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
 

It's The Most Wonderful Time of Year

Another Turkey Day is in the books. I hope yours was tasty and filled with love and blessings. 

But now, without further adieu...it is time for my most favorite time of year. I absolutely love Christmas. The entire season. Everything about it. Always have. But now with my boys, it is even more magical. Plus, I've passed that love onto both of them, so it's a terrific thing to see my excitement in them too. And you know with a 15 month old in the house, ours will be even more special this year.

I realize for many it is a very stressful time of year, and I respect that. But for me, I try really hard to prepare so I can truly enjoy every minute. All of my presents are bought and wrapped. I'm currently working on Christmas Cards and they will be ready to go before long. I have menus written out so I know exactly what I need to make and when. I know, I know. How they heck do I stay that organized? I don't know. It's just in my blood I guess. My mom has been done shopping since September! 

One way I can pass a little of that organization onto all of you is to have some holiday inspired recipes ready to go for you to turn to when you're ready to start planning your menu. 

Who doesn't love a great "fluff" salad? They are always a huge hit, and there seem to be a million varieties out there. So why should this one make an appearance during your Christmas celebration? Two reasons really. 1. The color & flavor. Red and cherry just say holidays. 2. It has to be made the night before! So it can be chilling in the fridge, waiting on you! Make ahead dishes are always a welcomed friend during busy holiday meals. 

Even if you aren't a total Christmas fanatic like me, I do hope you can find some magic and joy in the hustle and bustle of the season. Don't blink..it will be over before we know it!

Cherry Fluff

2 boxes cream cheese, softened

1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

1 (10 oz.) jar maraschino cherries, drained, cut in half, juice reserved

2 heaping cups mini marshmallows

1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip

In a large bowl beat cream cheese with electric mixer until fluffy. Add cherry juice. Beat a few more times to mix. Add pineapple and cherries. Mix well with a spatula. Fold in marshmallows and Cool Whip. Cover. Chill overnight.

Shared at Weekend Potluck

It's A Rut...Or Is It?

We all get into cooking ruts. Been there done that. But sometimes it isn't even a rut. It is just something you like so much, you crave it; and when you get the chance you are going to eat it.

We have found ourselves in one of these "ruts", but not when it comes to what I am cooking at home. This rut is when we go out to eat. Saturday evenings are when we usually go to church, and if the budget (and the baby's mood) allows it, we grab a bite to eat afterward. It is our little tradition.

Lately we have found ourselves gravitating towards one cuisine...Chinese. Well, and buffets. Let's see, in the last month we have visited our favorite Chinese sit down restaurant, our favorite Chinese buffet, and this past week a KFC buffet. But that's not all. We've also had some Chinese take out at home, and homemade too. 

So this past weekend when the trend continued we all made the comment "Max is going to think all we ever eat is Asian food....and at buffets." LOL It's kinda true at this point in our lives. 

When we were at the Chinese buffet last week, they had a new creamy fruit salad I fell in love with, and I had to recreate it at home. Luckily it was super easy to figure out.

This would be perfect for your Easter meal, and pretty too! The colors remind me of springtime. And what's Easter without a tasty fluff on the table?  Or it's so easy, you can whip up a batch for supper later too. 

Ruts are sometimes hard to climb out of. But there are times when we are perfectly happy in our rut, and that's okay too! 

Rainbow Fruit Fluff

1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained

1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, with juice

1 (15 oz.) can fruit cocktail

1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding, dry

1 tub Cool Whip

2 1/2 c. fruit flavored mini marshmallows, extra for top

In a large bowl combine crushed pineapple and dry pudding mix. Mix well. Fold in Cool Whip. Add oranges and fruit cocktail. Stir well. Gently fold in marshmallows. Chill for at least an hour before serving. Add extra marshmallows to top.

Happy (Almost) Thanksgiving!

You've got 24 hours people! I hope the turkey is almost thawed, the menu is planned and the house is cleaned because they are coming! Your guests and their big appetites will be knocking on your door, ready to make more holiday memories.

