tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89188531193513382072024-03-13T05:57:51.403-07:00The Lonely BakerAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-9133902722683890662012-06-22T09:44:00.000-07:002012-06-22T09:46:35.979-07:00Ranch Chicken Kabobs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lODNzFy74Jg/T-H0ta0Rz7I/AAAAAAAAA2I/0XriKyfWQ8k/s1600/RanchChickenKabobs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lODNzFy74Jg/T-H0ta0Rz7I/AAAAAAAAA2I/0XriKyfWQ8k/s400/RanchChickenKabobs.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
In the summertime, I like to grill most nights. I love finding new ways to grill up chicken! This<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/rosemary-ranch-chicken-kabobs/detail.aspx"> recipe </a>was great! Give it a try and let me know what you think.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
Ingredients: </div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1/2 cup olive oil</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1/2 cup ranch dressing</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
2 teaspoons salt</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 teaspoon white vinegar</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px;">
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
taste</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px;">
5 skinless, boneless chicken breast</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
halves - cut into 1 inch cubes</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
Directions:</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
Mix all the ingredients together. Pour over chicken<u><i><b>(I marinaded the chicken after it was already on the skewers)</b></i></u>and let it marinade for a minimum of 30 minutes in the refrigerator <i><b>(longer is even better!)</b></i>. Grill and enjoy!</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
Recipe adapted from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/rosemary-ranch-chicken-kabobs/detail.aspx">All Recipes</a>.</div>
</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-14859900431658177182012-06-21T08:40:00.001-07:002012-06-22T09:44:30.802-07:00Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l29FeTsJvCs/T-H0GfIfpaI/AAAAAAAAA2A/H8lVXDh-lNc/s1600/PineappleCake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l29FeTsJvCs/T-H0GfIfpaI/AAAAAAAAA2A/H8lVXDh-lNc/s400/PineappleCake.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Once again, here is another amazing recipe I found thanks to<a href="http://pinterest.com/"> Pinterest.</a> The <a href="http://www.bigredkitchen.com/2010/05/blog-revival-week-monday-miss-susans-pineapple-sheet-cake/">recipe</a> is courtesy of <a href="http://www.bigredkitchen.com/2010/05/blog-revival-week-monday-miss-susans-pineapple-sheet-cake/">The Big Red Kitchen</a>. It is sooo incredibly good! There are some updated baking tips for this recipe on their site, if you want to check it out. I did bake it at a lower temp. and a longer time then called for. Oh...I also cheated and bought pre-made cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Ingredients: <br />
<br />
2 cups AP flour<br />
2 cups sugar<br />
2 tsp. baking soda<br />
1/4 tsp. salt<br />
2 eggs<br />
20 ounce can (about 2 cups) crushed pineapple, in juice, don’t drain<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
1/2 cup nuts- optional(I didn't add any)<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
<br />
Mix all together until smooth. Pour into greased 9×13 inch baking dish
and bake in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick
comes out clean.<u><b> Baking temp. and times WILL vary. (</b></u><i><b>I baked mine at 325 for 50 minutes. The edges were dark, but not burned.) If your cake does not look done after 30 minutes, keep checking it at 5 minute increments. </b></i><br />
<br />
Icing:<br />
<br />
8 ounces cream cheese<br />
4 T. butter<br />
3 cups confectioners sugar<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
1/2 cup nuts- optional<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
<br />
Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add Vanilla.
Slowly add sugar and blend after each addition. Fold in nuts if desired.
Ice cake while still a bit warm. <br />
<br />
Recipe courtesy of <a href="http://www.bigredkitchen.com/">The Big Red Kitchen.</a>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-76635331550275611462012-06-18T10:02:00.000-07:002012-06-22T09:44:42.735-07:00Healthier Strawberry Banana Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-302jO1DchaA/T9pGk4RfGCI/AAAAAAAAA10/H_PFi5S1a4k/s1600/StrawberryBananaBread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-302jO1DchaA/T9pGk4RfGCI/AAAAAAAAA10/H_PFi5S1a4k/s400/StrawberryBananaBread.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
In an effort to save some over-ripened strawberries and bananas, I decided to whip up a loaf of strawberry banana bread. I took my recipe for <a href="http://lets-eat-recipes.blogspot.com/2009/10/healthier-banana-bread.html">Healthier Banana Bread</a> and added in about 1&1/2 cups of strawberries. This recipe is a first for me and one I will definitely add to the breakfast rotation! You can also use blueberries in place of the strawberries.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
2 cups of whole wheat pastry flour<br />
1/2 teas. baking powder<br />
1/2 teas. baking soda<br />
1/2 teas. salt<br />
<br />
2 eggs<br />
1/2 cup applesauce (you can use 1/2c butter if you prefer)<br />
3/4 cup sugar (you can use 1c sugar if you want it even sweeter)<br />
<br />
2-3 medium ripe bananas<br />
