Annies Home a place where I love to share tips, recipes and wonderful products that I find for our family along the way.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Veggie Burgers
2 cups cooked drained lentils (see cooking instructions below or use canned)
½ cup dry amaranth
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup onion, finely diced (about half a medium onion)
1 large carrot, peeled and grated
¼ teaspoon celery seeds
½ cup quick or instant oats (or old-fashioned oats pulsed in a food processor)
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ cup toasted sunflower seeds
Preparation
Lentils:
1. To cook the lentils, add 1 cup dry lentils to 3 cups boiling water and cook until the lentils are soft, about 30 minutes.
2. Drain, measure out 2 cups of lentils and place them in a large mixing bowl (save any extra lentils for another use).
3. To cook the amaranth, add the amaranth to 1 cup boiling water.
4. Lower the heat and cook, covered, until the amaranth is cooked and all the water is absorbed, about 25 minutes.
5. Add the cooked amaranth to the mixing bowl.
Preparing Burgers:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion, carrot and celery seeds until the carrot is soft, about 8 minutes. Add to the mixing bowl along with the oats, ketchup, nutritional yeast flakes and salt.
3. Grind the sunflower seeds into a coarse meal using a food processor. Add them to the mixing bowl and mix and mash everything together. Form mixture into 12 to 13 small patties, about 2 3/4 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Moisten your fingers with a bit of water to keep the mixture from sticking as you work.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, until dry on the top, then flip the patties over and bake for another 10 minutes, until firm and brown.
5. Serve immediately or let cool completely before packing. (Mini Veggie Burgers also freeze well.)
Recipes Source: http://www.thedailygreen.com
Gifts With Humanity Give Away
Want to give a gift from a source other than the popular commercialism. I love to shop at art sales, craft fairs and flea markets and now I have another source to check out. The new source is Gifts With Humanity Right now the blog Yours To Win is hosting giveaway where someone will win a $50 gc to Gifts with Humanity. When I took a look there were many different things that I could use this gc on if I was lucky winner Enter for your chance to win end date is December 21, 2011
Believe in this giveaway
Do you believe? Believe in what you may ask? Believe in anything : in santa, in the baby born in the manger, in anything at all? In my opinion in order to have faith you must first believe. Lenox has a great ornament to show this off and right now you can enter the giveaway for this ornament and read all about Macy's on the blog Blessings Abound Mommy Giveaway ends December 20, 2011
Sunday Blog Hop
Friday Fill Ins
1. Sleigh bells ring _____. (can you hear them)
2. It's coming on Christmas, they're cutting down trees _____ (to make the log cabin)
3. You're a mean one _____. (mr. grinch)
4. Father Christmas _____. (is approaching us)
5. Silent night _____. (holy night)
6. All I want for Christmas _____! (is to visit with my grandbabies)
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____! (rest, work and church, visit grandbabies on monday)
2. It's coming on Christmas, they're cutting down trees _____ (to make the log cabin)
3. You're a mean one _____. (mr. grinch)
4. Father Christmas _____. (is approaching us)
5. Silent night _____. (holy night)
6. All I want for Christmas _____! (is to visit with my grandbabies)
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____! (rest, work and church, visit grandbabies on monday)
Spiffy Little Gift Wrap
I would never have thought about wrapping a gift using a pop top can but then who would have? When I was a kid my dad delivered mail to those that lived out in the country (the rural routes) . To tell my dad he did a good job and share a bit of treat with them they gave him christmas gifts and some of the gifts were homemade candies. These folks had some creative ways to they re-used coffee cans, coffee jars, all sorts of things and yet never saw this before. You can check it out and how to give a gift in the can manner here
Amazon $50 gc Giveaway
Want a chance to win $50 gc? It would be a great time to help purchase presents for others or to get yourself something. Whichever way i think we aall could use a $50 gift card from Amazon where you can find so many great things. I entered the giveaway for a chance to win on the blog Blessed Beyond Words and you can to. Just enter befor giveaway ends on December 17, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Red Velvet Cheesecake
1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
\1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whole buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
2 (1-ounce) bottles red food coloring
1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish: fresh mint sprigs
Stir together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; press mixture into bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Beat 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar at medium-low speed with an electric mixer 1 minute. Add eggs and next 6 ingredients, mixing on low speed just until fully combined. Pour batter into prepared crust.