Have you got the entire meal planned out? Prepped? Maybe even some of it cooked ahead? If so, high *5* to you! That is how I like to do it too! But maybe a few of you are still looking for one more dish to add to your Thanksgiving feast. Or maybe you aren't hosting, but instead need something to take with you that is both easy and travel friendly. If either of the latter apply to you, your friendly EMM is here to help!

Thanksgivings of my childhood were always spent at my Grammy's in Pennsylvania. These are meals that still live in infamy to this day. We are talking about her cooking and baking for up to two weeks before, and putting out a meal fit for a king. The first time I ever took Mr. E to one of these holidays, while we were still dating, he could not believe the amount of food. It was normal to all of us, impressive yes, but what we had come to expect. But 15 years later, he still tells our son the story about how it was more food than he had ever seen on one table; and how he ate so much he literally could not move after. 

Those holiday meals always included our favorites she knew we loved, plenty of sides, and always at least one "sweet salad" as I like to call it. You know the ones. They are sweet enough for dessert, but you serve them as a side, call them a salad, and then you can still have pie for dessert. 

In that spirit, I knew this would be the perfect recipe to share today. I've been wanting to try it for a while now, but figured Thanksgiving Eve was the most appropriate time. Not only will it look beautiful on your table tomorrow, it includes one of the ambassadors of Thanksgiving foods...the cranberry! 

You could easily whip this up tonight and just let it chill until it is time to eat tomorrow, or grab it and go before you walk out the door.

Those Thanksgivings I remember with such love, and happy memories will always be the ones I try to emulate now with my family. And while I may not have the Pennsylvania snow, or Grammy's mad baking skills, I can include things like this on my menu, and eat with a smile.

Cranberry Fluff

1 (12 oz.) bag fresh cranberries

1 (12 oz.) tub Cool Whip

1 c. crushed pineapple, drained

1 large Red Delicious Apple, chopped

1 c. sliced red grapes

1 c. chopped pecans, a few for garnish

2 c. mini marshmallows

1 c. white sugar

In a food processor, pulse cranberries until finely chopped. Transfer to a bowl. Add sugar. Stir. Chill for 2-3 hours. Add pineapple, grapes, apple and pecans. Stir to combine. Fold in Cool Whip and marshmallows. Chill for at least 1-2 hours to set. Garnish with extra pecans. *NOTE* I like to leave the skin on my apple because 1. the red color is pretty and 2. it helps to keep it from browning.

Shared at Weekend Potluck
Shared at Meal Plan Monday

Recipe from Six Sisters' Stuff

Missing Florida

A month ago at this time, I was laying in a lounge chair, next to my favorite pool in the world, just steps away from our favorite beach in the world. Yes, we were on vacation, and yes, we've been home for nearly 3 weeks now...and we are still going through withdrawal.

We can't help it. It's not that we don't love our Hoosier home, but the sand, the surf, the relaxation, the freedom...all of it is so appealing, but especially when you get back into the daily grind and your already busy life explodes with more and more to do.

Now, this week it did get a tad easier because we "discovered" a great public pool about 20 minutes north of our house that is such a fun time, the boy literally spent an entire afternoon playing and swimming. (I say discovered, because it's been there for years, and I've known about it, but this week was the first time we actually went.) So after a fantastic day poolside, I wanted to make something with a little tropical feel to really complete the "almost like Florida" vibe.

This makes a terrific sweet side to any summer meal, or wait and serve it for dessert. If you're having a pool party or maybe a get together at the lake, it's super cute for those too. To me, it's a little like the classic ambrosia I've made a thousand times, but just with a little something sunnier. Oh, and if that pool party happens to have kids at it, be sure to spring for the tiny umbrellas. The boy thought they were the best part!

