Eat all the cookie dough

Thankfully, I'm not alone when I say there are times I prefer to lick the spoon over baking the cookies.  This was simple, quick and totally satisfied my craving for something sweet.  It was great on graham crackers but even better on a spoon!

Eggless Cookie Dough

Original Pin     Recipe From: Fun Foods on a Budget

Gather it:

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup flour
• Pinch salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Make it:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar and butter until smooth.
2. Stir in vanilla and milk.
3. Mix in the flour, salt, and chocolate chips until well blended.
4. Chill in the refrigerator.

Hints:

• I did not put mine in the fridge first and I didn't notice a real difference after it had been in the fridge
• I used white, semi-sweet and peanut butter chips.  Because I could.

All-Purpose Baking Mix

I decided to give making my own All-Purpose Baking Mix a try and it was totally worth it.  We used it for the first time to make pancakes during our camping trip and they were delicious!

All-Purpose Baking Mix

Original Pin     Recipe From: cooksrecipes.com

I did use buttermilk powder in my mix.  I found it at Whole Foods - the other grocery stores don't carry it.

This was my first time making a successful pancake!  (The only other time they didn't really get done in the middle. Wah-wah.) 

Camping Rocked

Last weekend, we went to Horseshoe in Arkansas with some friends and I have to admit, camping was a lot more fun than I thought it would be.  I'm actually excited to go again!

We got there late on Friday night - we had to set up the tent using head lamps.  That was a first for me - wearing a headlamp. When we woke up the next morning, I got to fully appreciate the beautiful land surrounding us.  Eric made us breakfast with the camping stove.

We used a tip from Pinterest to be able to make pancakes while camping.  I actually made the pancake dry mix from scratch and they turned out delicious!  I'll post the info on that lager.

Original Pin     Idea from: A Mum 'n the Oven

I didn't get a chance to climb on Saturday, but I did do a "scramble."  The friends we went with had a little boy and he climbed for the first time!  When asked if he wanted to go a second time, he said, "Yes, with Rachel."  How could I say no? :)

Dinner!  We marinated the venison in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Italian dressing and garlic powder.  It was amazing!

 This is what happens when you don't put marshmallows in the cooler.  Noted for next time.

My flip-flop was close to the end of its usefulness and finally gave up on the trip.  So I life hacked it!  I didn't have a bread clip, but I found this bucket handle while we were at Kyle's Landing.  It worked!  Maybe I've started a new footwear trend...

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the weekend.

Crocheted Valentine's Box

I can't believe I didn't blog about this!  A Pinterest project that is not a recipe! :)

I had a lot of fun making this Valentine's Chocolate Box.  It was a pretty simple pattern to follow and it was fun making the chocolates unique.  I made it for Montessori work for the toddlers to celebrate Valentine's day.  They enjoyed practicing in and out with the pieces and since it was crocheted we didn't have to worry about it being put in mouths or ripped.  Since I wanted it to be washable, I didn't put in the cardboard.  I also made the lid a single layer.

Crocheted Valentine's Chocolates

Original Pin     Pattern From: Fave Crafts

I thought there needed to be an oval chocolate so I made a pattern for one.  I've never written a pattern like this before.  I wrote it while making the first oval then followed it to make the second and it worked out.  Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture but you can see it in the box.

Oval Chocolates
(Make 1 CA with CF flower and CC leaves; 1 CF with CB flower; 1 CA with CB chain st tic tac toe embroidery)

1. With main color, ch 2.
2. Rnd 1: 6 Sc in 2nd ch from hook; do not join but work in continuous rnds.
3. Rnd 2: 2 Sc in each sc around – 12 sc.
4. Rnd 3: 3 Sc in next 3 sc, (hdc, dc, tr) in next sc, (dc, hdc) in next sc, 4 sc in next sc in next sc, (hdc, dc, tr) in next sc, (dc, hdc) in next sc, sc in next sc – 18 sc.
5. Rnd 4: Sc in back lps only of each sc around.
6. Rnds 5-6: Sc in both lps of each sc around.
7. Rnd 7: Sc in next 4 sc, dec over next 3 sc, Sc in next 6 sc, dec over next  sc, sc in next 2 sc – 14 sc. Stuff lightly.
8. Rnd 9: [Dec over next 2 sc] 7 times. Fasten off leaving a 6” end. Weave end through rem sc and draw up firmly; fasten securely.
9. Bottom Edge: Join main color to rem lps of Rnd 4; sl st in each lp around. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

You can find other fun things to crochet on my "I use a hook" or "General Adorableness" boards.

