Kool Aid Play Dough

Kool aid play dough is a perfect activity for children of all ages. Homemade kool aid play dough will provide hours of fun not only for the kids but for adults too! This year for my little one's preschool class I am wrapping a small amount of play dough and tagging it with the message
"Everyone Kneads a Little Love"
and of course everyone will get the recipe too! If you have never made homemade play dough I highly encourage you to do so! It is such a fun, family activity everyone will enjoy!



Now on to the recipe...
1 cup of flour
1/4 cup salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 package of any flavor/color kool-aid (.14oz)
(I used strawberry in this batch)
1 TBS + 1 1/2 tsp oil
1 cup of water

In a large bowl mix dry ingredients. In a small sauce pan heat oil and water just until simmering. Add water and oil to the dry ingredients. Mix well with a large spoon until a dough mixture is developed.  Once the dough has cooled knead into smooth play dough. Store in airtight container and refrigerate when not in use.

Adding kool aid not only gives the dough color but gives the dough fun scents such as lemon, cherry, strawberry, lime, and orange.

No worries, if your child consumes the play dough it is non-toxic and it shouldn't stain hands! Yay :)

 

Christmas Chocolate Spoons

This recipe has moved to Cherishedbliss.com, click here for recipe!

Merry Christmas Pancakes

Every Christmas I make a traditional breakfast of Chocolate Chip Pancakes and Homemade Whipped Topping, but this year I am adding cocoa!
I would love to share this recipe with you so let's get started!

Chocolate Chip Pancakes
makes approximately 10 pancakes
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 TBS sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk ( add a little more if needed)
2 eggs (slightly beaten)
1 tsp vanilla
4 TBS vegetable oil
3/4 cup chocolate chips

Combine dry ingredients together. Then mix in milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until all lumps are gone and then gently stir in chocolate chips.

Heat a lightly greased griddle to medium heat, adjust heat as needed. I use an electric griddle and set the temperature to 350 degrees.  Pour or scoop approximately 1/3 cup of batter onto the griddle, use more or less batter to create your desired size of pancakes. Brown pancake on both sides and serve warm!

Top pancakes with...

Chocolate Whipped Topping
2 cups of heavy whipping cream
5 TBS powder sugar (add more or less to your liking)
3 TBS cocoa powder
1 tsp of vanilla extract

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes. Then in a large metal bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks are just about to form.
Then beat in vanilla, sugar, and cocoa powder until peaks form.

Decorate your pancakes with festive sprinkles, chocolate chips, and a dusting of powder sugar! I hope you and your family will enjoy these very yummy Christmas pancakes this year!

M&M Kissed Pretzels

This recipe has moved to Cherishedbliss.com, click here for the full recipe!

Latkes to Eat

This past weekend my family and I celebrated the last night of Chanukah with yummy latkes and applesauce. The most wonderful thing about Chanukah is remembering the miracles of long ago. If you have not had a chance to read the Chanukah story I challenge you to read a piece of history that will never be forgotten.
This year I experimented with a yearly traditional potato latke recipe and it turned out wonderful. I would love to share this recipe with you so lets get started!

Ingredients:
4 medium sized potatoes
1 zucchini
1 small red onion
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
pepper to taste
5 heaping TBS flour
*oil for frying

Wash, peel and grate potatoes, zucchini, and onion. Strain potatoes, but not too dry. Add grated onion, zucchini, salt, pepper, and the egg, mix well. Add flour and beat into potatoes, mixing well. Heat enough oil to cover bottom of frying pan, about 1/4 inch of oil. Heat oil until it reaches 350 degrees. Carefully drop by heaping tablespoonful's into hot oil. Adjust heat as needed. Press on the latkes as they are frying to create a pancake like appearance. Brown on both sides. Drain on absorbent paper. Serve immediately or keep latkes in a warm oven until ready to serve.

Delicious served with applesauce or sour cream. For a wonderful Easy Slow Cooker Applesauce recipe click here.

Cilantro Lime Sour Cream
8 oz light sour cream
juice of 1 lime
zest 1 lime
1 TBS chopped cilantro (add more if you like)

Mix all ingredients and dollop over latkes.