Creamy Tropical Salad

1 ( 20 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained

1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained

1 c. sour cream

1 tsp. vanilla 

1 1/2 c. mini marshmallows

1 1/2 c. sweetened flaked coconut, reserve a little for garnish

Maraschino cherries, for garnish

In a large bowl combine pineapple and oranges. In a small bowl whisk together sour cream and vanilla until combined. Pour over fruit. Stir until combined. Fold in marshmallows and coconut. Chill for at least 6 hours before serving. Garnish with extra coconut and cherries. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Popsicle in a Bowl

By now, my entire fan base (or close it) and certainly my friends and family know how much I love a sweet side salad. For those of you who are new around here, let me explain. I'm talking about those dishes that are technically sweet enough they can be considered dessert, but since you add the word "salad" to them, they can now be served right alongside the meal, as a side dish. They are fun, yummy, and allow our brains not to notice the fact we are basically eating our dessert with our meal instead of after.

I especially love these types of dishes for potlucks, cookouts, holidays, family reunions, etc. Why? Because when you're feeding a crowd, something that can pull double duty is invaluable. Set a sweet salad out, and some will take it with their main meal, and then hit the pies, cakes and ice cream for dessert. While others, will hold off and go back for it when their meal is over. It lets one dish to play different roles, making it satisfy everyone, in their own way.

This one is going to remind you of those orange creamsicle pops you would get from the ice cream man, and maybe still do. You know the ones I'm talking about. Orange on the outside, a thick creamy center...a kid's summer time favorite.

So, are you wondering how I served this yet? I actually had this with a light summer meal with my Tuna Macaroni Salad; and this was the perfect fruity side dish for it. But then the next day, we had it as dessert after a big meal. See what I mean? Double duty!

Take this to your next poolside party or picnic in the park and watch everyone young and old fight over the scoop!

Creamsicle Salad

1 small box orange Jello

1 small box instant vanilla pudding

1 c. boiling water

1/2 c. cold water

1 (8oz.) tub Cool Whip

1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained, reserve a few for garnish

1 c. mini marshmallows, reserve a few for garnish

In a large bowl combine Jello and boiling water. Mix well to dissolve. Add cold water.  Chill for 20 minutes. Whisk in pudding mix until smooth. Chill for 10 minutes until thickened. Fold in Cool Whip, oranges and marshmallows. Chill until set, about an hour. Garnish with extra oranges and marshmallows.

Inspired By The Better Baker

 

Soul Food Saturday #8

Good Morning, Happy Saturday and for some like us, Welcome to the first weekend of Summer Vacation! Yep, yesterday was our last day of school, and I think I'm just as excited as Monkey. I can't help it. I love having him home with me all summer; and am looking for lots of fun in the sun with my favorite little man.

This week Bekki is celebrating graduates every where and the start to a great summer vacation!

I want to congratulate all of the new graduates of 2013! Whether it was middle school, high school or college. Congrats to you all! This one is for you! For the days that treats had to be on the go, this is a tribute. But because summer vacation has started, we can take things a little easier now.  Cut these up as you wish, but however you do it there's plenty for a party. Grab your favorite drink and have it however you would like. A snack, a dessert or just because we're celebrating our new grads and summer vacation!!!  

Caramel Popcorn Treats

3 TBS butter or margarine

1 (10oz.) package marshmallows

3 packages butter lovers’ microwave popcorn

½ c. mini chocolate chips

¼ c. butterscotch chips

Caramel sauce for drizzling

Cooking spray for lining pan

1. Follow package directions to pop microwave popcorn.

( *Note: To ensure you get no unpopped kernels in your dish; Allow popcorn to cool slightly. Before opening shake bag to allow kernels to fall to the bottom of bag. Tilt bag to the side and slowly drop kernels into another bowl.)

2. In a large saucepan or medium stockpot melt butter over medium heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

3. Add popcorn and stir until well coated.

4. With a buttered spatula evenly press mixture into a 9x13x2 pan lined with foil and coated with cooking spray.

5. Sprinkle chocolate and butterscotch chips over the top.

6. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top as desired. *a little extra is always great J

*Note : I used the one made for caramel milk, because of the ease of the squeeze bottle.

