On a roll.

So, this week I have been on a roll with cooking dinner.

We managed to eat out alot over the holidays so I was anxious to get back into some normalcy. 

Monday night was the National Championship, so we opted out of real dinner to enjoy football snacks. Congrats to the Tide, but let's just say I liked last year's winner a whole lot better. Ah, well, we win some, we lose some. War eagle.

Tuesday night I tried a new lasagna recipe that knocked my socks off. It was CRAZY simple and amazingly tasty. And Brian has mentioned how good it was at least 5 times since we sat down to enjoy the meal. (Go to the bottom of the post for the lasagna recipe!)

I won't deny it- I was tempted to go out Wednesday night. We were supposed to have crockpot chili, but I conveniently forgot to get the crockpot ready until about 2 (AKA naptime.) We had Bible study at 6, so it seemed like the best thing to do would be to grab something before we went, but instead I decided to try crockpot potatoes. Folks, this was the answer to all my potato woes. I wrapped my 2 clean, holy baked potatoes in aluminum foil, placed them in the crockpot on high, let them cook for about 3.5 hours and voila- done! Spread on the toppings and had a great dinner. I will never go back to potato confusion again. Ladies, you must try it.

Finally, the caramel to my apple.... Thursday night's meal. As I mentioned in my Football Friday posts, I really enjoying following Plain Chicken's blog... she has amazing recipes that are made with normal ingredients... I don't do fancy or over the top, so she is my recipe hero. A week or so ago she posted about her Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili. The recipe is so simple and the results were fantastic. I had never made a chicken chili before but will definitely make this deliciousness again. Heavenly.

Classic Lasagna with a Johnson twist
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef
2 1/2 c. Kraft Italian cheese
1 container of ricotta cheese
1/4 c. fresh parsley
1 egg
1 jar spaghetti sauce
12 lasagna noodles, uncooked

 Mix 1 1/4 c.  Italian cheeses, ricotta, parsley, and egg until well until blended, then set aside.
Brown meat and drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce. Add 1 cup of water to meat mixture. Stir until well blended.
In a 9x13 baking dish, layer 1 c. meat sauce, uncooked pasta shells, and cheese mixture. Top with another cup of meat sauce. Repeat with remaining noodles, meat sauce, and cheese.

Cover with fail and bake at 350* for 1 hour or until heated through. Remove the foil after 45 min. and finish cooking.


What are your favorite go-to meals for week nights? I would love some suggestions to keep this roll... rolling!

Strawberry Cupcakes

Happy Friday everyone!

Since I kind of dropped the ball on the Football Friday recipe last week, I decided to wrap up the series with one last recipe today. Auburn doesn't play tomorrow, but we do have plans to go to a baby shower tomorrow night. These strawberry cupcakes are pretty easy and are always a hit. They are the closest things I have found to a bakery strawberry cake- minus the $$. They are pink (obviously) so they are great to celebrate the birth of this little girl!

Strawberry Cupcakes

Ingredients

1 box white cake mix

1 (3 oz.) box strawberry jello

1 (16 oz.) box frozen sliced strawberries

1/2 c. vegetable oil

4 eggs

Mix cake mix and jello in mixing bowl. Put strawberries in food processor (or blender), reserving 3/4 c. for later use in icing. Add strawberries, oil, and eggs to cake and Jello mixture. Beat about 3 min. Bake at 350* for about 20 min. Cool in pans for 15 mins. Cupcakes should be completely cool before icing.

Icing

11/2 box of confectioners' sugar, sifted

3/4 c. strawberries that have been reserved

3/4 stick margarine, melted

Beat to consistency to spread. 

Have a wonderful weekend my friends!

Dare to... Bake Cookies!

This week's Dare to DIY challenge is dare to... bake cookies!

I adore baking... whether it is cookies, cupcakes, cakes, pies, or bread, I find it calming and enjoyable and love to taste the product :) 

My cookie recipe this week is Mexican Wedding Cookies. 

