From the category archives:

Gotta Get These Recipes

Almost Homemade …

by Stacy on February 17, 2010

I’ve been making an effort this year to feed my family less packaged and processed foods [fun new recipes and how-tos coming soon], BUT in an effort to transition our lifestyle in the most frugal way possible, I have been slowly phasing out our existing stock of pantry items.

I made this version of Blueberry Muffins with a Semi-Streusel with the kids this morning and they were such a hit, I just had to share them with you. When I finally perfect my healthy, homemade version, I’ll post an update for everyone. In the meantime, enjoy this super simple version you can have on the table in just 20 minutes.

You’ll Need:

x2 (makes 12)

+

X1

- Follow Muffin Mix Directions on package, add in a carton of YoPlus+ [We LOVE the strawberry kind too] Blueberry Acai yogurt

- Pour batter into Muffin Tin

To make the Streusel Topping: Mix 1/3 cup of oats, with 2-3 spoonfuls of brown sugar, sprinkle in some cinnamon sugar to taste. Then sprinkle this topping on each of the muffins

Bake for 17-21 minutes (whatever the package dictates), mine were perfect after 18 minutes.

And enjoy!! These babies are tasty enough to fool guests and in-laws and hit the spot on a weekend morning when you want to surprise the family with something a little special.

If you try these, stop back by and let me know what you think. If you’d like me to feature more recipes in the future, take a moment and tell me that too. I thrive on feedback

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We’ve been busy baking

by Stacy on December 23, 2009

There’s been a lot of baking going on in our home this holiday season as we take a moment to show our friends and family how much we care by giving them something homemade & covered in chocolate. I’m so thankful my children have a generous nature and giving attitude as they bake each batch with love knowing they’ll be going elsewhere and not staying at home with us. {Except for the one bite they get from each batch ~ I’m no Scrooge you know}

We’ve made Snowmen Cookies ~ An Advent Fun Activty

Sugar Cookies & Candy Bites

To Make Your Own Candy Bites:

You’ll need 3 ingredients & about 10 minutes! Yep, they’re that easy

Snyders Square Pretzels
Hugs, Kisses, or Rolos
M&Ms

Place the pretzels on a flat baking sheet, Put a kiss on top of each one, Bake at 170 degrees for 4-5 minutes, Then add an M&M to the top of each one, Let cool, Then pop in the fridge to set {Warning: These are incredibly addictive warm, but hey, somebody has to eat the ugly ones }

And personalized Snowmen cookies for Santa too, ALA 4 year old

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A Gobble Gobble Good Time

by Stacy on November 25, 2009

~ Sugar Cookies
~ Chocolate Icing
~ Candy Corn
~ White Chocolate Chips
~ Orange Decorating Gel

These incredibly easy-to-make cookies are the perfect activity to get kids excited about Turkey Day. There’s no need for perfection, so let your kids have a ball creating wonky turkeys and cross-eyed fowl. There’s even time for a quick lesson in Giving and more than likely, you won’t even need to play Teacher. When I made these cookies with my toddlers this afternoon, they asked if we could make some extras to take to their soccer coach, Nana & Papa, Aunt Mel and Uncle Birdie {they like to get creative when naming their relatives}. Be still my heart, I’ve raised a pair of Good Samaritans.

To make your own sweet treats: Bake sugar cookies from your grocery store (less fuss), spread a layer of chocolate frosting along the top of the cookie, smoosh candy corn into the icing, use decorating gel as glue to attach white chocolate chips as eyes, then use the gel to draw a V-shaped beak and pupils. Voila, instant whimsy and loads of fun. I apologize in advance for the sugar rush that follows …

Idea Adapted from Pilsbury

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Sweet Treats and Tasty Tricks

by Stacy on October 19, 2009

KSW_sweet_treats

As Halloween inches nearer and nearer, I find myself dreaming of all sorts of Sweet Treats to make for the kids. Since this is my first year being able to go All Out for Halloween in many years, I’d love to make this special night something my kids will remember for a long, long time. Fortunately for me, there are a TON of super-cute and easy to recreate (two of my absolute MUSTS for any craft and/or recipe) ideas all over the web. Here are a few of my faves: (Clockwise from L-R: chocolately witch hats, pretzel spider cupcakes, Bakerella’s trix spiderweb cupcakes, monster madness cupcakes, scrumptious Halloween smores

I get the feeling, the tons of Halloween candy we collect will be the least of our sugar-laden worries. Nonetheless, I’m planning a fantastic Happy Haunting party. Sure wish all of you could stop by …

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Autumn Almond Bark

by Stacy on October 6, 2009

Autumn Bark

Autumn Almond Bark

Nothing says Hello to Fall quite like a decadent, autumn inspired almond bark. Take this one for instance, it’s chock full of dried cranberries, cherries, apricots, honey roasted almonds, and white raisins.

Cranberry Apricot Almond Bark

You’ll never believe how simple this indulgent treat was to make! My 3 year old actually helped me create this fun snack for a Mommy & Me playdate. First, we microwaved a block of Almond Bark in 30 second intervals until it was nice & smooth. Then, we poured the bark onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Next, we took turns drizzling all of our toppings onto the treat. {Use whatever you have lying around the pantry, anything goes here} Voila, that’s it!! That’s all we did. Finally, we let it cool in the fridge and then I broke the bark into fun, disheveled pieces.

Note: Be sure to press your toppings into the bark to keep them from falling off easily after the bark cools

Wrap a few pieces in some fancy tissue paper, wrap with a colored ribbon and bring it along to your next potluck dinner, baby shower, or brunch. You’ll be sure to turn a few heads, but no one has to know the final product took less than 5 minutes to make … Easy, Peasy. And our little secret

If you like this idea and would like to see more fun & easy recipes you can Wow your friends with and create with your kids. Leave a comment and let me know, I have tons more ideas like these just waiting to be published.

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