Cool completely and cut in desired size squares

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For My Sweets

Today I am sharing with you what I made for my boys for their Valentine's Day dessert. Well, to be truthful since the 14th fell on a Thursday- Which for us means work, school, Taekwondo and this year I had the added duty of retrieving my mom from the airport after a 3 week vacation in Florida (Yes, you can hiss at her now. We all did too.)- I made one of their favorite meals the Sunday prior, my Buffalo Chili, and this was our dessert.

I got the idea for this based on my Strawberry Cream Salad, another favorite. I was simply looking for something pink (have to be festive after all) to serve them, and since I've made the strawberry a thousand times, I thought using cherry as the base would be a good idea. Then I started playing around with things "cherry-ish". Chocolate covered cherries...okay, I'll add chocolate chips. (And since my boys love cherry cordials, this was an added bonus!) Nuts in a warm cherry cobbler, okay I'll add pecans. Marshmallows....well, I just had those in the cupboard!

I might have made this for Valentine's Day, but it is a easy as can be dessert for any night of the week. Plus, it's a great base to begin playing with and finding different flavor combos your family will love. Making something for my sweets is one of my favorite parts of the day of love...rather we are celebrating the day of...a few days before...or a few days after!

Cherry Bliss Salad

1 (20 oz) can cherry pie filling

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 c. mini marshmallows

1/2 c. chopped pecans

1 (12 oz) tub Cool Whip, cooled

1/2 c. semi sweet morsels

Maraschino cherries, for garnish

In a large bowl combine pie filling and condensed milk. Stir well.  Add Cool Whip and mix well. Gently fold in marshmallows, chocolate chips and pecans. Stir well. Chill overnight to set. Top with extra chocolate chips and maraschino cherries if desired.

Shared on Make Ahead Meals Feb. 18, 2013
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain Feb. 20, 2013
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Feb. 21, 2013
Shared on The Country Cook Feb. 22, 2013

Sweet Treat For Your Sweetie

For all the men reading this who might not be paying attention to the calendar, you have 3 more days until Valentine's Day. There, I've done my civic duty and reminded you, so please don't be one of those husbands and boyfriends in the store on Thursday at 5pm wandering around trying to find the last box of chocolate and thumbing through the greeting cards that have all been picked over. Your wife or girlfriend doesn't want the generic "Happy Valentine's Day to a Great Person" Hallmark greeting!

This dessert is so easy, anyone can make it, even you guys out there racking your brains for something special to do for your sweetie. It's chocolate so the women in your life will be happy with that simple fact, and your evening will be off to a good start!

Or maybe you are a busy wife, and you still want something delicious for your hubby when he gets home from work. These work perfectly for that too! Or if you're like me and you have a little one and you want something fun and yummy for an after school treat. Or, you and the munchkin can make these together and surprise Daddy or Mommy when they get home! The possibilities are endless because they are easy enough for anyone to make~ man, woman or child!

I got this recipe the same day as my Strawberry Yogurt Bites, but with it being chocolate I saved it to share for this week for obvious reasons. However, speaking of those yummy yogurt bites, if you've got someone who can't have chocolate, those would be perfect come Thursday as well.

If you like Rocky Road ice cream, you're gonna love them. Plus, if you use the sugar free pudding mix, and the "lite" Cool Whip, they only have 130 calories each.

Whatever you have planned for Valentine's Day, include this simple dessert and you are well on your way to smiles, hugs and kisses!

Rocky Road Parfaits
1 (1.4 oz) package chocolate instant pudding
2 c. cold milk
1/2 c. Cool Whip, thawed
12 miniature marshmallows
2 TBS dry roasted peanuts, chopped

Combine milk and pudding mix in a medium bowl. Using a wire whisk, mix for 2 minutes. Remove 3/4 c. to another bowl. Combine that with Cool Whip. Mix well. Pour remaining pudding mix into 4 parfait or dessert cups. Top evenly with Cool Whip mixture. Refrigerate 15 minutes. Top each parfait with 3 marshmallows and even amounts of peanuts.

