Perfect Balance

With Memorial Day upon us, this recipe is a sure hit. Perfect amount of sweet and salty.

Pretzel Salad
adapted from: http://kidscooking.about.com/od/sidedishes/r/pretzel-salad.htm

2 cups pretzels, crushed
3/4 cup butter/margarine, melted
3/4 cup sugar
2 - 3oz packages strawberry Jell-O (I have done raspberry & lime too)
2 cups boiling water
1 (8oz pkg) cream cheese, softened
1 (8oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
10oz frozen strawberries/other berries

Preheat oven to 375.  Spray a 9x13pan.  Combine crushed pretzels, 2T sugar (saving the other 5/8 cup sugar) and butter.  Press into baking dish.  Bake 10-15minutes until toasted.  Cool completely.  In a bowl remaining sugar, cream cheese and Cool Whip.  Spread on cooled crust.  Place berries on top of cream cheese mixture. In another bowl combine water and gelatin.  Pour over pretzel/cream cheese mixture.  Refrigerate until completely set up.

Goody Snack...Too Addictive

A friend recently convinced me that snowshoeing is fun. Boy was she right! We have done it a couple times this winter...I love it. I still have not bought my own pair but luckily our local sporting good store rents them for dirt cheap ($10). I have brought this yummy snack mix each and every time....mmm. In parentheses are the brands I use for gluten free substitution.

Scrumptious Snowshoe Snack

adapted from: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/nacho-snack-mix

8oz pretzel twists (great value)

8oz pretzel sticks (great value)

8oz Cheez it crackers (vans brand)

8oz Cheetos/popped corn (pirate booty)

1/3 cup butter, melted

1/3 cup canola oil

1/2 pkg dry ranch dressing mix

1/2 pkg dry taco seasoning mix

In a large bowl combine pretzels, crackers and Cheetos  In a measuring cup combine oil and butter; stir. Drizzle over pretzels and crackers. Toss.  Sprinkle with seasonings. Toss again.  Bake on two parchment lined cookie sheets at 250 for about 70 minutes; stirring every 20 or so. During the last 20 minutes stir in the Cheetos/popped corn  Cool completely.  Keep in an airtight container or bag. NOTE: once I start munching it is very hard to stop....slightly addictive.

Smells & Tastes Like the Holidays

I absolutely love this time of year...especially when you can be all cooped up in the house on a cold snowy day.  On days like this, I just love baking yummy treats (our house smells like cinnamon right now...so perfect).

Roasted Salty & Sweet Pumpkin Seeds
adapted from: http://www.sidewalkshoes.com/2014/10/sweet-salty-roasted-pumpkin-seeds.html

2 cups pumpkin seeds, washed off (I soak mine in salt water in a covered container overnight, then rinse off really well when ready to use)
1 t kosher salt
2 T brown sugar
1 T olive oil
1 t balsamic vinegar
1 t vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients in a bowl.  Spread out on a parchment lined cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 for 10minutes. Flip over with a spatula and bake an additional 5 to 10minutes longer.  Cool completely. Place in an airtight bag until ready to eat. Enjoy!

Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Bread
adapted from: http://www.mastercook.com/app/Recipe/WebRecipeDetails?recipeId=1721670

1 3/4 cups flour
2 t cinnamon
1 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted (cooled)
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 t vanilla
1 cup pumpkin
2 T cocoa poder

In a bowl sift together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  In a large mixing bowl cream together sugar and eggs.  Add melted butter, buttermilk and vanilla. Slowly add flour mixture. Remove half the batter from the bowl; set aside. Add cocoa powder to other half in the mixing bowl. Layer batter layers in a greased/floured bread pan.  Swirl with a knife.  Bake at 350 for about 1 hour.  Cool for 5minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely on wire rack.

Gingerbread Cupcakes with Lemon Glaze
adapted from: http://daintymorsels.com/2012/11/19/garam-masala-gingerbread-cupcakes-with-lemon-ginger-buttercream/

Cake
1 1/2 cups flour
1 t baking soda
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t ground cloves
1/8 t ground allspice
1/2 t ground ginger
3/4 t garam masala
1/2 t salt
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
3 eggs

Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
3 T milk
1/2 t lemon extract

Preheat oven to 350.  In a small bowl combine butter and water; melt. Sift together flour, salt, baking soda and spices.  Beat together molasses and brown sugar until smooth; add eggs one at time (beating well after each one).  Add flour slowly until just incorporated; slowly add butter mixture. Place cupcake liners in 36mini cupcake pan; use a 1T measure of batter in each well. Bake for about 10minutes. While cupcakes are cooling combine powdered sugar, milk and lemon extract for glaze. Cool cakes completely then drizzle with lemon glaze.

