often fail. Just like you. Don't think because I have a blog with faithful readers that I'm perfect. Far from it actually.

We as moms often give each other enough guilt, it's crushing. In the end our kids are just happy to be with us. As the husband often says "Just sit down, relax." I need to listen to him more.

Don't get me wrong, I still check all my social media "accounts", but I am going to try and not give myself such guilt over it. My kids don't give a lick about the latest food trend, homemade oven cleaner or newest craft project.

I'll tackle them in due time.

A Girl's Night Out in Flowers

2012-04-11T05:00:00.000-05:00

The following post is from guest reader Patricia Hall, who comes all the way from London. Yes, I have readers from everywhere! Enjoy this post about hosting a girl's night with food, drinks and flowers! It's gotten me excited about hosting a summer party with my girls:)
~Ally

The air is warm and soft, the trees are budding, and the delicate perfume of flowers floats through the air. It seems as though winter is finally over and the earth has begun to thaw. What better way to celebrate the advent of spring by taking advantage of the beautiful weather and hosting a girls' night in your home garden? Imagine: a blooming garden, a sunset, a pitcher of flower-inspired drinks, and a table adorned with spring appetizers and gorgeous flower displays. With only a little effort, even the busiest women can host a girls' night out in flowers.

Catering Your Own Garden-Inspired Girls' Night Out

Source

The possibilities are endless when it comes to deciding what kinds of appetizers, dinner treats, and cocktails to serve at your garden-style girls' night out. You can choose among the many vegetables and fruits coming into season, such as strawberries, apricots, fiddle heads, peas, or asparagus, among others. Each fruit and vegetable lends a distinctive flavor to your desired appetizers. To make a truly exquisite appetizer arrangement, however, consider impressing your friends with divine dinner treats and cocktails accented with flowers, such as the options below. To simplify your shopping trip and improve the taste of your dinner treats, order flowers online to find the best prices and highest quality.

Flower Appetizer: Roasted Sunflowers with Ricotta and Herbs

This dish is healthy and delicious, as well as a beautiful dish. Simply remove the stems from four sunflowers, toss them gently with a cup of dry white wine, a half cup lemon juice, and a half cup olive oil. Sprinkle them with sea salt, white pepper, parsley, thyme, and basil. Fill them with ricotta mixed with lemon juice and herbs. Sprinkle a liberal amount of bread crumbs on top, and roast them in the oven at 450 degrees for 7-10 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are browned. Garnish with sunflower petals and serve.

Flower Drink: Rose Mojito

Rose Mojito

A refreshing cocktail for hot afternoons, your guests will love the Rose Mojito. To prepare, fill two glasses with crushed ice and muddle in several stems of mint, slices of lime, and rose petals. Combine 1 ounces of rum, 1.5 ounces of rose water, and 1 ounce of fresh lime juice in a shaker and shake for at least 10 seconds. Strain the mixture into the glasses and top with club soda. Garnish with a rose petal.

Flower Drink: Wild Hibiscus Margarita

Wild Hibiscus Margarita

This classic Mexican cocktail takes its inspirations from the garden for a unique and sweet-tasting combination. Fill four glasses with crushed ice. Combine 1 cup of silver tequila, 1 cup of fresh lime juice, and a quarter of a cup of hibiscus syrup in a cocktail shaker. Strain the mixture into the ice-filled glasses. Garnish with hibiscus flowers, and enjoy!

The Elegant Touches: Floral Decorations and Party Favors

What would a garden-inspired girls' night out be without garden-inspired decor? Set a playful mood to your party by arranging flowery decor in your garden for your guests to enjoy throughout the evening, and surprise them before they leave with flower-inspired party gifts. If you're pressed for time, you may opt to order flower arrangements online or purchase gifts online, so that both the decor and gifts come ready-made straight to your door. If you're feeling creative, however, you may want to consider picking your own flowers and then taking the additional time to turn them into something unique to you and your guests. Below are some suggested ideas to get you started.

Floral Decorations: A Little Goes A Long Way

Anything can serve as a vase to hold your flowers, but what you choose depends on your budget, what you have readily available, and the sort of mood you want to set. For example, paint recycled cans your favorite color and fill them with daisies or daffodils for a playful, country-style floral arrangement. If your tastes lean towards classic feminine options, fill glass vases with roses or tulips. Remember that certain color flowers have certain connotations; For example, red roses imply romance, whereas yellow roses imply friendship.

4th of July Daisies

Source

Before They Go, Treat Your Guests With Floral Gifts

Guarantee that your girls' night out will be an evening your guests won't be able to forget by giving your friends something to take home with them. The possibilities are many: if your friends are interested in crafting and gardening, for example, give them flower seeds or starter plants to put in their own gardens. If your friends are interested in fashion, give them necklaces adorned with glass flowers or fabric flowers to wear in their hair. Consider including with each gift a small bouquet of flowers and a handwritten note from you, thanking them for joining you in a truly special evening.

Floral Parting Gift

About the Author

Patricia Hall works part-time for an online florist in the uk and loves to surround herself with flowers at any given point of time. Even in her free time she loves to involve herself with everything flora and fauna.

'To me there is nothing more beautiful and global as the language of flowers - it is the easiest to understand all around the world in the same way. That is one reason why I truly admire flowers for what they represent in some ways - unity of all mankind!'