Shared on Make Ahead Meals
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage
Shared on The Country Cook

Marshmallow Inspired

So a few weeks ago I was rushing through Meijer trying to pick up a few last minute items I had actually forgotten the previous day when I was grocery shopping when all of a sudden an "end-cap" display stopped me dead in my tracks. What could have caught my attention so much you ask? Well, it was something I had never seen before and instantly knew would be going home with me...Pumpkin Spiced Marshmallows.

 Have you seen them at your store? I just love all these creative & yummy flavors they are coming out with! Last year we discovered the Peppermint ones at Christmas time (so delicious in hot cocoa!), and then this summer I used the Mint Chocolate ones for my first s'mores ever! And now the perfect ones for autumn! I wasn't even sure what I would do with them but I knew I had to come up with something!

After about a week of sitting in my cupboard I finally knew what I wanted to do. A snack mix, of course. I just love trail mixes and coming up with different combos is both challenging for me, and fun for Alex. Last Halloween I shared with you my Goblin Mix and then more recently Monkey Munch I served at his birthday party. They just make such great party foods, or even after school snacks. For this one, I wanted every ingredient to be fall colored, so it took a little extra effort, but the result is both pretty and yummy! If your child's class is having a fall party, put some of this in cute treat sacks and the kiddies will love it! And be sure to be on the lookout for new flavors of marshmallows coming to a baking aisle near you!

Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix
1 (8oz) package pumpkin spice marshmallows
1 c. cashew halves
1 c. golden raisins
1 (9.9oz) package White Chocolate Candy Corn M&Ms
1 (14.5oz) package Reece's Pieces Candy

In a large bowl, combine all and mix well. Store in airtight container.

Shared on The Country Cook Oct. 12, 2012
Shared on Make Ahead Meals Oct. 15, 2012
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box Oct. 16, 2012

Snacks at Very Good Recipes
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More Alex In The Kitchen

I say it again and again, all of you ~ my loyal, loving and supporting foodie friends & fans~ are like my family. And since that's how I think of you I love sharing experiences I have in the kitchen with my "real" family, especially Alex. By now you know how much my little man loves to be in the kitchen, helping me and/or creating something yummy himself. While I'm sure someday he will be preparing entire meals alone and surprising us with them, for now, we try to keep it simple, with easy recipes that sometimes resemble "assembly" cooking as I like to put it. Maybe a little chopping, with help from a grown-up helper, but mostly stirring and layering. He has already shared with you two fruit salads, Lemon and Key Lime, that he loves to make, but mostly to eat! Today he has another dish to show you that while I've been making it for years, this past Spring, was his first attempt at it. We love this as a dessert, but it's one of those that many people also see as a side dish, especially during the holidays. For me it's a classic that never goes out of style, and is perfect for a summer picnic or buffet. It's one of those things that people love, but kinda forget about until they eat it again. You will hear them say "Oh yeah, Ambrosia. I love that stuff, but haven't had it for years." If you are looking for another reason to get your kids into the kitchen with you, or maybe need a rainy day activity this summer, this salad is the perfect way to get them "cooking" and feeling great about another culinary accomplishment!

Ambrosia Originally Contributed and Published for RecipeLion

1 1 ( 20oz.) can pineapple tidbits, drained well
1 1 (8 oz.) container Cool Whip, thawed

·  1 ( 15 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained well

·  1 ( 10 oz.) jar maraschino cherries, drained well, reserve 2 for garnish

·  2 cups mini marshmallows

·  2 cups shredded sweetened coconut

In a large bowl, combine all fruit. Add coconut and marshmallows. Mix well. Carefully fold in Cool Whip. Top with extra cherries.Chill for at least an hour before serving.

Stirring Fruit

Adding Marshmallows

Ready To Eat

Shared on The Country Cook June 29, 2012

Fruit at Very Good Recipes
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