What Kind Of Snacks Are You Serving?

Often for New Years Eve I like making lots of snacks and goodies.  What a glorious way to ring in the New Year, with those new resolutions of losing all that extra holiday weight.  (just kidding).  We LOVE cheese in our house (it has been hard going shopping without coming home with cheese).  I am not sure how our favorite foods will taste without cheese...but we are going to try it. However until then I better use up what cheese we do have lingering so we don't have it later.  This cheese ball is delicious.

Cheese Ball
adapted from: http://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2012/09/the-perfect-fall-cheese-ball.html

16oz cream cheese, room temperature
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (an addition of pepperjack-mmm)
3 T minced onions
3 T salsa
1 t ground cumin
2 cups nacho chips, crushed (I used tomato and herb)

In your mixing bowl combine cheeses, salsa, onion and cumin.  Place mixture in plastic wrap. Form into a ball.  Chill at least 2-4 hours.  When ready to serve roll in crushed chips.  Serve with chips, veggies, etc.

Let's Pop

I like how popcorn "pops" up and down.  Our Faith should be alive and thriving (with showing/demonstrating our love for God).  The 'old maids' are when we don't live out our Faith and just let it be and be dead. Popcorn is such a fun and delicious snack.  It is one of the only things that my boys LOVE butter on - if you give them anything with butter on it, they sneer.  However popcorn is a different story.  Our popcorn popper broke the other day (actually I misplaced the knob that screws down the stir stick as well as the crack on the side). When watching a movie my dear husband and I love some delicious extra buttery popcorn.  Here is an easy and delicious easy alternative to microwave popcorn or the stuff made in the popper.

Popcorn (On The Stove Top)
adapted from: http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/perfect_popcorn/

3 T oil
1/2 cup corn kernels (I use the raw kernels you get at Costco)
1 (5qt) Enamel lined cast iron Dutch Oven
butter, salted

Heat Dutch Oven with oil and 3-4 kernels on medium heat (covering pot).  Listen for pops. Add remaining popcorn kernels; cover. Remove from heat for 30 seconds. Return to heat. Shake pot occasionally. Popping will get loud and vigorous. Listen for popping to slow down. Dump contents in bowl.  Toss with melted butter and salt.  Enjoy with your next movie or snack time.

Summer Is Not Here Fast Enough

Oh how I have been longing for this day.  I love the spring and summer so much.  It is nice seeing things growing, blooming, producing, etc.  The weather is just perfect. I often think of camping trips during the summer months.  No, I do not enjoy as much as the boys in our house, but it is a nice change of pace (from the constant running).  I do however like camping if is 'equipped' per se with flush toilets, showers, etc.  (If you have not experienced this type of camping and would like to, check out a KOA...I loved it)  Camping has memories of making 'smores.  Mmm.  However you can make these 'smores even if you forgo the camping.

'Smores Brownies
loosely adapted from: http://www.deliciousmeliscious.com/2012/03/smores-brownies.html

1/2 brownie recipe
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
2 graham crackers, crushed
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Cook brownie recipe as directed in a greased 8-inch square pan.  Top warm brownies with marshmallows and graham crackers.  Broil until slightly golden brown. Turn off oven.  Top with chocolate chips.  Return to oven until just melted slightly.  Dive in!

New Twist On Sweet/Salty Combo

The sweet/salty combo has always been a hit with me.  Recently I ran across I recipe that I could not resist. It was perfect.  Cookies are always a hit with the kids.  They are more than willing to be Mommy's guinea pigs in trying a new recipe or three.  If you make this recipe, you may not be not be able to stop at just one cookie.  (Don't say I did not give you a fair and  ample warning!)  As the author says, the browned butter puts these cookies over the top good.

