I've updated my Pinterest page with some new Christmas crafts for the kiddos. I finally got around to making the felt Christmas tree and they made one round of ornaments. It was a big hit! We've also made a candy cane using cut up construction paper to glue onto a candy cane printout and a paper bag Santa Claus puppet. They have loved playing with that! I updated it, also, with our paper plate wreaths. I am hoping to make some cute ornaments with craft sticks sometime soon to post. They would make cute grandparent gifts!
Today I am trying a new sugar cookie recipe. They are supposed to taste like the Lofthouse cookies you buy at the store, but due to our son't peanut allergy, we haven't had them in years! I'm hoping they're close, because I love them and they would be so easy to do for any of the holidays! If they turn out as I hope, I'll be sharing that recipe soon.
The Princess has her first preschool holiday program tonight. I'm not sure that she'll do anything but stand there, but it will be fun just the same. I am making a very early dinner of BBQ chicken drumsticks in the oven. They are pretty delicious! Hope everyone is having a great week. I'm sure you're busy getting everything done for the big day!
Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken Drumsticks
BBQ sauce
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
Line a pan with parchment paper. Place drumsticks on pan. If desired, pat on olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake in oven without any sauce at 400 degrees. After 20 minutes, brush on BBQ sauce (I normally use Sweet Baby Rays, but your favorite or homemade works!) and put back into the oven for 25-35 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink. Spoon or brush sauce every 5 minutes until done.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Some Christmas Book Favorites (and a New Cookie Recipe!)
I have been so busy with the holidays approaching that I've been neglecting the blog for a few days! Today I thought I'd share with you a few of our favorite Christmas books, as well as a new cookie recipe I tried on Saturday that was delicious (and easy!).
Today our kiddos are receiving a few new Christmas books for their advent bag activity. This year I was excited to purchase Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by Eric Litwin, because all of the other Pete the Cat books have been a big hit in our house. A few of our other Christmas favorites are Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck (this is a board book), Moosteltoe by Margie Palatini, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, Hurry, Hurry Have You Heard? by Laura Krauss Melmed and Who Is Coming to Our House? by Joseph Slate (also a board book). We have many more books that the kiddos love to read, but these have stuck out this year!
Saturday I decided to take a stab at a Rolo-stuffed cookie and opted for a chocolate crackle with a roll stuffed inside. They were delicious! I can't wait to share them with our families. Yum! Today I thought I'd share the recipe with you. They were quite easy to make!
Rolo-Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
From Two Peas & Their Pod blog
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
3/4 c. cocoa
1 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 t. vanilla
Bag of Rolo candies unwrapped
Sugar (for rolling to dough balls in)
In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa. Set aside. With a mixer, cream butter and sugars together until smooth. Mix in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla next. Beat until mixed. Slowly add flour mixture to sugar mixture and blend well. Take a spoonful of dough and wrap around Rolo. Roll into ball and then roll in sugar. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375 degrees for 7-10 minutes. Let sit on sheet for an additional 3-5 minutes. Place on wire rack to cool completely.
Today our kiddos are receiving a few new Christmas books for their advent bag activity. This year I was excited to purchase Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by Eric Litwin, because all of the other Pete the Cat books have been a big hit in our house. A few of our other Christmas favorites are Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck (this is a board book), Moosteltoe by Margie Palatini, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, Hurry, Hurry Have You Heard? by Laura Krauss Melmed and Who Is Coming to Our House? by Joseph Slate (also a board book). We have many more books that the kiddos love to read, but these have stuck out this year!
Saturday I decided to take a stab at a Rolo-stuffed cookie and opted for a chocolate crackle with a roll stuffed inside. They were delicious! I can't wait to share them with our families. Yum! Today I thought I'd share the recipe with you. They were quite easy to make!
Rolo-Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
From Two Peas & Their Pod blog
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
3/4 c. cocoa
1 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 t. vanilla
Bag of Rolo candies unwrapped
Sugar (for rolling to dough balls in)
In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa. Set aside. With a mixer, cream butter and sugars together until smooth. Mix in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla next. Beat until mixed. Slowly add flour mixture to sugar mixture and blend well. Take a spoonful of dough and wrap around Rolo. Roll into ball and then roll in sugar. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375 degrees for 7-10 minutes. Let sit on sheet for an additional 3-5 minutes. Place on wire rack to cool completely.
 |
| All rolled up |
 |
| Delicious! |
Friday, December 7, 2012
One of My Favorite Cookies: Gingersnaps (Edited to Correct Error!)
Just a quick post today! It's been a busy day picking up the house, cleaning, and wrapping presents. These days everyone has decided to abandon their naps, so getting things done has become a little trickier! Thankful there are a lot of cute Christmas shows on tv!
