Oatmeal Raisin Bars - OH MY!

The first time I made these tasty bars, was when I volunteered in a college kitchen this past summer. 

A friend helped me mix up 4 X this recipe. 

Seriously...I was SO surprised at HOW MUCH I loved these bars.  They are moist and seem to have just the perfect amount of spices.  These are the BEST oatmeal raisin bar I've ever tasted. 

This recipe originally came from a Rachel Ray magazine. 

And of course, having cream cheese frosting puts them over the top. 

WAY wonderful!  Perfect for any potluck or just for your family to enjoy.

OATMEAL RAISIN BARS

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

1 c. brown sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 c. flour

1 c. old fashioned or quick cooking oatmeal

1 c. raisins

1/2 c. chopped walnuts (or your favorite)

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt (omit if using salted butter)

Preheat oven to 375* and grease a 9" X 13" baking dish.  

In a large bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, egg and vanilla. 

(You can use a mixer or mix by hand). In a medium bowl, combine flour, 

oats, raisins, walnuts, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.  Stir into butter mixture until well combined.  Spread into prepared pan and press into an even layer with floured fingers.  (It may seem there isn't enough dough to cover the bottom, but there will be). Bake 15 - 20 minutes, or until firm. Cool completely.  Frost with cream cheese frosting. 

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

4 ozs. cream cheese, softened

3 Tb. butter, 

1-1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

(May save nuts for sprinkling over the top).

If you like this recipe, you may also like this simple cake-mix based
Lazy Cookie Bar

Linked to Weekend Potluck

Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix

I was elated and intrigued when I came across this simple recipe at 

Coffee with Us 3  who found it by googling it. 

I use a lot of instant pudding mixes in my kitchen and anytime I can make it myself, I'm all for it. 

This turned out to be a little different than what I expected....

but even more than I thought it would be too!!

Let me explain....this mix is for use in baking/cooking.

It doesn't work as an actual instant pudding.

BUT...it does work when making cooked pudding, which I made in the microwave.

Beware, it won't be yellow like store-purchased vanilla pudding.  It's white...very white...but just as good.  I know how color can sometimes affect our taste buds.  Just close your eyes while you're eating it and you won't know the difference.  (Just be careful not to make a mess all over the table in front of you!!) *-*

I halved the amount, so feel free to double the amounts if you'd like. 

I also used mostly xylitol.  Since diabetics can have SOME sugar, I think it's always best to use a little sugar, if your diet allows.

I will use this mostly in the overnight crockpot oatmeal dishes I love, like 

Crockpot {Coconut} Pecan Pie Oatmeal and smoothies like 

Healthy Strawberry Peach Smoothie  or

Pina Colada Oatmeal Smoothie

....adding a heaping tablespoon or so for creaminess and sweetness. 

Hope you'll try it soon. It's always a treat when you can D-I-Y and not have the perservatives, and you don't have to worry about not having any on hand...until you run out.  

INSTANT VANILLA PUDDING MIX

1-1/2 c. dry milk

2 c. sugar (can use at least 1/2 xylitol)

1/2 tsp. salt

1 Tb. vanilla extract

1-1/2 c. cornstarch

few sprinkles of nutmeg

In food processor, place dry milk, sugar, salt and vanilla. Pulse until smooth. 

Stir in cornstarch and nutmeg by hand. 

Store in airtight container. 

To replace sm. pkg. of instant pudding, use 1/4 c. mix

To replace lg. pkg. of instant pudding, use 1/2 mix 

If you prefer making 'homemade'...you may like to try this simple 3-ingredient recipe for Homemade Fabric Softener

Linked to Mix it up Monday
              Weekend Potluck

​

Pina Colada Oatmeal Smoothie & Weekend Potluck #101

WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK! 

Always so happy to have you stop by and share at our virtual table!

AND...

Where I share something worth sharing...again...

We love smoothies at our house...especially healthy ones like this.  You'll never know it has oatmeal in it...it helps 'bulk' you up and make you feel full.
LUSCIOUS!!! 

