Pumpkin Twinkamisu

Just found this at Real Food for Real People.  NUM!

Pumpkin Twinkamisu
1 package (15 ounces) Hostess Twinkies (10 Twinkies) 
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 
1 cup confectioners' sugar 
1 container (8 ounces) frozen nondairy whipped topping, thawed, divided 
2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding 
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin 
1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 
1 cup milk 
Additional pumpkin pie spice 

Slice Twinkies in half lengthwise and place cream-side up, in single layer in 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Using a mixer, blend together cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and ½ of whipped topping until smooth. Spread evenly over Twinkies. Combine pudding mix, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and milk. Whisk until well blended and layer over cream cheese mixture. Carefully spread remaining whipped topping over pumpkin. Lightly sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice. Refrigerate several hours or until set. Makes 9 to 12 servings.

Random Thoughts

Random Thoughts Tag...
Tagged by Stephanie

I am:  listening to Jordan sleep
I think:  that I want to go back to school.
I know:  that it's hard being a mom to a newborn and 4 others
I want:   fruit and chocolate
I have:   to go to sleep soon
I dislike:   scary movies
I miss:   my family in Vegas
I fear:   spiders and snakes
I feel:   tired
I hear:   my neighbors running up the stairs
I smell:   hand soap and Method Grapefruit Cleaner
I crave:   fruit and sweets
I cry:   every day, I am so hormonal
I usually:   nap everyday
I search:   blogs about crafting, saving money, and recipes
I wonder:   when Sienna will start sleeping through the night
I regret:   not knowing my Grandpa on my Dad's side.  It's his choice.
I wish:   that I didn't have insomnia
I love:   my husband and my children.
I care:   about my family and friends
I always:   try to sleep at night.  It's not working too well.
I worry:   about my kids.
I am not:   a kid anymore
I remember:   rollerskating and swimming all day as a kid
I believe:   in Jehovah God
I sing:   rarely.  I suck!
I don't always:   have patience
I argue:   sometimes
I write:   quotes, lists, and recipes in journals
I win:   not much
I lose:  my glucose meter all the time
I listen:   to the ocean waves on the sound machine so I can sleep every night
I don't understand:   politics
I can usually be found:   wearing pajama pants and teeshirts or tanks
I need:  to take down the bassinet and put up the crib soon
I forget:   where my keys and meter are
I am happy:   when I am well rested and fed, spending time with friends and family

Some recent favorites

 Here are some recent food finds that I think look fantastic.  I am definitely trying the cherry filled truffles.
Oreo Truffles
 Cherry Filled Truffles
 Rotel Chicken Spaghetti

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These are so good!  I have made them 4 times in like 4 or 5 days.  :)  They are soo soft and good!  Enjoy!
http://www.rookie-cookie.com/2008/10/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies.html

White Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies

White Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies

1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 TBSP warm milk
1 tsp baking soda
1 TBSP vanilla
2 cups white chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Combine pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, and  egg.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg.
Dissolve baking soda in milk and stir in.
Add flour mixture to pumpkin and mix well.
Add vanilla, chocolate chips, nuts.
Spoon onto greased cookie sheet and bake at 350  for 10 mins or until slightly browned.

Sienna

Sienna Renee was born on Sept. 26th via Csection.  She was born at 33 weeks 1 day and was a big girl.  She was 6 lb 14 oz and 19 1/2 in long.  She spent 20ish days in the NICU.  Was home for a week and was in the hospital in Salem then transferred to Doernbecher's Children's Hospital for a UTI (bladder infection) caused by Ecoli.  She is doing much better now.  She's been home for 2 weeks now.  She weighed 9 lb 8 oz this week.  She is in the 50% for weight now.  Thanks for all the well wishes.

Cherry Almond Princess Cakes

http://lunchfitforakid.blogspot.com/2010/08/recipe-cherry-almond-princess-cakes.html
  It's super easy, and delicious.  Good for a little treat in a lunch.


Cherry Almond Princess Cakes

1 box yellow cake mix
2 eggs
1 can cherry pie filling (regular or lite)
1 tsp almond extract (more if desired) 

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Mix all ingredients until well blended and fluffy.  I do about 1 minute on medium in my standmixer.

