Thursday, June 30, 2016

Patriotic Rice Krispy Treats

This is a simple and fun way to add a festive touch to any patriotic holiday.

I sold these at my farmer's market stand for Memorial Day and they were a real hit. I'm making them again for July 4th weekend. 



I've seen a number of ideas, but I went with this one I saw at Lil' Luna,  She has a great picture tutorial so be sure to check her out. And her colors are nice and vibrant too! 



PATRIOTIC RICE KRISPY TREATS 

6 c. Rice Krispies cereal
1 (10 ozs) pkg. mini marshmallows
 3 TB. butter
red & blue food coloring (gel colors are brighter)
I think the colors 'fade' as these set up, so make them
brighter than what you think they should be....
 Divide the rice krispies and marshmallows in three parts for the three layers (2 cups rice krispies and about 2 cups marshmallows)


Spray 9" X 9" (or 8" X 8") pan with non stick cooking spray; set aside. 
I like to microwave the marshmallows. Place them in a large microwave safe bowl along with 1 Tb. margarine for a few minutes or until they start to puff up. Stir well and add the food coloring (I used a bit of blue gel I had leftover, then added blue food coloring...same with the red - Original recipe suggests adding 1/4 – 1/3 tube of the gel food coloring which makes the colors pretty and bright). Add the 2 cups of Rice Krispies and stir well. Press into prepared pan. 
Repeat process with each layer; press well into pan.  (I used a large metal spatula - sprayed with non stick cooking spray) to press firmly into pan, 
Let stand in pan until set up then cut and serve.   


Or simply top your 'plain' rice krispies with red and blue mini M & M's and sprinkles.

It's an attention getter. 

Linked to 
Weekend Potluck
Meal Plan Monday




Whatever you do, enjoy a wonderful and safe 4th! 

It's right around the corner!!!!!!!!!! 




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Wednesday, June 29, 2016

3 Perfectly Patriotic Dishes for the 4th {Blast from the Past}









Cut out pieces of angel food cake into stars...thread on a skewer along with berries and bananas (or marshmallows) for a festive treat. Serve with 




Sunday, June 26, 2016

Orange Cream Cheese Brownies (Fun with essential oils)

I made this scrumptious dessert when I recently hosted an essential oil class, taught by my good buddy, Tonya Ferguson, formerly of 4 little Fergusons, now of RV Oilers.

This amazing family that I love so dearly, travels across the country in an RV, teaching doTerra oil classes. And they are the best of the best! 

And we've been together several times in the year. 
What a T-R-E-A-T!! (being together AND the brownies!)



I adapted Tonya's recipe found here at the 4 little Fergusons blog
by adding a few drops of Wild Orange essential oil to the brownie batter and the frosting!  OOOOO LA LA!  

Orange and chocolate are such an awesome combo. 

Adding essential oils is a superior way to flavor up food...and these were SO flavorful. 


(hover over photo to pin)

ORANGE CREAM CHEESE BROWNIES 

1 box (dark chocolate) fudge brownie mix
1/4 c. water
1/2 c. oil
2 eggs
3 drops Wild Orange essential oil, optional

FROSTING:

1 (8 ozs) pkg. cream cheese, room temperature 
4 Tb. butter, room temperature
2 - 3 c. powdered sugar
4 Tb. orange juice concentrate, thawed
1-2 drops Wild Orange essential oil, optional
red and yellow food coloring
sprinkles, optional 

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9" X 13" baking dish. In large bowl, combine brownie mix with water, oil and eggs. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
Bake 27-29 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely.


While brownies cool, in large bowl, soften cream cheese and butter; blend with mixer until smooth, adding powdered sugar, orange juice concentrate, and essential oil. (Add 2 drops red and 4 drops yellow food coloring if using). Decorate with sprinkles or drizzle melted chocolate over brownies before serving
. Refrigerate leftovers. 


Linked to Full Plate Thursday


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Friday, June 24, 2016

Southern Fried Okra & Weekend Potluck #228

A HUG AND A WARM WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK! 
Thanks for stopping by....You add so much fun and frill to our Fridays/Weekends! 
Now, let's take a quick peek back at last week...

The Recipe with the Most Clicks was...


Recipes that caught our attention ~


Strawberry Shortcake by Don’t Sweat The Recipe


Featured Hostess Recipe ~


Grandma B’s Cucumber Salad by Sweet Little Bluebird

Your hostesses ~


Remember that when you link up, it shows on all FIVE blogs. Plus…

We TWEET. We PIN. We LIKE.