Bake at 325° for 10 minutes; reduce heat to 300°, and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until center is firm. Run knife along outer edge of cheesecake. Turn oven off. Let cheesecake stand in oven 30 minutes. Remove cheesecake from oven; cool in pan on a wire rack 30 minutes. Cover and chill 8 hours.
Beat 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth. Spread evenly over top of cheesecake. Remove sides of springform pan. Garnish, if desired.
Beat 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar at medium-low speed with an electric mixer 1 minute. Add eggs and next 6 ingredients, mixing on low speed just until fully combined. Pour batter into prepared crust.
Bake at 325° for 10 minutes; reduce heat to 300°, and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until center is firm. Run knife along outer edge of cheesecake. Turn oven off. Let cheesecake stand in oven 30 minutes. Remove cheesecake from oven; cool in pan on a wire rack 30 minutes. Cover and chill 8 hours.
Beat 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth. Spread evenly over top of cheesecake. Remove sides of springform pan. Garnish, if desired.
Thumbprint Christmas Cookies
Makes about 20
2/3 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 large egg whites
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts of choice
1/3 cup jam (any flavor)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 large egg whites
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts of choice
1/3 cup jam (any flavor)
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat. In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks, vanilla extract and salt. Gradually stir in flour. Form dough into 1-inch diameter balls. Dip in lightly beaten egg whites, then roll in nuts. Place 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets. Press down center of each with thumb. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Just before serving, fill centers of cookies with jam. Or, fill centers with 1/2 teaspoon of jam before baking.
recipe source : here
shared on
Bake With Bizby
Amazing Taste review and giveaway
Upon receiving the package of spices I knew at once it would be great. The aroma just sort of swept out of the packet and I could not wait to try it. I loved Amazing Taste packets and I also love the fact that when I need to reorder to fill the spice cabinet again that the prices at Amazing Taste are awesome.
Amazing Spice is also offering a giveaway where the winner will get a malibu shaker
Malibu seasoning can be used in a variety of ways including grilling, baking, frying, marinading, roasting, broiling, barbecuing and yes it works great in the microwave as well. A great way to provide more flavor in whatever way you like to prepare your food
Winner will also get a variety of 5 seasoning packets
Buy : you can purchase Amazing Taste flavorful packets on their website http://www.amazingtaste.com/Home.aspx
Win: one lucky annies home reader will be awarded with the Malibu seasoning and a variety (5) seasoning packets
To enter this giveaway : visit the Amazing Taste website and take a look around come back here with a seasoning packet you would like to try and how you would try it you must also be a follower of my blog annies home
Extra Entries:
- like Amazing Taste on facebook
- like me on facebook
- follow annies home on twitter
- tweet about the giveaway (1 entry per tweet unlimited)
- enter any current giveaway (3 entries each)
- blog about this giveaway leave url in comment (5 entries each)
- comment on any post on my blog that is non giveaway (2 entries each) in comment tell me which one you commented on
we received a variety of spice packets to review for this post there was no other form of compensation involved. Honest thoughts and opinions of my own shared in this blog post.
Keeping Kitchen Neat During Hectic Hours during Holidays
I love to bake and cook during the holidays but one thing that I hate is the mess I make while doing it. Some things that I do to help minimize the mess in the kitchen is
- one great idea to help keep the top of fridge from getting cluttered is to create a display on top of your fridge that takes up the entire space or placing a decorative item up there that does the same. I love vintage items so on top mine I have a beautiful old pitcher and glass set that I have spaced out to cover the top
- Were you aware that the top of your microwave works better if not covered Well it does. If you insist on items being on the microwave or they end up there somehow then one thing that you can do is place a pedestal bowl on top of the microwave as sort of a catch all. this allows the microwave to still breathe
- Organizing pantry space helps in several different ways, (a) allows you to know what you have on hand (b) makes putting groceries away easier because you all ready have an idea of where the item is to go (c) makes cooking easier because you can easily grab ingredients you need.
