Sweet Cherry Smoothie

Well, it's time again for another Crazy Cooking Challenge over at Mom's Crazy Cooking.  Each challenge we are to find NEW recipes to use.  This month the challenge was Smoothies/Milk Shakes, YUM!  I found this recipe over at Peanut Butter and Peppers, which is a great blog with wonderful recipes.  You should definitely stop by and tell Jennifer I sent you :)

Here's what you need:

1/2 cup non-fat milk
1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla (I used plain)
1 cup cherries, frozen (pitted)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. Stevia, I used 1 packet sweet n' low

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy

This is the perfect size for one.  You could easily double the recipe and make it for two.

Enjoy!

~Hugs~

Michelle

Creamy Oreo Milkshake

While looking for recipes for the Crazy Cooking Challenge this month I came across this recipe over at Domesticated Duchess; a great blog with wonderful recipes.  You should definitely stop by and tell Marina I sent you over :)  While it doesn't qualify for the challenge (no fruit included) I still want to pass it along because it was delish!

This milkshake is definitely for the chocolate lover!  It is made with vanilla ice cream, Oreos AND chocolate syrup!

Here's what you need:

6 whole Oreo cookies

1/2 cup milk, any will work (I use 1%)

1 cup vanilla ice cream

2 Tbs. hot fudge or chocolate syrup, optional

whipped cream for garnish, optional

In the bottom of a blender or bullet blender pour the milk then add the ice cream.

 

Next add the Oreo cookies and hot fudge or chocolate syrup.

 

 Blend until completely incorporated, then pour into a glass and enjoy!

 

Yummy Creamy Oreo Milkshake in a frosty glass ~ Mmmmmmm

Serves 1

Enjoy! 

~Hugs~

Michelle

Creative Thursday Link Party No. 9

Hello Blogging friends and welcome to Creative Thursday Link Party No. 9

I hope everyone has had a wonderful week so far!  We are still having wacky weather here in California with rain yesterday and 90 a few days before that.  I’m not complaining though because it’s still nice and mild enough to have all the windows and doors open all day and no air conditioner. 

I wasn’t too busy last week trying new recipes but boy did I go hog wild over the weekend and the last couple of days.  I will be bringing you lots of new yummy recipes in the days ahead.   What have you all been working on?  Or are you just enjoying the start of summer?

I want to thank everyone who links up each week cause you guys are amazing!  I truly appreciate all the time everyone takes each week to come here and party.

I can't wait to see what you all have been doing this week, but before we get this party started let me show you your most viewed and my favorite features from last week (in no particular order)

1.  Boston Cream Cupcakes from Cookie Crumbs and Sawdust delicious cupcakes with vanilla cream filling and a chocolate glaze.  I'll take one now please :)

2.  Strawberry Lemonade Smoothie from Five Little Chefs refreshing and perfect for summer.

3.  German Apple Cake from Addicted to Recipes a delicious looking Apple Cake that has been in the family for years.  I can't wait to try this!

4.  Cheesy Onion Garlic Rolls from My Crowded Kitchen these amazing looking rolls will go with any meal.  They are now going to be in my regular recipe rotation.

5.  Over-loaded Mini Pizzas from Pink Recipe Box who doesn't love pizza?  I do.  Who doesn't love mini food?  I do.  Put them together and you have the perfect finger food.  Delish!

6.  Darling Red, White, and Blue Toddler Dress from Two Sasters  Look what you can whip up in a few hours time.  Makes me wish mine were still little :)

7.  No-Sew Extender Slip from Modern Modest Beauty this is one of the most ingenious crafts I've seen.  To be able to make our "too short" skirts longer without sewing is brilliant!

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

Now on to the party!

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Over the years I have tried many peanut butter cookie recipes and never really found that one, you know, that one that you will make forever.

The one you dream about at night, and plot to make, even when you have a counter full of other treats.

Well I have come up with just that recipe and would love to pass it along to you.  I know you'll be making these soon!  Maybe even today, right?

Teriyaki Pork Kabobs

We do a lot of barbecuing in the summer months.  I love Kabobs and so does my family.  I wanted to come up with a recipe using pork instead of the same ol' chicken or steak.  This one was a hit!  These Kabobs were so delicious with all the regular veggies I usually use but still a whole new flavor.  Give these a try and let me know what you think.  They are easy to prepare and super fast to cook.

Here's what you need:
3 large boneless pork chops, about 1-1/2 pounds total (I buy them from Costco and they are HUGE), cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes
2 large red bell peppers, any color is fine, cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes
1- 20 oz can pineapple chunks, with juice, or 1-2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes
2 yellow onions, cut into wedges about 1-1/2 - 2 inches
1 Lb button mushrooms, whole (small in size) or cut into halves or quarters
1 - 21 oz. jar of your favorite Teriyaki sauce, I use Trader Joe's Soyaki Teriyaki sauce
10 - 12 long skewers, pre-soaked in water for 1 hour

In a large bowl or dish place all the ingredients and pour the pineapple juice (if using canned) and the Teriyaki sauce over the ingredients.

 

 Mix well to coat everything.

