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White Chocolate Peanut Butter Krispies

December 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Oh my deliciousness!! I can not even explain how amazingly good these are. I had to whip up something quick the other day. You know, cookie exchanges and all are kinda happening left and right. Tis the season! I have now made 4 batches of these. In 3 days. Yep, I’d say these are my latest go to recipe as far as treats go. The downfall? I can’t stop eating them! I am popping them in my mouth A LOT. So basically they are a diet fail but hey, who diets this time of year anyway?? ;)  

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Krispies

Source

(Printable Recipe)

2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
2 cups dry roasted peanuts
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup peanut butter
2 pounds white chocolate chips (2 12-oz packages plus 1 1/3 cup)

In a large bowl, combine cereal, peanuts and marshmallows. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and peanut butter on High for 1 minute and then in 30 second intervals until fully melted. Stir chocolate into cereal mixture. Mixture will be slightly runny. Drop by tablespoons onto waxed paper. Let set until firm, 2 hours. Store in an airtight container.

I promise, these will be a hit at any party you bring them too!! Delish :)

Filed Under: Holidays, In the Kitchen Tagged With: , , ,

Kids Christmas Party

December 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Wow — December slow it down! Between going back to work and just the normal holiday hustle and bustle, my blog is getting neglected. I’m missing it!! So hello friends — I hope everyone is enjoy the season and slowing down to make some amazing memories. We have watched a lot of holiday movies this week. I love the snuggle time.

By the way, where do people come from this time of year? It seems every road, parking lot and store is packed full of people. Then come January the world feels a lot quieter. It’s crazy! Six weeks of crazy I tell ya!

I love the kids parties at school. When the new school year rolls around and the sign ups come out I am all over it. This year I was able to sign up to run the Christmas party for my youngest and Valentine’s for my oldest. Christmas is around the corner so I have created a Pinterest Board to help compile fabulous crafty ideas. Some are arts and crafts and others are cute food ideas. Some of you might be planning holiday parties as well so I wanted to share some of my fun finds with you! I should mention that the other person helping me run this pretty much said she didn’t have ideas and would love to hear mine. Um ok!! ;) I can handle that! Here are a few fab crafty ideas that I am hoping to do this season — either in the classroom or out. Also, my son is in second grade so I am gearing it towards that age group.

 

  1. I love this Christmas cheese platter. It’s filled with tomatoes and cheese with pretzels as the stem. Of course you could serve more pretzels on the side.
  2. Of course snack time wouldn’t be complete without these sweet sandwiches.
  3. This idea for Grinch Floats using green {guessing lime} sherbet and sprite is so fun!! I can’t find the original source though — if you know of it, please do share. I’d like to give the credit where it belongs.
  4. These reindeer munchies are giving me the munchies!!
  5. Kids love cupcakes and these wreath cupcakes also have candy. Yum!
  6. I love this chocolate donut reindeer. They are simple yet so cute!

 

I love crafts. I think it is super sweet to make them nostalgic so little projects that involves handprints melt my heart. Kids grow so fast .

  1. These cute reindeer handprints are on the top of my to do list..
  2. If you have some scraps of fabric {I do!}, just add cinnamon sticks and you have these cute lil’ trees. Plus they will smell yummy!
  3. Another great craft using up old fabric or even some ribbon are these snowman clothespins. You could add a magnet to the back to make it easy to display {and hold stuff like letters from Santa or Christmas Lists!}
  4. I love these beautiful swirled paint ornaments. I happened to pick up some glass bulbs at a great price at Michaels last week. Just in case it’s a project we decide to do.
  5. For something pretty easy and with very little supplies needed, how about a pom pom pinecone? All of a sudden you’ve created a mini tree
  6. Reindeer Food is a must in our house. I adore these sweet little tags to go along with them. Hint: These also make fun gifts for the neighborhood kiddies!

If you are on Pinterest, pop on over and check out my Kids Christmas Party board. I have a whole bunch of other goodies on there that I didn’t share in this post.

