Kolaches!!!!!

Ok,   I have lived here on the other side of the world for 3 months.  It is obvious that I may have to learn to enjoy white queso.   It is also obvious that I may need to learn how to make it better at home.  Maybe I should do more than melt together velvetta and a can of rotel?   Who am I kidding here......  it is better like that than with the weird white cheese and chunks of green chilis!!!

However, there are some things that I may not get to eat again for quite a long time.   I will have to learn to make them!    Kolache's are on the top of the list!!!!   There is a gas station just south of Hillsboro, Texas on HWY 35.    All us Texan's refer to it as the Czech Stop.    My car just pulls off the interstate on its own and stops.   Half of the station is this cute little bakery with a case of kolaches in every flavor known to man kind.    There are always a dozen or more families lined up for this goodness.   Cream cheese, apple, strawberry, peach, blackberry, sausage, lemon.........  you name it and they have a flavor.

I found this recipe last summer in a regional Texas cookbook.    I think the next time I will substitute some apple pie filling for the cream cheese.  The cream cheese was really tasty...but I think my boys will enjoy apple a bit more.

Cream Cheese Kolaches

2 envelopes active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (100*-110*)  honestly, I just used really hot tap water.
1  (8 oz) container sour cream, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tsp salt
3 large eggs
4 1/2 cups all purpose flour

Combine yeast & water in a measuring cup... stir and let stand for 5 minutes.
Stir together the rest until blended in a large mixing bowl.  Add the yeast until well blended.

Using the dough hook, add the flour 1 cup at a time and beat at a medium-low speed for about 5 minutes until the dough leaves the side of the bowl and pulls together.   (I used a spatula to get it off the sides a bit during mixing.)

Cover bowl with lightly greased plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8-24 hours.

Turn dough onto a well floured surface and shape into 16 (2-inch) balls.  Place about 1 1/2 inches apart on buttered baking sheets.  Let it rise in a warm place until about doubled in size.    Maybe an hour to an 1 1/2 hours...  draft free .....

Now  make the cream cheese stuff!!!

CREAM CHEESE FILLING

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

6 Tablespoons sugar

1 large egg yolk  

1 tsp vanilla

dash of salt

Combine all that until smooth.

Preheat the oven until 350*.   Form an indentation in the top of the roll with a spoon or thumb.  Spoon about a tablespoon into the top.  Brush with egg white and water combination.

Bake about 15 minutes or until golden.

Enjoy!!!

My new cereal love

Just had to post this!  My new favorite snack!!  

Just enough chocolate...and a crunch of graham cracker!

Chocolate Gravy

A few weeks ago, my college bestie &  I loaded up and headed to Gulf Shores.  It was quite the trek.   Nothing catastrophic happened this time...  just a few shenanigans & chocolate gravy.   One year, we got lost in Mobile and rambled across most of Mississippi from there trying to find our way home.   This time, we lounged on the beach, ate our way through every shrimp basket along the coast and shopped at the outlet mall.   Our husbands would have been miserable.  Until the chocolate gravy was served.


                                               

This guy happened to land right beside us as we were taking an afternoon stroll.

We purposely drove one night just so we could watch the odometer turn 200,000 miles.

J.G. taught me how to do this.   I really didn't know it was this easy.   My life was empty until this point.  

If you are from the South and hear the words "chocolate gravy" muttered.......  you know that something wonderful is about to be served.   It is both magical and healing.  It covers a multitude of sins.  Just like Jesus can!  Folks from the other parts of this world.......  just don't know what they are missing.  Bless their hearts. 

Chocolate Gravy

3 heaping Tablespoons flour

3 level Tablespoons cocoa

3/4 cup sugar

3 cups milk

1/2 cup water

3 Tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix the dry together and gradually add the liquid.   Bring to a boil and stir until thickened to your preference.  Add the butter & vanilla.  Serve over hot bisquits!!  Enjoy and Thank you very much!

Strawberry Bars for the Cajun!!!

There was a time when I absolutely loved to eat Nutrigrain bars.   They made a mighty tasty "on-the-go" breakfast.    At some point in my life after reading the nutritional facts,  I decided all those preservatives just weren't necessary and quickly began the search for something better that could easily be prepared at home.   These babies are absolutely delicious!   You gotta try them!

Strawberry Fruit Bars

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup flour

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 cup oatmeal,  (I prefer the old fashioned kind.)

1/2 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup strawberry jam ( I used a small jar of this...)