When I was in elementary school I took Spanish and each year we celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a big fiesta. We had tacos for lunch, worked for weeks to make our own pinatas, and then had a blast. Since I went to a small private school, the parents baked cookies for the entire student body. My elementary self didn't realize what a commitment that was, so I volunteered my mom and thus got one of our favorite cookie recipes of all time.

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Ingredients

1 c. soft butter

1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 t. vanilla

2 1/4 c. flour

1/4 t. salt

3/4 c. chopped nuts (We usually use pecans.)

Mix the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together. Stir in the flour and salt. Add the chopped nuts. Chill dough for at least an hour to firm.

(I let my dough chill for a little too long, so it was too hard to form into balls- if this happens, just pop it in the microwave so the butter can re-soften.)

Rolls dough into 1 in. balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350* until set, not brown. (This took about 13-15 min.) While warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar. Once they cool, roll in powderered sugar again.

Enjoy!

Football Friday- Spinach Dip

Happy Friday friends!

Today's Football Friday recipe is a fabulous spinach artichoke dip recipe I got from my good friend Ashley a year or two ago. It's delicious and is good for any football game or party.

Tomorrow Auburn is playing the Samford Bulldogs in our homecoming game! War Eagle!!

Choke the Bulldogs Spinach Dip

Ingredients

8 oz. sour cream

8 oz. cream cheese

2 pkgs. chopped, frozen spinach

1 can chopped artichoke hearts

1/2 onion chopped

1/2 stick of butter

8 oz. monterey jack cheese shredded

Dash of red pepper

Cook the spinach according to the directions. Drain and pat dry with paper towels. Sauté onions in butter. Mix all the ingredients and put in a 9x13 dish. Bake at 350* for 20 min.

Football Friday- Saltine Toffee

It's Football Friday everyone!

Last week was Auburn's bye week, so I took a week off as well, but I am back today with a scrumptious sweet treat!

I got this recipe from last year's Gifted event. Part of the event included a desserts section where women within the ministry provided a favorite recipe and shared it at the event. Because I was running around like a crazy person, I was only able to try a tiny bit, but grabbed the recipe and have been itching to make it ever since. It is the perfect sweet snack for watching a football game, but would also be great to wrap in a cute box or jar and give for a Christmas gift. It is really easy and only takes about 10 min. to prepare which makes it even better!

Auburn plays the Georgia Bulldogs tomorrow at 2:30! We will be enjoying this treat and hopefully cheering our team to victory!

Tousle the Bulldogs Saltine Toffee

Ingredients

1 1/2 to 2 sleeves saltine crackers

2 sticks butter

1 c. brown sugar

16 oz. bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 c. finely chopped pecans

Cover a large cookie sheet with foil and spray with Pam. Cover pan completely with Saltine crackers in a single layer. Break crackers if needed to fill in around the edges of the pan. Simmer butter and brown sugar in a saucepan on medium-low heat for 5-7 min, stirring constantly. Mixture should be foamy. Drizzle the sugar mixture over saltines, covering well, and bake at 350* for 10 min. Remove from oven. Pour chocolate chips evenly on top and spread while they melt. Sprinkle with pecans. Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Enjoy!

Don't forget to sign up for my giveaway! I will be drawing a winner on Monday and would love for you to win! :)

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!!

In honor of the day, I am sharing my Snowy White Owl Cupcakes. 

They are a variation of the Owl cupcakes from Pinterest, but when I started thinking about them, I realized two things...

 #1- I don't like chocolate icing

 #2- the only owl I truly care about is a snowy white owl that became one of Harry's best friends in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone- Hedwig!

These were a super quick treat. I used chocolate cake mix and a can of white icing. Crack open some Oreos (the hardest part.. it's so difficult to get the icing to separate smoothly!), place brown M&Ms in the middle, and finish with a piece of candy corn! We brought some to a party on Friday night and plan to bring the rest to a party tonight- so much fun!

