15 Festive Christmas Cookie Ideas

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on Christmas Cookie Ideas.  Nothing says Christmas better than twinkling lights and a batch of homemade cookies.  I decided to do a round-up of festive, but flavorful Christmas cookie idea.  The goal was to look for cookies that were unique and would make a great gift or look festive on a party table.  I think all 15 Festive recipes will do just that.  

 

 

Christmas Cookie Ideas

 

 

Here’s a roundup on Christmas Cookie Ideas:

 

 

Christmas Cookie Ideas

 

Candle Cookies – First, these candle cookies will shine brightly on a Christmas dessert table.  Raw almonds, chocolate and wafers place this festive cookie on the list of of great Christmas cookie ideas.

 

 

A Rat King per se.  Additionally, these are a perfect Christmas cookies for The Nutcracker lover.  The Nutcracker just happens to be one of favorite ballets. Whether you display these cookies on a table or place them in a tin, the recipient will love them.  Add these to the top of your Christmas cookie ideas.

 

 

Ice Skate Cookies – Furthermore, sugar cookies, candy canes and icing help these sugar cookies come to life.  Figures 8, Death Spiral and Lay Back Spin are a few of the positions in this sport.  So, if you have a little ice skater or a big ice skater, fill a tin with these adorable cookies and they will love you for them.

Christmas Cookie Ideas

 

 

Snow Globes are a favorite Christmas decorating idea.  As a result, they also make an adorable and delicious cookie.  The Wilton Snowglobe Cookie Cutter will help make your task easier.  These cookies are a conversation piece for sure.

 

 

 

 

Another Christmas cookie idea is candy canes. Who doesn’t love Candy Canes?  They’re great in hot chocolate or with hot Chocolate.  Sugar Cookie dough, red food coloring gel and crushed peppermints will help bring this cookies to life.

 

 

 

 

A sure that Christmas is around the corner, is the sign of the Christmas tree.  Who said that it has to been the real thing, why not stacked sugar cookies.  Prepared sugar cookie dough, white icing and green sugar will get you on your way to making these great gifts.  These cookies should be somewhere on your list of Christmas cookie ideas for sure.

 

 

 

 

Sugar Cookie Snowmen  – The little guys are so cute, and sure to bring a smile to a little one’s face.  Gum drops, sugar cookie dough, and chocolate baking bites.

 

 

Christmas Cookie Ideas

 

 

One of the most exciting things about Christmas is the Christmas lights.  I could sit for hours watching them on my Christmas tree.  Why should be just stop with the lights on the tree?  Sugar cookies shaped into Christmas lights are sure to be mesmerizing too.

 

 

Christms Cookie Ideas

 

 

Next, who doesn’t love hot coco?  A hot coco cookie will make a cup of coco taste even better.  Marshmallows, candy cane and a cookie.  It’s perfect Christmas/winter treat.  Switch out the Christmas tree for snowman, and you make these after the holidays.

 

 

 

 

Rice Krispie Gingerbread Pops  – Nice twist on the gingerbread man.  Chewy and gooey chocolate rice krispie treats on a festive holiday stick.

 

 

Christmas Cookie Ideas

 

 

Polar Bear Cookies – These polar bear cookies not only look delicious, but they’re cute as a button.  They would be great for a Christmas treat or any time during the winter months.  So, have a little fun.  Whip up a few batches.

 

 

 

 

 

Marbled Cookie Cutouts –  How cool are these?  Sugar cookies dough, food coloring, and your favorite Christmas cookie cutters is what you need for these tri-colored sugar cookies.  Fun and festive.  Great project with the kids.

 

 

Christmas Cookie Ideas

 

 

Santa Hats – Santa Claus is Coming to Town.  As a result, this can a fun treat for Christmas eve.  Rice Krispy treats, buttercream frosting and food coloring are the stars.