1&1/2 cups of strawberries <br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350<br />
<br />
Mix the flours, baking powder, baking soda and salt together. Then mix
or beat together eggs, applesauce and sugar. Add mashed bananas to the
wet ingredients and mix well (I just throw the whole bananas into my
kitchen aid mixer with the rest of the wet ingredients and beat, leaving
it still a little lumpy). Add the dry ingredients to the wet
ingredients and mix. Fold in strawberries.<br />
<br />
Pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 for about 65 minutes.<br />
<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-2316741536670219012012-06-14T09:25:00.004-07:002012-06-22T09:44:57.451-07:00German Chocolate Cake Bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vd5J6YOLZNo/T9oM6XsV39I/AAAAAAAAA1k/y-ALfbU0fHo/s1600/GermanChocolateCakeBars.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vd5J6YOLZNo/T9oM6XsV39I/AAAAAAAAA1k/y-ALfbU0fHo/s400/GermanChocolateCakeBars.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
These bars were AMAZING! If you are a chocolate and coconut lover like me, then you'll love them. I found the recipe while looking around in the food section on <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>. Have you checked out <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest </a>yet? If not, you really should. There are sooo many wonderful things to look at! My favorite, is the endless supply of delicious recipes! Just don't go on there hungry...you'll be sorry! This recipe was from <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/">Six Sister's Stuff</a>. I love their blog! They have a ton of great recipes, so check them out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Crust:</b></u><br />
<b>1 box devil's good cake mix (not the kind with pudding added)</b><br />
<b>1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted</b><br />
<b>1 large egg</b><br />
<br />
<u><b>Filling:</b></u><br />
<b>1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk </b><br />
<b>1 tsp vanilla extract</b><br />
<b>1 large egg</b><br />
<b>1 cup chopped pecans</b>(<i>I used only 1/2 cup</i>)<br />
<b>1 cup shredded coconut (I used sweetened coconut)</b><br />
<b>1/2 cup milk chocolate chips</b>(<i>I think I used closer to 1 cup, and I used a combo of milk and semi-sweet chips</i>)<b><br /></b><br />
<br />
<u><b>Directions:</b></u><br />
<b>Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan (I used non-stick cooking spray).</b><br />
<b>In a medium bowl, mix together the cake mix, butter and egg, and
press into the bottom of the prepared pan. The crust should not come up
the sides. Bake for 7 minutes and remove from the oven. The crust will
not look done.</b><br />
<b>While the crust is baking, mix together the sweetened condensed milk,
vanilla, egg, pecans and coconut. Pour evenly(IMPORTANT TO<u> POUR EVENLY</u> BECAUSE IT'S HARD TO SPREAD ON WARM CRUST WITHOUT THE CRUST SPREADING) over the warm crust and
sprinkle evenly with the chocolate chips. Bake for 24-30 minutes, until
the top is a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool
completely before cutting into squares.</b> Enjoy!!<br />
<br />
Recipe found on <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/03/german-chocolate-cake-bars-recipe.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sixsistersstuff%2FTUsn+%28Six+Sisters%27+Stuff%29&utm_content=Google+Reader&m=1">www.sixsistersstuff.com</a> and was originally by <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Recipes/t/story?id=6165762">Paula Deen</a><br />
<b><br /></b>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-62985577326944165322012-01-07T09:50:00.000-08:002012-06-22T09:45:09.539-07:00Italian Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vqe40wUf_lg/TwiDp-paflI/AAAAAAAAA04/W_Bu_WM8qvY/s1600/ItalianBread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vqe40wUf_lg/TwiDp-paflI/AAAAAAAAA04/W_Bu_WM8qvY/s400/ItalianBread.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="section clrfix ingredients">
<h2 class="section=title" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I love making homemade bread. I always make my dough in my bread maker first, then bake it in the oven. The <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/italian-bread-bread-machine-204548"> recipe</a> I found on <a href="http://food.com/">Food.com</a> was so easy! It is now my go to Italian bread recipe. The only thing I might do differently next time, is add a bit more salt. </span></h2>
<h2 class="section=title" style="font-weight: normal;">
Ingredients:</h2>
<ul><ol>
<li>
1 cup
water, warmed
</li>
<li>
2 tablespoons
olive oil
</li>
<li>
2 teaspoons
sugar
</li>
<li>
1 1/2 teaspoons
dry yeast
</li>
<li>
3 cups
all-purpose flour
</li>
<li>
1/2 teaspoon
salt
</li>
<li>
1 whole
egg whites
</li>
<li>
2 tablespoons
cornmeal (I didn't use)</li>
</ol>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Directions:</span></div>
<div class="section clrfix ingredients">
<br />
</div>
<div class="section clrfix ingredients">
<br />
<div class="section clrfix directions">
<ol>
<li>Add into bread machine container, warmed water, olive oil, sugar, yeast. Let yeast foam a bit.
</li>
<li>Dump in flour (start with 2 1/2 cups); add salt on top of flour.
</li>
<li>Turn on bread machine to dough setting. Watch for
the first bit and add flour as needed to get a good dough. (elastic and
not sticky).
</li>
<li>Get cookie sheet ready by lightly oiling with olive oil and sprinkle on cornmeal.
</li>
<li>Form dough into loaf and set on cookie sheet with tea towel to cover until doubled in size.
</li>
<li>Preheat oven to 375*F.
</li>
<li>Cut slits diagonally in loaf with sharp knife. Brush with egg white.
