Thanksgiving Wishes

 With only TEN days until Thanksgiving, I hope your menus are starting to come together. Mine is planned, the turkey has been purchased and is waiting in the freezer, as are the fresh cranberries. Next Sunday the bird will make its way into the fridge to begin thawing, and before you know it, the parade will be on and Santa will be making his way down 34th Street! 

Twelve years ago the EMM Thanksgiving recipe was for Pumpkin Dump Cake, and when I was trying to decide what this year's would be, I decided it was time for an update, beginning with the name. 

Don't get me wrong, I am not hating on anyone's "dump cake" game. The entire concept is you can dump all the ingredients together and bake. Super easy and the name completely makes sense. I just have this aversion to the word dump. It's one of those that makes me cringe every time I hear it. We all have those words, right? We will get to the new name in a bit.

The next step in this recipe upgrade was decided when I was wandering the baking aisle looking for the yellow cake mix that was on sale that week. That is when I found a spice cake mix and it was like the angels were singing right there in Walmart. 

Pumpkin and spice are a match made in heaven, after all they are the stars of an entire flavor craze every fall. So why not add another layer of flavor to this dessert, knowing it would be perfect for Thanksgiving dessert. 

Now, for the name. I still hadn't decided what I was going to name this 2023 version, until I took it out of the oven. The little guy was walking past and said "Mommy, your cobbler smells so good!" Ta-da! Sure, it's not a traditional cobber, but if it looks close enough for a 7 year old, that's good enough for this food blogger. 

If you have never made this style of "dump" (ugh!) dessert before, the most important things to remember are to use the cake mix dry, you will not need the oil and water on the back of the box, and yes, you truly do need both sticks of butter. This isn't the time to start counting calories! 

I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with bountiful blessings, people you love and memories to last a life time. And if you still need one more dessert, this Pumpkin Cobbler would be a tasty choice. 

What kind of pumpkin do I use?

For this recipe you want a can of pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix. 

What kind of cake mix can I use instead of spice?

You could also use yellow cake mix or even white. I would love to try a gingerbread cake mix too.  

Do I have to use pecans?

You could swap them for chopped walnuts, or omit them completely.

What is Ceylon cinnamon?

Ceylon cinnamon has a lighter, brighter and spicier flavor than the cassia variety, which is what most of us use. I like using Ceylon when baking, but traditional ground cinnamon would work too.

Does this have to be refrigerated? 

Yes! Keep any leftovers in the fridge, covered for 2-3 days. I actually really like how this tastes chilled

 

Best Tips 

Make sure your 9x13 baking dish is deep enough to prevent spilling over.

The mixture is very wet. Don't be alarmed when it looks like soup before baking.

Be sure to pour the melted butter evenly over the top. This is how the cake mix turns into a crispy topping.

 If you use ground cinnamon instead of Ceylon, you might only want 1 teaspoon.

Ground nutmeg can be swapped for allspice.

Pumpkin Cobbler

1 (15 oz.) can pure pumpkin

1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk

3 eggs

2 tsp. Ceylon cinnamon

1/2 tsp. allspice

1/2 tsp. salt

1 (13.25 oz.) spice cake mix

2 sticks butter, melted

1/3 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9x13 baking dish. In a large bowl combine pumpkin, milk, eggs, cinnamon and salt. Stir well. Transfer to baking dish. Sprinkle with DRY cake mix. Sprinkle with pecans. Pour butter over top. Do NOT mix. Bake for 50-60 minutes until browned and a toothpick inserted into middle comes out mostly clean. If it is still loose in the middle, don't worry. It will continue to set as it cools down. Serve with whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon. 

More Thanksgiving Recipes To Try:

Easy Corn Casserole

Cranberry Fluff

Praline Roasted Acorn Squash

Autumn Apple Fruit Salad

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole 

Orange Cranberry Sauce

Slow Cooker Acorn Squash

Autumn Brussels Sprouts Salad 

Skillet Candied Sweet Potatoes 

Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots

Welcome Fall and Milestone Birthdays

I know, I know, fall isn't officially here, but once September comes and Labor Day passes, it kind of feels like it is. Even on those summer-like hot days, autumn is still in the air. All things pumpkin and apple are every where you look and it's only a matter of time before the leaves begin to fall.

I've spent the last week decorating both inside and outside the house will all of my favorite fall things. This lover of all things summer isn't ready to say goodbye to hot, sunny days, but I do adore fall decor. There is a chance I *might* be addicted to pumpkins...is there a support group for that?

Why decorate so early? It's a tradition that goes back to when Alex was little. In those days I did more Halloween decor, while today it's general fall. But every year he would ask for the house to be "spooky" by the time his birthday came on 9/16. That timing got chiseled into my internal clock, so all these years later, the house tends to be decorated in the first couple weeks of September. 

Speaking of the big birthday coming up, this year we celebrate Alex turning 18. I can't even type that number without tearing up. When they say don't blink, it's 100% true. I'm positive we just brought him home from the hospital, new parents driving 5 mph because we were terrified of every bump. Wasn't he just turning 1, loving all things Blue's Clues? Or 5 riding a school bus for the first time during a preschool field trip? Or 7, 10 and 13? It's been 2 years since he turned 16 and was thrilled to start driving? 

