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I did this and it worked great!!

Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole

I was a little scared to make this recipe.... breakfast casserole in the crock pot???? But I am very glad I did and I think that is the only way I will make it. I made this Saturday night to be ready for breakfast Sunday.  I love finding easy breakfast recipes to have Sunday before church.  I absolutly love this recipe and using the crock pot.  It was very easy and soooo good.  Everyone ate it, well my daughter Lily did not like the peppers in it so she ate around them.  I highly recommend this for breakfast especially if you have company or just for your family. Enjoy!!

Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole

1 lb sausage or any breakfast meat

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 bag of shredded frozen hashbrowns or you could use the simple potatoes one bag ( I used simply potatoes)

1 cup milk

12 eggs

1/2 cup to 3/4 cup three pepper and onion frozen blend in the freezer section (you could use fresh)

Salt  to taste

Pepper to taste

1 1/2  tsp garilc powder if you like

First spray your slow cooker with a non stick pray, make sure it is well coated.  Cook your choice of breakfast meat,drain off excess grease ( I used fully cooked Jimmy Dean turkey sausage in the package, I used the whole package)  In the same pan saute the peppers and onions until tender.  (I used frozen and skipped this step). Mix the vegetables and meat and the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl until well mixed, then dump in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8- 10 hours.  Mine only took 8 hrs.

Side Note:  I used egg beaters instead of eggs and turkey sausage and made this a low calorie and low weight watchers points.  mine came out to 2.5 points per serving.... you can't beat that!!

Oven Roasted Potato Wedges

I made a very simple recipe for oven roasted potato wedges yesterday. Here is how I did it.  I took about 5 potatoes and I peeled them,(you do not have to this you can leave the skin on if you like) then I used my Pampered Chef potato wedger to cut them into 6 wedges.  You can most defiantly just use a knife to cut the potatoes into wedges. Place the potato wedges in a large bowl and add 1 tbsp of olive oil, stir (you may need a little more if all your potatoes do not get covered) the I added 2 tbsp of Tastefully Simple Italian Garlic Bread seasoning. Now, I know you all may not have this, I actually just got it and love it but If I did not have it I would have used garlic powder and some salt, then when finished I would have sprinkled some parm cheese on them.  OK now back to the recipe..... I then tossed the wedges to make sure they all were coated well.  Place wedges on a baking sheet and bake at 400 for 35 min. After 35 min. pull potatoes out and check with a fork to see if they are done, some bigger wedges may take longer.  Then eat and Enjoy!  I love these as an alternative to fries and they really are so easy.  Here are some pictures of my process.

Candy Cakes...Amazing!!!!!

OK... You have got to see these cakes.  I am making these very soon.  It is an awesome way to dress up a ordinary cake and make it look extraordinary.  You just make your favorite recipe for any kind of cake or even use a box cake mix, then frost the cake as usual, and then decorate it up with the candy, then finish with a ribbon. So gorgeous!!  Love it!