One of my favorite Christmas cookies are Gingersnaps. I forgot them in my original list I posted earlier this week. Usually either my mom or I bake them, so we'll see whose list it makes it onto this year. I thought I'd share the recipe with you. They are delicious and chewy (not crunchy!).
Gingersnaps
2 c. flour
2 t. scant baking soda (just a little less than 2 t.)
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. ginger
3/4 c. butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 c. molasses
*extra white sugar in a separate bowl for tops
Cream butter and sugars. Add egg. Mix. Add dry ingredients and stir. Mix in molasses last and stir until mixed well. Roll into balls, roll in sugar, and place on parchment-lined cookie sheet. Flatten with a fork. Bake at 350 degrees for 7-8 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand on the cookie sheet to bake a bit more to avoid getting too crispy (if chewy is what you desire). You may need to tweak the baking time depending on your preference.
One of my favorite Christmas cookies are Gingersnaps. I forgot them in my original list I posted earlier this week. Usually either my mom or I bake them, so we'll see whose list it makes it onto this year. I thought I'd share the recipe with you. They are delicious and chewy (not crunchy!).
Gingersnaps
2 c. flour
2 t. scant baking soda (just a little less than 2 t.)
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. ginger
3/4 c. butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 c. molasses
*extra white sugar in a separate bowl for tops
Cream butter and sugars. Add egg. Mix. Add dry ingredients and stir. Mix in molasses last and stir until mixed well. Roll into balls, roll in sugar, and place on parchment-lined cookie sheet. Flatten with a fork. Bake at 350 degrees for 7-8 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand on the cookie sheet to bake a bit more to avoid getting too crispy (if chewy is what you desire). You may need to tweak the baking time depending on your preference.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Charitable Giving (and Another Cookie Recipe!)
'Tis the season to load up on gifts for the whole family, but my husband and I think it's equally important to load up on gifts for those who cannot afford them. I can't imagine how sad it would be for a child to get nothing for Christmas. It's heartbreaking to think about, but each year we do as much as our budget allows to help others. While I love to buy for my own children, it really is a special experience to buy for those you don't even know.
This year we are doing our book family service project. We ended up purchasing around 60 books and I am very excited about all of the children who will get a new book to call their own. We will also be donating new toys to Toys for Tots. I think this is a great program and so "user-friendly," so to speak, because there are drop sites everywhere. I ordered some items online, but found some great deals on games at Target today that I couldn't pass up. I hear they are in need of items for older kids, so it's a great opportunity to get some fun games at a good price for that age group.
This year, for the first time, we will be giving some donations as a gift. Feeding America has a program where you can buy specific foods, so that's what we plan to do. If you would just like to donate money, though, today your dollar equals three, because for every dollar you donate, Bank of America will donate two more. What a great way to make your donation go further! My mother-in-law is buying a goat for all of the grandchildren this year. A goat, you say? She is purchasing a goat for a family in Africa. They can then have milk, cheese, and yogurt. I think it's a cool lesson for our kiddos!
There are other ways to help out in your community as well. A teen group at our church and another youth program were in need of cookies for bake sales to raise money for their causes, so given my love to bake, I happily contributed to those! There's always the Salvation Army bell ringers, too. My kids love to put money in those pots! Just hop online and I'm sure you'll find plenty of opportunities for your family to participate in this holiday season and beyond if you so desire.
As promised, I'll include another cookie recipe. This one is new for me this year. I made a practice batch last week and tweaked it a bit to make it a little tastier in my opinion. They may not be the prettiest cookie in the world, but they are yummy! One of my baking tips: I always use parchment paper to cover my cookie sheets when baking. Much less mess to clean up!
Hershey Kiss Surprise
Adapted from the recipe found on the Dip it in Chocolate blog
1/4 c. butter
1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 can sweeten condensed milk
2 cups flour
1 t. vanilla
Hershey mini kisses (found in baking aisle with chocolate chips)
Powdered sugar
*in lieu of powdered sugar, you can drizzle chocolate on top instead
In microwave, melt butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Cook at 30 second intervals on 60% power stirring each time, until melted and smooth. Stir in can of sweetened condensed milk. Add flour and vanilla to make a stiff dough. Shape 1 level tablespoon around two mini kisses, rolling into a ball. Roll in powdered sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 7-9 minutes. Cookies may crack on top to indicate they are done, but may not always. Don't overcook!
This year we are doing our book family service project. We ended up purchasing around 60 books and I am very excited about all of the children who will get a new book to call their own. We will also be donating new toys to Toys for Tots. I think this is a great program and so "user-friendly," so to speak, because there are drop sites everywhere. I ordered some items online, but found some great deals on games at Target today that I couldn't pass up. I hear they are in need of items for older kids, so it's a great opportunity to get some fun games at a good price for that age group.
