Easy Taco Pie & Weekend Potluck #54

WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK!

AND...

This fabulously easy and wonderfully tasty dish will satisfy your family's hunger.  Crescent rolls make this a simple dish to prepare on a busy evening. 

Easy Taco Pie

Just a little reminder....I am off on a getaway with hubby and won't be hosting Weekend Potluck for short while. I will miss you all and look forward to reconnecting with you when I'm home.  Do hope you'll link up at one of the other blogs!

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

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

”Fried” Ice Cream by Everyday Mom’s Meals

Recipes that caught our attention ~

Strawberry Lemonade Bars by Turnips to Tangerines

Mexican Lasagna by Julie’s Eats & Treats

And, a personal favorite ~

Chocolate Fondue by IN CINDY'S KITCHEN

If you were featured this week, please snag the button below and wear it proudly...=)

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Your hostesses ~

• Sunflower Supper Club ~ Kim & Julie
• 4 Little Fergusons~ Tonya
• The Country Cook~ Brandie
• Mommy Time Party ~ Tabitha
• 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 video.) You can use the button below or 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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Guest Post: DJ's Sugar Shack - Chocolate Bread Pudding for Two

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE! 

I'm tickled to have my friend Dawn from DJ's Sugar Shack sharing a guest post today...a chocolate-y treat for two.   We crossed paths somewhere in BlogLand a while back and were quick to connect.  She lives in Alaska and I use to. That's always fun.  Thanks so much for sharing Dawn! 

Take 'er away....


Hi Everyone! I'm Dawn and I like to share my adventures in baking & other sweet treats over at DJ's Sugar Shack. I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be sharing a recipe here today. I absolutely love to stalk Marsha's blog:) I've made several of her recipes and have never been disappointed.



I'm originally from New Orleans, but ended up moving to Alaska after college. I took a summer job in Denali National Park and I'm still here 12 years later. My love for cooking and baking developed some time after I moved to Alaska. Looking back, I think I was missing good old N'awlins cooking and decided it was time to figure out a way to make it myself. My grand-parents are excellent cooks; they taught me to cook many of my favorite dishes over the phone, via letters and when I visit.

Today I will be sharing Chocolate Bread Pudding for Two.

This has been on my "to-do" list for quite a while and boy have I been missing out. This dessert was so rich and chocolatey. I used Sweet Hawaiian Bread & I think that might be what made this so delicious. That and the Kahlua, yummy. Thankfully, this recipe only mades two servings. If it had made more, I don't know how I would have resisted eating several helpings.

Look at all that ooey-gooey chocolatey goodness.

Chocolate Bread Pudding for Two

Adapted from Cooking Light

Ingredients:

• 5-6 slices cubed Hawaiian sweet bread (other sweet breads can be substituted)
• 2/3 cup 2% reduced-fat milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
• 2 tablespoon Kahlua
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 ounce dark chocolate, coarsely chopped

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Cut the Hawaiian sweet bread in to cubes. Place bread on baking sheet, in a single layer. Put in oven for 5 minutes, just long enough to toast the bread.
• Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees
• In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, cocoa, Kahlua. vanilla extract, almond extract & egg. Add bread to mixture & toss lightly to coat bread. Cover and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.
• Spray 2 ramekins with cooking spray.
• Divide half of the bread mixture between the two ramekins and sprinkle with half the chopped chocolate. Divide remaining bread mixture between the ramekins. Top each with half of the remaining chocolate.
• Place ramekins in an 8x8 baking pan. Fill pan with hot water. There should be about 1 inch of water in the pan
• Bake for 35 minutes or until set.
• Serve warm.
• Optional- top with whipped cream or fresh berries.

Big thanks to Marsha for having me today!

I would love it if some of you stopped by DJ's Sugar Shack to check out the fun treats I'm whipping up.

(As I wipe the drool from my chin...) 

Thanks so much Dawn....

Marsha 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Coconut Granola Bites {Honey Sweetened}

You can already tell these will be a sweet treat by the name, right? 

Easy to make and delicious to enjoy. No added refined sugar....
just some honey for your Honey.

These 'healthier' treats will turn a frown upside down anyday! 

I found the recipe at Dawn's DJ's Sugar Shack. She added the coconut to the recipe, so I decided to use coconut oil instead of the called canola oil. 