Pina Colada Oatmeal Smoothies

BIG CONGRATS GO TO OUR WINNER FROM LAST WEEK'S GIVEAWAY
... 
Kathleen S.
email - stroeh007@

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

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

Cinnamon Roll Bites by Our Table For Seven

Recipes that caught our attention ~

Homemade Velveeta by Recipes For My Boys

Holy Cow Brownies by Kathy’s Kitchen Table

And, a personal favorite ~

Skinny Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate by Will Cook for Smiles

Your hostesses ~

• 4 Little Fergusons~ Tonya
• The Country Cook~ Brandie
• Sunflower Supper Club ~ Kim & Julie
• The Better Baker ~ Marsha
• Meet Penny ~ Tabitha

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 or a separate linky page.
2. LINK BACK HERE from your post so that others can find the fun. (Need help linking back? Read this or watch this great instructional videoPlease use a direct link within your post.

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!

Please use the title of your recipe in the name/description box. Please understand that by linking up, you are granting us permission to use one photo of your recipe with an appropriate link back should your recipe be featured. Thank you for linking up!

1. Flavors by Four: Sausage, Spinach & Bean Soup  2. Strawberry Toffee Fudge  3. Flavors by Four: Slow Cooker White Bean Chicken Chili  4. Bacon And Beef Casserole  5. Chocolate Covered Cookie Caramels  6. Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce  7. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Potato Skins  8. Old Fashion Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe  9. Buttermilk Sausage Jalapeno Cheese Cornbread  10. Slow Cooker Gluten Free Pinto Bean Recipe  11. Skinny Cherry Banana Smoothie  12. White Chocolate Reese's Brownies  13. Skinny Chocolate Muffins  14. Chocolate Cherry Chunk Cookies  15. Cherry Thumbprints  16. Philly Cheese Steak meets French Bread Pizza! Beef, peppers and onions are  17. Crockpot Curry Pork  18. Cornbread-Topped BBQ Bake  19. Baked Apples Filled w/ Fruit & Nuts  20. Lazy 'Healthier' Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls  21. Chicken (Or Turkey) Divan Squares  22. Mini Carrot Cake Cupcakes  23. Strawberry Cheesecake Bites  24. Cinnamon Roll Bundt Cake  25. Roasted Maple Dijon Carrots  26. Dry Onion Soup Mix  27. Craisins Green Salad  28. Healthier Cheesy Potatoes & Sausage {Crockpot}  29. Chocolate Bread Pudding with Raspberry Sauce  30. Cheddar & Sour Cream Queso ~ no processed cheese!  31. Cornbread Chili Bake  32. Quinoa Pudding {with Coconut Milk & Maple Syrup}~ like rice/tapioca pudding  33. Spinach, Tomato and Artichoke Dip  34. Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins  35. Crockpot Butter Ranch Chicken  36. Cucumber Melon Salt Scrub  37. Homemade Brownie Mix  38. Pork Tenderloin Paprikash  39. Chipotle Shrimp Tacos with Lime Sour Crema  40. Big List of Birthday FREEBIES  41. Turkey Curry  42. Hot Chocolate Cupcakes  43. CRISPY Baked Chicken Wings  44. The Perfect Cheesecake  45. Friendship Fruit Cake with Starter  46. Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet  47. Loaded Pimento Cheese  48. 21 Must Have Valentine's Day Recipes  49. Chicken Challenge Day 4: Lemon Chicken Stir Fry | 4 little Fergusons  50. Apple Cinnamon Graham Crackers  51. Chicken Challenge Day 3: One Pot Chicken Pasta Toss | 4 little Fergusons  52. Chicken Challenge Day 2: Cilantro Lime Chicken Bake | 4 little Fergusons  53. Chicken Challenge Day 1:Basil Cream Chicken Noodles |4littleFergusons  54. Spicy Garlic Green Beans  55. Fettuccine with Tomato Cream Sauce  56. Pan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes  57. Whole Wheat Penne with Eggplant Tomato Sauce  58. Zesty Pimento Cheese Spread  59. Bacon Pancake Dippers  60. Salmon Chopped Salad  61. Mixed Greens with Prosciutto, Figs, and Burrata  62. Rancher Beans  63. Hearts & Bows Cookies  64. Homemade Italian Seasoning  65. Buffalo Ranch Popcorn  66. Chocolate Oreo Sprinkle Donuts  67. Sweetheart Sunrise {non-alcoholic} Drink  68. Leftover Ham and Great Northern Beans  69. Red Velvet Squares with Cream Cheese Filling  70. ❤ Valentine’s Day Treats ❤  71. Doughnut Scones  72. 