</li>
<li>Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and when you knock the bottom of bread it sounds hollow.</li>
</ol>
Original recipe found over at <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/italian-bread-bread-machine-204548">Food.com</a>.
</div>
<br />
</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-50496806533561657002011-12-26T23:09:00.000-08:002012-06-22T09:45:23.238-07:00Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uiZqjSDn75o/T-NCW9wsVlI/AAAAAAAAA2c/6MvbNVK_Fj8/s1600/BakedTaquitos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uiZqjSDn75o/T-NCW9wsVlI/AAAAAAAAA2c/6MvbNVK_Fj8/s400/BakedTaquitos.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://penniesonaplatter.com/2010/02/22/baked-creamy-chicken-taquitos/">These </a>were amazing! I found the recipe on Pinterest which let me to the <a href="http://penniesonaplatter.com/">Pennies on a Platter</a> blog(Check it out!). I love that these taquitos are baked and not fried! They are easy to make. We all loved them! Give them a try and enjoy!<br />
<br />
3 ounces cream cheese, softened<br />
1/4 cup green salsa<br />
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice (juice from half a lime)<br />
1/2 tsp ground cumin<br />
1 tsp chili powder<br />
1/2 tsp onion powder<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
3 Tbsp chopped cilantro<b><i>(I did not use cilantro)</i></b><br />
2 Tbsp sliced green onions<br />
2 cups shredded cooked chicken<br />
1 cup shredded Mexican flavored cheese<br />
small flour or corn tortillas<i><b>(I used flour)</b></i><br />
kosher salt<br />
cooking spray<br />
<br />
Preheat your oven to 425˚F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, salsa, lime juice, ground
cumin, chili powder, onion powder and garlic. Once combined, stir in the
cilantro and green onions. Add the chicken and cheese; mix thoroughly.<br />
(If you decided to prep this in advance, refrigerate the mixture at this point until ready to continue.)<br />
<br />
Working with a few tortillas at a time, heat them in the microwave
between two paper towels until they are soft enough to roll (about 20 –
30 seconds).<br />
<br />
Spoon 2-3 Tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of a tortilla. Roll the tortilla as tightly as you can.<br />
<br />
Place the rolled tortilla seam side down on the baking sheet. Repeat
with remaining tortillas until the mixture is gone. Make sure the
taquitos are not touching each other. Spray the tops lightly with
cooking spray and sprinkle with kosher salt.<i><b>(I didn't sprinkle with salt)</b></i><br />
<br />
Bake for 15 – 20 minutes or until crisp and golden.<br />
Serve with salsa, sour cream or guacamole.<br />
<br />
Thank you <a href="http://penniesonaplatter.com/">Pennies on a Platter</a>!Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-56991173212341984482011-12-05T22:33:00.001-08:002012-06-22T09:45:42.651-07:00Ice Cream Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq6GsNN515g/Tt23Gp3rrnI/AAAAAAAAA0A/rhdA4-4ByqY/s1600/icecreamcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fq6GsNN515g/Tt23Gp3rrnI/AAAAAAAAA0A/rhdA4-4ByqY/s400/icecreamcake.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
My daughter loves ice cream cake, so for her birthday this year, I decided to make her one. I found a really easy recipe, that ANYONE can make. It doesn't involve melting any ice cream first, because you use ice cream sandwiches. The cake was so good and my daughter LOVED it! Thank you <a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/about/">Jamielyn</a> from <a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/2011/07/ice-cream-cake/">I (Heart) Naptime!</a><br />
Ice cream sandwiches(about 10ish)<br />
Tub of whipped topping(Cool Whip)<br />
1/2 jar of chocolate fudge<br />
1/2 jar if caramel sauce<br />
Your favorite candies chopped up. We used Twix and Milky Way<br />
<br />
Lay the sandwiches in a 9X13 pan. Then spread a layer of caramel and fudge. Sprinkle candy for the next layer. Cover with whipped topping and drizzle with more fudge, caramel and candy. Put cake in freezer for at least 2 hours. Enjoy!Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-20823527593993008342011-11-11T07:00:00.000-08:002011-11-11T07:00:00.220-08:00Chocolate, Chocolate and More Chocolate!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Are you on<a href="http://pinterest.com/"> Pinterest </a>yet? Well you should be! There are so many amazing things on there like this recipe I am going to share with you. The recipe is the <a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/new-recipes/ultimate-chocolate-chip-cookie-n-oreo-fudge-brownie-bar.html">"Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie n' Oreo Fudge Brownie Bar" </a>by Amanda over at <a href="http://kevinandamanda.com/">KevinAndAmanda.com</a>. This bar cookie is packed with as much yumminess as the title would lead you to believe. <br />
<br />
Edited to add-I just typed out this whole blog post and realized I never got a picture of these yummy bars! Ugh! Well, check out Amanda's site to see her pics. They are amazing!<br />
<br />
Ingredients: <br />
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened<br />
1 cup granulated sugar<br />
3/4 cup light brown sugar<br />
2 large eggs<br />
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract<br />
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
2 cups (12 ounces) milk chocolate chips(I used semi-sweet)<br />
1 pkg Double Stuffed Oreos(I used regular Oreos)<br />
1 Family Size (9×13) Brownie mix<br />
1/4 cup hot fudge topping(I didn't add this, but it would be awesome!)<br />
<br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream the butter and both sugars in a
large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-5 minutes. Add
the eggs and vanilla and mix well to thoroughly combine. In a separate
bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt, then slowly
incorporate into the mixer until the flour is just combined. Stir in
chocolate chips. Spread the cookie dough in the bottom of a 9×13 baking
dish that’s been lined with wax paper and sprayed with cooking spray.