Speaking of candy corn...

Isn't my little piece of candy corn adorable? :)

Happy Halloween friends! Have a spoooooooky day!

Football Friday- Peanut Butter Cupcakes, plus an extra!

Happy Friday everyone!

I hope you have had a fabulous week!

Today's football Friday recipe is a new one for me- I found it in a cookbook and couldn't wait to try it for the Auburn vs. Ole Miss game. Since Ole Miss's coach is Houston Nutt, PeaNUT butter seemed an important ingredient! They are delicious!

Feeling Nutty? Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Ingredients (For cupcakes)

1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
11/2 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
2 t. baking powder
2/3 c. milk
1 t. vanilla

Cream shortening, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Add eggs and beat well. In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder. Add milk and vanilla. Combine shortening and flour mixtures. Pour into 12 sectioned cupcake pan. Bake for 25 min. at 350*.

Icing

1 stick butter

1/2 c. peanut butter

6 t. milk

1 lb. powdered sugar

Bring butter, peanut butter and milk to a boil in a saucepan. Add powdered sugar. Spoon mixture over cupcakes.

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, we are headed to Auburn tomorrow for some tailgating with our families- I can not wait!!! I plan to bring these scrumptious cupcakes and some fabulous looking Sourdough Bacon Cheddar Pulls to enjoy while we are down there. Here is the recipe for the pulls from Plain Chicken- such a great blog!

Pull Their Tails Bacon Cheddar Pulls

via Plain Chicken

Ingredients

Sour dough bread

6-12 oz. cheddar cheese

3 oz. real bacon bits

1/2 c. butter, melted

1 T. ranch dressing mix

Cut the bread going both directions. Place the slices of cheese between each cut. Sprinkle baking bits on bread, making sure to get between the cut. Mix the butter and ranch dressing mix. Pour over bread. Wrap in foil and bake at 350* for 15 min. Continue baking until cheese is melted.

Have a great Friday everyone!

Football Friday- Caramel Brownies

Happy Friday everyone!

This week's football Friday recipe is another classic in my family. My mom doesn't like chocolate, so this was a great dessert that EVERYONE could enjoy. It is so tasty and is a nice change of pace from some of the ordinary brownie recipes.

Tomorrow, Auburn is playing #1 ranked LSU at Tiger Stadium. As a former member of the Auburn Marching Band, I still remember driving onto campus in Baton Rouge in our buses and seeing every LSU middle finger up, including those of toddlers and senior citizens. They are serious about their football. All I know is that our team keeps making gains every week so we can hope for the best! War Eagle!!

Cream the Cajuns Caramel Brownies

Ingredients

2 sticks soft butter

2 eggs

2 t. vanilla

2 c. light brown sugar

2 c. self-rising flour

2 c. nuts (optional, but I love them with pecans!)

Cream the butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, flour, and nuts. Bake at 350* for 25 min in a 9x13 dish.

Delicious!

Have a super night!

Football Friday- Candy Corn Bark

Happy Football Friday guys!!

I found today's recipe through Pinterest- aaaahhh what I ever did without it :)

This candy corn bark is a fabulous treat for those October football games! I actually made this for a high school tailgate  (Hoover vs. Vestavia Hills High- Go Bucs!) with my Sunday School class tonight and everyone really enjoyed it. Because of my sweet little darling, we didn't stay for the game, but really enjoyed hanging out with friends leading up to the game.

As a Hoover alum, I had to dress up with my precious little girl- I kind of love that we are matching here!

Auburn plays Florida tomorrow at home. We generally have a good track record with beating Florida, but there is no telling this year. Hopefully this treat will *scare* the Gators off!