100 Crock Pot Dessert Recipes: Whole-Foods Style  73. Top Posts of 2013  74. Chocolate Granola-Crock Pot and Oven opts.  75. Sweet Tropical Green Smoothie  76. The Chewiest Granola Bars Ever=4 Ingredients  77. No Bake Oatmeal Cookie Bars  78. Quick & Easy Paleo Biscuits  79. Spiced Cookies  80. Pico de Gallo and Other Game-Day snacks  81. Mexican Chicken Soup  82. Chinese Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing  83. Date Bars  84. Lou Lou girls : Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers  85. Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup - MOMMY ON DEMAND  86. Easy-Chicken-Alfredo  87. Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole - MOMMY ON DEMAND  88. Cinnamon Polar Bear Cookies Recipe | Baking Beauty  89. PizzaDillas Recipe | Baking Beauty  90. Valentines Day Blossoms Recipe | Baking Beauty  91. Kitchen Basics 101: How To Make Brown Sugar - Robyn's View  92. Walking on Sunshine: Chocolate Chip PUDDING Cookies...  93. Grilled Chicken Thighs with Easy White Wine & Mushroom Sauce Recipe | Anyon  94. Crock Pot Smoked Turkey Chilli Recipe | Anyonita Nibbles  95. Fail-proof Pizza Dough Recipe | Anyonita Nibbles  96. Maille's Sherry & Mustard Braised Chicken with Confit Potato Recipe | Anyon  97. Dippin' Through January~ Rocky Road Brownie Batter Dip  98. Grilled Peanut Butter Honey Banana Waffle Sandwiches - Mom On Timeout  99. Cherry Almond Granola Bars - Mom On Timeout  100. Pear Ginger Cinnamon Oat Smoothie - Mom On Timeout  101. Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups - Mom On Timeout  102. Grandma's Sweet and Sour Meatballs - Mom On Timeout  103. Homemade Microwave Lemon Curd - Mom On Timeout  104. Cake Batter Chocolate Chip Cookies  105. Chocolate Cheesecake Pops  106. Turkey Feta Burger w/Chipotle Lime Mayo  107. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup  108. Frank's Red Hot Sauce Chicken Roll Ups  109. Super Bowl Party Menu and Tips  110. Italian Style Pot Roast | FunnyLove  111. Jalapeno Popper Dip | FunnyLove  112. Crepes A Dozen Ways  113. Thai Peanut Pasta {vegetarian} | FunnyLove  114. Curried Gnocchi with Roasted Vegetables {vegan} | FunnyLove  115. Smoky Tomato Soup {vegan} | FunnyLove  116. Crockpot Taco Chicken | FunnyLove  117. Bacon Brie Biscuit Bites | FunnyLove  118. Curry Chicken Dip | FunnyLove  119. Skinny Bites for Football  120. Easy Sesame Chicken {campbell’s} | FunnyLove  121. Chicken Stir Fry with Spicy Peanut Sauce  122. Skinnylightful Asian Chicken Broccoli Slaw Salad  123. Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake Bars  124. Cajun Chicken Alfredo  125. Pulled Pork  126. Glazed Baked Donuts  127. Butterscotch Apple Squares  128. Ice Cream Cake  129. Easy Ham and Broccoli Pasta  130. Baked Chicken Breasts in Gravy  131. Copy Cat Reese's Peanut Butter Cups  132. Rosemary Cheese Spread {with Fig Preserves}  133. Hearty Kielbasa Potato Soup  134. Valentine’s Day Petit Fours |  135. Valentine’s Conversation Heart Cheesecakes |  136. Creamy Chicken Pot Pie  137. Lime Meringue Pie  138. White Bean, Ham & Wild Rice Chowder  139. OREOS w/ Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting  140. Pico de Gallo (Salsa Fresca) | EGF  141. Sweet & Sour Pulled Chicken  142. chipotle CHOCOLATE chili  143. the BEST chocolate zucchini bread  144. Free Valentine's Printable  145. Easy Mexican Meatballs  146. Sharlotka: Russian Apple Cake  147. Cotton Candy Cookies  148. Boozy Chili (+Chili Bar)  149. Morning Apple Cake  150. Buffalo Chicken Salad  151. Mini Cherry Cheesecake Treats  152. Candy Cane Cupcakes  153. Chocolate & Peanut Butter Surprise Cupcakes  154. Pink Velvet Hot Chocolate  155. Cream Cheese Whipped Cream  156. Crumb Top Banana-Orange Bread  157. Homemade Beef Chow Mein  158. Brownie Pecan Pie  159. Buttermilk English Muffins  160. Pasta Pizza Casserole  161. Cherry Cordial Brownie Cookies  162. Sugar Cookie Waffle Sticks  163. Mushroom Quinoa Egg & Cheese Puffs  164. The Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Test  165. Cardamom Raspberry Rose Buns  166. 13 Bean Soup 'Hood Style  167. One Pot Pizza Pasta Bake  168. Baked Sweet & Sour Chicken  169. Just Add Water Chocolate Mug Cake Mix Recipe  170. Taffy Apple Tartlets  171. Mini Heart Shaped Pizzas  172. Crockpot Freezer Meal Recipes - Madame Deals, Inc.  173. DIY Craft: Finger Mitts Potholders - Madame Deals, Inc.  174. Dollar Store DIY: Lace Heart Bunting Valentine's Day Banner  175. Cherry-Flavored White Chocolate Hearts Recipe