I love simple and quick recipes like this one that everyone will go wild over!

Using only 6 simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Your family will be so surprised and love you for making these treats today. 

CHOCOLATE PB COCONUT GRANOLA BITES
{Honey Sweetened}

1/2 c. peanut butter

1/3 c. honey

1/4 c. coconut oil

2 c. quick oats

1 c. semi sweet chocolate chips

1/2 c. shredded (unsweetened) coconut 

Line 24 mini muffin cups with papers. 

In medium saucepan, over medium heat, stir peanut butter, honey and oil together. Heat until the peanut butter is melted; continue to stir until mixture is smooth. 

Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips.  When they are mostly melted, stir in oats and coconut. Scoop mixture into paper liners. 

I taste tested one within a few minutes, but if you are impatient, you can freeze them for 10 minutes or so before eating. 

  Linked to Foodie Friends Friday               Weekend Potluck

Skinny Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Glaze {WW Points}

WEEK.....
It's going to be a week of Chocolate-y, Sweet Treats at the Better Baker!! 

These tasty treats are super moist and chocolate-y!

Even Fudge-y!  
My sister-in-love, Vicki, shared these on her Facebook page and I made them the very next day.  
Using a cake mix, instant pudding, pumpkin and water...you will enjoy these quick-to-make snack.  Weight Watchers Points included. 

They are sooo good after they're chilled too.  I shared some with a friend who is a calorie-counter also, and she LOVED them. 
A great treat without all the added fat to make for your family and those you love. 
After all, chocolate DOES say L-O-V-E, don't you agree? 

SKINNY CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES WITH CHOC GLAZE  1 - 18 ozs. dark chocolate fudge cake mix 1.3 oz. sugar free/fat free instant chocolate pudding
1 c. canned pumpkin  (not the whole can) 1-1/3 c. water
Preheat oven to 350.  Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners - spray with nonstick spray for easy cleanup, but not necessary.  Mix above ingredients together until smooth. (I mixed it by hand). Divide evenly between 24 muffin cups - bake 25 - 28 minutes. 
When cool, frost with glaze if desired.  Trust me, they are plenty good without the glaze. 
Chocolate Glaze: 
1/2 c. powdered sugar
1 Tb. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 - 1 Tb. 1% milk
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
pinch of salt  Serving size: 1 cupcake 

WW (Old) Points = 2
WW Points + = 3
Calories = 104.6, Fat = 2.3 gr., Protein = 1.2 gr., Carb = 20.2, Fiber 1.4 gr. 
Sugar = 12.3, Sodium = 288.5 

  Linked to Foodie Friends Friday              Weekend Potluck Gooseberry Patch Roundup - Pumpkin

German Chocolate Bars & Weekend Potluck #53

WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK! 

AND...

When I share something worth sharing...again 

This irresistible treat is one of my very favorites.

Only FIVE ingredients to whip up this amazing chocolate! bar.

(including a cake mix and a tub of coconut-pecan frosting!!) 

What a great way to show someone you love them by mixing up this easy 

and luscious dessert! 

{Ooey Gooey} German Chocolate Bars

AND A HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO YOU TOO! 

This is my very favorite holiday. May you enjoy a sweet day from beginning to end. I have never believed this special day was just for sweethearts.  We all have someone beloved in our lives...Whether it's a parent or sibling, a cousin or friend - Take time to let someone know you love and care about them this holiday. 

On with the show....we are always excited to see what kind of awesome creations you bring to our table.  We extend a warm welcome to you all, whether you're a newcomer, or have been sharing at our table for some time, please know we are very happy you're here today! 

Now, let's take a quick peek back at last week...
And just look at those first 2 features will you....I guess you could say we were on a 'roll' this week! (teehee)

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

Crock Pot Hot Rolls by Kelli’s Retro Kitchen Arts

Recipes that caught our attention ~

                                                 Rhonda Rolls by On The Home Front

                                        Valentine’s Swirl Cake by Julie’s Eats and Treats

And, a personal favorite ~

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts or Pineapple Chunks by 

Baking & Cooking, A Tale of Two Loves 

If you were featured this week, please remember to snag your Featured Button below....

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Your hostesses ~

• The Better Baker ~ Marsha
• Sunflower Supper Club ~ Kim & Julie
• 4 Little Fergusons~ Tonya
• The Country Cook~ Brandie
• Mommy Time Party ~ 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.
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 video.) You can use the button below or 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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Simple Sugar Scrubs (Coconut & Coffee) MMM good!