Scoop into lined mini muffin cups.  Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool on wire racks.  These freeze well.  They are very moist and, in my opinion, do not need frosting.

Powerballs

I can't remember where I got this recipe but it's really good!


This “Powerball” recipe makes about 40 snack balls, and leftovers can be kept in the fridge
or frozen with wax paper separating the layers.
  1.  Mix 1 cup peanut butter and 1 cup honey until smooth
  2.  Add 3 cups old-fashioned oats and 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
  3.  Add 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup nuts and dried fruit (any combintion of peanuts,
sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, chopped pecans, raisins, dried cranberries, chopped dates, etc)
  4.  Roll into ping-pong sized balls and store in fridge or freezer

Today (September 12, 2010)

Today (September 12, 2010)

I am loving... naps
Sam making dinner (Steak, mashed potatoes, veggie)
the watermelon that Sherrie gave us

I wish...  that I could be more organized
that the heartburn and sciatica pain would go away
that the next 4 weeks or so would fly by

I dislike... that Jordan is screeching/screaming to try and get his way
early mornings (Maya just started Kindergarten)
heartburn/sciatica pain

Favorites at Home...watermelon
Yoplait Orange Cream light yogurt
taking a nice warm bath

Thinking About... how I am so not quite ready for Sienna to be born
breastfeeding, and hope it goes better this time
going to bed now, so tired

Craving...anything chocolate
date night
Red Lobster (dh promised to take me this Friday!)

Baby name

Well, I think we have officially named this baby girl.  LOL.  Sienna Renee.  I LOVE IT!  Can't wait for her to be born.  Should be another 4-5 weeks now, since I go early.  So not ready, but physically can't wait.

Frozen Hot Chocolate

1 1/2 cup warm water
4 envelopes instant hot cocoa
2 cups vanilla ice cream
1 1/2 cups half and half cream

In a blender, combine water and cocoa mix; cover and process until dissolved.  Add ice cream and cream; cover and process for 30 seconds or until smooth.  Pour into chilled mugs and enjoy!

Ava Renee

Well, dh and I talked and we decided to name baby girl Ava Renee.  Sam hasn't really had the chance to name the previous kids so I relented.  I like so many other names (Leila, Ella, Kendra, Olivia, etc).  Ava is SOOOOO
active.  She is moving all over the place and kicking me like crazy!!  I have to see the nutritionist and the OB tomorrow.

Caramel Apple Salad

1 cup= 1 ww pt.

1 sm. pkg sugarfree butterscotch instant pudding mix
8 oz crushed pineapple with juice
3 cups chopped apples
8 oz ff Cool Whip
1 cup mini marshmallows

Combine pudding and pineapple.  Add apples and mix.  Fold in Cool Whip and marshmallows.  Chill and serve.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie

1-8 oz package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/3 cup peanut butter
1-9 in chocolate crumb pie crust
1/2 cup strawberry jelly
2 cups Cool Whip
additional strawberry jelly, optional

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and peanut butter until smooth.  Spread into crust.  Top with jelly and Cool Whip.  Cover and refrigerate for 4 hrs or overnight.  If desired, dollop additional jelly on top before serving.  Serves 8.

Easy Stuffed Shells

1-12 oz pkg jumbo pasta shells
1-26 oz jar spaghetti sauce
36 frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs (1/2 oz each), thawed
2 cups (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water.  Place 1/2 cup sauce in a greased 13x9 in baking dish.  Place a meatball in each shell; transfter to prepared dish.  Top with remaining sauce and sprinkle with cheese.

Cover and bake at 350 for 35 minutes.  Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until bubbly and cheese is melted.  Serves 12.