Cadbury Egg Cookie Cake Bars

"Attention! Attention!" said Ms. Eggard to begin the third annual meeting of the order of Cadbury Eggs (they meet once a year to celebrate the wonderfulness that is a Cadbury Egg).  Everyone found their seats and settled in waiting for the meeting to begin.

"Thank you everyone for joining us today. We are excited to see some new faces in the crowd. Before we officially begin, I need to bring something to your attention.  It appears that this year, our dearly loved Cadbury eggs have begun to meet with rather unfortunate ends.  Instead of enjoying the eggs whole, people are chopping them up, melting them or creating their own! It's rather disturbing." Looking around the room, she made eye contact with several people but noticed others quickly glanced away as her eyes scanned by them.  Taking a deep breath she said, "However, I must admit, some of the results are rather...delicious." Frenzy whispers were heard in the room.  While some looked shocked others looked relieved.  

Cadbury Egg Cookie Cake Bars

Original Pin     Recipe From: Picky Palate

A friend at work loves Cadbury Eggs so I made these for her birthday.  Then I had to make them again for another friends birthday because the were amazing!  You get a soft, cookie like texture but the Eggs turn into something akin to caramel. Yum!

Makes 12-16 bars

Gather:

• 1 stick/1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips
• 5 Cadbury Eggs, chopped

Make it:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with foil that’s been sprayed with cooking spray.
2. Place butter, cake mix, egg, oil and chocolate chips into a large mixing bowl, stirring to combine into dough. 
3. Gently stir in chopped Cadbury Eggs to combine. 
4. Transfer dough to prepared baking dish and press evenly. 
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until baked through. Let cool for 30 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!

Hints: 

• As you chop up the Cadbury Eggs, spread them out on the cutting board so they don't clump together.
• Divide the chopped up eggs in half and place on half onto the pan before spreading the dough, that way, the eggs are spread more evenly.
• It's not easy to spread the dough - the second time I put it in dollops around the pan and that made it a little easier.

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta and Carrabba's Dipping Spices

We just moved and things are busy.  I have blog ideas come to mind, but just haven't taken the time to sit down and write them out.  Still trying to figure out this whole blogging thing and what I want to do with my little spot of the internet.

For now, here's a restaurant quality pasta dinner.

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

Original Pin   Recipe from: Cassie Craves 

This pasta was amazing!  One that will definitely be made again.  I followed the recipe exactly.  It took quite a bit of time to make since you have to cook the bacon then the chicken but totally worth it.  I did  completely ruin the first batch of bacon. In all fairness, it was only my second attempt at cooking bacon...for some reason bacon has always made me nervous.  However I may have used a skillet with grills. Just a head's up, bacon needs a flat surface to cook evenly.  Lesson learned.

Carrabba’s Bread Dipping Spices

Original Pin   Recipe from: Macaroni and Cheesecake

The spices were just like what you would have at a nice Italian restaurant.  I left out the oil and lemon juice that was supposed to be mixed into the spices. Next time, I'll leave the garlic out and mix just the dry spices so I can keep them longer.  I will probably make a bigger batch too so we can just spoon out what we want and add garlic and the oil.

Crab-Filled Crescent Wantons with Beef Stir Fry

Normally, I'm terrible with timing in the kitchen but I was able to work it out perfectly with this meal.  I pre-cut all of my veggies and meat, made the wontons and while they were in the oven, made the rice in our new microwave rice cooker and started the stir-fry.  The wantons and rice finished first and cooled just enough by the time the stir-fry was done.  I was rather proud of myself.