Spook the Gators (or Rebels!) Candy Corn Bark

(As found on The Girl Who Ate Everything)

Ingredients

Broken up Oreos (I used about 15)

Candy corn

Broken up pretzels

16 oz. almond bark or white chocolate (I actually used an 11 oz. bag of white chocolate chips which seemed to work okay)

Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Spread broken up Oreos, pretzels, and candy corn over the sheet in a thin layer. Melt the white chocolate in short increments in the microwave on 50% power. Stir until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the candy corn mixture and spread so that it covers the mix. Place tray in the refrigerator until firm. Remove, break into small pieces, and enjoy!!

Have a great night friends!

Football Friday- Cheese Cookies

Happy Football Friday everyone!

I don't know about you, but I adore cheese straws. That cheese with a little bit of spice is a definite weakness of mine- but at the cheapest price of $6.99 for a little bitty bag, they are not something I am able to enjoy often. When I was growing up, my mom used to make cheese cookies. They are a lot like cheese straws, but wayyy less expensive. They are the perfect addition to a shower or party, but also a great tailgating food!! We will be enjoying them as we watch Auburn play the Arkansas Razorbacks tomorrow!

Grate the Razorbacks Cheese Cookies

Ingredients

1 1/2 sticks butter

2 c. plain flour

2 c. sharp cheddar cheese

1 c. rice krispies

Dash of cayenne pepper

Mix thoroughly and roll into balls. Press with fork and sprinkle with cayenne for additional kick! Bake at 350* for 18-20 minutes.

Source

Football Friday- Bruschetta

Happy Football Friday everyone!

Today's Football Friday post is a newer favorite of ours. Bruschetta is such a tasty treat and offers good variety from traditional salsa. My mom made this recipe last April for my dad's birthday and Brian and I couldn't stop eating it!
So in honor of Auburn's game against the Florida Atlantic Owls (hehe) tomorrow....

Brush off the Owls Bruschetta

Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs. tomatoes
2 T. finely chopped red onions
2 cloves minced garlic
1/4 c. chopped fresh basil
2 t. red wine vinegar
3 T. extra virgin olive oil
Salt and Pepper
Parmesan shavings
Toasted crusty bread

Cut tomatoes in half, squeeze out seeds and excess juice.
Dice tomatoes and place in a bowl. Add onions, garlic, basil, vinegar, olive oil, and salt. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour.

Brush toasted bread lightly with olive oil. Scoop tomato mixture onto the bread and sprinkle with shaved parmesan. Enjoy!!

Football Friday- Dessert Squares

Happy Friday ya'll!

This Football Friday dessert is a favorite of mine from growing up. It was always my dessert request and continues to be so even today. These treats are easy and delicious! They are perfect for a tailgate, for a football party, or for simply indulging in a sweet temptation! Auburn plays Clemson tomorrow at 11:00 so I am bringing these babies out for our football fun!

Dessert the (Clemson) Tigers Squares

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix

3 eggs

1 stick of melted butter

8 oz. package of cream cheese

1/4 t. vanilla

1 box confectionary sugar

Mix the cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter and pack into a 9x13 pan.

In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, vanilla, 2 eggs, and confectionary sugar. Spread on top of the cake mixture. Bake at 325* for 35-40 min.

To add a bit of school spirit, I used gel food coloring to dye my dessert squares orange, then added blue sprinkles. It took quite a bit of orange food coloring, so if you try this, beware!!

Have a great weekend!

Football Friday- Oatmeal Cream Pies

Happy Game Day everyone! Next week's Football Friday will actually occur on Friday- Enjoy the recipe for the week! 

Today's Football Friday post is inspired from Brian! My husband adores the store-bought oatmeal cream pies. When my mom came home from Atlanta with a dozen bakery style OCP's, I decided I must try them myself. The recipe came from one of our good family friends, Mrs. Treva. They are delicious!