18 years, 6,570 days, 157,680 hours, and 9,460,800 minutes since this precious boy made me a mommy-truly the only thing I ever wanted to be. I loved him the minute I knew he was growing inside of me, but the second they placed him into my arms, he looked into my eyes and my soul was complete. My first born. My pride and joy. He finds ways to make us proud every single day and the privilege of being his parents is a blessing from God above. 

This Apple Crisp recipe is one I saved to share as a way to welcome autumn, but it's also appropriate for the week of my Alex's birthday because apple desserts are some of his favorite.  

This is a super easy sweet treat celebrating fall's favorite fruit, apples! You will want to use tart ones for best results. I had Granny Smith, from a neighbor's tree, but Golden Delicious would work too! They just stand up to baking the best and don't turn into applesauce in the oven. The buttery crumb topping takes the flavor and texture over the top of yummy goodness. 

This week is a big one in our house with a very special reason to celebrate, come Friday. Happy Birthday Alex!! Your mom loves you more than words can say, and it's been my honor doing so for the last 18 years!

 

Easy Apple Crisp

10 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced

2 tsp. white sugar

1 TBS brown sugar

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 TBS butter

1 TBS lemon juice

Topping:

1 cup flour

1 cup sugar

1 stick butter, softened

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish. Arrange apple slices in bottom of dish. Toss with lemon juice. Sprinkle with white sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix well. Slice 1 TBS butter and arrange over apple mixture. In a medium bowl combine flour, sugar and cinnamon. Cut in the butter until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle topping over apples and pat down slightly. Bake 50-60 minutes until golden brown and apples are soft. *NOTE* You need enough apples slices to cover bottom of baking dish. The number will depend on the size of apple.

Neighbors and Peaches

Last week our sweet neighbor lady came to us and said "if you guys want some peaches, help yourself to some off my tree." So, Max and Daddy walked next door and found this beautiful peach tree overflowing with big, juicy, ripe summer peaches. 

They came back with a huge bowl because they know how much mommy loves them. I would have been perfectly content to leave them on the counter and just snack on them, but they were so ripe they needed to be used quickly. So, I made peach cobbler, and it was delicious, but was gone so quickly I didn't get a chance to blog it. 

The next day I used some in a fruit salad that was raved about. Peaches. Strawberries. Blueberries. It was like summer in a bowl. 

That same night she told them to come pick more because there were still a ton! Well, they came home with another huge bowl full. I knew I needed to use some up so they didn't go bad, so I decided on peach crisp, but this time I would make sure I could share it with you!

Now, that peach cobbler was tasty, don't get me wrong, but this? This was UH-mazing! Like, I wanted to sit down with a spoon and finish off the whole dish myself. I am a sucker for a crumble topping, and this one was fantastic. 

One of the best things about this recipe is you don't have to peel the peaches! Sure, you can if you want, but the skin cooks down and is perfectly fine in the crisp. 

When I say I am not a huge baker, I'm not exaggerating. So you know if I can make this and have it turn out 100% scrumptious, anyone can! 

If you are a peach lover like me, this simple sweet treat will add a little something extra to your summer baking!

Peach Crisp

6-8 peaches, sliced (about 2.5 lbs)

1/4 cup white sugar

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1/2-1 tsp. cinnamon, depending on flavor

Pinch of salt

 Topping:

1 1/2 cup flour

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1 stick butter, melted

Preheat oven to 375. Lightly grease a 2 quart baking dish In a large bowl combine peaches, white sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon and salt. Mix well. In a medium bowl mix flour, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. Add melted butter and stir until mixture resembles coarse crumbles. Pour peaches into a 3 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with crumb topping. Bake for 50 minutes until bubbling. *NOTE* I  think it's easiest to use my hands to make the crumb topping.

Thanksgiving Dessert

 If you aren't paying attention, Thanksgiving is less than 3 weeks away. So, if you haven't started planning that menu yet, NOW is the time! Seriously, don't wait! 

When it comes to Turkey Day dessert, I know the pies are the star of the show. Pumpkin, pecan, apple, sweet potato...traditional favorites are what we look forward to year in and year out. 

I'm right there with you. My mom's pumpkin pie is all I want after that big turkey dinner. I can smell and taste it now! Just the thought of it gets my taste buds excited. 

With all of the desserts that end up on Thanksgiving tables across the country, I know without a doubt there are those out there still looking to try something new. So, it's my job to give you an alternative. Something a little different, that would make a tasty addition to your holiday spread.

These Apple Pie Parfaits are filled with familiar fall flavors, layered in a whole new way! Not to mention, they use cinnamon rolls for extra sweetness and yum factor! 

I came up with this idea based on ingredients you might already have on your Thanksgiving shopping list. If you're making apple pie, grab an extra can of filling (or use homemade). If you have house guests, refrigerated cinnamon rolls make a quick and easy breakfast, so an extra tube of those can easily end up in your shopping cart. 

With the supply chain issues we are all facing, having recipes that use the same ingredients in more than one way is a great way to stretch your budget and cut down on stress when shopping. 

I noticed some of the basics on my holiday menu were wiped clean from shelves a few weeks back, so I started buying things a little at a time each week. I even found my turkey this past week for less than a dollar per pound! I'm down to needing only a few fresh ingredients come November 25th, and it's a big relief. 

If you are looking for a new dessert to add to your Thanksgiving menu, or just want to make sure you have something that contains simple, easy to find ingredients, Apple Pie Parfaits will be a huge win come turkey time!