 

 

Christmas Cookie Ideas

 

 

Also, Christmas Ornaments don’t have to just hang on the tree.  These cake balls covered with colored chocolate and sprinkles are the perfect snacks for the holidays.  So place a few in a gift bag or mason jar and finish it with a pretty bow.

 

 

 

 

Additionally, Christmas Wreaths are great snacks too.  Your best sugar cookie recipe, a round cookie cutter, icing bags and tips and you’re on your way.

Last, we hope that you found a few of our Christmas cookies ideas irresistible, and you will be making a few batches for the holidays.  Finally, we Wish a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

 

12 Side Dish Ideas for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving side dish ideas

Nantucket Corn Pudding

First, I love corn pudding.  It’s always a favorite on the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner table.  Also, the ingredients are simple, and the end result is a delicious treat that is even better the next day.


Sweet Potato Casserole

 

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

I use Yukon Gold for my mashed potatoes, however I do love red potatoes.  This recipe leaves the skin on the potatoes and calls for roasted garlic.  I also like the fact that you can put them in the crock pot and let me cook while you’re preparing other dishes.  This looks like a creamy and yummy dish that is sure to be a hit.

 

Scalloped Potato Roast

Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

 

Beautiful dishes always awaken the taste buds.  This scalloped potato roast should be a side dish on your table.  Rosemary and garlic are the stars!

 

Parmesan Corn on the Cob

Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

Who doesn’t love corn on the cob.  Especially, when it’s enhanced with parmesan cheese and herbs.  Place the ears of corn in the oven and make them a Thanksgiving side dish.

 

Southern Macaroni and Cheese

Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

I love the southern style version of mac and cheese versus the creamy.  I guess it’s a personal preference, however,  I will eat both.  This recipe calls for Gouda cheese, but you can use your favorite whatever that may be.

 

Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

Nice idea if you’re looking for a replacement or an addition to mashed potatoes on the dinner table.

 

Almond and Cranberry Slaw

Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas
This is a nice twist on your usual slaw.  It’s perfect for your vegan guests too.  Almonds and dried cranberries are the stars in this dish.

 

Southern Style Green Beans

Thanksgiving side dish ideas
These green beans are cooked just like my grandma’s.  The beans are brought fresh and snapped just before they are placed in the pot. They are than slowly cooked for hours so the bacon and seasonings can mix.  Always a hit at the dinner table.

 

                                                                                            Deviled Eggs

Thanksgiving side dish ideas

 

Deviled eggs are always a hit in my house.  I love the sprinkled chives and the dash of paprika on this dish.

 

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussel Sprouts 

Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas
There’s not many Brussel Sprout lovers in my family, but there are a few.  Bread crumbs and parmesan cheese take these “little cabbages” as my daughter used to call them when she was little to a new level.  What’s even better, they’re ready in 30 minutes.

Cauliflower Gratin 

Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

Last, I love cauliflower, raw or cooked.  It’s one of my favorite veggies to use with dip and one of my favorite veggies with cheese.  Furthermore, it’s a nice change from the regular peas, carrots, and green beans too.

Finally, we hope you found a recipe or two Thanksgiving side dish ideas that you would like to try.  You may also like 18 Tips and Tricks for a Kid’s Thanksgiving Table.

9 Halloween Drinks for Kids

Halloween Drink Ideas

Having a Halloween party or just want to treat the kids?  Serve a few of these Halloween drinks for kids.  Some are funny, some spooky, some creamy and some healthy.

 

Halloween Monster Floats

This drink is sure to bring shrills, thrills, and giggles.  Eyeballs, ears, and fangs. It’s scary good.  And, it only uses 3 ingredients: 7UP, lime sherbet, and ginger ale.  I purchased the body parts from Amazon.

 

Monster Hot Chocolate

Halloween Drinks for Kids

Perfect drink to take the chill off on the upcoming fall and winter nights.  Green is the name of the game in this monster cup of hot chocolate.  Thick, creamy and fun.