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

​

3 Favorite Weight Watchers Salad/Desserts {Blast from the Past}

I always need help and inspiration to stick with healthier choices, so I wanted to share some of my favorite WW treats. 

If I can have something to satisfy my sweet tooth, I'm more likely to make better choices all around. 

This salad/dessert is only 3 simple ingredients and oh so delicious.  This post has been in the top 5 of my all-time list for traffic. An awesome dish to serve company too, and to anyone who has to watch sugar intake. 

Cherry Pie Fluff

I looooooove these ooey gooey brownies. You will too. 

Gooey Caramel Coconut Brownies

Made with fat free yogurt, this salad/dessert is sure to please!

Watergate Salad {WW}

​

Chicken (Or Turkey) Divan Squares

This yummy recipe was given to me by a friend many years ago.

(Thank you Betty!)

I love the crescent roll crust.  Easy to make and quick to be gobbled up. 

I have always loved ONE-DISH MEALS. 

I keep cooked, cubed chicken in the freezer to be able to whip up dishes like this in no time.

This would be wonderful with leftover turkey also! 

Add broccoli, soup, onion, mayo and cheese - MMM good!

Enjoy every yummy bite!! 

CHICKEN DIVAN SQUARES

1 (8 ozs) can crescent rolls

2 c. broccoli, cooked but crisp

1-1/2 c. cubed cooked chicken (or turkey)

1/2 c. mayonnaise

1/4 c. onion, chopped fine

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 (10-3/4 ozs) can cream of chicken soup

2 ozs. jar chopped pimento, drained, optional

4 ozs. shredded cheddar cheese

Heat oven to 375*. Unroll dough into 2 long rectangles. Press into ungreased 9” x 13” baking dish, pressing up the sides to form crust. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven; distribute broccoli and chicken evenly over crust.

In large bowl, combine mayo, onion, mustard, soup and pimento. Spoon evenly over chicken; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 15 – 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Yield: about 8 servings

If you like this recipe, you may also like 
Mini Chicken Pot Pies (made with canned biscuits)

Linked to Weekend Potluck              Meal Plan Monday

Lazy 'Healthier' Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls

I made these when I needed something quick over the holidays and wanted to use up the last of the cereal in the box of Rice Krispies.

They turned out great....very tasty. A little 'sticky'...which I LOVE!

And I loved being able to use agave nectar instead of the honey called for in the recipe. (agave nectar doesn't spike sugars like honey does). 

I figure they are good enough for when I'm eating 'lighter' too.  They certainly satisfy a sweet tooth!

Honey (or agave nectar), peanut butter, rice krispies and (un)salted peanuts!

All Good-For-You stuff right?

Try them soon...they made a lot of little mini cupcake liners-full.

Or use large liners. Or press them into a greased 9" X 12" pan.

Either way, they'll be gone in no time at all. 

I saw this recipe at Recipe Lion - 21 No Bake Desserts

If you like this recipe, you may also like my Cake Batter Rice Krispy Treats

LAZY 'HEALTHIER' PEANUT BUTTER RICE KRISPIE BALLS (NO BAKE)

3/4 c. honey (or agave nectar)

1 c. (natural) peanut butter

1 tsp. vanilla

3 c. Rice Krispies cereal

1 c. salted peanuts, chopped (optional)

Line cupcake pans with paper liners (use minis or regular size). (I sprayed mine lightly with non cooking spray). 

