My Christmas Obsession

I think this Christmas I realized my obsession with peppermint flavor. Starbucks’ Peppermint Mochas have to be a piece of heaven on earth…and this creamer…
…I literally could drink it! I put it in my coffee…on my ice cream …and in chocolate milk! It’s YUMMY and I’m so sad they only make it at Christmastime.

So, when Meredith served this recipe at our Christmas playgroup party, I couldn’t wait to make it for myself. It’s yummy…and so very rich. Enjoy.

Brownie Cheesecake Peppermint Goodness

1 tube of refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1 box brownie mix
2 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
2 1/2 c. white chocolate chips
2 tsp. peppermint extract, divided
4 candy canes, crushed

Directions:
- Make brownies according to the directions on the box and add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
- Bake brownies according to the directions on the box. Set aside to cool.
- Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and press cookie dough evenly on the bottom.
- Bake dough at 350 degrees until lightly brown on top. Set aside to cool.
- Once brownies have cooled, remove all edges. Scrape the rest of the baked brownies into a large bowl.
- Combine brownies with cream cheese and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Spread mixture evenly over cooled baked cookie dough.
- Over a double broiler, melt white chocolate and gently stir in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
- Spread melted chocolate over brownie mix and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- Once chocolate has hardened cut into bars and enjoy!

Our Christmas Soup Buffet

Our Christmas meal was not at all traditional this year…and I loved that. It made our time in the kitchen much less and our time playing with new toys much more! :) … We opted for a “soup buffet”…including Taco Soup, Chicken & Dumplings and this gumbo.

And, the best part…we had yummy leftovers for days!  
Chicken Gumbo

1 whole rotisserie chicken
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (1 ounce) can tomato sauce
4 stalks celery, diced
1 large onion, diced
1 bag frozen okra
4 tablespoons gumbo file (found in the spices at Kroger)
1 teaspoon cayenne
salt and pepper
hot cooked rice

Directions:
Sauté onion and celery until tender.
In a Dutch oven or large pot make a roux out of flour and chicken broth.
Add the tomatoes and tomato sauce along with shredded chicken.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Add file gumbo, cayenne and okra
Simmer for 30 minutes.
Serve over hot, cooked rice.

Enchiladas with a Spoon

A few months ago, we had samples of this at our church’s mom’s group. And, when I remade it at home, it was a HIT! Gotta love easy…and yummy!!!…and a good smelling house in the meantime as it cooks all day. Enjoy!

Chicken Enchilada Soup

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (10 oz.) package frozen corn
1 small onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 (10 oz.) can mild enchilada sauce
1 (10 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cup milk
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup shredded pepperjack cheese
tortilla chips

In slow cooker, combine beans, tomatoes, corn, onion and bell pepper. Place chicken on top. In large bowl, combine enchilada sauce and soup. Whisk in milk until smooth and pour over ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Remove chicken and chop; return to show cooker. Serve and top with cheese, broken tortilla chips. *and sour cream, if desired.

A New Christmas Tradition

When I saw this recipe on Annalee’s blog, I couldn't wait to try it! I knew my hot chocolate lover would LOVE it. But, little did I know that it would become my newest obsession! We made it with french vanilla creamer and peppermint mocha creamer. I truly can’t decide which one I like best. And, it has been the perfect Christmas treat around our house…a new tradition, for sure!!! I can’t wait to share it with all of our friends for years to come!

{I halved the recipe and it still made a BUNCH!}

Quinn’s {NEW} Favorite Hot Chocolate
INGREDIENTS
8 C powdered milk
1 box Nestle quick (1 lb. 8 oz. box)
4 C powdered sugar
2- 8 oz. jar flavored coffeemate creamer (powder)
(whichever flavor you buy will be the flavor of your mix)
11 oz. regular coffeemate creamer (powder
1/2 t salt

DIRECTIONS
mix all the above ingredients together in a LARGE mixing bowl.

Store in an airtight container.

Mix together 1/4 C cocoa mix with 1 C hot water and enjoy!

   

Scrumptious Stackers

I am a HUGE fan of this appetizer in restaurants. And, after tonight, I have no idea why I’ve never thought to do it on my own! This was EASY and YUMMMMMMYYYY! I think I could have eaten the whole plate. But, I kindly saved some for our guests. And, you can bet that we’ll be making this again and again! Caprese Stackers

2 vine ripened tomatoes (washed + patted dry)
15 to 20 leaves of basil (washed + patted dry)
1 lb fresh mozzarella
balsamic vinegar for drizzling
olive oil for drizzling
pepper
salt

Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4 inch slices. Stack tomato, mozzarella and basil on each plate in an alternating pattern.  Be sure to finish off with a small basil leaf on top.  Drizzle each stack first with balsamic vinegar then with olive oil. Pepper each stack and salt to taste. 

