Operation Cleanup = Cookbook Giveaway

This mess was the before picture of my cookbook collection this morning.  In nice words, a disaster.  

This was the after photo.  Certainly looks like there is a lot less junk in there right?  I only threw away one rancid cookbook, that looked like a bowl of spaghetti exploded all over it, then simply organized the rest.

When people ask what I collect, I only have one answer.  Cookbooks.  These aren't all of them.  I have some more scattered about the kitchen, on shelves, in a cookbook holder, etc.  I would probably have a trillion more if my kitchen space allowed.

I'm curious, what do you collect?  Anything?

This is my only thing, as I like to keep a fairly, clean and simple house.  Clutter and I don't get along very well.  And we just don't have the space, so most times it isn't even an option.

Another good thing that came out of Operation Cleanup this morning?  I found two of the exact.same.cookbooks.  I have no idea how that happened, and frankly didn't even know I had them.  That is what happens when you let your cupboards get to the point I did.  You find things you didn't even know existed.

But, to you, my readers, it is your lucky day.  I am giving away the additional copy of Baked Until Bubbly.  It is a HUGE cookbook filled with baked, gooey, melty, comfort food heaven. 



I have no affiliation with this author or this book, I am just simply giving one of my copies away.  No reason to have two, right?

I will choose one random winner on Wednesday, October 5th.  I'm giving you 4 different ways to enter, giving you 4 easy entries, please take advantage of this!

1.  Leave a comment telling my your favorite Baked & Bubbly dish.

2.  Become a follower of Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats on Facebook and leave a comment saying so.

3.  Become a follower of Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats on Twitter and leave a comment saying so.

4.  Follow Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats via Google Reader (on the right side of this page) and leave a comment saying so.

Enjoy folks!

Ah, For the Love of Fall

It's the end of September and that means Fall in Iowa.  The leaves are starting to change, our high temp is barely reaching 65 degrees and all things fall related are on most people's minds.

I find that I want to spend more time in the kitchen, snuggling up inside, while taking the occasional brisk walk while the air is still cool.  And of course watching TONS of football.  Who doesn't love this time of year?

Fall of course means soup season at our house.  I made my first big batch over the weekend and I'm happy to say that as of today, Thursday, we are finally eating the last of it.  But leftover soup doesn't irritate me, I could eat it every day!

Vegetable Beef Soup
1 large can vegetable juice or V-8
4 c. beef stock
1 lb. ground beef or turkey, cooked and drained
1 small onion, diced
2 large carrots, diced
2 stalks of celery, diced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can green beans, or 2 c. fresh
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 t. oregano
1 t. salt
1 T. pepper

Are you ready for this?  Throw all the ingredients in the crockpot, set and forget.  I cook mine on low for 6-8 hours, or until the veggies are tender, or you can do high for 4-6 hours.  Honestly, it is the easiest soup known to man.  Try it.

We've also been tackling some yard maintenance.  And by tackling I mean, the husband and little man.  He honestly goes EVERYWHERE dad does, and by god if dad is outside, there is no keeping him inside.  I have a feeling he will be his "tag along" for the rest of his life.



And speaking of Fall, how about these Apple Bars?  If you've been a reader of my blog for awhile, you know I am getting into the habit of making these each year.  It's my mom's recipe and it is stellar.  You will want to put these on your fall baking list.

Now.

My day is a little screwed up today - first off blogging at 6 a.m. - but our daycare provider is sick, which creates a different work schedule for the both of us, and my day totally out of wack.  I am a schedule person and when it is off, I am off.

Here's to hoping for a good Thursday!

Homemade Calzones

With the husband working many afternoons and evenings, it is often just the kiddos and I, and lately the little man is ubber interested in what I am doing in the kitchen.

I am constantly tripping over him, and the dogs, taking away things he's pulled off the counter, letting him push the button on the food processor, distracting him while I open up the oven door.  I've calculated that everything takes me twice as long.

Oh, and did I mention a 6 month old in the background?

But, honestly I wouldn't have it any other way.  I like that he is interested in food and what I am doing.  Perfect example was two nights ago, when I declared it pizza night.  After my classic pizza dough had risen all afternoon and I was just about to make regular old pizza, I thought to myself, "why not calzones"?