Spray a square brownie pan with cooking spray & cover with foil.  Spray again.

Combine the first 6 ingredients until it is crumbly.  

Spread 1/2 into prepared pan.

Spread the Jam

Spread the remaining crumblies & press together.

Bake @ 350 for 35-40 minutes or until golden.

I think that changing up the jam would be fun here...Seedless Raspberry?  Peach?  Blueberry?

So many options!!!

Hey...RB, is this quick enough for you?

Yummy Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

A friend. (L.F.)  called me several months ago asking about "monkey bread"  This is the recipe I gave her.   Totally easy-peasy.  Totally yummy and good for those breakfast gigs at church or elsewhere when you need some good sticky sugar-loaded carbs.    I have also done this one for a holiday morning breakfast. 

Cinnamon Pull-apart Bread

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 TBS cinnamon

2 Cans (7.5 oz each) buttermilk biscuits*

1/2 cup butter, melted & divided

cream cheese glaze

Preheat oven to 350*.  Cut the dough into quarters.

Mix Cinnamon & sugar together in a small bowl.

Roll the dough quarters around in the sugar stuff.

Place 1/2 of the dough in a greased bundt pan & drizzle with 1/2 of the butter.

Sprinkly a small amount of cinnamon on top.

Finish rolling the remaining biscuits & top with the melted butter.

Top the unbaked dough off with the remaining sugar stuff.

Bake 40-45 minutes and let it sir for 5 before inverting.

Glaze………….

4 oz softened cream cheese & 1/2 cup powdered sugar.  Add 1 or 2 TBS of milk until it is your desired consistency.


* Substituting a can of cinnamon rolls here would be extra yummy.

.)

Really Really Good Muffins

Remember a few posts ago I wrote about carrot cake?   Did I mention that I shredded too many carrots?   This is what I do when that happens.   First of all I measure it out in 1/2 cup increments.  I either cook straight away into these lovelies, throw some of them into soup or smoothies, or just freeze.   Today, I made these delicious guys.

I have made them for years and they are worth the time to shred a couple of apples.  Some restaurants call them "Morning Glory" muffins or "Golden Harvest" muffins.   Call them whatever you want......just call them, maybe?


1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups shredded & peeled apples
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup coconut flakes
3/4 cup oil
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional...nuts in baked goods, yuck!....NO THANK YOU!)

*Heat oven to 350*.  Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners.

*Combine everything that is dry.
*Combine all the wet ingredients.
*Combine them all together.
*If by chance this looks a little dry...just crack another egg and stir it in.

*Bake for about 25 minutes.

*Serve Warm. Serve Cold.  Just Serve Them.

Pumpkin Bread - with or without cranberries & pecans

Today I received a threatening text from RB, the Cajun.   She mentioned visiting my BFF's blog more frequently if I didn't change my latest post and remove the cranberries.  Apparantly, cranberries are offensive to the Cajun.  Who knew?   I believe Ree won't notice the new Cajun from LA when she hasn't even noticed the Redneck Texan yet.


This post was up next on the old blogging block.   R.B. can skip the cranberries.

My son, CG, begs for this!  He absolutely loves pumpkin bread.  He loves it even more with fresh cranberries.  I make it for him year round.  During the summer……  I just leave out the cranberries.  It is too difficult to find them during the summer and craisins just aren't a good substitute.

PS….  Watch the baking time with fresh cranberries.  I tend to bake it a bit longer with them.

Totally-Yummo Breakfast Muffins.

These muffins were made for the girls in honor of their spring break.  Please understand that if you do make these babies......have a portable container ready to send them off elsewhere.    I know my readers and I love you.  BUT, none of you were at home so I sent them with Miss C. for her friends at Starbucks.    She thought of them as party favors.  Yea, that works.

I will post the recipe here soon....keep checking.  I just need to find it.   Yes, this post didn't happen yesterday.......  Yes, it did happen.  Yes, they really are that amazing.  And yes, you will need to eat more than one!

Cinnamon Raisin Breakfast Biscuits

 Is there anyone else here in this world who remembers Hardee's and their Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits?    They were one step shy of greatness delivered through their drive-through window all hot and yummy.  Simply Amazing.

For whatever reason..... they came to my mind this morning and I knew that I had to attempt making them.   After skibbling over to Pinterest and searching for something similar,  I combined what I thought to be the best of several recipes.  This is what I ended up with.  They were quick and super easy.  They had the texture and feel of a scone.   I will most likely try to make these fluffier another time....maybe with a round of buttermilk and shortening thrown in for some extra calories for the yum factor.  The bottom line is that these were easy and could satisfy the crave.