 

Oh look, I forgot the onions, sigh.   Looks like I'm in for another toss and stir.

 

After everything is completely coated with Teriyaki sauce, cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator to marinate for at least 2 - 3 hours, up to 8 hours.  Stirring every 45 minutes to 1 hour.

  

To assemble, take pre-soaked skewers and push the ingredients onto the skewer in a pattern you like.  I always start and end with onion or bell pepper and get at least 5 pieces of meat per skewer.  You should get between 10 - 14 skewers.  I usually get about 12.  It all depends on the size of the veggies and chops you start with and how big or small you cut everything.

Preheat a barbecue to 350 - 375 degrees.  Place skewers on barbecue and cook with lid closed for 3-5 minutes per side (4 sides) or until cooked through. 

*Every type of meat has a different safe cooking temperature (doneness) so make sure you cook to the correct internal temperature (can be found online) for the meat you are using.

When done remove from barbecue and serve.  I serve my new rice pilaf recipe when making these Kabobs.

  

YUM!  Everyone loves a Kabob!

Enjoy!

~Hugs~

Michelle

Here's the handy printable - Teriyaki Pork Kabobs 

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

I've been awarded the Sunshine Award!

I would like to say a big thank you to Robyn, From Robyn'sView for the lovely nomination of the Sunshine Award.   

 I am very touched that Robyn considers my blog to be one that positively and creatively inspires others in the blogosphere. I can't even begin to tell you how honored I am.

Robyn, has a great blog where she shares amazing DIY recipes like, Whipped Coconut Body Butter,Coconut Sugar Scrub, Homemade Deodorizing Air Freshener , and many more. She also shares yummy recipes like her, Blueberry Crescent Rolls , Cinnamon Vanilla Fruit Parfait, and Buttery Lemon Bars. 

The Sunshine Award is given by bloggers to bloggers.

The recipients of the Sunshine Award are

"Bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere."

The way the award works is this:

Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.

Answer 10 questions about yourself.  (I added one because I've noticed that all the lists only have 9).  

Select 10 of your favorite bloggers, link their blogs to your post and let them know they've been awarded the Sunshine Award!

Don't forget to copy and paste the award on your blog!

Here we go!

10 questions:

Favorite Color – Most of the time it’s Red, which is why I’m always getting stopped and asked questions in Target!  You’d think I would know better by now :)

Favorite Animal - My dog, Harley.  He is a Keeshond and is so fluffy and thinks he's a lapdog even though he weighs in at around 45 pounds.

Favorite Number - My favorite number has always been seven, for as long as I can remember.

Favorite Drink – Diet coke with a slice of lemon if I’m out, or just plain ol’ water if I’m home.

Facebook or Twitter – Facebook I guess,  I’m still getting the hang of Twitter.

Good Book or a Good Movie - I love a good Sci-fi any day of the week.  I love to read but really need to be in the mood.  Of course, while reading it is also Paranormal, Vampire or Ware-wolf type books, betcha didn't see that one coming ;)  

My Passion - My family and friends. 

Giving or Getting Presents - Giving! I love to buy gifts for people, but I never can seem to wait until the event or holiday to give them and usually end up giving it early.

Favorite Day – Don’t really have one, unless it’s School time, then it’s late start Monday.

Favorite Flowers – I have always had a love for Tulips, in any color.  I only have a few growing in my yard but I think they are very beautiful.

The 10 blogs I’m awarding the Sunshine Award to are (in no particular order)
This was really hard because I wanted to give this award to at least 30 blogs, sigh

Stella B's Kitchen 

Sew Sweet Cottage 

Sally's Baking Addiction  

Inside Bru Crew Life 

Pretty Providence   

Something Sweet - Winnie's Blog   

Cookie Crumbs & Sawdust

Two Sasters 

The Crafty Blog Stalker 

Flavors by Four 

All of these women have wonderful blogs with very creative crafts, recipes, DIY, Techy Tips, etc.  I am truly honored to have met them through the blogging world and consider them my friends.

You should definitely stop by and visit each one.

Cheesy Jalapeno Artichoke Dip

I have a couple of different Cheesy Artichoke Dips and this is by far my favorite.  I had this dip a few years ago at my friend Kathy's house and she was gracious enough to supply me with the recipe; which came from my daughter's high school cheer coach JoAnn.  Once you try this dip, you won't go back to any other recipes, believe me!  It's super simple and totally delish~

Here's what you need:
14 oz. can artichoke hearts, any kind, drained and finely chopped
8 oz. brick of cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup mayonnaise (Best Foods)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
2 cloves garlic, pressed or grated
15-20 jarred Jalapeno slices, finely diced, more or less depending on how hot you like it
2-4 tsp. jarred Jalapeno juice, depending on how hot you like it

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl mix all the ingredients with a hand mixer until fully combined.

 

 Pour into an 8 x 8 or 7 x 11 inch baking dish.

 

Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, uncovered until golden and bubbly.

 

Serve hot with an assortment of crackers or chips.

Enjoy!

~Hugs~

Michelle

Here's the handy printable: Cheesy Jalapeno Artichoke Dip 

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