Reindeer Rice Krispies

 These little guys are super cute and so easy to make. I made these for my kids class party last week. The original post I found these on was from www.thirtyhandmadedays.com and they made them into Reindeer pops! Super cute! I didn't have any sticks on hand so I improvised.

Reindeer Rice Krispies

Candy eye balls
Red M&M's
Popsicle sticks, optional
Pre-made rice Krispie treats or make your own
semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

To assemble: place pre cut rice kirispy treats on a sheet pan that has wax paper on it. If using sticks, carefully push sticks into each rice krispy treat. Melt your chocolate in a plastic bag. Snip the edge of the bag with scissors and pipe your antlers on each treat, a dallop of chocolate to make your eyes stick and a dab of chocolate to help your red M&M nose stick. EnJOY!

Rice Krispy Treats:

6 cups Rice Krispy cereal
3 Tblsp butter
1 package 10oz mini marshmallows

In microwave safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on high for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth. Add cereal and stir. Pour into a greased 9x13 dish and using a greased large spatula, pack down into dish. Cover and cool or refrigerate.

Christmas Jello Cups

It's that time of year! I just love gawking over all of the cool Pinterest ideas for Holiday treats! These are so simple and fun! One word of advice, don't add the cream and sprinkles until you are serving. My cream melted on my way to delivering them to my kids class!

Christmas Jello Cups

1 package 6oz Strawberry Jello
1 package 6oz Lime Jello
8 oz. thawed cool whip or use the spray kind of whipped topping
Christmas sprinkles
4 cups boiling water
4 cups cold water
20 small clear cups

Have your ready to fill on a tray that will fit in the fridge. Then place strawberry jello mix into a bowl and add 2 cups of boiling water. Stir well until dissolved. Add 2 cups cold water. Fill each glass about 1/2 full of strawberry jello and refrigerate until set.
 When strawberry jello is set prep the green jello. Place lime jello in a bowl and add 2 cups boiling water and stir until dissolved. Add 2 cups cold water and stir. Fill each glass that has the strawberry jello with the lime jello until mostly full. Place in refrigerator until set. When ready to serve, top with whipped cream and Holiday sprinkles. EnJOY!

Chicken and Waffle Bites

 What is better than chicken and waffles? How about bit sized chicken and waffles! Yes! Don't forget the hot sauce and syrup!

Chicken and Waffle Bites

1-2 packages of frozen popcorn chicken bites
1-2 boxes mini waffles
hot sauce
maple syrup

 Preheat your oven and bake your popcorn chicken on a sheet pan according to package directions. Then using a toaster, toast the mini waffles until golden and cool. Then assemble your waffle bites by placing each waffle on a serving plate, top with chicken and poke a tooth pick through it to make it easier to pick up. Have hot sauce and maple syrup on the side for people to drizzle on their waffle bites. EnJOY!

Mini Chicken Pot Pies

I love anything mini and these are just so adorable and scrumptious! They are so much fun for a party and my kiddos absolutely love these! I found this recipe from www.princesspinkygirl.com

Mini Chicken Pot Pies

14.5 oz can Campbells creamy herb and garlic soup (I had to use cream of chicken and added extra spices)
2 packages Pillsbury Cresent rolls - seamless dough sheet
1 cup Frozen mixed veggies, thawed
1 cup cooked chicken cut into small pieces (I used a rotisserie chicken from the store)
3 inch round cookie cutter
cupcake pan

Preheat oven to 400. Lay the crescent roll flat on a lightly floured surface and cut out 12 rounds. Press them in the cupcake pan along the bottom and up the sides. In a bowl, mix the soup, thawed veggies and cut up chicken.
Using a pizza cutter, cut strips of crescent dough to cover the top of the cups, 2 across each way, so 4 strips total per cup. Bake 15-18 minutes or until top and sides are golden brown. If top gets too brown cover it with foil until the bottom is cooked. Let cool and use a knife to loosen and lift out of pan. EnJOY!

Crock-Pot Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Oh yes, this one is seriously awesome! I have made so many different meatball recipes and this is by far my fav! Even if you make them without the mozzarella inside, they are insanely good! The kid is mixing the hot sausage with the ground beef! It gives it so much flavor. Thanks to my father in law for sharing another fabulous recipe from Tasty.