 

Apple Pie Parfaits

1 tube refrigerated cinnamon rolls

1 (21 oz.) can apple pie filling

1 small box instant vanilla pudding

2 cups milk

1 tsp. Ceylon cinnamon, extra for garnish

1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip

Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Preheat oven according to directions on cinnamon rolls. Bake accordingly. Discard any icing packets. While cinnamon rolls bake, prepare pudding. Once it is soft set, about 10 minutes, add cinnamon and stir well. Return to fridge until ready to use. In a small bowl, add pie filling. Using a sharp knife, cut any large slices into smaller bite size chunks. When cinnamon rolls are baked, allow to cool until you can handle them. Chop cinnamon rolls into bite sized pieces. In 4-6 parfait glasses, layer in the following order: Chopped cinnamon rolls, pudding, cinnamon rolls, pie filling, pudding. Top with Cool Whip and sprinkle with cinnamon. Garnish. Serve immediately or chill until ready. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Birthday Sweet Treat

 Yes, we have a special birthday to celebrate in our house. Mommy turned the big 4-0  Saturday! Actually we do birthday months in our family, so I've been celebrating for about 4 weeks now! Plus my mom's birthday is just 8 days before mine, so it's basically been 2 weeks of cake, great food, shopping, balloons, presents, and of course lots of love! 

I am a firm believer that you don't have to have cake on your birthday if you prefer something else. It's your special day and you can choose the sweet treat you get! Alex and I have both been known to ask mom to make us pumpkin pie on our birthdays. One of my favorites (and what I've gotten the past couple years) is mom's peach custard pie. One year Alex asked for root beer floats. We've done cupcakes, cookies, cookie cakes...whatever the birthday boy/girl requests. 

I love fluff salads so much, it was only appropriate to share this with you around my big day. It is super simple for any night of the week but I thought it would be a terrific addition to an Easter menu too. Our holiday tables always include one or two of these "salads" and this new banana split variety is over the top! 

Some fluff salads can definitely be served as a side dish, and that is why my Grammy always made them at the holidays. They were basically a creamy fruit salad, and then you could still eat dessert too. However this one tastes so much like a banana split you will definitely want to save it for the end of your big meal. 

It's got the bananas, the pineapple, the chocolate, the whipped cream, the cherries and the nuts. Every single ingredient in the ice cream shop classic, in every single spoonful! 

I used walnuts but roasted peanuts or pecans would be delicious too! I get a lot of reader comments about wanting to use real whipped cream instead of Cool Whip. First off, you can do whatever you want, I will never know. But in my experience, salads like this don't set up as well with the real stuff. Just MY opinion, not holy grail or anything! 

I thought I would be more bothered by turning 40, but I'm truly not. It's only a number, and like I told someone when they were teasing me about turning 30, each decade comes with blessings! In my 20's I graduated college, got married and become a mom. And then in my 30's I found a career I could do from home while raising my son, become a mommy for the 2nd time when I never thought I would. I was 35 when our miracle baby came to us! So I am excited to see what wonderful things are in store for this next chapter! And you know it will definitely have some delicious food along the way! 

Banana Split Fluff

1 (3 oz.) box instant banana cream pudding

1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, undrained

1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip

1 (16 oz.) jar maraschino cherries, drained and halved- save a couple whole for garnish

1/2 c. chopped walnuts, reserve a few for garnish

1 c. mini marshmallows

2 bananas, sliced

Chocolate Syrup 

In a large bowl, combine dry pudding mix and undrained pineapple. Mix well. Fold in Cool Whip, walnuts, marshmallows and cherries. Chill for 2 hours. Fold in bananas. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and top with extra walnuts and cherries. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

A Campfire Favorite Indoors

 With only a week left in October, have your evenings outside become too cold to handle? Sure a nice bonfire or campfire can keep everyone warm, but that only lasts so long. Heck, by this time of year here in Indiana, sometimes we've seen our first snowflakes. So for all of you who are missing your campfire experience, have I got a treat for you! 

Once again, I am keeping up my reputation as the "fluff dessert queen". Okay, so that might be a title only uttered in our house, but anytime my name and queen are in the same sentence, I will take it. This time around I've got a tasty twist on a classic you won't be able to resist. 

S'mores Fluff takes all the flavors from the classic and mixes them together in yummy harmony in every single spoonful. Be careful, this stuff is addicting. Be sure to only make it for people you really like. They will keep coming back for more.

Have you decided how you will be celebrating Halloween this year? Maybe your at-home party needs one more sweet treat. Your little ghosts and goblins are sure to love something so familiar but in a brand new fun way. 

 S'mores are such an quintessential summer time treat, but I say no more! With this creamy, fluffy, chocolaty dessert, we can satisfy that craving any time of year. Plus, we can stay inside where it's warm and dry, no fire needed!  

S'mores Fluff

1 (3 oz.) box instant chocolate pudding

1 1/2 c. milk

1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip

1 c. mini marshmallows

1 (4 oz.) chocolate candy bar, chopped, reserve a couple for garnish

4 graham crackers, chopped, reserve some large pieces for garnish

Chocolate Sauce

In a large bowl whisk together pudding mix and milk. Chill for 5 minutes to soft set. Fold in Cool Whip until well combined. Add chopped chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows. Chill for 2 hours. Drizzle with chocolate sauce and garnish before serving. 