Linky Guidelines:

If you wish to be a featured recipe or for us to promote your recipe either on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, you MUST follow these instructions.
  1. Please link up to your exact post and not the main page to your blog.
  2. LINK BACK HERE from your post so that others can find the fun. 
    When you are kind enough to follow our guidelines, we work hard to get you as much exposure as possible so that your time here is well invested. We want this to be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone!





Thursday, June 23, 2016

Strawberry Cheesecake Pie (Sugar Free Option)

I recently made another wonderful sugar-free, low-fat dessert and wanted to share so you can enjoy it too. It's delicious!


BEAUTIFUL FOR THE EYES...TASTY FOR THE TUMMY!

**Recipe for HOMEMADE GLAZE at bottom of this post....


You could even add some blueberries for a 'patriotic flare'...


(hover over photo to pin)

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE PIE

1 - 8 oz. pkg. (light) cream cheese, softened
 1-3/4 c. 1% or 2% milk, divided
1 - (4 - serv. size) pkg. (sugar free) instant pudding
(cheesecake or white chocolate)
4 to 8 oz. lite Cool Whip


1 - 9" graham cracker crust

2 c. fresh strawberries, cleaned and sliced
1/2 pkg - 16 ozs. pkg. (sugar free) strawberry glaze

The S-F glaze is wonderful! 
(And if you need FULL sugar free - make it as pudding instead of a pie...with no crust..or make your own homemade crust with sweetener) 

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.  Add 1/2 c. milk; blend well.
Add remaining milk and instant pudding mix.  Beat for 1 minute.  Stir
in Cool Whip and pour into pie crust. Mix strawberries with 1/2 pkg. of glaze
and spread over pie.  Refrigerate any leftovers. 

Yield: 8 servings

HOMEMADE GLAZE

1-1/2 c. water
2 Tb. cornstarch
1 sm. (4 serv. size) (sugar free) strawberry jello
6 Tb. truvia (or sugar) 

In a small saucepan, combine water and cornstarch; cook until thickened.
Remove from heat; cool slightly; stir in jello and sweetener. Cool before 
mixing with berries; top pie with mixture or add when serving. 
Don't forget to add some Cool Whip or whipped cream. 


Linked to 
                Full Plate Thursday
           Weekend Potluck

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Mom's Chicken Casserole

This is a tasty chicken casserole that was a favorite of my mom's.  It's simple and full of goodness. 

I remember my mom telling me how she fixed it for a group of teens for a progressive dinner at the church my dad was pastoring, and then she gasped, thinking maybe those teens wouldn't like that cauliflower, broccoli and carrot combo in the dish.

I will always recall her giggle as she told me 'THEY ATE IT ALL". 



Yepper, it's that good - even teenagers will lick their plates clean.

I especially love the water chestnuts, that add crunch, but it tastes
great without them too. 

I think this is such a great way to get veggies in your family! 

(hover over photo to pin)

MOM'S CHICKEN CASSEROLE 

3/4 of (1#) bag of California Blend veggies 
(broccoli, cauliflower, carrot mix)
1 (10.75 ozs) can cream of chicken (or celery) soup
1/2 c. mayonnaise
(NOT Miracle Whip)
1/2 c. grated cheddar (or cojack) cheese
2 c. cooked, shredded chicken (or turkey)
1 tsp. parsley flakes
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1 can (8 ozs) water chestnuts, chopped, optional 


Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease 2 qt. baking dish. 

Cook veggies according to package directions, being sure not to overcook; drain.

In large bowl, combine all casserole ingredients, mixing until blended.  Pour into prepared dish.  Top with crumb mixture (recipe below). Bake 25 - 30 minutes or until bubbly. 


Yield: about 6-7 servings

TOPPING: 

2 Tb. melted butter
1 c. crushed cornflakes 
(measure after crushing)

Combine together in small bowl. 

Linked to Full Plate Thursday
       Weekend Potluck
       Meal Plan Monday


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Saturday, June 18, 2016

Father's Day Funnies to Tickle your Tummy!

These are from Reader's Digest online...I am a NUT over R.D. funnies...and tell so many all year long, so couldn't resist sharing these giggles and grins with you all. 

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL DADS!





Dad holds a special place in our hearts, and on Father's Day, he deserves the best! Pass our funniest fatherhood submissions on to a dad in your life and share the priceless gift of laughter!

The Right Choice

My 16-year-old brother, Ryan, was out late with friends one night. Suddenly he realized it was Father's Day and he had neglected to buy a card for our dad. After much searching, Ryan located an open store, but was disappointed to find only two cards left on a picked-over rack. Selecting one, he brought it home and, somewhat sheepishly, presented it to our father. 

Upon opening it, Dad read this message: "You've been like a father to me." He looked at Ryan, puzzled. 