In medium saucepan, combine honey and peanut butter; heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; add vanilla.  Add Rice Krispies and peanuts. Stir until well combined.

Place about 2 Tb. cereal mixture into cupcake liners until filled; cool to room temp.  

Scarf and enjoy!

Add mini chocolate chips if you'd like (I would freeze them first so they don't melt so quickly).  Or drizzle tops with melted chocolate. 

Linked to 
Foodie Friends Friday - Peanut Butter
Weekend Potluck

Welcome to our #100 Weekend Potluck Party...and a Big Giveaway!!!

WHOOP! WHOOP! & VIRTUAL CARTWHEELS!!! 

#100!!!!!!!!!!!!

WELCOME TO OUR SPECIAL CELEBRATION 'ISSUE' OF WEEKEND POTLUCK!  

The last 99 linky parties have been amazing and we know that this weekend will not be any different because of the wonderful recipes always dropped off at our table, but as we considered a way to celebrate, we decided that a birthday deserves presents and the gifts will be awarded to ONE of you!

Enter to win a Cookbook Library valued at over $160!

This prize bundle includes:

• The Casserole Queens Make-a-Meal Cookbook: Mix and Match 100 Casseroles, Salads, Sides, and Desserts
• Come Home to Supper: Over 200 Casseroles, Skillets, and Sides (Desserts, Too!) to Feed Your Family with Love
• The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food from My Frontier
• Taste of Home GRAND PRIZE WINNERS
• Martha Stewart's Cupcakes: 175 Inspired Ideas for Everyone's Favorite Treat

And...

• Kitchenaid 5 Speed Hand Mixer - Empire Red

**You have several options for entering using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!**

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

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

Top Ten Recipes 2013 by Miz Helen's Country Cottage

Recipes that caught our attention ~

Ground Beef Taco Pie by Hot Eats and Cool Reads

Blueberry Ice Cream Bread by Living Better Together

And, a personal favorite ~

Homemade Energy Snack Bar by Call Me PC

Your hostesses ~

• Frugal Family Favorites ~ Tabitha
• 4 Little Fergusons~ Tonya
• The Country Cook~ Brandie
• Sunflower Supper Club ~ Kim & Julie
• The Better Baker ~ Marsha

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. (Need help linking back? Read this or watch this great instructional videoPlease use a direct link within your post.