I made these yummy softening scrubs and gave as Christmas gifts. 

The coffee scrub is wonderful for anyone who loves coffee...(or whose husband loves coffee!) and the coconut smells oh so wonderful too. 

I couldn't imagine these scrubs would be SO easy to make. Mix them up, put them in a jar or lidded container, add a bow and you've got a great gift to give. 

I was so pleased to find these deliciously easy recipes at Robyn's View. 

These would be an awesome no-cal 'sweet' to give for Valentine's Day. 

I keep mine in the shower and love the softness they give.

Place them in a glass jar or plastic container - tie with a bow and 
you're all set for gift giving. 

Coconut Sugar Scrub

1 c. white sugar

1/4 c. coconut oil

Place 1/2 the sugar in a (glass) bowl, add oil.

Blend with a spoon or mix it with your hand.

Add remaining sugar, and mix until combined.

To use:

Put a small amount of scrub in one hand.

Wet the other hand. Scrub!

Rinse well and pat dry. 

Coffee Sugar Scrub

Here is what you will need:
1 c. white sugar
1/8 c. coffee grounds
1/4 c. almond oil (or olive oil) 
2 tsp. vanilla extract

Mix all of the ingredients together and place in a clean, dry jar. 
(Per Robyn: Keep in refrigerator between uses.) 

Place a small amount in your wet hand, and rub into skin. Rinse, and pat dry. 

The coffee grounds and sugar make a great exfoliant, and the oil helps your skin to feel nice and soft. The vanilla is optional; it just gives the scrub a really good fragrance.

Linked to Thursday Favorite Things

Strawberry Yogurt Bites

I love Krista's recipes at Everyday Mom's Meals.  She is always sharing something fun...frugal and delicious.  I can count on her recipes to list ingredients that I have on hand. 

I love that! 

So when I saw this shared at our weekly Weekend Potluck party, I made them within hours.  

What a special treat!  So simple - mix yogurt and jello - microwave it and

pour into cupcake liners.  Top with fruit!  What a terrific idea. 

These little bites of yummy could be a special treat to share with your kids for Valentine's Day.  They won't even know they're getting extra calcium!

The adults will love them too! 

Of course you could use whatever fruit you'd like. I used light sugar free strawberry banana yogurt and sf s-b jello.  Sugar free always makes for a softer set, but just as delicious. 

These would also be extra special if you used heart-shaped molds. 

(I did see an idea once where you put a little ball of foil between the muffin tin and the cupcake paper....to shape it into a heart-shape.  Bummer I didn't think of that when making these=) 

Enjoy!

STRAWBERRY YOGURT BITES 

3 - 6 ozs. containers strawberry yogurt

1 - 3 ozs. pkg. strawberry jello

Fresh strawberries, optional 

Line 9 or 10 muffin cups with paper liners. Mix yogurt and dry jello in microwavable bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir well. Microwave another 2 - 3 minutes until jello is completely dissolved, stirring after each minute. 

Spoon into prepared muffin cups. Chill atleast an hour, or until set.  Top with fresh berries.  Remove papers and serve. 

Linked to Foodie Friends Friday          Weekend Potluck

3 Wonderful & Tasty Beverages {Blast from the Past!}

(Be sure to view the 'bonus' at the bottom of this post).

This yummy cocoa is made by melting a candy bar in it.

WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?????  
Yes, it's a little messy, but so worth it! 

Easy & Delicious Hot Cocoa

This easy 5-ingredient smoothie is very satisfying...

and named appropriately because it tastes like a creamsicle. 

This post also includes tips to help drop lbs....

Good-for-You Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

This beautiful blueberry banana smoothie is sweetened with honey and has almond extract. Use frozen blueberries and you won't have to add as many ice cubes.

Frothy and Filling and Healthy!

Blueberry Banana Flaxseed Smoothie

Here's a BONUS to go along with this post....

I just giggled with delight when I saw this adorable idea for making heart shaped
whipped cream toppings for hot cocoa at Eat at Home...they are even flavored...and only two (or 3) ingredients. 

HOW MUCH CUTER COULD THEY BE????? Please stop by and visit Tiffany and all of her wonderfully fun and many practical ideas at her blog. 