Enjoy! :)

Holiday 7up Pound Cake

This recipe has moved to Cherishedbliss.com, click here for the full recipe.

Easy Slow Cooker Applesauce

Nothing makes your house smell like the holidays like a crock pot full of apples. Making applesauce is so easy and I hope you will enjoy this recipe with your family soon! Your kiddos will be smiling :)



In this batch I used:
4 large Honey Crisp Apples
5 Gala Apples
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon

* You may use any combination of apples or adjust the sugar and cinnamon to your taste. Some apples are sweet enough that you do not have to add sugar.

First, peel and core apples; then slice each apple in wedges. Add enough water to the slow cooker to cover the bottom, a few tablespoons. Place apple wedges in the crockpot and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or until the apples are tender.
 


Next, gently mash the apples with a potato masher until you have applesauce.

Serve warm or let applesauce cool and refrigerate.

Pumpkin Pie Party Dip Served with Cinnamon & Sugar Chips

This recipe as been moved to cherishedbliss.com, click here for the full recipe!

Grilled Ghostly Pizza

This recipe has moved to cherishedbliss.com, click here for the recipe!

Pumpkin Bread

What is fall without pumpkin bread?
This pumpkin bread is very soft and moist; a perfect complement to a warm cup of coffee. I hope you and your family enjoy this recipe soon!
Happy fall!


Ingredients:makes 1 loaf
This recipe has been moved, click here for the full recipe.

Root Beer Pancakes

Looking for a fun weekend breakfast for the family? Well, look no further...these pancakes are perfect! Fluffy, moist and sure to please everyone. Top with a scoop of homemade whipped cream and lightly dust with powder sugar.

Root Beer Pancakes
serves 8
1 1/2 cups Root Beer ( I used A & W)
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
1/4 cup butter melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
cooking spray

Combine dry ingredients into a bowl. Add Root Beer, eggs, butter, and vanilla to the dry mixture and mix. Mix until all lumps are gone.

Heat a lightly greased griddle to medium heat, adjust heat as needed. I use an electric griddle and set the temperature to 350 degrees.  Pour or scoop approximately 1/3 cup of batter onto the griddle, use more or less batter to create your desired size of pancakes. Brown pancake on both sides and serve warm!

Homemade Whipped Cream
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup powder sugar, sifted

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes. Then in a large metal bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks are just about to form. Beat in vanilla and sugar until peaks form. Scoop (using an ice cream scoop) whipped cream and top pancakes. Lightly dust with powder sugar and serve with a smile!

Enjoy!

Charoset

Charoset is traditionally served during Passover and can be found on the Seder plate. My family and I celebrate Passover each year. It is a special remembrance of the story of Moses in Egypt and a great reminder of the Last Supper. This wonderful mixture of apples, walnuts, and spices cannot only be enjoyed during Passover but throughout the year.
My family loves Charoset for an afternoon snack and I am enjoying it as a light, easy lunch option. Very refreshing and wonderful served on Matzos.

Charoset
Recipe that my family uses
2 gala apples
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
a pinch of nutmeg
a pinch of cloves
1 tsp honey
1 TBS sweet Passover wine
(you can use grape juice for children)

Core and peel apples (you can leave the peel on if you like). Finely chop apples. In a medium size bowl add apples, walnuts, cinnamon, honey, wine or grape juice. Add more honey if needed and stir, combining well.
If you like this recipe check out my Charoset inspired
Crock pot Apples Stuffed with Walnuts

Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

Cocoa Krispie Bird's Nest

 Hello  everyone, hope you are having a wonderful day!
These little krispie treat bird's nests are nothing new, but so much fun if you have never made them! Not only are they fun but they are super easy to make :)
I highly encourage you to let your children in on this project because it will bring a smile to their little faces and joy to your heart!

Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows
- OR -
4 cups miniature marshmallows
6 cups Cocoa Krispy cereal

Directions
1. In large stockpot melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
2. Add cereal. Stir until well coated.
3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into a muffin pan coated with cooking spray. Cool, remove from pan, and shape into a nest. Add Whoppers Mini Robin Eggs, jellybeans, or even a Peep birdie inside the nest to give it that authentic feel.
Best if served the same day.