Top with a layer of Oreos. Mix together brownie mix, adding an optional
1/4 cup of hot fudge topping to the mix. Pour the brownie batter over
the cookie dough and Oreos. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-55 minutes.<br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /><br /> </div>
<br />
<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-8924363760607514552011-11-08T07:00:00.000-08:002012-06-22T09:45:50.735-07:00Blueberry Streusel Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzYba1uklzw/TrDbrN6l6_I/AAAAAAAAAzg/1vsNo_oF7ro/s1600/streuselblueberrymuffins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzYba1uklzw/TrDbrN6l6_I/AAAAAAAAAzg/1vsNo_oF7ro/s400/streuselblueberrymuffins.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Usually I prefer blueberry muffins without any sugary topping. Some of the muffins I've had from the bakery are waaay too sweet for me! Not sure why, because I LOVE sweets! Well I decided to try a blueberry muffin recipe I found at <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/to-die-for-blueberry-muffins/detail.aspx">allrecipes.com</a>. Oh my! These were amazing! The perfect amount of sweetness for me. The topping was incredible! The kids loved them too. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
3/4 cup white sugar</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1/2 teaspoon salt</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
2 teaspoons baking powder</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1/3 cup vegetable oil</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 egg</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1/3 cup milk</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 cup fresh blueberries</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1/2 cup white sugar</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1/3 cup all-purpose flour</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1/4 cup butter, cubed</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
Directions:</div>
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners.Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and baking powder. Place
vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring cup; add the egg and enough milk to
fill the cup. Mix this with flour mixture. Fold in blueberries. Fill
muffin cups right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture. To Make Crumb Topping: Mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4
cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix with fork, and sprinkle
over muffins before baking. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until done.<br />
<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-9445388940697394352011-11-01T20:45:00.000-07:002011-11-01T20:45:55.663-07:00Whole Grain Waffles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rAo9gN6t0iQ/TrC8ep8ulgI/AAAAAAAAAzY/OAqfLppllpI/s1600/Flaxseedwaffles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rAo9gN6t0iQ/TrC8ep8ulgI/AAAAAAAAAzY/OAqfLppllpI/s400/Flaxseedwaffles.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In an effort to provide my kids with more healthy breakfast choices, I decided to make up a batch of waffles to freeze. I found a recipe for whole grain waffles over at<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/whole-grain-waffles/detail.aspx"> allrecipes.com</a> that were amazing! The kids loved them! Surprisingly, they do not have a very strong grain taste. Give them a try!<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
2 eggs, beaten</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 3/4 cups skim milk</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1/4 cup canola oil</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 teaspoon vanilla extract</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1/2 cup flax seed meal</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1/4 cup wheat germ</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1/4 cup all-purpose flour</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
4 teaspoons baking powder</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 tablespoon sugar</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1/4 teaspoon salt</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
Directions:</div>
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, applesauce, and
vanilla. Beat in whole wheat pastry flour, flax seed meal, wheat germ,
all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until batter is
smooth. Preheat a waffle iron, and coat with cooking spray. Pour batter into
waffle iron in batches, and cook until crisp and golden brown.<br />
<br />
To freeze, I just stacked, cooled waffles into a freezer bag.Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-89314246971244627402011-10-15T15:04:00.000-07:002011-10-15T15:04:11.566-07:00Is Making It From Scratch Any Cheaper?Lately I've been wondering if it is cheaper to make everyday items from scratch, or to just buy them. Now of course some things just taste better when they are made from scratch, but sometimes it may not be worth the extra time in the kitchen if the cost equals the cost to just buy it. Here's an interesting article I stumbled across, written by Jennifer Resse. It highlights a few everyday pantry items and shows us if it is more cost effective to buy them or to make them. You can check it out<a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/life/food/2009/04/scratch_that.html"> here.</a>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-28497882451163018062011-10-02T22:50:00.000-07:002011-10-02T22:50:22.484-07:00Baked Chicken Skins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5M8swqsSCZk/TolLA7U3QNI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/LEvVY7hkkn8/s1600/BakedChickenSkins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5M8swqsSCZk/TolLA7U3QNI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/LEvVY7hkkn8/s400/BakedChickenSkins.