Quick Grilled Pound Cake Dessert

1 bag of frozen berries (the one I used was Walmart's Great Value Berry Medley:: Strawberries, Blackberries, Blackberries, & Red Raspberries) *Thawed*
 Vanilla Loaf Cake or Pound Cake
 Powdered Sugar Foreman Grill or a frying pan

Directions
  In a hot grill or pan grill/toast the cake 
Spoon thawed berries and some of the juice on the cake 
shake powdered sugar over top of the cake

 ENJOY!!
 

Easy Poultry Rolls

In this house we have a lot of different tastes, and we love Asian inspired poultry rolls.  That is one meal (or side dish) that we can all agree on...

For these you will need:

Rice Paper sheets

Bean Sprouts

Matchstix carrots

Sweet Chili Sauce

Chicken (cooked and cubed)

*OPTIONAL*

Plastic canvas circles (like these)

Now onto the making of these awesome things!!

Mix the chicken and sweet chili sauce together

Place the rice paper on a plate or the canvas and soak in water for a few seconds

When the rice paper gets softened place about 4-6 chunks of chicken, some bean sprouts, and some carrots on the wrap.

Wrap and roll like it’s a burrito. Let it sit and dry for a few minutes.

ENJOY!!

WIW-Cinnamon Rolls

Welcome to my Waffle Iron Wednesday new series! Today I'm going make cinnamon rolls on the waffle iron, these are my new favorite, and they only take about two minutes.

My daughter LOVES these cooked like this...

Things you will need:
A waffle iron
At least 1 can of cinnamon rolls (I always cook 2)

Oil (to spread on the iron) or oil spray (my recipe coming soon!)

First make sure your waffle iron is hot and ready to cook on... (mine lights up when its ready)

Place the cinnamon rolls on the iron and close and cook for about 2 mins.

While they are cooking warm the icing in the microwave in a small bowl

After you get the cinnamon rolls off the iron drizzle icing over the rolls and enjoy!!

Mexican Rice (easy and yummy)

In our house Mexican food is one of our favorites, BUT, having a picky eater on my hands, **cough, my hubby, cough**, its hard to please everyone... I came across this recipe about a year ago and it's our favorite. ( I wish I remembered where I found it so I can give credit).

This is some of the easiest rice to know how to make and you can use different bouillon for different flavored rice.

For easy Mexican rice:

   About 1/4 cup tomato bouillon
   4 cups of water
   2 cups of standard rice (not instant or boil-a-bag)
**optional ingredients**
if adding any of these make sure they are cooked and add about 1/4-1/2 cup to taste.
   corn
   peas
   carrots

rinse the rice using a mesh-type strainer until the water runs clear.

whisk the water and the bouillon together to get it well mixed.

add rice.

bring rice to a boil

take it off of the heat and let it sit for 20 mins (do not lift the lid for the entire 20 mins)

the rice should be fluffy and moist.

Cream Biscuits

1 3/4 cups Self-Rising flour
1 cup heavy cream

Preheat oven to 450F degrees.  

Spray a baking sheet with a little nonstick cooking spray. (I prefer the baker’s kind with flour in it)

Measure out flour into a large bowl (don’t pack your measuring cup, scoop and swipe off excess flour).

Gradually stir in cream, making it a sticky dough.

Mix gently then turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface (use the self-rising flour).

(If dough is too sticky to handle, add just a sprinkling of self-rising flour to the top.)

Fold the dough two times. 

Press or roll dough gently to about a 1/2 inch thickness.

Take your biscuit cutter (or cookie cutter in my house) and begin to cut out biscuits as close together as possible, making sure you don’t twist your biscuit cutter when cutting them out. Just press down, and pull up for best results.

Place biscuits on baking sheet.

Place biscuits (on the middle rack) in preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until tops are golden brown. 

Enjoy!

Easy Vanilla and other Flavors Icing

1/2 cup butter, softened
4-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 to 6 tablespoons 2% milk

Directions

In a large bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy. 

Beat in the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve desired consistency. 

Yield: About 3 cups.

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for Easy Almond Frosting: 

Prepare as directed above, 

use 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon almond extract instead of the vanilla. 

Yield: about 3 cups.

Easy Chocolate Frosting: 

Prepare as directed above, 

except use 4 cups confectioners' sugar, 

1/2 cup baking cocoa and

 6-7 tablespoons milk. 