Survey

(X) Shot a gun
( ) Gone on a blind date 
(X) Skipped school.
( ) Watched someone die

( ) Been to Canada( ) Been to Alaska ,
( ) Been to Cuba
( ) Been to Fiji
( ) Been to Europe
( ) Been to an Asian Country
( X) Been to Las Vegas
(X) Been to Mexico
( ) Been to Florida
(X) Been on a plane
( ) Been on a cruise ship
( ) Served on a jury
(X) Been lost
( X) Been on the opposite side of the country
( ) Gone to Washington, DC
(X) Swam in the ocean
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(X) Played cops and robbers
(X) Played cowboys/girls and Indians
(X) Recently colored with crayons
( ) Sang Karaoke
(X) Paid for a meal with coins only?
(X) Made prank phone calls (some of my fav memories of hanging out with my oldest BFF)
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose.
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(X) Danced in the rain
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
( ) Been kissed under the mistletoe (gonna have to remedy that next christmas)
(X ) Watched the sunrise with someone (haha! I can't seem to get up early)
(X) Blown bubbles
(X) Gone ice-skating 

( ) Gone snow skiing 
(X) Camped out under the stars...tents count right?
(X) Seen something so beautiful that it took your breath away?
(X) Are or have been Married? 6 years
(X) Children? 2 boys and 3 girls
( ) Have a Pet? 2 dogs
( X) Been skinny dipping outdoors.
(X) Been fishing
(X) Been boating
(X) Been water skiing (wake boarding is more fun though) 
( ) Been Canoeing
(X) Been hiking
(X) Been horseback riding 
( ) Been camping in a trailer/RV 
( ) Flown in a small 4-seater airplane
( ) Flown in a glider
( ) Flown in a helicopter 
( ) Been flying in a hot air balloon
( ) Been bungee-jumping ...don't think I ever will either!!!
(X) Gone to a drive-in movie
(X ) Done something that should have killed you
( ) Done something that you will probably regret for the rest of your life?? No regrets just lessons learned

1. Any nickname ? Steph

2. Favorite Drink ? Iced tea with Splenda
3. Piercing? 2 in each ears.  Used to have nose and tongue.
4. Tattoos? Yes, one butterfly on leg/ankle

5. How much do you love your job? I am a sahm...what's not to love:-)

6. Birthplace: Las Vegas

7. Favorite vacation spot: Oregon Coast or Las Vegas to see relatives
8. Ever Been To Africa? no
9. What did you have for dinner? Pizza
10. Ever been on TV? no
11. Ever steal any traffic signs? no
12. Ever been in a car accident? Yes, 2 in one year.  Not at fault.
13. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4 door Ford Expedition

14. Favorite number? 7

15. Favorite movie?  Grease, Sweet Home Alabama, The Notebook
16. Favorite Holiday? None.  Don't celebrate.  
17. Favorite dessert? Cheesecake
18. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Having a 10 year old and an almost 26 year old.  YIKES!  Maybe Austen getting married, who really knows.

Subchorionic Hematoma

Something like that!  Woke up to bleeding (clots)  and cramping after not having any issues in months.  Maternal fetal specialist told me to come in and get checked out.  Turns out I have a subchorionic hematoma (blood clot) between the placenta and baby.  They said it's normally found between placenta and cervix.  I am on bedrest until my checkup on July 22 (this Thursday).  She is doing great!  Her heartbeat was great and everything checked out on her ultrasound.  Just trying to take it easy.  Oh, and we decided to name her Leila Renee instead of Ava.  I think it goes better with Maya and Kiera's names.  LOL.

Some recent favorites

I decided to post a few recent favorites I found.  I am copying Ashley.  LOL.  Anyway, here they are.


http://the-wilson-world.blogspot.com/2010/07/chocolate-covered-surprise.html  (Cookies with choc covered raisins)

http://mealplanningmommies.blogspot.com/2010/07/wednesday-black-bean-and-corn-tostadas.html  (black and bean corn tostadas)

http://www.livinglifewithless.com/2010/07/food-friday-fresh-strawberry-bread.html  (strawberry bread)

http://www.30daygourmet.com/recipes/1252.aspx (Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes)

http://www.30daygourmet.com/recipes/1316.aspx  (Little League Beefburgers)

http://bentolunch.blogspot.com/2010/06/bento-desserts-part-4-homemade-granola.html  (homemade granola bars).  Make sure you check out the bento lunches, so cute!

http://michellesjournalcorner.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-to-make-portable-snack-box.html  (portable snack box).  Make sure you check out this cute blog!

http://www.incredibleegg.org/recipes-and-more/recipes/egg-cheese-waffle-sandwich  (Egg and Cheese Waffle Sandwich)

Chocolate Chip Spice Bars

Chocolate Chip Spice Bars
From:  Gooseberry Patch

1-18 1/4 oz pkg yellow cake mix
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs, beaten
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 c. semisweet chocolate chips

Blend together dry cake mix, oil, eggs, and spices.  Press into an ungreased 13x9 baking pan; sprinkle chocolate chips over top.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or just until golden.  Cool and cut into bars.  Makes about 2 1/2 dozen.

