The following post is one I put together last year but did not get worked into my posting schedule before the fall season was over. I've just about missed it for this fall too! Today I have couple of fall goodies that my son and I have been working on for his friends and cousins. I started doing these when my girls were younger so it’s been a lot of fun to repeat with my son. Candy scarecrows are so cute to pass out to the kiddos for a fall treat! You just need a box of raisins for the torso, Smarties for the legs, Tootsie Rolls for the arms, a round candy for the head, and some raffia for the neck straw. Use hot glue to attach candy pieces together in the shape of a scarecrow. Of ... Read more
Whole Wheat Banana Muffins
I sure hope I didn’t just lose anyone with the words whole wheat, because you’ll be missing out on a tasty (and, yes, healthy) breakfast treat! If you’re still with me, hang on for just a minute. Is anyone else tired of eating from the holidays? I can enjoy the junk for only so long, and then I’m glad to get back to fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, and WATER! Despite the many desserts and goodies I post here on the blog, for the most part, I really try to feed my family healthy meals. The goodies are just our splurge days (holidays, Sunday lunch, etc), but through much of the week, we go fairly healthy. This magical muffin gives you a healthy little carb fix by way of whole grain, ... Read more
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
We hosted a Christmas party for our Bible study group last night. Everyone brought their favorite finger foods and the assortment of savory goodies was outstanding, followed by yummy desserts and a s’mores bar! I’m still quite filled this morning, from both food and fellowship! We love our small group so much. One of the party foods I prepared was Pepperoni Pizza Rolls. Think of it as the pizza version of a cinnamon roll. Pepperoni Pizza Rolls Ingredients: 1 frozen loaf bread dough, thawed but not risen Pesto Shredded mozzarella Parmesan Pepperoni Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 12-x-18” (doesn’t have to be exact). Spread a layer of pesto in ... Read more
Smoked Salmon Spread
Smoked Salmon Spread is a tasty appetizer I like to sit out as guests are arriving when we hosts Christmas parties. I also take this to the Christmas supper my mother-in-law hosts on Christmas night where we all bring party foods (we eat Christmas lunch at my mom's). I love this stuff! It's great year around, but I find myself mostly making it during the holidays. Smoked Salmon Spread This recipe is from Ina Garten. I purchase my smoked salmon from Costco, and usually double this recipe so we have plenty left to snack on for a few days after Christmas. Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 1/2 cup sour cream 1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 Tbsp. minced fresh dill 1 ... Read more
Thanksgiving Week in the Kitchen
Happy Thanksgiving week! I've had several recipe posts in mind leading up to this week, but with our busy school schedule and a computer crash, I just haven't been able to make them happen. However, I'm excited to report this week that not only are we on our holiday break from school, but I'm also sporting a new computer. So, hold on to your seats because you're about to get several recipe posts in one! The table above is from last year's Thanksgiving gathering. We hosted my husband's side of the family and enjoyed so many blessings from the time together. This year, we'll be eating with my side of the family at my parents' home and are expecting a large crowd. My parents have always been ... Read more
Apple Cheesecake Dip
Good morning! I was working on a different post for today, but it’s not ready, so I’m going cheat a little and offer a quick recipe instead. But I think you’ll like it! Apple Cheesecake Dip! This recipe came from the Real House Moms blog several years ago (I need to check and see if they’re still around!), and I love serving it as a snack, appetizer, or dessert during the fall season. It’s sooo good! Country Girl and I whipped up a big ‘ole batch last week for our Bible study group, and because we doubled the recipe, we enjoyed snacking on it throughout the weekend. Apple Cheesecake Dip 10 ounce apple pie filling 8 ounce cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup plain yogurt 1/4 cup sugar 1 tsp ... Read more
Summer Supper Menu for the Ladies
A couple of weeks ago, my girls and I enjoyed a fun reason to get together with some moms and daughters and grandmothers in our home. A dear friend of mine is a Noonday ambassador, and so we hosted a trunk show with a light summer supper. Since it was just us girls for the evening, I decided on a menu of what we like to call lady food! You know, the salads, crackers, veggies, dips, and fruits kind of meal? I’ve learned to eliminate some fuss by making some of the foods and purchasing the rest premade. There were two supper recipes I really wanted to make—Tomato Pesto Tart and Pimiento Cheese—so I made those and purchased chicken salad and spinach artichoke dip from Costco. I also added a ... Read more
Summer Snacking
I’m popping in for just a minute today to share our new favorite snack: Ranch Snack Mix, adapted from Taste of Home! This is the easiest thing in the world to mix up, and has been perfect for snacking at home, pool, or lake. One batch makes SO much that I can put half in the freezer for another occasion (or two!). Then I have it ready for a surprise guest, to give as a gift, or to take to a party when I don’t want to go empty-handed. Ranch Snack Mix 1 (12-oz) package mini pretzels 2 (6-oz) packages plain bugles 1 (10-oz) can salted cashews (can substitute peanuts for a cheaper option) 1 (6-oz) package cheddar fish-shaped crackers 2 envelopes ranch mix 3/4 cup canola oil (vegetable oil is ... Read more