 

 Apple Monsters

Halloween drink ideas
Apple and apple juice are the stars in this drink.  There’s no recipe, this picture was Pinned from Pottery Barn. This is a great menu idea for my artistic followers.  Peel and carve monster faces on the applies.  Place in a see through container and fill with apple juice.  Enjoy!

 

Water Jack-O-Lanterns

Halloween drink ideas
My grandchildren love water, so this would be perfect in my home.  They would drink every bottle.  If you have kids that are involved in sports or having a party, this would be a great option.  It’s also a great option for those who like clear liquids or not wanting a sugary drink.  Find a template or get creative, remove the labels on the bottles and draw faces on the bottles.

                                                                                             Frankenstein Potion

Halloween drink ideas

 

 

Spooky Fog Drinks

Halloween Drink Ideas

 

Dry ice is the key to making this Spooky Foggy Drink.  This drink is sure to bring lots of awes!

 

VooDoo Punch

Halloween Drink Ideas

 

A Syringe of VooDoo Poison in a glass of Punch is the perfect drink for a Halloween party or for a Who Done It dinner.  Who will end up with the poisoned glass of punch?

 

Halloween Party Drinks

Halloween Drink Ideas

 

Purchase a piece of black vinyl and cut out faces for the bottles.  You can find the bottles here.

 

Mad Scientist Halloween Drink

Halloween Drink Ideas

 

We hope you enjoyed our selection of Halloween drinks for kids, and will whip a few for your party or a treat for the kids.  You may also like 9 Halloween Food Ideas for Kids.

5 Free Fruit Recipes for Kids

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on fruit recipes for kids.  Not only is fruit healthy, it’s also tasty and versatile. There are sweet fruits, tangy fruits, fleshy and juicy fruits and everything in between. As a parent, your appreciation for fruits rises, but chances are you weren’t really a ‘fruit craving’ kid either.  I have found that if you make food fun, kids will be more receptive to eating it.

 

fruit recipes for kids

 

 

 

Five Fruit Recipes for Kids:

 

  1. Frozen Fruit Bark:

This recipe is yummy, healthy and more exciting than just eating fresh fruit with yogurt.

  • Take your favorite fruits such as a combination of strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, mango and a dried fruit of your choice.
  • Chop the ingredients in small pieces.
  • Layer plain or vanilla yogurt in a bowl.
  • Toss chopped fruits and nuts on top of the yogurt, and place them in a container in the freezer.

You can give frozen fruits as snacks to your kids before they head out to play or after they come home from school. Remember that fruits and nuts are packed with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that keep us thriving and energized. Don’t forget, the yogurt will give your family valuable protein, calcium, and potassium.

  1. Quick Banana split:

I can’t decide whether this recipe is more delicious or healthy because it serves both purposes so well. And it’s so simple and quick to prepare!

All you need is a banana, berries of your choice, chocolate chips, granola and your favorite fruit yogurt. I make this treat by slicing the banana in halves along their length first. Then I join the two halves using a few spoonsful of frozen strawberry yogurt. Last, I sprinkle raspberries, blackberries, granola and chocolate chips. Viola! Your snack is ready to serve in minutes!

It’s just like the original banana split without the ice cream or sugary dribbles of processed chocolate syrup. It’s packed with enough nutrition your body needs at a single meal which makes it perfect for breakfast.

  1. Rainbow Fruit Popsicles:

Who doesn’t love a cold Popsicle on a hot summer day? The kids can never say no to this mouthwatering delight.

  • Take a cup each of frozen strawberries and raspberries, and a medium-sized mango and 2 sliced Kiwis. Puree each of the fruits separately.  Use a little bit of water if needed.
  • Pour the first puree of your choice into the Popsicle mold. Place the container in the freezer while remaining ingredients are waiting in the fridge. Once the first puree is 70% set which will be in about 20 minutes, you can add the other pureed fruit and follow the same steps.
  • Remember, fruits can be poured in any order, and they don’t need to be frozen solid.  Just make sure that they are more frozen than watery so that the two purees don’t mix.
  • After pouring the last ingredient, freeze the popsicles for a few hours to set them rock hard. You can also add tiny fruit chunks, honey or lemon juice in any of the different rainbow layers to take it up a notch.