Chicken Frito Casserole

1 Jar of Salsa
1 Large bag of Fritos
4 Chicken Breasts cooked and cut into chunks
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
1 8 oz container of sour cream
1 large cube of  cheddar cheese or colby jack shredded OR a bag of already shredded...


First: Mix, your two cans of cream of chicken soup with your sour cream in a large bowl. Add the chicken. Mix well coating all the chicken. Add salsa to taste... some like it spicy others don't...

Then, in a large casserole pan..
layer, fritos and your sauce mixture (with the chicken chunks). Then on top place more fritos and cheese. Cook on 350 for a good hour to a hour and a half. Till fritos turn a little golden brown and cheese is bubbly! YUM! 
Add more salsa if you wish..

Ultimate Chicken Tater Tot Casserole with pics

Haven't tried this yet.  Will soon.   Original recipe is from http://www.mamas-southern-cooking.com/tater-tot-casserole-recipe.html


Ultimate Tater Tot Casserole

1 pound of chicken breast cut into chunks and browned
1/2 pound of bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 pounds of frozen tater tots (plain, unseasoned)
2 cups of broccoli, cooked (or you can use a can of green beans or peas that have been drained)
2 cups of colby jack or your favorite cheddar cheese, shredded
1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup of milk
1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt
1/4 teaspoon of pepper
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

What you need to do:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 

Combine the soup, sour cream, seasoning salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper.

Mix well.

Add 1 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese and the milk. Mix well. Set aside.

Spray a 9 x 13 glass baking dish with non-stick spray. Put the cooked chicken in the bottom of the baking dish.

Add the cooked broccoli or other vegetables.

Pour the sauce mixture on top of the chicken and broccoli.

Layer the frozen tater tots on top.

Sprinkle with the cooked bacon.

Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.  Bake at 350 degrees F. for 45 minutes.

Sidewalk Chalk Paint

Haven't tried this yet, but it looks fun for the kids!
http://www.kiddio.org/2008/05/kid-made-sidewalk-chalk-paint.html

Great 30 day gourmet book giveaway

I love Once a Month Cooking and this is a great giveaway.    Check it out.
http://hopewellmomschoolreborn.blogspot.com/2010/06/new-giveaway-big-book-of-freezer.html

Rainbow Pudding Pops

Check these out! They look like such a great summertime treat for the kids.
http://the-wilson-world.blogspot.com/2010/06/rainbow-pudding-pops.html

McDonald's Apple Muffins

McDonald's Apple Muffins

1-21 oz can apple pie filling
3 eggs
2 tsp apple pie spice
18 oz package yellow cake mix

Beat all on medium speed.  Divide equally between 24 cupcake tins.  Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

Enchilada Chicken

Enchilada Chicken--From Mothering.com

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken (breast, leg, or thigh) 
1/2 cup diced yellow onion 
1/2 cup medium-dice green bell peppers 
1/4 cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves 
2 teaspoons oregano leaves 
3 tablespoons finely chopped garlic 
2 teaspoons salt 
2 teaspoons white pepper 
4 cups (1 quart) water

This "machaca" style cooked meat is very versatile: use in tacos, enchiladas, soup, nachos, burritos, etc. Basically a process of braising, the meat and all ingredients are put together in a large pot and brought slowly to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. If you desire, you can bake all of this in a covered dish in a 350 degree F. oven for about 3 hours for the same results. The meat should be tender to the point where it begins to shred...some of it may require quick chopping. You may want to reserve the liquid for use in soups, etc. Use the cooked meat in your dish right away or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Yield: 4 to 8 servings

Lupe's Fried Rice AKA Spanish Rice

Lupe's Fried Rice (This is my 81 yo mil's recipe)

3-4 cups white rice
water
1-2 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp black pepper
1-2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1 can tomato sauce
1 lb ground turkey, chicken, pork, etc (whatever meat you want)

Brown ground turkey. Drain and set aside. Brown rice. Stir constantly until light brown on low heat. Add enough water to cover. Let it boil over medium heat. If water absorbs add more. Add spices, onion, and green pepper. Once water is gone and rice is soft add tomato sauce. Add salt, to taste (I don't normally add this). Slowly cook. Put lid on pan, it will cook faster.