 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Shared at Meal Plan Monday
 

Home School Halloween

Since deciding to home school Max for preschool, I have found myself constantly on the hunt for activities to have him learn in fun and hands on ways. He actually enjoys sitting and doing worksheets probably more than most kids his age, says he is "doing homework like Bubbie" but when I tell him we have something extra fun to do, his little eyes light up.

Some days it's a fun craft, others he gets time to play with his Play-do sets or paint. And then there are the times I find ways to incorporate life skills like math into a recipe so we can spend some time together in the kitchen. Today's recipe is a perfect example. 

First off, let's be very clear. This isn't a recipe at all. There are 3 ingredients and you assemble. That's it. Max and I literally spent 10 minutes start to finish on this batch. But hey, that was the perfect amount of time for a 4 year old's attention span. 

I used these for a couple different lessons. We talked about what shape the cookies were, what shape we piped the frosting on, and the dollop of jelly on top. "Mommy, we painted squares onto rectangles and then added a tiny circle of jelly." We counted out the number we made and made rows of them in equal amounts. 

It is moments like these I don't even think he realizes we are "doing school" or that he is learning. He's having fun and loves to show me what he knows. Who wouldn't love a math lesson you can eat at the end? 

Max will also tell you these are "spooky but yummy", the perfect Halloween treat. If you're finding ways to celebrate at home this year, they definitely need to be on the menu. Maybe you are letting the kids have a few friends over instead of a big trick or treating group, you could easily have little cookie making kits pre-made for them to create their own. 

I never thought I was cut out to home-school, I realize that preschool is easy in the scheme of things, and know I could never do it full time until college. But for these years when he is still home with me, and I can watch him learn, have fun and enjoy discovering the world around him, I feel very blessed and am thankful to be his favorite teacher! 

 

 

Bloody Band-Aid Cookies

 

 Vanilla Sugar Wafer Cookies

Vanilla Frosting

Strawberry Preserves

Quart Size Plastic Storage Bags

Toothpick

Carefully scoop some of the frosting into a plastic bag. Do the same with the preserves. Close tightly and squeeze air out. Cut the tip of each bag. Pipe the frosting into a square in the center of the cookies. Smooth out with toothpick if necessary. Add a small dot of preserves. Serve immediately. 

 

 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Shared at Meal Plan Monday

 

Social Distance Fall

With the state of the world as it is right now, so many of us have been missing out on favorite activities for several months now. From pools being closed all summer, to some restaurants still being closed, concerts cancelled, sports seasons postponed...the list goes on and on. But when I sat down to write this post, I realized something amazing. Many of the autumn festivities we enjoy so much were made for social distancing, so right now is the time to feel a little slice of normal! 

Which ones you ask? Because all you can think of are the fall festivals that have been cancelled, football stands are empty and everyone wondering what Halloween will bring. Well, let me tell you! 

We have many pumpkin patches around here where you can spread out while you find your favorite ones. Or, better yet, farmers are setting out huge wagons full of them and a "honor system" for paying so you never even see another person. 

Do you have huge corn mazes where you are? We have quite a few around us, and they are so much fun to explore, and maybe get lost a little, on a sunny fall afternoon. Again, you might not come into contact with anyone while you're there! Some of the ones here are even limiting the number of people they are allowing into the maze at one time to ensure safety even more.

Been missing friends and would love to have a get together? Grab some lawn chairs and spread out around a bonfire on a chilly evening. Just like all those cookouts we did during summer that were deemed relatively safe since we were outside, the fall version of that can include good times and great food too! 

 Have you ever been to an orchard for U Pick apples? Here's another fun fall tradition that is outside and you can easily avoid other people. Okay, so you probably have to visit a worker to get that cool thing you can reach up into a tree with, and then pay for your apples of course, but mask up and for the most part, it's another social distanced activity.  

My point with all of this is I for one, am ready to look past all that we are missing out on and try to find ways, safely of course, to enjoy some of our favorite seasonal traditions, and many of them are already made for the guidelines we need to follow right now! 

If you do pick yourself a bushel of apples, or want something yummy to enjoy while sitting around that bonfire, here is your next delicious inspiration!

My latest fluff salad screams fall! We love caramel apples, but let's face it, they are messy and with a little guy, just more trouble than they are worth!  But this way, we get all those same flavors in one spoonful! 

With a new season, we have so many reasons to get outside and make some family memories. Let's not allow this crazy pandemic to take away any more than it already has!

 Caramel Apple Fluff 

2 gala apples, finely chopped, peel on

1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple, with juice

1 (3 oz.) box instant butterscotch pudding, dry

1 c. sour cream

3/4 c. chopped pecans 

1 1/2 c. mini marshmallows

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip

Carmel Sauce 

In a large bowl combine dry pudding mix and pineapple. Stir well. Add sour cream and cinnamon. Stir again. Fold in Cool Whip, apples, pecans and marshmallows. Chill until ready to serve, at least 2 hours. Drizzle with caramel before serving. *NOTE* I leave the peel on my apples because I think they last longer. Feel free to peel yours if you want. 

 

 

 

Inspired by Mr. Food 

Shared at Weekend Potluck 

Shared at Meal Plan Monday

Autumn Traditions

 Anyone who knows me, even a little, knows I am a summer for life kinda girl. It could be 85 and sunny 365 days a year, and I would be thrilled. In fact, the hotter the better. In our family, you never hear complaints about hot summers because as my husband says "You don't have to shovel sunshine!" 