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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1. Cuban Black Beans  2. Bacon Chicken Jalapeno Dip  3. Homemade Slow Cooker Barbecue Sauce  4. Decadent Crawfish Mac and Cheese  5. Valentine Dessert  6. Moist Chocolate Banana Bread  7. Coffee and Chocolate Pudding  8. White Chocolate Fluff  9. Skinny Peanut Butter Granola Bites  10. Roasted Red Pepper and Asparagus Quinoa  11. White Chocolate Caramel Granola Bars  12. Winter Minestrone  13. Veggie potstickers w/chili ginger dipping sauce  14. Creole Black Eye Peas and Rice  15. Black Bean and Corn Salsa  16. Turkey Gemelli Soup  17. Flat Bread  18. 25 Healthy Dinners  19. Single-Serving Apple Spice Cake  20. Sausage, Egg & Biscuit Casserole with Gravy  21. Classic French Dip Sandwiches  22. Creamy Turkey Mushroom Spaghetti  23. Creamy Chicken & Noodle Casserole  24. Best Green Smoothie  25. Slow Cooker German Lentil Soup with Sausage  26. Favorite Hot Apple Cider  27. Penne Pasta with Vodka Basil Sauce  28. Noodles & Company Inspired Parmesan Crusted Chicken  29. Raspberry Lemonade Moscato Punch  30. Cinnamon Roll Bites  31. Chicken & Corn Chowder  32. Strawberry Chocolate Poke Cake  33. Daube Glace'  34. Chocolate Mallomar Marshmallow Bar  35. Rocky Road Dip  36. Warm Pimiento Cheese Dip  37. Mashed Potato Supreme  38. Southwest Chicken Soup  39. Pasta O's w/ Mini Chicken Pesto Meatballs  40. Ramen Vegetable Soup  41. Marmarítes  42. Sweet Potato Cups  43. Choo Choo Cabbage and Ham Soup  44. Chess Pie for the Holidays  45. Pasta Fagioli Soup  46. Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies  47. Honey Oatmeal Cookies with Dark Chocolate  48. 30+ Party Friendly Appetizers  49. Stuffed Chicken Marsala  50. Parmesan Chicken Roll Ups  51. Skinny Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate  52. Homemade Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup  53. Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie Stew  54. Hash Brown Potato Soup  55. Cooking for a Month - Recipes and Grocery List  56. Crock Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup {Low Carb}  57. Winter Energy Cookies  58. Chocolate Pound Cake  59. Churros Poppers  60. White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn  61. Homemade Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza  62. Snickers Bar Chunks Cheesecake  63. Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole - MOMMY ON DEMAND  64. Taco Stroganoff - MOMMY ON DEMAND  65. Chocolate Andes Mint Pudding Cookies - MOMMY ON DE  66. Baked Donuts  67. Strawberry Rollups Recipe and Tutorial - Moms & Mu  68. Holy Cow Brownies  69. I Thee Cook: Alice Springs Chicken  70. Lemony Lentil Soup  71. I Thee Cook: Sausage Paella  72. I Thee Cook: Lobster Alfredo  73. Chicken Pot Pie Soup  74. Rosemary Olive Oil Bread  75. Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip  76. Oreo Ice Cream Pie | The Pajama Chef  77. Crockpot Carnitas  78. Easy Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo  79. Crock Pot Cheddar Potato Soup  80. Mexican Black Bean "Lasagna"  81. Dark Chocolate Sheet Cake  82. Christine@ Apple of My Eye  83. Whole Wheat Cast Iron Skillet Biscuits  84. Orangesicle Fruit Dip  85. Chicken Quinoa Vegetable Soup  86. Fluffy Cornmeal Pancakes  87. Stick of Butter Rice  88. One Skillet Baked Spaghetti  89. Buffalo Style Mozzarella Pork Chops  90. No Bake Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites  91. Beef or Venison Pot Pie  92. Cooking with K Best of 2013  93. Marinated Cheese Bites  94. PB & J Green Smoothie  95. Hot Cheesy Corn Dip  96. Mississippi Mud Pie |  97. Mac n Cheese Cupcakes  98. Easy Dinner Ideas  99. Slow Cooker Chili  100. Inside Out S'more Brownies  101. Italian Meat Sauce  102. Skinny Pizza Bites  103. Crock-Pot Skinny Cranberry Chicken  104. Hearty Turkey Chili Recipe  105. Slow Cooker 3 Ingredient Mexican Chicken  106. Strawberry Quinoa Salad  107. 15 Guilt Free Low Carb Recipes  108. Easy Black Forest Cake  109. Broccoli Mushroom and Brown Rice Casserole  110. Kitchen Basics 101: Making Half a Recipe -  111. Walking on Sunshine: Pasta with Vodka Sauce; 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a Rafflecopter giveaway



Giveaway details and legal mumbo-jumbo: No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited. The giveaway will remain open until Tuesday, January 14th at 11:59 PM CST. Winners are selected by random through the Rafflecopter widget. The entire bundle will be awarded to one winner and that person will be notified by email within 24 hours of the giveaway's closing. The winner then has 48 hours to reply before forfeiting the prize to another winner. Each Weekend Potluck hostess donated one cookbook and purchased the KitchenAid Hand Mixer collaboratively. Opinions are 100% our own.

3 "Healthy Choice" Beverages {Blast from the Past}

Just like the kind at the mall, only better! Think...Creamsicle! 

Copycat Orange Julius (WW Points)

You'll think you're sitting under swaying palm trees when you enjoy this tasty treat!!

Lowfat Pina Colada Smoothie (No sugar added)

You'll never know the flaxseeds are there - they add high protein & fiber. 

The banana/blueberry combo is delightful!

Blueberry Banana Flaxseed Smooothie

​

Chicken & Corn Chowder

This fabulous soup reminds me of one of my favorites...

Cheesey Chicken Chowder
It's creamy, thick and so satisfying! 

This one is sooo smooth because it has the addition of corn in it, and 
I love it! 

Another winning recipe found at Mommy's Kitchen...you can never go wrong trying Tina's amazing recipes!

I added some fresh ground garlic & black pepper, some chicken soup base and some Velveeta to snazz things up a bit!  