http://texasmonkey.blogspot.com/2010/04/dress-up-cakes-without-stress.html

40 Things I Want My Daughter To Know

1. You are special.
2. There is no one else exactly like you in the whole world. Cherish your unique self.
3. You deserve love, admiration, honesty, respect, and second chances.
4. You have the right to use your voice – any time, any place, on any topic.
5. You are beautiful.
6. Beauty is as beauty does and while physical beauty is fleeting, a beautiful soul lasts forever.
7. True friends make you laugh and feel good about yourself.
8. True love makes you want to be a better person.
9. Girls can do anything boys can do … and some things boys can’t.
10. Magic is real – you just have to know where to look for it.
11. Taking time for yourself is important – be your own best friend.
12. You can always come home. Always.
13. You can tell me anything.
14. You don’t always have to follow the rules, but …
15. … always follow your heart.
16. You are a creative genius and your creations are your gift to the world. Give them freely and joyfully.
17. There’s no such thing as failure. Learn from every experience.
18. You are loved more than you will know until you have your own child.
19. Anything is possible if you believe.
20. Put God first in all you do... this is the most important one.
21. Go after your passion with a vengeance, but …
22. … remember to slow down and savor the journey along the way.
23. Sometimes it’s okay to eat dessert first.
24. Don’t wait for things to be “perfect” before you do something.
25. Keep your eye on the Big Picture, but revel in the details.
26. Trust yourself. You are smart enough, strong enough, and brave enough.
27. When in doubt, pray
28. It’s okay if you don’t know the answers. Sometimes it’s a better place to start from.
29. The Golden Rule is the easiest standard by which to measure any choice.
30. Travel is the best teacher, but always be safe and be wise. The world is a beautiful place, but it is not without its sharp edges.
31. Never compromise your beliefs – not for stature, approval, or anything else.
32. Manners count.
33. Learn to laugh at yourself and life will suddenly seem much easier.
34. It’s okay to be fragile sometimes. Life can be like that.
35. I am always so proud of you.
36. I will always be with you. Even when I’m gone I will be holding you in my heart and wrapping my love around you.
37. Family is forever... never forget that, take care of your family.
38. Love with your whole heart.
39. God is good all the time.
40. I am blessed because God choose me to be your mom and my life is better for it!!!

I encourage all of you mother out there to take time and read this and maybe make a list for your daughter!!

Mini Cheeseburgers.. Easy weeknight meal

This recipe for Mini Cheeseburgers is a different take on regular cheeseburgers.  First they are delicious and easy.  Second kids love them.  Third they are fun because they are small and bite size. I find I get in a food rut and this helps make something you have often seem different and fun.  The garlic in this recipe really makes the burgers so good, trust me you have to try this recipe and you will love it too! Enjoy.

Mini Cheeseburgers

• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• ¼ cup finely chopped parsley (fresh)  I skipped this part.. I have kids that would take one look at that and run… just keeping it honest.
• 1 ½ lbs 90% lean ground beef
• 2 garlic cloves (pressed)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 slices American cheese
• 8 hot dog buns
• 24 slices dill pickles

Directions:

1.  

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Finely chop onion and parsley. Combine beef, onion, parsley, garlic and salt and mix well. Press beef mixture evenly over bottom of a Large Bar Pan. Bake 10-12 minutes or until beef is no longer pink.

2.  

Meanwhile, cut cheese into quarters and set aside. Slice Buns into thirds (you can square off the ends to be fancy).

3.  

Remove Bar pan from oven and pour off the grease. Cut into 24 squares. Place burgers on buns and top with cheese. You can place back on pan and cover with foil to melt cheese and warm buns. 3-5 minutes.

4.  

Top with pickles and any other condiments desired

The Marlboro Man Sandwich!! Awesome recipe!

This is a recipe I love and so does my husband.  I like this recipe because it gives me something else to do with cubed steak.  When I make this recipe I do use a little less butter but it is an amazing sandwich, everyone I know that has tried it loves it.  I hope you make it and love it as much as we do, Enjoy!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/marlboro_mans_f/

The Marlboro Man Sandwich

Ingredients

• 1 whole Large (or 2 Small) Onions
• 2 sticks Butter (lots And Lots Of Butter)
• 2 pounds (to 3 Pounds) Cube Steak (tenderized Round Steak That's Been Extra Tenderized)
• Lawry's Seasoned Salt (or Similar Seasoned Salt)
• ½ cups (approximately) Worcestershire Sauce
• Tabasco Sauce, To Taste
• 4 whole French/deli Rolls (earthgrains Are Best!)

Preparation Instructions

Slice onions and cook in 1/4 stick butter until soft and light brown. Remove and set aside.

Slice cube steak against the grain. Season with Lawry’s.

Heat 2 tablespoons butter over high heat (in same skillet) until melted and beginning to brown. Add meat in single layer. Cook one side until brown, then flip and cook until brown, about a minute on both sides.