Take THIS to your next Christmas party…

This easy little cake will not disappoint. We enjoyed it for breakfast & dessert and I loved the hint of peppermint that you would taste. Sadly, I don’t have a picture of the inside, but it has a cute red swirl running through it. It’s a great thing to take to all of those Christmas parties that are filling up your calendar!

Candy Cane Cake

Cake
1 box SuperMoist white cake mix
Water, vegetable oil and egg whites called for on cake mix box
1/2 teaspoon red food color
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

White Icing
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk or water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla, if desired

Decoration
Crushed candy canes or crushed hard peppermint candies, if desired

1. Heat oven to 325°F. Generously grease and flour 12-cup fluted tube cake pan. Make cake batter as directed on box. Pour about 2 cups batter into pan. Into small bowl, pour about 3/4 cup batter; stir in food color and peppermint extract. Carefully pour pink batter over white batter in pan. Carefully pour remaining white batter over pink batter.
2. Bake as directed on box or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Turn pan upside down onto cooling rack or heatproof serving plate; remove pan. Cool cake completely, about 1 hour.
3. In small bowl, mix icing ingredients. If necessary, stir in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until smooth and spreadable. Spread icing over cake. Sprinkle top with crushed candy. Store loosely covered.

You’re Never Too Old for a Candy Cane

I feel like when I think of Candy Canes, I think of kids enjoying them at Christmastime. But, who said they were just for kids!!! I love them too. And, for our Advent Devotional Party, my friend Carrie made these for all of us to enjoy! And they were YUMMMMMMYYYY and oh so cute! I have a feeling I’ll be making them again! …I love them for the kid in all of us! :) Candy Cane Brownie Lollipops

1 pkg (18-21 oz) fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients to make brownies)
24 candy canes
10 oz chocolate-flavored almond bark
Additional decorations such as red sprinkles/crushed candy canes

1. Line Medium Sheet Pan (or 9-in. by 13-in. metal pan) with a 13-in. piece of Parchment Paper; lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions; pour batter into pan.Bake 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Remove from oven; cool 20 minutes or until still slightly warm.

2. Meanwhile, cut straight ends of candy canes off to form 4½-in. sticks. Place candy cane tops into baggie and crush; set aside.

3. Scoop brownie into 24 rounded scoops, packing brownie into scoop using hands.
(Entire brownie will be used.) Roll brownie scoops into smooth balls. Insert candy cane sticks into centers of balls, mounding brownie around each stick to secure. Pinch each brownie ball where candy cane and top of ball meet.

4. Place almond bark into bowl, microwave according to package directions until smooth. Spoon
melted bark evenly over each brownie ball, turning to coat completely. Be sure to coat where candy cane stick meets brownie ball. Allow excess bark to drip off. Dip into reserved crushed candy canes or sprinkles and stand upright on a piece of Parchment Paper. Repeat with remaining almond bark, lollipops and crushed candy. Let stand until set. Place into miniature cupcake liners.

“A New Starbucks Flavor” Dessert

When I made this dessert a few weeks ago, our friend James said that it could be the new Starbucks flavor! I took that as a compliment! :) And, I loved it…very different and perfect for Fall!
Chocolate-Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

1-1/4  cups  graham cracker crumbs
1/4  cup  sugar
1/3  cup  butter, melted
2  8-ounce packages  cream cheese, softened
1-3/4  cups  sugar
3    eggs
1  cup  canned pumpkin
1/2  teaspoon  pumpkin pie spice
1/2  teaspoon  vanilla
1/4  teaspoon  salt
6  ounces  semisweet chocolate, cut up, or 1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
2  tablespoons  butter
1-1/4  cups  sour cream
1/4  cup  sugar

 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan; set aside. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup sugar. Stir in the 1/3 cup melted butter. Press mixture evenly into bottom of the prepared baking pan; set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and the 1-3/4 cups sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined. Beat in pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt on low speed just until combined. Remove 1-1/4 cups of the mixture.

3. In a small heavy saucepan, combine the 6 ounces chocolate and the 2 tablespoons butter. Cook and stir over low heat until melted. Whisk chocolate mixture into the 1-1/4 cups pumpkin mixture. Pour over crust, spreading evenly. Bake for 15 minutes.

4. Carefully pour the remaining pumpkin mixture over baked chocolate layer, spreading evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes more or until filling is puffed and center is set. Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes.

5. In a small bowl, combine sour cream and 1/4 cup sugar. Gently spread over cookies. Cool completely. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours. Cut into bars. Makes 24 to 36 bars.