 Cream the Aggies Oatmeal Cream Pies

Ingredients

Cookies

1 c. butter

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. granulated sugar

1 T. molasses

1 t. vanilla

2 eggs

1 1/2 c. flour

1/2 t. salt

1 t. baking soda

1/4 t. cinnamon

1 1/2 c. of quick oats (At least 1 1/2 cups- less makes cookies a little runny)

Cream

2 t. very hot water
1/4 t. salt

7 oz. jar of marshmallow creme 

1/2 c. butter

1/3 c. powdered sugar

1/2 t. vanilla

In a large bowl, beat the margarine, brown sugar, granulated sugar, molasses, vanilla, and eggs. Add flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Mix in the oats. Place dough on a parchment lined cookies sheet (***We tried these on a plain cookie sheet, a parchment lined sheet, and a Pampered chef baking stone and they had the best consistency and fullness using the parchment paper). Bake at 350* for 8-10 minutes. (Don't let them get crunchy!!)

Once the cookies have cooled, combine the hot water with the salt and mix until the salt dissolves. In a large bowl, beat the marshmallow cream with the Crisco. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat on high until creamy. Add in the salt water and mix until well combined.

Spread the filling on a cookie, then top with another.

We had a bit of the cream left, so I made football laces to add to the fun! 

Happy Friday everyone!

Feeling a bit sour.... dough....

Last week, my friend Ashley's mom gave me some of her delicious sourdough bread starter and taught me how to make it. Though I went home with loaves last week, it was really her doing- they were incredible!!

This week, it was time for me to start the process on my own! I was so nervous!

First I fed the starter... then waited 12 hours.

Next I created the dough... then waited 12 more hours.

After 24 hours, I finally got out the camera :) 

Here is the dough after it had risen.

I then separated the dough into three loaves. Clearly they were not even.... I will be more careful next time- I was just so nervous!

After dividing into loaves, I had to wait 8 more hours. 

Here are the risen loaves...

Then I finally got to bake!!!

25-30 minutes at 350* and I got these beauties!!

For a closer look...

And not only were the pretty, they were scrumptious!!!!

It is quite a process, but I must say, grilled cheese on sourdough bread will make your life better. 

You must believe me.

My next take will be in the middle of next week... we are hoping we have a major interruption this week, so we will see how it goes, but my first attempt was a success!

Happy Hump Day!

Football Friday- Cinnamon Blueberry Muffins

As those of you who have been around for more than 9 months know, I *love* Auburn football. I met my husband in Auburn, I met many of my best friends in Auburn, I was a member of the Auburn Flag Line and was therefore part of the Auburn band, I graduated from Auburn, and I truly believe that to be in Auburn, AL on a fall Saturday is one of the best ways to spend a day.

This football season I am excited to introduce a new weekly series to my blog called Football Friday. This is a chance for me to share various recipes that I have found in a cookbook, on a blog, or (of course) on Pinterest, that would be great for tailgating or simply watching the big game on TV. Some of these recipes are old faithfuls while others are new and are meant to add a fun spark to the week. 

So, in honor of being a week and a day from football season, I bring you my first Football Friday recipe!

Don't be BLUE, Football Season is a Week Away Blueberry Muffins

(Okay, super long name, but so appropriate, right?)

Ingredients-

Muffins

1 1/2 c. all purpose flour

3/4 c. White sugar

1/2 t. salt

2 t. baking powder

1 egg

1/3 c. vegetable oil

1/3 c. milk

1 c. fresh or frozen blueberries

Topping

1/2 c. white sugar

1/3 c. all purpose flour

1/4 c. butter

1 1/2 t. cinnamon

Muffins

Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Place vegetable oil in a one cup measuring cup and add the egg and enough milk to fill to the top. Mix the flour mixture with the vegetable oil mixture. Fold in the blueberries. Fill muffin tins 3/4 of the way full.

Topping

Mix together sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping on the uncooked muffins.

Bake at 400* for 20-25 minutes or until done.

I got this recipe from a mom in my class two years ago. They are absolutely delicious and freeze really well. Auburn kicks off at 11:00 next Saturday so this would be the perfect treat for before the game!