Thanks Tiffany for letting me share!

Whipped Topping Hearts 


photo credit: Eat at Home 

T-Shirt Scarf Tutorial - Fringe Scarf

Before I share today's post, I want to wish our third-born grandchild, 

Charlie May Marie Baker,

a very happy 14th birthday!  She's a wonderful big sister, a great friend and all around super kid.  How thankful I am for the cherished memories we've made in my kitchen together and for all the good times we share. 

The first time I made this scarf I was getting ready for church on the Sunday before Memorial Day. 

Since hubby is retired military, I usually 'donned' in red, white & blue on these special patriotic occasions. (I have scarves and jewelry for these occasions...one of the older gals at church salutes me when she sees me.=) 

I decided to try something different from usual, and whipped up (ahem...cut up!) this scarf in just a few minutes and was so pleased with it. 

I just recentlly tried adding beads to a new scarf and love how it turned out! 

(Just find some kind of 'tool' to put the fringe through the bead...tie a knot and there you go.  Or just tie knots in the ends without beads...be creative) 

Making these scarves is kinda like an 'addiction' for me. It's a good kind...Don't forget...these are awesome to give as gifts!  I have quite an assortment in my closet and look forward to sharing a few more t-shirt ideas with you in a few weeks.

TOOLS NEEDED: An old L or XL t-shirt

Good Scissors

FRINGE SCARF: 

STEP 1: Lay t-shirt out flat and cut horizontally across the shirt, just below armholes to create a rectangular tube. 

STEP 2: From opposite end of hem (I not cut off hem - it gives the scarf more stability - if you decide to cut the hem off later...go for it!), make a series of vertical cuts that extend from the raw edge upward. Cut each about 3/4 - 1" wide, and from 2" to 12" in length. (The longer the cut, the longer the fringe). I use a ruler to help gauge similar lengths. 

STEP 3: Tug down on each strand to stretch it out. You can add beads or simply tie the ends in knots if you'd like.  Wear it in a single or double loop. 

Linked to Foodie Friends Friday

T-Shirt Scarf Tutorial - Infinity Scarf

My last name may be Baker, but I love doing other things as well.  Easy crafts are something I truly enjoy...I have taught a class about how to make t-shirt scarves, per a request from my church friends (who see me wearing them often) and have also had a writeup in a local ladies magazine (Simply Hers...www.simplyhers.net - Pg. 19) with a scarf tutorial...I figured it was about time I shared with you.  I will shore more ideas for making neat things with t-shirts in a few more weeks.....
Trust me, this is a very simple project and even a rookie can make these! 

I first learned about t-shirt scarves from my dear blogging friend, Tonya Ferguson. 
This  post of hers is the very first time I had even seen or heard of such a thing!

Making scarves from t-shirts?  You gotta be kidding me! I was thinking...
'I CAN DO THIS'! 

Now I wear them more often than not and find they are a simple accessory to any outfit...it's almost a 'new kind of jewelry' fad. 

Making them has almost become an addiction for me.  They are SO easy to make. And I keep seeing new ideas.  My closet has many hangers draped with different styles, so I decided I would share ideas with you and maybe you could give as a gift for Valentine's Day.  They are great to give a gift anytime! 

Stay tuned tomorrow for directions on how to make a fringe scarf. 

E-Z,  P-Z - YOU CAN DO THIS TOO! 

I love that this scarf can be made in just minutes!! 

Tools Needed: Old L or XL (preferably 100% cotton - no side seams)

Good pair of scissors

Clip on flowers or embellishments

STEP 1: 

Lay t-shirt out flat and cut off bottom of the shirt, cutting from under the arm on one side to under the arm on the other. (I try to avoid having graphics on the material as they don't roll up as 'clean'.  Then cut off the bottom hem. (Do not fret about cutting any of this perfectly as the knit material is very forgiving). 

STEP 2: 

Cut off the bottom hem. (Do not fret about cutting any of this perfectly as the knit material is very forgiving). 

STEP 3:

Stretch this 'tube' of material like there's no tomorrow. (It helps to have a second person). 

THAT'S IT!  You're done! 

Wear it in a single loop or double it.  Add a flower or pretty embellishment if desired. 

(The smaller the shirt you use, the smaller the scarf). 

Linked up to Whatcha Whipped up Wednesday Weekend Potluck