- One tip that I use all the time is to clean as you go. This takes less time because you have it all done as you cook and also makes kitchen look much better Label leftovers with date and name of what is in the container. Remember to check leftovers as they have shelf lives as well.
Toy Soldier Christmas Ornament and a Poem for Soldiers
Make these cute toy soldier ornaments with your kids this year, remember the soldiers and teach the young about their importance. The poem below may help share with those that may not know the history of the American Soldier
Soldiers' Christmasby Ted L Glines
Creeping through the silent night,
Things that move are things of fright,
Sleighbells never ringing now
Angels seldom singing, now
Nothing comes to make their season bright.
(Chorus)
Ring the bells and praise the Lord
For our soldiers' love outpoured,
Post their names upon your tree
As they fight to keep us free,
Remember ... their gift forevermore.
Helicopters - guns and tanks
Moving now in guarded ranks,
Not a bit of Christmas cheer
That must wait 'til Home next year,
Since their only present is your “Thanks.”
(Chorus)
Ring the bells and praise the Lord
For our soldiers' love outpoured,
Post their names upon your tree
As they fight to keep us free,
Remember ... their gift forevermore.
Now with many flags unfurled
Boys and girls from 'round the world
Lift their voices - battle cry
Bound to win or bound to die
Brave young heroes all - to chaos hurled.
(Chorus)
Ring the bells and praise the Lord
For our soldiers' love outpoured,
Post their names upon your tree
As they fight to keep us free,
Remember ... their gift forevermore.
Here at home with Christmas cheer
In this fun time of the year,
Let's pause a bit from what we've planned,
Singing songs - with praises ... and
Send a loving hug to soldiers dear.
(Chorus)
Ring the bells and praise the Lord
For our soldiers' love outpoured,
Post their names upon your tree
As they fight to keep us free,
Remember ... their gift forevermore.
Source: Soldiers' Christmas, Christmas Poem http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/soldiers-christmas#ixzz1gk2rzidP
Family Friend Poems
Pink It Up WIth Cookies
I love checking out new Christmas ornaments on the shelves at the store and lately I have noticed some real pretty pink ornaments. I love pink and at times like to pink it up. Red Velvet cookies let us do just that Check out the recipe here
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Betty Crocker Spud Recipe and Giveaway
Don't these meatloaf muffins look super cute and delicious. After all how many of us would serve meatloaf and potatoes together? I know that I would but would have never thought about serving them this way. Betty Crocker will help you find many ways to serve up your spuds and right now you can check out this recipe as well as enter a giveaway to win a $50 gc on the blog Val's Kitchen While the recipe will be there for a while the giveaway ends December 15, 2011
Sauerkraut for Christmas
I love reading about past Christmas and family history recently I read a story about the Dusek family and you can read it as well here. You can also try the sauerkraut recipe as showed that was shared in the article I read.
Dusek Family Holiday Sauerkraut
2 32-ounce bottles of sauerkraut
Chicken broth
1 large yellow onion, sliced in rings
1 1/2 tablespoons caraway seeds
1 tablespoon of dill weed
1 teaspoon pepper
Rinse sauerkraut in colander and drain moisture and then put in a pot. Pour chicken broth over the sauerkraut until just covered. Add onion, caraway seeds, dill weed, pepper. Stir together, place on stove at medium temp and cover pot.
Cook and stir occasionally for several hours for the best result of blended flavors.
(It really only needs an hour probably, but we love the smell along with the turkey cooking.)
When ready to serve, drain the juice from sauerkraut.
You can add little pieces of dark or light turkey and also pour on gravy to make it creamy.