Brown Butter Pretzel M&M Cookies
adapted from: http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/03/05/brown-butter-pretzel-mm-cookies/

3/4 cup unsalted butter (I used salted, so I omitted the additional salt)
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
2 t vanilla
1 3/4 cup flour
2 t cornstarch
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt (omitted)
3/4 cup pretzel pieces, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup M&Ms (not peanut-filled kind)

Place butter in a saucepan on medium-low heat.  Melt.  Whisk.  Watch.  Butter will bubble, foam and begin to get brown specks (YEAH!).  It will begin to smell nutty.  Remove from heat.  Pour in a bowl.  Chill thoroughly (2hours).   Remove from fridge 15minutes prior to continue baking .(for it to soften slightly).
In a large mixing bowl add butter; beat until very smooth.  Add sugars.  Cream until light agnd fluffy.  Add egg and vanilla.  Slowly add flour, cornstarch, soda and salt (if using).  Fold in pretzels and M&Ms.  Dough will be very thick and stick.  Chill 1-2hours, covered.
Preheat oven to 350.  Grease/line baking sheets.  Roll into balls.  Bake 8-9minutes until just slightly golden.  Cool 3minutes on sheets before moving to rack.

(Almost) Tastes Like Banana Bread

I have had a bag of (baby) carrots in my fridge for way too long.  Everytime I open the door they are begging to be used.  I am thankful they are not slimy but just dry (and extra crunchy).  I know that eating these carrots raw is out of the question but what if I baked with them.  I decided it was high time to do something.  So I made a carrot cake loaf (or three).   MMM...  (Now I have to find a solution for the rest of those carrots that weren't used.)

Carrot Cake Bread
adapted from: http://acozykitchen.com/carrot-cake-bread/

Bread
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
2 t vanilla
3 cups flour
2 t baking soda
1 t salt
1/2 baking powder
1 1/2 t cinnamon
3/4 t  nutmeg (omitted)
1 can sliced pineapple, drained and diced (I just pureed it, so it would be undistinguishable)
1/4 cup slivered almonds (omitted for allergies)
1/4 cup coconut (omitted)
2 cups grated carrots

Glaze
1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
4oz cream cheese
1/4 cup milk
1 t vanilla

Preheat oven to 350.  In a mixer beat eggs.  Add oil, sugar and vanilla.  Beat until foamy.  In separate bowl combine dry ingredients (flour, soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg).  Add slowly to wet.  (Batter will be super thick; don't worry!) Remove to a larger bowl and fold in pineapple, almonds, coconut and carrots. (Batter will be more runny like now.)  Divide  evenly between 2 greased/flour loaf pans.  Bake for an hour or until tester comes out clean (mine took closer to 75minutes).  Cool 10minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.

For the glaze:
Beat together butter, powdered sugar, and cream cheese.  Add milk and vanilla.  Pour over bread.

Snacks Galore

Today we celebrate my aunt (who happens to be my Godmother) and Mom's birthdays  (no they are not twins, unless twins can be 12 years apart).  Whenever there is a party there is always snacks.  Here are a few favorites.

Thin Mints (without the hassle of supporting Girl Scouts)
adapted from: http://www.loveveggiesandyoga.com/2012/07/homemade-thin-mints.html

18 Ritz crackers
1 cup chocolate chips
1 T shortening
1/2 - 3/4 t peppermint extract

Line a cookie sheet with waxed or parchment paper.  In a microwave safe bowl melt together chocolate chips and shortening.  (do this in short increments-you don't want to scorch the chocolate-just until it is smooth when stirred)  Stir in extract (to the taste you like).  Dip cracker in melted chocolate.  Place on paper-lined cookie sheet. Repeat with all crackers. Store in the fridge.

Healthy Flavored Corn Chips
adapted from: http://www.pbs.org/parents/kitchenexplorers/2012/07/26/zesty-baked-tortilla-chips/

8-6inch corn tortillas (cut in to 6 triangles or strips)
cooking spray
2 T Parmesan cheese
2 t garlic powder
1 T ground flaxseed
1 t onion powder
1 t chili powder

Preheat oven to 350.  Spray all sides of corn tortilla pieces with cooking spray.  In a bag combine cheese, garlic, flaxseed, onion, chili and paprika.  Place tortilla pieces (1/3 at a time) in bag.  Seal. Shake around so all sides are coated. Repeat.  Place on a greased cookie sheet.  Bake 10 minutes. Rotate and bake an addition 7minutes.  Chips will get crispy.  Cool.  Enjoy as if you would store-bought chips.