And while I'm not one of those people who welcome fall with open arms, I do in fact, love fall decor, activities, food, football, pumpkins, apples, and so many other things it brings with it. For example, these super simple apple dumplings that have been a staple in our family for decades. 

Like so many other of our favorite recipes, these come from my Grammy. She has made these for so long, I can't remember an autumn without them. When I was growing up, her and my Popeye would come to Indiana to visit for a few days. Since both of my parents worked, and I had school, Grammy had the kitchen to herself for the day. We would come home to the best smells, and tons of yummy things she spent the day baking. These were always what I looked forward to most. 

As the years went by and those visits weren't possible anymore, Grammy will celebrate her 96th birthday in a few months, we were blessed with apple dumpling care packages. Yep, she found a way to make them, freeze them and send them home with mom and dad when they visited to share with us. (I of course shared the tip about freezing below.)

These couldn't be simpler, even if you're not like me and can pull a batch from the freezer, thaw, add the sauce and bake. To make them from scratch is still pretty darn easy. If you have a favorite pie crust recipe, go for it, but I've used the ones from the freezer section many times and they work just fine. The star of these for me, is definitely the sauce. If I could have it in an IV injected into my veins, I would!

Oh, and if we're talking about Grammy's apple dumplings, I have to tell this funny story too. All my life, I have eaten these warm with some cold milk poured down over the top. I learned from my dad, and he learned from Popeye. It was years before I learned why we do this. See, one morning years ago, Grammy caught Popeye having an apple dumpling for breakfast. She couldn't believe it. He quickly explained to her "If I pour milk on top, it is a breakfast food." And so the tradition began. (We also eat strawberry shortcake this way, for the same reason!) My husband thinks we are crazy, but I've passed the tradition onto my kids, so it will live on! 

If you're planning on apple picking this fall, be sure to add these to your baking list when you bring your bushel home. I hope they become a part of other families' fall time traditions for years to come.  

Easy Apple Dumplings 

4 Golden Delicious Apples
4 TBS butter
Brown Sugar
Cinnamon
2-3 ready to bake pie crusts (or your favorite)
Sauce:
1 c. brown sugar
1 1/2- 2 c. water
1/2 tsp vanilla
dash cinnamon
dash nutmeg
2 TBS butter

Preheat oven to 375. Core and peel apples. Cut in half. Cut 4 circles out of each pie crust.  Place each apple on a dough circle and add 1 TBS butter, sprinkle w/ brown sugar and cinnamon. Fold edges up over apple and pinch to assure they are sealed. Place in a baking dish. To prepare sauce, combine first 5 sauce ingredients and boil over medium-low heat. Once boiling, add the butter and keep boiling until melted. Pour over dumplings and bake at 375 for 45 minutes. Sauce will thicken as it cools. *NOTES* After the dumplings are made, you can wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze. Thaw out and proceed with sauce and baking when ready. This recipes makes eight, but can easily be adapted for more, as seen in the photo.

Shared at Weekend Potluck 

Shared at Meal Plan Monday

Don't Let The Name Scare You

 When I told my boys I was making this recipe, I got some weird looks, to say the least! Frog Eye Salad? They really thought mom had lost her mind, and were very relieved to learn no actual frogs were harmed in the making of this dish! 

By now all of you know I have enough fluff salad recipes we could eat them all summer long, and maybe never repeat! From classic and retro ones like Ambrosia to new and fun creations like my Cookies & Cream Fluff, we love them all! 

This would definitely fall into the retro category, and I bet if you asked your parents, or grandparents, they remember if fondly from back in the day. I know my dad certainly did! 

There is nothing to be scared of, the little round bits that give it such a fun/unique name are simply small pasta. Acini de Pepe pasta to be exact. You can find it in the same aisle as all the other dry pasta, usually in a small box on a top shelf. 

I will be honest, when first heard about this salad, I though the "eyes" were actually tapioca. So I was a little shocked to learn it is made with pasta. Pasta, in a sweet , creamy dessert? Might sound strange, but I promise it works! 

In these crazy times we find ourselves, sometimes going back in time with retro recipes can be comforting. Plus, if you tell the kids their dessert has "frog eyes" in it, they might be even more inclined to eat it. Let's face it, kids love gross things. 

If you're still planning your Labor Day Cookout menu, save room for this! I promise you will hear "Oh, my grandma used to make this" more times than you can count!

 Frog Eye Salad

1 c. Acini de Pepe Pasta

1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip

1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained

1 (20 oz.) can pineapple tidbits, juice reserved

2 (11 oz.) cans mandarin oranges, drained

3/4 c. sweetened shredded coconut

1 c. pineapple juice, from canned pineapple

1/2 c. sugar

1 TBS flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1 egg, beaten

1/2 TBS lemon juice

1 (10 oz.) bag mini marshmallows

 Cook pasta according to pasta directions. Rinse with cold water and drain well. Let pasta cool while preparing rest of recipe. In a medium saucepan, over medium high heat, combine pineapple juice, sugar, flour, salt and egg. Cook and stir constantly until mixture is smooth and thickens. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Let cool.When pasta and sauce mixture are cool, mix together in a large bowl. Add pineapple tidbits, crushed pineapple and oranges, marshmallows and coconut. Mix well. Fold in Cool Whip. Chill until ready to serve, several hours. 