2 1/4 cups Bisquick
1/2 cup raisins
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2/3 cup milk
2 TB sugar

Combine all that...Roll it out and cut into rounds like a biscuit.  Bake @ 450 for about 10 minutes.

Spread this glaze over it all while warm.

2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 TB (about)  warm water or milk

Enjoy!

Bran Muffins

These guys are amazing.  These guys make the morning pretty easy too.  How much better can that be?  I have been making these off & on for most of married life.  The kids like to snack on them.  The kids like to put one in a lunchbox.  Realistically, I can't say how healthy they are.  But what I can say is that there is a ton of healthy stuff in them.  Well, that and the recipe makes a ton and I can keep it in the refrigerator for several days.  The recipe I was given said that they would keep in the refrigerator for 6 weeks.  I'm not buying that.  But, I have never had the mix for over 2 weeks either.  I make them about every other day when I have the muffin batter prepared.

2 cups boiling water

2 cups 100% all bran  (The brand is called  "Millers Bran" & is in the baking section.)

1 cup shortening

3 cups granulated sugar

4 beaten eggs

1 quart of buttermilk

2 1/2 cups flour

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

5 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

4 cups of bran flakes (the cereal flakes)

2 cups raisons

Pour the boiling water over the 100% bran & let it cool. 

Cream the sugar & shortening & add the eggs.

Sift together the flours, baking soda & salt.  

Add it to the other stuff.

Stir in the bran flakes & raisons.

Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.

Spoon into lined muffin tins and bake @ 350* for about 25 minutes.

Serve warm and maybe add a little butter if desired.

Enjoy!

Diet Sabotage.....with oatmeal raisin cookies!

To those of you that know my husband.......he has a weakness for oatmeal cookies.  These are his drug of choice.   I can't admit to making them for the purpose of diet sabotage.   But, in the event that he is/was trying to watch his sugar/carb/crap intake and in the event that he was being annoying today......  I can't publicly admit to making these cookies for that purpose.  That would make me the bad guy.  I can't have that title swinging above my head.

What I will admit is that our lovely daughter, C.G. is coming home tonight with her current boyfriend who happens to be allergic to chocolate.   We really like this particular boy, R.S.   So, I made the cookies for him?  Yes, that is what I will say.  Yes, I will run with that.  Yes, that sounds good.  Well, that and I made them for the cute little boy sneaking one off of the plate.   He needs to beef up for football.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

2 sticks butter, softened

1 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 small drizzle of molasses....(optional)

Mix all that together.

1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups oatmeal, old fashioned & uncooked

Mix all that together & slowly add to the other stuff.

1 cup raisins.

Add the raisins.

Bake at 350* for about 10-12 minutes.

I took this recipe from a box of quaker oatmeal several years ago.  Why re-invent the wheel?

Now, tomorrow I might make him his second favorite cookie, snickerdoodles.   The guy was really annoying this afternoon.   I wonder if he is doing this on purpose to get cookies?  Could he be that twisted?  

FYI.........  these are great for breakfast too!!!

A most amazing Chocolate protein smoothie!

ok...  so I know most of you that read this post will immediately gag on the thought of this.  I am challenging you to put on your big girl panties now.   Yes, I mean you, R.B.  We are going to make the most delicious creamy chocolate shake ever.  Well, maybe not quite as yummy as one made with a gallon of Blue Bell.  But, it will have all kinds of rich & healthy chocolate goodness and with the added hint of peanut butter or banana.  I have been drinking this for breakfast lately.  I think I have lost a couple of pounds or so.  It is super easy and fills me up for the entire morning or evening.  It gives a healthy-needed chocolate fix too!!

Here is what you need............

1/2 cup of skim milk
1/2 cup fat free cottage cheese
1/4 cup egg beaters
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 teaspoons splenda or more if you need it sweeter  (do not forget to add this!!!)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup crushed ice
a tiny pinch of cinnamon (optional)
optional ......... 1/2 of a frozen banana and/or  a tablespoon of peanut butter/PB2.

Yes, you read that right........cottage cheese & egg beaters.  Stop gagging R.B.  Don't let the children see what you are getting this out!!!  Trust me here.  2 of my 3 children won't get close to this now that they know about the cottage cheese & fake eggs.  The 3rd child......she loves it.  Well, she'll eat anything.......a prune is one of her favorite snacks.  Go figure that one!