Certainly, it cannot be hard to decorate one side of the dough, fold it over and bake right?  So, the little man sat on the counter and he "helped" me decorate.

A calzone is so simple and such a fun variation of eating normal pizza.  I will be doing this more often.  I only had mushrooms, ham and cheese on hand, so that is what got stuffed inside.  But, while we were assembling I was also imagining a Buffalo.....Chicken.....Calzone.

It's coming, don't you worry.

After rolling out the dough, spreading out our toppings, I folded over the other half of the dough and pinched the sides together, and cut a slit in the middle to let out a little steam while it cooked.  Then brushed the dough with olive oil and sprinkled with parmesan cheese and oregano.

And a side of marinara of course.

I'd really like to have "the girls" over for a calzone making party.  I'll provide the dough, beer and wine, you bring the stuffing of your choice.  Is that geeky?  Or cool?

Who wants to join me?

Salsa Hummus with Homemade Chips

Here is a healthy dip for all those tailgating parties coming up.  Or a dip for you to just munch on at home.  The husband claimed it resembled the homemade baby food I made little miss, but let's be honest, it didn't stop him from scarfing down the whole bowl.

I had personally never made hummus before, had it plenty of times, but always bought it.  But I will say now, 3 ingredients later, I should really be making this at home more often.

For a kick, I added in homemade tortilla chips.  I had a bag of corn tortillas that needed to be used up (I feel like I am always saying that?), so chips they became.  The little man was eating this by the spoonful, so I would give it an A+ from all family members.

Salsa Hummus
1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 c. salsa
1 clove garlic, minced
1 t. salt

Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.

Homemade Chips
*Cut corn tortillas into triangles, place on a wire rack onto of a baking sheet.  Spray with olive oil cooking spray, sprinkle with salt.  Bake at 450 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until crispy.  These are best eaten fresh.

Which of course, was no problem at our house.

I'd like to give a shout out to some really fun bloggers.  Ones I read daily and enjoy their humor, food and fun.  I hope you can enjoy them too!

The Slow Roasted Italian - her pictures are beautiful and I'd love to be a fly on her kitchen wall.

Itzy's Kitchen - she is a recent new mom, how she finds time to do it all is beyond me.

Bakeaholic Mama +3 - another new mom, who bakes some very indulgent dishes, I love them.

Yes, I Want Cake - a school teacher, turned SAHM, cooking up healthy meals for her family.

Ashley's Cooking Adventures - I just found this blog last night, and if I'm mentioning it now, you know its good.

Life and Running in Iowa - need I say more?  She lives in the same state as me.

Now I could go on and on listing some of my favorite food blogs, but we'd be here all day.  The above are just some recent ones I've come to enjoy.

Check them out, I'm sure you'll like them too!

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Perfect for busy families, potlucks or large crowds - this pulled pork will knock your socks off!

I asked my readers awhile back what they wanted to see more of on this blog.  The overwhelming answer was "easy family meals". 

Well, here you have it folks.  This could quite possibly be the simplest family meal...ever.  It takes about 1 minute of prep time and the rest is spent smelling the glorious aroma drifting through your house.  Perfect for working moms, dads, or heck even if you are home all day, it doesn't require any babysitting.

With this being the first day of Fall, I thought it would be only fitting to showcase a slow cooker meal.  After all, that is what Fall is all about right?

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Print this Recipe!
1 pork roast (I used 3 lb. pork butt)
1 can diet cola
1 c. barbecue sauce
salt
pepper

Generously season roast with salt and pepper.  Place in slow cooker (medium or large, depending on size of roast).  Pour in cola and barbecue sauce.  Set on low and cook for 6-8 hours.

When done, shred meat with fork, serve on buns, adding additional barbecue sauce if desired.

I served this with a simple coleslaw (1 bag shredded cabbage and carrots, 1 small jar T. Marzetti's slaw dressing, 1 t. ground mustard, salt, pepper).