Crab-Filled Crescent Wantons

Original Pin   Recipe from: Krista's Kitchen

These were simple to put together and tasty!

Hints:

• Use a pizza roller to cut the crescent rolls
• Next time, I will probably make fewer and make them larger (it made a lot)
• After making the squares initially, I would flatten each square a little bit more individually

Flavorful Beef Stir-Fry

This is a recipe my mom has been making for years.

With the fresh vegetables and the sauce that the meat released, this was amazing!  We will definitely be making this again.

Gather:

• 2 T Cornstarch
• 2 t Sugar
• 6T Soy Sauce
• 1/4 c. Water
• 1 lb steak, cut in strips
• 3 c. Broccoli
• 2 med carrots; thinly sliced
• 2 T Chopped Onion
• 2 T Vegetable oil, divided

Make:

• In a bowl, combine cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, and water until smooth.
• Add beef and toss to coat; set aside.
• In a large skillet, stir fry vegetables in 1 T oil.  Cover and simmer for 4 min; remove and keep warm.  
• In the same skillet, stir fry beef in remaining oil until meat reaches desired doneness.  
• Return vegetables to pan; toss.  Serve over rice.

Peanut Butter Cups (in a snow storm!)

We were told there was another storm a-comin'.  So while everyone else in Target was clearing out all the milk, cheese, eggs and bread; I went for the much more practical items - Marshmallows, Graham Crackers and Chocolate Chips.  Yep, just the essentials, folks!  But I had a purpose in mind.  This weather is perfect for s'mores (hence the Graham Crackers and Marshmallows).  However, I also had found a recipe on Pinterest that I just had to try which required the Graham Crackers and Chocolate Chips.  They also gave me an excuse to purchase these little lovelies...

and with the 50% percent off coupon, it meant storm or no storm (which at the time it was no storm), I was going to Michael's!

While the pizza was baking, I tossed together some amazing no bake peanut butter cups.  These things are incredible!

Crunchy Peanut Butter Cups

Original Pin     Recipe from: Blue Eyed Bakers

Hints:

• I used three full graham crackers to the get the 3/4 cup needed
• They probably would have cooled faster in paper cups. We ate the first ones with spoons because we were impatient, but they popped out better once they were thoroughly chilled.
• Make the peanut butter and chocolate mixes in large, microwave safe measuring cups so instead of having to scoop, you can just pour.  So much easier!  
• Use a food processor (love that thing!) to crush up the graham crackers.  It takes between 3-4 crackers to make 3/4 cups
• Makes 8 large cups or 24 miniature and two large cups with the recipe

Eric was super happy I decided to do a little non-baking.  You should totally make them!  They barely took any time at all and were worth the time it took in the fridge.

Well, since we're moving this weekend, I should probably get to packing.  Hope you're staying warm and enjoying something sweet yourself!

Christmastime has passed

We had a wonderful first Christmas!  Lots of time with family and even some time just for us.

I wanted to make sure we started a tradition our very first year, so I made a suggestion and Eric went for it.   I'll share what it is soon. I forgot my camera so I used my mom's and since she's on vacation, I'll post a picture once I have one.

To continue a tradition from my side, I gifted Eric pajamas (aka: basketball shorts and a thermal shirt) on Christmas Eve. He got also got the Hunger Games Trilogy (now I can read them again too!) and Armani Code (makes him smell so good!).  I got a spa day!  Man, my hubby's good! :)

Loaded Breakfast Biscuits

Original Pin     Recipe: Riches to Rags by Dori

For breakfast, I made Loaded Breakfast Biscuits.  They were super easy to make, very yummy and re-heat wonderfully!  Christmas Eve, I made the eggs, bacon and shredded the cheese so all I had to do on Christmas morning was assemble and pop them in the oven.  I waited too late to go shopping however because Target was completely out of hash browns.  Even without, they were still tasty!