Slickpaw’s Chili

This is the chili that I grew up eating. The recipe was from a lady that worked for my dad, hence the “Little Bettye” name! But, I think it’s time we changed the name to “Slickpaw’s Chili!” It’s easy…and good! You won’t be disappointed.

And, here’s the recipe…my Dad wrote it out to put in a cookbook that was given to me at one of my wedding showers. As you can tell by the splatters and smears, it has been well used recipe.

And, here’s how I eat it…with crunched up saltines and a bit of ketchup. Yum!

Pumpkin Cuteness

These tiny muffins were a hit at our monthly mom’s group at church! And, the leftovers made for a perfect breakfast. We’ll for sure make them again and again! Mini Pumpkin Muffins

1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 can 100% pure pumpkin
2 large eggs lightly beaten
1/2 cup canola oil or vegetable oil
1/3 cup lowfat Greek yogurt
1/4 cup milk

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray mini muffin tins with cooking spray. Mix flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice and salt in large bowl. In a separate bowl whisk together pumpkin, eggs, oil, yogurt and milk. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended. Spoon batter into muffin tins. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.  Transfer muffins to rack to cool.  Makes 30 to 35 mini muffins.

Playgroup Brunch Menu

This week I had the pleasure of hosting Nash’s first playgroup! And, on top of planning for 7 sweet babes, I got to plan a fun craft and brunch menu for the mommies to enjoy!

Here’s what we had… {click on each to see the recipes}
Cut Apples & Grapes with Caramel dip
Canadian Bacon & Avocado Quiche 
Pumpkin Cupcakes
Apple Julep
Coffee with Seasonal Creamer

Mystery Green Quiche

When I saw the recipe for this quiche, I was immediately intrigued. Avocados!? In quiche? It was a new thought and the SMARTEST IDEA EVER! Since I’m not a fan of sausage, I changed the recipe up a bit. I loved it SO much and the flavor of the avocado with the eggs and Canadian bacon was MMMMM mmmm GOOD! Avocado & Sausage Quiche
makes 2
Ingredients:
2 medium avocados
2 deep dish frozen ready-made pie crusts
1 can diced green chilies
1 package Canadian Bacon
6 eggs
2 3/4 c. half and half
2/3 c. parmesan cheese, shredded
1 C. Fiesta blend cheese, shredded
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut Canadian bacon into small pieces. Add can of diced chilies and stir.
 
Divide mixture among two deep dish ready made frozen pie crusts. Combine cheeses in a bowl. Sprinkle 1/2 c. of cheese mixture on each quiche.

Peel avocados and remove pit. Chop into 1/4"-1/2" cubes and sprinkle on top of cheese.

Sprinkle remaining cheese mixture on top of avocados.

Break eggs into a large bowl and whisk for 30 seconds. Add milk, salt, pepper, and stir well.

Place quiches on a baking sheet and pour egg mixture into each crust until it reaches the top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes until set.

Remove from oven, slice, and serve.

Fancy Name…Yummy Juice

This easy Southern Living recipe made for a super yummy brunch drink! It was much better than the pre-made juice concoctions that you buy! …And, I loved how pretty the apple looked floating at the top!…
Apple Julep
1  qt. apple juice
1  cup  pineapple juice
1  cup  orange juice
1/4  cup  lemon juice

Garnish: apple slices, lemon slices, and fresh mint sprigs

Stir together apple juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, and lemon juice. Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.

The Perfect Fall Treat

I got this “yumm-o” (Quinn’s word) recipe from Meals at the Muirs…and it was a hit!!! Quinn ate these babies for dessert, snack and breakfast for days!!! And, the cream cheese icing made them even better! A perfect fall treat to have around!
 Pumpkin Cupcakes

1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 (16oz.) can 100% pumpkin
eggs
oil

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Prepare the cake mix according to the directions on the box but DO NOT ADD WATER.
- Stir in pumpkin puree and spices.
- Pour in to muffin tin.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes.

Let Crock-Pot Season Commence

Fall truly began this week! I’m so thankful! I love cooler weather…and with that, I love crock pot meals! They just feel like Fall to me!

So, here’s a good one for you to enjoy this fall…we loved it LOTS!!!…Southwestern Beef Wraps

1 onion, chopped
2 1/2-ish lb. beef roast, trimmed of fat but left whole
Nature’s Seasoning (to taste)
2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
1 14 1/2 oz. can Mexican-style diced tomatoes OR 1 can of Rotel tomatoes
Small flour tortillas

Desired toppings: We used guacamole and this salsa!

So “Granola” of Me!