Crock-Pot Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

1 block low moisture mozzarella, cubed
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground hot Italian sausage
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
2 eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup chopped parsley
2 jars marina

Pour 1 cup marinara on bottom of crock-pot. Mix beef, sausage, garlic, salt, pepper, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, milk and parsley together in a large bowl. Take a chunk of the meat mixture and roll it in a ball, stuff a piece of mozzarella in the middle of the meatball and seel, drop on top of the marinara in crock-pot. Continue to roll out meatballs and stuffing with cheese, put into crock-pot. Cover with marinara sauce and cook on high for 3 hours or cooked. Serve over pasta and EnJOY!

Crock-Pot Chicken and Biscuits

I just love quick and easy meals, especially crock-pot meals! This recipe is a simple and hardy meal that is a hit with the family! Thanks to my father in law for sharing this Tasty Jr. recipe!

Crock-Pot Chicken and Biscuits

3 chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups carrots, largely chopped (I used baby carrots)
2 cups broccoli, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
21.5 oz can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 can refrigerated Pillsbury biscuit dough
fresh parsley

Mix chicken, seasoning, carrots, broccoli and soup in crockpot, cook on high for 4 hours. Pull apart biscuit dough and evenly top chicken mixture with chunks of biscuit dough and cook on high 1 more hour. Serve and sprinkle chopped parsley. EnJOY!

Caramel Puff Corn (Popcorn Crack)

Oh Suzi Stockton you are both my hero and in trouble for sharing this recipe with me! These are seriously addicting and amazing! I've never had anything like these! A must try people! A must try!!! The hardest part of this recipe is finding these darn puffcorns! I have yet to find them in stores!

Caramel Puff Corn (Popcorn Crack)

8 oz Butter flavored Puffcorn (I used two 4oz bags) these MUST be BUTTER flavored!
1 cup butter, no substitution
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Place puff corn in a very large roaster pan (I had to use 2 9x13)
In a large sauce pan bring butter, brown sugar and corn syrup to a boil, then cook for 2 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and baking soda (this will foam up). Remove from heat and stir well. Pour over puff corn, mix and bake at 250 degrees for 45 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on wax paper. Then eat and eat and eat! EnJOY!

Crockpot Asian Sesame Chicken

Mmm mmm this is a great Fall recipe, ok it's a great any day recipe! Thanks thefrugalgirls.com for this super easy and fast recipe!

Crockpot Asian Sesame Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thawed
8oz bottle of Kraft Asian Toasted Sesame dressing
1/3 cup Smucker's Apricot preserves
1 packet dry Lipton Onion soup mix
Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions

Cook chicken in crock pot on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
After 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low, drain juices from crockpot.
Mix together Asian Toasted Sesame dressing, apricot preserves, and dry onion soup mix. Pour mixture over chicken, and cook on high for 30 more minutes or until done.
Transfer to a plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. EnJOY!

Pancake Bites

 Here is a super quick and easy breakfast idea! So many different ways to change these up too!

Pancake Bites

Instant pancake mix plus ingredients to make the mix.
Cooked sausage cut into bite sized pieces, or blueberries, strawberries, bacon, anything you want in your pancake bites.

Mix your instant pancake mix with ingredients box calls for. Mix in your sausage or desired filling. Using a mini or regualr sized cupcake pan, lightly spray the pan and fill 3/4 full of batter. Bake 350 for 12-15 minutes.
Top with maple syrup, fruit syrup, powdered sugar, whatever you want! EnJOY!

Irish White Bean and Cabbage Stew

I love a good soup recipe! This is a Forks Over Knives recipe and I will definitely add this to our regular menu. So easy and so good! Not to mention so healthy! You can leave out and add in anything you have on hand like I did. I left out the caraway seeds and potatoes and added kale.

Irish White Bean and Cabbage Stew

1 large onion, chopped
salt to taste
3 stalks celery
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 head cabbage, chopped
4 carrots, sliced
1-1 1/2 lbs potatoes, cut in large dice
1/3 cup pearled barley (or sub. with gluten-free grain)
1 bay leaf
1 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp caraway seeds
1/2 tsp rosemary, crushed
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
6-8 cups low sodium veggie stock (or reg. broth of any kind)
3 cups great northern beans cooked (or 2 cans, drained) (white beans)
1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes
1 Tblsp parsley, chopped

 Place veggies, seasonings, barley and broth into a large stockpot. Cover and simmer until veggies are tender, about 45 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, check seasonings, and add more herbs if necessary. Simmer uncovered for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Optional: Cook in crockpot. Place veggies, seasonings and barley into large slow cooker. Add enough veggie stock to just cover the veggies (start with 6 cups and add more as needed). Cover and cook on low heat for 7 hours.
 Add beans, tomatoes, parsley and salt to taste. check seasonings and add more herbs if necessary.
Cover and cook for another hour. EnJOY!