I don't have pictures today, but I plan to have them for future recipes :)

Have a super Friday friends!

Mint Chocolate Delights

I have a tendency to overlook recipes on the back of packets- but they are always so good! 

Last Christmas, Brian and I had this delicious chocolatey dessert at a party and sought to find the mint chocolate chips to make them ourselves. We searched for awhile and finally found them at Target. I bought several bags and put them in the freezer so we could have them through the year. They are awesome and taste very similar to Thin Mints.

Brian has been requesting the cookies for awhile, but I have been reluctant to make them because of the amount of cocoa powder in the recipe. Last night, I had the girls from our Sunday School class over for Bible study. Brian had a day trip to Mobile and back so I thought this would be a nice surprise for him after a long day and a good treat for the girls at Bible study. 

As I mentioned, the chips were pretty hard to find. We found ours at Target, so keep your eyes peeled if you like mint chocolatey goodness!

Mint Chocolate Delights

(From the back of the Nestle Dark Chocolate and Mint Morsels Package)

Ingredients-

2 c. all purpose flour

2/3 c. Baking cocoa

1 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

1 c. (2 sticks) butter softened

2/3 c. sugar

2/3 c. packed brown sugar

1 t. vanilla extract

2 large eggs

Full package of Nestle Dark Chocolate and Mint Morsels

Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. Beat butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in a large bowl and mix until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in mint chocolate morsels. Drop by well-rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. 

Bake at 325* for 11 to 13 minutes. 

*Best served with milk*

Happy Hump Day friends!

4th of July Baking

Due to my new change in eating habits, there has not been a lot of baking happening in the Johnson household recently. And honestly that has been okay, since my husband doesn't *love* cakey things and my waistline could certainly stand to do without... I tend to enjoy what he doesn't eat- eek!

But with the 4th of July and this glorious time to celebrate our country's freedom, I have had the opportunity to bake!

Pinterest has quickly become my new obsession. Using this wonderful tool, I have finished the art in the nursery, planned food for our church's Christmas event, and come up with a lot of fun household projects! (Actually, I might be the only person who thinks they are fun.. Brian, who does the physical labor, might not agree :) )

I have also found some delicious recipes for a baking extravaganza!

Last night, we had so much fun at a swim party with our Sunday School class. Since it was later in the evening, we just brought desserts and enjoyed a little bit of cooler air. I found this recipe and was dying to try it out. Who doesn't love smores!? 

Image

Here is the recipe from Lovin' From the Oven

They flew off the plate! My husband, the same one who doesn't really like baked goods, enjoyed at least 3, and that was a much smaller number than many of the guys at the party. I am talking a seriously tasty treat.

Image

My next project is Red Velvet Brownies with White Chocolate Buttercream from Smells Like Home. Since I haven't actually baked these yet, I will warn you that the ingredients are kind of expensive and I am fully expecting a hot mess from the food coloring, but I believe in my heart that it will be well worth the money and messiness! My mom used to make Red Velvet Cake every year for Valentine's Day and often my birthday. I *love* it and can't wait to whip up this variation!

Finally, I needed a non-chocolate treat for the non-chocolate fans, so I went to an old faithful. When I was a senior at Auburn, the band did a fundraiser and created cookbooks with favorite recipes of different band members.  Since then, I have gone to that cookbook a million times for some of my favorite recipes! One of those recipes is Cake Mix Cookies. *YUM!* They are SUPER easy and take no time at all! The best part is that you can use different cake mixes to create different flavors.

Cake Mix Cookies

Ingredients

 1 box of cake mix (I used Strawberry this time, but Funfetti is delish too)

2 eggs

1/2 c. vegetable oil

Mix ingredients and spoon into greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350* for 10 to 12 minutes. When cookies have cooled, top with icing (either homemade or store bought!)

Happy 4th of July everyone!