This year, for the first time, we will be giving some donations as a gift. Feeding America has a program where you can buy specific foods, so that's what we plan to do. If you would just like to donate money, though, today your dollar equals three, because for every dollar you donate, Bank of America will donate two more. What a great way to make your donation go further! My mother-in-law is buying a goat for all of the grandchildren this year. A goat, you say? She is purchasing a goat for a family in Africa. They can then have milk, cheese, and yogurt. I think it's a cool lesson for our kiddos!
There are other ways to help out in your community as well. A teen group at our church and another youth program were in need of cookies for bake sales to raise money for their causes, so given my love to bake, I happily contributed to those! There's always the Salvation Army bell ringers, too. My kids love to put money in those pots! Just hop online and I'm sure you'll find plenty of opportunities for your family to participate in this holiday season and beyond if you so desire.
As promised, I'll include another cookie recipe. This one is new for me this year. I made a practice batch last week and tweaked it a bit to make it a little tastier in my opinion. They may not be the prettiest cookie in the world, but they are yummy! One of my baking tips: I always use parchment paper to cover my cookie sheets when baking. Much less mess to clean up!
Hershey Kiss Surprise
Adapted from the recipe found on the Dip it in Chocolate blog
1/4 c. butter
1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 can sweeten condensed milk
2 cups flour
1 t. vanilla
Hershey mini kisses (found in baking aisle with chocolate chips)
Powdered sugar
*in lieu of powdered sugar, you can drizzle chocolate on top instead
In microwave, melt butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Cook at 30 second intervals on 60% power stirring each time, until melted and smooth. Stir in can of sweetened condensed milk. Add flour and vanilla to make a stiff dough. Shape 1 level tablespoon around two mini kisses, rolling into a ball. Roll in powdered sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 7-9 minutes. Cookies may crack on top to indicate they are done, but may not always. Don't overcook!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Cookies! Sweets! My Christmas Treat List
As you know, I love to bake. Christmas is the perfect excuse to bake away and try some new recipes while I'm at it. This year my cookie and sweet list includes some new additions I plan to try out. I am hoping for some good results, but if they are not suitable for others, I guess we'll be stuck with the mistakes...shucks!
So, here is my for-sure cookie list:
Snicker doodles, Andes Mint, Hershey Kiss Surprise, Waffle Iron Turtles (no, these do not have nuts!) and Frosted Sugar Cookies
My "maybes:"
Rolo-stuffed Chocolate Chip, Rainbow Lollipops, Marshmallow Surprise, and Colorful Swirls
My sweets (if time permits):
Oreo Truffles, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles, Cake Batter Truffles, Rolo-stuffed Brownie Truffles
Today I made my husband's favorite cookies: Andes Mint. If you are looking for a delicious chocolate cookie recipe that has a little minty twist, this is the one for you. It's easy and if you roll them the size of a walnut you'll get about 5 1/2 dozen and they freeze wonderfully. I should mention that when I bake, I have become very partial to Land-o-Lakes unsalted butter. If you can't find that, stick with an unsalted butter and add the amount of salt that is required in the recipe.
Andes Mint Cookies
3/4 c. butter
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 T. water
12 oz. milk chocolate chips
2 eggs
2 3/4 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
1 1/4 t. baking soda
Bag of Andes Mints
In a medium saucepan, melt together the butter, brown sugar, and water; stirring occasionally. Add the chocolate chips and stir until melted. Let stand 10 minutes to cool. Add the remaining ingredients and combine to form a dough. Chill dough at least one hour. Roll in walnut-sized balls. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-9 minutes. After you take them out of the oven, place half of an Andes Mint on top of each cookie. Let melt a bit and then spread over cookie with a toothpick.
So, here is my for-sure cookie list:
Snicker doodles, Andes Mint, Hershey Kiss Surprise, Waffle Iron Turtles (no, these do not have nuts!) and Frosted Sugar Cookies
My "maybes:"
Rolo-stuffed Chocolate Chip, Rainbow Lollipops, Marshmallow Surprise, and Colorful Swirls
My sweets (if time permits):
Oreo Truffles, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles, Cake Batter Truffles, Rolo-stuffed Brownie Truffles
Today I made my husband's favorite cookies: Andes Mint. If you are looking for a delicious chocolate cookie recipe that has a little minty twist, this is the one for you. It's easy and if you roll them the size of a walnut you'll get about 5 1/2 dozen and they freeze wonderfully. I should mention that when I bake, I have become very partial to Land-o-Lakes unsalted butter. If you can't find that, stick with an unsalted butter and add the amount of salt that is required in the recipe.