Mac and Cheese Bites

We were having some friends over the other night with little one's so I thought these would be a fun food for all the kids. I doubled the recipe and froze the left overs in individual bags for my kids lunches the following week. Yum! I found this recipe on chef-in-training.com

Mac and Cheese Bites

1/2 lb elbow macaroni
2 Tblsp butter
2 Tblsp flour
1 1/2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 oz cream cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 egg beaten

 Preheat oven to 400 F. Spray mini muffin tins with cooking spray. Cook pasta according to package directions and set aside. In a medium size pan combine butter and flour over medium heat. Whisk until butter is melted and mixture is smooth. Slowly add milk and bring to a simmer. Add 1 1/2 cups of the cheese, cream cheese, salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
 In a large mixing bowl, carefully stir pasta, cheese sauce, and egg until evenly mixed and pasta is evenly coated. Spoon mac and cheese into mini muffin tins and top each with a small pinch of remaining cheese. Bake at 400 for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
 Allow to cool 5 minutes before gently removing the bites. I find that carefully running a knife around the edges one at a time and tipping it onto a plate is the easiest. EnJOY!

Sesame Almond Butter Zucchini Noodles

Spiralizer to the rescue! I needed something healthy but not just a salad or another roasted veg. So I came across this amazing recipe on iowagirleats.com and it is a must try! Go buy a spiralizer or zoodler just for this recipe!

Sesame Almond Butter Zucchini Noodles

1/2 cup smooth almond butter (I used natural peanut butter)

3 Tblsp low sodium soy sauce or gluten free Tamari 

1 Tblsp honey

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

1 Tblsp lime juice

1 Tblsp water

salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup slivered almonds or peanuts (plus more for garnish)

3 small zucchini, spiralized

3/4 cup chopped scallions, green and white parts

2 tsp white sesame seeds

chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Combine almond butter, gluten free tamari or soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, lime juice, water, salt and pepper into a food processor then pulse until creamy and transfer to a small bowl. (I just mixed with a fork in a small bowl). 

Place the zucchini noodles into a medium bowl with the scallions. Add the almond butter sauce and nuts and toss to combine thoroughly. Top with sesame seeds, extra chopped nuts and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately. EnJOY!

Avocado and White Bean Salad with Vinaigrette

 This is a super quick, easy, healthy salad that is packed with flavor! I modified this recipe from foreverafterblog.com

Avocado and White Bean Salad with Vinaigrette

1 can white beans
1 avocado, peeled and chopped
1 roma tomato, chopped
1/4 cup sweet onion chopped finely

Vinaigrette:

1 1/2 Tblsp olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 Tblsp fresh basil, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp mustard

Whisk vinaigrette ingredients together then pour over salad base and mix well. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving. EnJOY!

3 Bean Chili for a Crowd

 I found this yummy and filling recipe on a Forks Over Knives app. Super healthy and Hardy, and easy to make. It makes a lot! Perfect for when we have company.

3 Bean Chili for a Crowd

1 large yellow onion, chopped
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tblsp cumin seeds, toasted and ground
2 Tblsp ancho chile powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper (I added 1/2 tsp only)
1 1/2 cups tomato paste
3 cups pinto beans, cooked or 2 15oz cans rinsed and drained
1 15oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 15 oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
2 28oz cans diced tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste

 Saute the onion in a large pot over medium heat for 8 minutes. Add water 1-2 Tblsp at a time, as needed to keep the onion from sticking.
 Add the garlic, ground cumin, ancho chile powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook 1 minute.
 Add the tomato paste, pinto beans, black beans, garbanzo beans, diced tomatoes, sea salt and black pepper to taste and 4 cups water.
 Cook 20-25 minutes. EnJOY!

Pumpkin Pie Croissants

 One of the teachers at my children's school made these with her class a few weeks ago. They were so good that I of course had to go straight home and make them! Such a fun and easy pumpkin treat! This recipe is from justapinch.com

Pumpkin Pie Croissants

2 tubes of refrigerated crescent rolls
4 oz of cream cheese (1/2 a block)
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
3 Tblsp sugar

Roll each crescent out and separate. Mix together the pumpkin pie filling with the cream cheese, spices and sugar. Beat together until fluffy and creamy. Spread 1 Tblsp or more of the filling along the crescent roll and roll it up.
 Mix together 4 Tblsp of sugar and 1 Tblsp pumpkin pie spice; roll each pumpkin pie croissant in it. Bake at 375 for about 15 minutes. EnJOY!