Tips:
-Use fresh marshmallows.
-1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow crème can be substituted for marshmallows.
-Diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended.
-Store no more than two days at room temperature in airtight container.
- Did you know you can freeze these fun treats? Place in layers separated by wax paper in airtight container. You can freeze them for up to 6 weeks. To thaw set out each individual treat for about 15 minutes before serving.

Hope you have fun making this recipe in your kitchen this Spring!

Lime Jell-O Poke Cupcakes

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Today I am skipping my Tuesday's Kitchen Tip to bring you a
cute little cupcake!

There is something about cupcakes that make me smile :)

My precious sister bought me these cute cupcakes liners from
Pick Your Plum

and invited me to share a cupcake recipe for
these adorable liners at her
Pick Your Plum Party!

If you have any projects using
Pick Your Plum products head over to
Ashley and Jenette’s  Party
and link up  any creations, projects, gifts, or tutorials.
(This includes showing us ways to wear or pair any fashion items such as shirts, scarfs, jewelry, etc.)

Oh and by linking your favorite PYP post, you are entering to win a PYP Mystery Box full of amazing products!! The winner will be announced on March 7th as our next party begins

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY SO HURRY AND HOP ON OVER THERE!

I picked the green polka dot cupcake liners for this recipe in honor of St. Patty’s Day!

Lime Jell-O Poke Cupcakes

Ingredients for Cupcakes
( I used this Simple White Cake Recipe)
makes 12 cupcakes
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup milk
3 oz box of lime Jell-O

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour or line a muffin pan with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder, add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Finally stir in the milk until batter is smooth. Pour or spoon batter into the prepared pan. 
3. Bake cupcakes 20 to 25 minutes.
Cupcakes are done when it springs back to the touch.

You can pick any flavor of Jell-O!
I used lime because it’s green and Wilton’s Rainbow Sugar Sprinkles because it fits the St. Patty’s Day theme!

4. Boil 1 cup water and add 3oz box of Jell-O, stir until completely dissolved.
5. Poke holes in cupcakes with fork or toothpick. Don't be afraid to poke right down in the cupcake, you want plenty of holes for the jell-o to seep into.

6. Using a spoon or medicine dropper, pour gelatin mixture over cupcakes (about a TBS or so on each cupcake)

7. Place cupcakes in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. Then top with whipped topping, decorate, and enjoy!

I used homemade whipped topping and tinted it with Wilton’s green icing color.

Recipe for Whipped Topping
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 TBS of powder sugar sifted
Wilton’s green icing color
(add a little at a time to reach desired shade)

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes. Then in a large metal bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks are just about to form. Beat in vanilla and sugar until peaks form. Now add icing color a little at a time to reach your desired shade.

After topping your Jell-O Poke Cupcakes with whipped topping add pretty and festive sprinkles and enjoy!

These cupcakes are perfect for any gathering!
Enjoy :)

Frozen Hot Chocolate

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Original Source

Serendipity is a NYC ice cream parlor that's famous for its over-the-top Frozen Hot Chocolate. When I get a chance to visit New York this is one place I want to be with my love!

Guess what?!
I found a recipe that will take you to NYC with your love right in the comfort of your home! This recipe is from Joy Bauer, click here for the original source. If you are looking for yummy healthy recipes she has a huge variety to choose from. Everything I have tried is always full of flavor, low calorie, and a big hit with my family!

Another surprise…without the whip cream it has only
150 calories per serving!
Perfect if you are watching your waist line this Valentine’s Day!

Makes 4 Servings

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup chocolate syrup
1 cup milk, evaporated, fat-free
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups ice cubes

PREPARATION

1. Combine chocolate syrup, evaporated milk, vanilla, and ice in a blender and blend until smooth

2. Pour into glasses, and garnish with a dollop of whipped topping or a sprinkling of chocolate shavings if desired.

Variations:
Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Substitute ¼ teaspoon mint extract or 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract for the vanilla extract.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Valentine Sugar Cookies

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This was my first time making roll out sugar cookies!
I am such a drop by the spoonful kinda girl!
When I was looking for a recipe I went to the one and only Sweetopia! 
If you have never stopped by to visit this blog, hop over there right now! Marian’s blog/website is packed full of how to tutorials.
I did not attempt royal icing, but it is on my to-do-list.

