Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Creative Thursday Link Party No. 4

Hello Blogging friends and welcome to Creative Thursday Link Party No. 4

I can't believe another week has flown by already.  It is almost summer vacation for us and I’m soooo not ready for that, are you?

I want to thank everyone who linked up last week cause you guys are amazing!  I 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 my favorite features from last week (in no particular order).

1.  DIY How to knit your own Pouf from The Evas of Bellabini an amazing stool that is amazing
2.  Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups from Dessert Now, Dinner Later which brings the wonderful flavors of Chicken Alfredo and Lasagna together in one yummy dish.
3.  Using your kids art in your home from The Inspired Momma what a great idea to be able to save all the precious drawings little ones do for us.
4.  Brie Cheese & Cherry Jam Pastry Puffs from Life is Sweets these amazing little appetizers are warm puff pastry filled with ooey gooey Brie cheese, cherry jam and topped with chives and pecans.  YUM!
5.  Love T-Shirt Makeover from Love and Laundry this is the cutest idea I've seen for upcycling old T-shirts. Adds color and texture to any shirt to make it brand new and super cute!
6.  Churro Popcorn from Melissa's Cuisine do I really need to say anything?  CHURRO POPCORN!  Two of my favorite snacks all rolled into one.  And super easy to make too!

Congrats to all who were featured - Don't forget to grab a button from the sidebar
Now on to the party

Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies

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My best friend Lupe has a daughter who is highly allergic to eggs, so I am always on the lookout for recipes she can incorporate into her life that will allow Monkey (that's what we call her daughter) to have some of the same yummy desserts that her 4 siblings get to eat on a regular basis.

Last week at my Creative Thursday Link Party Melissa from Loving this crazy life posted this recipe which I slightly adapted and made for Monkey.  Hi Melissa!    You guys should really check out her blog, it's wonderful.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Peanut Butter Puppy Treats

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Do you have a cute little (or huge) four legged friend at home?  I do and his name is Harley.  Harley is like a two year old little kid following Mommy around and whining at me for cookie dough and cookies whenever I'm baking.  Now I KNOW I probably shouldn't but I can't help myself and he gets a pinch here and there.  I know, I know, you don't have to say it because my husband and kids tell me all the time; I'm the one making him all whiny and whatnot by giving in to him, but seriously he's just too cute not too.

So today I decided to make Peanut Butter Puppy Treats because then I don't have to feel so guilty when he "just wants a cookie too Mommy" (insert sad puppy face here).....  I searched the web and decided to come up with my own.  Here's the cutie all this is for.
Harley (he's a Keeshond)
Here's what you need:
1-1/2 cups white whole wheat flour, or whole wheat or all purpose
1/2 cups oatmeal, I use the 5 minute variety
1 Tbs. baking powder
1 cup peanut butter, I use Jiff or Skippy
1 cup milk, I used 1 % 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a couple of large baking sheets (I use 1/2 sheet pans) with parchment.

In a bowl mix the flour, oatmeal and baking powder and set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer mix the milk and peanut butter until well blended.
 
Add the premixed dry ingredients and mix until completely combined.
 
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface (I always use parchment, less of a mess to clean up)
I rolled mine in to about a 17 x 13" oval, but a rectangle would be best, and about 1/4" thick.
 
Now, here's where you can get creative, but I don't have a cute little dog bone cutter so I used my pizza cutter and made long strips 1" wide one way then the other so I had 1 - 1-1/2 " cubes.  Place on lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.  They should be completely dried out and just starting to brown on the edges.
 