I'm still working on my pre-New Year's non-resolution of making priorities.  Maybe I should say that my resolution is to establish priorities...hmmm....anywho, tonight I really just wanted to come home and sit and do absolutely nothing.  However, I really enjoy doing as little as possible on Saturdays so after a little bit of relaxing, I got up and took down all the Christmas decorations.  Pretty easy considering I went very light this year and I'm not replacing my normal decor - both due to an impending move.  I didn't really want to do it, but if I didn't do it tonight, it wasn't going to get done.  So, here's to relaxing tomorrow because of priorities today!

Crockpot Cinnamon Almonds

If you need a last minute treat to take with you to Christmas, this would be perfect!  I made it for Thanksgiving and it was devoured!  It does take time, but it's a simple process overall.

Cinnamon Almonds

Original Pin     Recipe from detrimentalbeauty

Gather:It appears detrimental beauty is no longer an active site so I've put the recipe below.
1 1/2 C. Sugar
1 1/2 C. Brown Sugar
3 Tbsp. Cinnamon
1/8 tsp. Salt
1 Egg White
2 tsp. vanilla
3 Cups Almonds
1/4 C. Water

Make:

• Coat the inside of your crock pot with something to keep the almonds from sticking.  I've used olive oil and coconut oil and they both worked well.
• In a medium sized bowl, mix together sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. 
• In another medium sized bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla until it’s a little frothy. 
• Add almonds - make sure the almonds are thoroughly coated in the egg white mixture.
• Add cinnamon mixture to the almonds and toss until coated.
• Cook on low with the lid on for 3-4 hours stirring every 20 minutes 
• In the last hour, add the 1/4 C. of water and stir well. This ensures a crunchy yummy coating. After adding the water, cook the nuts for an additional 45min-1 hour still stirring every 20 minutes.
• Spread the nuts on wax paper or a silicone baking sheet to cool.

Hints:

• When the directions say to cook 3-4 hours, I cooked them for 2 hours then added the water and cooked for an additional hour and they were perfect.
• Make sure to separate the large chunks when you lay them out to cool otherwise, they are harden together and are hard to break up.

They made the house smell amazing even in the crockpot

While I was watching Netflix and the almonds were in the crock pot, Eric was hard at work making venison jerky from the doe he got earlier this year.  It was incredible!  I think we may have brought the most popular snacks to Thanksgiving this year.  (Warning: there are pictures of raw meat coming up)

Easy Cheese Crackers

I discovered the 100 Days or Real Food blog via Pinterest and really enjoy reading it.  I feel a little convicted, a little inspired and more then a little bit of there's no way I could ever really doing this. I like her creative (and often simple) recipes though and this easy cheese cracker recipe caught my attention a while back.  I decided it was finally time to give it a shot.  They were simple, quick and tasty!

Easy Cheese Crackers

Original Pin     Recipe: 100 Days of Real Food

This was the first time I used our new food processor/immersion blender.  Unfortunately, the ingredients did not fit well and was working a little too hard.  Next time I make these, I'll probably put in all of the butter but half of the cheese and flour to get the butter all integrated.  After, I'll move the mixture to my Kitchen Aid and add the rest of the ingredients to make the "ball."

Because it wasn't all well incorporated, It didn't roll very well and ended up a little crumbly.  I was excited to get to use my silicone sheet for the first time.   So much tidier than using the kitchen counter.

I ended up leaving the roll in the fridge for almost a week.  I think the combination of not getting the full result from the food processor and leaving it in the fridge for so long resulted in some crumbliness.  They were still tasty though!  One recommendation that was made was the sharper the cheese, the better the cheese taste.  Next time, I'll try sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild.  Because there will be a next time!

Simple Cream Cheese Danish

I made this easy cheese danish dish for breakfast and it was seriously easy.  Took hardly any time to complete!

Simple Cream Cheese Danish

Original Pin  Recipe: Food Lush

So simple, this recipe starts with packaged crescent rolls.  The filling and icing both took just a few minutes to make.  The slowest part was waiting for them to finish baking!