You know what is even better about this meal?  It makes a lot, therefore no cooking will be had for at least two dinners at your house.  Perfect in my opinion.  Or, even better, turn some of the leftover pulled pork into a pizza the next night.  Pizza crust, barbecue sauce, pulled pork, cheese....um, um, good.

Do you ever turn one meal's leftovers into a totally different meal the next night?

Glazed Fall Spiced Scones

I baked up these yummy golden nuggets of deliciousness the other day for work.  I'm getting know as "the lady who brings goodies to work".  That could be taken good or bad.

I was craving fall and anything that goes along with my favorite season.  I'm also craving chili, but that is for another day.  After pulling out my scone recipe, I changed up the seasonings to mimic the fall weather we've been having.  Cool crisp mornings and highs only reaching 70 degrees.  Love it!

While browsing around Twitter the other day, I realized some people don't like the traditional fall seasonings of pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves, etc.  The horror!  Are you one of those people?

If not, dive into this scone recipe, it will not disappoint.

Glazed Fall Spiced Scones
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 T. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1 t. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 t. cloves
1/4 t. cinnamon
6 T. butter, very cold, cut into small cubes or shredded frozen with grater
3/4 c. heavy cream
1 egg
2 c. powdered sugar
1 t. vanilla
warm water

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the first six ingredients. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or fork until pieces are about pea size.

In a small bowl, whisk an egg into the cream. Add to the flour mixture and stir with a large fork, until just barely combined. Finish by kneading gently with your hands until all dry ingredients are absorbed and the dough can be gathered into a moist ball. Do not over knead.

Set the ball in the center of the baking sheet and pat gently into a round circle, around 1 1/2 in. thick and 7 in. in diameter. With a sharp knife, cut into 8 wedges and gently separate. Bake for 18-22 minutes until scones are a deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool on wire rack.

For Glaze:  In a small bowl combine powdered sugar, vanilla and 1 T. at a time warm water.  Keep stirring and adding water until you have a smooth glaze.  Pour over warm scones and let cool.  Store in an airtight container.  Scones will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

This was the little miss outside last night (she's trying to reach my camera).  I now have her back happy and healthy (90%), but now the little man is under the weather.  We noticed last night at dinner he was kinda mopey and didn't want to eat.  He then immediately crawled onto the husband's lap and just....sat...there.  Anyone who has a 2 year old knows that when they sit still and don't make a fuss about it, something is wrong.

Ten minutes later we realize his temp is 101.  No wonder he's not himself!  After sleeping 13 straight hours last night, he still has a temp but is a little more chipper.  Here's to hoping this sickness leaves our house!

When the kids are sick I tend to have a few more minutes on the computer and last night I checked my Google Stats.  I was shocked to find out I'm closing in on 100,000 page views!  To some that might not mean like many, but to me it is!

A big hug, cheers and fist pump to my dedicated readers who stick by me!

His and Her Pizza

This past Saturday night was fun.  Some old co-workers and I went out for pedicures, dinner and ice cream.  Clearly, I was not excited about Coldstone Creamery, right?

My concoction was cake batter ice cream, graham crackers, caramel and pecans.  It was heavenly. 



Dinner was at Hu Hot (yum!) and clearly after a few drinks we were being loud and probably very annoying to our waitress.  Luckily we were in a back room.  We had a hair too much fun with some glasses that were left at the table next to us.

Totally 80's right?

Don't they look good? 

Back to reality yesterday.  The little miss came down with her first fever.  Boo.  She wanted to snuggle on my chest all night.  I was covered in snot and drool, but it was worth it.

Last night she tossed and turned most of the night, with neither of us sleeping well.  Naps today anyone? 

With her under the weather, the husband at work, it was pizza night for the little man and I.  His and her pizza.  Ham and cheese for him, ham, cheese, marinara and garlic for me.  This simple and easy pizza dough is so good, I though I needed to share.  It has that perfect crispy, yet chewy crust.

Classic Pizza Dough (for two individual pizzas)

1 c. flour

1 t. salt

1 t. yeast

1/2 -3/4 c. warm water

In a small bowl combine flour and salt.  In a measuring cup place warm water and yeast, stir to combine.  Let it sit for 5 minutes.  Pour into flour mixture slowly, adding just enough water to combine and make a sticky dough.  Cover with a towel and sit in a warm place for 45 minutes to an hour.