 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Just For Daddy

I hope everyone had a great Father's Day celebrating with all the special guys in your life! I am blessed to be the little girl of an amazing daddy; and wife to the best I could have asked for to our boys.

I have to share a secret with you. This week's new recipes was actually a dessert on Easter. Then it went into my draft folder and I forgot about it. Oops. When I stumbled upon it a couple weeks ago, I was so annoyed with myself, but then remembered that Father's Day would be the perfect occasion to share it because it is hands down my daddy's favorite dessert I make him.  In fact, this pie wasn't our Easter meal dessert, but one I made for dad as a treat since we couldn't be together on the holiday thanks to lock down. Pie porch pick up it was!

I've made a few different versions of this pie over the years, and this by far is the easiest and my favorite. Filled with coconut flavor, and perfect to make the day before as well. Oh, and it can also be made into a mini version using those mini pie shells you can find in the baking aisle. I know because that is what I made for our Father's Day dessert! Since we wanted to eat on the deck and my uncle was joining us, I figured a mini version would be more outside friendly. And they were SO cute!

Let's talk toasted coconut. First off, start it in a cold pan. Second, don't let the heat get above low. Third, do NOT take your eye off it for a second. Seriously. It can go from white to black in about 5 seconds. So toast it slow, stirring often and you will be fine. And before you ask "Do I really need to toast it?" My answer is always yes. There is a huge difference in flavor between out of the bag and toasted. It truly makes the difference in this pie.

However you spent Father's Day, I hope you got to hug that special man in your life and tell him how much you appreciate everything he does for you every single day!

Easy Coconut Cream Pie

1 (9 oz.) graham cracker pie shell

2 (3.4 oz.) boxes instant coconut cream pudding

3 1/2 c. milk

3 cups shredded sweetened coconut, divided use

1 (8 oz. ) tub Cool Whip

In a large bowl whisk together milk and pudding mixes until smooth (there will be some tiny chunks from the coconut) Chill for 5-10 minutes until soft set. While pudding chills, heat 1 1/2 cups coconut in a skillet on low heat. Stirring constantly, toast until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside. When pudding is set, add remaining coconut and mix well. Pour into pit shell. Chill for 2 hours to set. Top with Cool Whip and toasted coconut. Chill until serving.*NOTE* If you want to make the mini version, follow recipe except use 2 (6 count) packages mini graham cracker pie shells, found in the baking aisle.

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Shared at Meal Plan Monday

Happy Memorial Day

The gateway to summer has finally arrived! All things sun, sand and surf are here for the next few months, and our family is rejoicing! Even if summer vacation is going to look slightly different this year, it is still summer and we are going to enjoy every single second

Before we get to all things fun this Memorial Day weekend, let us always remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we can gather together in freedom. Always honor those brave men and women who stood up and said "not on my watch" and did the job most of us aren't brave enough to even consider, let alone do. The true heroes are the reason we have this holiday, and defending our American ideals are the most generous gift they could give us.

If you are planning a Memorial Day cookout, picnic or just supper at home, I've got a terrific no bake, cool, creamy sweet treat for you. Ya'll know how much I love a tasty fluff salad, and this is the ultimate one! Not only did my family love this, but I also made some for a family I took a meal to recently, and they raved about it! So, it's been taste tested by two different houses just in time for your holiday, and summer feast plans!

Chocolate, cream, marshmallows...it's a party in a bowl! Everyone young to old will be licking their spoons and asking for the recipe!

I hope you and your family have a fun kick-off to summer and find a way to salute those who gave everything they had for us. Add in something delicious to eat, and that's the icing on the cake!

Cookies & Cream Fluff

1 (3.4 oz.) box instant vanilla pudding

1 1/2 c. milk

1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip

1 (19 oz.) package chocolate sandwich cookies

1 (10 oz.) bag mini marshmallows

In a large bowl, whisk pudding mix and milk. Chill until soft set. While chilling, place cookies in plastic bag (reserve a couple for garnish) and crush using rolling pin or heavy bottom skillet. When pudding set, fold in Cool Whip, cookies and 1/2 bag of marshmallows. Break apart the 2 cookies you saved into bigger pieces and place on top. Cover and chill until serving. 

Inspired by Crazy for Crust
Shared at Weekend Potluck 
Shared at Meal Plan Monday

Welcome May

Well kids, we made it. I know, it's hard to believe after 739 days in April, but yes we have arrived! May is the gateway to summer! Sure, I live in Indiana so one day it will be 70, gorgeous and sunny, and the next will be 50 and rain, but we know summer is knocking on the door!

This month also brings many reasons to celebrate. Mother's Day, end of school, graduation, Memorial Day...just to name a few. And while many of those will look different this year in the world we are living in, they still have one major thing in common. Such special occasions call for extra special sweet treats!

This was actually our dessert on Easter, and I purposely saved it for my first post in May because I think it is going to be a go-to summer cookout, pool party, backyard barbecue sweet treat for many of you! Lemon is almost the mascot flavor of summer, and this not only super easy, it bursts with bright lemon flavor!

Oh, and it just happens to be no bake, so no need to heat up the house when those 90 degree days finally do arrive.

Now, let's talk lemon extract. No, it is NOT the same as lemon juice. You will find small bottles of lemon extract in the baking aisle next to the other extracts like vanilla, almond, coconut, etc. It has a much higher concentrated flavor, and really packs a punch. Hence why the recipe calls for 1-2 tsp depending on how strong a lemon flavor you wish. For us, I used 1 1/2 and it was the perfect combo of sweet and tart.