Chickpea Tacos with Guacamole

Holy Heck I love these tacos! Super quick and easy, and light! A fun new variation to tacos. I found this recipe on coffeeandquinoa.com

Chickpea Tacos with Guacamole

1 tsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 red onion, minced
1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 14oz can, drained and rinsed)

For the taco seasoning (or use 1/2 a packet of your favorite taco seasoning mix)

1/2 Tblsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp cornstarch
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 cup water

Guacamole

2 large avocados
1 lime, juiced
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup onion, chopped finely

Smash your avocados with a fork, add remaining ingredients and mix.

For the Tacos:

 Prep guacamole first and store in refrigerator while prepping tacos. In a small bowl, combine all taco seasoning ingredients, including water.
 In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the garlic and onion and saute until onion is soft, about 3-4 minutes.
 Pour in drained chickpeas and taco seasoning, and stir to combine. Saute, stirring occasionally, until chickpeas are heated through and some of the water is evaporated, 2-3 minutes.
 Serve alongside taco shells, guacamole, cilantro and lime wedges. EnJOY!

Baked Eggs and Ham

Such an easy breakfast!!!! So many ways you can change this recipe up! I do mine basic, just egg and ham, but you could add veggies, herbs, whatever you want! I found this recipe o ohsnapletseat.com

Baked Eggs and Ham

Eggs
Ham (I use a good quality, but you can just use a basic deli sliced ham)
Optional toppings/fillings: cheese, spinach, green onions, sausage, kale, a touch of milk or cream, salt and pepper.

Lightly grease your muffin tins with pam spray. Place 1 or 2 slices of ham inside (I use 2), crack an egg and pop it on top of the ham. You can also do a more scrambled version and crack your eggs into a bowl, add a splash of milk, salt and pepper, whisk, then pour onto ham cups.
Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. EnJOY!

Birthday Cake Pancakes

Ki requested a special birthday breakfast for his special day a few months ago, so he got these ultra "healthy" (not) pancakes! A big win! So fluffy and super sweet! I found this recipe on tasteoflizzyt.com

Birthday Cake Pancakes

1 box funfetti cake mix (or any yellow cake mix with sprinkles added)
1 1/3 cup white flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 Tblsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup canola oil
3 eggs
2 1/3 cups milk
1/3 cup sprinkles

Frosting:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 Tblsp butter, softened
2 Tblsp half and half cream (I used milk)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and cake mix. Set aside. In another small bowl, mix together the oil, eggs, and milk. Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Fold in the sprinkles. Batter will be thick. Add a little more milk if its too thick.
Heat a griddle to about 275 degrees. Spray the griddle with cooking spray. Ladle the pancake batter onto the hot pan and cook the pancakes for about 2 minutes on each side.
In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, softened butter, cream and vanilla. This frosting will be at a spreadable consistency. If you want to drizzle it, microwave the frosting for about 10 seconds and stir, then drizzle over the pancakes. Double the frosting recipe if desired. EnJOY!

Mini Deep Dish Pizzas

Oh man these things are so addicting! They are crispy and so yummy! Thank you damndelicious.net for this recipe!

Mini Deep Dish Pizzas

4 flour tortillas (8 inch each)
1 cup pizza sauce
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan
36-48 mini pepperoni

Preheat oven to 425. Lightly oil a 12 cup muffin tin or coat with nonstick spray. Working one at a time, lay tortilla on a flat surface. Using an empty can, cut 3-4 medium circles, pressing firmly enough in a rocking motion to cut through the tortilla.
Fit a tortilla circle into each of 12 muffin tins, pressing carefully to make sure there is an opening in the center. Scoop 1 Tblsp pizza sauce into each muffin tin. Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, topping with 3 mini pepperonis each.
Place into oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese has melted. Serve immediately. EnJOY!

Easy Nutella Cookie

I needed a super easy but elegant dessert the other night and this is what I came up with. Nutella, strawberries and cookies, you just can't go wrong!

Easy Nutella Cookie

1 large refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough in the package
1 jar nutella
Fresh strawberries, sliced (about 10 or more)

Preheat oven to 350. Place cookie dough onto a lightly greased cookie sheet lined with tinfoil or parchment paper. Using either your hands or a floured rolling pin, roll out your dough evenly into a circle. Bake for approx. 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Cool completely.
Spread a thin layer of nutella on top leaving a boarder. Lay your sliced strawberries on top starting with the outside in. EnJOY!