Crockpot Hot Fudge (Peanut Butter) Cake

CALLING ALL CHOCOLATE LOVERS!! 

I've had a long standing 'affair' with chocolate.  This scrumptious recipe is moist and awesome!!! Use peanut butter or chocolate chips...your choice.  Just pour boiling water over the top and let it cook.  

A.MA.ZING! and INCRED.I.BLE!

This would be fabulous for Valentine's Day or for Super Bowl Sunday, or...or....

anytime is good to enjoy this fantastic dessert. 

YOU'RE WELCOME!!! 

CROCKPOT HOT FUDGE (PEANUT BUTTER) CAKE 

1-1/2 c. packed brown sugar, divided

1 c. all purpose flour

6 TB. baking cocoa, divided

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. milk

2 TB. butter, melted

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1-1/2 c. semisweet chocolate (or peanut butter) chips

1-3/4 c. boiling water

vanilla ice cream for serving

Coat a 3-qt.crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. In a bowl, combine 1 c. brown sugar, flour, 3 Tb.cocoa, baking powder and salt.  In another bowl,combine milk, butter, and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients just until combined. Spread evenly into prepared crockpot. Sprinkle with chocolate (or peanut butter) chips. In a bowl, combine remaining brown sugar (1/2 c.) and baking cocoa (3 TB.); stir in boiling water. Pour over batter; DO NOT STIR. Cover and cook on high for about 4 hours or until a toothpick inserted near center of cake comes out clean. Allow to set 15 minutes, covered, before serving. Serve warm with ice cream. Yield: 6-8 servings (Hint: lay a couple of paper towels over top of crockpot before placing on lid to catch any moisture).

Linked to 
            Weekend Potluck
           Whatcha Crockin Wednesday
Meal Plan Monday

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Choco-Liscious Chocolate Cream Pie

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Chili Cheese Dip {2 Ingredients}

I know this is an old classic, and everyone has their favorite version, but I didn't have it on my blog, and wanted to add it to keep it handy.

But it's perfect for the upcoming Super Bowl Game...

I hosted our kids and families for appetizers and desserts the Saturday after Christmas and this was certainly very quick & easy to prepare. 

Only 2 simple ingredients and just a few minutes and this tasty dip can be ready to enjoy.

Use jalapeno or Mexican flavored velveeta for a special 'kick'.

Chunk up your cheese, open a can of chili (with or without beans) toss it in, microwave and stir!

I added mine to a crockpot so it would stay warm...

Simple De-Lish!!! 

CHILI CHEESE DIP (2 Ingredients)

1 # Velveeta, chunked

(I used 2% and it worked great)

1 (15 ozs) can chili, with or without beans

Place cheese and chili in large microwave safe bowl.  Microwave on high for 4 - 5 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes, then continuing to stir after time alloted until mixture is blended and cheese has melted.  Add to crockpot to keep warm on low if desired. 

Serve with tortilla chips, Ritz toasted chips or even assorted fresh veggies. 

Yield: about 8 - 10 servings 

Any way you serve it, it will be a hit!!! 

Linked to Weekend Potluck

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White Chili Dip

(3 Ingredients)

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No Weekend Potluck here today....

Sorry - NO Weekend Potluck here today....we're having services this weekend to celebrate my dear 89-yr old dad's HOMEgoing on Tuesday...I will plan to be back Friday.

Check out one of my co-hostesses (links below)...and hope you'll return next week!

Thanks much for your love, support and prayers! 

We rejoice in a life well lived...he showered everyone he knew with love!

I already miss hearing him tell me I'm his favorite daughter. (Of course, I'm his ONLY daughter!;) 

Sunflower Supper Club ~ Kim & Julie
Frugal Family Favorites ~ Tabitha
Sweet Little Bluebird~ Mary
The Country Cook~ Brandie

​

3 Wonderful Weight Watchers Desserts {Blast from the Past}

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}

BEST EVER Green Bean Casserole

I know....everyone makes green bean casseroles.  But all casseroles are not the same.

This one is 'special' for a number of reasons...

I think you get the best taste with the best quality...be sure to use name brand soup.  And french fried onions (or make homemade - click here for my recipe). 

This one also has cheese and a few spices like...garlic and onion powder. 

It goes together very quickly...and is gone just as fast. 

Since my son prefers the french cut green beans, that's what I used, but regular cut works just as good too. Use whatever your family prefers.  

You can opt to add some chopped water chestnuts for crunch (a partial can) or even some fresh cooked bacon. Add all the cheese to the casserole and only onions on top...whatever turns your crank. 

Go for it!