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Before you get all grossed out, I'll let you know ahead of time, that these were for my dog! That being said, you can certainly make them for yourself. After all, skin off a fried chicken is pretty tasty! Anyway...I always skin my chicken before I cook it(unless I'm baking it, then I skin it after because it keeps it moist). As I was skinning a pack of chicken I decided I'd try to bake it up for my dog, as a treat. All I did was lay it on a lightly sprayed, foil lined baking pan. I baked them at 400 for about 15 minutes. Your dogs will love them! Keep the rest in the fridge if you have leftovers. If you do want to make these for human consumption, I'd sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and any other seasoning of choice(before putting them in the oven).Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-29563045476658650392011-09-27T12:07:00.000-07:002011-09-27T12:07:28.982-07:00Homemade Granola Bars<div class="ingredients" style="margin-top: 10px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1jatdMaRbI/ToIeC7JBh0I/AAAAAAAAAzM/phVC8txgF8I/s1600/HomemadeGranolaBars3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1jatdMaRbI/ToIeC7JBh0I/AAAAAAAAAzM/phVC8txgF8I/s400/HomemadeGranolaBars3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> I'm really trying to make more everyday items from scratch. My family loves granola bars, so I decided to try <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/playgroup-granola-bars/detail.aspx">these</a> homemade granola bars from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/">Allrecipes.com</a>. We all loved them! Enjoy! </span></h3>
<h3>
Ingredients</h3>
2 cups rolled oats<br />
3/4 cup packed brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup wheat germ<br />
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
1 cup all-purpose flour(I used whole wheat pastry flour)<br />
3/4 cup raisins (optional)<br />
3/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1/2 cup honey<br />
1 egg, beaten<br />
1/2 cup vegetable oil<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla extract</div>
<div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;">
<h3>
Directions</h3>
<ol>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
</span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar,
wheat germ, cinnamon, flour, raisins and salt. Make a well in the
center, and pour in the honey, egg, oil and vanilla. Mix well using your
hands. Pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
</span></li>
<li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break">
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven,
until the bars begin to turn golden at the edges. Cool for 5 minutes,
then cut into bars while still warm. Do not allow the bars to cool
completely before cutting, or they will be too hard to cut. </span></li>
</ol>
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break">recipe courtesy of <a href="http://allrecipes.com/">allrecipes.com</a></span>
</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td style="color: #fb6400; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 5px;" valign="top"><br /></td><td style="padding-bottom: 8px;" valign="top"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="color: #fb6400; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 5px;" valign="top"><br /></td><td style="padding-bottom: 8px;" valign="top"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="color: #fb6400; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 5px;" valign="top"><br /></td><td style="padding-bottom: 8px;" valign="top"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-5218547760906258882011-09-21T18:46:00.000-07:002011-09-21T18:46:44.555-07:00Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MUhkIzQQr0s/TnqSr_2-qoI/AAAAAAAAAzI/q66P4sas3Sw/s1600/ItalianSausageTortelliniSoup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MUhkIzQQr0s/TnqSr_2-qoI/AAAAAAAAAzI/q66P4sas3Sw/s400/ItalianSausageTortelliniSoup.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I have a new favorite recipe site.<a href="http://onceamonthmom.com/"> OnceaMonthMom.com </a>. I will do once a month cooking from time to time (or my version of it anyways). Once a Month Mom has a TON of wonderful recipes and advice for anyone wanting to try once a month cooking. I made Italian sausage tortellini soup tonight and it was delicious! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!<br />
<ul>
<li>1 lb Italian sausage( I used sweet Italian sausage)</li>
<li>1 cup onion, chopped</li>
<li>2 teaspoons garlic, minced</li>
<li>5 cups beef stock
</li>
<li>2 cups tomatoes, chopped(I used canned)</li>
<li>8 ounces tomato sauce</li>
<li>2 cups zucchini, sliced </li>
<li>1/2 cup carrot, sliced</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups red bell pepper, diced (I didn't use)</li>
<li>1/2 cup dry red wine</li>
<li>1 Tablespoons basil, dried</li>
<li>1 Tablespoons oregano, dired</li>
<li>10 ounces tortellini, cheese, fresh</li>
<li>1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded</li>
</ul>
Directions:<br />
<br />
Saute sausage in a large pan. When the sausage is cooked almost all the way through, push to the side and add onion and garlic. Saute for a few minutes, untill onion and garlic are soft. Drain fat. Add stock, tomatoes, tomato sauce, zucchini, carrot, bell pepper, wine, basil and oregano. Simmer for 40 minutes, until carrots are soft. Add tortellini to boiling soup. Follow package directions on tortellini for cook time. Serve with parmesan cheese on top.<br />
<br />
Recipe courtesy of Kelly at <a href="http://onceamonthmom.com/italian-sausage-tortellini-soup/">onceamonthmom.com</a>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-49321752995527555762011-08-31T22:33:00.000-07:002011-08-31T22:33:15.152-07:00Scalloped Potatoes<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPL0vahpzB0/Tl8WprrNwII/AAAAAAAAAzE/dimwMibNoyg/s1600/scallopedpotatoesedit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPL0vahpzB0/Tl8WprrNwII/AAAAAAAAAzE/dimwMibNoyg/s400/scallopedpotatoesedit.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Tonight was my first attempt at making homemade scalloped potatoes. The <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/scalloped-potatoes-85629">recipe</a> I found was on<a href="http://www.food.com/"> Food.com</a>. It was really simple and very tasty. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
4 cups thinly sliced, peeled potatoes<br />
3 Tablespoons butter<br />