Dusek Family Holiday Sauerkraut
2 32-ounce bottles of sauerkraut
Chicken broth
1 large yellow onion, sliced in rings
1 1/2 tablespoons caraway seeds
1 tablespoon of dill weed
1 teaspoon pepper
Rinse sauerkraut in colander and drain moisture and then put in a pot. Pour chicken broth over the sauerkraut until just covered. Add onion, caraway seeds, dill weed, pepper. Stir together, place on stove at medium temp and cover pot.
Cook and stir occasionally for several hours for the best result of blended flavors.
(It really only needs an hour probably, but we love the smell along with the turkey cooking.)
When ready to serve, drain the juice from sauerkraut.
You can add little pieces of dark or light turkey and also pour on gravy to make it creamy.
Make Ahead Tex Mex Snack Mix
Mom used to always have snack mix on hand. We would take long car rides to grandmas and would always have tins of mix to take with us to snack on. She also knew we were always hungry after school, on the weekends etc... so snack mixes she loved and always had on hand
3 cups popped popcorn
3 cups mini pretzel twists
2 cups mini garlic bagel chips
2 cups corn chips
6 Tbsp. butter, melted
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In large bowl, combine popcorn, pretzels, bagel chips, and corn chips. Combine melted butter and remaining ingredients in small bowl and mix well. Pour over popcorn mixture and toss to coat. Spread on baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 10-15 minutes until mixture is glazed. Cool, then store in tightly covered container up to 6 days. Makes 10 cups
Denver Style Breakfast Burritos
8 eggs
1 tub (10 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Original Cooking Creme, divided
1/2 cupeach chopped green peppers and onions
1 cup chopped OSCAR MAYER CARVING BOARD Slow Cooked Ham
8 flour tortillas (6 inch), warmed
WHISK eggs and 1/2 cup cooking creme until well blended; set aside.
COOK and stir vegetables and ham in large skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium heat 2 to 3 min. or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add egg mixture; cook 3 min. or until set, stirring occasionally.
SPREAD tortillas with remaining cooking creme; top with egg mixture. Fold in opposite sides of each tortilla, then roll up, burrito-style.
recipe source : Kraft
Secret Christmas WIsh from Grandpa Walton
a bit about the Waltons The Waltons show was based on the life of the Hamner Family Earl Hamner Jr. was the show's creator and narrator. This show was based on his life growing up.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Snorg Tees Review
Snorg tees came about several years ago by friends who realized they were not meant for traditional jobs. The young friends started the business of Snorg Tees and carried a great variety of tees. The tees reflect in my opinion the fun personalities of the company itself. Snorg Tees has grown in the past six years and have added to their product line. Tees are still available but now so are hats and hoodies. The hats and hoodies have the same fun spirit as the tees. Allow me to share with you a few of my personal favorites
This is perfect for my teens in college because like their mom they can do math but are not fantastic in it. I think they would get a kick out of this on hoodies or tees.
Moo I'm a Goat, says exactly what I would love to say somedays. Are you like me and have days where you want to be anyone but the person you are? I definetly do and to me this hoodie has style sharing the perfect expression.
Snorg Tees are available in kid sizes as well. Just take a quick look at the snorg website at http://www.snorgtees.com/ to check out what is available. While there take a turn and check out the super cute hats that are available as well. One of my favorites
If you are looking to save a bit of money and looking forward to some fun in warmer weather then check out this Spring Break tee now on sale for $9.99
You can purchase any of these great looks and many more at Snorg Tees. Simply check out the Snorg Website
This is perfect for my teens in college because like their mom they can do math but are not fantastic in it. I think they would get a kick out of this on hoodies or tees.
Moo I'm a Goat, says exactly what I would love to say somedays. Are you like me and have days where you want to be anyone but the person you are? I definetly do and to me this hoodie has style sharing the perfect expression.