Add 1/2 cup (at least) Worcestershire sauce, 5 to 6 shakes Tabasco, and 2 tablespoons butter. Add cooked onions. Stir to combine.

Butter halved French rolls and brown in skillet.

To assemble, lay bottom half of French roll on plate. Place meat mixture, followed by a spoonful of juice from the pan. Top with other half of roll, cut in half, and devour!

Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies!

Here is a great recipe to make for holidays or just for a treat.  I made these for my Girl Scouts and they were so easy to make.  I had my son help with the cookie part and my daughter help with the filling.  I made these red velvet but you can use any cake mix you like.... I think lemon would be great. You can also use a cookie cutter and cut out shapes and then put the filling in them.  I hope you enjoy!!

Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies

All you need is

1 Box red velvet cake mix*
1/2 Cup butter, softened to room temperature
2 Eggs

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Mix ingredients until combined.
• Drop spoonfuls of cookie batter onto baking sheet about two inches apart. I used a small Pampered Chef scoop.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes. If you use the small scoop only bake for 5 -6 min.
• Cool.

Cream Cheese Filling
1/2 Cup butter, softened to room temperature
1 8 oz. Package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 1lb. Box of confectioner’s sugar
1 tsp Vanilla

• In a mixer, cream butter, cream cheese and vanilla.
• Gradually add sugar and mix until smooth.

Makes about 24 cookies or 12 cookie sandwiches

* Any cake mix should work.

Reese’s Cheesecake Brownies... AMAZING!!!!

OK, here it is if you love Reese's you are going to love these.  They are amazing.  My husband and daughter just live for the holiday Reese's (they think they are better than the plain.. go figure) and they love these.  I highly suggest you try them soon.  Enjoy and Happy Valentines day to you all!!

Reese’s Cheesecake Brownies

 http://www.pipandebby.com/pip-ebby/2011/8/14/reeses-cheesecake-brownies.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%253A+PipEbby+%2528Pip+%2526+Ebby%2529

Ingredients:

One 19.5-oz. box chocolate fudge brownie mix

One 8-oz. package cream cheese, softened

One 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk

½ cup creamy peanut butter

12 oz. Reese’s Pieces candy

One 12-oz. bag milk chocolate chips

3 tablespoons whipping cream

12 large Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.

2. Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions. Spread the batter in pan and set

aside. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with hand-held mixer until fluffy. Add condensed

milk and peanut butter and beat until smooth. Stir in the Reese’s Pieces candies. Spoon the

mixture over the batter. Spread evenly.

3. Bake for 40 minutes or until cheesecake layer is set and edges are golden brown. Cool for

30 minutes and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

4. In a small microwaveable bowl, microwave the chocolate chips and whipping cream for 1

minute, or until chips are melted. Stir until smooth. Spread over cheesecake layer. Sprinkle

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup pieces over top. Store covered in the refrigerator.

Crayon Heart Valentines... You Color My World!!!

I made these yesterday with my daughter for her to take to school.  It was very simple and fun.  I know Valentines day is tomorrow but if you need a last minute idea here it is. 

First you take about 88 crayons, can be broke old crayons.  Then you remove the paper, we did this by taking a box cutter and slicing the paper and then peeling it off and then braking up the crayons.  You can also put your crayons in hot water and the paper will fall off.  After you have them broken up place the crayons in the bottom of a parchment paper lined 9 x13 inch pan.  Bake in the oven at 200- 250 degree's for 10- 15 minutes until crayons are melted.  When you remove from the oven make sure not to move the pan too much or else the colors will all turn to a gray shade, much like when you mix all colors of paint.  Let the crayons cool slightly but not all the way.  Use a small heart shape cookie cutter and cut out the shapes.  You can also do this with other shapes for other holidays.  Place the heart shaped crayons on another piece of parchment paper to finish cooling all the way and then the crayon is done! 