 

  1. Fruit Roll-ups:

I never knew I could do so many things with fruit until I came across Pinterest. This recipe is a unique and innovative way to use fruit. I love to make my Fruit Roll-ups with peaches, strawberries, blueberries and honey.

Usually, fruits are sweet enough, but I like to top the tanginess of the peach with the heavenly sweetness of honey. Plus, honey is super beneficial for our health too. Try to avoid refined white sugar. You can add more honey, cinnamon powder, vanilla or peppermint extract to give your roll up an extra edge.

Prepare your baking tray first. Grease the butter paper and pour the fruit puree spreading it evenly with a spatula. Also, keep it slightly away from the edges.

Set your oven to the lowest possible setting and check on the fruit after 6-8 hours. We are primarily trying to ‘dry the fruit’ and not cook it. You can roll, cut or use the fruit leather however you like. Lots of creative fruit roll up recipes can be found here.

 

  1. Fruit Jigglers:

It’s not just the kids, adults love Fruit Jigglers too. They are much healthier than packaged Jello.  Most importantly, there are no undesirable sugary ingredients.

  • You will need coconut manna, your favorite berries, and gelatin for this recipe. It is scrumptious while working or watching TV.
  • Next, blend your favorite berries with Coconut Manna, water and a pinch of sea salt. Take half a cup of the mixture and set it aside.
  • Heat the remaining mix in a pot and let it simmer for 5 minutes before turning the stove off.
  • Add gelatin to the mixture you set aside and stir thoroughly or whisk.
  • Slowly add the hot mixture to the cold mixture and keep whisking.  Blend the entire mixture in a food processor.
  • Last, pour the fruit mixture into ice cube trays and refrigerate for an hour. You can then enjoy fruit Jigglers with your kids. They are also the perfect finger food for babies 8 months and older.

 

You will find plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in fruit.  So, which of these healthy recipes would you try first?

 

 

30+ Rich and Delicious Hot Chocolate Recipes

 

Have the winter blues?  Get rid of your blues by whipping up a few of our delicious hot chocolate recipes.  They’re sure to warm you up on a cold winter day, and a great way to spend time with the kids.  Likewise, if you need a little alone time, curl up with a good book, a cup of hot chocolate topped with your favorite toppings and snuggle up in front of the fire.  So, get your taste buds ready.  We have hot chocolate recipes that are sure to kick your chocolate craving up a few notches:

Slow Cooker Caramel Hot Chocolate  – First, caramel ice cream topping is the star in this recipe.  Be sure to pick up a quart on your next trip to the grocery store.

Vampire Hot Chocolate – Red food coloring turns this cup of hot chocolate into a gory, delicious treat for the Vampire lover.

Elsa Hot Chocolate – How pretty is this?  White Chocolate Chips make this cup of hot chocolate decadent and delicious.  Top it with blue food coloring and thus we have a cup of Elsa!

Peppermint Snowman Marshmallow Hot Chocolate – Homemade peppermint snowman makes this cup of hot chocolate fun and delicious.

Olaf Hug Hot Vanilla Milk –  Royal blue food coloring and Wilton’s Sparkling Sprinkles turn this cup of milk into a delicious, warm Olaf Hug.

Unicorn Hot Chocolate – Do you have a girly girl?  She will love this cup of pink hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and yellow, blue and lots of other colored sprinkle.  Be sure to make a cup for her friends.

Mint White Hot Chocolate – Additionally, green food coloring, white chocolate chips and peppermint extract are the stars in this hot chocolate.

Monster Hot Chocolate – Royal Blue food coloring and a large marshmallow will turn this cup of hot chocolate into a scary monster.

Poplar Bear – This cup of hot chocolate is so cute.