I like to layer all the stuff in there and get it all blended well together before I add the ice at the end.  It just works out better that way.  If you don't have a really good ice crusher with your refrigerator.....I think that a bag of sonic ice would be an easy alternative to keep in the freezer.  (Well, and it would be a good reason to run to Happy Hour too!)

This is also a very good reason to run over to Williams Sonoma or Costco and buy yourself a vitamixer.    I can't get enough of mine.....  It will liquify anything into a smoothie.

Yes, she needs to wash it.....

Albino Bisquit Brownies? Ewwww.....

About 2 weeks ago, I made a fatal mistake or at least it seemed so at the time.  I was deep into the idea of making breakfast for dinner.  Flour was flying all over the kitchen.  I wanted to amaze the family with my scrambled eggs & bacon skills.  I was harboring thoughts of homemade buttermilk bisquits & gravy.  I might have even tried to whip up some chocolate gravy.   Who am I kidding there?  I was just thinking of bisquits because we didn't have any of those can ones in the house.  My inner Martha S. was shining brightly. Who am I kidding now?  Martha is too uptight.  And, really it was Christy Jordan & Ree Drummond.  Yep, I had to mention my BFF-Gonna-Be-Someday-Gals.

So, I was all into getting the butter properly crumbled with the flour.  I added vinegar to milk and made some buttermilk.  I let it all chill out in the refrigerator and it was looking good. Pretty Dang Good.   BUT.........at the last minute I forgot to add just a cup & a half of buttermilk.  I added 2 cups.  DANG, that wasn't so good.   It looked like really messed up pancake batter.  In my efforts to waste not..........I then dumped in a large scoop of flour to the mess  I crossed my fingers, said a prayer and properly dumped it into a brownie pan.  I threw the pan in the oven and hoped for the best.  The family was expecting toast at this point.  Who would honestly expect this to turn out?  The kids were skeptical.  I doubted my skills and started dragging out the toaster.  

After about 20 minutes, we pulled it out and it looked like a pan of "Albino Brownies."  It tasted like a big pan of bisquits,  DANG GOOD BISQUITS,  without all the rolling and cutting.  I am now their biggest fan.  I ate them the next day for breakfast...and the next day too.

Here is the low-down on the stuff I might be calling "Albino Bisquits" or "Dang Good Bisquits." 

2 1/2 cups self-rising flour

1 stick butter, softened

2 cups buttermilk

a heaping 1/2 cup of regular flour

Mix up the flour & butter until it is crumbly.  Put it back into the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to re-chill.

I used the kitchen aide mixer.  Don't judge the lazy, please.

Stir in the buttermilk.  Add the remaining flour.

Pour it into a brownie pan and bake for about  25 minutes at 350*.

That's it people.  You get all the goodness of a homemade buttermilk bisquit and none of the mess.

EVERYONE WINS HERE!!!    Now....run cut yourself a slice and think of me!


Now, what should they be named?

sorry...not a good picture....

ps...if you have never made buttermilk...don't fret too much.  All you do is measure out a tablespoon of cider vinegar or lemon juice.  Dump it in a 1 cup measuring glass and add the remaining in milk.  Let it rest for a few minutes.  It will get all nasty looking.  You won't be wanting a drink of milk either.

Cinnamon roll Cresents

I found this recipe on Pinterest.  It was easy.  It was delicious.   Fortunately, I only used one can of crescent rolls.  They were amazingly addictive.  THEY ARE ALL GONE NOW!!!

Cinnamon Crescent Rolls

1/2 stick of butter, softened

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon

Glaze:

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon milk

Heat oven to 350*.  Combine the first three things and spread on the 8 crescent roll dough triangles.  Roll them up.  Spread the remaining sugar/cinnamon stuff on top.  Well, I just dropped it on there.  

Bake for about 12-15 minutes or when they are golden.

Combine the glaze stuff and drizzle on top.  Well, I poured it on there.

Maybe that is why they look all flat?  Or could it be because the rolls I used were generic and expired 2 weeks ago?   Shhhhhh!!!  Don't tell the family now!!!  No one IS sick yet! and I don't want any explainable reason why they are all sick with the stomach flu tomorrow either!!!

Next time it will be Pillsbury. I promise.  Isn't that little dough boy guy cute??

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! ENJOY!

Is it worth both my time & money to find & do this?

