Vacation Dessert

Last week I confessed that we had been in Florida for 2 weeks, vacationing and spending some major quality time as a family. And when your Everyday Mom is on vacation, the cooking doesn't stop. I'm still on the lookout for things I can make easily, quickly and totally satisfy my family. With the condo having a fully functioning kitchen, it is much easier for me to keep doing what I do! This dessert came about because I wanted to make Monkey a special treat to reward him for working so hard on his swimming. Mr. Everyday started to teach him to swim two summers ago while we were in New Smyrna Beach, and each year he's gotten better and better. It's pretty amazing how he literally "jumps in" right where he left off the year before and continues to improve. He is getting so good he can swim from one end of the pool to the other with no breaths in between! That is a pretty big accomplishment for such a little man, so a sweet treat was absolutely necessary! However, I wanted to make something with things I had on hand. This was what I came up with, and since it got 2 thumbs up from the little swimmer himself, I know it must be good!

Strawberry Peanut Parfaits
Makes 4 Parfaits
1 c. strawberries, diced
4 TBS sugar
2 c. Cool Whip
1 tsp vanilla extract
2/3 c. chopped peanuts
1/2 c. crushed graham crackers

In a medium bowl combine strawberries and sugar. Chill for at least an hour to macerate. In a small bowl combine Cool Whip w/ vanilla.  In 4 parfait glasses start with a layer of Cool Whip. Next add strawberries, Cool Whip, chopped peanuts, Cool Whip, graham crackers, Cool Whip, strawberries, Cool Whip and a end with a mixture of chopped peanuts and graham crackers.

Isn't the view from the balcony gorgeous?

 Shared on Make Ahead Meals July 9, 2012
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box July 10, 2012 
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain July 11, 2012 
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage July 12, 2012 
Shared on The Country Cook July 13, 2012

Strawberries at Very Good Recipes
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A Grand Little Pizza

Have you ever seen a dish and said "awwww that's so cute."? I know "cute" isn't a word that is used to describe dinner a lot, dessert yes, dinner not so much. But the minute I saw these on a tv commercial that's exactly what I said. Out loud. And yes, I was home alone at the time. Don't judge me. You know you talk to yourself too! I knew these would be a hit at my house. Why? Because I have a little man who is a HUGE fan of not only pizza, but anything that comes in a tiny package. Mini pancakes, popcorn shrimp, mini bananas, he loves them all. (By the way, have you seen the mini bananas in the produce section? Super cute! I am a sucker every time Alex spots them b/c the little monkey just looks too adorable eating a tiny banana!) I wasn't sure how the crust on these would turn out, but it was perfect! Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. These made a great quick weeknight supper, with a salad on the side. And I know they will be a hit at our next party as an appetizer. They are truly an oxymoron at it's best: A grand little pizza it is!

Mini Pizzas from Pillsbury.com

1 can Grands biscuits- 8 ct
Small package Pepperoni
1 small can mushrooms
8 oz  pizza blend cheese
1 small jar pizza sauce

Preheat oven to 375. Generously grease 2 large baking sheets. Separate biscuits and using fingers press each biscuit out flat into an approximate 6 inch circle. Top each biscuit w/ 2 tsp. sauce. (I found this amount to fit nicely, but feel free to increase or decrease) Top w/ cheese, pepperoni and mushrooms to taste. (Amounts on these are kind of hard.) Bake for 10-15 minutes until crispy and brown on edges. Serve w/ a side salad.

~Join me on Formula Mom for Tasty Tuesday~

Shared on Celebrating Family Oct. 18, 2011
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box Oct. 18, 2011
Shared on This Chick Cooks Oct. 19, 2011
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain Oct. 19, 2011
Shared on Lark's Country Heart Oct. 20, 2011
Shared on Everyday Sisters Nov. 6, 2011