Preheat oven with a pizza stone on the top rack at 500 degrees (this is the key to a crispy crust!).  On a floured surface place dough and knead for a few minutes, until dough is workable and wants to spread into a crust.  With floured fingers press into an individual pizza size.  Top with desired toppings.

Transfer pizza to the hot pizza stone and bake for 8-10 minutes.

This pizza was the perfect size for me and the little man gobbled his up in under 10 minutes.  Success indeed.

Do you make your own pizza dough?

Coconut Almond Cereal Bars

Each week when I do my grocery shopping, I load up on Kind Bars, Larabars, Luna Bars, etc.  The husband eats at least one a day at work, as do I, plus we snack on them at home.  I love all of the above listed brands, but I don't always loving paying for them.

Often times Hy-Vee will have Larabars 10/$10 special, but more often than not I'm shelling out at least $1.49 a bar.  When you are buying many at a time it tends to get expensive.

So...I made my own.

I used to always stick to this granola bar recipe, but tried a new one out last week as it is gluten free and much healthier.  The problem still is, I cannot keep them stocked in our house.  All eight bars were gone within two and half days.  But that is a different issue for a different post.

Coconut Almond Cereal Bars
4 c. crushed Rice Chex cereal
1 c. almonds, chopped
1/2 c. unsweetened coconut
1/4 c. flax seed
1/2 c. honey
1/2 c. peanut or almond butter
1 t. vanilla
2 c. marshmallows

In a large bowl combine cereal, almonds, coconut, and flax seed.  In microwavable bowl, combine honey, peanut butter, vanilla and marshmallows.  Heat in microwave in 45 seconds increments until all is melted and combined.

Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, working quickly, as the mixture will get sticky.  Spray a 8x8 baking pan and with greased fingers, push mixture down into pan until all is flat.

Put in the refrigerator for at least one hour (at most overnight) to allow the bars to harden.  Cut into bars, wrap in plastic wrap and enjoy.  Bars will stay fresh for 4-5 days (if they last that long).

What product do you spend a fortune on at the grocery store, but are willing to because you cannot live without it?

At our house?

Heinz Ketchup (the all-natural kind)
Milk
Meat (hamburger, chicken, pork, lunch meat - it never ends)
Good quality cheeses
Fresh produce

Tex-Mex Chicken Casserole

Fall is upon us and that means casseroles.  At least to our family.  Casseroles are usually either loved or hated.  I love them!  It makes dinner simple, as usually everything is combined into one and no side dishes are required.

For the life of me I cannot remember where I recently saw this recipe, it was a food blog I read often, and now I feel bad I cannot give them props.  If you are reading this and this is your recipe, please tell me so I can give you the proper credit.

I immediately liked it because every ingredient it called for was already in my freezer or cupboard.  No grocery list to be made or shopping trip dragging the kids out to be had.  Perfect.

Tex-Mex Chicken Casserole

4 cups cooked rice

2 c. cooked chicken, diced

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can corn

1 c. salsa

8 oz. sour cream

1 can green chilies

1 c. cheddar or pepperjack cheese, additional for topping

1 t. garlic salt

1 t. pepper

Combine all ingredients, spread into a greased casserole dish and top with additional cheese.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

It's creamy and comforting.  Trust me, your family will love this one.  It's even better topped with more salsa or even wrapped up in a tortilla!

Who is going to try this one out?



It's That Time Again, Homemade Baby Food

The little miss will be 6 months old in just a couple of weeks.  In my house that means baby food time.  Homemade baby food.  I explained this process when I made it for the little man, gosh, just about a year and a half ago.  You can read all about it here.

Needless to say, yesterday I was up to my elbows in pureed butternut squash, sweet potatoes and green beans.

I am not here to promote making your own baby food (although I strongly suggest it), but more to give reasons why you should if you so choose.

1.  It's cheaper.  Why buy one measly jar for 80 cents when you can buy a sweet potato for the same amount and get about 4 times more the amount of food?  Enough said.

