Parmesan Meatballs

Over the last couple of weeks I have been trying to perfect my meatball recipe.  And I don't mean meatballs with pasta  or sauce involved.  I mean meatballs you eat all by themselves as a meal or an appetizer.

Turkey, Avocado, Bacon Sandwich

What's your favorite sandwich to eat?  Mine is a Turkey, Avocado, Bacon sandwich.  I got the idea from Rachael over at All Kinds of Yumm, to post ordinary recipes in case you are having one of those days where you can't think of what to make or even if you don't know how to make some of life's simpler recipes.  So please let me know what your favorite sandwich is.  Enjoy your week!

 Here's what you need:

2 slices honey wheat berry bread (or whatever your favorite is)

2 tsp. mayonnaise

1/2 squirt of mustard

2-3 Tbl. homemade or store bought guacamole or 1/3 of an Avocado sliced

2 slices bacon, crispy cooked and cut in half

2 thick slices oil browned turkey breast from Bel Air (or your favorite turkey)

1 slice Swiss cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Here's how I put this together today.

First I like my sandwiches toasted to give it extra texture, but if you don't like toasted sandwiches by all means skip the toasting.

Next, I spread mayonnaise (only Best Foods) and a half squirt of mustard on one half and my homemade guacamole on the other half.

 

Next is the bacon, then the turkey, then salt and pepper, because you can't have turkey without a little seasoning.

 

Next, place a slice of Swiss cheese on the turkey and close the sandwich.  Slice in half and serve.

 

Nom, nom, nom, nom, nom...............What did you have for lunch today?

Enjoy!

~Hugs~

Michelle

Here's the handy printable - Turkey, Avocado, Bacon Sandwich

Make-up Brush Jar

I found this idea on Pinterest the other day and thought it would be a great gift for my daughter.  I was super fun and easy to make and I only needed three things.

Here's what you need:

1 - jar 3-1/2" x 4-1/4" (I bought this at Michael's)

1- 8 - 12 ounce bag of acrylic discs any color I picked clear because that's what they had

1 - 18 - 20" piece of ribbon (If you use a bigger jar just add a couple of inches to the ribbon)

Wash and dry the jar

 

Pour the discs into the jar filling it 3/4 of the way full.

Tie the ribbon around the jar and either tie it in a knot or a bow and trim the ends.  I chose a knot.

 

Front and back view.

Fill with as many or a few brushes as you like.

  

Here's a few.....................Here's my daughters

This was a super fast and easy gift.  I will be making more of these to give in the future.

Enjoy!

~Hugs~

Michelle

Linking up with Fusion Friday's at Jennifer Cooks

SYS Blog Link Party at SomeWhat Simple

Fleece Tied Blanket

Lately I haven't been posting any crafts because I've been cooking and baking up a storm.  I did actually make some crafts over the holidays and I thought I would show you what I made.  I got the directions for this Fleece Tied Blanket, which is the first one I have ever made, from my friend Teresa after seeing the one she made my cousin.  It was way easier than I thought and I have made a total of 6 since October.  I will be making more of these for Birthday's and Holiday's this year because they are a wonderful gift to receive.  My husband even made one for his brother for his birthday too.

Here's what you need:
For an adult :
2-1/2 yards of two different fabrics (or the same fabric works too)
a pair of REALLY sharp fabric scissors
a large enough space to lay the fabric out flat

For a child under 4 feet tall:
1-1/2 yards of fabric


First lay the fabric out with the pattern sides facing out on both sides (the way the blanket with look after it is tied) If you aren't sure which side is up check the selvage edge for the writing and just make sure you can read it facing you.

Make sure you have no wrinkles in either fabric.  I used my bed to lay this on, but I trusted myself NOT to cut my blanket.  You might want to use the floor or even a large table.  The trick is to NOT have to move the fabric once you start cutting.

Next, cut and trim (through both fabrics at the same time) all four sides so that both pieces of fabric are the same length and width.  

 

Cut a piece of paper in a 4 x 4 inch square and place on the corner of the fabric and trim around it.  This is what gives the blanket the rounded edges once it is tied.