3 Tablespoons flour<br />
1 & 1/2 cup milk<br />
1 teasp. salt<br />
1 dash cayenne pepper ( I used black pepper)<br />
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese ( I also threw in some grated parmesan cheese)<br />
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for top<br />
<br />
Directions: <span class="instructions">In a small sauce pan, melt butter and blend in flour. Let sit for a minute. Stir in cold milk with a whisk. Cook on low until smooth and boiling while stirring occasionally with a whisk. Reduce heat and stir in 1 cup cheese.</span><span class="instructions"> Place a half of the sliced potatoes in a lightly greased one quart casserole dish. Pour half of cheese sauce over potatoes. Repeat. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top(I added this closer to the end). Bake uncovered for 1 hour at 350.</span><br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<span class="instructions"> </span><br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br /> <br />
<div class="section clrfix ingredients">
<h2>
</h2>
</div>
<br />
<div class="section clrfix ingredients">
<h2>
</h2>
</div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-33610136307492109322011-08-12T18:05:00.000-07:002011-08-12T18:05:16.643-07:00Freezing Sandwiches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qVPUVoG2gg/TkCxqRWiioI/AAAAAAAAAy4/-pw3itguzSo/s1600/100_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1qVPUVoG2gg/TkCxqRWiioI/AAAAAAAAAy4/-pw3itguzSo/s400/100_0251.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Did you know that you can freeze sandwiches? Well, you can! I started doing just that a few months ago for my husband's lunches. I love doing this for a couple reasons. One...it's so much easier making a week's worth of sandwiches all at once instead of one every day. Also, I love using up the lunch meat, cheese and bread before it goes bad. I'm assuming I'm not the only one who finds random packages of meat and cheese in the fridge, with just a couple pieces left in them. You're left wondering how long it's been open, or if it's still good. Then you just throw it in the trash to be safe. I hate having to do that...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7EQLT30Efg/TkCxxli1txI/AAAAAAAAAy8/9LQckEc5eB8/s1600/100_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7EQLT30Efg/TkCxxli1txI/AAAAAAAAAy8/9LQckEc5eB8/s400/100_0250.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I've only tried this with meat and cheese sandwiches, but here are the directions:<br />
<br />
Make up the sandwich with meat, cheese, and bread of your choice. Wrap it up in plastic wrap. Then wrap in foil. Put it in the freezer. You might want to label them also. You can either thaw them in the fridge the night before, or they might thaw out in a lunch bag in time for lunch. My husband likes to heat them in a microwave at work sometimes also. If you want to add any condiments, lettuce, tomato, etc...do this before you eat it, NOT before you freeze it. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-73745272824379350982011-08-08T20:35:00.000-07:002011-08-08T20:35:01.790-07:00My New Favorite Toy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BI7tmvIKW4Y/TkCqyhUCpBI/AAAAAAAAAy0/HLNCSX62bmk/s1600/100_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BI7tmvIKW4Y/TkCqyhUCpBI/AAAAAAAAAy0/HLNCSX62bmk/s400/100_0249.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I have been wanting an apple peeler, corer, slicer since forever! The only ones that I've ever seen, however, are the kind that hook on to the side of your kitchen counter. I've tried those, and they just do not work on my counter... at all! I was so happy to find <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pinzon-Apple-Potato-Peeler-Slicer/dp/B001CGMKAE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1312860419&sr=8-2">one</a> that actually suctions right on to the top of your counter. I got it in the mail today, and I tried it tonight. I love it! It works perfectly and now, dare I say it, I can almost feel fall in the air....You can check it out over on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pinzon-Apple-Potato-Peeler-Slicer/dp/B001CGMKAE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1312860419&sr=8-2">Amazon</a>.Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-62774712214987398642011-07-18T17:24:00.000-07:002011-07-18T17:24:43.619-07:00Protein Pancakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKCM2izWKag/TiTOcF0PVpI/AAAAAAAAAxc/eQreemBdm9g/s1600/ProteinPancakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKCM2izWKag/TiTOcF0PVpI/AAAAAAAAAxc/eQreemBdm9g/s400/ProteinPancakes.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't know why, but I have the hardest time getting the right amount of protein in my diet. I do drink protein shakes after my workout, but frankly I feel like I'm on an episode of Fear Factor every time I do. They're pretty gross....So while looking for some high protein recipes online, I found a recipe for protein pancakes on <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/oatmeal-cottage-cheese-pancakes-43072">Food.com</a>. They're actually really good! The flavor reminds me of french toast. Give 'em a try!<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1/2 cup oats<br />
1/2 cup cottage cheese<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
4 egg whites<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Put all of the ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour onto a hot griddle sprayed with non-stick spray. Cook like regular pancakes. Top with your favorite pancake toppings(I topped mine with butter spray and sugar-free maple syrup). Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-31660076876702445432011-07-04T20:48:00.000-07:002011-07-04T20:48:00.131-07:00An "Extreme Couponer" Sharing Our Recipes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMOSh-ylW_Y/ThKF2j9DuoI/AAAAAAAAAws/E0D-p4LzQ2g/s1600/coupon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMOSh-ylW_Y/ThKF2j9DuoI/AAAAAAAAAws/E0D-p4LzQ2g/s1600/coupon.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Tammilee from <a href="http://www.tammileetips.com/">Tammilee Tips</a> has been featuring some of The Lonely Baker's recipes on her blog for her new <a href="http://www.tammileetips.com/search/label/Make%20It%20Monday">"Make it Monday"</a> posts. Tammilee posts a budget friendly recipe every Monday. She has been featured on the TLC show Extreme Couponing. Her episode was one of my favorites, because she shopped for "normal" everyday items. I had the opportunity to take one of her coupon classes. The class was awesome and it was filled with a lot of useful information.<br />