Praise the Lord for our freedom and our great country!

Yummy and Delicious Caramel Corn

Last fall I started teaching at my small K-6 elementary school. It is the kind of community you dream of putting your children in- people are tight knit, friendly, and take care of each other.

And MAN, they put on a good party. Whether it is the Fall Festival, the bookfair, or just a small Halloween celebration, the parents fully invest.

At the fall festival last year, I was first introduced to homemade caramel corn. The mom who made it sold

it at the bake sale, but I was lucky enough to be friends with her child's teacher, so I got some of the stock that went specifically to her.

I then RAN down to the bake sale to buy my own.

They were sold out.

I went back to the bake sale this year and they were sold out again.

Woe is me.

Since last Fall, I have been looking for a caramel corn recipe that will allow me to actually get the caramel corn, rather than run around the school LOOKING for the caramel corn.

As I was link hopping this morning, I found Our Best Bites. After following some of the posts, I found this recipe for Caramel Corn. Brian and I immediately tried and the recipe and WOW- it is incredible. And just like the caramel corn at my school.

If you like caramel corn, you have to check it out. It is super easy and so delicious. I'm thinking Christmas gifts and Christmas parties. And movie night and road trip snacks and Tuesdays, just for the fun of it.

Sunday Morning Breakfast

Every month or so, Brian and I are signed up to take breakfast for our Sunday School class. We sign-up pretty far in advance, so when the time comes to bring breakfast, we normally remember at 11:30 the Saturday night before, or worse, 7:30 the morning of. When we finally realize we need to bring breakfast, it is too late to shop, so we end up at Krispy Kreme, spending WAY more than we need to.

Today was our day and we were determined to not fall into the same rut.

My mom had mentioned a good casserolish bfast that would be great, so I got it from her yesterday.

Folks, it was *AWESOME* We made two 9x13s and came home with NoThInG. I was kind of hoping for some left overs for the week, but no such luck. That's okay though! It was scrumptious!

Need a good breakfast recipe? Try this out! :)

Sausage and Cheese Crescent Squares

Ingredients

2 cans Pillsbury Refridgerated Crescent Dinner Rolls

1 lb. hot or mild bulk pork sausage (Since we made a double batch, we mixed hot and mild- it was the perfect spicyness)

1 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese

8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Cayenne pepper

Heat the oven to 375*. Unroll 1 can of dough into a long rectangles. Place in ungreased 13 by 9 in glass baking dish; press over bottom and 1/2 in. up on the side to form a crust. Brown sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Remove sausage from skillet; discard drippings. Add cream cheese to same skillet. Cook over low heat until melted. Add cooked sausage and stir to coat. Spoon evenly over the crust in the baking dish. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Unroll the second can of dough on work surface. Press to form a 9x13 rectangle. Carefully place over the cheese. Sprinkle cayenne on top by preference.

Bake at 375* for 21 to 26 minutes. Cool 15 minutes before cutting into squares.

Have a blessed Sunday my friends!

Cupcakes from another planet

Today my class has their compliment party. Long story short, part of my behavior plan is to add a compliment link to the chain each time they get a compliment- either from me or from someone else. I hang the chain from the ceiling and when it hits the floor, we have a party. After a long list of ideas from the students, including a *beach day, where we use hoses and bring sprinklers and play outside- ha!* and *I don't know, you could bring balloons and everyone could have a balloon (?),* we finally settled on a special snack made by yours truly and a movie/ free reading extravaganza. The students brought their sleeping bag, pillow, and a favorite stuffed animal and found a comfy place in the room to enjoy their book and movie.

I found this cupcake idea here and knew I had to try it out for the special snack- it was way too easy and too cute to pass up. I had a blast making them and the class loved them! It makes me want to throw a child's birthday party.

Anyone else have a great website with fun recipe/party ideas? Leave a comment, I would love to hear from you!

Have a blessed Wednesday night my friends!