Sweets are Good For the Soul

In a past life, Paula Dean and I were sisters. We both have a knack for making things that are just terrible for you.  Like Paula, you probably won't find many recipes around me that will help you with your diet. Oh well! I enjoy making sweet treats and bringing them to group gatherings. I also enjoy eating them myself.  

For the first day of school (a month ago -sheesh!) I made a batch of red velvet crinkle cookies. By the end of the day, the plate was clean. Which could mean one of two things: 

1. People were so hungry on the first day of school they ate the first thing they found (aka my cookies)

2. People enjoyed the sweet little treats!

Let's hope for conclusion number 2. 

Here's the recipe I followed thanks to the Novice Chef. Hats off to her blog and brilliance. 

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

• 6 tablespoons of butter (If Paula followed my blog, she'd be smiling right now)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 box of red velvet cake mix
• powdered sugar 

Click HERE to follow the chef's directions. 

2012 Olympic Games!

I am so unbelievably excited for the Olympics. I have always loved the summer games. I have fond memories of sitting in my living room watching the gymnasts of my childhood rock the world. If I could have an Olympic themed party for the next 12 days, I would do so AND be in Olympic Heaven, right up there with Zeus! Haha, get it?

Since it's not possible for me to host the longest party ever, I'll have to settle for making some fun Olympic-themed treats. Today, I made some FANCY gold medals to hand out this weekend while floating. 

I used the following two ingredients: Oreos (the golden ones!) & Fruit by the Foot (feet, plural)

 What's one thing I did not do while constructing my gold medals? Read the directions. Ugh, I have a little freshening up to do before school begins on the 21st.  Yes, there's a giant STOP sign. Did I STOP?

 Nope.

Now my oreos are going to get stale WAY TOO QUICKLY! Arg! #firstworldproblems

I went ahead and followed the directions and opened the package the appropriate way. Now my Oreos are exposed to the world in two different ways. So many Oreo problems, so little time.

I unscrewed the Oreos. I broke the 'feet in half and fashioned lanyard to fit with the Oreo/gold medal. I'm sure Michael Phelps would weep receiving one of these bad boys. 

This Olympic treat is so simple an infant could complete it. Okay, maybe not an infant. How about a toddler? 

Tonight, I'm going to attempt to make sugar cookies to resemble the Olympic rings. Wish me luck!

Banana Splits - Texas Sized!

I very rarely save room for dessert. Usually when the waiter swings back toward our table and asks the famous question, "Anyone save room for dessert?" my face begins to shrivel up and I sadly respond, "No..."

I have a new philosophy. Since I never save room for dessert, sometimes it is just necessary to eat dessert first. I believe many people will agree that this is probably the best thing I've ever blogged about.

Let's back track a few months to spring break - hop in your delorean if you will. We took a little trip to Dallas to visit my best friend. It was a spectacular vacation and great to be with good friends. One afternoon before hitting up the pool we went to the most amazing grocery store, Central Market.

For example, they have TEXAS SIZED bananas for everyone: Not just for families ... but singles too!

After staring at the bananas and photographing them for way too long, I selected a bunch and continued on my merry way. I was eager to make a mini banana split and spring break felt like the perfect time to try it out!

Mini Banana Splits

• Bananas
• Chocolate
• Sprinkles
• Cherries
• Whip topping

Baked Pita Chips Not Included...

Here comes the easy part:

• Chop your bannas into thirds (or halves) and dip them into melted chocolate. 
• Roll the warm chocolate in sprinkles and let harden. 
• Top with whip cream and a cherry!
• Eat quickly or else the whip cream will melt!

Abby, the food model!

Tasty Treats!

The banana splits were tasty and a huuuuge mess! I'm not sure how food bloggers make their whip cream look so perfect, but ours was a hot mess. We HAD to eat them immediately. Which brings us back to my new philosophy of eating dessert first. Not a bad idea, huh?

A Newly Converted Baseball Fan

I've never really been a baseball fan. Now, before you throw darts at me... hear me out! Okay, I admit it, I don't have a great reason for not liking baseball. I just never really got into it. Sorry! Sorry! I've seen the light, I'm a changed woman.

Now, I've turned over a new leaf and vowed to enjoy baseball. I am pretty excited about this! Especially since I was invited to attend Opening Day festivities this weekend for the Cardinals! Lucky me, huh? I took my first step as a Cardinals fan and bought a new t-shirt and tonight I took step numero dos. I dipped a batch of oreos into almond bark and made the ugliest looking cookie baseballs, ever.

I love baking and trying out new things, but I'm certainly not a culinary artist. If a chef walked into my house right now, they would slap me silly for torturing these poor cookies. I've never preached "perfect" or "beautiful" with anything I cook, so this was just another cooking day for me! The uglier the better I say.

Keep in mind, I only photographed the decent ones.

I surrendered to the icing and failed to put the extra lace on the baseballs.

Icing you win this round! I'll conquer you next time. (Maybe. Let's be honest, probably not.)