2.  It's healthier.  Buying fresh produce, if possible organic, you are saving yourself the worry of wondering what you are feeding your baby.

3.  It's simple.  All you need is produce, a food processor or blender and some ice cube trays for freezing.  That is it.

I usually make up a dozen trays or so at a time, freeze the cubes, pop them out into a large Ziploc freezer bag and call it good.  That way my freezer is loaded with yummy treats for her and I don't have to worry about stocking my cupboards full of jars.

When she needs a meal, I pop out a few cubes ahead of time, let them thaw and we are good to go.  Simple enough, right?

It wasn't all baby food making yesterday.  I also watched my beloved Hawkeyes lose in TRIPLE OVERTIME.  Ugh.  I snacked on a homemade egg mcmuffin while I sulked.  See that drippy cheese?  Yeah, it was good.

And attempted to make double chocolate loaf bread with a bag of Amish Friendship Bread starter.  Yuck.  It didn't turn out, it was extremely dry.  Maybe because I only added one box of pudding?  Suggestions anyone?

I'm now off to try and attempt a new granola bar recipe.  Wish me luck!

Super Stuffed Green Peppers

So far today, I've hit up the grocery store, cleaned, did laundry, prepped dinner, baked sweet potatoes for the little miss, commented on various food blogs I'd been neglecting, and read some of my book.  Pretty productive, huh?

That is my typical Friday.  I schedule my part-time job so that I mainly work Tuesday-Thursday, leaving me with really long weekends.  Weekends were I can get a ton done at home, even if we are gone one of the days for various things.  I love it.

The only hiccup so far today has been little man's disapproval for his nap.  We don't give in at our house.  We lay him down around 12:30 p.m. and lately he likes to sit in there and talk for an hour, strip his bed down to the mattress and yell at various things out the window.  Today he finally fell asleep around 3:00 p.m.

Like I said I don't give in.  He needs his naps.  Eventually he falls asleep.  A good thing that came out of it was more time for me to prep this dinner.  You can thank him later.

My mom and dad gave us a ton of produce the last time they visited and some of it included green peppers.  I've been thinking about these stuffed peppers for a week and have just finally gotten around to making them.  I ate a bowl of the extra stuffing for lunch....it is that good.

Super Stuffed Green Peppers
5 green peppers, cut and cored lengthwise
2 c. rice, cooked
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
1 egg
1 t. oregano
1 t. garlic salt
1/2 small onion, diced
1 lb. ground beef, cooked and drained
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
salt, pepper to taste

Prep green peppers, lay on paper plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until just a little tender.  Set aside to cool.  In a baking sheet pour in 1/4 can of the tomato sauce and spread on the bottom of the pan.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a sauce pan cook rice according to directions, set aside to cool.  In same pan saute onion and ground beef until juices run clear, drain.  In a large bowl combine rice, beef mixture, 1/4 can tomato sauce, cheddar cheese, seasonings and egg.  Stuff this mixture into the green peppers and place in pan.  Pour remaining tomato sauce over peppers.  Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes.

We will be making these again.

Moving on.

So, I'm watching a local talk show right now while typing this.  They just said that "90% of all Iowans have never visited a farm".

What?

It may just be me, but that sounds crazy!  Isn't farmland, corn, pigs, etc. all you think of when you think of Iowa?  (It may be all you think of, but trust me it isn't all that is here!)

So, it got me thinking.  Have you ever visited a farm?  I certainly didn't grow up on one, but have been to many.  What is the first thought that comes to your mind when you think I-O-W-A?

Have a great night everyone!

Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce

I told you on my last post that this one was coming.  Brace yourself.  Go ahead and put your sweats on now.  You'll need 'em.

The only part that makes you feel even remotely like you aren't indulging is the raspberry sauce, because we all know raspberries are fruit and fruit is healthy.  Right?

But, like I've said a thousand times over 'one slice won't kill ya'.  The only bad thing it will do is make you have dreaded thoughts of when your next slice will come...which in our house seems to be one slice a night because I keep forgetting to take the leftovers to work.  Darn.