For icing I used my whipped topping recipe, find the recipe below!

Click here for the Sugar Cookie Recipe.

I halved the cookie recipe and it made
approximately 20 heart shaped cookies
for the size of cookie cutter I was using.

How to make…

I use whipped cream often in the place of icing. YUM YUM!

Ingredients

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup of powder sugar sifted
Wilton’s pink icing color
(add a little at a time to reach desired shade)

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes. Then in a large metal bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks are just about to form. Beat in vanilla and sugar until peaks form. Enjoy on top of cupcakes, cookies, or heart shaped pancakes. The possibilities are endless!

After topping your heart cookies with whipped topping add pretty and festive sprinkles and enjoy!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Brownie Batter Dip

Original Recipe Found Here

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I found this amazingly, addictive Brownie Batter Dip recently at
Raising 4 Princesses 
and had to give it a try!
Wow, it is a keeper!!! It will have your taste buds dancing :)
This dip is a perfect addition to your sweet Valentine’s Day Party!
This has already been made twice in my kitchen.
I have been putting it in my kiddos lunch and pairing it with fresh strawberries and Graham Crackers!

Ingredients:

1 (8 ounce) 1/3 less fat cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup butter (room temp)
2 cups powdered sugar
5 TBS flour
5 TBS cocoa powder
2-3 TBS milk (add more if needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

 cream together cream cheese and butter

 alternate adding powdered sugar and milk

 mix in remaining ingredients until smooth and tempting

 add more powdered sugar or milk to reach desired consistency

Enjoy!
Happy Valentine’s Day :)
Thank you for stopping by!
-Audra

Dutch Oven Sweet Chili Meatballs

This recipe has moved to Cherishedbliss.com, click here for the full recipe!

Also great served as dinner with
garlic mash potatoes and sweet corn on the cob

or

served on top of wild rice with steamed green beans! 

Melted Crayon Hearts

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This project is so much fun for the kids. I highly encourage you to allow your kiddos to experience the process of making these fun Valentine Crayons.

I have been wanting to do this project with my family for quite some time now.
I have finally allowed enough time to complete this exciting Valentine!
We had a huge bucket of used crayons waiting to be transformed into
creative, family fun!

Fist step:

Peeling off the crayon paper is time consuming! In this process your kids will be a big help. Even my four year old helped! I set a big bucket of used crayons in the middle of the table and an empty tub for the peeled crayons. I left it there for a few days, so when we had down time we would peel off the paper. 

It was also a great conversation starter for all of the family.

* I did not use any brown or black crayons.
If you want a more softer look use less blues and purples.

Second Step:

Place cut Crayons in a heart shaped silicon pan and bake @ 250 degrees for 10-15 min.

Allow the melted crayons to completely cool before removing from pan. The top of the heart will look different than the bottom. Be patient for the heart crayon to dry because 
this mosaic look is at the bottom :)

After cooling you will have an awesome Heart Crayon Valentine! 

These cute Valentine's are going to my little man’s preschool class!

x

Happy Chanukah

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas filled with many sweet memories that will last a lifetime.

My family and I had an unforgettable Christmas this year and I could not have asked for more. Christmas is a very important remembrance of the wonderful birth of Jesus and I love to read the story of Christmas to my children and see there faces light up. This year my four year old was very interested in the manger scene and I was so touched that he wanted to know all about the birth of sweet, baby Jesus.

 

My family and I also observe all the Jewish holidays and this time of year we remember another miracle through the Chanukah story. If you have never read this story I encourage you to take a moment and read another miracle of Emmanuel.

 

 

Our Chanukah is filled with family fun

dancing

 and of course food!

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I always make latkes and applesauce and would love to share the recipes I use.

Click on each link for the full recipe.

Easy Slow Cooker Applesauce

Stove Top Homemade Applesauce

Latke Recipe