I then took red card stock and cut out heart shapes to have a card to go along with the crayon.  I then placed the crayon in a bag and used red ribbon to tie the bag up and punched a hole in the card and attached to the bag.  You can also use tape to attach the crayon to the card if you want.  I found this way to be cheaper... I got the bags for $2.00 for 25, the red ribbon was $0.47, the crayons I had and the card stock I had also.  Card stock normal runs around $3.40 per package at Walmart. The double sided foam tape was $5.00 so I choose the bags. I think this is an awesome way to make a personalized Valentine without breaking the bank.  I have to say there are people who make these with a heart shaped muffin pan, I did not have one so I used a cookie cutter and it worked great!  Here are some pictures.

Homemade Sugar Scrub in Decorated Jars

This is just too cute for a gift for someone.  I love homemade gifts they are so personal... love it!

http://www.maybematilda.com/2011/04/baby-shower-gift-homemade-sugar-scrub.html

Smoky Chicken Fettuccini..yum..yum...

I make this all the time for my family.  The kids love it and even the picky one will take her two bits without even a gag. I Think that is how you spell gag..lol... Well I am making this today for my family.  I will make bread sticks to go with it that way my youngest will have something to hold and keep him busy, well that is before he trows all his food on the floor, you gotta love that stage right? I hope you make this and enjoy it!  I didn't have a picture but trust me it is wonderful and if you do not like peas you don't have to use them and it is just as good trust me.

Smoky Chicken Fettuccini

 

• 8 oz fettuccini, broken in half
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 6 slices bacon
• 6 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 coarsely chopped bell pepper
• 2 cups diced cooked chicken
• 1 cup half and half
• 2 oz grated smoked Provolone cheese... I use the whole package of slices in the deli cheese section about 8 slices.
• 1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp snipped fresh parsley

Cook pasta according to package directions. Add peas to pasta; drain.

Cut bacon into 1/2 inch pieces. Cook bacon in skillet over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet; drain on paper towels. Drain grease from skillet. Do not wipe out.

Thinly slice garlic. Add garlic, onion, and bell pepper to skillet. Cook over medium heat 2-3 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add pasta, peas, bacon, chicken, half and half, cheese, black pepper, and salt to skillet; toss well to coat. Cook and stir over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened and mixture is hot. Sprinkle with parsley; serve immediately.

YUMMY SUGAR COOKIE BARS!

Here is a very simple recipe for sugar cookie bars and they are very good.  I think I am going to make them with pink frosting and valentine sprinkles for Valentines day.  My kids always like to have a treat on a special day.  I hope you enjoy!

  SUGAR COOKIE BARS

http://www.chef-in-training.com/2012/01/lofthouse-sugar-cookie-bars.html

(recipe from: Cookies and Cups)

 

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

1. Preheat oven to 350°
2. Spray jelly roll pan (15x10x1) with cooking spray.
3. In your mixer cream butter, cream cheese and sugar together. Add in egg and vanilla and mix until incorporated.
4. With mixer on low, add in your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder and baking soda.
5. Mix until just combined.
6. Press dough evenly into your prepared pan. (dough will be sticky)
7. Bake for 20 minutes until edges begin to golden, I do a little less because I like them very soft.
8. Cool completely before frosting.

Enjoy!

FROSTING

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 16 oz. powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla

Adjust milk and powdered sugar to get to desired consistency.

Knock You Naked Brownies.....Not my title...lol...

Here is an amazing recipe for some very decedent brownies.  I am going to make them this week or next week to give my mom for her birthday, she loves chocolate. I hope you enjoy!

Knock You Naked Brownies

Ingredients

• 1 box (18.5 Ounce) German Chocolate Cake Mix (I Used Duncan Hines)
• 1 cup Finely Chopped Pecans
• ⅓ cups Evaporated Milk
• ½ cups Evaporated Milk (additional)
• ½ cups Butter, Melted
• 60 whole Caramels, Unwrapped
• ⅓ cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• ¼ cups Powdered Sugar

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, chopped pecans, 1/3 cup evaporated milk, and melted butter. Stir together until totally combined. Mixture will be very thick.

