Wednesday, March 7, 2012

{Crazy Cooking Challenge} Scooter's Spaghetti


I can't believe how quickly this year is flying by.  It's time for another Crazy Cooking Challenge.  Last month's challenge was chocolate cake.  The most viewed cake was Whopper Cake with Chocolate Almond Buttercream.  This month's challenge is spaghetti with red sauce.  My family loves spaghetti so I knew this was a challenge I was going to like!


I know that I can't be the only person addicted to Pinterest, so several months ago, I came across a pin for salad in a jar.  A brilliant idea from Paula at Salad in a Jar.  I mean REALLY brilliant and if that was so smart she had to have more awesome recipes and boy does she but the one that caught my eye was Scooter's Spaghetti.  It was delish!  


I made a few changes based on my family's preferences and ingredients that I had on had.  I had some Philadelphia Italian herb cooking cream that I thought would be a perfect subsititution for plain cream cheese.  I think that it add more flavor and creamy texture.  I also used a six cheese Italian pre-shredded mix...all two cups. 


OK...here is where I may shock some of you.  When I make sauce, either homemade or jarred, I always add a stick of butter or margarine.  My sister-in-law's Italian grandmother taught me this over ten years ago.  It adds some yummy goodness and really takes the sauce over the top.  You certainly could skip this step, however, please give it a try and see if you don't agree.  And give it a try as you make this most devine spaghetti dish!


Enjoy!  






{Crazy Cooking Challenge} Scooter's Spaghetti
{adapted from the original recipe by Paula/Salad in a Jar}
Ingredients
  • 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large jar spaghetti sauce (25 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2/3 cup chopped onions
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 8 ounces Philadelphia cooking cream, Italian herb flavor or cream cheese
  • 2 cups Italian cheese mix, shredded
  • Fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • French Fried Onions (small can)

Instructions
  • Cook spaghetti according to directions on the package. Cook to al dente, drain and set aside.
  • Brown ground beef in a skillet. Drain excess grease.
  • Add spaghetti sauce and 1/2 cup butter to skillet and heat.
  • Combine onions, peppers and 1 tablespoon butter in small glass bowl. Cover and microwave 4 minutes on HIGH until soft.
  • Add cooking cream or cream cheese to vegetables and stir well.
  • Using a 10 x 6 dish, assemble in the following order:
    • Thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish.
    • Spaghetti
    • Cream cheese/vegetable mixture
    • Spaghetti sauce
    • Parmesan Cheese (amount subject to your own taste)
    • Italian cheese or cheese of your choice
    • French Fried Onions (added during last 5 minutes of cooking)
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Top with fried onions and continue baking 5 more minutes.
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Linked To:
*This Chick Cooks: These Chick Cooks
*Turning the Clock Back: What's Cooking Wednesday
*Bizzy Bakes: Bake with Bizzy
*Miz Helen's Country Cottage: Full Plate Thursday
*Frugal Follies: Frugal Food Thursday
*A Little Nosh: Tastetastic Thursday
*Mom on Timeout: Taking a Timeout Thursday
*36th Avenue: Time to Party
*Home Sweet Home: Friday Favorite Finds
*It's a Hodgepodge Life: Hodgepodge Friday
*Happy Hour Project: Freestyle Friday
*Rattlebridge Farm: Foodie Friday
*Blissful and Domestic: Feature Friday Linky Party
*The Sweet Details: Savory Sunday
*Everyday Mom's Meals: Church Supper
*Mrs Happy Homemaker: Makin' You Crave Monday
*The Sweet Spot: Recipe Party
*It's A Blog Party: Delicious Dishes
Posted by Wende at 11:00 AM 8 comments
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Tuesday, March 6, 2012

{#59} Must Try Tuesday: March 6, 2012

Well, I don't know about the rest of the United States, but around here, spring is definitely here.  The pear trees are in full bloom, the grass is a beautiful shade of green from all the rain we have had this winter, and the days are warm...like warm enough to have the air conditioner on.  We have one more week of school and then we are out for spring break.  My girls are super excited.  I am excited to not have to get up at 5:30am unless I want too!


