Patriotic Cupcakes

Since Memorial Day is my holiday to work I try to make a dessert to bring in for my employees. I made the toppers awhile ago and when I found a new icing to try on pinterest I decided to give this a try. I got the cupcake liners from my favorite baking shop - Bake it Pretty. For these make your favorite white cake recipe or even pick up a box of white cake mix. Once the cake is prepared divide the batter evenly in three bowls. Color one red, the other blue and leave one plain. I put the red on the bottom of each liner, white on top and blue on top of all. Took a knife and gave them a swirl before putting in the oven to back. Once they're cool get ready for the easiest icing recipe ever.

For the icing mix vanilla instant pudding mix with half the amount of milk the package asks for, once that mixture thickens a little add to one tub of cool whip, stir and pipe or spread them on your cupcakes. I decorated with sprinkles and my pinwheels.

Ready for Summer

The weather here has been unseasonably cold, today was windy, but the sun was out so we decided to finally set up the backyard furniture for the season. It takes awhile since we had to clear the deck and our carpeted area from the pine needles (can't wait till we get rid of that tree). Washed all the furniture and cushions off, so glad to have it all done so we can eat dinner outside. Here are some pics of my growing strawberries, some of our backyard plants and our furniture set under the covered part of our deck. Will share more backyard photos as summer progresses.

Scrapbook Layouts and a Card

 We lost my amazing neighbor so I made this card to give her family. She will definitely be missed, she was a wonderful neighbor and I'm lucky to have known her for the past couple of years.

 Some random pics from Comic Con

 Kyle's favorite car

Eggplant Parmesan

I love Eggplant and this recipe was wonderful. I used my homemade sauce for this, but you can use whatever sauce you love. Here's the link to this awesome recipe:
http://www.afamilyfeast.com/eggplant-parmesan/

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

If you love Red Velvet Cupcakes, you will love these brownies. They were a huge hit and were gone so quick. Here's the link to the recipe:
http://sweetpeaskitchen.com/2011/02/red-velvet-cheesecake-brownies/

San Diego Scrapbook Pages

Here are some layouts I did of our trip to the San Diego Safari Park, San Diego Zoo and downtown by the convention center.

Zucchini Mini Muffins

These are the perfect size to bring to work. When I work early I don't have time to make breakfast so I like to have quick and easy items that are great to grab and go. When I found this recipe on pinterest I knew it'd be great for breakfast or a snack at work. Here's the link to the recipe:

http://www.foodnfocus.com/zucchini-mini-muffins/

Chocolate Chip Waffles

I made these in my belgium waffle maker (one of my favorite kitchen appliances). They were delicious. I halved the recipe because I didn't need that many. Here's the link to the recipe

http://addapinch.com/cooking/2011/03/19/chocolate-chip-waffles/

Grilled Sausage and Mushroom Pizza

• pizza dough (you can get from local market or pizzeria)
• fresh mozzarella, sliced
• mushrooms
• sausage
• basil
• sauce

1. Cook sausage and saute mushrooms.
2. Prepare dough and place on grill pan
3. Cook bottom on dough, flip and layer with your favorite sauce.
4. Sprinkle with basil, sausage and mushrooms.
5. Place cheese on top and grill till melted
6. Slice and enjoy

Zebra Bundt Cake

I loved bundt cakes, not sure what it is about them, maybe it's because they remind me of my grandma. This was a great recipe and can't wait to make this again. Would be great for a get together or even to drop off to new neighbors to welcome them to the neighborhood. Here's the link to the recipe:

http://www.bakersroyale.com/cakes/zebra-bundt-cake/

Frosted Sugar Cookies

These were a great sugar cookie that was easy to make. Next time since they are such a sturdy cookie I'm going to use this recipe to make cookie lollipops. Next time you need some festive cookies I'd definitely make these. Here's the link:

http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2010/02/finally-got-it-rightsugar-cookies-for.html

Buttermilk Waffles

I love those mornings that Kyle and I are both off and I can make us breakfast, doesn't seem to happen often enough. I love our waffle maker and when I saw this recipe I knew I had to try it. Was amazing and will be our go to recipe from now on when we make waffles. I made a few extra to heat up this week for breakfast at work. Here's the link to this awesome recipe, if you haven't already follow her blog, everything I've tried on there has been wonderful.

http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2013/05/07/buttermilk-waffles-recipe/

Today is Mother's Day and it's a tough day for those of us in the infertility/loss community. So try to keep all women in your thoughts today - those moms to babies here with them, those who carry their babies in their hearts, moms to furbabies, stepmoms, foster moms and any wonderful woman who has been a mother figure in someones life.