Snorg Tees are available in kid sizes as well. Just take a quick look at the snorg website at http://www.snorgtees.com/ to check out what is available. While there take a turn and check out the super cute hats that are available as well. One of my favorites
If you are looking to save a bit of money and looking forward to some fun in warmer weather then check out this Spring Break tee now on sale for $9.99
You can purchase any of these great looks and many more at Snorg Tees. Simply check out the Snorg Website
Win A Deluxe Birthday Kit
Our grandson will be celebrating his first birthday in a few months. What an exciting time and what a celebration to be had in the future. I recently entered to win a Deluxe Birthday kit on the blog Minnesota Mamas Must Haves This prize is valued at $40 and I can tell you will help us give a bit of style to the party. If you want to enter this giveaway you must do so before December 14, 2011
Sees Candies and St. Patricks Day Treat
One thing that is very present in our house during the holidays is candy and sweets. See's Candies is helping to spread the sweet moments as well. Some of the super sweets available at See's Candies are devoted to St. Patricks Day. With super cute leprechauns like these
Sees Candies has wonderful treats for many other events including baby showers, Christmas and birthdays
Finding Out The News Guest Post
Finding out the news
Posted by Gaylord Campbell
When I found out that shopelectricityratestexas.com has fixed price energy I was overjoyed – no one ever told me that owning your own house was so expensive! I had utility payments at my old place, of course, but it was never in the neighborhood of what it costs to keep a whole house running and things like insurance, trash pickup and lawn maintenance weren’t things I was used to paying. I love being a homeowner but it’s definitely taken a dent on my wallet greater than I estimated it would. I thought that once I put down the down payment I’d have plenty left to pay my mortgage and live out my life the way I was before but I’ve definitely had to cut back in some other areas to make living here more comfortable. I know it was a good investmentthough and I really love this place so I guess at the end of the day I don’t regret that I made the decision. I just should have done my research before!
I have worked as a nursing aide for nearly 20 years. It is a job that I have always loved, has allowed me to take time and examine myself as a person and provided for the needs of my family. One thing that I have seen change in the many years of being a CNA is the way that the clothing we wear has changed. When I started the only requirement was a pair of white pants and any shirt (non-offensive). This has now changed to a scrub uniforms with assigned pant colors for each department I love to sport uniform shirts that match the season that we are currently in. Blue Sky Scrubs has a variety of colors that will make your choice your own.
Illinois weathers are sometimes bitterly cold and those long midnight shifts can be very cold. That is why I love to have a lab jacket with me. The lab coat will keep my arms covered and very warm which will keep me happy and alert. Blue Sky Scrubs also has a wonderful array of lab coats that should fit your needs as well.
The next time you are shopping for scrubs remember to check out Blue Sky Scrubs They carry mens scrubs, womens scrubs and green scrubs
Illinois weathers are sometimes bitterly cold and those long midnight shifts can be very cold. That is why I love to have a lab jacket with me. The lab coat will keep my arms covered and very warm which will keep me happy and alert. Blue Sky Scrubs also has a wonderful array of lab coats that should fit your needs as well.
The next time you are shopping for scrubs remember to check out Blue Sky Scrubs They carry mens scrubs, womens scrubs and green scrubs
Blue Sky Scrubs
I have worked as a nursing aide for nearly 20 years. It is a job that I have always loved, has allowed me to take time and examine myself as a person and provided for the needs of my family. One thing that I have seen change in the many years of being a CNA is the way that the clothing we wear has changed. When I started the only requirement was a pair of white pants and any shirt (non-offensive). This has now changed to a scrub uniforms with assigned pant colors for each department I love to sport uniform shirts that match the season that we are currently in. Blue Sky Scrubs has a variety of colors that will make your choice your own.
Illinois weathers are sometimes bitterly cold and those long midnight shifts can be very cold. That is why I love to have a lab jacket with me. The lab coat will keep my arms covered and very warm which will keep me happy and alert. Blue Sky Scrubs also has a wonderful array of lab coats that should fit your needs as well.
The next time you are shopping for scrubs remember to check out Blue Sky Scrubs They carry mens scrubs, womens scrubs and green scrubs
Illinois weathers are sometimes bitterly cold and those long midnight shifts can be very cold. That is why I love to have a lab jacket with me. The lab coat will keep my arms covered and very warm which will keep me happy and alert. Blue Sky Scrubs also has a wonderful array of lab coats that should fit your needs as well.