Hope you have a great week!




Spinach, Mushrooms and Feta Crustless Quiche
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Mini Greek Pizza Muffins


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Cherry Fudge with Dark Chocolate


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Peanut Butter Fudge Pretzel Brownies


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Sweet Potato Brownies with Buttered Maple Glaze


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Cherry On Top Bars


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Hot Chocolate Muffins


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Hot Chocolate Layer Cake with Homemade Marshmallows
Posted by Wende at 12:00 AM 6 comments
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Monday, March 5, 2012

Recipe: Strawberry Cupcakes



We love celebrating birthdays in our house.  My girls especially like to celebrate their teacher's birthdays so when one of our teachers had a birthday last month, I made some strawberry cupcakes.  I have seen several blogs that have made these adorable roses on cakes and cupcakes.  They appeared to be so daunting, but after looking at this blog, I realized I was being a big baby and they were really easy.  

I could have also gone the easy route and made the cupcakes from a box mix, but I wanted up my game. I used this recipe that I found on the blog, Apron of Grace, that I had pinned a while back and I am so glad that I found it.  It is a bit more work than just throwing it together from the box, but it is worth it.  I actually had a small bag of frozen strawberries that I put in a saucepan and reduced down to a thick yummy juice.  I smashed the strawberries with a fork and left them a bit on the chunky side.  I also decided to skip adding the red food coloring which made by cupcakes a pale pink, which I loved.  If you want a bright pink, then add the red food coloring.

I made enough cupcakes for all the teachers and students in the third grade.  My kids loved the cupcakes and I was so glad that I tried something new.  I will be decorating all kinds of cupcakes and cakes with this new rose technique.  I think a beautiful cake decorated with all roses for Mother's Day would be so beautiful.

Enjoy!




Strawberry Cupcakes
{original recipe by Apron of Grace}
Ingredients
    For the Cupcakes
    • 1 cup butter, room temperature
    • 2 1/2 cups sugar
    • 2 egg yolks
    • 5 egg whites
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 tsp red food coloring
    • 1 1/4 cups pureed strawberries
    • 3 cups cake flour, sifted
    • 1 tsp baking powder
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    • pinch salt
    • 1 cup buttermilk

    For the Frosting
    • 1 - 8oz pkg cream cheese, room temperature
    • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
    • 1/3 cup half and half/whipping cream
    • 1 tsp vanilla
    • 1 tsp red food coloring
    • 1 lb. powdered sugar