A comforting soup...and it's right up my taste bud alley. I never have to doubt it'll be delicious when I find recipes at Tina's kitchen.

Serve with cornbread muffins or cheese and crackers.

Your family will want seconds...maybe even thirds!

CHICKEN & CORN CHOWDER 

2 Tb. butter

3 Tb. flour

3-4 c. (low sodium) chicken broth

(or a 32 ozs. container) 

1 tsp. chicken soup base (or 2 bouillon cubes), optional

(I omitted salt because I used the soup base)

1/2 c. onion, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 carrot, peeled, chopped

2 c. potatoes, peeled, & cubed

2-1/2 c. frozen yellow corn

2 c. cooked chicken, diced

6 or 7 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled, divided

1/2 tsp. ground thyme

1 tsp. (freshly ground) garlic & pepper

1 tsp. minced garlic 

salt to taste, optional

1 c. milk

1 c. half and half  

(cubed Velveeta, optional)

In large Dutch oven, melted butter; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook until mixture is light brown in color. 

Add broth, onions, celery, carrots, potatoes, corn, chicken, half the bacon,

spices and milk. Bring to a boil. 

Reduce temperature and simmer on low for 20 - 25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Stir now and then to avoid sticking. 

When veggies are cooked tender, reduce heat to warm; stir in 1/2 & 1/2; blend well.  If adding Velveeta, add now and heat until melted. 

Serve soup with crumbled bacon and a little shredded cheddar cheese for garnish. 

Yield: about 8 servings 

Linked to Weekend Potluck
GBP Roundup - Simmering on Stove?
Meal Plan Monday

Buttermilk Creamsicle Salad (Lighter Options)

Trust your new year is off to a good start.  I'm hoping to share a few more than usual 'lighter fare' this month, along with the usual. 

Oh what a great addition this dish is to any meal. No one will know it's a 
'lighter choice'.

Simple & easy...you can choose to use (or not) sugar free jello & sweetener, along with low fat buttermilk and lite cool whip!

YUUMMMM-O!  This will go quickly. 

This recipe reminds me of my ever popular Dreamsicle Salad, but this recipe includes lowfat buttermilk. 

I also love that this dish can be made up to 24 hours ahead of serving.

It's another one of Tina's amazing recipes at Mommy's Kitchen
I've made soooo many of her recipes and we always love them. 
Please go check her out, and be sure to tell her I sent you over. 

BUTTERMILK CREAMSICLE SALAD

1 (15 ozs.) can mandarin orange segments, separated (save juice)
2 (3 ozs) boxes or 1 lg. orange jello
2 Tb. sugar/sweetner of choice
1-3/4 c. lowfat buttermilk
(I suggest using the real thing, not a substitute for best results)
1 (8 ozs) container lite frozen whipped topping, thawed

In small saucepan, heat the saved orange juice with the sugar, heating until sugar is dissolved. Add jello and stir well. Remove from heat; allow mixture to come to room temp. Chop the mandarin oranges and add to the jello (setting aside at least 5 orange segments for garnish). 

Add jello and orange mixture to a large bowl; add buttermilk; stir to blend. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Fold in the whipped topping, stirring until blended smoothly. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight. 

Just before serving, top salad with remaining orange segments. 
  

 

Best TBB's Recipes of 2013!!

These posts had the most traffic and comments over the year...you know they gotta be tasty!!! 

Only FOUR ingredients! And oh so fluffy! 

Killer 7-Up Biscuits

Delicious and so easy to prepare! Make ahead and freeze!

Weight Watchers Butterfinger Dessert 

Real Easy! Mix a batter, spread the pie filling over

top - WALA!  Scarf down.  Sugar free options here. 

Lazy Day Cobbler 

A most favorite breakfast! Coat with coconut and cornflakes...

fry it up like usual.  We eat this with our fingers because

we don't need syrup with it.  LOVE this! 

(Don't like coconut?  Just omit!)

 Crunchy Crust French Toast

 A Simple, and Simply Delicious Soup!

 Simple Cheesey Hamburger Soup

One of my most favorite things to do is 'dress up' a cake mix! 

Orange Dreamsicle Cake 

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE & ALL!

Dear Friends, Facebook Fans & Followers -

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 

Wishing you the very best in 2014!

I look forward to getting to know you better as we spend time 

in the kitchen together!!!!!