Red Velvet Hot Chocolate – Chop white and dark chocolate.  Melt and mix together with whole milk.  Add red food coloring and Reddi-whip and you have this Red Velvet cup of deliciousness.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate – Pick up a jar of caramel sauce and you will have the star ingredient for this yummy treat.

Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate – Who doesn’t love peanut butter.  Kids and kids at heart love this rich, creamy concoction so much, it is now an ingredient

Slow Cooker Peppermint Mocha Snugglers –  If rich is your thing, you will love this Mocha Snugglers.  This recipe can be adapted for kids or adults.  Just add peppermint coffee creamer for the kids or espresso and schnapps for the adults.

Star Wars Yoda Mint Hot Chocolate Next, this drink is for our Star Wars fans. Garnishes will play a major role in creating this cup of hot chocolate.

Storm Trooper Hot Chocolate – Here’s another treat for the Star Wars fan.  Storm Trooper marshmallows.

Funfetti Hot Chocolate – Funfetti sprinkles, marshmallows, and cake mix are stars in this colorful and delicious treat.  It’s fit for a princess.

Gingerbread Hot Chocolate – Gingerbread and hot chocolate.  Need I say more.

Grinch Hot Chocolate – Please note, this is an adult recipe.  However, you can adapt it for the kids.  Simply leave out the alcohol.

Frozen Hot Chocolate – Yes, frozen even when it’s freezing outside.  Doesn’t it look delicious.

Hot Chocolate Float – Hot chocolate and ice cream make this float a special treat.

Hot Chocolate Mug Cake  – Unique idea, cake in a mug that tastes like hot chocolate.  Yum!

Hot Chocolate Sticks – Dip them in a cup of hot milk and stir until melted.

Marshmallow Snowman –  This little guy is so cute, and he will be delicious in a cup of hot chocolate.

Mickey Mouse Hot Chocolate – Of course, we couldn’t leave Mickey Mouse out. Everyone loves Mickey. Getting to eat him is a special treat.  Hot chocolate, mini doughnuts and whipped cream  topping making this a great treat for kids.

Healthy Hot Cocoa For Kids –  Again, we have a simple and easy recipe that uses 4 ingredients.  How easy is that.

Creamy Peppermint Hot Chocolate – Perfect for a wintry day with the kids.  Furthermore, this cup of goodness has bits of peppermint in a whipped cream topping.

Hot Chocolate Cookie Mugs – Of course spoon licking is allowed.  As a matter of fact, we suggest it.

Frozen Gingerbread Hot Chocolate –  Frozen or hot chocolate is good.  Gingerbread makes a nice companion too.

Frozen Hot Chocolate – Your only problem in creating this recipe will be deciding what toppings to use.  Not only can you use whipped cream, in opinion, walnuts, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, and sprinkles should be on the list.

Disneyland Hot Chocolate – Similarly made to the Olaf Hug.  Also, it’s another beautiful and delicious treat inspired by Disney.

Disneyland Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Topping –  A favorite from the Napa Rose Restaurant in the Grand Californian hotel at Disneyland.

Cookies and Cream – Equally delicious, and no doubt a favorite treat for the young and young at heart.  Just crush your favorite cookies, and add them to the hot chocolate.  You just created a yummy topping.

Peppermint White Chocolate – Of course crushed candy canes/peppermint sticks are the perfect garnish for this white hot chocolate.

Last, we hope that you found a few of our hot chocolate recipes got your mouth watering.  Finally, you may also like 22 Winter Crafts for Kids.

 

 

 

 

 

20+ Mouth Watering Game Day Dip Recipes –

Today, I’m sharing game day dip recipes.  My game day dip recipes will put your party over the goal line, and make make you the MVP of the game.  Dips whether hot or cold are always welcome at parties.  They can be prepared in crockpots, casserole dishes, serving bowls or in bread bowls.  Just serve them.

 

game day dip recipes

 

Game Day Dip Recipes:

 

 

 

game day recipes game day recipes

 

 

 

Vidalia Onion – This recipe uses sweet Vidalia onions in a creamy, cheese sauce.  Serve it with crusty bread or Bruschetta Toast.