Insta-Friday

Happy Friday, friends! Not only have we finished MAP testing for the year, but we are on Easter break. Hallelujah! I slept in today. Then, slept some more. It was beautiful.

For a little Easter treat, I made a very simple Bunny Bark (snagged from Pinterest of course). It's delicious and hoppy, like a bunny rabbit.

Here's what I used:

• pretzels
• Easter M&M's
• white chocolate chips

Make it!

• Cover a cookie sheet with wax paper. Sprinkle pretzels and M&M's generously on top of the wax paper. 
• Melt white chocolate chips in microwave. Melt for 30 seconds, stir. Melt for 30 seconds, stir. That way you won't burn your chocolate!
• Pour the chocolate over your pretzels and M&M's. 
• Stick in the fridge to let harden. 
• Break up the bark into bite size pieces and enjoy!

Enjoy your weekend! :)

Roofio! Roofio!

Thanks to a little inspiration from a friend on Facebook, I decided to test out the rainbow cupcake phenomenon for 'ol St. Patrick's Day!

I can't wait to snack on these little gems. Here's the recipe I followed courtesy of Family Fun.

I couldn't help but think of the legendary food fight from Hook while making these. The bright colors piled on top of each other had me shouting, "ROOOOOFIOOOOO" to my KitchenAid mixer.

Happy St. Patrick's Day and SPRING BREAK!

S'More of What?

I wanted to make a little Valentine's Day treat for my valentine, and lucky for me... this idea fell into my lap thanks to Facebook!

Crazy Domestic posted her brilliant idea to make Valentine S'More bites using heart shaped marshmallows and chocolate.  I imagine many of you sitting at your computer saying, "yuuumm." I know I did. 

First, I headed off to HyVee to pick up a package of heart shaped marshmallows. Did HyVee have these mysterious heart shaped marshmallows? Of course not. I had to settle for a bag of regular 'ol marshmallows.

Then, I went home to find that itsy-itsy heart shaped cookie cutter hiding in my drawer. Do I own one of those? Of course not. Strike two! Have no fear, I worked around these obstacles and was able to create a delicious little treat enjoyed by all. :)

S'More Pops!

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/2 graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• Dipping chocolate (I'm a BIG fan of Bakers because it's simple!)
• Marshmallows (any shape will do!)

Click here to follow Crazy Domestic's step by step guide to making your own little S'More pops! 

As always, I don't always shoot for the most beautiful creations... just the yummiest! 

It's Wednesday and Labor Day in the Hamptons..... is anyone else so excited for Revenge tonight? I can barely contain myself. Let's hope I don't fall asleep before 9:00!

Scrumptious x2 Tuesday

Lucky Post #100!

Brace yourself! I've got two deliciously easy treats for you to try. Which are conveniently two of my favorite characteristics of baking: delicious and easy. More emphasis on the delicious of course.

Side note: I'm rocking the clothing version of a mullet right now. I'm partially dressed in sweat pants and my dress and pearls from school today. I'm ready for business on top and slumber on the bottom. Which reminds me of this:

Musings

Back on track.. Once again brace yourself.


Apple Dumplings (with a splash of 'Dew!)

Warning: These have not been baked, YET!

Where did I find this recipe you ask? Well, Pinterest of course. Can I think of anything on my own anymore or simply crack open a cook book? Ha! That's nonsense. Or so she says... is a great blog full of great recipes. Check it out!

Apple Dumplings

from The Pioneer Woman

2 sticks butter

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 tubes crescent rolls

2 granny smith apples

12 ounces of Mountain Dew

Cinnamon

Vanilla ice cream

Directions: 

• Peel and slice your apples.  (I skipped this step)
• Wrap each slice in a crescent dough triangle and place in sprayed (greased) pan.  
• In a bowl, melt your butter and stir in sugar and vanilla.  
• Pour over top of the wrapped apples....or spread on top with a spoon.  
• Pour the Mt. Dew all around and sprinkle with Cinnamon. 
• Place in 350 degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes.  
• Serve hot with ice cream!

I've never baked with Mountain Dew (or any pop for that matter), so my hand was a tad shaky pouring the dew all over my beautifully wrapped apples (of course, I'm exaggerating. They weren't beautiful). The final product was delish. I've got a few leftovers in my fridge.. head on over!

She Says Photo

I'm a lover of all things Funfetti. Ever since my BFF Ali (click here for her blog!) discovered the magical recipe of Funfetti cookies. I've even blogged about a Funfetti adventure here and here. See? I'm borderline obsessed. So, anytime I see something Funfetti related on Pinterest it's an automatic repin. Introducing recipe numero dos:

Funfetti Cake Batter Fudge from Pursuit of Happiness (I'm a new follower!)

1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk

3.5 cups white chocolate chips

3 tsp Vanilla Extract

1/2 tsp Almond Extract

Rainbow Sprinkles

Pour milk and white chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until white chocolate is almost completely melted. DO NOT OVERHEAT. Stir until completely blended, melted, and smooth.

