Lucky Charm Treats

It's St. Patrick's Day!  Since we are stuck home today, thanks to the sudden snow storm passing over most of the Eastern U.S.; I thought I'd make a little holiday cheer for Owen.  Shamrocks, rainbows and green make up this day. Since we happen to have plenty of Lucky Charms cereal on hand; I thought what better way to celebrate than with some fun little cereal bars.  I made these just like I would traditional rice krispie treats but subbed out the cereal.  These would be a huge hit for a school function or a fun dessert.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter
6 cups miniature marshmallows
6 cups Lucky Charms cereal

In a large pot, melt down the butter.  Add in the marshmallows, stirring constantly until they fully melted and bubbly. Remove from the heat and stir in 6 cups of cereal.  Spread into a prepared 13x9 pan and press down till the bars have flattened.  Set aside to cool.  Cut into bars or punch out fun designs with cookie cutters.  Enjoy!

The Sisler's

Maggie and her family were great sports for me yesterday.  I did my first photo shoot, out in the trees, with someone other than my children.  Her husband is also a military recruiter so it was a lot of fun doing some pictures for them.  This cute family of four dressed in deep blues and whites and it was the perfect accompany with the sun peaking through the tree line!

Mini-Me

I'm so thankful that my mom saved clothes from when I was a baby.  I was lucky enough to put my daughter in an outfit that I wore in 1989.  My sister, Ruthie, also wore this outfit when she was a baby ten years ago. Haley looked absolutely precious and certainly is my mini-me.  I look forward to printing a copy for my mom to put up right next to her daughters!

Me in 1989

Haley in 2014

DIY Take 5 Bars

These tasty treats were made for my main squeeze!  Adam said last weekend that he was really craving a Take 5.  I personally have never had one, but had just finished saying I really wanted to make homemade Snickers. Next thing I knew I was buying stuff to make him a Take 5.  I will say that this wasn't the easiest of recipes I've made, but it was definitely worth it in the end.  Although I don't have the original to compare it to; these were delicious!  Give these a little of your time and patience and in the end you too will be able to take five!

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups broken pretzels (I used sticks)
2 11 oz bags caramels
2 tbsp water
1 cup crushed salted peanuts
1 bag semi sweet chocolates (melted)

Start by lining a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.  Melt the caramels and water in the microwave at 30 second increments until smooth, mix in the crushed peanuts and heat one more time so the mixture spreads easily.  Moving quickly, pour the mixture onto the cookie sheet and spread evenly. Stick the cookie sheet in the freezer until the caramel hardens.  Meanwhile, stir together the peanut butter and powdered sugar until well combined. Heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds and pour on top of the hardened caramel.  Press the broken pretzels into the peanut butter mixture and place the sheet bake in the freezer for about an hour.  Once the peanut butter is firmed cut into pieces (I like the rugged look so I just broke mine apart) and dip them with a fork into the melted chocolate.  Shake off the excess chocolate and set on parchment paper.  Once you've dipped all the candy bars, place them bake in the freezer until the chocolate cools.  Enjoy!

Charlie enjoyed the last of the peanut butter too!

A Dog and His Cat

When we got Sully on Christmas Eve we had no intentions of getting a puppy just a week later.  The opportunity came and after little thought we were driving away with our little Charlie. These two are best friends.  They clean each other, eat together, play together and sleep together.  Both would be lost without each other and we would be lost without them.  These two have many, many more years of holding down the couch ahead!

Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions; they pass no criticism.

-George Eliot 

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a staple in every American home.  You can dress them up or serve them plain and they really compliment any meal.  My mom, hands down,  makes the best mashed potatoes I've ever eaten! Unfortunately, I haven't quite been able to master them and since I'm usually busy with the kids my hand held potato masher does the trick.  Adam loves these potatoes and since I make them with light butter and skim milk my waist line doesn't mind them either. This recipe can be doubled or even tripled for a larger crowd but this is just enough for my family of 4.

Ingredients:

5 russet potatoes, peeled and chopped

1/4 cup skim milk (keep it handy if you like your potatoes really creamy)

3 tbsp light butter

1/2 tbsp minced garlic

1 tbsp green onions (I grew them myself!)

salt 

pepper

In a pot, bring the potatoes to a boil, and cook until easily pierced with a fork.  Drain the water, add in milk, butter, salt and pepper (to your taste) and mash with a potato masher or fork.  Once the potatoes are smooth, stir in the garlic and green onions.  Salt and pepper again (to taste). Serve immediately! Enjoy!

We served ours with a slow cooked lemon chicken and honey glazed carrots! A half cup servings was 3 points plus and I even had room for dessert!

It was such a hit with Haley that she had to eat her brother's too!

Sausage Gravy

Sausage Gravy and Biscuits is certainly a southern tradition. I grew up eating it on Sunday mornings and it remains to be my favorite breakfast meal.  This meal works great for a large family and can easily be doubled and transported for a brunch.  It's creamy, peppery and incredibly delicious served over warm biscuits straight out of the oven.  Now, if only I could get my husband to eat it and enjoy it as much as I do!

Ingredients:
1 pound mild bulk sausage
1/3 cup all purpose flour
4 cups milk
salt
pepper

In a large pot, brown the sausage over high heat. Once all browned, add the flour and mix until the sausage absorbs the flour.  Add the milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Turn down to a low simmer, mixing until the gravy as thickened, around 20-30 minutes.  Salt and pepper to taste. Serve over warm biscuits (or fries). Enjoy!