Crockpot Zesty Corn – This recipe is for my heat and bacon lovers. Yep, you can use the entire pack and satisfy your love for jalapeno and chili craving.  It’s definitely good for a first down.

French Onion – Great for dipping chips.  This dip is made from fresh ingredients, no packets of mixes for this dish. This is a Blitz recipe.

Crack Dip – Ranch dressing, sour cream, bacon and cheddar cheese are the key ingredient to this creamy dip. Cut up those veggies, you will want to have plenty on hand to dip.

Best Dip for Doritos – Throw a Hail Mary!  This recipe uses simple ingredients and can be used with veggies, crackers or Doritos.

Creamy Avocado – This is a different version of Avocado.  It uses Greek Yogurt to give it a creamy texture.  Serve with Taquitos.  You can find them in the freezer section of your local market.

Amazing Avocado – My daughter is an Avocado lover.  Me not so much, but many of my friends are as well.  This recipe uses fresh ingredients and can be prepared in 15 minutes.  Just refrigerate so the flavors can jell before serving.

Spinach Dip – Unfortunately, the page leading to this spinach dip has a recipe other than the one shown.  No worries.  Try mine.

Texas Trash (Warm Bean Dip) – This bean dip is baked instead of using the stove top.  Serve with tortilla chips.

Philly Cheesesteak –  You will get the touch down signal for this dip.  Roast beef,  Land O’Lakes white American Cheese, and zesty Italian Dressing are a few ingredients that make this dip a hit.  Served with French Bread or raw veggies.

Mexican Spinach – Frozen spinach, jalapenos and lots of cheese are the star attractions in this dip.  Serve with Tostitos or Bruschetta toast.

Spicy Chicken Ranch Dip – Give the fans a little meat.  They’re hungering for a win, and this spicy dip served on chips should do the trick.

Jalapeno Cheddar Cheeseball  – The star in this dip is Pace® Picante Sauce.  What’s your heat, mild, medium or hot?  The hotter the better for me, but you decide.  Perfect with crackers or toast.

Low Carb Dill Cucumber –  You can score and help your friends stay on track with their weight goals with this low carb veggie dip.

Zesty Refried Beans – Refried black beans, salsa and Cantina Tortilla Chips will help you reach a 1st down.  Add a few chili or jalapeno peppers to help put some pep in your step.

Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip – Kick a field goal with this bacon, cheesy,  jalapeno dip.  Don’t like hot, adjust the recipe and leave out the jalapenos.

Bacon Jalapeno Corn Dip  – Yes, I love jalapenos.  However, I do leave them out of dishes that call for them at times.  Not everyone likes things hot.  Grab your cast iron skillet, bacon, corn, basil and cheese.  Don’t forget the toast and nachos.  Best served hot.

Ultimate Bean Dip –  Don’t get caught off-sides. Add this dish to game day menu. It requires 6 ingredients and 10 – 15 minutes to make. Serve with nachos or Fritos.

 

 

game day dip recipes

 

 

 

Football Bread Bowl – Perfect for game day.  A sour dough bread bowl filled with a delicious Queso Dip with a lines of crispy bacon.  Sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Cheesy Hamburger Dip – Who doesn’t love hamburger.  Hamburger, cheese, salsa and garlic.  Crusty bread, Fritos, or Bruschetta  Toast will be great for this meaty number.

Loaded Bake Potato –  Who has time for loaded baked potatoes on game day?  You can deliver the same flavor with this baked potato dip.  Serve with waffle potatoes or chips.

Blue Cheese –  Simple recipe with blue cheese crumbles are the star.  Perfect for those hot wings.

Joe’s Crab Shack Crab Dip – If you’re a crab lover, this recipe is sure to please.  Serve with Melba Toast.

Bacon Cheddar Cheeseball – Simple cheeseball with bacon or turkey bacon and pecans.  Allow the flavors to jell before serving.  If you’re allergic to nuts roll the cheeseball in bacon pieces instead.

