Peeps banner

I loved this project!  It was quick and simple.  I had some Easter ribbon purchased on clearance and waiting for the perfect project.  Check out Dana's tutorial here.

Happy Easter!

Peeps flowers

A couple of years ago I found a tutorial to make these really cute Peeps flowers.  They were easy and brightened up our table.  The kids love eating the dried out Peeps and candy in the vase( if there are any left).  

The original tutorial can be found here.  They call it a Peeps topiary wreath, I just call them flowers.  I used smaller embroidery hoops, which I separated.  Also, I glued two long skewers together and painted them green.  Now all I need to buy are fresh Peeps each spring.  This year I got adventurous and used the blue "party cake" chicks.  It was a fun addition with the bright speckles!

Our superhero's birthday!

My hubby usually doesn't care much about what kind of cake I make for his birthday.  This year I got inspired by these superhero plates.  It was lost on my kids until we showed them classic Batman episodes.  I just baked and frosted a two layer cake.  I just choose a box mix and add an extra egg and a instant pudding  packet.  Then bake according to box directions.

I printed and cut out the Superman symbol. Gently set it on the cake and trace it with a toothpick.  Then fill it in with a frosting filled bag.  Everyone was pleased with the results, especially since it was a crazy, busy day!

Cleaning the Hood Filter

With melting snow comes the urge to start Spring Cleaning!  It really just comes in spurts for me.  One thing that was grossing me out was the Hood Filter.  It has been collecting grease for way too long.  I found a simple way to clean them, all you need is baking soda and a really big pot of boiling water.  It was so easy and effective!  You won't be disappointed, maybe grossed out when you see the water afterwards.  Check out the original post here.  Jill is a genius!!!

Cleaning your Hood Filter

Fill your largest pot with water and bring to a boil.  Slowly add 1/2 cup baking soda, it will fizz up.  Place the filter in the boiling water for a few minutes.  Turn it over to immerse the other end, letting it soak for a few minutes.  Rinse the filter with hot water and allow to dry.  Dump water outside, NOT down your sink!  

Leprechaun mischief!

Here are some of the mischief we woke up to this year.  Did you know they have green pee?

He never forgets the milk.

He also sucked their thumbs!

We made crock pot corned beef, carrot, potatoes and cabbage.  The cabbage was a hard sell but they really liked the corned beef.  The recipe is used is here.  She gives a recipe for your own seasoning, but I just used the one that came with the corned beef.

Tostada pizza

We had fallen into a pizza rut.  We were doing the same thing every time.  I was wanting something different and I remembered something I had tried as a teenager.  The local take-n-bake place had a tostada pizza and it was great.  Since I had everything on hand, I went to work trying to recreate it.  Everyone raved about the result and begged me to make it again!

Tostada Pizza

Prepare your favorite pizza crust.  Here's the link to my favorite.

Sauce:

1 can refried beans

1/2 cup salsa

Combine and spread over the crust.

Topping:

sliced black olives

sliced peppers

hamburger

onion

mozzarella cheese

sharp cheddar cheese

tomatoes/ pico de gallo

Start with a thin layer of both cheeses.  Then add the other topping to suit your personal taste.  Finish with another thin layer of both cheeses.  I didn't add the tomatoes since most of my family would revolt!  Some of us added pico de gallo to the pizza after baking.

Bake at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.  Enjoy!

Butter Tarts

Our local Girls Scout hosted a cultural  fair and our troop was assigned England.  We spent a couple weeks researching and preparing.  We needed to provide a snack and a game or craft.  We chose butter tarts as a snack.  We made some with raisins and some without.  Most of the girls preferred no raisins.  Think mini pecan pie without the pecans.  Really yummy!

Butter Tarts(old family recipe)

Pastry:

3 cups flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 cup shortening

9 tablespoons ice water

Stir together dry ingredients in medium bowl.  Cut in shortening. Mix in ice water.  Pinch off 1 inch ball place in greased mini tart pan.  Use fingers or the Pampered Chef mini-tart shaper to shape the tart shell.

Filling:

1 cup brown sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 tablespoon melted butter

1/2 tsp. vanilla

pinch of salt

2 tablespoons milk

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional

Carefully spoon the filling into each tart shell, 1/2 full.  Bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees.  Let cool a few minutes, then gently loosen and remove from the pan.  Allow them to finish cooling on a rack.  Enjoy!

Chocolate-Covered Oreo cake

This cake is delicious!  This is the second time I made it and it is still so yummy!  The kids were so excited to have it again.  It didn't turn out so pretty but my efforts to reduce calories were successful.  I would recommend making it for a large group since you will finish what ever is left.  Consider yourself warned!

Chocolate-covered Oreo Cake, serves 12

(Adapted from Hungry Girl and Kraft Recipes)

Cake:

1 box moist type devil's food cake mix

1 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt

1 cup water

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine the dry cake mix and yogurt in a medium mixing bowl.  Slowly add 1 cup water.  Divide the batter evenly into greased 8 inch round cake pans.  Bake according to the times listed on the cake mix box.  Cool on wire racks.

Ganache:

2/3 cup semi-sweet or 60% cocoa chips (I loved the dark chocolate!)

1/4 cup butter

Combine in a small glass bowl.  Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until butter is melted.  Stir until smooth and let cool.

Filling:

8 oz. softened cream cheese (I substituted fat-free.)

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups whipped topping

12 Oreo cookies, coarsely crushed

Beat the cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl.  Fold in the whipped topping and Oreos.  Place one layer of the cake on a plate.  Spread the filling on the bottom layer.  Place the top layer on the filling.  Smooth the filling on the side.  Pour the ganache on top.  If desired, add additional Oreos on top for decoration. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.