Mom would love this next Sunday for a sweet treat made from the heart. It will be a star at that first neighborhood cookout  you can hopefully have before summer is over. Or, if you're hunkered down and are just eating your way through shelter in place, it would be delicious just because too!

However you are celebrating the beginning of another month, one that gets us closer to summer, I pray you are safe, healthy and snacking on something yummy!

Lemon Icebox Lush

2 (8 oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened

1 (3.4 oz.) box instant lemon pudding mix

1 c. milk

1-2 tsp. lemon extract

1 lemon, zest grated

1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip

1 box honey graham crackers

In a large bowl beat together cream cheese, milk, pudding mix and lemon extract until smooth. (Begin with 1 tsp and add more for how much lemon flavor you want.) In the bottom of 8x8 baking dish, layer graham crackers, breaking to fit if necessary. Spoon layer of cream cheese mixture and spread evenly. Spoon Cool Whip and spread evenly. Grate some lemon zest on. Repeat layers 2-3 more times depending on size of your dish, ending with Cool Whip. Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight. Before serving use garnish with lemon slices and extra zest. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck
Shared at Meal Plan Monday

My Boy Is Home

Like so many of you, we are facing a month off school. Welcome to the world of Covid19. I am NOT dedicating an entire post to this scary time, the cause, the hysteria, the fear. We are all getting inundated with that 24/7. But I am offering what I do best (at least in the blogosphere)...food!

For those of you who follow me on Facebook, I announced yesterday that for the next few weeks (Monday-Friday) every day at 9am EST, I will be sharing a kid friendly recipe to help get your kids into the kitchen and engaged. I love using food to teach things like math, and kids get such a great sense of accomplishment when their little hands help make something they get to eat.

My son's high school is actually doing remote learning every day from 8:30-1, which is different from e learning. Many are utilizing that method, and our biggest school corp in the city is unable to do any of that (too many kids without devices or access to internet). So while many of our kids are still learning during this mass shut down, others won't. So I thought maybe cooking would be a fun way to get them learning, and they might not even notice.

I've actually been waiting to share this recipe until closer to spring and warm weather, but I decided it would be a fantastic one to post now. Only 3 ingredients, it's a great one for the kids to help with. Don't worry about making them as pretty as mine! Let them measure, mix, assemble. If they are too little for any that, they love to watch and taste test!

I am very blessed to be in the position to be home with my kids; and having the oldest home for the next month makes me smile (not the circumstances, of course, but getting to hug his neck more) My heart goes out to all of you scrambling to figure out childcare.

There isn't much I can do to help, but I thought maybe a simple, fun and yummy activity to fill some of the day might put a smile on faces when we need it most.

Easy Strawberry Mousse

12.5 oz. frozen sliced strawberries, thawed or fresh
1/2 c. white sugar
1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip, 1/4 cup reserved

Place berries and sugar in food processor. Pulse into a puree, with small pieces remaining. Pour into large bowl. Reserve 1/2 cup. Fold in Cool Whip. Divide 1/2 cup puree evenly among 4 dessert cups. Divide mousse mixture into cups. Chill several hours to set. Top with extra Cool Whip.

Welcome September

Yes, it's hard to believe, but September is upon us. My son looked at me Saturday night and said "Mom, can you believe the 4th of July was almost two months ago?"

Seriously, when you think of it like that the time flies bye even faster than normal. Let's face it, summer lasts about 38 days and the cold months drag on for 904 days, if we are lucky!

I've said it before, but let me reiterate it once more. I actually don't mind autumn. I enjoy the colors, the fun activities, the decor (yes, my pumpkins and scarecrows are already displayed!) and of course, the flavors. And I don't even shun the weather. Here in Indiana, we will still have some truly warm and sunny days through October. But it's what comes after fall I dread. The cold. The snow. The ice. The gray. The blah. But hey, it's not here yet, so let's not dwell on it.

I figured with the beginning of September, and a new season, we would celebrate with a classic fall flavor. Cinnamon. Sure, we can't get enough of apple and pumpkin too, but if you think about it, what is paired with both of those in many, many dishes? Yep, cinnamon.

These are my way of bringing a little of summer with me to fall. See, they are inspired by a summertime country fair staple. The elephant ear. Fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon sugar is something so popular the lines will wind around any junk food alley.

So who says we can't have some of that yumminess as the leaves begin to turn? These are great for a quick breakfast, lunchbox treat or sweet treat after a favorite fall meal. Super easy, moist and oh so good!

I might not be able to stop summer from eventually fading away, but I can make sure to enjoy all the warm days we have left and dream of them once they are gone with some delicious muffins!

Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

1 c. flour
1/2 c. + 1 TBS sugar, divided use
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 TBS + 1 tsp. cinnamon, divided use
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. vegetable oil
1 egg

Preheat oven to 375. Line 8 muffin tin wells with papers or grease well. In a large bowl combine flour, 1/2 c. sugar, baking powder, 1/2 TBS cinnamon, and salt. In a medium bowl whisk together milk, oil, and egg. Add to dry ingredients and stir, just until combined. Divide mixture evenly in muffin tin wells. In a small bowl combine 1 TBS sugar and 1 tsp. cinnamon. Sprinkle over top of batter. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Store covered.

