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Saturday, September 29, 2012

Christmas Tree Idea

My mother, the snowman collector, would love this tree and I may just try to make it in a smaller table top version for her. What do you think of this tree?

Halloween Treats

Every once in a while I find something that instantly gives me so many ideas. This easy to make boo smores in a bag gives me ideas of halloween treats for that special night of tricks, co-workers, and even fall pto events or to sell at the craft fair These treat bags are so simple to make and thanks to the blog http://www.southernvogue.com/ I can share it with you. No tricks here are the how tos



Individual Peep Smore Kits

1 graham cracker
1 fun-size Hershey bar
1 ghost Peep

Place in a clear cello bag with a pretty orange ribbon. Voila!

Friday, September 28, 2012

oven roasted potato and peppers



1 package (at least 1 lb) of your favorite sausage links (johnsonvilles, evergood, generic smoked sausage, whatever you like. i used polish sausages, 4 to a pack)
4-5 decent-sized potatoes (i prefer yukon gold or red bliss)
1 small jar banana peppers
1-2 bell peppers, sliced
1 large onion, sliced
3 tbsp olive oil (yes, it has to be OLIVE oil)
salt & pepper
*optional — 2 tsp dried rosemary (bachelors, ignore this. your salt and pepper will be fine. i know that asking you to procure olive oil was already a stretch.)
*optional — 3 tbsp creole seasoning

  1. spray a large baking pan w/ nonstick spray (make sure there is at least a small “lip” that provides a “side” to the pan, don’t use a flat baking sheet.
  2. slice sausages into thin rounds, about 1/5″ thick. if you know how to slice using a “bias” cut, do that. if not, don’t worry about it.
  3. cut potatoes into 1/2″ chunks
  4. slice onion and pepper into strips
  5. place all ingredients on baking sheet and drizzle oil over. use your hands to toss everything together in the oil, making sure everything feels coated.
  6. add salt & pepper and spices (if using)
  7. top w/ sliced banana peppers
  8. bake at 400 for about 30-35 min, until potatoes are tender
  9. EAT
recipe source here

shared at
friday food frenzy

christmas crack snack



1 12.8-ounce box Rice Chex cereal
1 12-ponce box Golden Grahams cereal
1 7-ounce bag shredded coconut
1 4-ounce bag slivered almonds
1 1/2 cups butter (3...yes 3...sticks of butter)
2 cups sugar
2 cups corn syrup

Combine Rice Chex and Golden Grahams, coconut and almonds in a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
In a large sauce pan, cook butter, sugar and corn syrup to the "soft ball" stage...about 234 degrees on a candy thermometer. Pour over cereal mixture and stir until all is well coated. Pour mixture out onto 2 large cookie sheets to cool. Stir it around occasionally to prevent clumping. Store in an airtight container

recipe source here

aloha friday

aloha friday is a meme that is sponsored by an island life and allows bloggers to ask simple questions that only need simple answers. Join in on the fun with with  my question and then answer one your self

what is your favorite fall activity

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Pull Apart Bacon Bread

 
 
12 slices bacon (diced)
1 lb bread dough (frozen, thawed)
2 tbsps olive oil (divided)
                       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1 oz ranch salad dressing mix
1In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat for 5 minutes or until partially cooked; drain on paper towels. Roll out dough to 1/2-in. thickness; brush with 1 tablespoon of oil. Cut into 1-in. pieces; place in a large bowl. Add the bacon, cheese, dressing mix and remaining oil; toss to coat.
2Arrange pieces in a 9-in. x 5-in. oval on a greased baking sheet, layering as needed. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled.
3Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. Cover with foil; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until golden brown.

source yummly


shared at
Just something i whipped up
 

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Taco Casserole

 
 
1 lb. ground beef
16 oz. pasturized processed cheese, such as Velveeta
14 oz. can diced tomatoes
4 oz. can diced chiles
10 oz. tortilla chips
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
 
Brown ground beef in a skillet. Drain. Combine ground beef, processed cheese, tomatoes and chiles in a Crockpot. Heat on low 4-6 hours or high 2-3 hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread tortilla chips over the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish. Stir ground beef mixture in Crockpot. Pour over tortilla chips. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted.
 
shared at Ultimate Recipe Swap where the subject is emergency meals. This type of casserole is easy to make on a busy day when there is no real time to stop. If you dont like chiles you can take those out . Another great idea is to use rotel tomatoes in this recipe.
 