We LOVE this!  Making this tomorrow for dinner, since we had an er visit with Jordan.  He stepped on a pin and it went into his big toe.  Had to sedate him, shoot him with Lidocaine 5 times, and cut it out.  Poor baby!  :(

Gender

Forgot to post.  Had the ultrasound on June 16th.  Found out we are having a.........................................................................................................................................................
GIRL!  The weird thing is I have known the gender ahead of all 5 of my children.  So, it looks like sometime mid/end October we will be holding Ava Renee Rodriguez.  :)

Won Ton Chicken Happiness Salad

I LOVE this salad!  I just found this recipe and will definitely be trying it out soon.  

Chicken Wonton Salad 

FOR SALAD:
2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 head iceberg lettuce
2 cups celery, chopped
5 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
1/2 package fried wonton strips
Bunch cilantro, chopped

Toss all salad ingredients together, except the wonton strips, in large bowl.

FOR DRESSING:
6 teaspoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 - 1/2 teaspoons dried mustard
1/2 cup oil
1 tablespoons sesame oil
4 tablespoons sugar
1 -1/2 teaspoons salt

Shake dressing ingredients in small jar. Toss into salad (being careful not to saturate) just before serving. Add fried wontons just before serving. 
Serves 12.

Peaches and Cream Dessert

Check this recipe out.  It looks so good!
http://eatathomecooks.com/2010/06/peaches-and-cream-dessert.html

Today (May 21, 2010)

Today (May 21, 2010)

I am loving... naps
that the morning sickness is starting to go away
my new Amish cookbook

I wish...  that I could be more organized
that I could stay focused
that I knew this baby's gender (June 16th we have our ultrasound)

I dislike... my girls getting into things that don't belong to them
that the hamburger meat I bought last night is brown this am.  I am definitely taking it back today
morning sickness

Favorites at Home... green smoothies
grocery shopping all by myself
long, hot baths when dh is home to take care of kids

Thinking About...  being pregnant with #5 and what it will mean to our family
starting to potty train Jordan.  He's not ready yet.
registering Maya for Kindergarten

Craving...my Aunt Brenda's Macaroni Salad (making this later)
Chocolate Truffles
Salads, all the time.  Doesn't matter if it's lettuce, pasta, potato, veggie, fruit, etc...

New Amish Cookbook and a recipe

I just picked up an Amish cookbook at our local Winco grocery store.  It's called "The Homestyle Amish Kitchen Cookbook--Plainly Delicious Recipes from the Simple Life" by Georgia Varozza.  It is published by Harvest House Publishers (www.harvesthousepublishers.com). It has some wonderful recipes that I will share soon.  Here is the first one.  I love creamsicles, and this reminds me of one or an Orange Juilius.  Enjoy!


Orange Float Mix

4 cups instant nonfat dry milk
2 cups powdered orange drink mix (such as Tang)
1 cup sugar

Combine all ingredients and mix well.  Place in an airtight container or large plastic storage bags.  Store in a cool, dry place.  Date the container and use within 6 months.

To Use:
1/2 cup Orange Float Mix
1 cup water
2 ice cubes

Mix together all ingredients in a blender and serve immediately.
Variations:  You can add frozen or fresh fruit or berries, flavored or plain yogurt, or anything else that suits your taste.

Etched Serving Dish-gift idea

What a wonderful idea!  I am so doing this crafty idea for the next wedding I attend.  :)

http://happyvalleyquilter.blogspot.com/2008/03/name-that-dish.html

Great craft idea for Grandparents

http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/2009/12/grandparent-gift-idea-photo-plate.html

 This the cutest craft idea.  I <3 it!