Snow White & Rose Red

Today is my littlest sister's birthday.  When she was really little, she loved everything and anything girl.  Anything pink.  These bars remind me of her and her so-long ago love for anything pink!  Great snack for an afternoon tea party (or girlie birthday party)!

White Chocolate Chip Raspberry Bars
greatly adapted from: http://www.landolakes.com/recipe/273/raspberry-white-chocolate-bars

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups butter, softened (do NOT melt as I accidently did)
2 t vanilla
1/2 t almond extract (my addition)
2 1/2 cups flour
2 eggs (oops, forgot those since I melted that butter)
1 cup raspberry jam
1 cup vanilla (white) chips

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9x13pan. In a large bowl combine butter with sugar,vanilla and almond extract.  Slowly add flour until crumbly.  Remove 1 cup crumbs.  Add eggs to remaining mixture.  Spread in pan.  Bake for about 30 minutes. (I pricked all over with a fork first).  Remove from oven. Spread with jam.  Sprinkle chips all over and dot with remaining crumbs. Bake another 25minutes until lightly browned.

Addictive Munchies

Today is my littlest brother's birthday.  He loves snack food.  Well, who does not?!  I made this recipe one year for his birthday (and a few since then).   It is so addictive.  I know once I make it - I (repeatedly) tell myself 'just one more bite.'  I suggest at least doubling it.  Last summer I made 2 - 2 gallon zip bags FULL of this yummy mix for our family vacation (yes 2 -2gallon bags for 4 people).

Munchy Mix
adapted from: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Nacho-Snack-Mix

1 box Cheez-It snacks (I used Pepper jack flavored last time and it was so good)
1 bag Cheeto puffs (I use 1/2 bag of Pirate Booty from Costco)
3 cups Gold fish crackers (about 1/2 Costco size bag)
3 cups (about 1pound) Pretzel bites (you choose shape)
2 T favorite seasoning (I like doing taco seasoning)
3/4 cup butter, melted (you can do up to all canola oil instead, if you rather)

In a large bowl combine Cheez-Its, Gold fish crackers, and pretzels.  Toss in butter mixed with seasoning (be careful just to fold gently as to not crush the cracker mix).  Bake at 200 for 2hours (stirring  every 30minutes or so) on 2 large cookie sheets.  Before last 'stirring' add Cheetos to stir into the mix.  Cool completely.  Store in an airtight container or bag.  Enjoy.

Want S'More?! A Little Love With (Very) Little Fuss

Do you remember as a child loving those sticky gooey sandwich thingies that you made around the campfire?  Life is simplified now.  You don't need fire (unless you are pyro-at-heart).  You can have the same delicious flavors in about 10minutes fresh from your 'neighborhood' kitchen. So easy. So good.

Golden Graham S'more Bars
adapted from: http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2012/06/20/golden-grahams-smores-bars/

8 cups Golden Graham cereal
5 cups mini marshmallows
1 1/2 cups chopped Hershey bars (chocolate chips would work in a pinch)
1/4 cup light corn syrup
5 T butter
1 t vanilla
1 cup (additional) mini marshmallows

Grease a 9x13pan.  Place cereal in a large bowl. In another heat proof bowl combine 5 cups marshmallows, chocolate, corn syrup and butter.  Microwave (stirring every 30 seconds) until mixture is melted and smooth.  Add vanilla. Stir. Carefully fold cereal and melted mixture together (use a greased spoon to do so).  Stir in additional marshmallows.  Spread out in the greased pan.  Let set up (harden slightly).  Store in an airtight container. (I like just spreading the mixture out in my large rectangular box to begin with so I don't have to worry about transferring them.)  These can be at room temperature for a couple days.  If you are not going to eat them all right now, put in the fridge.

And I Will NEVER Buy The Store Stuff Again

Ever since I tried Costco's dip, I could not get enough.  Though I have never personally bought it, I think I have eaten half the jar when it is spread out on an appetizer spread.  Recently when I was searching for snacks for my husband's super bowl party I ran across this dip. So good.  I think I like this one a bit better than Costco's and so EASY to make too.