Those are questions that haunt me.  I am constantly thinking.....can I do this cheaper at home?  Will it be worth the effort?  I enjoy the comforts of home.   I enjoy being home with the kids.  I detest going to the grocery store.  I don't mind walking the aisles browsing.  I usually find someone  to chat with for a few minutes.  I enjoy looking around to see what is new on the shelves.  I hate the check-out line.  I hate waiting to pay.  I hate paying.  I always think...this is ridiculous.  Why didn't I find more coupons?  Could this be on sale elsewhere?  Maybe I should have price-matched more?  I also hate getting it all out of the car and sorting into the pantry and refrigerator.

Recently, I started buying instant oatmeal for my children again.  I use the word "children" loosely here.  They are teenagers and they love the Quaker Dinosaur Egg Oatmeal.   They will eat it at every meal if given the option.  The average price for a box  is approximately $2.50.  That was the sale price back in December at Tom Thumb.  Santa Claus left them a box in their stockings this year!!!!  It can be difficult to find.  It is never EVER at Wal-Mart or Target.  I have wasted all kinds of time driving across town trying to find it. When I do find the stuff I always purchase at least 3 boxes.

I tried making this over the weekend.  Over-all, it isn't too bad.   I liked it.  Isn't that enough?   I would like to find a way to make the tiny dinosaur candy eggs.  That would make me both awesome...and amazing.  (There might be some tiny dinosaurs at the mall candy store??) That idea needs to be googled.

would these work?

INSTANT OATMEAL MIX
6 cups oatmeal....    (I think I will pre-toast this stuff on broil the next time I make it.)
1 1/3 cup dry milk
1 cup dried apples, chop them into tiny pieces..(or any type of dried fruit.)
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, or  cloves

Combine all that and store in a dry container.

To serve:  ReShake the container

1/2 cup mix & 1/2 cup water.....microwave 45 seconds.  Stir.  Eat.
or boil the water on stove...add the oatmeal and cook for a minute.  You decide what it best here.
It was kinda thick in the microwave.  The boy-child didn't like the texture.  (He is THAT kind of kid.)
But again, I liked it.    I think a little bit of extra water might be good for the microwave...maybe a Tablespoon or two.

*Rinse the bowl out well.  The bowl residue really becomes glue-like if left waiting on the dish-washer to arrive and do chores.  (yes, learn from my mistakes.....the maid doesn't work here anymore.)

*note...I didn't have the quick cooking oatmeal.  I had the other kind.  I just ran it through the micro-chopper for a few seconds.    I also didn't add the dried fruit.  I am going to add that  after I cook it.

This made a ton.  It was way cheaper than the box stuff.  I liked it and I didn't have to leave the house to find any ingredients.   Score!  Or maybe I am "WINNING!" ??????

Blueberry Muffins.

It seems like  I have been making these muffins since the dawn of time.  In truth, the recipe is in a book that was given to me by my friend R.B. This book is called  "Lone Star Legacy".  She gave me this book when we moved from Texas the first time.  This equates to about 15 years of muffins.  I tweaked the recipe just a little.  Emeril would say that I gave it some "BAM!"  Either way, my husband loves them because they aren't too sweet and the flavor totally relies on the blueberries.  My 3 children love them....as evidenced by this picture.  Sorry ladies, but this boy is mine...

The guy will cross his eyes on command when he wants to be annoying.  It is a talent of his.  Some kids are musically gifted and some are athletic.  My "PRECIOUS" can cross his eyes at will.  He can also rotate them in opposite directions...... now that takes skill.  I can brag that all my children possess this talent.  Can money be made with this talent?  College Scholarships?  Employment opportunities?  Anyone?

Back to the Blueberry Muffins....You gotta make these.  They are so much better than the box mixes.  They are simple.  They are blueberry.  Love .....

2 cups flour
1/2 cup of sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1 cup milk- I use skim milk.
1/3 cup canola oil or applesauce
1 egg, slightly beaten
sugar, for garnish (turbinado sugar really looks pretty if you have it!)

Combine the dry ingredients with the blueberries.
Combine the wet ingredients and stir into the dry.
Sprinkle with the sugar.

Bake @ 400 for 20-25 minutes.  Enjoy!  Your family will thank me & you for this!  I promise!

Edna Mae is in the house.