"Well, Dad," Ryan tried to explain, "it was either that or the card that said, 'Now that I'm a father too!'"

-- Submitted by Anne Carlson



Thanks for the Soda, Pop!

Before I took the old family car to college, my father loaded the trunk with soft-drink bottles filled with oil, coolant and transmission fluid. Sure enough, my car overheated. Scolding myself for not listening to my father's instructions, I looked at the engine and saw how well he knew me. The oil cap was labeled Dr Pepper, the transmission stick, Coke, and the empty coolant container, Diet Pepsi. I finished the trip safely.

-- Submitted by Charlotte G. Alexander



Say What, Dad?

Our Gen-X daughter, Cristie, made my husband a Father's Day card entitled "Things My Dad Would Never Say." Such as:
"Can you turn up that music?"
"Go ahead and take my truck. Here's 50 bucks for gas."
"I LOVE your tattoo. We should both get new ones."
"Here, you take the remote."

-- Submitted by Deanna Schneider


Watch the Wash, Dad...

I decided to make myself useful and do a load of the family laundry. When I took the clothes out of the machine, I discovered -- to my dismay -- that I had also washed the watch my wife had given me while we were dating. "Don't expect me to replace it," she said later with an obvious lack of sympathy. By the time Father's Day rolled around, however, she had relented and gave me a beautiful new watch. Attached was a note with this stipulation: "DRY-CLEAN ONLY!"

-- Submitted by Paul Diblasi



What a Card!

Father's Day was near when I brought my three-year-old son, Tyler, to the card store. Inside, I showed him the cards for dads and told him to pick one.

When I looked back, Tyler was picking up one card after another, opening them up and quickly shoving them back into slots, every which way. "Tyler, what are you doing?" I asked. "Haven't you found a nice card for Daddy yet?"

"No," he replied. "I'm looking for one with money in it."

-- Submitted by Terri Cook

Papa Bear


My husband's cousin married a former Marine who now works for United Parcel Service. They bought their four-year-old son two stuffed bears -- one in a UPS uniform and the other in Marine garb. When the boy seemed confused, his father brought out a picture of himself in full Marine dress. "See, Connor?" he explained, pointing to the photo and then to the bear. "That's Daddy." 

Connor's eyes went from one to the other, and then he asked in a puzzled voice, "You used to be a bear?"

-- Submitted by Robin Yedlock

Pop Vs. Pup

While flying from Denver to Kansas City, Kansas, my mother was sitting across the aisle from a woman and her eight-year-old son. Mom couldn't help laughing as they neared their destination and she heard the mother say to the boy, "Now remember -- run to Dad first, then the dog."

-- Submitted by Karla J. Kasper

Paternal Payback

On the day I received my learner's permit, my father agreed to take me out for a driving lesson. With a big grin, he hopped in behind the driver's seat. "Why aren't you sitting up front on the passenger's side?" I asked.

"Kirsten, I've been waiting for this ever since you were a little girl," Dad replied. "Now it's my turn to sit back here and kick the seat."

-- Submitted by Kirsten Wiley

No. 1 on Our List -- Literally!

My father was completely lost in the kitchen and never ate unless someone prepared a meal for him. When Mother was ill, however, he volunteered to go to the supermarket for her. She sent him off with a carefully numbered list of seven items.

Dad returned shortly, very proud of himself, and proceeded to unpack the grocery bags. He had one bag of sugar, two dozen eggs, three hams, four boxes of detergent, five boxes of crackers, six eggplants, and seven green peppers.

-- Submitted by Joan Flood

Friday, June 17, 2016

Strawberry Spectacular & Weekend Potluck #227

A WARM WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK! 
Always a pleasure to have you here...

Now, let's take a quick peek back at last week...

The recipe with the most clicks was...


Recipes that caught our attention ~


Strawberries & Cream Poke Cake by Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen


One Pot Chicken Penne Pasta by Meatloaf and Melodrama

Featured Hostess Recipe ~


Strawberry Fields Salad by The Country Cook

Your hostesses ~

Remember that when you link up, it shows on all FIVE blogs. Plus…

We TWEET. We PIN. We LIKE.

Linky Guidelines:

If you wish to be a featured recipe or for us to promote your recipe either on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, you MUST follow these instructions.
  1. Please link up to your exact post and not the main page to your blog.
  2. LINK BACK HERE from your post so that others can find the fun. 
    When you are kind enough to follow our guidelines, we work hard to get you as much exposure as possible so that your time here is well invested. We want this to be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone!




Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Try these Desserts in a Dash!

Dessert is a sweet treat after any meal.

But sometimes you may not have time to prepare anything ahead. Try these fast & easy ideas to top off any meal.

Tickle your tastebuds with some fresh fruit combinations..


strawberries


Twirl strawberries, sliced kiwifruit, and mandarin orange segments in microwavable dipping chocolate.  Find it in the baking aisle, the produce dept. or near the ice cream toppings.

For a pretty parfait, layer fresh blueberries, strawberries, bananas or peach slices with instant white chocolate, cheesecake, or vanilla pudding and serve with vanilla wafers.  You may also add a layer of granola for crunch and eye appeal.

Doesn't a caramel apple yogurt parfait sound yummy? And it's healthy too - put some yogurt in the bottom of a parfait glass, add some chopped apple, more yogurt, then top with some fat free caramel ice cream topping and pecans. MMM!


Or...When you have time, prepare cookie dough ahead and place tablespoonsful on baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. About 30-45 minutes before baking, place individual cookies on baking sheet and cover with waxed paper. Bake when thawed - then serve warm homemade cookies!


Yuuummm!! ME - COOKIE MONSTER!




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Sunday, June 12, 2016

Best Broccoli Salad

Over Mother's Day weekend, my dear daughter, Debbie, spoke for a Mother/Daughter tea. I enjoyed that time with 2 of my precious granddaughters too...Claira & Kaity. (Keep scrolling for a picture). 

It was a lovely time. There was a large table with all sorts of vintage tea cups/saucers that we got to choose for our own.  The men served us every course...beginning with the most delectable chocolate chip scone, and white ginger tea (my choice). The next course was chilled strawberry soup, served in a glass tea cup. SO delish! Then we got chicken salad on a croissant and the most wonderful broccoli salad I've ever tasted.  They both had dried cranberries in them and we savored every bite. And I got to thinking...I need to make broccoli salad sometime, and there it was...right before me not long after....


Thrilled to have seen this recipe featured by Melissa at Served Up with Love.
Please stop by and tell her I said hello and be sure to check out these tasty recipes for....Caramel Apple Cheese Danish (swoon!) and Strawberry Cheesecake Salad or this easy Sweet 'n Sour Chicken...you'll go back for more from her website, I'm sure of it! 

Oh how I loved this broccoli salad - it was perfect! 

I ended up taking it to a friend's and sharing it with one of her friends, and they BOTH asked for the recipe. 

IT'S.THAT.GOOD!! 

I chopped my broccoli in my Ninja chopper just to save some time.  Be careful when using an electric chopper because it works quickly. 


You can always chop by hand, but be sure to have a few bite sized pieces either way. 


This is simple to make and is knock-your-socks-off delicious!
I used a tad less sugar and a couple more slices of bacon. 

Here's me and my girls at the party....
Claira on the left...almost 11
Kaity on the right...almost 9


BEST BROCCOLI SALAD

1 medium head of broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1/2 c. craisins
2 - 3 Tb. red onion, diced
6 - 8 slices baked, cooked crisp and chopped
(may use turkey bacon if you prefer)

Dressing: 
1 c. mayo (not Miracle Whip) 
3 - 4 Tb. sugar
(start with less and add more if desired)
2 Tb. apple cider vinegar
1/3 c. chopped nuts, toasted, optional 
(You can stir in or top the salad with the nuts)

Chop washed broccoli into bite sized pieces. In small bowl combine dressing ingredients: mayo, sugar, and vinegar. 

Just before serving, mix veggie combo with dressing. Top with nuts if desired. 

Linked to 
Meal Plan Monday



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Friday, June 10, 2016

Pineapple Pretzel Fluff & Weekend Potluck #226

WELCOME TO ANOTHER FUN WEEK OF WEEKEND POTLUCK! 
We're so glad you decided to join us...hope you'll sit a spell and enjoy some of these awesome link ups...

Now, let's take a quick peek back at last week...

The recipe with the most clicks was...


Pineapple Pretzel Fluff by Living On Cloud Nine

Recipes that caught our attention ~


Not Your Usual Lasagna by With A Blast


Loaded Baked Potatoe Salad by Everyday Made Fresh

Featured Hostess Recipe ~


Creamsicle Fluff by Served Up With Love

Your hostesses ~

Remember that when you link up, it shows on all FIVE blogs. Plus…

We TWEET. We PIN. We LIKE.

Linky Guidelines:

If you wish to be a featured recipe or for us to promote your recipe either on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, you MUST follow these instructions.
Please link up to your exact post and not the main page to your blog.
LINK BACK HERE from your post so that others can find the fun.
  1. When you are kind enough to follow our guidelines, we work hard to get you as much exposure as possible so that your time here is well invested. We want this to be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone!

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