Spinach Artichoke Dip
adapted from: http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/spinach-artichoke-dip/

1 (10oz) pkg frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 (14oz) can quartered artichoke hearts, chopped and drained
1 cup sour cream (I did not have quite enough so I added the remaining as mayo)
4 garlic cloves, minced
4oz cream cheese, softened (I used the veggie lover flavored cream cheese)
4oz (1 cup) shredded Mozzarella cheese
2/3 cup Parmesan cheese (the fresh stuff)
1/3 cup chopped onions (omitted because of time and used that veggie cream cheese)
1/2 t pepper (omitted)
1/4 t salt (omitted)

Preheat oven to 350.  In a large bowl combine all ingredients (mixer worked really well here). Transfer to a greased 8x8 pan.  Bake for 20-25minutes until cheese is melted.  Serve with your favorite dipables (chips, crackers, veggies, etc).

Bite Size Perfections

A couple nights ago we found out that SSP really loves his spice just like his daddy.  I made some treats for New Years Eve, and he loved them.  I thought he would stop after his first bite but nope he just kept on munching. Though I had only one I really enjoyed them too. I doubled the filling; it ended up filling 30 cups plus with extra filling left over.

Jalapeno Popper Cups
adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/jalapeno-popper-cups-2/

12 mini phyllo tart shells
4oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (used sharp)
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped (I used about 4T pickled jalapeno slices)
1 T hot pepper sauce (used only about 1 t)
1/2 cup bacon bits

Combine all ingredients.  Mix well.  Place about 1 t filling/cup.  Bake at 350 for about 15-20minutes.  Serve HOT.

What Crackers & Fresh Veggies LOVE...

Yes crackers and fresh vegetables crave to be dipped into something (and then devoured by hungry people).  That something happens to be a delicious cheese ball/log.  For Christmas I brought a snack over for all to enjoy before Christmas dinner.  It could have easily been my dinner.

Smoky Sesame Cheese Log
adapted from: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Smoky-Sesame-Cheese-Log

2 pkgs (8oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (oops...forgot0
1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
2 T toasted sesame seeds
2 T Worcestershire sauce
1 t liquid smoke, optional (I used Hickory flavored)
add-ins that I did: onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder

Combine all ingredients.  Mixing well.  Roll in additional sesame seeds.  Roll in cling wrap and store in fridge until ready to serve.

Ingenious Idea...Why Did I Not Think Of That

I found this recipe and I thought what a wonderful idea.  I just HAD to try it out for testing purposes.  It was just as delicious as it looked. What an indulgent snack especially after the little guys went to bed. :D Yes I am mean not giving them dessert - they had skipped their naps.

Brownies in a Mug
http://catholiccookiejar.blogspot.com/2012/09/brownies-in-mug.html

1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup flour
2 T cocoa powder
pinch of salt
2 T oil (I used mild olive oil...and it did NOT impart any funny flavors)
3 T water

Grease a microwave safe mug. Dump all ingredients in. Stir until smooth and not very lumpy. Microwave for 50sec-1minute40sec. I microwaved mine closer to 1min15sec just so it was gooey still and hot. The authoress of the link did hers for 50 - must for a really gooey brownie.  Top with ice cream and chocolate chips. I used vanilla ice cream, craisins and white chocolate chips...mmm.

Honest To Goodness (Healthy) Snack

I love having easy and quick treats around here.  Just for a quick snack for after nap time and before dinner.  I have found recently that such kind of mid-day snacks will ruin the boys' appetites for dinner (if they ever even had one anyways).  I made these for a planned road trip.  They are so good.

No-Bake Chocolate Chip Granola Bars (easy & healthy!)
adapted from: http://www.laurenslatest.com/no-bake-chocolate-chip-granola-bars-easy-healthy/

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 cup quick cooking oats (or just regular oats put in the blender for a while to get fine)
1 cup crispy rice cereal
1/2 t vanilla
2 T mini chocolate chips (white chocolate chips, chopped fine work well too)
my extras
1/3 cup craisins
1 T sunflower seeds
1/8 t almond extract

Combine oats, cereal, craisins and seeds in a large bowl.  In a small sauce pan melt butter with honey and brown sugar until bubbly.  Reduce heat and cook 2 minutes.  Add vanilla and almond and stir. (it likes to really bubble when you add this).  Pour over dry ingredients; Stir until completely moistened.  Add chocolate chips.  Press into a greased small jelly roll pan (12x8x1) - try greasing your fingers too before pressing into pan.  Cool at least 2 hours before serving/cutting bars.  Store well wrapped at room temp.