Scrapbook Layouts

 San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the edges I used mist on

 Used some of my new Simple Stories products on this layout. Giraffe's at the San Diego Safari Park

 San Diego Safari Park, animals we saw on the caravan

 San Diego Safari Park more animals seen on the Caravan

 Beautiful water front property behind the convention center. Passed it on the way to some cute little shops

 Instagram photos of Princess sleeping, title is "Being this cute is hard work"

Gift Bag with Matching Card



Made this matching gift bag and card for a Mother's Day present. I used two coordinating patterned papers, and a few embellishements. Was quick and I love giving personalized bags with a matching card. The kraft bag I got in a set at Michaels.

Eggplant Rollatini

I made these a little different this time, didn't use sauce on this, but did melt mozzarella on top and sprinkle with parsley I had. Here is the recipe I used:

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/eggplant-rollatini

Chicken Francese Meatballs

 

 

This is a great sauce to put on your favorite chicken meatballs. Tasted just like my favorite dish chicken francese and was a unique twist to meatballs.

 

• Cooked chicken meatballs
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

1. Toss the lemon slices in a saucepan over medium heat and cook 1-2 minutes
2. Add the wine, chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Roll the butter in flour and add to sauce to thicken it
4. Add meatballs into sauce in saucepan, cook a few minutes and make sure you roll the meatballs in the sauce so they are coated.
5. Top with parsley and enjoy. You can also make extra sauce and serve with pasta.



Chicken Marsala

This was a wonderful Chicken Marsala  recipe I made it with Orzo on the side and was delicious. Thanks to my favorite site pinterest for this recipe

http://savorysweetlife.com/2010/03/chicken-marsala/

Cheesy Sausage Tortellini

This was a quick and easy meal and is perfect to make after a long day at work. Here's the link to the recipe:

http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dinner/cheesy-sausage-tortellini.html

Orzo with Parmesan and Basil

This is a great side dish and was wonderful with the chicken marsala I made. Will be adding this to my list of wonderful side dishes. Here's the link to the recipe:

http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/orzo-with-parmesan-and-basil-2/

Twice Baked Potatoes

This is a great side dish to serve, easy to make and tastes wonderful. You can customize with your favorite seasonings and cheeses. Here's the link to the recipe:

http://www.thekitchn.com/super-bowl-recipe-bacon-cheddar-twice-baked-potatoes-164999

Herb and Citrus Roasted Chicken

This was delicious and makes a ton for leftovers. Here's the link to the recipe:

http://www.thecomfortofcooking.com/2013/04/herb-and-citrus-oven-roasted-chicken.html

Ham and Cheese Calzone

They don't look the prettiest, but they taste amazing. I'm definitely going to buy the calzone press and make these again. Were something different and so glad I found this recipe thanks to Taste of Home

• pizza dough ( I bought mine at a local market)
• 1 cup ricotta
• 6 oz sliced pepperoni
• 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• Shredded parmesan cheese (for top)
• Italian seasoning (for top)
• your favorite sauce for dipping

1. Roll dough into circles, make sure dough is thin, but not too thin that it breaks easily
2. Spread ricotta in center of dough, add pepperoni, ham and mozzarella. Fold over into half moon shape and make sure edges completely sealed.
3. Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. Sprinkle with italian seasoning and parmesan. Dip in your favorite sauce.

Chocolate Chip Loaf

Found this recipe thanks to Pinterest and was a great snack, will be bringing leftovers to share at work. Here's the link to this wonderful loaf cake:

http://nancycreative.com/2010/09/14/chocolate-chip-loaf/