This recipe comes courtesy of my mom, who in turn needs to thank Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese.  Ah...to the makers of delicious cream cheese, we love you.

Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce
18 oreo cookies, finely crushed
2 T. butter or margarine, melted
3 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
2 t. vanilla
1 pkg. (12 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chunks melted, slightly cooled
4 eggs

Preheat oven to 300 degrees if using silver 9-inch spring form pan or 275 degrees if using dark nonstick pan. Mix cookie crumbs and butter; press firmly onto bottom of pan. Set aside. Beat cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add chocolate; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Pour over crust.

Bake 1 hour 5 min. or until center is almost set. Run knife or metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cake, cool before removing rim of pan. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. Garnish as desired. Store leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.

Raspberry Sauce
12 oz. raspberries
1 1/2 T. cornstarch
1/2 C. water
1/3 C. sugar
1/2 t. vanilla

In saucepan stir cornstarch and sugar. Add water and 1 C. raspberries. Cook on medium high heat until boiling. Cook 1 min. more. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Stand until cool. Add rest of raspberries and chill.

Who doesn't want to make this for their next family gathering?  Or better yet girl's night?  I'm imagining different flavors, more toppings and a glass of wine.

Sound good?

A Simple Sandwich

Sometimes dinner just needs to be simple.  As in a panini.  Yesterday morning we had brunch at Mondos, which in turn made me not hungry again until 8pm last night.

French bread stuffed with ham, muenster cheese, tomatoes, mayo and dijon mustard.  Then grilled on the panini press until melty and hot.  This sandwich was HUGE!  Only eating half, I wrapped up the other half for lunch today.

Look at what I got from my mom?  A baker's half sheet with lid, plus a cute little melon baller from the Sweet Basil Market.  Now, this may not seem like a cool gift to some but it was to me!  These sheet pans with lids are great for big pans of bars or even cakes when you need to travel and keep them fresh.  No dealing with plastic wrap!

Here is our attempt at a family picture yesterday.  Ever try that with two kids under the age of two?  No one sits still nor looks at the camera.  This was the best we could do.

Look how long the little misses legs and arms are!  She is just 5 months but in this family no one has a chance of being short.

And finally check out this dessert.  My mom made it and brought it to brunch for a belated birthday "cake".  Recipe is coming.  Put your big girl panties on.



Have a great Monday and start of the week everyone!

Nutella Cream Cheese Brownies.

Nutella Cream Cheese Brownies.  Need I say more?

I owe this recipe to the Cookin Canuck.  She recently posted these as part of a virtual baby shower for another fellow food blogger.  I heard Nutella and brownies and I was sold.

If you haven't taken part in the Nutella craze, it's best time you crawl out from under that rock and get your butt to the grocery store.  Behind ketchup, it is my favorite condiment.

Since this is a long weekend with Labor Day, I figured I'd bake us a treat to munch on throughout the endless football games (Go Hawkeyes!) we'll be watching and extra time on our hands.  Don't think I eat desserts all day, as I don't, I even froze half the batch.  It makes me feel a lot better in the end.

Nutella Cream Cheese Brownies
1 1/2 c. flour (I used Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free flour mix)
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
3/4 c. butter, softened
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
2 t. vanilla
3/4 c. white or chocolate chips
4 oz. cream cheese
3/4 c. Nutella
1 egg yolk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Wisk together flour, baking powder and salt.  In another bowl wisk together butter, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla.  Stir in flour mixture until just combined.  Add in white or chocolate chips, stir.

In another bowl stir together cream cheese, Nutella and egg yolk.  Put blondie mixture into 8x8 sprayed baking pan.  Drop Nutella mixture by tablespoonfuls over blondie mixture.  Using a butter knife, swirl in Nutella mixture.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the blondie section comes out clean.  Cool, cut into squares.

So, do you want to make these for your Labor Day gathering this weekend?  I vote yes!

Tonight, my only goal is to get the kiddos in bed early so I can relax.  They have been running me rampid today!  I just finished a good book, Half Broke Horses, and now am on to Girls in White Dresses.  Anyone out these read either of these???

Have a great weekend!