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Spooky Treat

As soon as Alex's birthday is past us, I always feel like we're in a downhill coast to what I refer to as "the holiday rush"; and that includes all of them from Halloween through New Year's. So starting on September 17th, I am looking for fun things to include in Alex's Halloween celebration, and all the weeks leading up to it. Lunch box treats, after school snacks, craft ideas, projects--anything that will enhance my little man's 2nd favorite holiday :) What's a great place to find ideas in all these categories, and more? Pinterest, of course!! I've shared my love for this handy dandy site w/ you before, and that is where I found this super cute idea for a quick, and adorable after school snack. I knew Alex would get a huge kick out of these, and they didn't disappoint. He giggled and smiled as he ate every last bite :) The funniest part was when he took a bit so one "tooth" was missing, turned to me and said "Mommy, it looks like me after loosing my teeth." Lol  So if you are looking for some inspiration for your little ghost or goblin, head over to Pinterest and see what great things you can find. A good place to start would be my Halloween board--I'm always adding things I find and want to try myself!

Mouthy Treats

1 Red Apple, sliced
Peanut Butter
Mini Marshmallows

Spread peanut butter on slices of apple. On one, put marshmallows, resembling teeth. Add another slice on top, peanut butter side down. You can try to do this very neatly, but I think the peanut butter "oozing" a little makes them look even spookier :)

*I think Nutella would work great in place of the peanut butter too.*

Shared on Home Savvy A to Z Oct. 17, 2011
Shared on Make Ahead Meals Oct. 17, 2011
Shared on Naptime Creations Oct. 18, 2011
Shared on Chef In Training Oct. 18, 2011
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Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box Oct. 18, 2011
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain Oct. 19, 2011
Shared on This Chick Cooks Oct. 19, 2011
Shared on Hugs & Cookies Oct. 19, 2011
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Oct. 20, 2011
Shared on Lark's Country Heart Oct. 20, 2011
Shared on Around My Family Table Oct. 20, 2011
Shared on It's A Keeper Oct. 20, 2011
Shared on Something Swanky Oct. 20, 2011
Shared on Six Sisters' Stuff Oct. 22, 2011
Shared on Sweet as Sugar Cookies Oct. 22, 2011

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Mexican Night

 These are becoming more and more frequent at our house. Why? Because my son has discovered his love for chips and salsa. Lol. Well, okay, for more than just that. But it used to be if we went to a Mexican restaurant Alex was happy to eat plain chips; and if I had them here at home, I bought queso dip for him b/c he didn't want the salsa. That all changed this past Mother's Day when my boys took me out for some enchiladas and lo and behold, Alex decided he wanted to try just a little salsa on his chip. It was love at first bite. Mmmmm, Mommy this is good stuff. I'm pretty sure that poor waiter brought us 10 bowls of chips and 5 bowls of salsa that night, but even he was getting a kick out of just how excited Alex was about this "new" food. Ever since then, he is constantly asking to go to more Mexican restaurants and/or asking if we can have something at home, w/ chips and salsa as the side dish. I have to admit, Mommy doesn't mind. It makes for pretty easy preparation. Open a bag of chips, take the lid off the jar and instant gratification. Instead of another taco, enchilada or burrito, this time I decided on quesadillas. I saw someone on a food forum talking about how she likes to make mushroom ones on Monday nights for her family's "meatless Mondays". Although that wasn't my reasoning, ironically it was on a Monday night, but I just thought mushrooms sounded good, and a nice change. So, I guess we'll call it Mexican Mushroom Monday!!!

Mushroom Quesadillas

1 package soft flour tortillas
1 lb. mushrooms, sliced
8 oz pizza cheese (mine was a mix of mozzarella, provolone and romano)
Cooking Spray
2 TBS olive oil
Salt and Pepper

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms and brown for about 4 minutes. Season w/ salt and pepper. Cook additional 3 minutes. Drain and set aside. Wipe out skillet. Spray w/ cooking spray. On medium heat, place one tortilla. Add about 1/4 c. cheese, 2 TBS mushroom mixture and another 1/4 c. cheese. Place another tortilla on top. Heat until cheese is melted and bottom side is brown. Remove. Respray pan and flip to brown other side. Serve w/ favorite toppings: salsa, guacamole, sour cream, limes. etc.

Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Aug. 25, 2011
Shared on It's A Keeper Aug. 25, 2011
Shared on Around My Family Table Aug. 25, 2011
Shared on Mangoes & Chutney Aug. 26, 2011
Shared on Make Ahead Meals Aug. 28, 2011
Shared on Home Savvy A to Z Aug. 28, 2011
Shared on Faith and Family Aug. 28, 2011
Shared on Jam Hands Aug. 29, 2011

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Saturday Special

Usually your Everyday Saturday is reserved for the menu plan for the upcoming week. But today I've decided to give you a little special treat, only b/c this is what my family was doing a little bit ago, and I wanted to share it w/ your family. (And don't get too excited, it's nothing earth shattering!!) Just b/c we can't all be in my backyard, doesn't mean we can't "cyber" share those little tidbits of family time :) I don't know about you, but when I was little and my Grandma would make hummingbird food it was red, sweet and resembled Cherry Kool Aid. So much so  that when she would keep extra in a pitcher in her fridge, every summer when we visited I would confuse it for just that, pour myself a big glass of it and then spit it out at the first sip!!! So when Alex decided he wanted Adam to hang a feeder in our backyard (just one of many different kinds we provide for our feathered friends) I decided to look and see what was the best dinner selection for the "birdies" (as Alex calls them). Well, to find out, food coloring really shouldn't be added to their sweet treat and it's better if you keep it simple: no color, no brown sugar, no corn syrup. So here is my recipe I use all summer to make sure Alex's pointy-beaked pals have plenty to eat and always come back to the "Marshall Inn" for refills.

Hummingbird Food

4 c. water

1 c. white granulated sugar

*This recipe is always 4:1. You can easily decrease or increase it*

Bring water to a boil. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Boil for 2 minutes to evaporate any chlorine or impurities in the water. Let cool. Add to feeder. Enjoy the show!

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Nana Nana Nana!!!

No, I'm not being a snotty kid teasing anyone. Nor am I running around yelling Grandma's name. Ha! I'm talking "nanners", bananas!!! As a kid, I wasn't the biggest banana fan. As an adult, I am. But more than just the fruit itself, I love banana flavored things. Bread, milkshakes, ice cream, candy, cake--I don't care. If it's banana, sign me up, year round, but especially during these hot summer months. Maybe it's b/c it seems tropical to me (same reason why I'm all about coconut May-September). Maybe it's b/c it is so refreshing. Whatever the reason, when I see a recipe involving bananas it always makes me stop and take notice, especially if it is dessert. I saw someone on tv making a banana pudding dessert and though "Mmmmm, that's what I've been craving and didn't even know it". So off to the store I went. Seriously, from the time the tv chef was saying "join me next me" to the time I was in the car was no more than 10 minutes! I love desserts I can make, chill and we can eat from them for days! Anyway, I get to the store and head to the produce aisle to get bananas and there is a display of "Nilla Wafers". Well, isn't someone a total genius! Talk about grocery stores catering to their customers, and/or subliminal messaging. Whichever it was, I was happy b/c it meant less walking for me. So this is what I came up with after looking at a few recipes and pulling a little of this and that from each. This makes a huge portion and we will be enjoying it for days to come. But that is 100% okay w/ this banana lover----after all, I am the mommy to a little monkey:)

Banana Pudding Dessert

1 large box instant vanilla pudding
1 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
2 c. cold milk
16 oz Cool Whip, thawed
4 bananas sliced
1 box Vanilla Wafer cookies

In a large bowl, pour pudding mix. Add milk and whisk until thick. (The directions on the box call for 3 cups, so be sure not to follow them. It will be thicker than normal pudding). Add condensed milk and mix until well combined. Fold in Cool Whip. In a 9x13 pan, layer cookies, pudding, bananas in repeating layers, ending w/ pudding. Top w/ crushed cooking. Chill well before serving.

Shared on Chef In Training July 5, 2011

Shared on Around My Family Table July 7, 2011

Shared on Celebrating Family July 12, 2011

Shared on Gooseberry Patch July 13, 2011

Shared on Family Fresh Cooking July 13, 2011

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