I personally use coupons when I shop for my family and have found her site very helpful. You will find a lot of tips on her blog to help save you money! It is definitely possible to cook great meals for your family, on a budget. Go over and check<a href="http://www.tammileetips.com/"> it </a>out!Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-82019531997362922482011-07-01T18:18:00.000-07:002011-07-13T17:19:08.018-07:00Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6Bo9261SoE/Tg5w7xjEAwI/AAAAAAAAAwo/xbvNZJXXR-U/s1600/SparklingStrawberryLemonade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6Bo9261SoE/Tg5w7xjEAwI/AAAAAAAAAwo/xbvNZJXXR-U/s400/SparklingStrawberryLemonade.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
It's summer!!!! And I'm loving every minute of it! I love fizzy drinks, so I'm really loving my new find for this strawberry lemonade. I saw a recipe for a<a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/askhg/show/2002"> low calorie strawberry lemonade over at The Hungry Girl.</a> I changed it up a bit(not that it needed changing, but I was working with what I had) and it's amazing! My new favorite drink! You can play around with the amounts listed.<br />
<br />
1 cup diet ginger ale about 1/2 a can<br />
about 1/2 cup of cold water<br />
Half a packet of diet powdered little drink packet in lemonade or strawberry lemonade flavor, like Crystal Light. I like the strawberry lemonade flavor, Target brand<br />
4 frozen unsweetened strawberries<br />
1/3 cup crushed ice <i>or</i> 3 ice cubes<br />
<br />
Put ice, strawberries and ginger ale in blender. Add drink mix and water. If using a magic bullet, just fill water to almost top. Blend until smooth. Warning!!! It's fizzy, so it will want to fizz over when you take the bottom off of the Magic bullet, so go slow. I'm not sure what happens in a regular blender.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-81550281690128277592011-06-23T11:29:00.000-07:002011-07-13T17:19:30.369-07:00Good Old Fashioned Pancake Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xSXYsk2cbWo/TgOFpWztHkI/AAAAAAAAAwk/wM5oacQ7EXE/s1600/pancakesedit3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xSXYsk2cbWo/TgOFpWztHkI/AAAAAAAAAwk/wM5oacQ7EXE/s400/pancakesedit3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I love pancakes and I could eat them every day for breakfast! I rarely make them anymore though because I eat way too many of them! My daughter just had a sleep over so I decided to make everyone pancakes. I didn't have enough pancake mix on hand so I used <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/good-old-fashioned-pancakes/detail.aspx">this</a> incredibly yummy<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/good-old-fashioned-pancakes/detail.aspx"> recipe</a> from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/">All Recipes</a>. If you love pancakes, you have to try these!<br />
<br />
Ingredients: <br />
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 teaspoon salt</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 tablespoon white sugar</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 1/4 cups milk</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
1 egg</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
3 tablespoons butter, melted </div>
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">
Directions: <br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td style="color: #fb6400; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 5px;" valign="top"><br /></td> <td style="padding-bottom: 8px;" valign="top">In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="color: #fb6400; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 5px;" valign="top"><br /></td> <td style="padding-bottom: 8px;" valign="top">Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.</td></tr>
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Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-43097012763410649572011-06-16T12:51:00.000-07:002011-07-13T17:19:52.871-07:00S'mores Brownies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mP9ihNG_Mo/TfpeaDGxkmI/AAAAAAAAAwc/dmE7Vjv93KA/s1600/S%2527moresBrownies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mP9ihNG_Mo/TfpeaDGxkmI/AAAAAAAAAwc/dmE7Vjv93KA/s400/S%2527moresBrownies.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
S'mores are good....,but am I the only one that thinks they are a total hassle??? They are a mess! I know..I'm such a grouch...! Anyways, here's a yummy recipe from Betty Crocker that's a whole lot easier to make and it's also a great way for you to get your S'more fix if you're no where near a campfire.<br />
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box (1 lb 2.4 oz) Betty Crocker® Original Supreme Premium brownie mix</div>
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Water, vegetable oil and egg called for on brownie mix box</div>
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cups miniature marshmallows</div>
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graham crackers, broken into small pieces</div>
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Hershey's® milk chocolate candy bars, broken into 1-inch squares<b><i>(I used semi sweet chocolate chips)</i></b></div>
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<li> Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Make brownies as directed. After removing pan from oven, set oven to broil.</li>
<li> Immediately sprinkle marshmallows and graham crackers over warm brownies<b><i>(I put some chocolate chips under the marshmallow layer also)</i></b>. Broil about 4 to 5 inches from heat 30 to 60 seconds or until marshmallows are golden brown. (Watch carefully marshmallows and graham crackers will brown quickly.) Sprinkle with chocolate candy. To serve warm, cool about 30 minutes. For brownies, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Recipe Courtesy of <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/smores-brownies/81b22908-4183-4a65-80e5-72fe2c6af02e"> Betty Crocker </a>.</li>