    Instructions

    For the Cupcakes
    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. Line cupcake tin with liners.
    3. In a medium bowl, beat butter with sugar for 3 minutes.
    4. Add egg yolks one at a time, then the vanilla, food coloring and strawberries, beat for another 3 minutes.
    5. Sift dry ingredients and add to butter/egg mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients., mixing just till combined.
    6. In another bowl and clean beaters, beat egg whites till stiff and add in an increment of 3 to cake batter, being sure to fold in thoroughly but gently.
    7. Bake for 12 to 18 minutes for cupcakes and 20-25 minutes for 9 inch round cake pans.
    8. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.
    For the Frosting
    1. In a medium bowl, add cream cheese and butter, whip till light and creamy, about 3 minutes.
    2. Add liquids and blend.
    3. Slowly add powdered sugar while mixing.
    4. At this point you may need to add more powdered sugar. You are trying to achieve a medium stiff consistency. Whip for several minutes.
    To Make the Roses
    1. Using a 1M tip, fill the pastry bag with frosting. 
    2. To make your rose, start in the center, then slowly move your tip in a circle around the center point.
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    Linked To:
    *My Sweet and Savory: My Meatless Monday
    *The Southern Institute: Creative Me Link Up
    *Boogieboard Cottage: Masterpiece Monday
    *Mrs. Happy Homemaker: Makin' You Crave Monday
    *11th Heaven's Homemaker Monday: Homemaker Monday
    *The Sweet Spot: Recipe Party Time
    *Talking Dollar and Cents: Muffin Monday
    *DIY Home Sweet Home: More the Merrier
    *Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms: Melt in Your Mouth Monday
    *Flour Me with Love: Mix It Up Monday
    *Delightfully Dowling: Mangia Monday
    *A Southern Fairytale: Mouthwatering Monday
    *Marvelously Messy: A Marvelous Mess
    *Sumo's Sweet Stuff: Market Yourself Monday
    *Skip To My Lou: Made By You Monday
    *Blessed with Grace: Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
    *It's A Blog Party: Delicious Dishes
    *Mandy's Recipe Box: Totally Tasty Tuesday
    *Hoosier Homemade: Cupcake Tuesday
    *33 Shades of Green: Tasty Tuesday
    *Permanent Posies: Tuesday's Tasty Tidbits
    *Reasons to Skip the Housework:  Tuesday Time Out
    *Chef in Training: Tuesday Talent Show
    *BruCrew Life: Treak or Treat Tuesday
    *From Mess Hall to Bistro: Made From Scratch Tuesday
    *Sweetology: Tea Party Tuesday
    *Crazy for Crust: Crazy Sweet Tuesday
    *Two Maids a Milking: 2 Maids a Baking
    *Bizzy Bakes: Bake with Bizzy
    *Talking Dollar and Cents: Sweet Tempations
    *Miz Helen's Country Cottage: Full Plate Thursday
    *A Little Nosh: Tastetastic Thursday
    *Something Swanky: Sweet Treat Friday
    *Alli-n-Sons: Sweet Tooth Friday
    *Food Corner: Decorating Challenge
    Posted by Wende at 12:48 AM 7 comments
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    Tuesday, February 28, 2012

    {#58} Must Try Tuesday: February 28, 2012

    Ohh....it feels like springtime is right around the corner.  We have had so much rain here in Texas that we just might get caught up on the drought we have been in for years.  I love seeing puddles all around and we have grass that is so green.  

    I have been sitting around for weeks now recovering from surgery that I had earlier this month.  I love having all this time reading my favorite blogs but I am ready to get back into the kitchen and start cooking and baking again.

    Here are some fabulous new recipes that I can't wait to try.  Enjoy!



    Taco Won Tons

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    Mini Pretzel Dogs

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    Golden Oreo Truffles

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    Red Velvet White Chocolate Fudge with Pecan Sandy Crust

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    Mini Thin Mint Cheesecakes

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    Samoa Cookie Caramel Brownies

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    Lime Cranberry Muffins

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    Whopper Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Almond Buttercream
    Posted by Wende at 12:00 AM 1 comments
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    Friday, February 24, 2012

    Recipe: Quick and Healthy Homemade Potato Chips




    I recently had surgery and my recovery involved doing as little as possible for four weeks.  Not so easy to do with three active children in the middle of the school year.  My sweet mother volunteered to take care of all of us.  I know it has been a lot of work for her, but the selfish side of me has enjoyed all the pampering and home cooked meals. While searching for some quick and healthy snacks to make for the girls after school treat, she came across this recipe at Eating Well for Microwave Potato Chips.  Chips that are not deep fried and quick to make...yes please!  The original recipe called for Yukon gold or red potatoes, but my mother made hers with sweet potatoes, purple fingerling potatoes and Idaho potatoes.  Not only were they colorful but they were so tasty.
     
    I am always looking for ways to make my children's lunches and snacks a bit more healthier and this is a great alternative to processed over chemicaled bagged chips.  

    Thanks Mommy for finding such a great healthy recipe.  Enjoy!