Do you have any must do crafts for the season? How about must eat treats? I’d love to hear about them :)

 

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Crafts, Holidays, In the Kitchen, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Chicken Tortilla Soup

December 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Oh boy is it soup weather! Plus my lil’ sis wanted some tortilla soup for her birthday yesterday. Well I am a firm believer in giving people what they want for their birthdays. Especially my sister who is also a super Auntie! It was a success which means, yes indeed I will be making it again!! It was super easy and fast. It also had the perfect amount of spice. Definitely add the lime as it just adds a nice pop of flavor that really compliments the spices.

 

Chicken Tortilla Soup - adapted by Sunset Magazine, December 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
source

Ingredients

  • 1 qt. reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 pounds boned, skinned chicken thighs, cubed {I used boneless breasts as it is what I had on hand}
  • 1/2 white onion, chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 to 1 serrano chile, halved and sliced
  • 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cups coarsely crushed corn tortilla chips, divided
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
  • Lime wedges

Preparation

  1.  Heat broth, covered, in a medium pot over high heat until boiling. Add chicken, onion, tomatoes, chile, beans, and spices. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes to blend flavors. Stir in 1 cup tortilla chips; ladle into bowls.
  2.  Serve soup with remaining 1 cup chips, the cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

This is a super quick go to meal on a busy night. You could also make it with rotiserre chicken if you are short on prep time. The soup came together in about 30 minutes including the time it took me to cook the chicken in my Forman Grill prior to adding it the broth.

Filed Under: In the Kitchen Tagged With: ,

Chocolate Snickerdoodles with Pumpkin Kisses

November 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment

My goal is to find, make and share one new recipe a week with all of you. With it being the holiday season, you may see a lot of sweets ;) I’m sorry. I can not help myself. If you are a neighbor of mine — you will either love or hate me cause I have to share!! Todays recipe was a Chocolate Snickerdoodle with a Pumpkin Kiss in the middle. It was yummy and seasonal. I also walked outside with a plate and handed them out to the kids playing in the beautiful Fall sunshine {mine included}. I needed more judges then just me. It was a general thumbs up. Yeah! I love thumbs up when I make a new recipe.

I would LOVE to try and make these with Caramel Kisses. Can you imagine that flavor combo? Mmmmm.

Chocolate Snickerdoodles with Pumpkin Kisses

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup dutch cocoa
1 teaspoon cream of tarter
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
cinnamon sugar
32 Hershey’s Pumpkin Spice Kisses

Cinnamon Sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl mix together the Cinnamon Sugar and set aside.

Combine the flour, cocoa powder, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt together and set aside.

In mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.  Add the eggs one at a time.  Stir in the vanilla.  With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients until just combined.

Using your hands, form the dough into 1 inch balls and then roll in Cinnamon Sugar mixture.  Place the dough balls on the baking sheets.  Bake at 325 for 10-12 minutes or until just firm but not overcooked.

While the cookies are baking unwrap your Pumpkin Kisses.

Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately place pumpkin kisses in the center of each cookie. Cool completely.  (Just press them down gently, the candy will melt and stick to the cookie when cool.  Try not to move the cookies until the Kisses have set up again.)
This week I’m linking up to the following parties:

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Crock Pot Turkey White Bean Chili

October 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 

I posted that I was making this yesterday on Facebook and many of you asked for the recipe. I wanted to make sure that it was ‘share worthy’ and it is ;) If you want a super simple meal and love using your crockpot then this is perfect!! I also love that her blog {Skinny Taste} is filled with delicious and good for you meals.