The next time you are shopping for scrubs remember to check out Blue Sky Scrubs They carry mens scrubs, womens scrubs and green scrubs
GingerBread Cookies
3 3⁄4 cups flour
3 tsp. ground cloves
3 1⁄2 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 1⁄2 tsp. ground ginger
1 1⁄4 tsp. baking soda
11 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1⁄2 cup golden syrup or dark corn syrup
1⁄2 cup heavy cream
2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and baking soda; set aside. In another large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and golden syrup using a handheld mixer set to medium speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy, 1–2 minutes. Add the reserved spice mixture and the heavy cream in 3 alternating batches, beginning and ending with the spice mixture, until the dough just combines. Transfer dough to a work surface, divide in half, and shape each half into a flat disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap; refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Heat oven to 350°. Unwrap 1 disk of dough and place on a floured work surface. Using a rolling pin, roll dough to a 1⁄8" thickness. Cut out cookies using the cookie cutters of your choice and place cookies 2" apart on parchment paper–lined baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough, rerolling scraps. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. Bake cookies, 1 sheet at a time, until browned and set, about 12 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool.
3. To make an icing, if you like, whisk confectioners' sugar, lemon juice, and egg white in a medium bowl until smooth. Transfer icing to a resealable plastic bag (or a pastry bag). Snip off a bottom corner of the bag and pipe icing onto cookies in a decorative pattern.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Wednesday 12/14 blog hops
We love the Can You See What I See books. When I saw the opportunity to enter a giveaway to win this great book as well as a $50 gc The blog hosting this giveaway is The Not So Blog Be sure to enter this giveaway by ending date of December 28
Snowman Treats
These snowman treats are super cute and perfect for all winter long. Don't worry if they aren't done by Christmas because snowmen are perfect for cold snowy days after Christmas as well
12 squares NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Refrigerated Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar Dough
12 NESTLÉ® BUTTERFINGER® or CRUNCH® Jingles, unwrapped
12 pretzel checkerboard snaps or mini pretzels for hat base
2/3 cup prepared white frosting
24 large marshmallows, divided
12 pretzel sticks for arms, broken in half
NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels for eyes and buttons (a heaping teaspoon needed)
12 small orange candies or orange decorating gel for nose
Thin-string licorice, various colors, cut into twelve, 7-inch pieces for scarves
PREPARE 12 cookies as directed on package. Cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely.
TO MAKE HATS, ADHERE Jingles to pretzel snaps with frosting. Set aside.
TO MAKE SNOWMEN, INSERT 2 pretzel sticks into each side of 12 marshmallows to create arms on base of snowman. Spread a heaping teaspoon of frosting onto center of each cookie; top with snowman base. Press down lightly. Spread additional frosting on top of each snowman base. Top with remaining 12marshmallows. Dip orange candies and mini morsels into frosting and add noses, eyes and buttons to snowmen. For scarf, tie each piece of licorice loosely around neck of snowman using frosting as glue, if necessary. Let both hats and snowmen bases stand for 20 minutes to set frosting and make snowmen stable.
PRIOR TO SERVING, adhere hats to snowman head with frosting. If snowmen need to set up more, lean them against a glass or can to set.
TO MAKE HATS, ADHERE Jingles to pretzel snaps with frosting. Set aside.
TO MAKE SNOWMEN, INSERT 2 pretzel sticks into each side of 12 marshmallows to create arms on base of snowman. Spread a heaping teaspoon of frosting onto center of each cookie; top with snowman base. Press down lightly. Spread additional frosting on top of each snowman base. Top with remaining 12marshmallows. Dip orange candies and mini morsels into frosting and add noses, eyes and buttons to snowmen. For scarf, tie each piece of licorice loosely around neck of snowman using frosting as glue, if necessary. Let both hats and snowmen bases stand for 20 minutes to set frosting and make snowmen stable.