Time For Ball-Ball

Husband and BAP love (I mean really really love) watching ball-ball (otherwise known as football). I think the sport just entails sweaty guys running all over a large field, jumping on each other, getting hurt with the occasional really cool pass or touchdown (or whatever that is called). I am clueless. Every year my dear husband likes holding a Super Bowl Party (not that his team, ever gets there, but just because it is the thing to do). I comply and decide to go all out and make snacks for he (and whomever shows up snacks...'cuz that is what I do). This year we (errr, I) decided to make a mock Mexican style feast. Serve all with tortillas, chips, etc.

Jalapeno Pepper Poppers

(VA Montana Cookbook)

1 pound fresh jalapenos, halved length-wise and seeded (I advise using gloves to do this, otherwise your hands will HURT...not that I know from experience or anything :P)

1 (8oz) package Cream Cheese, softened

2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterrey jack, sharp, etc - I enjoy using Monterrey jack or Mexican shreds)

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 1/4 cup precrumbled stuff, but make sure they are REAL bacon bits)

1/4 t salt (I omit because of the saltiness of the bacon)

1/4 - 1/2 t chili powder

1/4-1/2 t garlic powder

1/2 cup dry bread crumbs (I omit)

Mix cream cheese, cheese, bacon seasonings. Roll in crumbs. Place on greased foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 300 for 20 minutes (spicy), 30 minutes (medium) or 40 minutes (mild)

Southwest Salsa Fondue

(Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pot Cookbook)

3/4 cup prepared salsa (drain in a fine-mesh colander until liquid comes out...about an hour)

3/4 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

3/4 pound Monterrey jack cheese, shredded

3 T cornstarch

1/2 t ground cumin

2 (12oz) bottles Mexican beer, such as Corona, at room temperature

1 clove garlic, cut in half

3 T Tequila

dippables (chips, veggies, tacos etc)

Place cheese, cumin, and cornstarch in bowl. Toss well to coat.

Add 2 1/4 cups beer to fondue pot ('grease' with garlic clove); boil. Bring to a simmer. Add cheese just a handful at a time, stirring with each addition so cheese melts. Once all the cheese is added, add the salsa and tequila. Keep warm. Serve.

My note: Chicken broth is a good substitue for the beer. I boiled the garlic clove in the broth. Remove before adding the cheese. I use 3 (8oz) bags of the preshredded cheese. I do NOT add the Tequila. Still a great snack.

Simple & Easy Snack

We love love popcorn around here. We cannot have it in enough. It is a great go-to snack. A few years back a friend from Alaska gave me a recipe for homemade microwave popcorn. I love being able to adjust the taste with an amount of butter and other toppings that I want. My recent love topping is grated cheddar cheese. Too addicting.

Microwave Popcorn

1/3 - 1/2 cup popcorn kernels a small-ish brown paper bag (like the ones lunches could get packed in)

Fold down the bag twice. Place 2 staples in (make sure they are a few inches apart). Microwave for 2-3 minutes until popping slows down. Drizzle with butter and desired toppings. Voila!

From Snack to Main Attraction

We love Mexican food around here...so hearty and yummy. I discovered this recipe and just had to try it since I had all the ingredients. SO PERFECT. I recommend if you love snacking on hearty food other than just measely-bite size morsels.

Creamy Chicken Taquitos

adapted from: http://annies-eats.net/2011/04/27/creamy-chicken-taquitos/

3 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup salsa

1 T lime juice

1 t chili powder

1/2 t cumin

1/2 t onion powder

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 t coriander ground

2 cups shredded cooked chicken (this is my favorite recipe)

1 cup shredded cheese

10-12 small flour tortillas (fajita size)

Preheat oven to 425. Line cookie sheet with foil. Grease well. Combine all ingredients minus tortillas. Spoon filling into each tortilla. Wrap up and place on cookie sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes.