Creative Thursday Link Party No. 30

I'm sure you are all very busy today with the goings on of this candy and costume filled night so I'm going to keep this week short and sweet.

I would like to welcome all the new followers to Michelle's Tasty Creations.  So glad to have you following along.  And to give you all a great big XO for linking up such wonderful posts each and every week.  YOU are the reason I blog.

Here are last weeks most viewed links

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai from : Jazzy Gourmet Cooking Studio 

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie from : The Busy Bee's

Snickerdoodles

Well I told you I was going to start sharing all my Fall stuff with you, right?  I personally think Snickerdoodles are kind of a Fall recipe (nod your head) because of the wonderful cinnamon sugar coating, right?

Copy Cat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

I found this recipe from The Cheerful Madhouse on Pinterest a few months ago for Copy Cat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza's.  Do you remember these?  I never tried them when Taco bell was serving them but my husband remembered them.  He said they were great!  So of course I just had to try them.  I made them for dinner and everybody loved them.  Total Hit!  You need to try them too.  And I'll even come to dinner so I can compare them with mine, okay?

Pumpkin Spice Creamer

Do you go to coffee shops and pay between $3.00 and $5.00 for a Pumpkin Spice Coffee?  I used to.  Then I decided it was much more economical for me to make my own creamer and use it in my coffee I was brewing every morning anyway.

Guess what?  I think it is actually better tasting because you don't get the overly sweet syrupiness from the store bought coffees.  You just get a rich pumpkin spice flavored cup a joe.  

Switching to a Dot Com

Michelle's Tasty Creations is now a Dot Com!  WooHoo I feel like my blog just grew up.

In case you're wondering, no I'm not moving to Wordpress, not that I have anything against it.  I just tried it a few months ago an really didn't care for it.

I'm totally comfortable with blogger and after reading this post from Stephanie at Somewhat Simple I decided to stay with blogger and just buy my domain name and host with GoDaddy.  It was an experience and a little more time consuming then Stephanie's because I had actually already purchased the domain name from Wordpress.  I had to release it and switch it to GoDaddy.  But after only two days I got it all up and working and I was so happy the first time I entered www.michellestastycreations.com and it opened right to my blog :)

I might even try my hand at redesigning it over the next month, who knows.  

Hope everyone has a wonderful day :)

Creative Thursday Link Party No. 29

Welcome to Creative Thursday Link Party No. 29

I just spent the most amazing three days at Online BlogCon, an online blogging convention, which was hosted by two wonderful ladies ~ Dorothy of Crazy for Crust and Ashton from Something Swanky.  Way to go ladies ~ It was a total success in my opinion and I learned so much I didn't even know I was missing about blogging.  Can't wait until the next one :)

You guys are amazing and we had a record number of link ups last week. I'm sure you are all seeing more and more new followers to your blogs.  I'm spreading the love as fast as I can :)  I can't wait to see what you all are bringing to share this week.

Here are last weeks features

Most Viewed

Chicken, Rice, and Black Bean Taquitos from Hot Eats and Cool Reads
Guilt Free Baked Mini Corn Dog Bites from Skinny Kitchen

Last weeks featured favorites in no particular order are 

Old Fashioned Pot Roast

Just in case you didn't know, I love pot roast.  In fact I get very excited when I'm making pot roast for dinner.  Only draw back; my family doesn't love it as much as I do.  Well that changed last week when after years of making it the same way I decided to try something new.  Don't you just love when an experiment comes out better than the original?  I sure do.

Crock Pot Apple Crisp

If you've been reading my blog lately you know how much I LOVE my crock pot and have been trying it for all kinds of new and inventive recipes.  

I have been trying a lot of desserts in it lately and love that they slowly simmer during the day making my house smell A-MAZ-ING!

This time I tried a old favorite; Apple Crisp.  I was not disappointed either.  It was super easy to throw together and just as tasty as an oven baked crisp.

Apple Pie Tortilla Bites

A few weeks ago Mary from Sweet Little Bluebird posted this on my link party and I fell in love the minute I read the recipe.  Apple Pie Tortilla Bites, Mmmmm.  I made them a few days later and everyone loved them.  There wasn't any left after dessert was served.

And now after typing this recipe up.  I think I'll go make more.  Toodles...

Creative Thursday Link Party No. 28

Welcome to Creative Thursday Link Party No. 28.  We've had quite a few new bloggers with us these past few weeks and I sure hope everyone is stopping by to say "Hi" and make everyone welcome!

Before I get into the link party I just want to say.....

I'm attending Online BlogCon! Are you?  

You really should pop over and sign up now because registration is only open until Friday October 19th at 9pm.  

Here is just a sampling of what you'll be getting.

Networking, prizes, Rock-star line-up of expert speakers.  All for just $15.00.  So if you would like to sign up, and I sure would if I were you, stop by Online BlogCon and register today!

Now back to our regularly scheduled program :)

Everyone did an amazing job last week.  You guys have been super busy crafting, DIYing, cooking, and baking.  I also want to say a great big Thank You for linking up each week faithfully.  These link parties wouldn't be the same without you!

Here are last weeks Most Viewed Links (in no particular order)

1.  Peanut Butter Pumpkin Pretzel Cookies from Back for Seconds Yum!

2.  Dino Hoodie Rex from Life's Abundant Adventures Cutest Dino ever!

Last Weeks Featured Favorites (in no particular order)

Michelle's Homemade Strawberry Jam

Years ago my girlfriends and I decided we would try our hand at making homemade strawberry jam.  We went to the local strawberry stand and bought up flats of fresh strawberries, brought them home then stemmed and washed them.  Next came the blender to make crushed strawberries and away we went.  It was actually so very easy and super tasty that we never went back to store bought.

I have switched to a Lower Sugar Sure Jell that I've been using for at least 10 years now.  I also started buying the strawberries in the freezer section of Costco where they are already washed and stemmed.  Don't judge!  They are picked at their peek and flash frozen for the best flavor.  I can't even bring myself to buy strawberry jam at the store and haven't in many a years.

Coffee Mug Swap

I have a confession to make.  I am totally addicted to coffee mugs!  You know how some people collect spoons or magnets?  Well I collect coffee mugs from everywhere I go.  I also collect Disney mugs, seasonal mugs, and just plain ol' cute mugs too. 

So when I heard that Heather over at Heatherly Loves was hosting a Coffee Mug Swap I couldn't wait to join.  

Well I got Heather (yea!) and she got me to swap with and she did an awesome job picking out my new coffee mug.  It combines two of my very favorite things - the color red and it's a Le Creuset :) Can't wait to use my new mug every day.

I really prefer to drink coffee out of an actual ceramic mug not a metal travel mug because personally I think if tastes better.  It is also so much easier to reheat coffee when I leave it sitting around (as I always do) to get cold.  

Now I can't wait for the next mug swap! I might even join a few more floating around :)

Thank you Heather, I LOVE my new mug :)

Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Bread

Happy Fall Y'all! 

In case you missed me over at A Rosie Sweet Home the other day.  Here is the yumminess I posted while I was her guest blogger.

Fall is in the air, finally, and I'm in the mood for all things pumpkin!  Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons with the pumpkins, candles, spices in the air, and of course all the decorating and baking.  I have been on the hunt for a few weeks for all things Fall on Pinterest.  That means crafts, recipes, decorating tips, etc. and I can't wait to start sharing them with you.  

I will start today with my new favorite pumpkin recipe.  I have revamped my pumpkin bread to include a streusel topping and let me tell you, it was FABULOUS!  I do hope you'll give it a try and let me know what you think :)

Here's what you need:

1-1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 cup oil
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Streusel topping
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, cold and cut into 1/2 inch pieces

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium bowl stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until well blended.

 

In another bowl beat the eggs with the sugar, oil, vanilla, and pumpkin until smooth.

Pour in the flour mixture and beat until smooth.

Spray three mini loaf pans with cooking spray and evenly distribute the dough between them.

 

For the Streusel topping mix the flour, sugar, and cinnamon with a fork.

 

Add the butter and using a fork, pastry blender, or your fingers crumble the butter into the sugar mixture until you have a crumbly looking mixture.

 

Pour evenly over the three pans of pumpkin bread dough and bake for 40 - 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

 

Allow to cool in pans for a few minutes then remove to a cooling rack.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

Make this now because then your house will smell REALLY  REALLY  YUMMY!

Enjoy!

Serves - 3 mini loaves

Here's the handy printable - Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Bread 

You can find me each week linking up to these wonderful blogs

Today I'm Guest Posting

Hi all!  Hope your Thursday is fabulous so far.  

I just wanted to let you know I'm guest posting over at A Rosie Sweet Home today. 

Rose is hosting a month long Fall inspired Autumn Celebration with wonderful guest bloggers each day.  