Mine made two full 1/2 sheet trays full and I lost count after about 12 dozen so lets just say it makes A LOT.
So much better and cheaper for the little guys than store bought.
Woof, woof (more please)

Here's the handy printable - Peanut Butter Puppy Treats

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

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Michelle's Rocky Road

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Lately I've been wanting to make chocolate candy "something".  Now, for those of you who know me, this is an extremely weird thing.  I am NOT a chocolate eater.  I love caramel, vanilla, maple, and many other flavors but I usually don't eat chocolate ESPECIALLY if any of the other flavors are around.   But lately I've really been in the mood to make Rocky Road.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Creative Thursday Link Party No. 3

Hello Blogging friends and welcome to Creative Thursday Link Party No. 3

I can't believe another week has flown by already and that in three short weeks I will be getting ready for 
 my Daughters High School Graduation.  Where has the time gone?

  I want to thank everyone who linked up last week cause you guys are amazing!  I 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 my favorite features from last week (in no particular order).

 1.  Cheesecake Brownies from My Happy Place  two of my favorite desserts all in one.
2.  Kitchen Command Center from Artistic 31 Mama oh how I wish I had the room for this amazing meal planning station in my kitchen.
3.  Havarti Dill Potatoes Au Gratin from Seaweed & Sassafras, ooey gooey deliciousness that I'm making this weekend for sure!
4.  Handmade Journal from The Crafty Blogstalker this would be a perfect Mother's Day Gift.
5.  Cinnamon Cinnabon Cake from Shugary Sweets Cinnabon, Cinnabon,
I need some Cinnabon right now!
6.  Chalkboard Planter from Accidentally Wonderful this is the cutest idea I've ever seen for a planter!

Congrats to all who were featured  - Don't forget to grab a button from the sidebar
Now on to the party

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Coffeehouse Coffee Cake Muffins

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While blog hopping looking for new muffin recipes a few weeks ago I ran across Chocolate, Chocolate, and More blog and I suggest you check it out.

She has amazing recipes to share.  I found this recipe for Coffeehouse Coffee Cake Muffins and I was immediately hooked.

I made them and they were DELICIOUS!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Chinese Chicken Salad

Years ago when we were up at my parents cabin, my Aunt Debbie made the most wonderful Chinese Chicken Salad.  I was skeptical at first because I'm not a cabbage eater, but this recipe is made with Napa cabbage and it doesn't have a yucky (yes, I'm 5) taste.  I have been making this recipe ever since and it is a wonderful dish to bring to pot lucks or for backyard barbecues.  I hope you'll give it a try and let me know what you think.

Here's what you need:

2 Napa Cabbage medium size (about the size of a heart of romaine), chopped, with the white core removed.
3 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
3 green onions, sliced thinly
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1- 2 package top ramen, noodles only, crushed (sometimes I use one package and sometimes I use two)
2 Tbs. sesame seeds
2 Tbs. canola oil

Dressing
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup canola oil
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar, I use Nakano seasoned rice wine vinegar
2 Tbs. low sodium soy sauce

Precook chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and granulated garlic seasoning.  Cool, cube and set aside.

In a blender or magic bullet blender pour the dressing ingredients and mix until creamy.  If it separates before serving just re-blend for a second or two.
 
Rinse, dry and cut up the Napa cabbage, making a V cut to take out the hard white part of each leaf (it doesn't take very long)
This is what Napa Cabbage looks like.

Slice the onions and put in a small bowl and set aside.  In a large bowl place the cabbage and set in fridge with the onions until ready to use. (I guess I didn't take a picture of this step, sorry) This can be prepared earlier in the day and left in the fridge until ready to eat.

In a skillet heat the 2 Tbs. canola oil and saute the almonds, crushed top ramen noodles, and sesame seeds until golden brown.
 
Remove bowl of cabbage and onions from fridge and add chicken to the top of the salad and pour the hot almond/top ramen mixture over the top and listen to it sizzle. Add green onions on top.
 
Pour half the dressing on top of the salad and serve the other half on the side.

This is a perfect Entree salad or side dish.

Serves 6

Enjoy!
~Hugs~
Michelle

Here's the handy printable - Chinese Chicken Salad
Recipe adapted from:  Auntie Debbie