Yield: about 3 cups.

Easy Lemon Frosting: 

Prepare as directed above, 

except use 5-6 tablespoons lemon juice instead of the milk 

and 1 teaspoon grated peel. 

Yield: about 3 cups.

Easy Orange Frosting: 

Prepare as directed above, 

except use 5-6 tablespoons orange juice instead of the milk 

and add 1 teaspoon grated orange peel. 

Yield: about 3 cups.

Easy Peanut Butter Frosting: 

Prepare as directed above, 

except use 1/2 cup peanut butter instead of the butter 

and use 6-8 tablespoons milk. 

Yield: about 3 cups.

Easy Peppermint Frosting: 

Prepare as directed above, 

except use 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract instead of the vanilla. 

Yield: about 3 cups.

Cream Cheese Icing

1 cup powdered sugar
1 8oz packaged cream cheese
2 tablespoons margarine
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Mix all of the ingredients listed

Beat mixture and spread onto cooled cake. 

4 Cheese Stuffed Shells

12 oz box jumbo shells
24 oz pasta sauce
15 oz fat-free ricotta cheese
16 oz 1% low fat cottage cheese
1 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese
8 oz shredded fat free mozzarella
1 lb Turkey Sweet Italian Sausage, remove casings
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp Garlic seasoning

Pre-heat the oven to 350 and spread about 1/2 cup of the pasta sauce across the bottom of a 9 x 13 (or larger) baking dish

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package directions, drain and run cool water over them until they are cool enough to handle.

Place the uncooked sausage (now out of its casings) in a frying pan over medium-high heat and cook the meat while breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it is browned and cooked through and drain.

In a large bowl, mix the sausage, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, Garlic and  Italian seasonings and stir it until thoroughly combined. 

Spoon the mixture evenly into each pasta shell, placing the filled shells into the prepared baking dish.  

Spoon the sauce over the top of the shells and spread it out evenly. 

Sprinkle the Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the sauce.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through and cheese on top is melted and lightly browned.

To freeze:

Place stuffed shells separately on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours.  Remove from baking sheet, place in a freezer bag and label.

To cook frozen shells:

Place stuffed shells in baking dish and thaw in the fridge overnight.  

Spoon the sauce over the top of the shells and spread it out evenly. 

Sprinkle the Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the sauce. 

Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

Serving Size= 3 Shells

Approx= 12 servings

Points Plus value= 8 Points

Yummy Skinny Ranch

2 cups Dannon Oikos plain nonfat Greek yogurt (5.3 oz containers)
1 packet hidden valley ranch (dressing, not dip)
1/2 cup 1% milk

In a medium bowl whisk together the ingredients and chill for about an hour before serving. 

I really like this dressing, and its so much better for you then the store bought brands.

Oh and *sighs* hubby likes it too... and he is a *cough* brand-aholic. 

The only thing I haven't liked is John Stamos hasn't showed up... 

Serving Size= 2 TBSP
Approx= 25 servings
Points Plus value= 0 Points

Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt

Eggless Cookie Dough (link is below)
3 cups of Vanilla Yogurt
an air tight freezable bowl

After you have the cookie dough made stir in the yogurt until smooth.
once it is mixed really good close the lid and pop it in the freezer until frozen and enjoy!!


Eggless Cookie Dough

Eggless Cookie Dough

1 1/2 cups Unsalted Butter, Softened (1/2 cup)
1 1/2 cups Packed Dark Brown Sugar (1/2 cup)
3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup)
2 tablespoons Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons)
3 cups All-purpose Flour (1 cup)
3/4 teaspoon Baking Soda (1/4 teaspoons)
3/4 teaspoon Salt (1/4 teaspoons)
2 1/4 cups Chocolate Chips (3/4 cup)

In a mixing bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and beat until combined.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, soda and salt. Add the chocolate chips or chunks and stir.

Add the flour and chocolate mixture to butter mixture and fold in gently.

Place in a container and cover with lid. Freeze until set, preferably overnight.

All Purpose Cleaner Recipe

1 tsp. washing soda (make sure its washing soda... these packages can be tricky)
2 tsp. Borax
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 tsp. dish soap
2 cups hot water
empty spray bottle

Combine all ingredients in the empty spray bottle.
Shake gently to mix
You are good to go!!!