Andes Mint Cookies
3/4 c. butter
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 T. water
12 oz. milk chocolate chips
2 eggs
2 3/4 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
1 1/4 t. baking soda
Bag of Andes Mints
In a medium saucepan, melt together the butter, brown sugar, and water; stirring occasionally. Add the chocolate chips and stir until melted. Let stand 10 minutes to cool. Add the remaining ingredients and combine to form a dough. Chill dough at least one hour. Roll in walnut-sized balls. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-9 minutes. After you take them out of the oven, place half of an Andes Mint on top of each cookie. Let melt a bit and then spread over cookie with a toothpick.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Comfort Food Monday
We've had better Mondays around this house. My husband is not feeling well and my back, which has been a pain in my rear end for years, has decided to act up at this most inconvenient time. I guess it's time to take a day "off" in a sense. We've spent a lot of time this morning doing puzzles and coloring. I think a movie is in store for this afternoon, as well as our Advent day #3 project: a paper plate wreath.
Today I want to share with you an awesome recipe for Chicken Tetrazzini. It is delicious and a wonderful comfort food. We first received this meal as a "Mommy Meal" when we had our daughter and it has been in the rotation ever since. Enjoy this one!
Chicken Tetrazzini with Peas and Mushrooms
1 7 oz. package of vermicelli (I normally use thin spaghetti)
3 cups chopped, cooked chicken (a few chicken breasts works!)
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 jar Bertolli Alfredo sauce (I normally use the mushroom)
8 oz. fresh mushrooms, cut up and sauted (or you can just use canned, too)
3/4 c. frozen peas, cooked
3/4 c. chicken broth
1/4 t. ground pepper
Make pasta according to package directions. Stir together chicken, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, soup, Alfredo sauce, mushrooms, peas, broth, and pepper. (To get all of the sauce out of the jar, pour broth into it, shake around, and pour in the bowl). Stir in pasta. Put in lightly greased 9X13 baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until warm and bubbly.
Today I want to share with you an awesome recipe for Chicken Tetrazzini. It is delicious and a wonderful comfort food. We first received this meal as a "Mommy Meal" when we had our daughter and it has been in the rotation ever since. Enjoy this one!
Chicken Tetrazzini with Peas and Mushrooms
1 7 oz. package of vermicelli (I normally use thin spaghetti)
3 cups chopped, cooked chicken (a few chicken breasts works!)
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 jar Bertolli Alfredo sauce (I normally use the mushroom)
8 oz. fresh mushrooms, cut up and sauted (or you can just use canned, too)
3/4 c. frozen peas, cooked
3/4 c. chicken broth
1/4 t. ground pepper
Make pasta according to package directions. Stir together chicken, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, soup, Alfredo sauce, mushrooms, peas, broth, and pepper. (To get all of the sauce out of the jar, pour broth into it, shake around, and pour in the bowl). Stir in pasta. Put in lightly greased 9X13 baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until warm and bubbly.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
What's for Dinner?
What a busy weekend it's been, so we're making two dinners tonight: one for my husband and I and one for the kids. That leaves us with plenty of leftovers for tomorrow night and lunches. It's one of those "take it easy" dinner weeks! I love them, especially when they're budget-friendly, too.
Here's our line-up for the week:
Sunday- Vegetable Beef Soup and Spaghetti Pie
Monday- Leftovers (Woo-hoo!)
Tuesday- Taquitos
Wednesday- Fish sticks and fries
Thursday- Breakfast for dinner night: french toast and scrambled eggs
Friday- Homemade pizza night
Saturday- Movie night: popcorn and apples this week!
I thought I'd share the spaghetti pie recipe tonight. I've made a different one for years (and will share another time), but this one makes a bit more!
Spaghetti Pie
(Adapted from the Happy Housewife blog)
1 box spaghetti noodles, boiled and drained
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 jar spaghetti sauce (I use the medium-sized Prego jar)
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Brown meat and boil noodles. In a large bowl, mix together noodles, meat, sauce, and parmesan cheese. Pour into 9X13 baking dish. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and bake another 5 minutes uncovered.
Here's our line-up for the week:
Sunday- Vegetable Beef Soup and Spaghetti Pie
Monday- Leftovers (Woo-hoo!)
Tuesday- Taquitos
Wednesday- Fish sticks and fries
Thursday- Breakfast for dinner night: french toast and scrambled eggs
Friday- Homemade pizza night
Saturday- Movie night: popcorn and apples this week!
I thought I'd share the spaghetti pie recipe tonight. I've made a different one for years (and will share another time), but this one makes a bit more!
Spaghetti Pie
(Adapted from the Happy Housewife blog)
1 box spaghetti noodles, boiled and drained
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 jar spaghetti sauce (I use the medium-sized Prego jar)
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Brown meat and boil noodles. In a large bowl, mix together noodles, meat, sauce, and parmesan cheese. Pour into 9X13 baking dish. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and bake another 5 minutes uncovered.
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