(Does anyone else see the face in the icing?  Kinda ghostly?)

Hints:

• It took me 3 Tablespoons of milk to get the icing to be soft enough to drizzle.  Otherwise, it was an icing that would have barely spread.  However, start with the recommended 1T and slowly add additional milk.  This was the hint I found online and it saved the icing for me!

Eric loved them and between the two of us, they disappeared in no-time flat!  I'm pretty sure some were enjoyed in the middle of the night :)

Eggs

I'm going to keep trying out new Pinterest projects.  It feels good to know that all the time in front of a computer actually leads to stuff happening in real life.  haha!

Boiling Eggs

Found here: http://its-fitting.com/2012/01/good-enough-to-eat-do-you-know-how-to-boil-an-egg.html

Apparently, I've been boiling eggs wrong for a very long time.  I used to put them in the water and boil them for 10 minutes.  What you actually need to do is bring the water to a boil, then turn the heat off.  I also have read in a few places to put a lid on the pot, take them off the burner and let them sit for 15 minutes.  Either way, the eggs turn out perfect!  After 9 years on my own, I can finally hard boil an egg. haha!  Next on the docket is learning how to peel them without loosing chunks of egg.  I resorted to running them under cold water and that worked pretty well.  Do you have a technique that works well?

Easy Deviled Eggs

Found here (tip 2):  http://www.aimlessdirection.com/2008/17-tips-to-make-your-life-easier/

Before discovering this simple trick, making deviled eggs was pretty messy and I missed out on a lot of the filling when transferring from bowl to egg.  All you have to do is put the yolks, mayonnaise and mustard in a big baggie, seal the bag, mush it all together, cut off the corner and fill!  I only got one spoon dirty to put mayo in the bag.  It was awesome!

Next time I need to make deviled eggs for something, I think I'm going to try making this.

I like my deviled eggs simple - just mayo, mustard and paprika.  What's your favorite way to make deviled eggs?  Do you have something you like to add in?

Cleaning Pinterest style

Here are some more Pinterest Projects I've tried recently!

Cleaning your toilet with Baking Soda

Found here: http://lifehackery.com/2008/07/22/home-4/

The blog stated if you leave a cup of baking soda in your toilet for an hour, it will be sparkling clean. Maybe if your toilet is already clean, it will work to "freshen it" but it didn't seem to be significantly cleaner. There are 75 uses listed so I was hoping maybe some of the other tips would work?

Vinegar & Dawn for soap scum

Found here: http://lifecraftsandwhatever.blogspot.com/2012/01/dawn-vinegar-soap-scum-killa.html

Mixing equal parts Vinegar & Dawn and spray on the tub/shower.  Leave for an hour, wipe with a sponge and rinse.  WORKS!!!  I too have tried scrubbing with a brush and using multiple cleaners and my tub was still gross looking. I don't know that the person before me ever actually cleaned. I just assumed it was old and stained.  I mixed up vinegar and Palmolive since that's what I had on hand.  It was too think to spray through the bottle I had so I ended up pouring it on.  Wearing gloves, I coated the entire tub.  After an hour, I wiped it down with a sponge and rinsed it off and my tub was white!!! Clean!  Oh man, I was so excited.  As embarrassing as it is, I'm posting pictures so you can see the difference.  My bathrooms pretty dark so the picture doesn't really do it justice.  There was definitely still some permanent staining, but this mixture did a better job than any of the cleaners I'd tried.

Cleaning your lint trap

Found here (tip 17): http://www.aimlessdirection.com/2008/17-tips-to-make-your-life-easier/

To get your drier to dry better, clean your lint trap.  Don't just clean the lint off, clean the trap. If you pull out your lint trap and try to rinse it and water sits on top, the trap is plugged up and you need to clean it.  I used an old toothbrush.  Since then, I use a dry toothbrush to clean the trap when I'm done with several loads of laundry.  You can see all the extra lint coming off that you didn't notice before.  My dryer is back to working efficiently!

What are some of your best cleaning tips?