WARNING::: Be mindful of the containers you use to store this in as it can be tempting for small children, it is important that they know it is NOT food. Keep out of reach of children.

Glass & Window Cleaner

1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups warm water
empty spray bottle

Mix all ingredients together in the spray bottle. 
Shake it really good, and shake it before each use
You are good to go... 

 WARNING::: Be mindful of the containers you use to store this in as it can be tempting for small children, it is important that they know it is NOT food. Keep out of reach of children.

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda
1 Cup Kosher salt
10 packages unsweetened lemonade (citric acid)
An air tight container to store it in

Add everything to the container
Give it a quick stir to break up the clumps
Shake it until its all mixed up.

To Use:

Use 1 Tablespoons per load


WARNING::: Be mindful of the containers you use to store this in as it can be tempting for small children, it is important that they know it is NOT food. Keep out of reach of children.

Homemade Fabric Softener

2 cups hair conditioner, pick a scent you like (I used Green Apple)
3 cups white vinegar
6 cups hot water
a container to mix it in

Mix the ingredients together (all 3) in a large container or even a pitcher.

Stir it, don’t shake it, until it is all mixed together to a smooth consistency.

Use a  funnel to pour it into an old fabric softener jug or other jug you may have on hand.

Its good to go, just add about 1/4 cup to the fabric softener dispenser in your washer.


WARNING::: Be mindful of the containers you use to store this in as it can be tempting for small children, it is important that they know it is NOT food. Keep out of reach of children.

Homemade Laundry Soap (liquid)

4  Cups – hot tap water
1  Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup – Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
½ Cup Borax
5 gallon bucket (you can find them at lowes or other home improvement stores)
a BUNCH of empty clean containers (I used a large laundry jug and a few juice jugs)

(I have found all of the ingredients at my local Walmart, I am sure other grocery stores have them, I will post pictures soon of the ingredients)

Grate the bar of soap and add to saucepan with the water. Stiring continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of HOT tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)

Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.

Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)

Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads


WARNING::: Be mindful of the containers you use to store this in as it can be tempting for small children, it is important that they know it is NOT food. Keep out of reach of children.

Homemade Laundry Soap (powdered)

1 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (Not Baking Soda)
1 cup Borax
1 bar Fels-Naptha or1/2 bar of Zote Laundry Soap

1. Grate one bar of Fels-Naptha or 1/2 bar of Zote Laundry Soap using a cheese grater.
2. Next, add 1 cup of the Borax to the grated soap.

3. Add 1 cup of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda. (Don’t confuse this with baking soda, I did find mine at Wal-mart in the cleaning isle).
4. Place ingredients into a food processor (or blender) and pulse/grind for about a minute, or until it has the consistency of fine powder.
Store it in an air-tight container.

To Use:

Use 1-2 Tablespoons per load, it is safe for front-loading HE washers.

WARNING::: Be mindful of the containers you use to store this in as it can be tempting for small children, it is important that they know it is NOT food. Keep out of reach of children.

Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino

A Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino

Ingredients for Frappuccino:

⅔ cup double-strength regular or decaf coffee, chilled
⅔ cup (1%) low-fat milk
2 tablespoons caramel topping plus some for the topping
4 packages Splenda, Stevia, Equal or your favorite sugar substitute
2 teaspoons sugar
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2¾ cups ice
RediWhip or whipped cream

Instructions

1. Combine chilled coffee, milk, 2 tablespoons caramel topping, Splenda, sugar, vanilla and ice in a blender. Blend on high speed until ice is crushed and drink is smooth. Pour into 2 glasses.

2. Top each glass with 2 tablespoons whipped cream and drizzle about ¾ teaspoon caramel topping over each.

3. Serve at once with a straw, if desired

Makes 2-(12 oz) drinks

Southern Sweet Tea

3 Lipton family-size tea bags or 8 regular size tea bags
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
8 cups boiling water

Boil about 8 cups water.

Add the tea bags and steep for 3-5 minutes.

Mix concentrated hot tea with 1 3/4 cup sugar and stir well in tea pitcher.

Add cold water and stir to combine.

Fuzzy Navel

1 part peach schnapps
1 part orange juice
1 part lemonade or Vodka

Mix equal parts of each ingredient

in a highball glass, top with ice, and serve