Immediately add vanilla and almond and combine thoroughly. Add a handful or so of rainbow sprinkles and fold in quickly, because they will melt (and if they are stirred for too long they’ll turn the fudge an ugly muddy color)

Transfer to an aluminum-foil lined 8×8 inch baking pan for very thick fudge, or a 11X7 pan (recommended). Let set at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

MIZ Fudge Style

I think I went a little crazy with the almond flavoring, but overall my fudge was/is pretty delish. I'll be sure to let you know what my book club thinks of it tonight.

Before I go, I'm sure you've seen the adorable photo of snowman door decor floating around Pinterest and bloggy land. I decided to bring a little snow into my classroom before the holidays! Hopefully it doesn't bring a blizzard like last year. Oops!

Thumpity Thump Thump

Linking up here!

You Spin Me Right Round, Baby!

Warning: Several cake pops were harmed in the making of this post. Including this poor little guy:

Yes, that is the floor. Carpet to be exact. He didn't make it from the fridge to my chocolate pot. Let's try and move past this...

CAKE POPS! I thought these little gems only existed at Starbucks. Apparently, I was waaay-off. They'e all the rage. If you're not eating or making cake pops.. something is wrong with you! Okay, I'm lying. But, they're cute!

See?

Save the Date For Cupcakes

Veronica's Cornucopia

Skip to My Lou

In honor of a friend's bacherlorette party, I decided to embark on a cake pop journey. It seemed like an easy one. The recipe was simple.

Of course, I ran into a few mishaps.

Ready.. Set.. Go!

Funfetti strikes AGAIN! These little cake pops were my first treat using my brand new KitchenAid that I blogged about earlier. I got so excited using the mixer hands free.. I took a few pictures.

Mix, sweet mixer! MIX!

Then, I dropped my cracked egg inside the mixer. While going for the "off" switch, I turned the mixer to HIGH and had to make a mad dash to remove all egg shell from my poor cake. Lesson learned! Be careful with eggs around the mixer. Or maybe the lesson should be... crack the egg and then drop it inside the mixer? Whatever the lesson was (is) ... my mixer is awesome and I'm in love.

My guidance for this post comes straight from Love From the Oven. She gives a fantastic picture-friendly tutorial for creating this poppers. After the egg incident, it was smooth sailing for a few hours. That's only because I had to let me box cake cool for two of them. Then, I destroyed my cake.

Putting the FUN in Funfetti

Next, I added the icing and starting rolling the cake into little balls. I began melting the almond bark and started dipping. This was complicated. Wait, let me rephrase that.. this was frustrating. I lost several poppers to this almond barking. The poppers would crumble and fall apart inside my sprinkles bowl. Errg!

I found my groove with the cake pops and started crankin' more out. I think I made 9. I started getting sleepy and decided I would finish the rest in the morning. My bed, FRIENDS, and my blog were calling my name.

Don't judge, but these are the ugliest cake pops ever. This isn't me fishing for compliments either! They're actually quite funny to see. This little guy has a little bit of a swagger, don't ya think?

Poppin'

Love From the Oven's pops look like rockstars compared to mine!

Love From the Oven

Cake pops... we will meet again. Next time, I will be victorious. 

Etsy

Snap, Crackle, POP!

All day long I thought it was Tuesday. At 3:00, I figured out that it is actually Wednesday. Which means tomorrow is Thursday, but to me it will feel like Wednesday. Huh?

I can't even think of what's going on in my brain right now. It's all mush. Mush-mushy-mush.

I'll stop rambling and get to it! Feast your eyes on this:

Lovin' From the Oven

I know what you're thinking...

"C'mon Jordon! A rice krispy treat? LAME."

"I learned that recipe from SNAP, CRACKLE, and POP!"

This rice krispy treat is more than meets the eye. Thanks to the creative genius behind Lovin' From the Oven, we have the "Cake Batter Rice Krispy Treat".

Yum.

Cake Batter Krispy Treats:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 10-ounce bag of mini marshmallows (4 cups mini marshmallows)
• 3/4 cup Funfetti cake mix
• 6 cups rice krispies cereal
• 6 heaping tablespoons of sprinkles

1. Completely melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
2. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
3. Next, stir in the cake mix until dissolved. 
4. Stir in the cereal until it is evenly coated with marshmallow. Sprinkle in half of the sprinkles and mix and continue stirring. 
5. Press the mixture into a 9 x 13 baking dish and top with remaining sprinkles. Cut and enjoy!

If you're like me and you love all things Funfetti.. this one is sure to be a hit. Lucky for friends at my school tomorrow, I'll be coming to school with treat in hand.

I should go to bed. I am wearing sweatpants and a huge sweatshirt (commonly known as the gray monster). I have on a lot of clothing for 80 degree weather. I feel like Joey....

Could I be wearing anymore clothes?