What do you make when there is no time to cook? Would love to know what it is you cook might give me some ideas

Britax Giveaway

Britax is the maker of awesome products for our littlest ones. One of the great items they make is the car seats. The wonderful car seats come in many colors and many forms but all made to care for our little bundles of joy. Interested in winning one of these great carseats? Well The blo Go Graham Go has a giveaway where you can do just that. Head over there before Oct 7, 2012

Scotties Care package Giveaway

WOW!!! The flu season seems to all ready hit and if it is not the flu then it is allergies, colds and that blessed sore throat and cough. Good thing there are comforting scotties and if that is not comforting enough then you will be happy to know that there is also a giveaway at Go Grahams Go that offers the winner $25 walmart gift card to shop with whatever makes them comfortable. Head over there and enter before October 8, 2012

RIP ANDY



Did you have a favorite song from Andy Williams I loved that smoothe voice

Monday, September 24, 2012

Apple Season

Its that time of year. I just made a comment to a friend today that it is apple picking weather. Well at least that is what my mom would have called it. Every year we would head down to the apple shed and get our share of apples that mom would serve to us as snacks, meals and oh yes in desserts. Do you go apple picking or have a favorite apple recipe? Would love to read about it in a comment.

Freschetta & The Strength of 1

 
 

When I was in my mid 20s I met a lady whose attitude would forever change my life. Her name was Dixie and she was a self reliant strong women who had battled cancer early in life and somehow made it through all the pain and prayed everynight that if she was able to live to see her grand-daughter that she was raising to reach her 18th birthday and graduate from highschool. Some of the stories she could share with you would make you stand up and take notice because this lady who had went through so much she was one of the happiest person that I have ever met. For she had faith in God and knew that tommorow was not always promised and to use each day as she should. Sadly this lady would watch her grand-daughter graduate from highschool and shortly after time seemed to give out as Dixie passed on to a better place.

Freschetta knows that there are stories out there just like mine. We have all seen someone , maybe even oneself face the battle of breast cancer. Join the campaign of The Strength of 1 Take the Pledge and share your story.

Submit A Story: We are looking for someone that embodies The Strength of 1™ power - someone who is positively making a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Nominate yourself or someone you know by sharing your story. Whether it involves acts big or small- like visiting a local oncology unit or organizing fundraising events- we want to hear your story! Your story could earn a donation to the breast cancer charity of your choice.

Vote For Your Favorite:
The FRESCHETTA® team will pick three finalists from all The Strength of 1™ story entries, then it's up to you! Come back to our FRESCHETTA® Facebook tab to vote for your favorite story from Oct. 22-26, 2012.

Final Three:
All three finalists will receive donations to the cancer charity of their choice. The FRESCHETTA® brand will donate $5,000, $1,000 and $500 based on total votes.

I occasionally receive compensation in the form of products for posts. However, the opinions I share are solely my own

 

 

Caramel Apple Tifles

Makes approximately eight 3 1/2 oz servings
Ingredients:
Caramel Mousse:
  • 1 cup cold heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup plus caramel (recipe follows)
Caramel Sauce:
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 tablespoons of heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoons of kosher salt
Apple Crumble:
  • ½ cup diced fresh apples
  • ½ cup apple chips
  • ½ cup crumbled granola
Instructions:
Caramel Mousse:

  1. Place chilled heavy cream in a bowl and using a whisk or a hand held mixer on medium speed or medium strength (for stand mixers use a low setting with the whisk attachment). Beat cream until soft peaks form and cream is light and fluffy. Gently fold in caramel sauce.
Caramel Sauce:
1. Add sugar and water into a saucepan over medium low heat. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Use a wet brush to remove any crystals that form on the side. Once sugar has dissolved increase heat to high. Now and then, using the handle give the pot a swirl to keep the mixture moving. Do not stir the mixture directly. The mixture will start to bubble after a minute. As the mixture darkens to a dark amber color, approximately 5-7 minutes, add the butter and cream to saucepan. The mixture will bubble wildly. Whisk to combine (bubbles will subside upon cooling). Add salt and stir to combine.
Apple Crumble:
  1. Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine.
Assembly:
  1. Fill two pastry bags, one with the mousse and the other pastry bag with caramel.
  2. Pipe a mousse layer onto bottom of glass.
  3. Pipe a second layer with caramel on top of the mousse.
  4. For the third layer, sprinkle the apple crumble mixture on top of the caramel layer.
  5. Continue layering by repeating steps 2-4.
recipe source Bakers Royale go there to find some other tasty treats

