Brownie Grave sites

Halloween is just a couple days away!  I can't wait to see all the cute little kids dressed up.  We are keeping it low key this Halloween, so I HAD to make something to get us in the spirit!  These Brownie Grave sites are SO CUTE, delicious, and fun to make! Everyone loves them!  Who doesn't love a good brownie with frosting on top, and other yummy candies?!  They have already been a hit at my house, and since we aren't having a Halloween party, I'll be taking these to share with family and friends.  These are easy to make, but there are some things to do differently if you decide to make them, which I will note as we go.  It will make your life a lot easier.  These are something to be proud of, well at least for me! :)  I have never made a fun little Halloween dessert like this, and I know now that it wont be my last.  It was too fun.  If you plan to whip these up within the next day or two, enjoy, and let me know how they turn out!

Brownie Grave sites

So cute right?!

Eggnog French Toast with Eggnog Syrup

So, I know I am a tad bit early to post any eggnog recipes, but seriously when that stuff hits the grocery store, I snatch some up!  I LOVE eggnog.  My Mom used to make it homemade, and I didn't care for it because of the raw eggs in it.  It just grossed me out.  I can't get enough of the store bought kind though.  Any other eggnog lovers out there besides me?  Maybe I should find a homemade recipe, if there are any that would suit me better?  I know it really isn't healthy at all, but it tastes so good!  I bought the "light" which has 50% less fat, and 30% less calories, which helps, and I can't tell a difference in taste.  A win win situation.  This is my first recipe using eggnog, and I have to say it turned out So stinkin good!  If you love eggnog I don't doubt you will love this!  I have seen recipes around the blog world for Eggnog French Toast, and have wanted to make some of my own, so I did, and the results....eggnog coma(in a good way) I can't get enough of it.  This Eggnog French Toast(made with whole wheat bread) has a nice subtle eggnog flavor, it is not over powering, which means pile on the Eggnog Syrup!  If you make your French Toast with French Bread, you may notice more of an eggnog flavor in the bread, it is up to you, but I definitely think you should try the Eggnog Syrup, it is TOTALLY worth it! :)

Cheese and Jalapeno Corn Bread Muffins

 There is a Barbecue joint in Washington that my Husband and I used to eat at that has amazing corn bread muffins.  There isn't anything special about them, but they are just soft, and a perfectly sweet crust on top.  Mmmm they are good.  I need to experiment with corn bread more because I am sure they would be pretty easy to duplicate.  The muffins I made last night were AMAZING but in their own way.  Cheesy and a little hint of jalapeno, just enough for flavor.  They are perfect, unless you are looking for a sweet corn bread.  My inspiration to make these came from A Cozy Kitchen's blog, and you can find her recipe here, On My Radar #1  She makes her corn bread in a cast iron skillet(which I don't have yet...BOO!)  which I'm sure would be awesome.  I decided to follow the recipe on the back of the Albers Corn Meal box, and add in cheese and a jalapeno.  Delish!  I ate two, one after another, before dinner, they were that good!  Try these, you will love them!

Cheese and Jalapeno Corn Bread Muffins



MmmMmmm!

Hot Italian Hoagie

Whenever my Husband orders a sandwich from a deli, it's main components usually are Italian inspired.  He always seems to gravitate towards pepperoni, and salami.  Maybe it's a "man thing?"  Today's lunch is another meal inspired by my Husband.  Once again I asked him what he wanted for lunch(these Fajita Turkey Melts were his idea last time) and he said "I'm thinking a sandwich, with Italian flavors, and an Italian dressing-not a red sauce, but a white sauce, or oil and vinegar.  I want red onion, and peperoncinis on it."  Wow huh?  I guess it was one of those days where he knew exactly what he wanted.  Those days are fun because we go back and forth with ideas as to what also sounds good.  This sandwich was REALLY good too!  It is packed full of flavor!  My husband was pretty darn proud. :)

Hot Italian Hoagie(my husband also chose the name)

Quick and Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal

This morning I was craving oatmeal, hot, and gooey oatmeal.  On cold mornings like this, my idea of breakfast is a hot bowl of oatmeal in a mug, curled up in a blanket with my coffee.  Mmmm.  I came up with an amazing mug of goodness this morning!  My husband came in the door from hunting all morning, and smelled the sweet pumpkin.  He was hungry, and made perfect timing.  I dished him up some of this, and he said in his own words..."MmmMmm!"  :) See I'm not the only one who utters that on a normal basis. :)  So introducing my new favorite Fall oatmeal!

Quick and Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal

 A little bowl of heaven.