My new favorite recipe blog is this cute one of a Mommy cooking with her little man. And, when I found this recipe on her site, I couldn’t wait to try it!  Who knew it was so easy to make your own granola!? I have a feeling I’ll be trying lots of variations! And, I have a feeling that this tub is going to be gone before you know it…because Q and I both LOVE it!

By the way…my storage container is the rolled oats can that I covered with fun paper! Quick, easy and fun! :) I actually think it would make a thoughtful little gift! :)


Pumpkin Pie Granola Recipe

Ingredients:
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup 100% pure canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup golden raisins 
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chocolate covered sunflower seeds

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  Combine oats, almonds and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl. Stir well and then toss with the honey, water, oil and pumpkin until everything is moist. Spread it out on a rimmed cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes and then use a spatula to stir up granola so that it bakes evenly. Cook for another 15 minutes and stir again. Cook for 10 more minutes or until everything is beginning to look toasty and brown. Remove from oven and stir in dried cranberries, raisins, and sunflower seeds. Cool completely on the cookie sheet before storing in airtight container or bags.

Candy Corn Cuteness

Since the scary stuff that goes with Halloween just isn’t my thing, I’d say my favorite Halloween symbol is the candy corn. It’s so cheerful, gets me in the Fall spirit…and it’s YUMM, of course! So, when I saw this cute recipe, I was so excited to make them for us! And, they turned out presh! Make ‘em and ENJOY before the stores sell out of this yummy little sugary goodness!

  

Candy Corn Cupcakes

1 box yellow cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 c vegetable oil
1/4 c water
1 c sour cream
Food coloring (orange and yellow)
Frosting of choice

With an electric mixer, beat all ingredients for about 2 min. Divide batter into two separate bowls. Add about a 1/2 tsp of food coloring in to each bowl. Stir Well. Spoon about 1 TB of yellow into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Then spoon about 1 TB of orange batter on top of that. Bake for 20 min, remove and let cool completely before frosting.

        

Impromptu Breakfast Salad

Lately, I’ve become tired of the same ‘ole breakfast bars and cereal. So, I quickly looked at a few of my recipe blogs this morning and found this easy little banana salad idea. It took all of 2 seconds and was YUM! I’ll for sure make it again!

Honey Banana Salad
banana
nuts (I used pine nuts, but pecans, walnuts or almonds would be good, too)
dried cranberries
honey

Slice banana. Top with desired amount of nuts and cranberries. Drizzle with honey.

“Incredible Hulk Leaf” Pasta

Lately, my big boy has LOVED helping me with dinner. When he sees me busy at work, he drags a chair into the kitchen so that he can reach the counter…and he’s always eager to help measure, pour and stir. It’s sweet. And, in those moments I talk up how GOOOODDD it’s going to taste and how HE cooked it! :) …So, yesterday, when he asked what the “green stuff” was, instead of responding with “spinach,” I told him that it was “Incredible Hulk Leaves!” Crazy enough, he bought it! And, when it came time to eat, he LOVED his Incredible Hulk Leaf Pasta! …But, even more ridiculous than the name was my Hulk voice as I encouraged him to eat it. Matt looked at me like I was crazy…and we all determined that I sounded more like a mad robot than Hulk! Oh well…it worked! And, he even asked for more! :)
 

Chicken & Spinach Pasta Bake
8  ounces  uncooked rigatoni
1  tablespoon  olive oil
1  cup  finely chopped onion (about 1 medium)
1  (10-oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
3  cups  cubed cooked chicken breasts
1  (14.5-oz.) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
1  (8-oz.) container chive-and-onion cream cheese
1/2  teaspoon  salt
1/2  teaspoon  pepper
1 1/2  cups  (6 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese

1. Prepare rigatoni according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, spread oil on bottom of an 11- x 7-inch baking dish; add onion in a single layer.

3. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or just until tender. Transfer onion to a large bowl, and set aside.

4. Drain chopped spinach well, pressing between layers of paper towels.

5. Stir rigatoni, spinach, chicken, and next 4 ingredients into onion in bowl. Spoon mixture into baking dish, and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.

6. Bake, covered, at 375° for 30 minutes; uncover and bake 15 more minutes or until bubbly.

Homemade Fun!

While at Mammer and Slickpaw’s, we made homemade pumpkin play dough. It was so easy and smelled so good. Quinn loved it and has already enjoyed playing with it since we’ve been home. I’m not sure why we haven’t made it before…but we surely will again! Homemade Play dough

1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/2 cup salt
1 TBS cream of tartar
1 TBS oil
spices, flavor
food coloring

Heat all ingredients in a saucepan, slow to medium heat. Stir continuously. Once dough is at the consistency you want, remove from heat. Have fun!