Press half the mixture into a well-greased 9 x 9 inch square baking pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove pan from oven and set aside.

In a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of boiling water) melt caramels with additional 1/2 cup evaporated milk. When melted and combined, pour over brownie base. Sprinkle chocolate chips as evenly as you can over the caramel.

Turn out remaining brownie dough on work surface. Use your hands to press it into a large square a little smaller than the pan. Use a spatula to remove it from the surface, then set it on top of the caramel and chocolate chips.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from pan and allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for several hours. When ready to serve, generously sift powdered sugar over the surface of the brownies. Cut into either nine or twelve helpings, and carefully remove from the pan.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/05/knock-you-naked-brownies/

BBQ Jalapeno Poppers...make at your own risk.....

Pioneer Woman's BBQ Jalapeno poppers

http://thepioneerwoman.com/

Important: Wear gloves when working with fresh jalapeños or
you'll curse the ground on which I walk because you'll wake up in
the middle of the night with throbbing fingertips. And that's
nothing compared to what happens if you accidentally scratch your
eye—or worse, something else.

Helpful Hints: Make three times more than you think you'll need.
(You'll just have to trust me.)

Poppers can be assembled up to a day ahead of time and kept in
the fridge before cooking. Or, they can be fully cooked and
frozen in plastic bags until you need them. Just thaw and warm up
in the oven before serving.
Unless you're prepared to become instantly addicted, do not place
two of these on your hamburger. I mean it. Don't. There'll be no
turning back after that.

Ingredients

• 18 fresh jalapeños
• One 8-ounce package cream cheese
• ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 green onion, sliced
• 18 slices thin bacon, cut into halves

Directions

Preheat the oven to 275ºF.

Begin by cutting jalapeños in half lengthwise (see warning in
headnote). Try to keep the stems intact. They look prettier that
way. With a spoon, scrape out the seeds and light-colored membranes.
Remember: The heat comes from the seeds and membranes, so if you
can handle the sizzle, leave some of them intact. Now, in a bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and chopped green onion. Mix the ingredients together gently. And don't feel you have to use an electric mixer. I do because I'm lazy and don't like to exert myself. Ever. (Too much scrubbing
clothes on the washboard, I suppose.)Next, stuff each hollowed jalapeño half with the cheese mixture. Wrap bacon slices around each half, covering as much of the
surface as you can. Be careful not to stretch the bacon too tightly around the jalapeño, as the bacon will contract as it cooks. Brush the surface of the bacon with your favorite barbecue sauce. Chutney or apricot jelly works well, too! Secure the jalapeños with toothpicks and pop them in the oven for 1 hour, or until the bacon is sizzling. Serve hot or at room temperature, and watch them disappear within seconds. I've seriously caught guests stuffing these into their purses. Sometimes I have to call law enforcement.
Variations:
For a simpler version, omit the cheddar and green onion from the
cream cheese.
Cut sliced peaches or pineapple into small bits and press them
into the cream cheese before wrapping the jalapeños in bacon.
Use Pepper Jack cheese in place of the cheddar cheese.

Cookie Dough Dip... I am thinking Super Bowl!!

http://tastykitchen.com/blog/

Cookie Dough Dip

Ingredients

½ cups Butter

⅓ cups Brown Sugar

1 teaspoon Vanilla

1 block (8 Oz. Block) Cream Cheese, Softened

½ cups Powdered Sugar

¾ cups Chocolate Chips

 Preparation Instructions

 Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture starts to bubble. Set aside to cool, and whisk in vanilla.

Cream together cream cheese and powdered sugar for 60 seconds. With mixer on low speed, add in brown sugar and butter mixture. Mix until combined. I added the chocolate chips at this time so the mixer could break them up into pieces. You can so that, or just fold in the chocolate chips.

Garnish with additional chopped chocolate. Serve with fruit, cookies, crackers, pretzels or a spoon.