PRIOR TO SERVING, adhere hats to snowman head with frosting. If snowmen need to set up more, lean them against a glass or can to set.
Huffy Bike Giveaway
I grew up with huffy bikes they were all the rage. In my day and time before the video games (yes even atari) riding our bikes was the coolest action going. There were only two main brand of bikes then and Huffy was one of them. My sister had a huffy bike and it was a tough little bike gave her lots of fun. Huffy is wanting to give those kids who otherwise would not have the excitement of riding a huffy a chance to have their own through the program Likes for Tikes. and working with Toys for Tots. Toys for Tots has for many years helped to bring toys to disadvantaged children. Huffy has set a goal to help Toys for Tots out and all you have to do to help is like them on facebook. Liking them on facebook also gives you the chance to enter a huffy bike of your own at the blog Minnesota Mamas Must Haves. So do your part like Huffy on facebook and enter the great giveaway by Decembre 13 If you do like them on facebook please come back and tell me your ID and I will give you three extra entries in any giveaway presently going on or coming up.
Cailou
Do you know a fan of the beloved cartoon series Cailou. I do I have a couple of little ones in the family that love him. I just entered an awesome contest on the blog Baby Loving Mama where Two lucky individuals will win both the Caillou Learning Train and the Caillou Classic 14.5” Doll, a value of more than $60! You can enter as well just do so before the contest ends December 13, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Taco casserole
2 | pounds lean ground beef |
1 | large onion, chopped |
1 | large green bell pepper, chopped |
2 | packages (1 1/4 oz. each) taco seasoning mix |
1 | cup water |
1 | package (16 oz.) frozen whole kernel corn |
1 | jar (24 oz.) chunky salsa, divided |
1 | package (8 oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided |
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with Reynolds Wrap Non-Stick Foil with non-stick (dull) side toward food; set aside.
BROWN ground beef, onion and pepper in a large skillet, over medium-high heat; drain. Stir in taco seasoning mix and water. Stir in corn; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Spoon half of mixture in bottom of foil-lined pan. Top with 1 cup salsa and 1 cup cheese. Top with remaining meat mixture and salsa.
BAKE 30 to 35 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; let stand 5 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips, if desired./span
Christmas Music Moves Me
Silver bells one of my favorite songs of all times
Love this one as well always have liked this style of music , deep voices, simply beautiful to me
Monday Music Moves Me at Xmas Dolly this week is Christmas Music Rocks
Oral B Stages
What a wonderful time to be able to share a movie and popcorn party with my friends. Thanks to Oral-B stages that is exactly what I had the chance to do. We were sent many wonderful goodies from Oral-B stages, a few baloons for fun, a wonderful Pooh movie and yes some delicious popcorn. I am not sure what for me was the funnest, being able to share with my friends the important hygiene tips and tools from Oral B or sharing a wonderful time with friends.
Oral B Stages is for children from 4 months old to age 7. The stages are broke down into branches 4 months to 24 months, 2 to 4 and 5 to 7. Featuring our favorite disney characters that our children are familiar with. This makes it easier to persuade them to want to care for their teeth in my opinion.
At the party we discussed the importance of taking care of our childrens teeth and the importance of teaching them how to do it as well. It seemed the perfect time with the holidays coming up and all the sweets that would be around. Some of the mothers offered tips on how to limit sweets. I also shared with them tips that oral b shared with me. Along with the tips we were sent a copy of the movie and a big package of goodies to give out including Oral-B Stages toothbrushes, toothpaste, Disney Lavender Body Wash, and other fun goodies.
We all had a wonderful time at the party. If you would be interested in learning more about Oral-B stages and their full line of oral care products for kids and adults check out the Oral B website. If you want to stay in the news with any future promotions or new product be sure to follow Oral-B on facebook as well
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*** I was delighted to work with momselect and oral b to host this mommy party As I stated I was sent party supplies including, movie, popcorn, and oral b stages product. I was not awarded with any other financial or product ****