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Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-76032873069836197442011-06-09T20:33:00.000-07:002011-07-13T17:20:33.302-07:00Easy Parmesan Herb Biscuits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l0PVzevVxAM/TfGQdRzkAHI/AAAAAAAAAwY/lxpL0fI6PgI/s1600/ParmesanHerbBiscuits.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l0PVzevVxAM/TfGQdRzkAHI/AAAAAAAAAwY/lxpL0fI6PgI/s400/ParmesanHerbBiscuits.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
One of our favorite biscuits to have with dinner are <a href="http://lets-eat-recipes.blogspot.com/2010/02/garlic-cheese-biscuits.html">garlic cheese biscuits</a>. I was going to make those tonight, when I had the idea to change them up a bit. I still used garlic, but instead of cheddar cheese, I used parmesan cheese and I also added Italian herbs. They were so delicious! I didn't measure anything out, but I'll give you my best estimate. Add more or less as desired.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
2 1/4 biscuit mix(like Bisquick)<br />
2/3 cup milk<br />
1 teaspoon garlic powder<br />
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning<br />
1/4 to 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese<br />
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Directions:<br />
Mix biscuit mix, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and cheese together. Add milk and mix well. Drop by large spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with more garlic powder if desired. Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes, until edges start to turn golden(you might have to lift up the biscuits and check bottoms).<br />
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Tip! Don't bake things like biscuits on the bottom rack of your oven. They will most likely cook too quickly on the bottoms.Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-83060471409832366772011-06-08T13:08:00.000-07:002011-07-13T17:20:49.635-07:00Baked Banana Blueberry Oatmeal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bG2coh4JQ20/TeuwOhFX7DI/AAAAAAAAAwU/NUzB4oEJUTs/s1600/bananablueberryoatmeal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bG2coh4JQ20/TeuwOhFX7DI/AAAAAAAAAwU/NUzB4oEJUTs/s400/bananablueberryoatmeal.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I love oatmeal! You know, like the kind from the little packs covered in sugar....However, I know they are not the healthiest choice for breakfast, so I tried a baked oatmeal<a href="http://www.katheats.com/favorite-foods/baked-banana-oatmeal"> recipe</a> that I found over on <a href="http://www.katheats.com/">Kath Eats Real Food</a>. Great blog by the way to find some yummy, healthy recipes. I did add a couple of ingredients, but it was such a delicious recipe and definitely healthier than some of the instant choices(which I still love and will indulge in from time to time).<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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2 cups oats(rolled or quick cook)<br />
1 teas. baking powder<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
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1 egg<br />
1 mashed banana<br />
1.5 cups skim milk (I used 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup water)<br />
1/4 cup splenda (this was my addition)<br />
1 teaspoon of vanilla <br />
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1-2 sliced bananas<br />
1/2 cup frozen or fresh blueberries (my addition)<br />
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Directions:<br />
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Mix oats, baking powder and salt together. In a separate bowl mix egg, milk, vanilla, mashed banana and splenda together. Mix wet and dry together. Stir in blueberries. Layer 1 sliced banana on the bottom of an 8X8 casserole dish(sprayed with non-stick spray). Pour oatmeal over the first layer of bananas then add the other sliced banana to the top. Bake uncovered at 375 for about 25 minutes. I skipped this next part(although it sounds amazing!), but Kath increases the oven to broil, covers the top with a tablespoon of brown sugar and broils the oatmeal for about 3 minutes.<br />
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Enjoy!Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8918853119351338207.post-30128813787537053282011-06-06T19:25:00.000-07:002011-07-13T17:21:05.921-07:00Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDRlLHPx55I/TerwZzWpjII/AAAAAAAAAwQ/5qJLljGVX-k/s1600/chickenstirfry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDRlLHPx55I/TerwZzWpjII/AAAAAAAAAwQ/5qJLljGVX-k/s400/chickenstirfry.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Both my husband and I love Chinese food. My children, however, do not. So....I try and make it on the nights they are at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Thursday I threw together a chicken stir fry. If you've never tried making a stir fry before, you should. It's super easy! We have a wok, but you could use a regular skillet.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut up<br />
Garlic, minced<br />
Carrots, sliced<br />
Broccoli, cut up<br />
Green beans, cut up(tips removed)<br />
Onion, cut up<br />
Other ideas, snap peas, baby corn, water chestnuts, asparagus<br />
Oil(I used sesame oil and vegetable oil)<br />
Stir Fry sauce(Stir fry sauce and sesame oil can be found in the Asian food section of your store)<br />
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Directions:<br />
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a skillet. Add minced garlic and saute for a minute. Add chicken and cook until the center is no longer pink. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in wok, 1/2 sesame 1/2 vegetable oil. Saute vegetables till they reach desired tenderness. Add cooked chicken. Mix together and add favorite stir fry sauce. Serve with white rice.Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854835053497876611noreply@blogger.com0