BEST EVER GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE 

2 (14 ozs) cans green beans, drained 

(cut or french cut)

1 (10.75 ozs) can Campbell's cream of mushroom soup

1/3 c. milk

garlic and onion powder to taste

(about 1/4 tsp. each) 

1 (6 ozs) can french fried onions 

1 c. shredded cheddar (or cojack) cheese, optional

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly spray 1-1/2 qt. casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. 

In large bowl, combine drained green beans, soup, milk, spices and half the onions and half the cheese.  (Heat in the microwave 3 - 5 minutes to cut back on baking time if desired). 

Bake in oven for 25 minutes (if you microwaved first, bake for 15 minutes). Remove from oven - top with remaining cheese, then top with french fried onions.  Bake another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. 

Yield: about 6 servings 

Linked to Weekend Potluck

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Homemade French Fried Onions

I had decided to make green bean casserole for our Christmas meal with our kids and families.

I searched and searched for that can of French fried onions that I knew I had...somewhere.

(It's hard to know just where every thing is after you've moved, you know?)

Well, what I found was a SMALL can...and I wanted a large one.

Knowing I had just purchased a 3# bag of onions, I went to good ole Google to see how hard it might be to make my own.

I couldn't resist - a very simple process and I HAD to try it.

Now I rarely ever fry anything, but if this process was going to give me what I wanted from the can, then I figured I would splurge.

Easy enough!  And we all thought they tasted GREAT!
And NO preservatives!!

If you decide to explore google, there are options...you can bake them, or even make them gluten free! 

This recipe was just what I wanted, and it didn't take long to prepare as I needed them within a couple of hours of making the casserole.  (And wanted the mess cleaned up before our meal too). 

I only used 1 onion and it was plenty for my need. 

HOMEMADE FRENCH FRIED ONIONS 

2 lg. onions, sliced into very thin rings

(I used a mandoline type slicer)

2 c. milk or buttermilk

2 c. all purpose flour

salt & pepper

oil for frying 

Soak onion slices in milk for 5 - 30 minutes.

Heat oil in large skillet or deep fryer. (You'll want it at least 1/2" deep) 

I used tongs to remove a handful of onions from the milk and drop them into the flour; toss to coat. Fry in batches, stirring as needed. Drain on paper towels. They'll crisp up very quickly.  Crumble when cool and use in green bean casserole or to coat chicken....or just to enjoy plain.  MMM! 

Linked to Weekend Potluck

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Homemade Ice Packs

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Leader Enterprise - January 7, 2015 - Eating Right on a Budget

 Today at 1:55 PM

Happy 2015! I am so fond of the quote that says "Life is like a roll of toilet paper, the closer you get to the end,the faster it goes". Whoever came up with that one knew what they were talking about!

Three Bean Turkey Chili (Crockpot)

I decided this is a good time to share ideas to help you eat right when the budget is tight. Why does it seem that everything that's good for you costs more? While sometimes that is just fact, there are ways to help you eat healthy without breaking the bank. Start by establishing one new healthy habit, then one by one, add more. There are many creative ways to enjoy the foods we love while being good stewards of our food budget and our family's health. Enjoy choosing wisely! 

Detour the Snack Aisles: Take all the money you would spend on candy,chips and cookies,and spend it on fruits and vegetables instead. They are perfect for snacking, and loaded with fiber, so they'll fill you up faster than 'empty'calorie-laden snacks.

Eat more Beans: Beans are dirt cheap and a very healthy food. Loaded with nutrition, they're great for lowering both cholesterol and blood pressure. Did you know they also help keep your blood sugar steady thanks to a low glycemic index? Add beans to a salad for a protein boost. Make a big pot of bean soup,divide it into portions and freeze half of it. Using dried beans, you can prepare delicious meals for pennies.

Cut back on Meat Portions: Limit your meat intake by sharing a steak and filling the rest of your plate with vegetables and grains. Eat one pork chop instead of two. Stop'supersizing'.Stock up on whole chickens and turkeys when on sale. Freeze cooked portions for sandwiches, soups and casseroles. 

Enjoy More Whole-Grain Pasta: Yes,it 'seems'to cost more, but you can purchase the same amount of whole grain pasta vs. white pasta and in the long run, it will serve more people because it helps'fill you up'faster.

Eat More Oatmeal:Packed with soluble fiber and healthy carbohydrates,oatmeal has a number of key health benefits. From curbing appetite to reducing cholesterol, eating more oatmeal is a simple way to boost health.

Surrender Sweets: You don't have to totally give up sweets to tighten your budget and your waistline too. Just pace yourself and don't eat it every day. Serve a scoop of ice cream in a smaller bowl or mug. Or enjoy a (diet) soda with a little ice cream to make a float and your sweet tooth craving can be satisfied.