On My Radar #2

Happy Saturday!  I hope you all enjoyed browsing through On My Radar #1.  Did it give any of you ideas of meals to make?? I have only made one thing from that post- Quick Pumpkin Pudding I made yesterday.  If you haven't checked that out you should, because it is amazing!  Stay tuned though because I definitely have more of those recipes in the works coming up soon!  I found some more goodies while searching the web, and I can't wait to share them with you! Enjoy, and try not to drool too much. :)

Quick Pumpkin Pudding

You know those nights(or during the day-it happens to me at all times of the day!) when you get that crazy craving for something sweet?  I know there are more of you out there like me! :)  If you haven't prepared something ahead of time, you want something quick to feed the sweet tooth beast inside of you!  This Quick Pumpkin Pudding is SO fast, and OH MY GOSH...SOOOO GOOD!  Did you get that?! ;)  I can't tell you enough how delicious this is!  My sweet tooth beast calmed down with one lick of the spoon, of course I didn't stop there though, heh. ;)  This pumpkin pudding will make you lick the bowl clean, literally.  I may or may not have done that.  Trust me on this, even though we haven't been friends for long, we will be best friends after you make this.  So what are you waiting for?! Feed the beast! :)

Quick Pumpkin Pudding

oh my goodness gracious!

Chicken Enchilada Spaghetti

Chicken Enchiladas are a huge family favorite in my house.  Now that I think about it, we don't eat them enough for how popular they are.  My husband has always had a love for flour tortillas, but me on the other hand have always had a love for pasta, go figure right.  Don't get me wrong though, I love enchiladas, but this new Chicken Enchilada Spaghetti was amazing, and a new take on the old classic, and call me crazy but I do love changing things up. This dish has great flavors, WITH pasta! YUM!! If you like enchiladas, you should try this!  It actually seemed easier to me, because you just add everything to the pan, rather then filling each tortilla.  Give it a try! :)

Chicken Enchilada Spaghetti



Crock Pot Barbecue Pulled Chicken

My husband is a huge barbecue fan. The kind of barbecuing that you slave over all day-slow cooking.  :)  You know, a long time ago I received an email, that totally and completely explains how much hard work a man(usually a man, right?) puts into barbecuing.  It really is eye opening. ;)  I actually deleted that email, but I found a very similar version online, and it will get you laughing(male and female) because it is in most cases SO TRUE!!  I found the information below on this site.

When a man offers to cook on the BBQ it does not mean an evening off for his partner, she will often end up working longer than him, it has been found.

A healthy eating campaign say that while men might stand at the BBQ to cook meat, they do very little else.

Wives and partners are normally left to; shop for the food, prepare salads and deserts, set the table, serve the food, clear up and even do the dishes.

A spokesperson for 'Eat in Colour' said: "We are all familiar with the summer ritual. At the first hint of sunshine the nation’s menfolk dash to the garden centre and return triumphant with a sack of charcoal briquettes. 

"Donning a humorous apron they set out to show off their culinary flair and give us the afternoon off. But things don’t really work out that way."

The group even found that most men need a woman to tell them when the meat is ready otherwise they would burn it.

How long is spent working when a man does a BBQ?

WOMEN

30 min  Woman does the shopping 


15 min  Woman prepares salads, vegetables and dessert

05 min  Woman sets table 


15 min  Woman serves up food, clears up and does the dishes


Total 1hr05

MEN

15 min  Man places meat on the grill and loiters with a beer

05 min  Man asks woman if she has enjoyed her afternoon off

Total 20min

I hope you all got a kick out of that like I did!  True huh??  I can honestly say that I did ALL the cooking on my Crock pot Barbecue Pulled Chicken, and it was such HARD work ;)  I slaved over it all day...alright, maybe my crock pot is the one who did all the hard work?! :)  Anyways it is not hard at all, and SO good! I shared it with my family, and everyone loved it!

Crock pot Barbecue Pulled Chicken

So delicious!  Perfectly sweet, tangy, and spicy!

Best Oatmeal Cookies

The other day when I purchased my CUTE new measuring spoons, I also bought a cookie scoop!!  I know I am probably the ONLY home cook that doesn't have one of these, and I really wish that I had because it is AMAZING!  I absolutely fell in love with it, and can't believe how I went years without it.  It makes like so much easier, and my least favorite part of making cookies, is scooping the dough up, and placing it on the cookie sheets.  I always used two spoons, and they never come out the same size.  I whipped those cookies out on the sheet so fast, it's not even funny.  I had to brag about it to my hubby, and now to you guys.  If you don't have one, which you probably all do, go get one! You will LOVE it!  I found mine at Bed Bath & Beyond for $9.99.  I will be a cooking making machine now, watch out! :)
I asked my husband what kind of cookies he wanted, and he usually says "I don't care, whatever kind you want to make" but this time he instantly said "oatmeal cookies."  I asked what he wanted in them, as in raisins, or nuts...fruit??  He said "nothing but oatmeal."  I thought hmmm, I've never maid plain oatmeal cookies, but I gave it a shot, and OH MAN these were seriously the best ones I have had!! The only oatmeal cookie recipe I will make from now on.  We like our oatmeal cookies, thin, and chewy, and these delivered both!!  You gotta try this recipe!!