Crock Pot Turkey White Bean Chili

Ingredients:

  • cooking spray
  • 2 lb 99% lean ground turkey
  • 1/2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder, to taste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 2 (15 oz cans) of white northern or navy beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15 oz can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 4.5 oz canned chopped green chile
  • 2 cups low sodium, fat free chicken broth
  • fat free sour cream for topping (optional)
  • chopped cilantro and chives for topping (optional)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  • Heat a large heavy saute pan over high heat and lightly spray with oil. Add meat and cook, breaking it up until white, about 5 minutes.  Add to crock pot.
  • Add oil to the saute pan, then onions, garlic, sauté about 3 – 4 minutes; add cumin and sauté another minute.
  • Add to crock pot. Add beans, pumpkin puree, green chilis, broth, chili powder, oregano, and bay leaves. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
  • Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning to taste before serving. Enjoy!

I served this with tortilla chips as they are a MUST for chili in our household although I think you could do something more healthy like a salad. If you wanted to be good that is ;) This coming from a girl that snacks on candy corns. Ha ha!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, In the Kitchen Tagged With: , , ,

Candy Corn: A Love/Hate Relationship

October 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Funny post name uh? Well let me explain. I love candy corn. But then I love it so much that it hurts my tummy. Then I hate it. Does that explain my madness? Well good ;) Now we can move on. In honor of my relationship with candy corn, I am sharing some fun candy corn ”stuff” with all of you. Some edible, some decorative.

Fun and fabulous Candy Corn decor 

  1. Candy corn bottles
  2. Candy corn bunting 
  3. Candy corn cones
  4. Candy corn candle {i love this blue chair!}
  5. Candy corn {wooden}
  6. Candy corn candle
  7. Candy corn banner
  8. Candy corn decor

Sweet & salty Candy Corn treats

  1. Sparkling candy corn cookies
  2. Candy corn sugar cookie bars
  3. Candy corn krispie treat 
  4. Candy corn crunch
  5. Sweet & salty Halloween treats
  6. Scarecrow Treats
  7. Candy corn pretzel rods
  8. Candy corn cupcakes

 

Are you a fan of candy corn or not so much?

 

 


 

Filed Under: Fun finds, Holidays, In the Kitchen Tagged With: , , , , ,

Pumpkin Cobbler

October 12, 2012 By 4 Comments

I found this recipe many moons ago in a Gooseberry Patch recipe book. I’m not sure if you’ve heard of Gooseberry Patch but they have amazing recipes, craft ideas and even cute gifts. I have several of their Christmas books. Actually several of their recipes are now family favorites, including this one. My hubby loves this one so thankfully I was able to surprise him while he took the big boy to soccer tonight. Good thing I stock up on things like cake mixes, pumpkin and spices when they are on sale for moments like this ;) Oh, whatever you do — serve it with homemade whipping cream. I swear, you won’t be disappointed!!

 Photo Source

Gooseberry Patch Pumpkin Cobbler

3 eggs, beaten
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 (18 1/2 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 1/4 cups margarine, melted {I used butter}
1 cup chopped nuts
Directions:

1 In a mixing bowl, combine the first 8 ingredients; stir well.
2 Pour mixture into an ungreased 13×9 inch baking pan.
3 Sprinkle cake mix over the top.
4 Drizzle with melted margarine.
5 Bake in a 350° oven for 25 minutes; top with nuts.
6 Bake 15 more minutes.

Homemade Whipping cream

Heavy cream and sugar to taste. Just use a hand mixer {I prefer the Kitchen-aid cause you can just let it go} and whip for a bit. Once it starts to stiffen up, add sugar to taste. How much depends on how sweet you like it. A quarter cup may be plenty. Just give it a taste to see. Keep on mixing till it stands on it’s own and keep in the fridge. Use as needed.