This is a wonderful filling chili. Look for low sodium ingredients.

CROCKPOT THREE BEAN TURKEY CHILI 

1/2 lb. ground turkey

1-28 ozs. can diced tomatoes, undrained

1-16 ozs. jar chunky salsa

1-15 ozs. can black beans,rinsed

1-15 ozs. can kidney beans,rinsed

1-15 ozs. can great northern beans,rinsed

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 pkg. (7 ozs) 2% milk shredded cheddar cheese

Cook turkey in large saucepan on medium-high heat 10 minutes or until no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Add to slow cooker with all remaining ingredients except cheese and crackers; stir. Cover with lid. Cook on high 2-3 hours(or low for 4-5 hours). Spoon into bowls; top with cheese.Serve with crackers. 

I'm wild about oatmeal, and this special tasty combo of flavors did not disappoint. It keeps in the fridge for several days. Make ahead and warm for a quick and healthy breakfast, or bedtime snack. Topping it with a nut butter helps boosts protein. 

Healthy Cookie Dough Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

HEALTHY COOKIE DOUGH PUMPKIN BAKED OATMEAL 

2 c. rolled oats 

1/2 tsp. salt, scant 

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice OR additional cinnamon

4 packets stevia or 1/3 c. pure maple syrup

1-1/3 c. pureed pumpkin 

2/3 c. milk of choice (cut back to 1/3 c. if using maple syrup)

2 Tb. oil or or more milk of choice 

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

optional 1/2 c.chocolate chips, plus more for the top if desired

Grease an 8" x 8" square pan. Set aside. Preheat oven to 380*F. In a large mixing bowl, stir together all dry ingredients, then add all remaining ingredients. Smooth evenly into the prepared pan, sprinkle chips on top if desired, and press down with a spoon. Bake 24 minutes, then let set in a closed oven 20 minutes with the heat turned off. Top with syrup, or nut or coconut butter.MMMM! 

SKINNY SKILLET LASAGNA 

1 lb. extra lean ground beef

1 Tb. fresh garlic, minced

1-1/2 c. mushrooms, sliced

1 c. onions, chopped

1 c. zucchini, chopped

(I used frozen from my freezer)

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes, optional

1/4 tsp. salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

6 whole wheat or whole grain lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces

23 - 26 ounces jarred pasta or marinara sauce

(I use Prego’s Heart Smart) 

2 c. water

3/4 c. fat-free cottage cheese

1/2 c. light mozarella cheese,shredded

Cook ground beef in a large nonstick skillet or pan over medium-high heat, breaking into pieces until almost cooked through, about 4 minutes. No need to drain meat if using extra lean beef.If not,drain meat and return to skillet. Stir in garlic, mushrooms, onions, zucchini, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until vegetables are soft. Stir often. Sprinkle broken lasagna noodles into the skillet, then pour in pasta sauce and water over top.

Cover and cook, adjusting heat as necessary to maintain a vigorous simmer, until noodles are tender (about 20 minutes). Remove skillet from heat. Dot tablespoons of cottage cheese over noodles then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover and let skillet stand off heat until the cheeses melt (about 5 minutes) (or add cheese directly to sauce). Serves 8 (about 1 cup each).

I would love to have you stop by my blog. With over 1200 recipes there, many of them being 'healthy choices' ,you're sure to find something you'd like to try. www.thebetterbaker.blogspot.com. Using the search engine in the top left corner makes it easy to find what you're looking for. 

Here's to a happy healthy new year!

1-Minute Healthy Breakfast Cookie & Weekend Potluck #152

WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK! 

AND...

When I share something worth sharing...again...

What a perfect way to begin the day! This quick breakfast has Greek yogurt, flax seed meal, whole wheat flour, peanut butter, chocolate, and more! YUM! 

Mix up dry ingredients the night before for a faster mix in the AM. 

1-Minute Healthy Deep Dish Breakfast "Cupcake" Cookie

Before we head over to the party, I want to tell you today is our Brandie's 
(AKA - The Country Cook) birthday...hop on over to her blog (link below) and surprise her with birthday wishes today...she'll love it, and I will too.  She's a very dear lady. 

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

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

Cherry Fluff Salad by The Kitchen is My Playground

Recipes that caught our attention ~

Seasoned Oyster Crackers by Year-Round Giving

Snickerdoodle Bread by Kitty’s Kozy Kitchen

And, a personal favorite ~

Buttery Crescent Rolls by Gentle Joy Homemaker

Your hostesses ~

• Sunflower Supper Club ~ Kim & Julie
• The Better Baker ~ Marsha
• Frugal Family Favorites ~ Tabitha
• Sweet Little Bluebird~ Mary
• The Country Cook~ Brandie

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