Next start cutting the fringe.  I made my cuts 1" to 1-1/4 inches wide and approximately 3-1/2 inches long.  You will do this for all four sides.

I am showing this side because the yellow was easier to see the cuts.

Once you are done with cutting the whole blanket you can start your tying.  It doesn't matter which side you start with just pick one corner and go around the whole blanket one way.

 

The pattern I use will end the blanket with the opposite color fabric sticking up on the ties.

Take the top fabric and cross over the back piece and pull the top fabric through and up.  Now, to knot it take the bottom fabric and cross over the top and pull it through and up giving it a little tug but not too much as it will continue to rip the fabric where the cuts are made.  You want a firm knot but not really tight where it pulls on the blanket.  This should end with the bottom piece of fabric at the top.  It took me a couple of times to get the hang of doing this.  Practice, practice, practice.

 

Once you get the flow it will go pretty fast.  It usually takes between 1-2 hours from start to finish.

 

Here is the blanket after it was completed.  The second one is the one I gave a friend for her birthday.

I hope you'll give Fleece Tied Blanket making a try it was fun and everyone loves their blankies!

Enjoy!

~Hugs~

Michelle

Linking up with Fusion Friday's at Jennifer Cooks

Sugar Cookies

I know I'm a little late with this recipe but I wanted to let you know of a super simple but totally delicious Sugar Cookie recipe.  I have been making this recipe for years and probably got it from my Mom who probably got it from her Mom.  I make these cookies for most of the holidays because all you have to do is change the color of the frosting and sprinkles and you have wonderful holiday cookies.  These are the ones I made for Valentine's Day.

Here's what you need:

3/4 cup margarine

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2-3/4 cup flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  In a medium bowl mix flour, baking powder and salt.  Set aside.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl cream margarine and sugar until smooth.

Add eggs and vanilla and mix well.

Add in the flour mixture and mix well.

This dough is very soft.  At this point if you are going to make cut out sugar cookies, use a piece of parchment on the counter.  Use up to 1/4 cup of extra flour to get the dough smooth and not as sticky so you can roll it out into 1/4 inch thickness; it will still be very soft dough.

 

Flour a metal spatula and slide it under the cutouts to lift and place on the parchment lined baking sheet. This takes a few times to get the hang of it.  Don't get discouraged!  They will turn out beautifully.

 

Bake for 8 - 10 minutes.  Cookies will not brown.  Cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes then remove to cooling rack.

If you are not making cutout cookies use a medium cookie scoop or a walnut sized ball of dough and place on baking sheet and bake for 8 - 10 minutes.  Cool on baking sheet 2 minutes then move to cooling rack or paper towels.

 

Frost with this Vanilla Buttercream and use cute sprinkles for added flair!

 

The best (and easiest) Sugar Cookies!  You gotta try this recipe.

Serves - 36 approx.

Enjoy!

~Hugs~

Michelle

Here's the handy printable - Sugar Cookies

Here's the handy printable - Vanilla Buttercream

German Chocolate Bundt Cake

I found a new recipe today while on Pinterest that has to be the easiest, tastiest German Chocolate Cake I have ever made.  The recipe I used is adapted from Crystal over at Mrs. Happy Homemaker, she has some awesome recipe you should go check out her site too.  Thank you Crystal for the great recipe.

Here's what you need:

1 box German Chocolate Cake mix (any brand)

1 tub coconut pecan frosting

4 eggs

1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil

1-1/3 cup water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray a 12 cup Bundt pan with cooking spray and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, place all ingredients except the frosting and beat with a hand mixer or wire whisk until completely combined.

 

Add the tub of frosting and gently fold into the cake mix until completely combined.

 

Pour into Bundt pan and bake for 40 - 50 minutes.  Test with a toothpick at 40 minutes.  Mine took 45 minutes to cook.

 

Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a plate.

 

Serve either warm or at room temperature.      So Yummy!

With the frosting baked inside the cake you still get the flavor and it's not too overly sweet.

Serves 8 - 10

Enjoy!

~Hugs~

Michelle

Here's the handy printable - German Chocolate Bundt Cake