    Quick and Healthy Homemade Potato Chips
    {adapted from the original recipe by Eating Well}
    Ingredients
    • 1 1/3 pound potatoes, unpeeled and scrubbed
    • 2 tsp olive oil
    • 1/2 tsp salt

    Instructions
    1. Slice potatoes into very thin rounds.
    2. Toss the slices in a medium bowl with olive and salt to coat evenly.
    3. Coat a large micro-wave proof plate with cooking spray. Arrange some potato slices in a single layer on the plate.
    4. Microwave, uncovered, on High until some slices start to brown, about 2 to 3 minutes (depending on the potato thickness and microwave power).
    5. Turn the slices over and continue microwaving until they start to crisp and brown around the edges, another 2 to 4 minutes. Check frequently and rearrange slices as needed to prevent scorching.
    6. Transfer the chips to another plate and allow to cool completely. The chips will crisp more as they cool.
    7. Repeat with remaining slices.
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    Linked To:
    *Simply Sweet Home: Friday Favorites
    *Bacon Time with The Hungry Hungry Hippo: Anything Goes
    *It's A Hodgepodge Life: It's a Hodgepodge Friday
    *Stuff and Nonsense: Friday's Unfolded
    *Happy Hour Projects: Freestyle Friday
    *Blissful and Domestic: Feature Friday
    *Country Momma Cooks: Link and Greet
    *The Sweet Details: Savory Sunday
    *LambAround: Not Baad Sundays
    *I Heart Naptime: Sundae Scoop 
    *Nifty Thrifty Things: Nifty Thrifty Sunday
    *Simply Klassic Home: Simply Klassic Sunday
    *Flamingo Toes: Think Pink Sundays
    *Everyday Mom's Meals: Church Supper
    *Petite Hermine: Sunday Linky Party
    *My Sweet and Savory: My Meatless Monday
    *The Southern Institute: Creative Me
    *Mrs Happy Homemaker: Make You Crave Monday
    *It's a Keeper Thursday: Recipe Swap
    *Miz Helen's Country Cottage: Full Plate Thursday
    Posted by Wende at 11:47 AM 10 comments
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    Tuesday, February 21, 2012

    {#57} Must Try Tuesday: February 21, 2011

    I had surgery a couple of weeks ago and I am still recouperating so I have had some time to read my favorite blogs and of course pin.  Once I am back on my feet, I can't wait to give these a try.  Enjoy!



    Pixie Stick Cupcakes

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    Cinnamon-Apple Cake
    Source: myrecipes.com via Wende on Pinterest

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    Strawberry Nutella Muffins

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    Buffalo Chicken Pot Pies

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    Cheddar, Beer and Mustard Pull-Apart Rye Bread

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    Double Chocolate Toffee Bread

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    Pecan Crusted, Bleu Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Chicken Breasts

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    Banana Bread Bars
    Posted by Wende at 12:00 AM 6 comments
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    Tuesday, February 14, 2012

    {#56} Must Try Tuesday: February 14, 2012

    I am keeping it simple this week....lots of yummy goodness to get to!

    Have a great week!  Enjoy!



    Fudgy Chocolate Chip Toffee Bars

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    Homemade Snicker Bars

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    Pistachio White Chocolate Chip Cookies

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    Pretzel Crusted Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

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    Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes

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    Spicy Fried Rice with Cashews

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    Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme



    Linked To:
    Posted by Wende at 12:00 AM 8 comments
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    Monday, February 13, 2012

    Recipe: {Bread Maker} Pretzel Rolls



    Hello.  My name is Wende and I am addicted to Pinterest.  It has been minutes since my last pin. 

    I came across this pin for the most amazing looking pretzel rolls. They looked so yummy that I had to make the right away.  Now, these rolls have a few extra steps, but they are worth every extra step!  The rolls are the perfect pretzel texture on the outside and soft goodness on the inside.  I made some with salt and some without and my family preferred the salted version better.  We couldn't wait to try these, so as soon as they came out of the oven, we were ready to make them into sandwiches.  Who knew a plain ham and cheese could taste this good all because of a pretzel roll?  

    Enjoy!