Rose has an awesome blog with inspirational crafts, recipes, and DIY projects.  Make sure you stop by and say "Hi" from me :)

Have a great day!  

Creative Thursday Link Party No. 27

Welcome to Creative Thursday Link Party No. 27

Last week we had another amazing turnout.  You guys have been busy in the crafting, cooking, and baking department.  Give yourself a pat on the back because you're AMAZING AND INSPIRING TO OTHERS!

I had my one year Blog Birthday and three giveaways in the last few days.  Hopefully you all had time to enter.  There is still one going on for a couple of awesome gifts so check it out and enter if you haven't already.

Today is going to be short and sweet :)

Here is last week's most viewed posts

1.  Some Thing Zombie from Confessions of an ADD Housewife ~ super cute sewing project 

2.  Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting and Chocolate dipped Strawberries from Rose Bakes ~ what a beautiful cake!  

Last week's Featured Favorites

1.  Caramel Apple Spice Cookies from Back for Seconds ~ YUM!

2.  Feta Stuffed Chicken from I'm Addicted to Recipes ~ looks Delish!

3.  Woman's skirt from a Man's Shirt from The Enchanting Rose ~ Brilliant!

4.  Chocolate Caramel Apple (stuffed) Snickerdoodles from Heather's French Press ~ hello beautiful!

5.  S'mores Cookies from The Stonybrook House ~ Yes please!

6.  (Not so) Spooky Lunchbox Drinks from Atkinson Drive ~ Super cute!

Congrats to all who were featured ~ Don't forget to grab a button from the sidebar

Now on to the Party!   

Here’s the nitty gritty:

 Link to the specific post for something YOU have created – recipe, DIY, craft, idea.  Link to a specific post NOT your main blog page.

 Please NO ETSY shops or giveaways.

 Please link back to me somewhere in your post or post my button on your blog

 Party runs through Monday night each week so link up as many times as you like.

 Be sure to spread the love and visit other posts and leave a comment.

Blog Birthday Giveaway No. 3

Today is the final Giveaway in my Blog Birthday Celebration. 

 I hope you have all enjoyed the wonderful gifts everyone was so nice to donate. 

 I can't thank you guys enough for your support.

I figured that because this year has been so totally FANTABULOUS I'd end the celebration with a BANG!

Today we have a special treat for you!

With the help of Amanda Ball, consultant of both Scentsy and Velata, I have two awesome gifts to give away today.  WooHoo!

 A great big THANK YOU Amanda!

First up is the wonderful Pumpkin Warmer and wax

Who wouldn't just love to have this for their house this Fall?

 The Second gift up for grabs is the Velata Maraschino Curve Warmer which will come with a package of Milk Chocolate for the warmer.

Hello warm melty chocolate, mind if I take a dip?

Please take a minute to stop by and check out Amanda's sites, they are both amazing!

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Breakfast Casserole

A couple of weekends ago I was in the mood for making a breakfast casserole.  But like usual I didn't think of it the night before and prepare and refrigerate it.  Then I remembered seeing this recipe on my Creative Thursday Link party from What's Cooking, Love? and decided to give it a try.  It was the easiest and tastiest breakfast casserole to ever come out of my oven.  No more cooking and prepping the night before.  You just get up in the morning and in about 1 hour total you have a steaming hot delicious breakfast casserole.

Here's what you need:

1 tube crescent rolls

7 eggs (I use extra large)

1 lb. package of Jimmy Dean sausage, cooked 

1/2 cup half & half

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated

1 cup cheddar cheese, grated

1-1/2 cups frozen hash browns (I used mine still frozen, but defrosted works too)

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1-/4 - 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray a 9 x 13 with cooking spray and unroll the crescent rolls into the bottom, pinching the seams to seal the rolls together, set aside.

 

Brown the sausage until it is now longer pink.

 

When the sausage is cooked drain off any fat and sprinkle over the crescent rolls.

In a bowl mix the eggs and half & half until mixed well then add the baking powder, salt, pepper, and hash browns and mix well.

 

Next pour the egg mixture over the sausage.  Making sure it is evenly distributed.

Sprinkle the cheeses over the top evenly.

 

Bake for 40 - 45 minutes or until the eggs are set in the center.  Should be golden brown when done.

 

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before cutting.   Makes a great breakfast, brunch, or even dinner dish.

Serves 8-10

Enjoy!

Here's the handy printable - Breakfast Casserole 

recipe adapted from What's Cooking, Love? 

You can find me each week linking up to these wonderful blogs.