The Stuff of Success

Apple Cinnamon Cake



1 3/4 cups sugar, divided
3/4 cup (6 ounces) block-style fat-free cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter or stick margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups chopped peeled Rome apple (about 2 large) 
Cooking spray
  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Beat 1 1/2 cups sugar, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended (about 4 minutes). Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition; set aside.
  3. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture, and beat at low speed until blended. Combine 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Combine 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon mixture and apple in a bowl; stir apple mixture into batter. Pour batter into an 8-inch springform pan coated with cooking spray, and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon mixture.
  4. Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until cake pulls away from the sides of pan. Cool cake completely on a wire rack, and cut using a serrated knife.
  5. Note: You can also make this cake in a 9-inch square cake pan or a 9-inch springform pan; just reduce the baking time by 5 minutes.

Apple Dumplings



Store bought pie dough
6 small apples
3 tablespoons raisins
3 tablespoons chopped walnuts
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup apple juice
1/2 cup corn syrup
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  1. Combine raisins and walnuts in a mixing bowl.
  2. Cut pie dough into 6 squares.
  3. Core apples and place one apple on each dough square.
  4. Fill apple cores with the raisin and walnut mixture.
  5. Wrap apples in the dough, using a bit of water to "seal" the dough around the apples, then put them in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  6. Combine the sugar, apple juice, corn syrup, butter and cinnamon to a saucepan and boil for 3-4 minutes.
  7. Pour sauce over the wrapped apples.
  8. Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes, or until golden brown and apples are tender.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Annies Pizza Slice of Happiness Tour



Many of you may of heard of Annies organics. They are a leading provider of natural and organic alternatives to traditional comfort food. Many of their products mimic those that we have grown up with and love and our kids love as well. They also cater to pizza fans and families who seek better for you options but still want the great taste they are used to. Annies uncured pepperoni pizza is made with pepperoni with no added nitrates or nitrites and mozzarella nd provolone cheeses. The four cheese pizza offers a delicious combination of mozzarella, provolone, parmesan and romano cheeses. One that I believe my family would love the BBQ recipe chicken pizza is created with the natural white meat of chicken (chickens are raised without antibiotics and no added hormones) mixed with an organic roasted onions and tangy organic barbq sauce. 
 
Annies Pizzas are all 11.5 inch family-sized varieties are made with organic flour, organic tomatoes,
whole grains, and 100 percent real, rBST-free+ cheese. Look for these delicious pizzas at Kroger, Safeway, Target and other great retailers for a suggested price of $7.99

Hungry for a bit of pizza well let me share with you about the great tour that Annies mobile pizza will be taking from September 29 through mid November. Annies kitchen and organic garden will travel 6,000 miles to 11 cities nationwide all while offering samples o all three pizza varieties at locations such as family friendly events like farmer markets, youth sporting events and parks. Special "detour" stops will also be presented along the way as requested by Annie's fans. Want your chance at requesting your very own "detour"? You can submit your request at www.anniespizzatour.com.

If you are lucky enough to visit one of the Slice of Happiness Tour spots along the tour you should expect the chance to join in on fun family activities. Activities like digging into the Annie's Truck Farm where you will find a mobile garden growing organic herbs and vegetables like the ones found on Annie's Pizzas. Visitors will also have the chance to meet Annie's mascot Bernie and the Rabbit of Approval. Prizes, pizza coupons and even the chane to appear on Annie's "slice of happiness tour" website are all things that may await visitors.   
 Fans can show their support by using the hashtag #sliceofhappiness on Twitter or Instagram.

Check and see if and when the tour comes near your home
Tour Schedule

Locations to be announced online at

anniespizzatour.com closer to event dates.