These are SO stinkin good!! We had to try one right out of the oven, and it was a little crispy on the outside, and soft and chewy in the middle...Mmmm.  The even better part is that we LOVED them the day after!!  The crispy outer edge turned soft and chewy, so the whole cookie was a mouthful of goodness! I can't get over how good these are. Obviously. :)

On My Radar #1

Good afternoon! I love Saturdays! I hope you are all having a great day so far!  I have decided that every Saturday I will have a Post called "On My Radar" showcasing tasty foods found all over the Internet, that I have on my radar!  I will post tasty pictures, with websites that go along with them, and short explanations as to why I have it on my radar, in hopes to make the dish, and re-post for all of you!  I am VERY excited about this, because I can't tell you how long I spend sitting here searching all over the Internet for delicious recipes!  This will help me plan more meals ahead of time, and be a place that I can check back and go "OH I can make THAT today!"  I hope you will all enjoy this, and please let me know what you think! I would love to hear from you, and if you have any yummy meals that you would like to share with me, I'll check it out, and it MAY end up on my "On My Radar."  :) Enjoy everyone!

Caesar Shrimp and Pasta

Good morning! It's Friday! :)  Woohoo!  I know sometimes the last thing you want to do when you get home from work is cook a meal.  It would be nice to get home, put the comfy clothes on, and put your feet up!  I want to share the recipe I made last night because it was a cinch!  You could have your feet up in no time, and a delicious meal on the table(please restrain from putting your feet on the table-at least we save that for the couch in my house :))  This meal is simple, and requires very few ingredients.  It's wonderful.  My kind of meal for sure!  Might be yours too, try it out!!

Caesar Shrimp and Pasta

oh YUMMO!

Turkey Meatballs in Cream Sauce

Good morning!  I have a confession...I don't like meatloaf...:( Well I should say I have only eaten it a few times, and made my decision based on that.  I think it's the way it is usually smothered in ketchup??  I like ketchup but only a little bit, once in awhile.  My husband shares the same dislike as me, so thankfully I haven't been forced to make it, BUT I really want to try making it my own way, to give it one last shot.  If you have any amazing meatloaf recipes that aren't smothered in ketchup, and you think I would like, please let me know! :)  For some reason I got a hankering for meatballs the other day, don't ask me why, because I have NEVER made them before(crazy I know!) and have only eaten them maybe twice in my life.  I have always known the base ingredients, so I just went for it.  They turned out AMAZING, and full of flavor! My husband agrees that they were awesome.  I always feel good when I make something for the first time, and hear from my hubby that he loves it.  Makes me feel good.  Makes everyone feel good when their hard work pays off. :)  This recipe can be altered so much to fit every ones taste buds.  I realized that there are so many different spices you could add, and cheeses...I definitely didn't leave out the cheese! I'm a cheese freak! ;)  These meatballs were so simple to make, and the easy cream sauce went perfectly with them! I served them over whole grain noodles.  Enjoy!

Turkey Meatballs in Cream Sauce

Delish!

Chili Cheese Dip

Whenever my family has a get together it always involves food, and you can pretty much bet this Chili Cheese Dip will attend.  It has been in the family for quite some time now, and I really don't know who came up with it, but we all LOVE it!  It is another awesome dip for football parties, and it so simple to make.  If you make it, it may end up being a staple at your gatherings! From my family to yours! 
We always make this dip in the crock pot because it slowly melts all the cheese, and keeps it warm through the entire party.  You can make it on the stove top though, and that is what I did this time because I made this at my friend's house, and we didn't need a large batch, and the stove top is quite a bit faster.  You can do either way, but I will continue to use the crock pot. :)

This dip is so creamy, and delicious! My favorite chip to dip in this are Fritos Corn Chip Scoops! MmmMmm!

Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Football Season is upon us, and what does that mean?! Hmm...it means FOOD! Or does is mean FOOTBALL???  Truth is, I don't watch much football anymore, and I think I need to at least pretend I do, so I can go to all the parties with the yummy food!  OR, I can use it as an excuse to just make it at home?!  Yep, okay, I feel better now.  I talked myself right into it. 
My husband is a HUGE chips and dip fan.  I swear he would eat that for every meal.  He is simple though, with his favorite being chips and salsa.  I on the other hand love the creamy dips(go figure) the most.  He LOVES them too, but they take more work then chips and salsa where it's "fridge to face" :) That is how he rolls in the cooking department. Chips and salsa are by far the healthier choice, which is my main reason I very seldom bake creamy dips.  BUT it's FOOTBALL season, so I have an excuse! ;)

Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip

I'm sorry I don't have any "prettier" photos of the final product.  I made this at my friend's house for our dinner get together, and we were all ready to dig in once this came out of the oven! I even had to tell one of them "hands off!" until I snapped a picture. :) 

Individual Apple Crisps with Brown Sugar Glaze

After I made the Apple Turnovers I was left with three apples.  I need to use them up pretty quick since I have had them in the fridge for a few weeks now.  Last night I was craving some dessert, and I remembered I had those apples, but wanted to make something semi quick, and a small serving, so I came up with Individual Apple Crisps!  This ended up being the perfect size dessert, and it was SO yummy!  This would be a great dessert if you have about half an hour or so before the real sweetness needing stomach kicks in!  It is fun to prepare, and eat.  Mind you that it does get a little messy on your plate, but what good dessert doesn't?!  If you have an extra apple in the fridge give this a go! 

Individual Apple Crisps with Brown Sugar Glaze

Oh man melt in your mouth sweetness.

Super Moist Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread

I LOVE me some pumpkin bread! :) Even better when it's whole wheat! I wanted to make a loaf without anything but Pumpkin- no nuts, fruit, or chocolate chips.  I waned PURE pumpkin.  When I make pumpkin, banana, or zucchini bread, I have to make sure it is very moist.  I don't want to have a dry bread that is begging for a topping such as butter.  This bread is so moist and flavorful, that you don't want to spread anything on top, and that is saying something since it is all whole wheat.  You should give this pumpkin bread a go!  You wont be disappointed!

Super Moist Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread

My family and I ate more than half of the loaf before I took these pictures, we couldn't wait! ;)

Dinner Rolls

This would be my first attempt at making homemade dinner rolls, and I have to say the end result is awesome, BUT I encountered a couple problems along the way.  I said on here before that I will post a recipe even if it doesn't turn out the best, and let you know if I came up with a solution, or if I need help from you all.  Today was a success and I came up with a solution! Don't expect that very often...;)  Let me explain.  I followed this recipe bread baking, and the recipe is written as "add 1 cup of flour, then add another cup of flour, then add a third cup flour" and because I am new at this ;) I assumed the "third cup of flour" meant a 1/3 cup of flour! I must have been a complete space cadet today, because when I added that 1/3 cup of flour, I was wondering why my dough definitely wasn't ready to be kneaded.  My fault totally! Any other airheads out there today?! :)  So I fixed it, but didn't realize what the recipe REALLY meant until I scrambled to add more flour over and over until it was, what I thought, a good consistency! I did good thought, and am proud of myself, HA!

Dinner Rolls

They turned out beautiful though.  They definitely each have their own personality in shape. :)

Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

Yesterday I had a real craving for some sort of broccoli cheese soup, and I needed to have it ASAP. :)  I have only made it once in my life, but have eaten it from restaurants.  I looked all over the Internet to get a basic idea on how to do it.  It seemed simple enough, so off to the grocery store I went, and picked up a couple things I needed.  I whipped out my own version, and boy was it tasty!!! It is so good and creamy without using processed cheese, or half and half.  Which means it is better for you, and not as fattening.  If you like broccoli cheese soup, you really have to try this! This is for sure my new favorite!

Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

Oh my this is GOOD!

Pumpkin Pancakes

Sheesh another pumpkin recipe...YEP! :)  I'm not done with pumpkin either! I still have about 1/2 of a large can left to use!  I'm not tired of eating pumpkin either, so I hope you are not tired of reading about it. :)  This morning was a wonderful morning filled with Pumpkin Pancakes!  I have never made them before, and I thought they turned out delicious!  They are super moist and fluffy, I just couldn't get over that part.  The pumpkin flavor was lacking a bit for me though.  I will definitely make this recipe again but will add a little more pumpkin next time.  This is a great recipe though, and if you want just a hint of pumpkin, this will be perfect for you, and you will love how fluffy they are! 

Pumpkin Pancakes

Mmm! Look at that beautiful color!

Apple Turnovers

Fall has definitely made it's way to my house! First the smell of pumpkin, now cinnamon apples...YUM! I have come to the conclusion that this is my favorite season with spring at a VERY close second!  I think I may burn my pumpkin spice candle year round. :)  When my family and I went to the apple orchards a week ago we had a lot of fun walking through the apple trees finding the perfect apples.  I knew I wanted to bake the apples into something delicious, I just didn't know what.  Last year I came across a recipe for apple turnovers, and they turned out so good, but I didn't save that recipe, shoot!  It really was very simple to make, but I still looked around the Internet to get a good idea for the basics.  I decided I am going to make these every fall because they are SO good and easy!

Apple Turnovers

 

So flaky, and sweet, MmmMmm!