You may also like Game Day Chicken Wing Recipes

 

 

 

Quick and Easy Potato Soup Recipe

 

potato soup recipe

 

Winter is around the corner, and that means soup and comfort food in my home.  Potato soup is one of my favorite soups.  It’s thick, creamy and hearty.  I especially love it on cold, snowy days.  The fireplace is blazing, the curtains are open displaying nature’s beauty and  I’m wrapped in sweats, flannel and socks.  Yep, that’s how I roll on cold snowy days.

My recipe is simple, but so delicious.  Here’s what you need:

  • 2.5 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 1 can of evaporated milk
  • 1 pint of heavy whipping cream
  • flour
  • butter
  • small onion
  • pepper
  • Salad Supreme
  • Lawry’s season salt

 

potato soup recipe

 

First, cut the potatoes into large cubes.  Dice the onion into small pieces.

Next, rinse the potatoes and add them along with the diced onion into a bowl.

Add three – four tablespoons of flour to the potatoes and onions.  Mix and coat the potatoes thoroughly.  Add salt and pepper to the mixture to taste.   Set the potatoes aside for 10 – 15 minutes.

 

potato soup recipe

 

Melt 2 – 3  tablespoons of butter in a large pot.  Once the butter has melted, toss the potatoes and onions with the melted butter as shown below.

 

potato soup recipe

 

Add water to the pot until the potatoes are barely covered.

Next, add the can of Evaporated milk and the pint of heavy whipping cream to the pot.

 

20161130_192014

 

Mix the potatoes, milk, and cream thoroughly in the pot.

Slowly add the Lawry’s Season Salt and Salad Supreme throughout the cooking process until you reach the desired taste.  (I also use Salad Supreme in my mashed potatoes and stuffing recipes too).  I love the stuff, lol.

Simmer for 30  – 45 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

 

potato soup

 

This potato soup recipe is a rich and decadent dish.  Personally, I think this dish tastes better after sitting for several hours or as leftovers the next day.  The flavors seem to melt together when it sits for awhile, creating a bowl of deliciousness.  Top with favorites like shredded cheese, chives, or bacon.  Hot buttered biscuits or rolls are the icing on the cake for potato soup recipe.  I hope you enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water Infused Drinks You and Your Kids Will Love

water infused drinks

 

Staying hydrated is super-important for adults and our kids.  Ensuring the family enjoys a healthy diet and exercise regularly can be a struggle.  Many drinks that are on the market are bad news for our health.   We feel guilty about giving them to our children.  However, when you’re on the move it can be easier to grab a soda or a sugary juice drink.  We think creating healthy drinks takes time and energy. 

However, putting together a tasty, nutritious and water infused drink can be quick and cheap.  Furthermore, having a pitcher already made in the fridge will save time.  Most importantly, it will always be on hand in a thirst emergency.  There are so many exciting water infused drinks you can create with fruit and spices.   As a result, every recipe you create will have its own hidden benefits.  Check out the water infused drinks in the infographic.  The next time you head to the grocery store, throw one or two extra items in your shopping basket.  Planning is key. 

How To Pimp Up a Glass Of Water

For example, adding a handful of fresh mint, a slice of lemon and a chamomile teabag into to a pitcher of cold water.  You will have a refreshing drink by afternoon.  By the evening it will be a calming treat to help prepare you for bed.   Next, watermelon and rosemary will help you rehydrate.  Also, this drink is great after a tough morning or afternoon workout.

Next, whatever the requirement or time of day there’s a recipe for you.  Get creative and try a few recipes.  Before you know it, you will be creating drinks that your kids will love.   Have a look at the recipes in this new infographic.  You’ll get an idea of what your family enjoys and what you enjoy., and you’ll be on your way to flavorsome rehydration today.  You may also like Water Infused Pitcher to help create healthy drinks that your kids will love.

