Meatloaf Muffins

Have you ever made Meatloaf before?  My recipe takes over an hour to make.  And if you are anything like me, the day often runs away on me, and I find that I sometimes haven't left myself with enough time to make a long baking dinner.  So one day I decided to make meatloaf muffins (though I am sure the idea is not mine ;) ) Feel free to use any recipe, I have listed mine.  We don't like the tomato sauce on our Meatloaf because we dip it in Ketchup (I also sometimes sneak a grated Zucchini or 2 into our Meatloaf, and no one can tell!).

Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Mashed Potatoes

We call these potatoes "Hulk Potatoes" because my 3 year old son does NOT like Broccoli, but he loves "Hulk Potatoes"!  These are nice break from the white mashed potato monotony. The broccoli gives it a nice subtle flavor, and the cheese makes it, well, cheesy!  

Barefoot Books

In an effort to hopefully bring in some extra income for my family, I made the decision to be a Barefoot Books ambassador.  I have been looking for more ways to supplement my husbands income for a while, but being a Mom of 3, one of which is nursing, has SIGNIFICANTLY limited where I could go to work some.  I had looked around at things like this before and couldn't really decide on anything.  I needed one that I truly supported, and that wasn't a huge investment.  Then I stumbled upon Barefoot Books.  These are BEAUTIFULLY illustrated award winning books (isn't that monster just the cutest?), and I love me some Children's books.  So after some thought and talking it over with the hubs, we decided that it is something I could do.  I am excited to get to know these books more, and feel free to go check out their website.  If you are ever interested, you can order books online.  What I really liked is that the prices aren't any different from any other books, there are some in the $6 range and some in the upper teens-oh, and you can get 20% off until June 30th, click on link to the right!  It's great!  But to me, what sets these apart are how alive they are, and how captivating the illustrations are. Along with award winning books, you can also find stickers, puzzles, and hand puppets, and more. Excited to see what the future brings!  And hopefully increase my children's love of books and reading!

(PS, another awesome part of Barefoot books is that you can do fundraisers for your local schools or your favorite church or other organization!)

Grilled Pineapple

Have you been to a Brazilian Grill yet?  Or lately?  I am in LOVE with the grilled pineapple they serve there!  And believe it or not, they are super easy to make-especially if you are already planning on grilling!  There is only 3 ingredients, and it is quick too!  These are sweet, and warn, and the sugar caramelizes a little while grilling it, the whole family loves these!

Skippyjon Jones

Skippyjon Jones

By: Judy Schachner

Best Breadsticks

 I usually try a new breadstick recipe every time I make bread sticks.  I had found one years ago that I just loved, then lost.  When I found this recipe, I made a few adaptations, and they matched up pretty well to my lost love!  They are soft, a little chewy, buttery, cheesy, and garlicy.  All things I loo for in a good breadstick!

"Wickedly Awesome" Turtle Brownies

I dare you to find me a better tasting brownie recipe than these.  Seriously.  Try to one up me.  These are hands down, the BEST brownies I have ever had, and I can never go back.  (And never fear you silly nut haters-or legitimate allergy sufferers, this nut lover has even left them out of a batch, and they were just as good being chocolate and caramel brownies, never fear!). The interesting thing about these brownies is that you use cake mix.  Yeah, cake mix, crazy, I know.  But these are to die for.  I am totally not exaggerating either.  Make them, and please don't send any marriage proposals afterwards, I'm taken.

Chicken, Dumpling, and Quinoa soup

 Are you ready to try one of the most flavorful and tasty soups I know of?  This soup is oh so good.  Perfect for our cold rainy day yesterday.  We paired it with some cornbread because I didn't have time to make rolls or bread sticks, but this soup can stand on its own if needed, that's for sure!  The dumplings are more like a schnitzel-tiny little dumplings-and are tasty themselves. This soup scored a home run in my book!

Banana Crumb Muffins

 These are my favorite banana muffins.  They also make a pretty mean banana bread too.  I pretty much love anything with a crumb topping, so these were a home run for me.  My kids could eat a whole batch each-and my hubs could do some damage as well.  These are amazing muffins-and incredibly soft and squishy (I tried my best not to use the word moist ;)).  Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.  Mmmmm makes me want to eat these with some cheesy eggs and OJ....is it breakfast yet? No? Ok, i'll still have one anyway!