Sept. 29-30 San Francisco Bay Area

Oct. 5-7 Denver, CO

Oct. 10 Des Moines, IA

Oct. 12-13 Chicago, IL

Oct. 16-17 Cincinnati, OH

Oct. 20-21, 23 New York, NY

Oct. 24-25 New Haven, CT

Oct. 27-28 Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 31, Nov. 2 Atlanta, GA

Nov. 3-4 Nashville, TN

Nov. 7-8 Minneapolis, MN

Nov. 14-16 San Francisco Bay Area

 
All of annies products are made without the artificial flavors, synthetic colors and preservatives. There are currently over 125 products being sold at over 25,000 retail locations in the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 1989, Annie’s is committed to operating in a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable manner. For more information, visit www.annies.com.

The opportunity to share this with my annies home readers was offered to me by Moms Meet 
Disclaimer: I am blogging about this product without compensation from the sponsor of the Moms Meet Program, May Media Group LLC, who recieved it diretly from the manufacturer.

As a Moms Meet blogger I agreed to review this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group  or the product manufacturer.

 

 
 

 
  

Christmas Present Idea : Raggedy Ann & Andy Dolls from Aurora

I have always loved rag dolls. My mom has a picture of me sitting inside of box with what else but a raggedy ann doll. There is no mistake the love for these dolls has grown for me. Inside my home, blog and even nickname (annie) there is no mistake but to see that I love my raggedy ann and andy dolls. When the offer to review the new aurora raggedy ann and andy dolls came about there was no mistake I would jump at the chance to review and share the review with you my readers here at Annies Home.

When I recieved my Raggedy Ann doll from Aurora World inc. in the mail I was delighted to see that she was the same beautiful doll that I remembered as a child. The colorful blues, red and whites that made up her smock and leggings were beautiful to my eyes. here loopity red hair was awesome as well. She was to me just adorable.

Aurora and Hasbro have worked together to bring a new generation of children a classic from the past. A new plush doll with the same vintage look and modern elements has been added to the classic beloved brand. With exquisite detail that includes fine facial features and the yarn loopy hair style. Now the doll that was loved by many generations beofre can now share with the new generation a love for a doll like none other. The doll I was sent was presented to my grand-daughter princess on her 4th birthday. I have many ann dolls at my house many that she can not touch all though she has loved them all. Now she has one of her own to care for.

The 8", 12" 16" and 25" classic Raggedy Ann or Raggedy Andy rag dolls are: $10, $15, $25 and $35.
The Fancy Pals style -- Raggedy Ann Butterfly or Red Ribbon -- are 7" and $17 each Aurora's Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy can be purchased at retail or online at the official Aurora shop:

Aurora is on Facebook and YouTube

strawberry cheescake salad



Strawberry Cheesecake Salad


12 oz. whipped topping
1 small package of cheesecake pudding (powder)
3 (6 oz) strawberry yogurts (I use Yoplait)
1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
3 bananas, sliced (add just before serving or they brown)
miniature marshmallows (add just before serving)

Thaw whipped topping and in a large salad bowl stir together whipped topping, yogurts, and pudding powder. Let this set up in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. Wash and slice strawberries. You can add strawberries to salad or wait to add them with sliced bananas and marshmallows just before serving. Keep refrigerated.
mop it up mondays feature
I Heart Nap Time

Jack O Lantern Cake

doesnt this jack o lantern cake make you want to smile? SO very cute check out the recipe and how tos at http://iambaker.net/pumpkin-cake-surprise-inside-cake/

Saturday, September 22, 2012

SPOOKtacular Giveaway Hop

there will be many to sign up are you interested in joining in? I will be adding my own post in a few days what will you do? Want in on the fun head over here to join in

Six Word Saturday



Today I took two of my children on a drive to enjoy the country side and stopped along the line as we looked for rummages and yard sales. We did quite well always enjoy this time with my kids



Treasure Hunting On this Awesome Day

Win an AFA Futon


AFA Mali Futon Giveaway - Win an AFA Mali Futon with AtoZStores!

Looking for a comfy place to relax? The American Furniture Alliance (AFA) Mali Futon has a comfy cushion pillows that will give you just that. The futon is constructed with si position wings on the frame. This allows the futon to convert from a sofa or multi position lounger. It offers a great stylish look and also allows you to save place.     

$330 Value!