Shared at Weekend Potluck
Shared at Meal Plan Monday

Only 177 Days to Go

Whew. We did it. We survived the first week of school. HIGH SCHOOL! Okay, so it wasn't a full week, but hey, it still counts! And yes, that countdown above is how mommy is coping! I know exactly how many days until Labor Day, Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break...you get the picture. I miss my boy!

But when the weekends roll around, it's still summer in our house! I'm still going to plan outdoor fun, and soak up every last bit of the warm, sunny days because this is Indiana and the minute the calendar says September, you never know what's going to happen!

There are still plenty of cookouts to have, and you're going to want to take this to your next one! Sure, it makes a terrific no bake, simple dessert, but in this family, it's a side dish. Let me explain. When I was growing up, my Grammy always had at least one "fluff salad" dish at holidays or big gatherings. Why was something so sweet called a salad? Two reasons. 1. Most of the time they contained fruit. 2. If she called it salad, we could eat it with the meal, and still have pie when we were done. It's all about optics!

In that spirit, I almost always serve my fluff dishes as a side dish, including this one. All the flavors of a favorite summer time beverage rolled into a delicious, gorgeous sweet treat that will be a huge hit, no matter how you serve it!

Cherry Limeade Fluff

15 large marshmallows
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 lime, juiced
16 oz. jar maraschino cherries, halved
1 small box cherry Jello
1 (29 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained
8 oz. tub Cool Whip
 1 1/2 c. Cherry 7-Up

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soda and marshmallows. Stir until marshmallows are melted and mixture is combined. Set aside. In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to combine cream cheese, Jello and lime juice until smooth. Stir marshmallow mixture into cream cheese mixture until well combined. Gently fold in cherries and oranges. Cover and chill overnight. When ready to serve, add Cool Whip and stir well. 

Inspired by The Country Cook
Shared at Weekend Potluck

Beach Withdrawal

As many of you know, we spent the last week of June and the first week of July at our favorite beach in the world, New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

We had glorious weather. Seriously. Out of 14 days...it rained for 3 hours. True story. So we soaked up plenty of sun, played in the sand and surf, and spent countless hours in pool. Oh it was wonderful! 

But alas, vacation has to come to an end. We've been back for a couple weeks now, and let me tell you, we are going through major withdrawal. Mostly we talk about all that tasty seafood we enjoyed; and the fact that our backyard doesn't have an ocean. 

When these whining moments come along, I try really hard to remember the memories we made will last a lifetime! I look at the hundreds of photos and I feel better. Then I try to figure out how I can bring some of that fabulous food we gorged ourselves on home to Indiana.

This year I decided to start with dessert. See, our favorite key lime pie in the world can only be found in NBS. We look forward to it every year, and have been known to eat it for breakfast. So I thought why not use those flavors in a simple, no bake, summer sweet treat? 

You might read almonds and think "why?" It is an easy explanation. That pie we fight over? It has almonds along the crust, on top of the whipped cream. So yes, I had to throw some in too! 

I hope you're soaking up all summer as to offer, and like us making some memories to live off for months to come!

Key Lime Parfaits

Graham Crackers

1 (21 oz.) can key lime pie filling

1 (12 oz.) tub Cool Whip

1/2 c. sliced almonds, reserve a few for garnish

In parfait glasses, or a similar dish, begin layers. Break up graham crackers to cover bottom. Add pie filling, and spread evenly. Sprinkle with almonds. Add Cool Whip, spread evenly. Repeat layers, ending with Cool Whip. Garnish with extra almonds. Chill until ready to serve. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck
Shared at Meal Plan Monday

Foodie Christmas Gifts 2018 {Week 1}

Now that Thanksgiving is over, we can officially begin the MOST wonderful time of year! I can't help it. Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday and I treasure each and every second.

When my good friend Bekki asked me if I could spare some blog time for her to share some fantastic homemade foodie gifts, I said "Absolutely!" 

Homemade gifts are so special, and such a great way your loved ones you really put some effort into their gift, and stay on budget too! So, for the next few weeks Bekki is going to be sharing some of her favorites with us! 

Can you believe we just had Thanksgiving? I can still smell Turkey and all the glorious sides wafting around me. If you’re anything like me, sharing food is a favorite thing to do during the holidays. Whether it’s your neighbors, your child’s teacher, your postal carrier, or even your doctor’s food gifts give a sense of warmth. Like giving someone a basket of muffins, isn’t just the sweet treat but love from your kitchen to them. In this recipe we’re dressing up chocolate muffins. How can you dress up chocolate muffins you ask? Well add more chocolate and peppermint of course. Come with me, as we create this dolled up recipe for the upcoming holiday and turn it into a fun gift as well. 

 

 Triple Chocolate Peppermint Muffins

 

Ingredients:

 

1 Fleishmann’s Simply Homemade Double chocolate muffin mix

2/3 c. water

¾ c. vegetable oil

2 eggs

½ c. mini chocolate chips

½ c. peppermint chips

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line 6 large muffin cups with paper liners OR spray with cooking spray, set aside.

 

Combine mix, water, eggs, and oil in a large mixing bowl with a spoon, stir until blended. Add chips and stir to combine.

 

Fill prepared cups with batter, to ¾ full.

 

Bake muffins for 35 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes then remove from pan.

 

Fill your favorite basket with the cooled muffins and share with someone today! Enjoy!