In a previous post, I mentioned that Ree Drummond should be my bff.  She inspires me daily....despite the fact that we have never met.  OK, she is on my bucket list.  Someday, I will meet her and we will hang out on her porch, drink iced coffee and watch the sunset. We will play with our cameras and catch up on local gossip.   I will also bring my daughter, M.G.  She will want to ride the horses.  My husband & the Marlbaro Man will build fences and drive cattle somewhere.  At the end of the day.......we will sleep at the lodge and make plans for Thanksgiving.  The other kids will play, ride and act like goof-balls.    


Ree introduced me to Edna Mae this past Christmas.  We love her....immensely. Unfortunately, I can't cross Ree off my list yet....  Santa just brought me her book.

Edna Mae's Sour Cream Pancakes
1cup sour cream
7 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
a smidge of cinnamon


Mix that all together and cook on a buttered griddle.  Be prepared to mix up another batch. These won't last long.  They kind of taste like a funnel cake.   BTW.....  get out the maple syrup for these.  Save the Jemima for Jack!!!!  (Hungry Jack)

(isn't this guy cute.....  that little freckle on his cheek makes him pinchable!)

C.G. is my syrup-snob.  His sister bought him maple syrup for Christmas.

Maybe I should make him more pancakes now???

Pumpkin Bread……with or without cranberries & pecans.

I received a threatening post from the Cajun this afternoon.  She threatened to start visiting my BFF"S blog more frequently if I didn't change up the post and do something without cranberries.   Yea, like Ree would notice the new Cajun from Lousiania.   She hasn't even noticed the Redneck Texan yet.

I have to apologize to the cajun now…….sorry.  This post was next on the old blogging block.  

My son BEGS for this stuff!  He absolutely loves pumpkin bread.  He loves it even more with cranberries.   I make it for him year round.  UNFORTUNATELY,  It is difficult to find fresh cranberries in the summer and craisins just aren't a good substitute.  It is delicious either way.

PS…..  If you bake with the cranberries it may need to go for a few minutes longer.

A mom just can't say no to those puppy dog eyes.

Handmade Poptarts..... Grab the toaster oven now!!

Poptart anyone???

I found the cutest little gadget at my favorite store this summer.  Yep, Williams Sonoma had a sale.  Their pop-tart cutter was marked down to 4.99.  Who am I to argue with a 50% markdown?  Lets just talk about how amazing and deceptively easy to use and whip up a batch.  Don't you think it looks like I spent some serious time here?  Wrong-o my friends!  Well, maybe just a little bit of time.......

The details include.......Make the dough. Yes, I made the dough using a recipe off of the side of the flour bag.   Chill.  Cut. Stuff with jelly. Bake.  Drizzle with pink icing from a can and add some snazzy sprinkles.  YUm...YUM....  C.G. and his buddy, B.M. were loving them in spite of their offensive coloring.

So, I should make more this weekend.........  How does pumpkin sound?   

Now that I look at that picture.....doesn't it look like an ant is on top of the frosting???  EWWW!!!

Cinnamon Roll Birthday Pancakes!!

 

Can you say "YUMMO!!"  This past week little Mr. C.G. had his 12th birthday.  We were so overwhelmed with school, band, baseball games, homework and the world series that he didn't get to open presents until 2 days after the fact.  What does this say about our lifestyle?   Obviously, We need to hire a live-in housekeeper and chef.  I will find an "Alice" immediately!   (Brady Bunch reference there..)  Now taking applications.......

This morning, C.G. and his sister woke up and begged for Cinnamon Roll pancakes.  Beware of these babies.  They will cost you some major calories.  The good news is you will get major bonus points in the cool mom category.   We all know that those points don't come too easily.   These little babies are amazing.  These little babies are the next best thing to the cinnamon rolls I made last month.  Too many of these babies and you get to shop for new clothes in a bigger size........

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes........
1 1/2 c flour
3 T. sugar
1/2 t. salt
4 t. baking powder
1 T. cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. milk
1 T. corn syrup
1/4 c. butter, melted
1 T. vanilla

Mix all that together and cook like pancakes on a griddle.  (someday, I might try these in the waffle press..... ???)

Combine this stuff and drizzle.....
butter, softened 1/4 cup
powder sugar, 1 cup
maple syrup, 1 T.
Milk   1/4 cup

Because lil C.G. is a syrup snob;  He won't use Aunt Jemima on his pancakes anymore.  He prefers the good stuff on top............  MAPLE SYRUP.  He drizzles some of that too.  Heaven Help Me NOW..... I have created a little monster.   Please forgive me future wife of his.  :)  He is pretty darn cute, tho!!!!!!

HAPPY HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY C.G. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(P.S.   Tiger loves you too. )