- Mali Flex Futon Frame

- 6" Futon Mattress

- 2 Bolsters & 1 Back Support Pillow

- Winner can Choose any Color in the Mali Sofa/Cushion Solid Series Pewter Frame Futons

- Height: 29"

- Width: 31"

- Depth: 61"

- Weight: 73 lbs

Friday, September 21, 2012

Freshen Those Towels

Use baking soda and vinegar to fix funky towels
Top 10 Time-Saving, MacGyver-Style Cleaning TricksOver time, and with many washes, your bath towels will build up detergent and fabric softener residue, leaving them both unable to absorb as much water and smelling kinda funky when they do. Rather than give Target another lump sum, run them through the wash once with hot water and a cup of vinegar, then again with hot water and a half-cup of baking soda, as wikiHow suggests. That strips the residue from them, leaves them smelling fairly fresh again, and makes your post-shower experience a dryer one, at that.

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti
I found this recipe on the blog Being Grown Up and must say that it does taste like a million dollars. 
Ingredients
1 lb. of Ground Beef
1 can of Spaghetti Sauce
8 oz of Cream Cheese
1/4 cup of Sour Cream
1/2 lb. of Cottage Cheese
Whole Stick of Butter
8 oz. of Noodles
Bag of Sharp Chedder Cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees while you boil te noodles Meanwhile mix up the cream cheese, sour cream and cottage cheese. After mixing the cheese up well start browning the meat. After meat is brown drain and mix with spaghetti sauce. 
 
 
Line bottom of casserole with butter Top butter with 1/2 he noodles. Top noodles with the creamed cheese mix.Spread mix over noodles. Place rest of noodles over the top of all of this Top noodles with butter slices and then pour meat and sauce over top. Spread out sauce and meat so that all is covered
 
Bake casserole in oven for 30 minutes. Top the dish with cheddar cheese on top and bake another 15 minutes. 
 
shared at

End Of Summer Clean Up Did You Know

The weather is starting to get a bit cooler here and while there are lots of fun still to be had in the fall for the most part the summer time picnics are over and many of us will be preparing for fal. One thing that we must do is put away our summer equipment that we use that often includes containers and thermos bottles and even though I use these on the weekend I really  hate the smell of them being stored. The stale odor that comes with storage can be avoided by using baking soda. Simply sprinkle a bit of baking soda inside to remove and prevent that stale odor.

Fall Leaf Craft For Kids


This would make for a perfect fall craft project. Check out this post to find out how you can do this as well

shared on
do something crafty
Create & Inspire Linky Party

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Beef Macaroni Soup

An easy recipe perfect for fall. The first time I ever ate this soup was when I was just dating my husband (26 years ago) and his aunt made this up. It was delicious and so yummy. This recipe is perfect for fall. Make up a batch and see how filling it truly is

Beef Macaroni Soup
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced sodium beef stock
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1/2 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
Place ground beef in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes or until no longer pink. Then drain. Stir in the tomatoes, mixed vegetables, beef stock. Season with black pepper. Bring to a boil; add elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until macaroni and vegetables are tender.

Robot Snacks

Are these not adorable? Be the best room mom or create your child a super special snack. These are also super cute for the upcoming trick or treaters which will greet your door at the end of next month. I found these on Pinterest and love them

Juice Box Robot: For the arms... break a pretzel rod in half, wrap in saran-wrap with enough space between the halves to hang over the sides of the juice box. Tape the center of the saran-wrap to the box. Hot-glue the applesauce head and mini boxes of raisins as feet. Tape the spoon antenna on the back of the applesauce cup. Use whatever eyes you like.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

I See Me Royal Birthday Adventure Book Review

 
Anyone that has read this blog in the past has most likely read about our little Princess. Our princess is a book fan as well. I personaly love to read books to her from I See Me because they incorporate all about her even her name.



In My Royal Birthday Adventure, your child will be the special guest at a royal birthday celebration. Your little girl can get swept away on a unicorn to a special adventure where she’ll be crowned princess, or your little boy can ride on a dragon to his birthday adventure and become a royal knight. 

One of the most exciting parts of the books is the guest that attend the adventure are the names of people that are in the childs life. From mom and dad to nana and papa and many others that love them the book shares a story of adventure where the child can easily
invision him or herself in.

Be sure to follow I See Me books on Facebook and Twitter to find out about other codes throughout the year! You can also head over to Pinterest to see more photos of their great books.