[Infographic] from Budget Direct

30 Minute Meals For Busy Moms

30 minutes meals

Planning meals is not always doable.  Time gets away from us, especially when school is back in session.  Kids need to be chauffeured to activities, home work needs to be checked, and baths given before bed.  Somewhere in between we need to fix a hot, healthy and delicious meal.

The solution is 30 minute meals.  I use them on days that I have my grandchildren after school.  They’re also great on days that I pick my mom up from dialysis.  I feed her dinner on those days, and she likes to eat immediately after she gets home.

First, every family has picky eaters.  My granddaughter more so than my grandson, but both are picky.  Furthermore, fixing meals that everyone will enjoy is key.  So, I look for dishes where I can fix a salad and offer bread to make it filling.  As a result, this roundup offers a variety of dishes that include chicken, sausage, pasta, and ground beef.  These items are staples in my pantry and freezer.  I know that I can always find a recipe that calls for these ingredients. Place these items in your freezer and pantry for those days that times just happens to get away from you too.

Here’s a list of 30 minute meals in our roundup:

  • Baked Ziti – First, one pan is all that is needed for this recipe. My kind of meal.  Serve with a salad or green vegetable.
  • Tuna Melt – Next, perfect for days when the kids have afterschool activities.
  • Chicken Parmesan – Skinless chicken breasts are the star in this recipe.
  • Grilled Cheese Rollup – Additionally, this is a nice twist on a grilled cheese sandwich.  Serve with tomato soup.
  • Chicken Rollups –  Perfect meal with a salad or green vegetables.
  • Easy Stromboli – Put this recipe together and cook it within 30 minutes.  My grandchildren love Pepperoni Stromboli.
  • Creamy Ground Beef and Noodles –   I think this recipe will be approved by kids.
  • Garlic Broiled Drum Sticks – Drum sticks are one my grandchildren’s favorites.
  • Pizza Casserole – Who doesn’t love pizza?  This one just happens to be in a casserole dish.

30 minute meals

 

30 minute meals

Finally, these recipes will become you go to.  So, when you need a healthy and delicious meal go to your Pinterest Board and retrieve a recipe.  I’m going to try the grilled cheese roll-ups first.  How about you?

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Brownie Trifle Recipe

brownie trifle reipe

First, are you a dessert person?  Normally I am not.  However, when I entertain I like to have a fabulous dessert on hand.  So, finding a great trifle recipe goes to the top of my list. I’ve come to love trifles.  They’re easy to assemble and look great in Trifle dishes. This dessert ended differently from the way I originally planned.   Normally I use chocolate pudding, but time was not on my side so I skipped it.  Needless to say, I was worried about how it would turn out.  Thankfully, it turned out better than I expected.  As a result, I’m going to by-pass the pudding in this trifle recipe from this point on.

Here’s what you need:

  • 1 Trifle Bowl
  • 2 boxes of fudge style brownie mix
  • 2 containers of Cool Whip
  • Sliced Strawberries
Next, bake the brownies according to directions on the box.  However, you will need to allow them to cool completely.  I usually bake them the night before I assemble the trifle.  After the brownies have cooled, cut them into bite size squares. Layering is key to this dish. Place a layer of brownies on the bottom of the dish. Add a tablespoon of Cool Whip to the center of the brownies. Repeat this process.  Carefully spread the Cool Whip toward the edges.
Be careful with this step.  Most importantly, if the cool whip splashes against the sides of the dish it will affect the presentation.  Add more Cool Whip and spread toward the edges. Be generous with the Cool Whip. You want guest to have plenty with the brownies and strawberries.  Add sliced strawberries around the sides of the entire dish.
Add another layer of brownies, another layer of Cool Whip and strawberries. Top the dish off with Cool Whip and fresh strawberries as shown.
Last, this dish was devoured. I even had one guest say “you can keep the food, just pass me that dessert.” Make this Brownie Trifle your go to dessert. I promise, you won’t regret making this trifle recipe.  Finally, do you have a favorite dessert that you like to serve when entertaining or take to an office party?