Oh, did I mention how divine this whipped cream is on hot cocoa? Yep, heavenly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Crockpot Italian Chicken

October 10, 2012 By 11 Comments

I love easy, crockpot recipes. I found this lil’ gem over at Crockadoodledo {um cutest name EVER!}. It was easy and so yummy although mine cooked longer then it should have so it was more like a soup. I think I could have just added noodles and it would have made an awesome chicken noodle soup. Next time. There is always a next time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crockpot Italian Chicken

4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
16 Ounce Bottle of Italian Dressing (I used non fat)
1/2 Cup of Parmesan Cheese
Italian Seasoning
4-6 Potatoes scrubbed cut in half or wedges (you can peel if desired)
1/2 bag of mini carrots
Spray crock with Pam
Squirt a small amount of Italian dressing at bottom of crock-pot.
Place two chicken breasts in crock.
Pour some of the Italian dressing on the chicken.
Sprinkle half of cheese onto the chicken.
Sprinkle Italian seasoning onto the chicken.
Place next two chicken breasts into crock-pot, if possible not directly on top of the first breasts.
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of chicken.
Pour carrots on top
Pour more of the Italian dressing on top of chicken and carrots.
Sprinkle Italian seasoning onto the chicken and carrots.
Place potatoes on top.
Pour the remaining Italian dressing on the potatoes.Sprinkle Italian seasoning on the potatoes.Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
We served this with ciabiatta bread and it was delish!!

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15 Pumpkin Recipes

October 8, 2012 By 2 Comments

Ah yes, Fall has arrived {said while wearing the coziest sweater ever}. It’s time for hay rides, apple picking, you pick pumpkin patches or if you are short on time you can just visit your local grocery store and ‘pick your own’. ;) I’m just saying, you have options!!

With that being said, I am sharing 15 pumpkin recipes that look amazing!!

  1. Pumpkin spice hot cocoa
  2. Cinnamon cupcakes with pumpkin pie frosting
  3. Pumpkin caramel spice cookies
  4. 2 ingredient pumpkin cookies

 

  1. Triple chocolate pumpkin pie
  2. Ooey gooey caramel pumpkin brownies
  3. Pumpkin lust cake
  4. Pumpkin pie granola

 

  1. Cinnamon sugar pumpkin spice donuts
  2. Pumpkin spice latte
  3. Pumpkin cinnamon rolls
  4. Pumpkin coffee cake

 
Do you love pumpkin? Please share your favorite pumpkin recipe — I’d love to make it and share it here!!

Filed Under: Bee Inspired, Holidays, In the Kitchen Tagged With: , , , ,

Apple Cider Caramel Glazed Pound Cake

October 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Oh Fall how I love thee. I decided earlier this week that I wanted to make something with either apples or pumpkins. Well I stumbled upon this amazing recipe and decided apple is was. It actually called for apple cider but you get the point. Let me just say that my boys {including the hubs} were fighting over licking the bowl. It smelled like Apple Hill and it tasted amazing!! The kids have eaten it all week for breakfast too. I love when breakfast is just ‘that easy’. So here ya go — enjoy!!

Apple Cider Caramel Glazed Pound Cake
recipe from Culinary Concoctions by Peabody 

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup shortening
3 cups granulated sugar
6 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 cup apple cider
1 tsp. vanilla bean paste {I used regular vanilla}

Preheat oven to 325F. You can use a large tube pan or I made 5 small loaves. Grease whatever pan you are using with baking spray.

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment cream together the shortening and butter. Add sugar ¼ of a cup at a time. When all sugar is incorporated beat on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes.

Add eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl after every addition.

Add the vanilla and beat another 30 seconds.

Do you have a favorite recipe involving anything apple? Do share ;)

Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices in a medium bowl.

Starting with the flour mixture alternate adding the flour, then the cider, than flour, cider, and end with flour. Beat until all the ingredients are well combined.

Tube pan bake for 90 minutes. Small loaves took about 70 minutes. Just watch your oven to make sure a knife inserted in middle of cake comes out clean.

Caramel Glaze

1/2 granulated cup sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup Lyle’s Golden Syrup (dark corn syrup can be used)
1 tsp. vanilla bean paste {I used regular vanilla}

Combine all ingredients in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes. Drizzle over
cake while cake is still warm.

Also, if you like apple then this recipe I made last year was also amazing!! Do you have a recipe using apples that you love? I’d love for you to share!!

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