Happy Haunted Halloween Giveaway Event


To enter for your chance to win, visit our Happy Haunted Halloween Giveaway page on Facebook. Be sure that you've "liked" us on Facebook to complete the giveaway entry.

Manhattan Toys is hosting a Happy Haunted Halloween Giveaway. The giveaway page is on their facebook and up now. The special giveaway page will be up only until October 1st with winner being announced October 5th. The winner will also be notified by email. 
 
Only one winner will be announced with winner having choice between the boy or girl prize package




Boy Prize – Monster and Me™ Roaring Ruzlow™ Costume and matching Roaring Ruzlow™ Soft Toy – retail value = $63








Girl Prize – Groovy Girls® Princess Seraphina™ Girl Size Dress-Up and matching Seraphina doll – retail value = $60






Either of these prize packs would be winners for me. I have to share with you though we have asked our princess what she wants to be for Halloween and her answer was a princess complete with a crown and her brother the prince well she wants him to dress up as a fireman. LOL so that is what we will be looking for.
If you want in on this great giveaway head over to the Manhattan Toys facebook page and like them then go to the Halloween Giveaway tab and enter for your chance to win.

Pappys Restraunt Banana Pudding



BANANA PUDDING
1 c. sugar
...
1/2 c. flour
3/8 tsp. salt
3 c. milk
3 eggs, separated
2 tsp. vanilla
Vanilla wafers
Bananas

Blend sugar, flour and salt thoroughly. Mix egg yolks in center then add a little milk slowly; then add rest of milk, stirring all the time. Cook on high heat and stir vigorously until thick. Take off heat; add vanilla. Put in casserole dish in layers of cookies, bananas, then pudding. Top with meringue.
 
recipe source Pappys Restraunt


 shared at
foodie friday

Mega Bloks Giveaway

Our little ones love blocks. Some of the earliest sets of blocks our family gave our children was Mega Bloks. Mega Bloks now has first builders for the youngest among us. If you have not checked them out head over to Mega Bloks now to get a first glimpse of these super cute toys a perfect present for any little one with building in their heart. You can also enter a great giveaway on the blog an island life where you could win a mega bloks first builders set for your little princess

Sunday, September 16, 2012

 
Taking a few moments for a blog hop to just say hi to some other bloggers So "HI!!!"

Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes



For the Donuts:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoons nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoons ground cloves
1/3 cup canola oil
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup canned plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 cup milk
For the Coating:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon
 
1. Preheat oven 350°F. Spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with baking spray and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. In a separate, large bowl whisk together oil, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, pumpkin and milk until smooth. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
3. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. While the muffins bake, melt butter in one bowl and combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in another bowl. Remove muffins from oven and cool for 2 minutes. Dip each muffin in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar to coat. Serve muffins warm or at room temperature.
Poofy Cheeks
Crafty Confessions

Apple Sauce Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

 

 

For cake

  • 2cupsall-purpose flour
  • 2teaspoonsbaking powder
  • 1/2teaspoonbaking soda
  • 1/2teaspoonsalt
  • 3/4teaspooncinnamon
  • 1/2teaspoonground ginger
  • 1/8teaspoonground cloves
  • 1stick unsalted butter, softened
  • 1cuppacked light brown sugar
  • 1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
  • 2large eggs
  • 1 1/2cupsunsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2cupwalnuts (optional), toasted (see Tips), cooled, and chopped

For frosting

  • 5ozcream cheese, softened
  • 3tablespoonsunsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4teaspoonpure vanilla extract
  • 1cupconfectioners sugar
  • 1/2teaspooncinnamon
  • Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. Butter an 8- or 9-inch square cake pan.

    Make cake:

    • Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
    • Beat butter, brown sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer at high speed until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat in applesauce. At low speed, mix in flour mixture until just combined, then stir in walnuts (if using).
    • Spread batter evenly in pan and bake until golden-brown and a wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Cool in pan 15 minutes. Run a knife around edge of cake to loosen, then invert onto a plate. Reinvert cake onto a rack to cool completely.

    Make frosting:

    • Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla with an electric mixer at high speed until fluffy. Sift confectioners sugar and cinnamon over cream cheese mixture, then beat at medium speed until incorporated.
    • Spread frosting over top of cooled cake.
     
    recipe source gourmet