    Pretzel Rolls
    Ingredients
    • 1 1/2 cups warm water
    • 1 pkg yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp)
    • 2 tsp sugar
    • 4 tbsp butter, melted
    • 2 tsp salt
    • 4 to 4 1/2 cups flour
    • 1/4 cup baking soda
    • 1 egg, lightly beaten
    • Kosher or pretzel salt

    Instructions
    1. Pour warm water in bread machine pan.
    2. Add yeast and sugar and allow to proof, about 15 minutes. It will be foamy when it is ready.
    3. Add melted butter, flour and salt.
    4. Set the cycle to dough.
    5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    6. Once the cycle is complete, pour the dough out onto a floured surface.
    7. Knead a few times then cut into 18 pieces, about 2 ounces each.
    8. Pull the sides up, bringing them to the middle and pinch together to form a ball.
    9. Flip the ball over, pinched side down. Cup your hand over the dough and roll it into a smooth ball between your hand and work surface.
    10. Place the dough onto the baking sheet, cover and allow to rise for about 30 minutes.
    11. After 15 minutes, bring two quarts of water to boil.
    12. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
    13. Once the 30 minutes are complete and the water has come to a boil, add the baking soda to the water. Turn the heat down so the water is simmering.
    14. Place the dough, one or two at a time, into the water.
    15. Cook on each side for 30 seconds.
    16. Remove from the water with a slotted spoon allowing as much water to drain off of the dough ball.
    17. Once all the balls have been cooked in the water bath, brush each one with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with salt.
    18. Place in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
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    Linked To:
    *My Sweet and Savory: Meatless Mondays
    *The Southern Institute: Creative Me
    *Boogieboard Cottage: Masterpiece Monday
    *Mrs. Happy Homemaker: Makin' You Crave Monday
    *Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker: Your Recipe, My Kitchen 
    *The Sweet Spot: Recipe Party Time
    *A Southern Fairytale: Mouthwatering Monday
    *Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms: Melt in Your Mouth Monday
    *Flour Me With Love: Mix It Up Monday
    *Blessed with Grace: Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
    *It's A Blog Party: Delicious Dishes
    *Two Maids a Milking: Two Maids a Baking
    *Mandy's Recipe Box: Totally Tasty Tuesday
    *33 Shades of Green: Tasty Tuesday
    *Permanent Posies: Tuesday Tasty Tidbits
    *Reasons to Skip the Housework: Tuesday Time Out
    *Chef in Training: Tuesday Talent Show
    *From Mess Hall to Bistro: Made From Scratch Tuesday
    *Bizzy Bakes: Bake with Bizzy 
    *My Girlish Whims: Your Whims Wednesday
    *Turning the Clock Back: What's Cooking Wednesday
    *This Chick Cooks: These Chicks Cooked
    *Mom on Timeout: Taking A Timeout Thursday
    *Miz Helen's Country Cottage: Full Plate Thursday
    *Stuff and Nonsense: Fridays Unfolded
    *A Little Nosh: Tastetastic Thursday
    *The 36th Avenue: Let's Party
    *Tidy Mom: I'm Lovin' It
    *Simply Sweet Home: Friday Favorites
    *Blissful and Domestic: Feature Friday Linky Party
    *Bacon Time with the Hungry Hungry Hippo: Anything Goes
    *Rattlebridge Farms: Foodie Friday 
    *21st Century Housewife: Gallery of Favorites
    *Happy Hour Projects: Freestyle Friday
    *Country Momma Cooks: Link and Greet
    *Inside BruCrew Life: Trick or Treat
    Posted by Wende at 12:00 AM 22 comments
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    Friday, February 10, 2012

    Recipe: Heart Shaped Tortilla Chips


    One day as I was browsing (really obsessing) on Pinterest for some cute ideas for my kid's lunch on Valentine's Day, I came across these super cute and super easy heart shaped tortilla chips.  Cute...right?!  Better yet, they are not fried and chemicled up, they are baked in the oven.  I can't wait to surprise my girls with these heart chips!


    Heart Shaped Tortilla Chips

    Ingredients
    • Corn tortillas
    • olive oil
    • kosher salt

    Instructions
    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. Lay tortillas out and use a heart shape cookie cutter to cut shapes.
    3. Place on a cookie sheet.
    4. Sprinkle tortillas with salt.
    5. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
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    Posted by Wende at 12:00 AM 1 comments
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