Berry Baked Oatmeal

This is so good!  Check her blog out, she has some fantastic recipes.  :)  I can't believe this is my 100th post already.  Time flies.

http://joyinmykitchen.blogspot.com/2010/05/berry-baked-oatmeal.html

Debbie's Strawberry Jello

Debbie's Strawberry Jello 

2 packages (3 oz each)strawberry gelatin powder
2 cups boiling water
2 packages (10 oz each) frozen strawberries, unsweetened
1 can (13 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
2 large bananas
1 pint sour cream
1 tub Cool Whip®

Dissolve jello with boiling water. Then mix in strawberries until thawed. Add pineapple and bananas. Pour 1/2 into 8 x 13 pan. Put in frig till set. Add sour cream layer and the rest of the jello mixture. Just before serving add cool whip. 

German Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

German Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
1 package German Chocolate Cake Mix
1 stick butter
2 eggs
1 tub Coconut Pecan Frosting

Melt butter in large bowl. Mix in cake mix and eggs. Roll in to 1 inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Once cool, place a good layer of frosting between two similar sized cookies.

Amish Friendship Bread

I haven't had this in ages.  It's so good.  :)  There are a ton of variations here.  I think the Caramel Apple and Mounds Bar one sound interesting.  Enjoy!

http://www.momswhothink.com/bread-recipes/amish-friendship-bread.html

Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies

These are so good!  I think I got them from an Amish Cookbook.

2 1/4 cup flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 pkg (4 serving size) vanilla instant pudding

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

12 oz pkg chocolate chips

Mix flour and baking soda; set aside.  In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, sugar, brown sugar, pudding mix, and vanilla; beat until smooth and creamy.  Beat in eggs.  Gradually add flour mixture; mix well.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.  Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes.  Makes 3 dozen cookies.

Italian Chicken Pasta

Italian Chicken Pasta


4 frozen bagged chicken breasts, not thawed
1 bottle Bernstein's Italian salad dressing
8 oz spaghetti
4 roma tomatoes, seeded, and chopped
1 cup parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 375.  Bake chicken-put some Italian dressing on chicken in greased pan.  Bake until done, about 40 minutes.  Cool chicken and cube.  Cook pasta and drain.  While pasta cooks, in separate dish put 1 cup of Italian dressing and warm it up.  Pour over pasta and stir.  Add tomatoes, chicken, and parmesan cheese.  Stir and enjoy!

Menu for the week

I think I am going to start and post my meal plans for the week.  Will post recipes on the day I make them.

*Italian Chicken Pasta and Salad
*Meatloaf and Scalloped Potatoes with a veg
*Sloppy Joe Under a Bun with a veg
*Fried Chicken, my Aunt Brenda's Macaroni Salad, and fruit salad
*Tuna Rice Casserole with steamed broccoli
*Chicken Spaghetti and Salad
*My Mil's Fried Rice (Spanish Rice) with ground beef and a veg

Another awesome giveaway

Here's a link to an awesome book giveaway.  I mean, who really doesn't need to slow down.
http://walkslowlylivewildly.com/2010/04/29/not-so-fast-giveaway/#reply

Mexican Tot Casserole

Mexican Tot Casserole
Serves 8

1-32 oz bag tater tots
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey (I use turkey)
1/4 cup taco seasoning mix
1 cup water
1 can corn, drained
1 small can olives, drained
2/3 cup salsa
3 cups mexican cheese blend, shredded

Preheat oven to 350.  Cook meat and add taco seasoning and water.  In greases 3 quart baking dish, spread salsa to cover bottom thinly.  Then add beef spread evenly.  Add corn.  Next layer cheese-leave 1/2 cup to put on top.  Layer olives and tots.  Sprinkle rest of cheese on top.  Bake for 1 hour.

Orange Oomph from Jamba Juice

Not sure where I got this, but it is so good!

Orange Oomph
4m:  Jamba Juice

In a blender, pulse 1 cup orange juice, 1 cup pineapple or other citrus sherbet, 1 cup hulled strawberries, 1/2 cup blueberries, and 1/2 cup ice on low for 30 seconds; then pulse on high until mixture is smooth.  Serves 2.

Apricot Granola

I love apricots and this is so good!

Apricot Granola


10 cups rolled oats
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup maple syrup
1-10 oz jar apricot jam (may substitute any other flavor jam)

Preheat oven to 350.  Mix all ingredients.  Spread out on large cookie sheet.  Take out every 5 minutes, to stir.  Store in airtight container.